Kip hesitated for a second before answering.  [color=0054a6][i]Oh, what the hell, it doesn't matter.[/i]  "Yes to the first, no to the second."[/color]  She gave a kind of one-shoulder shrug.  [color=0054a6]"You've got a point, Mai'lo.  Shall we go?  Or would you rather pick up a few more allies?"[/color]  Allies.  That reminded her.  Opening the menu, she sent a party request to her new acquaintance.

[hr]

Out in the wilds not too far away from the first town, TsuMeTai was busy training already.  He had weakened a monster; it would only take a few more hits.  Taking a fresh grip on his sword, he waited until the last second to dodge the monster's attack and slash sideways, scoring a hit on its flank.  Turning, he finished the beast off with a stab.
Taking a deep breath, TsuMeTai kept an eye out for other enemies as he rested his sword against the ground.  Thankfully, nothing leaped out at him as he caught his breath.  Taking up his sword again, he went out in search of another beast to test his blade upon.