starswing | Hot-Spring Scramble; Gerome and Brady

Brady: Man, I didn't even know stuff like this existed! Hmm...
Gerome: We're in combat here. There'll be time to read later. What is that, anyway? The cover is awfully gaudy.
Brady: What, this? It's Anna's catalogue.
Gerome: ... Catalogue?
Brady: Yeah, like a list of all the stuff she sells. She's givin' 'em out for free. There was a stack sittin' by the entrance to the springs. It's pretty amazing, honestly. She's got at least three of everything.
Gerome: ... Everything, you say? Truthfully?! Would that include, say... gentlemen's masks?
Brady: What, you're buying MORE? Just how many of them things do you need? Anyway, let's see... Yup. Here we go. Page 316: "Masks for Him."
Gerome: ... You have my thanks, Brady. Hmm, an impressive selection. And all of them of fine quality...
Brady: Told you, didn't I? Let's see... Hey, the necklace they've got paired with that mask is great. Sophisticated but not over the top, ya know? Be perfect for high tea...
Gerome: It says here there's a special feature on that piece on another page.
Brady: No kidding?! Er, you mind if I flip to it?
Gerome: Be my guest.
Brady: Thanks! Sorry, I'll be quick. Let's see... Ah! Here we go. Oh yeah, that's a beaut. Hmm. Whaddya think? Could I pull it off?
Gerome: I think it would suit you well.
Brady: No kiddin'? Hmm... Maybe I should go for it.
Gerome: The price is quite reasonable. It seems a fair deal to me? Any objections if I turn back the page while you decide?
Brady: Goin' back to look at those masks again? Sure, whatever.
Gerome: ... What are your thoughts on this one here?
Brady: Not bad. The color ain't flashy, but the craftmanship's obvious. I'd say it's pretty slick!
Gerome: Right?
Brady: Hmm... This is tough...
Gerome: Indeed it is...

Part Two

Brady: Hey, Gerome! The stuff we ordered just arrived!
Gerome: What?! That's... impressive or frightening. I'm not certain which.
Brady: Yeah, I doubt anybody but Anna's people would deliver to a place like this.
Gerome: Instantly. In the middle of combat.
Brady: Hey, check me out! Looks good, yeah? The color really works with my hair. I can't wait to show this thing off!
Gerome: Mm, and this mask's luster is even finer than I'd hoped. Print doesn't do it justice.
Brady: Never expected to wind up shopping, considerin' we came here to fight...
Gerome: If not for the wrathful undead, this would make for a pleasant vacation.
Brady: Heh, I didn't think the V word was even in your vocabulary. But you're right. Hanging around a place like this, it's easy to forget we're at war. All the fighting seems a million leagues away. Like it was all a bad dream.
Gerome: I was thinking the same... Not exactly a boon for morale, I fear. That aside, I'm surprised to find us so much in agreement. It's rare our opinions align.
Brady: Yeah, well, it's rare we'd even talk. You and me ain't exactly social types.
Gerome: True.
Brady: I guess the hot springs are to blame for that too. It's hard NOT to cut loose a bit.
Gerome: Yes, though we'd best put fun aside for now. Our foes have waited long enough.
Brady: Right. Whaddya say we fix that, you and me? Then we can have a nice, long soak and see about scarin' up some dinner!
Gerome: Sounds like a winning plan. Let's get to it!
Brady: Right behind ya!