[center][u][h3]Echo Marine, Tawne Adagio[/h3][/u] 
[@crimmy][@krayzikk][/center]

Scarcely had half a minute passed before Tawne and Echo stumbled across their next adventure.  Catering to specific clientele, identified by its members’ typical formidability and audacity, an odd metal shack had been erected not far from the line of food stalls.  Signs plastered all over identified its purpose clearly, for in enormous comic sans they declared, [i]HUNTERS AND HUNTRESSES – ARE YOU FIT TO SAVE THE WORLD?  PROVE IT WITH THE VYTAL CHALLENGE![/i]  Intrigued by so bold a statement however obvious the ploy, and by the strangely fascinating contours of the building itself, the Atlesian students approached the metal shack.  In a luxurious fold-out chair by the shack’s door reclined a [url=http://orig02.deviantart.net/91c6/f/2013/320/4/b/dispensary_of_felicity_by_sirtiefling-d6ufnm7.jpg]man in black,[/url] whose diminutive stature and great fan of red hair naturally drew their eyes.  

Simultaneously he noticed them, and in an instant he expertly sized them up as members of his target audience and therefore potential customers.  Like a hat he put on his charm and sprang, catlike, from his chair.  Adorning a wide, cheeky smile, he offered them a theatrical bow.  “Good morning, lady and gentleman!  Mr. Cordovan Phlox, at your service.  I hope you’ll excuse my showmanship; I never could resist acting the goof.  No doubt you’re not here for me, though.  You’re here to disabuse me of the foolish notion that you’re not, in fact, fit to save the world.  Well, here’s how you’ll do it: inside my little stall here is a testing chamber.  Simply step in, and the trials will begin.  Nothing dangerous, I assure you, just a fun distraction.  And all for just five smackeroons!  What do you say, folks?”  He crossed his arms and looked sideways at them.

Tawne and Echo shared a look.  Both were having trouble suppressing their merriment at Mr. Phlox’s manner and uncanny similarity to the legendary leprechaun, though Tawne suffered more in this regard.  He did not allow it to keep him from replying immediately, however.  [color=CD5700]”Oh, absolutely.  Bring it on!  I get the feeling it’s me lucky day.”[/color]  Phlox grinned and pulled open the door, and Tawne stepped inside.  

Suddenly deprived of anything to do, Echo leaned against the shack and looked around.  As picturesque and full of life as the festival grounds were, nothing stood out to her until she happened to lay eyes on a nearby bench and the two girls there.  It did not take an excess of intuition to make the assumption that both were huntresses, though definitely not Altesians.  Eager to meet other travelers, Echo made her way toward the bench, made sure she looked companionable, and greeted them.  [color=0070FF]”Hiya.  I was jus walkin’ around, and I saw your hair,”[/color] she indicated Tearlag.  [color=0070FF]”And I thought, that’s incredible.  So I thought I’d say hi.  Are y’all competin’ in the tourney?”[/color]  She slipped her hands into her pockets, seemingly not at all worried about any potential awkwardness in this sudden meeting.