Coatleque leaned against the railing of the landing outside the Quicksand. The sound of the fountain beside her seemed to drown out the random noise of the plaza below. She had come outside to clear her head and attempt to gain her bearings on recent happenings.
She did not notice when the man came up to stand next to her. He looked out to the view of the gate in front of them both. "Cooler day than usual, is it not?" She almost started at the sudden sound of his voice, standing upright and turning towards him. "Oh... Master Taeros... yes, it is.", she replied with the slightest of shivers. She hadn't noticed it at first, but now she wished she had worn something not so low cut. He glanced to her with his usual smile and bowed. She curtsied politely in response before her expression turned to one of annoyance at his presence. "I'd expected to see you sooner..."
Jameson's hazel eyes narrowed slightly, noting her tone. "Ah, my apologies, good Lady. Business has kept me away longer than I had anticipated. I pray you will forgive my lack of correspondence." She sighed to herself but seemed to relax at his sentiments. "Of course. We are both rather busy in our professions. Me even more so with that heretical woman spouting her drivel in the streets." He regarded her pensively for a moment. "I trust my man Mister North took care of your needs after I had left?"
Coatleque blinked slowly and looked away. Mister North was probably the only one among them all with any sense lately. At least he knew his place and did not stray from it. "He did. Mister North is a good man.", she replied. Jameson nodded to her, his smile lingering. At length he continued. "I know it was all about business. Favor for favor." "Yes... yes, of course.", she said while trying to mask any disappointment. "I do not expect ... more than cordiality. But..." His expression seemed to warm then. An unexpected change. "I daresay I may have come out on top that eve. The favor granted to me was splendid."
The chill of the evening seemed to fade away as the blood rushed to her face. While her mind raced with potential responses, she decided to play along and see how far she could push him. "... perhaps. Though I may have more favors to request soon." His brow raised with a slow grin. "Oh?" "Alas I've no more friends in need of gaming the system just yet. Perhaps I shall have to think of some of a more personal nature.", she said with a hint of playful sarcasm. His head tilted just slightly as the feather on his hat bobbed in the breeze. "Perhaps. More favors certainly are... welcome.", he said carefully though with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
She gave him a coy smile as her head turned away, her tone suddenly becoming a little more serious. "Another day though. I am sure you are here for business once more." He did not move though, merely regarded her. "I actually came to pay a visit, that is all, dear lady. I fear I have been terribly rude departing as I did. Even if it was a business transaction, I oft leave my associates in better form." She smirked and turned back to him. "I had no complaints of your form, I assure you."
Jameson inhaled slowly, his look was... odd as he regards her. "I dare not say what I think of your form, dear lady. It would not be polite.", he remarked with an ever widening grin. "Mmm, now that is a dangerous thought."
Just then the sound of familiar voices behind brought her back to attention. It was Otto Vann speaking to one of his many associates. She cleared her throat softly and looked back out towards the gate of the city. "I've learned nothing more of the name 'Redgrave' yet, though I have put out feelers with my contacts." Noticing her discomfort Jameson also turned to look over the plaza. He nodded, but his eyes remained forward. "I appreciate your diligence in the matter, Ser Crofte."
"I am now only waiting for your own agent to contact me when she is ready for us to investigate that address. But how has business been, Master Taeros?"
"Ah. Brynn. I will get her on that. She has been ... a wandering soul of late as well." He paused, his brows narrowing just slightly though it was not noticable from his profile. "Business can be trying at times. But that is the nature of things, is it not?"
"Aye, I've heard it can be rather stressful. Perhaps I have scared her away. Apologies."
Jameson exhaled at that. There was a hint of mirth in the tone of his voice. Something Coatleque had never heard before in her dealings with him. She continued to stand where she was though, admiring the view of the plaza. Her impatience at the group behind her was wearing thin though and she began to tap her foot lightly upon the stone floor. He continued, "I accept, nay, anticipate such challenges eagerly, Lady Crofte. Without risks, life would be dull. Without surprises, it would be unbearably predictable."
"Yes, I am discovering that myself recently.", she replied though not entirely sure of her own meaning. He shot her a sly grin. "I hope you are not disappointed."
"And why should I be? As you continue to remind me, t'was naught but business. A beneficial... transaction for the both of us."
He regarded her for a moment longer, there was an odd expression that flited across his face. "Indeed. I wonder." His eyes narrowed at her own profile before he looked back out towards the Gate of Nald. "Ah, of no import." She turned back towards him with half amusement and annoyance. "Come now, I am sure you've no need to be shy in front of me at this point." He turned to face her once more with an amused curl of his lips.
"Have we shed what apprehensions then? I would like to think that mysteries still remain."
"Mysteries? I would say there are still many of them, yes. Though you certainly had your fill of answers. Perhaps next time I shall be the one to ask the questions."
"I was wondering, aloud, lady Crofte, and pardon my curiosities... but oft my agreements and dealings do not leave me pondering on it days later. It is not something I allow. Hazards of the business I do."
"You are still pondering our transaction this long after the fact?"
"And what if I were, lady Crofte."
Again her mind began to race. This was not going entirely as she had planned. Either he was leading her on now, or she had genuinely left an impression on him that night. She tried to shake off her thoughts but just could not rebuke him. "Then I should openly deride you for letting yourself become so enamored with one pretty face, while also denying that I have also been thinking as well." His expression split once more into a wide grin. "But it is such a fair face."
To that she tisked and rolled her eyes. She had heard such things many times though usually called at her from across the bar in the Quicksand as she left the Hourglass at night. Jameson looked amused all the same. "Indulge a man his lovely views, Lady Crofte. And the fact that I hold you in much esteem. The exalted Sultansworn. Whlie I am never the one to boast, such a thing... would swell a man's pride. A bit."
She bit her lip and turned her head away once more, at a loss for words. His eyes narrowed but he continued to study her profile. "Ah, fear not, good lady. I would never speak of such things as if it is something to be shared. Our transaction, as are... all of my transactions, are considered utmost private. Need not worry yourself with sullying your honorable reputation."
That she did not expect. There was a pause before she managed to speak again, though in a much softer tone. "Thank you, Jameson..." His voice, however, remained light with amusement while he tipped his cap in her direction and nodded in welcome. "I have also afforded you the same privacy in your affairs, lest you suspect.", she continued. "I suspect you of many things, dear lady. But that does not stop me from seeking you out."
"Do you? And what do you suspect of me?", she asked with genuine interest. "I suspect that you do not see me in the most favorable light. I suspect, as many others do, that dear Natalie's passing and its blame is laid upon me. And you, may see some truth in it. I suspect others see you to uphold the law, and that may mean working against me. I suspect that you think I have an ulterior motive. And perhaps even work for someone that I should not be. And you seek a way to find them, through me."
"You presume almost as much as you suspect, Master Taeros." He continued to regard her carefully, his amused grin giving way to a more sober expression. His voice had quieted. "Do I? I find that if I suspect the worst case scenario, things do not surprise me." "Yes, as I have heard others say before.", she said flatly. "Although I confess, I have reserved in suspecting the -worst- things. At least where you are concerned." He exhaled after his confession with an amused grin.
Coatleque blinked, her expression turned sour. What should she have expected from a monetarist though? Especially one so shady. "Well... for one who says he holds me in such high regard, I am glad to also hear the worse is suspected of me." "It is because I hold you in high esteem that I suspect you of these things. Because you hold on to your honor." "Is that such a bad thing to do?" "And you serve the Sultana. And yet, here you are, speaking with me. A monetarist. Some may dare call you a traitor. They saw dear Natalie in the wrong for it."
"Natalie crossed a line in her dealings. One I have yet to do. That is why you suspect me? Because I follow my orders over your schemes?"
"She did what she believed was right.", he replied shaking his head. His eyes narrowing pensively at her. "Schemes. Plots. Devious plans. All are suspected me I am certain."
"That is where her and I differ. I do not follow what I believe. I follow what I know.", she said with a hint of pride. His expression slowly turned to a smile once more. "Perhaps you are the wiser woman then. You know this city-state for what it is. She believed me to serve Ul'dah's best interest. What do you know Ser Crofte?"
"What I know is that Jameson Taeros has not yet done anything which blatantly places the sovereignty of Thanalan at risk."
"And that day will never come, I assure you."
"I do believe you, for what that is worth."
His head tilted at that. He actually looked surprised. A new show of emotion she had never seen from him before. "Do you? Truly?" She only looked at him directly in the eyes with a stern expression at first. "Yes. I do." She relaxed after saying it though. "But that does not mean I answer to you. We shall never have the same understanding that you and Natalie did." He met her gaze steadily as she spoke and his light hazel eyes remained on her for some time, his expression softening just slightly. "I would not expect any less from you, Ser Crofte. You are... certainly not Natalie."
That almost hurt. "Are you sure that you do not wish I was?" He shook his head slowly, and there was another odd expression that flited over his eyes. It is only a moment's darkness before it is dismissed. "Nay. I do not ever think there will be another Natalie. She was ... one of a kind.", he said as his expression shifted once more into a warmer smile. "But I would say the same for you. In an entirely different manner."
At that her coy smile returned. "Perhaps another night you can tell me exactly what manner you would say it in then."
"Ah. Would there be more favors then?"
"That would depend on what, or whom, needs done."
He hummed, looking quite amused once more.
"Of course, we need not resort to only exchanging favors."
"No?"
She nodded in brief thought before continuing. "You are no different than any other busy man in this city. I am sure the stress of work can wear on you heavier than most." "And you are but another courage and steadfast Sultansworn. I am certain your duties can be a heavy burden to bare." She laughed at him. Not derisively but out of sheer amusement at the change of thought. "Should we find a small reprieve then, from our duties without exchanging favors?" "Hmm... that would depend on what reprieve you suggest, Master Taeros."
"Only the Spinner knows, mayhap. I dare not presume now, where you are concerned. I have been rightfully chided.", he replied, though he did not sound sorry or chagrined. His smile never left his face. She tisked at him. "Honestly, must I be the one to say it? Dinner, Master Taeros." He chuckled at her. "Dinner. I would be most honored." She sighed lightly. "You are not very practised in this are you?"
Jameson shook his head, and there was a hint of sheepishness about him as he adjusted his hat. "It has been... a long time since I've... well. I am far more at ease with business as it were." "Well, if it helps for this once, think of it as business again." He narrowed his eyes, that familiar twinkle coming back to them. "Mayhap."
She could not help but feel slightly amused at having gained the upper hand. "My, my, but where has the confident man gone, Master Taeros? Perhaps I have overdone it?", she said with a smile. "You are nothing like dear Natalie, good lady. Things were... easier where she and I were concerned. I fear I am treading more carefully this time around. Remember my suspicions. Or as you say ... presumptions. And yet here I am."
"Aye, here you are. I am merely trying to figure out your intentions.", she said blinking slowly. Her gaze not leaving his. "I hope you know, Lady Crofte. Despite my promise to keep our dealings as private as possible... I am fully aware of the various eyes that wander our way whenever I speak to you in public." He gestured between the two of them. "This. I wish no back alley talks, no secret schemes, no dishonesty or underhanded dealings between us. I do not want others to think of you as they did of dear Natalie. I would not want that stain upon your reputation."
That was completely unexpected. She stood there and blinked in a sort of stunned silence. She slowly turned away to look out over the plaza once more. "That is... kind of you. Moreso than I expected, I admit.", she said at length. He smirked though she could not see it where she was facing. "Mysteries remain, but I do believe we are getting to know each other. A little."
"I've felt only eyes upon me since I returned from Limsa Lominsa that last night. I think for the first time I feel somewhat lighter."
"Putting another burden upon your shoulders was never my intent."
She simply stared out at the Gate of Nald in thought. This was getting so much more complicated than she intended now. Did he really think that highly of her? If so, could she still have the stomach to do what she eventually intended to? "I must think on this more." He nodded and bowed. "As you wish, good lady."
"I am... I am still interested to know your intent though... when you decide on that... you know how to reach me." His amused look returned at her words. "I have many intentions. I would be willing to share [i]some[i] of them, but not all. Mayhap over dinner." She felt the blood returning to her cheeks as the chill of the now night air faded away once more. "Then be sure to remember them.", she replied. "I look forward to it, Lady Crofte."
She smiled and agreed. "I accept."
"Most, excellent."
"And perhaps after dinner you will share the rest."
"Only the Spinner knows.", he said with a bow. "Until then, my fair lady."
"Indeed she does. Nymeia guide your steps, Master Taeros. And a pleasant evening.", she said in parting with a low bow.
"You as well, pleasure as always."
She did not notice when the man came up to stand next to her. He looked out to the view of the gate in front of them both. "Cooler day than usual, is it not?" She almost started at the sudden sound of his voice, standing upright and turning towards him. "Oh... Master Taeros... yes, it is.", she replied with the slightest of shivers. She hadn't noticed it at first, but now she wished she had worn something not so low cut. He glanced to her with his usual smile and bowed. She curtsied politely in response before her expression turned to one of annoyance at his presence. "I'd expected to see you sooner..."
Jameson's hazel eyes narrowed slightly, noting her tone. "Ah, my apologies, good Lady. Business has kept me away longer than I had anticipated. I pray you will forgive my lack of correspondence." She sighed to herself but seemed to relax at his sentiments. "Of course. We are both rather busy in our professions. Me even more so with that heretical woman spouting her drivel in the streets." He regarded her pensively for a moment. "I trust my man Mister North took care of your needs after I had left?"
Coatleque blinked slowly and looked away. Mister North was probably the only one among them all with any sense lately. At least he knew his place and did not stray from it. "He did. Mister North is a good man.", she replied. Jameson nodded to her, his smile lingering. At length he continued. "I know it was all about business. Favor for favor." "Yes... yes, of course.", she said while trying to mask any disappointment. "I do not expect ... more than cordiality. But..." His expression seemed to warm then. An unexpected change. "I daresay I may have come out on top that eve. The favor granted to me was splendid."
The chill of the evening seemed to fade away as the blood rushed to her face. While her mind raced with potential responses, she decided to play along and see how far she could push him. "... perhaps. Though I may have more favors to request soon." His brow raised with a slow grin. "Oh?" "Alas I've no more friends in need of gaming the system just yet. Perhaps I shall have to think of some of a more personal nature.", she said with a hint of playful sarcasm. His head tilted just slightly as the feather on his hat bobbed in the breeze. "Perhaps. More favors certainly are... welcome.", he said carefully though with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
She gave him a coy smile as her head turned away, her tone suddenly becoming a little more serious. "Another day though. I am sure you are here for business once more." He did not move though, merely regarded her. "I actually came to pay a visit, that is all, dear lady. I fear I have been terribly rude departing as I did. Even if it was a business transaction, I oft leave my associates in better form." She smirked and turned back to him. "I had no complaints of your form, I assure you."
Jameson inhaled slowly, his look was... odd as he regards her. "I dare not say what I think of your form, dear lady. It would not be polite.", he remarked with an ever widening grin. "Mmm, now that is a dangerous thought."
Just then the sound of familiar voices behind brought her back to attention. It was Otto Vann speaking to one of his many associates. She cleared her throat softly and looked back out towards the gate of the city. "I've learned nothing more of the name 'Redgrave' yet, though I have put out feelers with my contacts." Noticing her discomfort Jameson also turned to look over the plaza. He nodded, but his eyes remained forward. "I appreciate your diligence in the matter, Ser Crofte."
"I am now only waiting for your own agent to contact me when she is ready for us to investigate that address. But how has business been, Master Taeros?"
"Ah. Brynn. I will get her on that. She has been ... a wandering soul of late as well." He paused, his brows narrowing just slightly though it was not noticable from his profile. "Business can be trying at times. But that is the nature of things, is it not?"
"Aye, I've heard it can be rather stressful. Perhaps I have scared her away. Apologies."
Jameson exhaled at that. There was a hint of mirth in the tone of his voice. Something Coatleque had never heard before in her dealings with him. She continued to stand where she was though, admiring the view of the plaza. Her impatience at the group behind her was wearing thin though and she began to tap her foot lightly upon the stone floor. He continued, "I accept, nay, anticipate such challenges eagerly, Lady Crofte. Without risks, life would be dull. Without surprises, it would be unbearably predictable."
"Yes, I am discovering that myself recently.", she replied though not entirely sure of her own meaning. He shot her a sly grin. "I hope you are not disappointed."
"And why should I be? As you continue to remind me, t'was naught but business. A beneficial... transaction for the both of us."
He regarded her for a moment longer, there was an odd expression that flited across his face. "Indeed. I wonder." His eyes narrowed at her own profile before he looked back out towards the Gate of Nald. "Ah, of no import." She turned back towards him with half amusement and annoyance. "Come now, I am sure you've no need to be shy in front of me at this point." He turned to face her once more with an amused curl of his lips.
"Have we shed what apprehensions then? I would like to think that mysteries still remain."
"Mysteries? I would say there are still many of them, yes. Though you certainly had your fill of answers. Perhaps next time I shall be the one to ask the questions."
"I was wondering, aloud, lady Crofte, and pardon my curiosities... but oft my agreements and dealings do not leave me pondering on it days later. It is not something I allow. Hazards of the business I do."
"You are still pondering our transaction this long after the fact?"
"And what if I were, lady Crofte."
Again her mind began to race. This was not going entirely as she had planned. Either he was leading her on now, or she had genuinely left an impression on him that night. She tried to shake off her thoughts but just could not rebuke him. "Then I should openly deride you for letting yourself become so enamored with one pretty face, while also denying that I have also been thinking as well." His expression split once more into a wide grin. "But it is such a fair face."
To that she tisked and rolled her eyes. She had heard such things many times though usually called at her from across the bar in the Quicksand as she left the Hourglass at night. Jameson looked amused all the same. "Indulge a man his lovely views, Lady Crofte. And the fact that I hold you in much esteem. The exalted Sultansworn. Whlie I am never the one to boast, such a thing... would swell a man's pride. A bit."
She bit her lip and turned her head away once more, at a loss for words. His eyes narrowed but he continued to study her profile. "Ah, fear not, good lady. I would never speak of such things as if it is something to be shared. Our transaction, as are... all of my transactions, are considered utmost private. Need not worry yourself with sullying your honorable reputation."
That she did not expect. There was a pause before she managed to speak again, though in a much softer tone. "Thank you, Jameson..." His voice, however, remained light with amusement while he tipped his cap in her direction and nodded in welcome. "I have also afforded you the same privacy in your affairs, lest you suspect.", she continued. "I suspect you of many things, dear lady. But that does not stop me from seeking you out."
"Do you? And what do you suspect of me?", she asked with genuine interest. "I suspect that you do not see me in the most favorable light. I suspect, as many others do, that dear Natalie's passing and its blame is laid upon me. And you, may see some truth in it. I suspect others see you to uphold the law, and that may mean working against me. I suspect that you think I have an ulterior motive. And perhaps even work for someone that I should not be. And you seek a way to find them, through me."
"You presume almost as much as you suspect, Master Taeros." He continued to regard her carefully, his amused grin giving way to a more sober expression. His voice had quieted. "Do I? I find that if I suspect the worst case scenario, things do not surprise me." "Yes, as I have heard others say before.", she said flatly. "Although I confess, I have reserved in suspecting the -worst- things. At least where you are concerned." He exhaled after his confession with an amused grin.
Coatleque blinked, her expression turned sour. What should she have expected from a monetarist though? Especially one so shady. "Well... for one who says he holds me in such high regard, I am glad to also hear the worse is suspected of me." "It is because I hold you in high esteem that I suspect you of these things. Because you hold on to your honor." "Is that such a bad thing to do?" "And you serve the Sultana. And yet, here you are, speaking with me. A monetarist. Some may dare call you a traitor. They saw dear Natalie in the wrong for it."
"Natalie crossed a line in her dealings. One I have yet to do. That is why you suspect me? Because I follow my orders over your schemes?"
"She did what she believed was right.", he replied shaking his head. His eyes narrowing pensively at her. "Schemes. Plots. Devious plans. All are suspected me I am certain."
"That is where her and I differ. I do not follow what I believe. I follow what I know.", she said with a hint of pride. His expression slowly turned to a smile once more. "Perhaps you are the wiser woman then. You know this city-state for what it is. She believed me to serve Ul'dah's best interest. What do you know Ser Crofte?"
"What I know is that Jameson Taeros has not yet done anything which blatantly places the sovereignty of Thanalan at risk."
"And that day will never come, I assure you."
"I do believe you, for what that is worth."
His head tilted at that. He actually looked surprised. A new show of emotion she had never seen from him before. "Do you? Truly?" She only looked at him directly in the eyes with a stern expression at first. "Yes. I do." She relaxed after saying it though. "But that does not mean I answer to you. We shall never have the same understanding that you and Natalie did." He met her gaze steadily as she spoke and his light hazel eyes remained on her for some time, his expression softening just slightly. "I would not expect any less from you, Ser Crofte. You are... certainly not Natalie."
That almost hurt. "Are you sure that you do not wish I was?" He shook his head slowly, and there was another odd expression that flited over his eyes. It is only a moment's darkness before it is dismissed. "Nay. I do not ever think there will be another Natalie. She was ... one of a kind.", he said as his expression shifted once more into a warmer smile. "But I would say the same for you. In an entirely different manner."
At that her coy smile returned. "Perhaps another night you can tell me exactly what manner you would say it in then."
"Ah. Would there be more favors then?"
"That would depend on what, or whom, needs done."
He hummed, looking quite amused once more.
"Of course, we need not resort to only exchanging favors."
"No?"
She nodded in brief thought before continuing. "You are no different than any other busy man in this city. I am sure the stress of work can wear on you heavier than most." "And you are but another courage and steadfast Sultansworn. I am certain your duties can be a heavy burden to bare." She laughed at him. Not derisively but out of sheer amusement at the change of thought. "Should we find a small reprieve then, from our duties without exchanging favors?" "Hmm... that would depend on what reprieve you suggest, Master Taeros."
"Only the Spinner knows, mayhap. I dare not presume now, where you are concerned. I have been rightfully chided.", he replied, though he did not sound sorry or chagrined. His smile never left his face. She tisked at him. "Honestly, must I be the one to say it? Dinner, Master Taeros." He chuckled at her. "Dinner. I would be most honored." She sighed lightly. "You are not very practised in this are you?"
Jameson shook his head, and there was a hint of sheepishness about him as he adjusted his hat. "It has been... a long time since I've... well. I am far more at ease with business as it were." "Well, if it helps for this once, think of it as business again." He narrowed his eyes, that familiar twinkle coming back to them. "Mayhap."
She could not help but feel slightly amused at having gained the upper hand. "My, my, but where has the confident man gone, Master Taeros? Perhaps I have overdone it?", she said with a smile. "You are nothing like dear Natalie, good lady. Things were... easier where she and I were concerned. I fear I am treading more carefully this time around. Remember my suspicions. Or as you say ... presumptions. And yet here I am."
"Aye, here you are. I am merely trying to figure out your intentions.", she said blinking slowly. Her gaze not leaving his. "I hope you know, Lady Crofte. Despite my promise to keep our dealings as private as possible... I am fully aware of the various eyes that wander our way whenever I speak to you in public." He gestured between the two of them. "This. I wish no back alley talks, no secret schemes, no dishonesty or underhanded dealings between us. I do not want others to think of you as they did of dear Natalie. I would not want that stain upon your reputation."
That was completely unexpected. She stood there and blinked in a sort of stunned silence. She slowly turned away to look out over the plaza once more. "That is... kind of you. Moreso than I expected, I admit.", she said at length. He smirked though she could not see it where she was facing. "Mysteries remain, but I do believe we are getting to know each other. A little."
"I've felt only eyes upon me since I returned from Limsa Lominsa that last night. I think for the first time I feel somewhat lighter."
"Putting another burden upon your shoulders was never my intent."
She simply stared out at the Gate of Nald in thought. This was getting so much more complicated than she intended now. Did he really think that highly of her? If so, could she still have the stomach to do what she eventually intended to? "I must think on this more." He nodded and bowed. "As you wish, good lady."
"I am... I am still interested to know your intent though... when you decide on that... you know how to reach me." His amused look returned at her words. "I have many intentions. I would be willing to share [i]some[i] of them, but not all. Mayhap over dinner." She felt the blood returning to her cheeks as the chill of the now night air faded away once more. "Then be sure to remember them.", she replied. "I look forward to it, Lady Crofte."
She smiled and agreed. "I accept."
"Most, excellent."
"And perhaps after dinner you will share the rest."
"Only the Spinner knows.", he said with a bow. "Until then, my fair lady."
"Indeed she does. Nymeia guide your steps, Master Taeros. And a pleasant evening.", she said in parting with a low bow.
"You as well, pleasure as always."