She waits at the Bismark, looking out into the harbor as sea breezes tug at her hair and clothes. She is garbed in loose flowing black, though the glint of armor is hard not to notice underneath is. One can never be too careful in the city of pirates after all.
Otto Vann quietly walks beside Natalie, leaning on the rails as he overlooks the harbor not saying anything to her at first before turning to her "I'm glad you remembered my invitation from yesterday at the Grindstone"
Natalie smiles, "Mr Otto, glad you could make it, How could I forget, you made quite an impression." She looks at him, "Though it seems you're wearing something more traditional today."
"Well, I can remove my coat if you'd prefer. I know others, myself included, wouldn't mind"
She grins, "I don't think that will be necessary." She mentions to the table behind them, "We wouldn't want any of the other patrons getting too excited..."
He shrugs and with a humored tone, "I'm used to it, but let's take our seats shall we, unless you prefer the view here. We've got a lot to discuss you and I."
Natalie nods, "That we do..." She heads towards the table, "They have good coffee here, one of the few things I enjoy about this city."
"I enjoy coming here when I make my way to Limsa. The salt-sea air, usually a woman across from the table, the food is good considered usually an assistant of mine lets them know ahead of time I'm coming, so they know to prepare accordingly. I don't drink a lot of coffee though, but I'll have it if you are".
She chuckles, "Well then..." She flags down a waitress, "Two coffees... and scones if they're fresh." She turns back to him, "Oh? Not a coffee drinker?" She taps her jaw, "I wouldn't have thought it. She tilts her head and thinks for a moment, "You dislike bitter things?"
"No I prefer bitter things, I just rarely need coffee since I have other ways of staying awake. When I rarely drink it its always black"
Natalie grins, "What sorts of things Mr Otto?" She winks at him, "Oh let me guess..." She affects a deep voice, "My beautiful women keep me up every evening and morning until they are satisfied..." She laughs, "Something like that?"
"Women tire a man, not energize him. You should know that. But if you must know they do keep me company at night. No I use various medicine made from alchemists who couldnt quite cut it doing legitamate work to get through most days."
She gives a sly smile, "Oh is that so?" she laughs again softly, "Perhaps you've been with the wrong sorts of women." She leans back, "And perhaps it's not wise to share such information with a Royal Guard of the Sultanate." She tilts her head, "We have policies banning certain.... substances."
"It wouldnt matter if they were banned I dont even live in Ul'Dah anymore. I had to move to Gridania a few weeks ago. Rest assured you can focus on enjoying me this evening versus what I put in me"
Leaning forward, "Oh? You don't live in the city..." She taps her jaw, "Hm... we might not be of as much help to each other as I hoped." She laughs, "And Mr. Otto, please, business before pleasure."
"Well let's speak frankly. You say you need help, I still spend most of my working hours in your fair city since all of my business is there. What's on your mind Natalie?"
Natalie tilts her head, "First, a question." She gauges his reaction, "What is your opinion of the Sultanate, and the Syndicate?"
A blonde haired hyur approaches their table in serving garb, "Good evening, is everyone enjoying their night out?" She continues, bowing slightly, "Does anyone need anything? Drinks? Appetizers?"
Otto waves a lazy hand "I am Syndicate. They are largely a good thing due to how they keep the Sultanate in power. The Syndicate is most definetely a dirty organization when it needs to be, but without it I wonder how much your queen's coffers would suffer without the rigid and structured taxation that flows up from business to pay people like you." He smirks "I am exceedingly indifferent to the Sultanate."
Natalie nods to the woman, "Ah... we are well Miss, thank you."
"Yes, Im glad you could make it dear, Tsubasa told me a lot about you" he says to the server. Bring us both my usual please."
The woman bows "Yes sir, I will be back shortly"
Natalie waits for the woman to leave, then considers his answer, "Well then, perhaps we can work together." She smiles, though there is something dangerous in it, "My... associates and I have certain goals for Ul'dah."
The serving woman returns shortly after, holding some soup in her hands.
Otto nods, "If those goals let me maintain my womanising and way of life theyre largely inconsequential to me. What are your goals, and who is this assosciate, and I will decide if I can or should help you" He turns to the serving woman, "What's your name dear?"
"Pai sir" she said with a bow of her head
Otto smiles, "Well isn't she lovely. Thank you for working for us tonight you know I'm sure I always compensate well." Im fine with just this for now thank you"
Pai nods, "Would either of you like some wine tonight?"
Natalie studies him for a moment, "Our plans... I'll make you aware of those if you prove yourself a valuable ally Otto." She steeples her fingers together, "But first, I'll give you a task, complete it, or don't." She turns to the woman, "I think two glasses of red would be appropriate."
Pai nods, "I'll be right back then."
Otto looks at Natalie, "Its unusual for anyone to come to me to test me for anything. This better be interesting."
Pai places two wine glasses on the table, pouring wine into both before putting one before Otto, and then the other in front of Natalie, she then stepped back.
Natalie laughs, "Why Mr Otto... there is more to life than just money." She shrugs, "We need to know you're dependable, and that you can keep secrets." She takes the glass and nods to Pai before swirling the wine gently in its glass. She raises it to her face and takes in its aroma, "If you can... money will be the least of the things you will gain."
"Who is... we." Otto asks.
Natalie simply smiles, "Exactly."
Otto clears his throat, "Consider this, to someone like me, the amount of money I earn and mantain and groom into a larger sum is largely unimportant, what it represents is important."
She shrugs, "In Ul'dah, money flows like sand. If that's all you're interested in... perhaps we can't help each other after all." She continues to gently swirl her wine around the glass.
Otto leans forward in his chair to accept the wine glass as he uses his free hand to wave in front of him as he speaks "I could lose ninety-percent of my wealth today and be more than comfortable for the rest of my days. I don't care about money anymore. I trade it away too willingly for whatever I feel like each day. Tell me what this test is, and I will consider it."
Natalie grins and leans forward as well, "There is a... rabble rouser, a minor trader who has taken it upon himself to spread lies and slander about our fair city. We want him taught a lesson... one that he will remember."
He leans back in his chair shrugging "And? Evven I do not speak speak well of the city at times. Im not that disconnected that I can't see hes not so minor as you say. Else you wouldn't want me to give him my attention."
She shrugs, "It is not the speaking, it is the talking and convincing. He aims to disrupt our government with his words, to rouse up the refugees, and to cause general unrest." She looks down at the wineglass she has cradled in her armored hand, "We cannot allow that to happen. A simple beating should suffice... perhaps a few broken bones." She shrugs, "And you not need do the deed yourself, as long as it is done."
Natalie narrows her eyes, "And he knows why it is being done."
Otto nods, "Well at least now you're being a bit more honest. If he seeks to disrupt Ul'Dah, then sadly he seeks to disrupt my business as well. Still though, you keep saying we and I have to wonder why you don't say the Sultanate".
[Natalie laughs, "Why indeed Mr Otto." She grins coyly at him, "Help us out with this matter, and you'll find out. The firebrand is a duskwight peddler by the name of Verad, he shouldn't be too difficult to find in the city."
Otto lets the conversation grow silent for a moment as he takes his attention off Natalie, swilling his own wineglass before drinking it unceremoniously, obviously not caring for the taste. "I usually drink dry wine," He grimaces, "However it all ends up making you feel the same in the end." He places the glass down, "I find it very hard to believe Verad is a threat to anyone or anything. I've dealt with that man a few times." He knocks his hand on the table "Pai come here please".
Natalie laughs and downs her own glass, "That it does." She shrugs, "All men are not as they seem Mr Otto." She grins at him, "Nor all women. If you do this... no need to give names." She nods, "Simply let him know he must keep his mouth shut."
Pai steps up to the table, "Is everything alright so far?"
Otto turns to Pai, "Bring us dry wine, I'm not interested in anything sweet at the moment."
Pai nods, "Yes Sir."
Otto thinks for a momeny, "I'll have Ridley look into it then I guess. I'm not sure if he needs to be 'beaten' to be taught a lesson, if any lesson is there to be learned. I'll look into it though."
He turns back to Natalie, "Now let's discuss the real reason you're here."
Pai returns with a large bottle of dry red wine, and begins pouring them in a fresh set of glasses.
Natalie shakes her head and smiles, "Mr Otto, this isn't an investigation. It's a question of trust... how can we trust you, if you can't trust us?"
Otto leans forward pulling his glass of white dry away the second Pai finishes pouring and taking a sip. He closes his eyes for a moment, seemingly enjoying the flavor, "I'll handle it" he finally says with a wink, "However I see fit."
A strangely garbed womman approaches, armored everywhere but her chest and abdomen.
Natalie sighs, "Well then, that's a shame." Placing the wineglass onto the table, "Really too bad Mr Otto, my associates and I could have done ever so much for you."
The new armored woman walks up and salutes Otto, "Here I am, you called?"
Otto nods at the new arrival, "Ridley, look into finding a man named Verad for me, if you would be so kind I want to know what he really sells." He waves his hand at Natalie in a placating motion, "Please Natalie youre going to get your wish I assure you." He turns back to the other woman, "Ridley, Verad will most likely need your special attention."
She nods, and begins writing down information, "Alright..."
Natalie smiles slighty, "I hope so Mr Otto." She laughs, "It would be such a shame if we weren't able to... strengthen our relationship" She rises, "I'll look forward to the good news." She laughs, "Perhaps we can share it over another meal."
Otto nods, "Ridley will keep us both in touch as she does her work don't you worry.
Ridley looks up from her list, "Yeah, I'm on it." She nods "I've been researching stuff too, about "the other" person."
Otto waves a hand, "Take Ziuz off that list as well I dealt with him myself already, he practically fawns over me now offering favors."
Ridly laughs, "Sounds good, I guess that's one down."
Otto nods, "Always more to go though." He turns back to Natalie, "Natalie, do you have anything else you want to say, other than your unending adoration for me?"
Pai just barely stifles a chuckle and turns away.
Natalie watches him interact with the other woman curiously, "Well you certainly have the resources Mr Otto." She smiles coyly, "Just need to see if you have the ambition." She laughs, "No I think we understand each other." She gives a short bow, "As I said I look forward to meeting again... as associates."
She turns and bows slightly to his two companions, "Ladies," before walking off.
Otto Vann quietly walks beside Natalie, leaning on the rails as he overlooks the harbor not saying anything to her at first before turning to her "I'm glad you remembered my invitation from yesterday at the Grindstone"
Natalie smiles, "Mr Otto, glad you could make it, How could I forget, you made quite an impression." She looks at him, "Though it seems you're wearing something more traditional today."
"Well, I can remove my coat if you'd prefer. I know others, myself included, wouldn't mind"
She grins, "I don't think that will be necessary." She mentions to the table behind them, "We wouldn't want any of the other patrons getting too excited..."
He shrugs and with a humored tone, "I'm used to it, but let's take our seats shall we, unless you prefer the view here. We've got a lot to discuss you and I."
Natalie nods, "That we do..." She heads towards the table, "They have good coffee here, one of the few things I enjoy about this city."
"I enjoy coming here when I make my way to Limsa. The salt-sea air, usually a woman across from the table, the food is good considered usually an assistant of mine lets them know ahead of time I'm coming, so they know to prepare accordingly. I don't drink a lot of coffee though, but I'll have it if you are".
She chuckles, "Well then..." She flags down a waitress, "Two coffees... and scones if they're fresh." She turns back to him, "Oh? Not a coffee drinker?" She taps her jaw, "I wouldn't have thought it. She tilts her head and thinks for a moment, "You dislike bitter things?"
"No I prefer bitter things, I just rarely need coffee since I have other ways of staying awake. When I rarely drink it its always black"
Natalie grins, "What sorts of things Mr Otto?" She winks at him, "Oh let me guess..." She affects a deep voice, "My beautiful women keep me up every evening and morning until they are satisfied..." She laughs, "Something like that?"
"Women tire a man, not energize him. You should know that. But if you must know they do keep me company at night. No I use various medicine made from alchemists who couldnt quite cut it doing legitamate work to get through most days."
She gives a sly smile, "Oh is that so?" she laughs again softly, "Perhaps you've been with the wrong sorts of women." She leans back, "And perhaps it's not wise to share such information with a Royal Guard of the Sultanate." She tilts her head, "We have policies banning certain.... substances."
"It wouldnt matter if they were banned I dont even live in Ul'Dah anymore. I had to move to Gridania a few weeks ago. Rest assured you can focus on enjoying me this evening versus what I put in me"
Leaning forward, "Oh? You don't live in the city..." She taps her jaw, "Hm... we might not be of as much help to each other as I hoped." She laughs, "And Mr. Otto, please, business before pleasure."
"Well let's speak frankly. You say you need help, I still spend most of my working hours in your fair city since all of my business is there. What's on your mind Natalie?"
Natalie tilts her head, "First, a question." She gauges his reaction, "What is your opinion of the Sultanate, and the Syndicate?"
A blonde haired hyur approaches their table in serving garb, "Good evening, is everyone enjoying their night out?" She continues, bowing slightly, "Does anyone need anything? Drinks? Appetizers?"
Otto waves a lazy hand "I am Syndicate. They are largely a good thing due to how they keep the Sultanate in power. The Syndicate is most definetely a dirty organization when it needs to be, but without it I wonder how much your queen's coffers would suffer without the rigid and structured taxation that flows up from business to pay people like you." He smirks "I am exceedingly indifferent to the Sultanate."
Natalie nods to the woman, "Ah... we are well Miss, thank you."
"Yes, Im glad you could make it dear, Tsubasa told me a lot about you" he says to the server. Bring us both my usual please."
The woman bows "Yes sir, I will be back shortly"
Natalie waits for the woman to leave, then considers his answer, "Well then, perhaps we can work together." She smiles, though there is something dangerous in it, "My... associates and I have certain goals for Ul'dah."
The serving woman returns shortly after, holding some soup in her hands.
Otto nods, "If those goals let me maintain my womanising and way of life theyre largely inconsequential to me. What are your goals, and who is this assosciate, and I will decide if I can or should help you" He turns to the serving woman, "What's your name dear?"
"Pai sir" she said with a bow of her head
Otto smiles, "Well isn't she lovely. Thank you for working for us tonight you know I'm sure I always compensate well." Im fine with just this for now thank you"
Pai nods, "Would either of you like some wine tonight?"
Natalie studies him for a moment, "Our plans... I'll make you aware of those if you prove yourself a valuable ally Otto." She steeples her fingers together, "But first, I'll give you a task, complete it, or don't." She turns to the woman, "I think two glasses of red would be appropriate."
Pai nods, "I'll be right back then."
Otto looks at Natalie, "Its unusual for anyone to come to me to test me for anything. This better be interesting."
Pai places two wine glasses on the table, pouring wine into both before putting one before Otto, and then the other in front of Natalie, she then stepped back.
Natalie laughs, "Why Mr Otto... there is more to life than just money." She shrugs, "We need to know you're dependable, and that you can keep secrets." She takes the glass and nods to Pai before swirling the wine gently in its glass. She raises it to her face and takes in its aroma, "If you can... money will be the least of the things you will gain."
"Who is... we." Otto asks.
Natalie simply smiles, "Exactly."
Otto clears his throat, "Consider this, to someone like me, the amount of money I earn and mantain and groom into a larger sum is largely unimportant, what it represents is important."
She shrugs, "In Ul'dah, money flows like sand. If that's all you're interested in... perhaps we can't help each other after all." She continues to gently swirl her wine around the glass.
Otto leans forward in his chair to accept the wine glass as he uses his free hand to wave in front of him as he speaks "I could lose ninety-percent of my wealth today and be more than comfortable for the rest of my days. I don't care about money anymore. I trade it away too willingly for whatever I feel like each day. Tell me what this test is, and I will consider it."
Natalie grins and leans forward as well, "There is a... rabble rouser, a minor trader who has taken it upon himself to spread lies and slander about our fair city. We want him taught a lesson... one that he will remember."
He leans back in his chair shrugging "And? Evven I do not speak speak well of the city at times. Im not that disconnected that I can't see hes not so minor as you say. Else you wouldn't want me to give him my attention."
She shrugs, "It is not the speaking, it is the talking and convincing. He aims to disrupt our government with his words, to rouse up the refugees, and to cause general unrest." She looks down at the wineglass she has cradled in her armored hand, "We cannot allow that to happen. A simple beating should suffice... perhaps a few broken bones." She shrugs, "And you not need do the deed yourself, as long as it is done."
Natalie narrows her eyes, "And he knows why it is being done."
Otto nods, "Well at least now you're being a bit more honest. If he seeks to disrupt Ul'Dah, then sadly he seeks to disrupt my business as well. Still though, you keep saying we and I have to wonder why you don't say the Sultanate".
[Natalie laughs, "Why indeed Mr Otto." She grins coyly at him, "Help us out with this matter, and you'll find out. The firebrand is a duskwight peddler by the name of Verad, he shouldn't be too difficult to find in the city."
Otto lets the conversation grow silent for a moment as he takes his attention off Natalie, swilling his own wineglass before drinking it unceremoniously, obviously not caring for the taste. "I usually drink dry wine," He grimaces, "However it all ends up making you feel the same in the end." He places the glass down, "I find it very hard to believe Verad is a threat to anyone or anything. I've dealt with that man a few times." He knocks his hand on the table "Pai come here please".
Natalie laughs and downs her own glass, "That it does." She shrugs, "All men are not as they seem Mr Otto." She grins at him, "Nor all women. If you do this... no need to give names." She nods, "Simply let him know he must keep his mouth shut."
Pai steps up to the table, "Is everything alright so far?"
Otto turns to Pai, "Bring us dry wine, I'm not interested in anything sweet at the moment."
Pai nods, "Yes Sir."
Otto thinks for a momeny, "I'll have Ridley look into it then I guess. I'm not sure if he needs to be 'beaten' to be taught a lesson, if any lesson is there to be learned. I'll look into it though."
He turns back to Natalie, "Now let's discuss the real reason you're here."
Pai returns with a large bottle of dry red wine, and begins pouring them in a fresh set of glasses.
Natalie shakes her head and smiles, "Mr Otto, this isn't an investigation. It's a question of trust... how can we trust you, if you can't trust us?"
Otto leans forward pulling his glass of white dry away the second Pai finishes pouring and taking a sip. He closes his eyes for a moment, seemingly enjoying the flavor, "I'll handle it" he finally says with a wink, "However I see fit."
A strangely garbed womman approaches, armored everywhere but her chest and abdomen.
Natalie sighs, "Well then, that's a shame." Placing the wineglass onto the table, "Really too bad Mr Otto, my associates and I could have done ever so much for you."
The new armored woman walks up and salutes Otto, "Here I am, you called?"
Otto nods at the new arrival, "Ridley, look into finding a man named Verad for me, if you would be so kind I want to know what he really sells." He waves his hand at Natalie in a placating motion, "Please Natalie youre going to get your wish I assure you." He turns back to the other woman, "Ridley, Verad will most likely need your special attention."
She nods, and begins writing down information, "Alright..."
Natalie smiles slighty, "I hope so Mr Otto." She laughs, "It would be such a shame if we weren't able to... strengthen our relationship" She rises, "I'll look forward to the good news." She laughs, "Perhaps we can share it over another meal."
Otto nods, "Ridley will keep us both in touch as she does her work don't you worry.
Ridley looks up from her list, "Yeah, I'm on it." She nods "I've been researching stuff too, about "the other" person."
Otto waves a hand, "Take Ziuz off that list as well I dealt with him myself already, he practically fawns over me now offering favors."
Ridly laughs, "Sounds good, I guess that's one down."
Otto nods, "Always more to go though." He turns back to Natalie, "Natalie, do you have anything else you want to say, other than your unending adoration for me?"
Pai just barely stifles a chuckle and turns away.
Natalie watches him interact with the other woman curiously, "Well you certainly have the resources Mr Otto." She smiles coyly, "Just need to see if you have the ambition." She laughs, "No I think we understand each other." She gives a short bow, "As I said I look forward to meeting again... as associates."
She turns and bows slightly to his two companions, "Ladies," before walking off.
