A scant few days later, Coatleque found herself in much the same situation again. Sitting towards the back of the cathedral in the darkness between the candles at either end of the pew. The location was familiar, but her purpose was different this day. Rather than searching for solitude within the melodic strains of the organs, she sought privacy from those with wandering ears.
The sound of muffled boot steps caught her ear nearly just before the the other party's arrival. Her head turned to signal that she was not meditating like the others in front of her, but also to verify this new presence was who she had expected.
"Ser Crofte." The voice was meek and elegant in its own way, accompanied by a small bow.
"Lady Eglantine. So you did receive my missive?"
Coatleque did not know Edda Eglantine. Not at all. They had spoken together all of maybe three times. What she did know was through Free Company records, idle thoughts of mutual acquaintances, and general word of mouth. The Sworn knew her family had political influence. Influence in areas that she herself had lost recently.
Edda nodded. "I did. Lest I would not be," she motioned around as if to the Cathedral itself. "here." There was a brief smile, but her eyes were naught but business. "Your letter sounded quite urgent. What is it I can do for you?"
"If you would permit me to be frank, that would depend on how much trouble you are willing to get in."
Edda sighed and took her seat by the edge of the aisle. "Trouble is not something I find myself terribly afraid of anymore. But before you decide that it is something I will get in trouble for, why not tell me what it is you need?"
"I need to go to Vylbrand to find someone. My problem is that I've been exiled from La Noscea over political matters." Rather blunt in her admission, Coatleque had in fact resigned herself to this fact. She had thought this to be common knowledge by now. To those who pay attention anyway.
Edda mulled her words over for a moment as her brow slowly furrowed. "I see. How unfortunate. When exactly, where you planning on leaving, and how long were you planing to stay?"
"As soon as I can, and until I can confirm my lead." The reason for this meeting. Business, like always. Being in her position meant always having eager ears waiting in cities to relay mostly trivial information for the promise of a few gil. On the off chance that some of it is not-so-trivial, it must be followed-up on no matter the risk. "All I know is that my target may have headed there in the company of a woman. I must needs speak with Ambassador Summerford. He had business dealings with her before, and may have contacted her upon his arrival."
Edda's eyes narrowed. "Ambassador Summerford? Yes... I see. Yet you yourself do not know where this person is." She spoke as if asking a question though the inflection was more like a statement.
Coatleque chewed her bottom lip in frustration. "No, I do not. My reports only say he left Ishgard by way of airship bound for Limsa Lominsa."
"A rather specific lead, it seems. May I ask who this person is?"
The Sworn cleared her throat. "It's Jameson."
"Ah."
Edda said only that. 'Ah'. If she was at all surprised there was no outward indication of such. A brief but awkward silence fell between them before Coatleque spoke up once more.
"I know this request may seem rather selfish. Asking to be 'smuggled' into La Noscea, as it were, followed by meeting with a dignitary. I certainly would not hold it against you to refuse."
"Selfish, perhaps, but not necessarily wrong. All of thse things are quite possible, and should amount to little trouble for myself or anyone else involved. However..." She hesitated, her voice lowering. "I must ask, what do you intend to do once you find this man? Should you attempt anything untoward, with my good faith and name riding on your shoulders... I would have to refuse."
Coatleque blinked then. Perhaps even blushed, and for a moment she wondered exactly how much of her dealings with the Monetarist were even known around other parts of Eorzea. "I can assure you there is no malice behind my intentions. I just need to find him since his disappearance from Thanalan."
Edda did not see at all suspicious at her words, but a glint of uncertainty remained in her eyes. "And... what is it you will do, once you find him?" She asked slowly.
Coatleque blinked again but more slowly, almost a batting of her lashes. Edda's questions were growing strangely more personal in her mind, but she knew the request itself could carry consequences for her family if anything went wrong. "I think I will start with talking. You may not want to see where it progresses though."
Edda tilted her head. "Why not?" The question was blindingly innocent. Naive perhaps. There was no hint of sarcasm or teasing in her words, which were frankly off-putting.
The paladin just looked at her from across the pew with doe-like eyes for a moment. She was nearly amazed at how obliviously innocent someone could be. "I am already charged with terrorism, among other things, by the Admiral. I do not wish to add public indecency to the list."
Edda nodded slowly in feigned understanding, but it was clear that she still did not quite get it. "Very well." She sighed and straightened herself, then unclasped a small book and pen from her side. "When will you leave? Tonight?"
"Me? Whenever you are able. I cannot simply walk through the airship gates." Coatleque had not planned to do this alone, after all. That would be tantamount to suicide in her mind. "I could, however, escort La Noscean nobility through the streets en masque." She presented the idea as if it had already been decided in her mind. The best plan she could think of, given the circumstances.
Edda nearly snorted. A very quiet scoff. "You can, actually," she said shortly. "And you will." With that she began to write something quickly on the parchment of her book. "I will arrive there first, and alert my friends at the Maelstrom of your arrival. I imagine you will be watched, but that is no matter - you will leave the city straight away. Needless to say the return trip will not be so easy, but I will oversee that personally."
Coatleque nodded along in understanding. "Do I go somewhere specifically from the city then? I will need to arrange a meeting with the ambassador..." Even now she could not help but to try and retain some semblance of control over her fate during this visit. Edda continued her writing, her hand loose and practiced, before she quickly tore the paper from the book and set it to her side.
"Yes?" What sounded like a question was clearly not. A rather bizarre statement. "There is a chance they will give you trouble at the gates." She nodded to the paper at her side. "Show them this."
The other woman slowly reached over to take the letter from the cushioned bench. She scanned over it quickly before pocketing it. "I cannot thank you enough for this. I am in your debt of course."
Edda did not look up. The letter had not been addressed to anyone in particular, but it stated in plain speech not to trifle with a significant, albeit turbulent guest. "It is no trouble," she replied smoothly. "I am not one to refuse a favor from a servant of the Sultana." Satisfied with the second document she had been writing, she tore it from the book as well and turned to hand it to Coatleque directly. "You will go here."
"Will you be accompanying me there?" Coatleque asked as she pocketed the second paper with the first.
Edda pursed her lips, and for a brief moment she wore a strange expression akin to fear. "Not personally, no. As you may know, I too reside in Summerford, so I may yet see you there, however. Fear not, I shall not leave you floundering there. I will see that you depart safely, and without incident."
Coalteque regarded her carefully in the dim candle light. "Very well, at least you will know where I am should the need arise. I promise not to leave any black stains upon your good name while I am there." She paused before adding, as if for reassurance to them both, "I need only to confirm or deny his presence, then I will leave."
Edda smiled softly. "I have every confidence in you. I am sure you will find what it is you seek." She pauses before her face brightens in a quick thought. "Ah, yes! One more thing. This-" She slipped a ring off her finger and moved to hand it over to the Sworn. It was a rather nondescript ring, Maelstrom issued, but a rather unique seal had been carved into the base of it. It was not very distinct, but easily remembered, as well as easily recognized.
"A signet?" She reached out with an upwards turned palm, hesitant to actually take such a symbol.
"Of sorts. When you arrive at your final destination, and by chance they do not let you past the front gates, show them this ring. You will be treated as a guest then." The ring was set into her palms and she hefted it once before depositing it safely with the other documents.
"I shall guard it with my life."
Edda laughed softly at the gesture. "Only with the hopes that you will not be shut out like some wandering vagrant, I imagine! It is quite worthless, honestly."
"Worthless? Perhaps in material value, but not in its meaning. I'd imagine there are a good many liberties that someone could take with this ring when in the wrong hands."
Edda paused, her expression sobering. Only a polite smile remained. "I have not thought of it as such, bug... yes, I suppose you are right. I should know better than anyone, I imagine."
"N-not that I was inferring you wouldn't, of course." Coatleque straightened herself up at that point. "Thank you again, for everything. I should go and prepare for the flight. I do not mean to stay in this snow-ridden waste any longer than necessary."
Edda nodded and stood to leave. She had her own preparations to make after all. "Very well, I shall go on ahead then. Safe travels, Ser Crofte. And if what I gave you does not avail you, do not hesitate to use my name."
Coatleque smiled slightly. She never was comfortable relying on others reputation like that. "I pray it does not come to that. I will see you shortly then. And safe travels to you as well."
With that, they went their separate ways.
The sound of muffled boot steps caught her ear nearly just before the the other party's arrival. Her head turned to signal that she was not meditating like the others in front of her, but also to verify this new presence was who she had expected.
"Ser Crofte." The voice was meek and elegant in its own way, accompanied by a small bow.
"Lady Eglantine. So you did receive my missive?"
Coatleque did not know Edda Eglantine. Not at all. They had spoken together all of maybe three times. What she did know was through Free Company records, idle thoughts of mutual acquaintances, and general word of mouth. The Sworn knew her family had political influence. Influence in areas that she herself had lost recently.
Edda nodded. "I did. Lest I would not be," she motioned around as if to the Cathedral itself. "here." There was a brief smile, but her eyes were naught but business. "Your letter sounded quite urgent. What is it I can do for you?"
"If you would permit me to be frank, that would depend on how much trouble you are willing to get in."
Edda sighed and took her seat by the edge of the aisle. "Trouble is not something I find myself terribly afraid of anymore. But before you decide that it is something I will get in trouble for, why not tell me what it is you need?"
"I need to go to Vylbrand to find someone. My problem is that I've been exiled from La Noscea over political matters." Rather blunt in her admission, Coatleque had in fact resigned herself to this fact. She had thought this to be common knowledge by now. To those who pay attention anyway.
Edda mulled her words over for a moment as her brow slowly furrowed. "I see. How unfortunate. When exactly, where you planning on leaving, and how long were you planing to stay?"
"As soon as I can, and until I can confirm my lead." The reason for this meeting. Business, like always. Being in her position meant always having eager ears waiting in cities to relay mostly trivial information for the promise of a few gil. On the off chance that some of it is not-so-trivial, it must be followed-up on no matter the risk. "All I know is that my target may have headed there in the company of a woman. I must needs speak with Ambassador Summerford. He had business dealings with her before, and may have contacted her upon his arrival."
Edda's eyes narrowed. "Ambassador Summerford? Yes... I see. Yet you yourself do not know where this person is." She spoke as if asking a question though the inflection was more like a statement.
Coatleque chewed her bottom lip in frustration. "No, I do not. My reports only say he left Ishgard by way of airship bound for Limsa Lominsa."
"A rather specific lead, it seems. May I ask who this person is?"
The Sworn cleared her throat. "It's Jameson."
"Ah."
Edda said only that. 'Ah'. If she was at all surprised there was no outward indication of such. A brief but awkward silence fell between them before Coatleque spoke up once more.
"I know this request may seem rather selfish. Asking to be 'smuggled' into La Noscea, as it were, followed by meeting with a dignitary. I certainly would not hold it against you to refuse."
"Selfish, perhaps, but not necessarily wrong. All of thse things are quite possible, and should amount to little trouble for myself or anyone else involved. However..." She hesitated, her voice lowering. "I must ask, what do you intend to do once you find this man? Should you attempt anything untoward, with my good faith and name riding on your shoulders... I would have to refuse."
Coatleque blinked then. Perhaps even blushed, and for a moment she wondered exactly how much of her dealings with the Monetarist were even known around other parts of Eorzea. "I can assure you there is no malice behind my intentions. I just need to find him since his disappearance from Thanalan."
Edda did not see at all suspicious at her words, but a glint of uncertainty remained in her eyes. "And... what is it you will do, once you find him?" She asked slowly.
Coatleque blinked again but more slowly, almost a batting of her lashes. Edda's questions were growing strangely more personal in her mind, but she knew the request itself could carry consequences for her family if anything went wrong. "I think I will start with talking. You may not want to see where it progresses though."
Edda tilted her head. "Why not?" The question was blindingly innocent. Naive perhaps. There was no hint of sarcasm or teasing in her words, which were frankly off-putting.
The paladin just looked at her from across the pew with doe-like eyes for a moment. She was nearly amazed at how obliviously innocent someone could be. "I am already charged with terrorism, among other things, by the Admiral. I do not wish to add public indecency to the list."
Edda nodded slowly in feigned understanding, but it was clear that she still did not quite get it. "Very well." She sighed and straightened herself, then unclasped a small book and pen from her side. "When will you leave? Tonight?"
"Me? Whenever you are able. I cannot simply walk through the airship gates." Coatleque had not planned to do this alone, after all. That would be tantamount to suicide in her mind. "I could, however, escort La Noscean nobility through the streets en masque." She presented the idea as if it had already been decided in her mind. The best plan she could think of, given the circumstances.
Edda nearly snorted. A very quiet scoff. "You can, actually," she said shortly. "And you will." With that she began to write something quickly on the parchment of her book. "I will arrive there first, and alert my friends at the Maelstrom of your arrival. I imagine you will be watched, but that is no matter - you will leave the city straight away. Needless to say the return trip will not be so easy, but I will oversee that personally."
Coatleque nodded along in understanding. "Do I go somewhere specifically from the city then? I will need to arrange a meeting with the ambassador..." Even now she could not help but to try and retain some semblance of control over her fate during this visit. Edda continued her writing, her hand loose and practiced, before she quickly tore the paper from the book and set it to her side.
"Yes?" What sounded like a question was clearly not. A rather bizarre statement. "There is a chance they will give you trouble at the gates." She nodded to the paper at her side. "Show them this."
The other woman slowly reached over to take the letter from the cushioned bench. She scanned over it quickly before pocketing it. "I cannot thank you enough for this. I am in your debt of course."
Edda did not look up. The letter had not been addressed to anyone in particular, but it stated in plain speech not to trifle with a significant, albeit turbulent guest. "It is no trouble," she replied smoothly. "I am not one to refuse a favor from a servant of the Sultana." Satisfied with the second document she had been writing, she tore it from the book as well and turned to hand it to Coatleque directly. "You will go here."
"Will you be accompanying me there?" Coatleque asked as she pocketed the second paper with the first.
Edda pursed her lips, and for a brief moment she wore a strange expression akin to fear. "Not personally, no. As you may know, I too reside in Summerford, so I may yet see you there, however. Fear not, I shall not leave you floundering there. I will see that you depart safely, and without incident."
Coalteque regarded her carefully in the dim candle light. "Very well, at least you will know where I am should the need arise. I promise not to leave any black stains upon your good name while I am there." She paused before adding, as if for reassurance to them both, "I need only to confirm or deny his presence, then I will leave."
Edda smiled softly. "I have every confidence in you. I am sure you will find what it is you seek." She pauses before her face brightens in a quick thought. "Ah, yes! One more thing. This-" She slipped a ring off her finger and moved to hand it over to the Sworn. It was a rather nondescript ring, Maelstrom issued, but a rather unique seal had been carved into the base of it. It was not very distinct, but easily remembered, as well as easily recognized.
"A signet?" She reached out with an upwards turned palm, hesitant to actually take such a symbol.
"Of sorts. When you arrive at your final destination, and by chance they do not let you past the front gates, show them this ring. You will be treated as a guest then." The ring was set into her palms and she hefted it once before depositing it safely with the other documents.
"I shall guard it with my life."
Edda laughed softly at the gesture. "Only with the hopes that you will not be shut out like some wandering vagrant, I imagine! It is quite worthless, honestly."
"Worthless? Perhaps in material value, but not in its meaning. I'd imagine there are a good many liberties that someone could take with this ring when in the wrong hands."
Edda paused, her expression sobering. Only a polite smile remained. "I have not thought of it as such, bug... yes, I suppose you are right. I should know better than anyone, I imagine."
"N-not that I was inferring you wouldn't, of course." Coatleque straightened herself up at that point. "Thank you again, for everything. I should go and prepare for the flight. I do not mean to stay in this snow-ridden waste any longer than necessary."
Edda nodded and stood to leave. She had her own preparations to make after all. "Very well, I shall go on ahead then. Safe travels, Ser Crofte. And if what I gave you does not avail you, do not hesitate to use my name."
Coatleque smiled slightly. She never was comfortable relying on others reputation like that. "I pray it does not come to that. I will see you shortly then. And safe travels to you as well."
With that, they went their separate ways.
