"Barbarians! Roughians! Pirates! Every one!"
Coatleque had yet to meet one Maelstrom she liked. An over exaggeration perhaps, but when one has been sitting quietly for an hour flanked by armed guards, you tend to lose a temporary spark of sanity.
She had known from the start this plan would not go as smoothly as she would have liked. Marching head on someplace she should not be, why bother to hide her intentions further? So she went in uniform. Not the white and silver armor that many were accustomed to seeing her in, but a blue and white formal uniform rarely used outside diplomatic meetings.
The first sign that all was not well was leaving Ishgard by airship. She gave the attendant for La Noscea her papers and was met with a quirked brow and almost angry sneer before being stamped and ushered forward. The second sign being the constant eyes on her through the flight. She tried her best to huddle low with her arms around her knees to sleep - but the knowing you are being watched brings its share of insomnia. And finally there was the click of a cocked hammer and hollow musket barrel staring her right between the eyes as she was about to disembark.
"That didnae take long"
The next third of the day was spent being passed around from officer to officer as stories were checked and verified, the Ambassador was summoned, and anything of value was confiscated including the documents and ring Lady Eglantine had given her. She was then promptly escorted to the Bismark where she was made to sit and wait on the balcony, flanked by armed escort and ordered not to attempt leaving.
So yes, opinions may have been colored this fine afternoon.
The ambassador arrived near a full bell afterwords, blinking in her own muted surprise. She approached the table opposite the woman and paused. "I see you beat me here. And here I had hoped to play the gracious host." The woman smiled and appeared to be ignoring the escort. Coatleque could not immediately tell if she was being mocked or not. "I hope you have not been waiting long."
"Long enough I would say. My... escort is to be sure I cause no grief to the city-state. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice." A curt glance was thrown to either side with the barest turning of her head.
The ambassador smiled. "Of course. May I?"
"Please do!"
With that the woman sat opposite her, adjusting her large spectacles and blinking owlishly. "It must have been very important." She commented offhandedly, setting immediately to business.
"It is to me at least. Please, excuse my manners. I would have had some sort of food or drink waiting, but..." she paused for another rather annoyed look to the side. "I will not be here longer than our meeting."
Ambassador Summerford, however, promptly requested lemon-water for herself to a hurried server as he passed by. "Oh... not even a drink?"
"I am content for now."
"Well, all right then. What can I do for you, Ms. Crofte?"
The next few minutes were spent in detailing the events up to Jameson's mysterious disappearance in the tunnels under Ul'dah and her tracking the man all the way to Ishgard only to have doubled back now to Vylbrand. "You were the last person I know he had business dealings with in La Noscea. I had thought he may contact you."
There was a momentary pause as the Ambassador considered all that had transpired. "Sailing here? How long ago?"
"By airship, at least a day or two ago. Perhaps longer, but not by much. He was seen in the company of another woman."
"I can tell you that I have not seen any official record of Lord Taeros's arrival, nor any licenses in his name. But that is not to say he has not come." Her voice lowered to a murmur. "Given the circumstances, I doubt he is making his whereabouts public."
Coatlque's mouth twitched to the side. It was always the same thing with these meetings. Layers of secrets locked between cryptic clues and well placed words. "Official records do not interest me at this point. I know he would not come out openly. If you have seen the man himself, that is what I want to know. He need not contact me, I will find him eventually."
The Ambassador frowned and shook her head. "I have not," she said quietly. "But I will keep my eyes and ears open."
The Sworn sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, her shoulders visibly slumping. Her gaze wandered off to the side to glance at the sea below them. "Thank you for that, at the very least." She murmured.
It was then that their meeting was interrupted by the clearing of someone's throat. Both heads turned to find Lady Eglantine herself had arrived seemingly out of nowhere. The guards immediately stood to at her quiet announcement.
"Lady Eglantine. Apologies, I was not able to make our rendezvous. Detained." Coatleque began. Edda looked straightaway at either guard before stating "Leave us." They each looked at one another and did just that without word or argument otherwise. Edda looked down to their table. "You will forgive my interruption. Please, continue."
Whether they were finished or not, the Ambassador seemed pleased for the change of subject matter. "Lady Eglantine, it's nice to see you. How is your father?" She adjusted her spectacles again.
"As well as he always is, thank you for asking. I trust you have been kept rather busy, considering recent events?"
The woman laughed quietly. "My job is never a dull one, I fear, but yes. Quite." With that she rose to leave. "Well, I hate to keep Ms. Crofte from her appointment."
"Of course. Do take care, Ambassador." Edda replied.
"Thank you again." Coatleque managed to add in parting.
The woman pushed her chair in, fished some gil from her coat pocket to leave for the server before offering a curt bow and a smile. "Ms. Crofte, Lady Eglantine." Edda watched her leave to be sure she was out of earshot before turning to Coatleque.
"Imagine my surprise to find you here, instead of seeing you where I had expected to."
"T'was not my intention, I assure you." The words were offered with a strained smile.
Edda did not look pleased of course, not not necessarily at Coatleque herself. "I can imagine. You will come with me." Her voice was light, flippant even, but very clear that it was not a request being given.
"You may need to visit the Maelstrom office to retr... yes, of course." Her words were cut off by the request itself and the Sworn rose immediately to follow. She could not help but glance around the balcony looking for any stray guards. It may have been fear for her own life that now compelled her to obey.
"This way, then."
Edda led her from the Bismark through the center of the city and out the southern gate. As they passed through the wench she looked over her shoulder to address the woman following. "Can you ride, Ser Crofte?"
"I am no expert, but aye."
"Good. It is not a long journey at a decent pace, but I would like to arrive before night settles in full."
She continued to follow Edda with a rigid stride, her eyes darting to either side as if expecting to be taken into custody at any time. When they had passed the gates they found two saddled birds were awaiting them just beyond. One of them dressed in more elegant barding was obviously Edda's. "Here", Edda gestured to them. She carefully untied them both and mounted her own with surprising ease before motioning for Coatleque to do likewise.
"You are very prepared.", Coatleque muttered quietly before following suit to the second Chocobo. Edda smiled lightly. "Very good. We shall move at a decent pace. It is not terribly far." With that they were off at an even clip. Edda did not say another word for the remainder of the ride, and Coatleque did not try to start any sort of conversation. There was nothing more to be said at this point. She was clipped and cowed until Edda had her safely far enough away from the Maelstrom.
In the countryside of Summerford, the two came upon a rather imposing manor. Guarded by two sets of gates, and impossibly large fence that encircled the property for what must have been several acres. The front gate was emblazoned with one very simple logo - the very same from the signet ring Edda had given here that was now in custody back in the city. Easy to remember, easy to recall.
They passed through easily enough and made their way to the inner courtyard, to the very front doorstep. Several servants emerged to greet them both, help them dismount, and lead the bird to the stables. From there they entered the manse proper.
The inside was much more grand than the outer appearance gave way. A large and sweeping hall, with winding staircases that lead to the separate wings of the house. Edda was properly brushed down by a servant with nearly intrusive gestures, but Coatleque did not receive the same. She looked over her shoulder to gauge the woman's reaction to find the Sworn standing nearly at attention with her hands folded in front. Were it not for her uniform one might have mistaken her for part of the help at a first glance.
Edda eventually shooed the staff away and offered her an apologetic smile. "Forgive me if this seems awfully sudden." Once again Coatleque merely stood quiet, just taking in her surroundings. She had been to Taeros's estate many times in Ul'dah, and was no stranger to being in the presence of nobility, but what she witnessed here was on a much higher level. She could not help but feel intimidated, and almost all learning of social graces fled from her mind.
"Oh... no apology necessary." She said at length. "As I had said, this is all a favor on your part, and I am in your debt." She could not stress that point enough, that she had intended to repay her hostess when this was all over.
Edda hummed in thought. "I suppose..." She motioned to the massive staircase to her right, wide enough for four Roegadyn with their elbows clasped together to walk down in a single line. "This way. Your room is in the east wing, second floor."
"My... room?"
"Yes", Edda replied with eyes wide as if it could be anything else. "Or were you planning to stay somewhere else?" She began to lead her toward the eastern wing as specified.
"I had not honestly thought that far ahead. I assumed I would be sent away from Vylbrand as soon as my meeting with the Ambassador was concluded."
Edda chuckled lightly. "I've not the energy for such things. Most do not."
"For travelling, or thinking ahead? I've grown used to the former."
"Travelling. It wears on both the body and the mind, I find. While I enjoy it, too much in one sun is... ill advised." They reached the room together then. Edda took one slow look around it with her nose wrinkled. It was a bit more sparse than she would have liked.
"I've slept on many a ship already. It helps to pass the time at least. I will not lie, though -" She paused as she began to take in the room herself, realizing just where she was. Her voice lowered to a murmur. "I detest the thought of doing so again tonight."
"And you will not do so." Edda reassured her. "You may stay for as long as you'd like. Feel free to use anything within - there is a bell by the bed with which you can call a servant. Ask for anything you may need."
"Anything at all? You risk spoiling me."
"Within the bounds of reason. Still, there is little we cannot provide. We do not entertain guests often. The staff gets excited when we do."
"Do they? I should send for a change of clothes at least. I traveled light thinking I would be back before the morrow." Edda motioned to her left then, behind Coatleque and around hinting around the corner. "There should be clothes within the wardrobe fitted to a woman your size. Please, make use of them. Keep them if you wish." She smiled knowingly. "They do, though I fear you are not our only guest currently."
Coatleque looked away momentarily with a hand to her chin in wonder. She murmured quietly, "I wonder if Mister North would agree..." but her attention was snapped back to Edda just then. "Oh, is it anyone I would know?"
Her hostess smiled lightly, her eyes drifting to the ceiling in thought. "I could not say. He is from Ul'dah in fact - an ally of my father's. He came here in quite a state, and has been recovering here. You may hear the servants whispering of his appearance when he first arrived, so pray pay them no mind. You may meet him on the morrow, if you wish."
"Yes, I imagine I will at breakfast. Assuming your guests eat with family of course."
"They can. Or they can take breakfast in their rooms, or whatever they'd like. You shall have such choice in the morning."
Coatleque smiled and nearly blushed. "I would not be so rude as to dine alone when I am your guest! Of course I shall join you."
"Very good. And perhaps we may be able to assist in what it is you seek." Edda smiled.
"I will not turn away assistance in any form. But I should not hold you up any longer. I am eager to find a change of clothes."
"Ah- Yes, of course. Forgive me. I shall see you in the morning then, Ser Crofte. Rest well."
"In this place? How can I not?"
Lady Eglantine laughed lightly and turned to take her leave, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Coatleque had yet to meet one Maelstrom she liked. An over exaggeration perhaps, but when one has been sitting quietly for an hour flanked by armed guards, you tend to lose a temporary spark of sanity.
She had known from the start this plan would not go as smoothly as she would have liked. Marching head on someplace she should not be, why bother to hide her intentions further? So she went in uniform. Not the white and silver armor that many were accustomed to seeing her in, but a blue and white formal uniform rarely used outside diplomatic meetings.
The first sign that all was not well was leaving Ishgard by airship. She gave the attendant for La Noscea her papers and was met with a quirked brow and almost angry sneer before being stamped and ushered forward. The second sign being the constant eyes on her through the flight. She tried her best to huddle low with her arms around her knees to sleep - but the knowing you are being watched brings its share of insomnia. And finally there was the click of a cocked hammer and hollow musket barrel staring her right between the eyes as she was about to disembark.
"That didnae take long"
The next third of the day was spent being passed around from officer to officer as stories were checked and verified, the Ambassador was summoned, and anything of value was confiscated including the documents and ring Lady Eglantine had given her. She was then promptly escorted to the Bismark where she was made to sit and wait on the balcony, flanked by armed escort and ordered not to attempt leaving.
So yes, opinions may have been colored this fine afternoon.
The ambassador arrived near a full bell afterwords, blinking in her own muted surprise. She approached the table opposite the woman and paused. "I see you beat me here. And here I had hoped to play the gracious host." The woman smiled and appeared to be ignoring the escort. Coatleque could not immediately tell if she was being mocked or not. "I hope you have not been waiting long."
"Long enough I would say. My... escort is to be sure I cause no grief to the city-state. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice." A curt glance was thrown to either side with the barest turning of her head.
The ambassador smiled. "Of course. May I?"
"Please do!"
With that the woman sat opposite her, adjusting her large spectacles and blinking owlishly. "It must have been very important." She commented offhandedly, setting immediately to business.
"It is to me at least. Please, excuse my manners. I would have had some sort of food or drink waiting, but..." she paused for another rather annoyed look to the side. "I will not be here longer than our meeting."
Ambassador Summerford, however, promptly requested lemon-water for herself to a hurried server as he passed by. "Oh... not even a drink?"
"I am content for now."
"Well, all right then. What can I do for you, Ms. Crofte?"
The next few minutes were spent in detailing the events up to Jameson's mysterious disappearance in the tunnels under Ul'dah and her tracking the man all the way to Ishgard only to have doubled back now to Vylbrand. "You were the last person I know he had business dealings with in La Noscea. I had thought he may contact you."
There was a momentary pause as the Ambassador considered all that had transpired. "Sailing here? How long ago?"
"By airship, at least a day or two ago. Perhaps longer, but not by much. He was seen in the company of another woman."
"I can tell you that I have not seen any official record of Lord Taeros's arrival, nor any licenses in his name. But that is not to say he has not come." Her voice lowered to a murmur. "Given the circumstances, I doubt he is making his whereabouts public."
Coatlque's mouth twitched to the side. It was always the same thing with these meetings. Layers of secrets locked between cryptic clues and well placed words. "Official records do not interest me at this point. I know he would not come out openly. If you have seen the man himself, that is what I want to know. He need not contact me, I will find him eventually."
The Ambassador frowned and shook her head. "I have not," she said quietly. "But I will keep my eyes and ears open."
The Sworn sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, her shoulders visibly slumping. Her gaze wandered off to the side to glance at the sea below them. "Thank you for that, at the very least." She murmured.
It was then that their meeting was interrupted by the clearing of someone's throat. Both heads turned to find Lady Eglantine herself had arrived seemingly out of nowhere. The guards immediately stood to at her quiet announcement.
"Lady Eglantine. Apologies, I was not able to make our rendezvous. Detained." Coatleque began. Edda looked straightaway at either guard before stating "Leave us." They each looked at one another and did just that without word or argument otherwise. Edda looked down to their table. "You will forgive my interruption. Please, continue."
Whether they were finished or not, the Ambassador seemed pleased for the change of subject matter. "Lady Eglantine, it's nice to see you. How is your father?" She adjusted her spectacles again.
"As well as he always is, thank you for asking. I trust you have been kept rather busy, considering recent events?"
The woman laughed quietly. "My job is never a dull one, I fear, but yes. Quite." With that she rose to leave. "Well, I hate to keep Ms. Crofte from her appointment."
"Of course. Do take care, Ambassador." Edda replied.
"Thank you again." Coatleque managed to add in parting.
The woman pushed her chair in, fished some gil from her coat pocket to leave for the server before offering a curt bow and a smile. "Ms. Crofte, Lady Eglantine." Edda watched her leave to be sure she was out of earshot before turning to Coatleque.
"Imagine my surprise to find you here, instead of seeing you where I had expected to."
"T'was not my intention, I assure you." The words were offered with a strained smile.
Edda did not look pleased of course, not not necessarily at Coatleque herself. "I can imagine. You will come with me." Her voice was light, flippant even, but very clear that it was not a request being given.
"You may need to visit the Maelstrom office to retr... yes, of course." Her words were cut off by the request itself and the Sworn rose immediately to follow. She could not help but glance around the balcony looking for any stray guards. It may have been fear for her own life that now compelled her to obey.
"This way, then."
Edda led her from the Bismark through the center of the city and out the southern gate. As they passed through the wench she looked over her shoulder to address the woman following. "Can you ride, Ser Crofte?"
"I am no expert, but aye."
"Good. It is not a long journey at a decent pace, but I would like to arrive before night settles in full."
She continued to follow Edda with a rigid stride, her eyes darting to either side as if expecting to be taken into custody at any time. When they had passed the gates they found two saddled birds were awaiting them just beyond. One of them dressed in more elegant barding was obviously Edda's. "Here", Edda gestured to them. She carefully untied them both and mounted her own with surprising ease before motioning for Coatleque to do likewise.
"You are very prepared.", Coatleque muttered quietly before following suit to the second Chocobo. Edda smiled lightly. "Very good. We shall move at a decent pace. It is not terribly far." With that they were off at an even clip. Edda did not say another word for the remainder of the ride, and Coatleque did not try to start any sort of conversation. There was nothing more to be said at this point. She was clipped and cowed until Edda had her safely far enough away from the Maelstrom.
In the countryside of Summerford, the two came upon a rather imposing manor. Guarded by two sets of gates, and impossibly large fence that encircled the property for what must have been several acres. The front gate was emblazoned with one very simple logo - the very same from the signet ring Edda had given here that was now in custody back in the city. Easy to remember, easy to recall.
They passed through easily enough and made their way to the inner courtyard, to the very front doorstep. Several servants emerged to greet them both, help them dismount, and lead the bird to the stables. From there they entered the manse proper.
The inside was much more grand than the outer appearance gave way. A large and sweeping hall, with winding staircases that lead to the separate wings of the house. Edda was properly brushed down by a servant with nearly intrusive gestures, but Coatleque did not receive the same. She looked over her shoulder to gauge the woman's reaction to find the Sworn standing nearly at attention with her hands folded in front. Were it not for her uniform one might have mistaken her for part of the help at a first glance.
Edda eventually shooed the staff away and offered her an apologetic smile. "Forgive me if this seems awfully sudden." Once again Coatleque merely stood quiet, just taking in her surroundings. She had been to Taeros's estate many times in Ul'dah, and was no stranger to being in the presence of nobility, but what she witnessed here was on a much higher level. She could not help but feel intimidated, and almost all learning of social graces fled from her mind.
"Oh... no apology necessary." She said at length. "As I had said, this is all a favor on your part, and I am in your debt." She could not stress that point enough, that she had intended to repay her hostess when this was all over.
Edda hummed in thought. "I suppose..." She motioned to the massive staircase to her right, wide enough for four Roegadyn with their elbows clasped together to walk down in a single line. "This way. Your room is in the east wing, second floor."
"My... room?"
"Yes", Edda replied with eyes wide as if it could be anything else. "Or were you planning to stay somewhere else?" She began to lead her toward the eastern wing as specified.
"I had not honestly thought that far ahead. I assumed I would be sent away from Vylbrand as soon as my meeting with the Ambassador was concluded."
Edda chuckled lightly. "I've not the energy for such things. Most do not."
"For travelling, or thinking ahead? I've grown used to the former."
"Travelling. It wears on both the body and the mind, I find. While I enjoy it, too much in one sun is... ill advised." They reached the room together then. Edda took one slow look around it with her nose wrinkled. It was a bit more sparse than she would have liked.
"I've slept on many a ship already. It helps to pass the time at least. I will not lie, though -" She paused as she began to take in the room herself, realizing just where she was. Her voice lowered to a murmur. "I detest the thought of doing so again tonight."
"And you will not do so." Edda reassured her. "You may stay for as long as you'd like. Feel free to use anything within - there is a bell by the bed with which you can call a servant. Ask for anything you may need."
"Anything at all? You risk spoiling me."
"Within the bounds of reason. Still, there is little we cannot provide. We do not entertain guests often. The staff gets excited when we do."
"Do they? I should send for a change of clothes at least. I traveled light thinking I would be back before the morrow." Edda motioned to her left then, behind Coatleque and around hinting around the corner. "There should be clothes within the wardrobe fitted to a woman your size. Please, make use of them. Keep them if you wish." She smiled knowingly. "They do, though I fear you are not our only guest currently."
Coatleque looked away momentarily with a hand to her chin in wonder. She murmured quietly, "I wonder if Mister North would agree..." but her attention was snapped back to Edda just then. "Oh, is it anyone I would know?"
Her hostess smiled lightly, her eyes drifting to the ceiling in thought. "I could not say. He is from Ul'dah in fact - an ally of my father's. He came here in quite a state, and has been recovering here. You may hear the servants whispering of his appearance when he first arrived, so pray pay them no mind. You may meet him on the morrow, if you wish."
"Yes, I imagine I will at breakfast. Assuming your guests eat with family of course."
"They can. Or they can take breakfast in their rooms, or whatever they'd like. You shall have such choice in the morning."
Coatleque smiled and nearly blushed. "I would not be so rude as to dine alone when I am your guest! Of course I shall join you."
"Very good. And perhaps we may be able to assist in what it is you seek." Edda smiled.
"I will not turn away assistance in any form. But I should not hold you up any longer. I am eager to find a change of clothes."
"Ah- Yes, of course. Forgive me. I shall see you in the morning then, Ser Crofte. Rest well."
"In this place? How can I not?"
Lady Eglantine laughed lightly and turned to take her leave, shutting the door quietly behind her.
