chaoticsleepy

Snow makes people crazy, I swear. Today's already looking promising. 10:17am. We've had the doors open since 9:58am. Someone calls all snippy at me "What time did y'all open? I was sitting right outside on the bench staring at the locked doors until 15 after and went home." "...That was two minutes ago, sir. And I've been staring at the open door right in front of me for 17 minutes." "NO YOU WERE CLOSED. I WAS -THERE-."

Well, color me surprised to see you here, Kenken. (pun master senpai has noticed you and appreciates your delicious offering.) @Jaques: Aw, that sucks! D: Thanks though!

Got some more dyes, figured I'd bump this up again in case anyone is in need~

Meiko watched as the other started writing on the chalkboard, waiting until she was done before really reading it. She nodded, pushing herself up from her chair and replacing the knife in her belt as she strolled to the board. "A common interest, indeed." As she answered, she pulled out the note that had come with the knife, handing it to Inessa to read: [align=center][/align] Her own subtle way of letting the other know that she was being watched, without speaking a word. She waited for the other to read the note before picking up her own piece of chalk, beginning to write in her plain, if not slightly crooked handwriting as she spoke. "Get some rest tonight, Detective Hara." If there were any windows in the room, she would make an active attempt to use her body to block the sight of what she was writing. "I have a feeling that this particular job is much more complicated than a simple theft, and potentially much more dangerous. It would serve us well to both be at our best. Though, I think before I retire for the evening, there is one more place that I would like to check. Regardless, we should meet back here in the morning. Is that acceptable?" Meiko turned her body slightly towards Inessa, still trying to keep her writing secret from any potential window-watchers, while still letting the miqo'te woman read: [align=center]Not a great idea for me to come. Watched by Flea, both of us potentially followed by Neneji's lurkabouts. Agree to retire for evening. Feigning interest in another area on other side of city to draw their eye. Sneak out when coast clear. No one can be two places at once.[/align]

"I'm aware of your opinion on him, and I share it. I don't have any love for his type, myself. But I tend to keep my opinions and my impressions of others separate on the job. Bias tends towards misleading convictions." She lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. But as Inessa went on about the man kept prisoner, she let out a soft 'hmm'. "Lines up with my brief interaction with him. He seemed bothered by your pressing the issue, and he threatened me to not be 'too curious' like you." Meiko kept turning that knife in her hands, glancing up to Inessa. "So, to sum it up, Neneji is a wealthy man with an appreciation for extravagant fashion at the surface level. He seems to be confident in his power and authority over others, as he has right to be. Gold is the law in Ul'dah and, even if you involved the Brass Blades on his prisoner's behalf, his coin would win out against your sense of justice." "Yet as confident as he seems in his authority, he is threatened by us overstepping our bounds and digging into his background. He simply wants us to trail after the Flea until we catch up with him, not find out the root cause." Finally, the knife ceased its turning. "He is hiding something. Something that, I figure, not even a prodigious amount of coin could convince the authority to look over. So truly, I doubt the man cares at all about this ridiculous hat and its retrieval. The Flea likely knows something particularly damning, and his capture for the theft will keep that from coming to light." A subtle smile gradually came to the woman's lips. There were many questions left to answer and connections to uncover. But if she was right, that meant that there was like to be even more of a reward to be had, if they could bring down a haughty Monetarist's shady dealings.

Meiko watched as the Brass Blades made their appearance, finally dismissing them from the scene. She eyed the blonde haired boy for a moment, committing the name and face to memory, before turning to follow after Inessa. [align=center]-----------[/align] [align=center]Inessa's Office[/align] It had been forever since Meiko had actually stepped foot into a formal office to work. In Limsa, her 'office' had been the docks, the streets, back alleys and gambling halls. This was uncomfortable, almost stiflingly so. Frowning, she found a seat, sinking into the cushion as she watched Inessa from across the room. "I agree. Profit is almost certainly not the motive. And if it were an attempt at sending a message to the people at large, then I would expect the clues to be more public and less cryptic." Her arms crossed over her chest, hand propping up to tap thoughtfully at her chin. "Learning more about Neneji should be our priority. He's at the center of it in some way." As she sat, she pulled the throwing knife from earlier out of her belt, turning it over in her hands as she spoke. "You've had the.. pleasure of meeting with him in person, haven't you? What was your impression of him?"

Throwing my Meiko up for grabs, too! She's a former member of the Rogue's Guild who turned to greener (or gold-er, maybe?) pastures when she realized her particular skill set could be more profitable to other, often not so code-abiding employers. She's been taking a lot of freelance jobs across the city states for clients of varying levels of morality, mostly to the tune of spying, investigating, sabotaging, and thieving acquisitions. Whatever brings in the most coin. So! If you ever want them to stumble across one another, set up some kind of background story connection, etc., hit me up in game or on the forums! Sounds like it could be fun to see them interact! c:

"Well, 'relatively private' was what I meant. Only a fool would think there's anywhere truly private within Ul'dah's walls," Meiko answered with a shrug of the shoulder. "The office should be sufficient, though. Lead the way, whenever you're ready."

"You're right. If it were simple profit the man was after, he wouldn't have left clues. That hat would've been sold on the black markets by now with nary a peep to be had. It is definitely personal." She paused. "Or if it isn't a personal grudge against Neneji, then at least this thief means to send a message." As the proposition of partnership is offered, the woman stops to consider it for a moment. Cooperate and split the profit, fifty-fifty. It was the same deal she had offered Seth earlier in the day, though the other had turned it down. While she hadn't given it much thought at the time, having the same offer made to her now and the context of their conversation gave her cause to wonder, her brows furrowing in thought. Who in their right mind would turn down a one million gil offer, just for doing some running and gathering some information? It was easy profit, ripe for the taking, and he had passed without a second thought. She pushed the thought to the side for now, for later contemplation. For the time being, dealing with Inessa was priority number one. "Deal, then." She nodded to the other instead of taking the proffered gold-stained hand. "I would shake on it, but I'd rather not get that mess all over me." Murmuring from outside drew Meiko's attention upwards to the door, where the throng of Weaver's Guild workers were starting to gather. Scowling lightly at the intrusion, she glanced back to Inessa. "I would like to discuss what information we've gathered, but there are too many eyes and ears here. And as the Flea has proven with his gift for us, this storeroom isn't the most secure, either. Do you know of somewhere private we can speak?"

No clues lurking about. That was a first. After finding nothing on her sweep, the woman turned around and glanced back to find Inessa inspecting the hat and the note. Stepping closer, she peered down at the other, though she couldn't rightly make out the words. She did, however, spot the gold that came away on her hands. "A fake? Seems the Flea's a thief, poet and an artist." She scoffed lightly, nodding her head down at the note. "What's the bloody fool have to say this time?"

Meiko stood back as Inessa moved forward to get a closer look at the hat. As she got her closer look, the half-Doman woman started around the outskirts of the room, getting a closer look at all of the various pieces and the like, looking for clues. She was rather confident that the Flea had likely hidden some kind of note under that hat for them, but there was no harm in looking for others in other parts of the room. With how eccentric this guy was, there could be hundreds of cheeky little missive here, for all they knew. [ OOC: Sorry for the late reply! ; ; ]

Meiko quirked at eyebrow at the other's dismissive response. "On the contrary, I'm here on the same job you are." But she didn't push the matter. Hara didn't write her paycheck. No need to cozy up to her. The hyur woman simply followed along quietly as the attendant took them to the store room, not bothering to correct her on her purpose. Rather, she was very much interested in scoping the place out. And just as anticipated, there was a whole array of expensive, flashy product on display. She had barely managed to leave her own thoughts when the attendant started to demonstrate the secured door, only to have it swing open. Despite herself, a sardonic smirk took to her lips. Could've seen that coming from a mile away, coming from this cheeky 'Flea'. She stood back and watched as Inessa went into an alerted stance, her own features remaining as stone-like and inexpressive as ever. "Likely just a cute little note on the other side. Maybe some missing pieces of product." She explained quietly. "Doesn't seem like this man's motive to be violent as much as playing a game with us." At least, she hoped not, knowing the man was keeping an eye on her. Regardless, her hands did fall subtly to her knives. Just in case.

Nothing to show, for all that time spend wandering. It was a frustrating endeavor, but she persisted, nonetheless. After all, most deductive work was a lot of 'I don't know's until the lucky break, asking the right question to the right person. It would take more than this to discourage her, especially with such a large reward at stake. The second the linkpearl started up, the woman stopped and listened closely. Good, at least this man wasn't so eccentric as to refuse to communicate with her. This made things quite easier. The news that someone else was after the gil too, however, made her scowl. Should've expected that, given the reward. Though, that last line.. Don't be too curious? Being curious right now was her job. Unless that's what he wasn't referring to. Her eyes narrowed, going back to her earlier thoughts of the Flea's motivations. Perhaps there was something going on in the background - something that warranted further investigation, whether the man liked it or not. "Understood," she replied. The threat didn't faze her, but she wasn't about to tell the man she was keen on going right against it. "I'll be in touch." And off to the Weaver's Guild it was. [align=center]----------[/align] [align=center]The Weaver's Guild[/align] Upon arriving at the guild, Meiko took a moment to stand back and make some observations, taking note of the faces present and the type of facility it was. Though as the miqo'te approached the counter, she couldn't help but overhear her ask for the Guildmaster. Lofting a brow, she turned to stroll right up next to her at the counter. "Actually, I've come to speak with Master Redolent Rose about the same matter myself," She told the person behind the counter, before turning her head to look to Inessa. "Miss Hara, I presume?"

Meiko's upper lip pulled into a sneer at the 'message', letting out an annoyed 'hmph' as she crumpled the paper up and stuffed it away. Whoever this Flea was, when she found him, she was going to strangle him. Or at least consider it. Cheeky bastard. Back to the drawing board it was, then. At the moment, she couldn't rightly think of anything else to examine closer. So that clue, for the most part, was shelved. However, there was one other part to it that warranted attention. Thankfully, the closest Mail Moogle wasn't far away at all, nor was a linkpearl vendor. After having a chat with the latter and returning to the former, Meiko stopped to write out a note penned to one Fafonji Neneji, deliverable to the 22nd plot of the Goblet's 13th ward. Along with the note was a small pouch, containing a linkpearl. The contents of the note read as follows: [align=center]Ser Neneji,[/align] [align=center]In searching to ascertain the identity of the 'Flea' with whom you've recently had conflict, I have come across a message warning that there are yet more objects that the man has set his sights upon. I write to you to warn that perhaps an increase in guard is in order. He did not name what he was after nor if you were even his target, however.[/align] [align=center]Should you have any further run-ins with the thief or know of others whom do, or if you have any pertinent information, please contact me via the linkpearl I have included in this message which reaches my ears only. I regret that I am unable to speak with you in person; however, in light of current information, long distance communication may perhaps be best. A flea might jump, but he cannot be in two places at once.[/align] [align=center]Rest assured that this thief will be apprehended in short order.[/align] [align=center]-- Amano[/align] Meiko rolled her eyes softly as she re-read the letter before folding it neatly and handing it and the pearl over to the Moogle. The simpering, proper tone was quite unfitting for her. But if it were a haughty Monetarist with whom she was speaking, feigned reverence would suit her cause better than her typical no-nonsense approach. Ul'dahn elite did like their coddling. "See that this reaches Neneji's hands and no other. Not his guards, not his butlers - no one but him." She intoned flatly at the poor moogle. "Be alert. You may be trailed." Once the note was handed over, Meiko's attention shifted again. Any potential communication with Neneji would have to wait, given this trailing. So until she made contact via the pearl, she would have to look elsewhere for clues. With that thought in mind, the woman started off deeper into the city, where the more 'high end' shops and guilds were located. Might as well see if she could make some rounds and find out anything about Neneji's recent or notable purchases.

The knife seemed to have a rather Lominsan feel to it in style, she noted. And the design itself was rather ostentatious. But it was the note sticking out of the handle was the most intriguing part of all. Stashing the knife in her belt for safe keeping, she studied the note. Something hidden where it was least expected. What else needed to be checked? She thought it over before pulling out the other note again and strolling over to the nearest torch ensconced in the wall, holding both up flat in front of it. Heat-sensitive ink, maybe? She had experience with it before, finding the location of a mark once with hidden messages scribbled onto a seemingly legitimate bill of sale during her days with the Dutiful Sisters. Perhaps that was what he had meant needed to be checked closer? Right now, she couldn't think of anything else in her possession that he could've been referring to.

Really don't know what SE stands to gain or prove by this sudden "clarification" of policy. And if it was really that big of a deal to them, why it took this long for it to be made into an issue. My mind = blown.

No one, for hours? The woman's brows knitted as she examined the Sultansworn closely. Perhaps he was corrupted? Paid off to turn the other cheek? Yet the longer she looked at him, the more she suspected such wasn't the case. It appeared that he was telling the truth. "... I see," she murmured, shaking her head. "Pardon my intrusion, then." Turning, Meiko made to quit the Hustings Strip when something caught her attention from the corner of her eye. Redirecting her course once again, she pulled the throwing knife free from the railing and brought up the note to read. As she had suspected, it was her mark. She read the note several times, turning the words over and over in her mind. It was even more cryptic than the last, but it did ascertain one thing: this 'Flea' knew her identity, and would be actively watching her. This certainly put her at a disadvantage. Scowling, she folded the new note and stashed it away in a pocket, now turning her attention fully upon this knife. Had he a purpose in leaving the knife with the note? Or was it simply for dramatic flare? The Flea hadn't pulled any stops when it came to the show thusfar, truly. But if it were a clue.. Her mind worked as she turned it over carefully in her hands, looking for any type of clue about its owner: the blade's newness and extent of use, type of material, any familiar craftsmans' style, or any particularly interesting embellishments. Of course, it was probably just a boring ol' knife. Boo. [ OOC: Want to make a check on the knife for clues before I proceed! cx ]

If your septic is in need of numbing, just give the word. I've still got a whole bottle of that disgusting terrible demon medicine Chloraseptic to share!

No fair! I want a three day weekend! But apparently our office doesn't recognize President's Day as a day off. Boo, hiss. Still, woop! Almost Friday!

Silence. Part of her had expected the reaction. Yet it was the silence that made the woman even more suspicious. If it had been innocent, then the watcher would've likely proclaimed such. And she couldn't think of any reason that the everyday Ul'dahn information broker would keep an eye out for her. It hadn't been long since she had started working here and she had yet to take any particularly sensitive jobs. Surely, she figured, she hadn't yet accrued enough of a reputation in the Jewel of the Desert to have someone trailing her and reporting on her movements. The interest in her had to be personal in some way, or so she figured. The echo of footsteps from above pulled her attention upwards, but not in time to catch a glimpse. Lips setting into a scowl, she started off again, her course changing. Neneji could wait. If someone had eyes on her, she wanted to know why. Reaching the Husting Strip moments later, the half-Doman woman glanced around only to find nothing out of the ordinary. Just guards standing about, keeping watch. Perhaps they had seen something? Didn't hurt to ask. "Pardon, Ser." She stopped at the nearest Sultansworn guard. "Perhaps you saw an individual at the balcony only moments earlier? Looking down to the Gold Court?"

Sweet, sweet hump day. And yeah. Been a really blah week. So ready to go into recluse mode this weekend.

One didn't pursue Meiko's line of work if they weren't perceptive, and the green-eyed woman was no exception to this rule. And for someone who spent most of their time skulking about in the shadows watching others, it didn't take much to realize when she was on the receiving end. The soft sound of trailing footsteps, shifts in the shadows, movements from the corner of her eyes as her head turned.. Perhaps she was imagining things, yet perhaps not. Her mind fell back to news of the recent attacks in Ul'dah - the women who had been felled by poison arrows. The first victim of which had been shot down in this very court. Even if the watching was unrelated, the thought still put her on edge and every muscle in her body was coiled to spring. "I know you're watching me," she announced loudly as she came to a stop, unable to tolerate it any longer. Her hands subtly shifted closer to the daggers at her waist. Her demeanor was calm, but her mind was calculating. Her eyes were glancing about on the search for movement from the shadows, and hands were ready to sling one of those knives if needed. "If you've intentions with me, get on with it."

Meiko's brows lofted in surprise at the other's response. She had anticipated his interest in the case, but clearly not the scope. But the hint of surprise on her features disappeared just as it had appeared, reaching out to accept the scroll paper. "Understood." She pushed herself up from the counter, sliding a few coins onto the bar top. Enough for her tab, and a bit extra for Seth. "If you come across anything else, I would like to hear it. I'll pay for the information." With a parting nod, the woman made to quit the Quicksand, repeating the new information to herself. Goblet, Ward 13, Plot 22. Fafonji Neneji. Time for a house call.

The way I look at it, stones and the like are part of the environment and equally available to both fighters in a match so I -personally- don't take issue with it. It's just up to the character themselves whether or not they're of the persuasion to use them if an opportunity arises. But an undeclared weapon is an unfair, one-sided advantage. Just my two cents! x:

[ OOC: Doh. Meant to get a post in first thing this morning, but holy carp work has been crazy. Rushed lunch break post, gogo! ] Meiko's face turned up at the sound of the familiar voice, expression as neutral as ever as she quietly regarded him. A single shoulder lifted and fell in a shrug. "I don't hate him. I just don't see the point in making a show of one's thievery." Stuffing the paper back into a pocket for later pondering, the woman turned on her barstool to get a better look at Seth. "You told me to seek you out if I was interested. I am, and so must you be, to have me seek you out in the first place." Never one to mince words for over long, Meiko jumped right into it. "If I am correct, then my proposal is this. You do the boring legwork, and I'll do the investigating. We'll split the reward, fifty-fifty. If that is agreeable, then I want you to find out the name of this monetarist, what was stolen, and where the stolen item was purchased or ordered from so that I can proceed." "If I am mistaken and you're not interested, then say the word and I'll be off by myself. Of course, if I do come by the reward, I'll still pay you duly for the initial information. Knowledge is a valuable commodity, and I don't do debt."