Coatleque

Time seemed to slow in that instant and she almost caught herself saying 'yes'. Something stayed her voice, however. Something she perhaps did not want to admit to herself, nor anyone. She did not know how long a pause had passed, or how long she had stared at him with her mouth half open. Just say it. It is your job. This is why you are here. Still there were no words. She found her head shaking as she looked away. What are you doing?! Why are you even here now if not for this? Her gaze slowly returned to him with an almost saddened look. She took a slow breath, her voice softer than before. "Not if what you ask will force me to decide between your life and my duty.", she said at length. "If you've a confession that would force me to detain you as a threat to the Sultanate... then no. I do not want to know." He regarded her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Then I know where the line must be drawn." "And that is one line I shall never cross." Jameson's smile returned, the same pleasant façade as before. "Do not fear, my dear. I would not put you in such a position, but in all else, I shall be as truthful as I can. Contrary to what many believe, I prefer to keep things truthful whenever possible. Lies only murk the waters. Make it difficult to navigate." There was another long pause as they regarded each other. She found herself nodding to his words even as she considered them. "But in all else..." - so he was hiding something. Is that what she had suspected, or was it what she had feared? It was becoming harder to decide what her ultimate purpose for being here was anymore. In that moment she decided this was for the best. She did not have all of the information. She did not know all of the plans that were set in motion. If he merely confessed everything to her right now it would feel like more of a betrayal than she was prepared for. No. She did not want a confession. She would uncover whatever it was, but she would do it her own way. And if she could avoid hurting him in the process... perhaps even release him from whatever duress he may be under, that would be the true victory. Her thoughts were interrupted though as he continued on. "So. It is in truth that I seek the one who murdered Tane for the truth. What she knows and why she did it. And for others to see that if one acts against those under my employ, I will take measures to see that the yare caught. All legally of course." "Of course.", she replied curtly. "But why do you ask of the Andurons?" The question seemed to pass without her hearing as she pushed something around her plate with her fork. She seemed lost for another moment, distracted once again by the potential confession she had denied him. "Oh, yes... Captain Anduron. He is the reason behind the woman's actions, if what I heard is to be believed. He forced himself on her, and Alabrous Tane is the one who delivered her into his hands. She sought revenge." This news did not seem to phase him as he continued to meet her gaze. He blinked twince. "Ah. That is... unpleasant." "Yes. And places me in a rather difficult position." Jameson took up his glass once more and swirled the contents. "Even if that is true, and Anduron can be implicated and condemned, the woman still murdered Tane. One wrong does not cancel the other." "The man, I believe, has anger seeded inside of him. Along with ambition, I cannot say whether he is guilty of this act or not, but he is known for his... aptitude for cruelty. His unforgiving ways keep many unruly Blades in line." Coatleque finished her own glass then and set it back to the table. Taking the napkin from her lap she dabbed at her mouth before folding it and setting it aside as well. Jameson nodded at her after a moments thought. They both began to speak at once just then. "Indeed, murder is murder. But, Ser Crofte, do you recall those unforeseen events that I had mentioned earlier?" "In truth this is a matter for the Blades. What am I to do? I promised the girl would not be harmed, but... aye?" Their eyes met again for a moment. It seemed as if she was confiding her worry to Jameson, rather uncharacteristic of her. And his expression was almost sympathetic, an odd thing for him as well. She turned her head away in embarrassment and waited for him to continue before looking back. "If she is handed over to the Blades... I would exercise much caution. Anduron is not known for his kindness. Deneith. She was under his command. She did not do well. And she was not a wanted criminal as this woman is. Who also is now accusing him of crimes as well." He kept her gaze as his voice was kept even and low. "I know you think me in charge of much of their affairs, but... this would be a delicate matter for me. Should I step on Anduron's authority... He and I currently have a tenuous relationship." It was not something she ever thought to hear from Jameson. An admission of fear, no matter how insignificant. For a brief moment he seemed like just another man to her. "Of course, I can fabricate a false charge to keep her out of their hands, but that will only work for so long. What... what was the unforeseen event then?"

As the one called Balthamon spoke, she had circled the desk and sat down. Her fingers she laced in front of her on the desk as she had seen her Captain do many times before. She listened to the man's proposal in its entirety, not batting an eyelash or betraying any emotion at how well informed they seemed to be. Her eyes did not leave the one who was talking all the while. It may have even seemed as if she was ignoring the Roe now since he hadn't the time to use his own breath on her. "Absolutely not.", she replied curtly at the end of his speech. Her expression remained calm as she regarded the man, waiting for his next set of terms.

"So... What is this about Tane?" Coatleque shifted slightly in her chair. Her expression almost fell to a pout at the change from distraction to business. She caught herself, however, and decided against being overly dramatic in this case. She sighed and thought for a moment before continuing. "Oh yes, Al... you had asked me to find his murderer before. One of our exchanges of favors, if you recall." "Aye, Tane was one of my employees." "Yes, Miss Callae told me. Or rather she gave me enough hints that I could figure that bit out on my own. I placed a bounty on her head in hopes of finding a lead. Someone has finally contacted me in that regards." "Oh? Do tell.", he said flatly. "A woman approached me and offered to hand the target over to me. She was not herself interested in the reward." "Why would she do this?" "She seemed to think the woman would be safer in my hands than she is now.", Coatleque continued with some hint of amazement. "I was hoping you would tell me if your interest in this was more than simple justice." Jameson leaned back in his chair with a shrug. This change of conversation had brought her into her inspector's mindset. She watched him with the usual quizzical expression she typically had in his presence. It was only a matter of time now before someone was bound to interrupt them, such was her luck. "I know nothing about this woman, but she did kill an employee of mine. I want to know why, and Tane... knew certain sensitive things. It is a matter of security that she is caught and questioned." Coatleque found herself swirling her glass slowly as he spoke, not lifting it from the table. "What is this woman's predicament? Who is she? Where this is concerned, Lady Crofte, I only need to make show of the fact that one does not kill a man under my employ and simply roam free. I am still not sure why she would be safer in your hands rather than..." She cut him off with an abrupt sigh. "No ulterior motives? No hidden agendas? I hope you do trust me enough in this matter." "Ahhh..." Jameson tapped his gloved fingers on his wine glass in thought. "I had not put out any particular orders regarding the woman." She nodded slowly, still watching him. "Then I shall do what I must to bring her in. In a related matter, do you know the name Anduron?" Jameson looked up just then as the server had returned carrying two plates of eft steak. One was placed before each of them and after a slight bow the man left them again. Neither of them would say it, but the interruption was quite welcome at this point. Coatleque took up her napkin and unfolded it, placing it across her lap as she uncrossed her legs to assume a more rigid posture. "I do know the name. A Royalist noble family. Why that name?" "Royalist?" Her fork held in her left hand, she slowly cut a piece of the steak and ate one small bite rather slowly, properly. "As far as I know, the family is. Now, their eldest son... is a Blade Captain." "Ah, yes. Captain Anden Anduron." "Ah. Yes. He. Have you crossed paths with him before?" "I have never met the man, though his name has crossed my desk. I believe there were three Sworn assigned to his command at one point?" She phrased the last bit as a question as if to invoke the memories back for Taeros regardless of his attempt to ignore them. His voice had become clipped, short even. A change she had picked up on. It was obvious she might now be privy to things that perhaps he did not know himself. "Come now, do you still think me so ill-informed? It has been many months since we've met. I am not so... amateur... as I was.", she declared with a slightly prideful grin. Jameson took on as patient a look as he could muster, exhaling slowly through is nose again as before. "It is not your lack of information. That affair... it had gone not as I had intended." With that he took up his glass once more to drink. "It is past.", she continued with a shrug. "And how would you have intended it?" Jameson set his glass down again, one gloved finger tapping at the edge of the glass. He thought for a few moments before taking up his utensils. All the while, Coatleque continued to eat slowly, watching him. He was choosing his words carefully. She had come to know this familiar pause in their dialogues. This game of how much she can coax from him while he considered exactly what he could trust her with. He finally broke the silence. "Some things that happened were... unforeseen." "Only good things I hope.", she replied in an attempt to lighten the mood. His gaze was broken now as he attended to his meal. His smile fading. "Some good. Others not so." "Mmm, yes. Dealing with me must have been so trying for you. But what are the good things you speak of?" He glanced back up to her with a smirk. "The relationships developed with the Sworns, I consider the good things. I got to know Natalie well through all of it. And now here you are." "I take it someone else was none to pleased though. But yes, here I am. Sitting in the same place where we had our very first conversation." Jameson set his utensils aside and leaned back, taking up his wine. "What acquaintances I make should please and displease no one else but me. As long as I do what I do, and well." "As you say. Though if we are to continue this, I may be more inclined to care about who displeases you." There was a pause after her last statement. Jameson was clearly dodging the issue, though his voice had returned to its usual pleasant tone. His eyes darted back to the wine in hand as he thought once more. She stopped eating herself and sipped at her own wine, slowly, eyes not leaving his the whole time. It was he who once again broke the silence before it became awkward. "I speak no ill of those I work with, nor many acquaintances, no matter what my true opinion of them may be. That would not bode well for me in the end. Considering the life I lead, and the job I do. So... Lady Crofte? You ask me for my confidence when you ask such things. Can I trust you?" "I would agree, if I was only here to do business. But I thought tonight was to be a distraction. Even you should be allowed to speak your mind now and again, to an impartial ear.", she replied with as much understanding in her voice as she could. In a way this was a similarity they shared. Knowing too much for their own good and not able to share such burdens with anyone else. "I told you once. I keep our... affairs private. I still wonder if you do as well. I know you have told me so, and I would naught ever want to doubt your honor. But I have confessed to you my suspicions." She smiled slightly with a tilt of her head. A familiar line she had used many times in her career. "I am, if nothing else, honorable." "I have many enemies. I count you not as one among them. But I do believe you are acquainted... and allied with many. Many whom would like to see my head on a platter." "They would. I, however, prefer to avoid such bloodshed." "I confided in Natalie and she took my words to her grave. Should I share this with you, as I did with her... Would you do the same?"

I love how everyone hates her for this. She's done nothing wrong yet! Also, SMORES... Delicious.

Is that... Jancis? That's a cute pic. Love it. Also, Osric, there's another cheesy romance story developing for you to read.

Did I mention I'm having too much fun with this? I haven't even played this game since 4th edition came out.

(( December Bump )) We are still here. Welcome to the new members and initiates. Things are still relatively quiet, but I have been as active as I can be on what is supposed to be a security channel for Paladins.

Approaching the lounge, Coatleque realized that business was slow as she expected. She had a small twinge of pride at knowing her city so well. Jameson led them to the table near the railing and pulled the first chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. "Lady first." She took the offered seat with a quiet "Thank you." and flattened out her dress after crossing her legs. Jameson came around to the other side and motioned to the servant as he took his own chair. The man quickly came over and two drink and plates of their freshest dish of the day were promptly ordered. Coatleque folded her hands in front of her as the servant left. "You express your worry over how busy mine own schedule is, yet I rarely see you yourself as much.", she began. "Alas. My days... are rarely unoccupied." "Mine as well.", she admitted with a slight hum. "But it is the life I thrive in.", Jameson replied with a nod. "Even the opera, it was for business actually. One must cater to certain families with grand outings in order to gain their favor." "And here people claim that I work too much myself." "If you are at all like me, our work is our life, and we are granted brief respite from it with... distractions. Sometimes welcomed, and other times not so." She found herself nodding along with his words. "It is... as I was telling Ser Tarry earlier this afternoon. I found myself with free time today and had no idea what I was to do with it. I am somewhat familiar with the busy schedules of nobility, though." He smiled. "I found myself in the same quandary. I, however, had a dinner date that I had been neglecting." "Oh? More business? Or was this distraction?" As if on cue, the server returned with two glasses of dark burgundy wine which were placed before each of them. Coatleque smiled as the glass was set before her. Her eyes began to travel to the server, but with some measured restraint she was able to keep them trained on Jameson. She could not avoid the odd feeling it left her with. "You, Lady Crofte. Business or distraction... I will leave the which of that up to you." "Well, that would depend on if a distraction is required." His eyes met her gaze as his lips slowly curled into a smirk. She met his smirk with a sly smile of her own. "Is it?" "I've certainly not had any distractions recently. Have you?" Jameson took a slow, deep breath and let it out slowly through is nose. He picked up his glass and swirled the wine a bit. "I usually do not make it a habit to have many distractions." She tilted her head at this, her interest now piqued. And perhaps a hint of jealousy. "Many? Are there other distractions beyond myself then?" He took a languid sip of his wine, seeming to ponder the question himself for a moment. She took up her own glass now, taking a sip while watching him, waiting for his response. "It seems you are my singular distraction.", he said at length. It came out oddly however, as if he was not sure if he should be pleased or not with that fact. Coatleque slowly lowered her glass and tried to keep her composure, but she could not help from laughing. "So the rumors are false then! I had heard it said that Jameson Taeros has many lovers. This was in the Quicksand, mind you." His own tone lowered as he chuckled at the notion while she took another drink from her glass. "Lovers? I suppose that depends on the meaning of the word. But I would never put too much weight on anything said in that bar." She tsked at him. "But I am not known for mincing my words. So I am the only distraction now? I must say that is rather flattering." His expression returned to its pleasant and unwavering smile. "A distraction I welcome and seek out. I daresay, you may be a hazard to my disciplined lifestyle." "Am I so unruly?", she replied with a coy smirk. He did not answer her. Not immediately. In fact, it seemed he was purposefully redirecting the conversation away. "Now... that brings me back to business."

Coatleque arrived per her usual time coming from the palace. She was walking with another speaking low as they rounded the corner. The pair ignored the Roe and his Elezen hound as they moved right to her office door. She stopped to unlock it before turning back to the other Sworn she was with. "She will have to talk sometime. If she does not give me something to go off of, I will not be able to stay Anduron's hand much longer. He is not stupid, and knows it is a matter of time before the Captain forces me to relinquish her. I pray Captain Mynheir can at least offer some resistance when the time comes." That was when she actually noticed her two guests - one of them looking rather impatient. She nodded to her comrade whom promptly saluted and continued on his way. Opening the door she gestured to the finer dressed Roe whom she assumed was in charge between the two. "Good day, Sir. You look as if you were waiting for something. Might I help you?" She did not wait for a response before stepping into the cramped office, quickly removing a small stack of papers from the desk and shoving them into a drawer.

As Warren said. The term "Paladin" in this game seems to be defined as "Someone who fights with XYZ style of sword and shield". This fighting style is taught and passed down by the Order of the Sultansworn which was founded some 800 years ago. Recently, due to low membership, the Captain decided to open this training up to adventurers to prevent their teachings from being lost entirely. Therefore, you can still be a Free Paladin without swearing fealty to the Sultana.

[align=center]II[/align] It was in the late afternoon when Coatleque had emerged from the Quicksand with Jameson Taeros. The weather had been rather mild the past week, tonight being no exception as the sun began to touch the skyline in the west. The fresh air was rather welcome after the few heated words that were spoken a few moments ago inside. They paused at the stairs to the plaza. "Your friend does not like me one bit", Jameson said amusedly. "She has her own opinions based on the feelings of others." "Mm. I suspected as much. Where shall we dine? Lady's choice.", he replied with a smile. "Is it then? Hmm." She looked out over the plaza in thought. "This early in the evening, the airship lounge may be quiet, and close enough to avoid unnecessary travel." "Ah, we have dined there often. A bit of familiarity." "For a small table, yes. Unless you are expecting others that I do not know about." She spoke with a hint of restrained disappointment. For all the times they had met together to discuss business, the two had not once yet had an outing go uninterrupted. The man's hazel eyes twinkled with amusement. "I expect no one else. It should just be the two of us. A rare thing. I say, let us take advantage." "Indeed, that will be a first.", she noted with her own amused smile. "Who knows what may go on?" Jameson smirked. His sly, confident smile returning. "Mmm, I would rather not think of such things until we are there." "Shall we?" Coatleque nodded to him once and paused as if waiting for him to offer his arm. He did not, but still took the lead and she followed just to his side. He continued to speak as they walked towards the lift. "So, what did Miss Callae say about that.. opera." "She merely asked if I had attended." "Ah." They paused just beyond the Ruby Exchange. His voice took on an inquisitive tone. "Is that something that you fancy? I thought that the busy life of a Sworn... one would not have time for such leisurely distractions." Her hands went to her hips as she tsked him openly. "You never know unless you ask. I am typically in the Palace during the daytime. Even I am not considered active the whole of the day, lest I should drop dead of exhaustion." His roguish smirk returned as he regarded her posture. "So had I asked, you would have accepted?" "Perhaps I would have.", she replied coyly. "Are such things not always a gamble though?" She turned away then as if to feign interest. His reply was only a hum and a nod, though is amused expression lingered upon her. "I gamble when I know the chance of winning is high. You are still a bit of a gambit, Lady Crofte." "I could say the same of you." "Well then. That makes the game all that much more interesting, does it not?" He continued on past her, not looking back. She took up her place once more and followed to the lift. "What is it they say in such a situation? No risk, no reward?" "Indeed." He held the door as she stepped onto the lift. It carried them to the top of the tower in silence.

RAGE against the disconnects!

I did actually have one recently. I dreamt I really as a Sultansworn. All I did was follow Nanamo around as she talked with Raubahn. It was quite boring, yet felt so cool to actually be there.

Posted with permission.

Okay, I am having WAY too much fun with this...

I heard glowing armor was 'in' at some point.

If only this could be a thing...

Coatleque is usually in Ul'dah around the Quicksand, or standing guard on the street corners. She tends to get snagged by others and dragged away to private meetings though. I haven't done PVE in almost 2 weeks :dazed:

Quite literally. Well, she's a Highlander, so her feet are -almost- as big.

Seems like it's been forever since this thread has moved! Time to start firing shots. Otto x Evangeline Gharen x Shas Koporo x Chachanji Gran x Norrington

Not a hiaku, but still FFXIV related! *ahem* Whether unweathered be fine, Or whether the weathered be not, Whether unweathered be cold Or whether the weathered be hot, We'll weather the weathered 'till it's all unweathered Whether we like it or not!

Coatleque leaned back in her chair as she heard the news in one ear. The report she was reading fell silently onto her desk as she waited. A moment later she heard the Captain's voice in the opposite ear. "Ser Crofte, are you still in the palace?" "Aye, Sir." "Handle this." "Of course." Pushing off the chair she rose and took her shield which was typically left leaning against her desk. Leaving her office, she signaled for the two Sworn in the hallway to follow her. They quietly obliged and the trio quickly strode around the circle of the Hustings Strip. Coatleque quietly gave orders over her pearl the whole way. "Something is happening in the alleys. I need the guard doubled at the Merchant Strip stairs on both sides. If anyone is still lingering on the Hustings, begin to escort them out, NOW. Ser Trevanchet, take three and watch the Aethernet. I will be at the Chamber of Rule. Nobody is to enter or leave until lock-down is lifted by myself or the Captain." As they reached the doors to the Chamber of rule, they met the existing guard. The group spread out and drew their swords making a wall of shields, ready to hold their ground if necessary.

I'm not very well versed in wikicode or extensions, mind you, but from a quick-and-dirty search, here is one that would do what I'm thinking: http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Tooltip If you know of another way to accomplish a mouseover tooltip, I would default to the web admin! What I was thinking of was a way to condense the "relationships" section of a page so you just mouse-over the persons name to see a description rather than having page bloat.