Coatleque

What do you think her and Crofte discuss every night alone in her cell anyway?

Coatleque slowly made her way down the hall to her room. It was late now, almost the last bell. She had seen to her ward as she was used to, had her meeting with Mergrey and his hired muscle, and was now ready to attempt sleep once more. Entering her room, she did not bother to even look around. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light as she moved straight to the bed and began unbuckling straps and clinking scales. She did not want to be alone again tonight, but perhaps her dreams would be kind. She sighed and turned towards the bed while fumbling with a strap that would not come loose.

He says as there is a Sultansworn and a Brass Blade sleeping in the next room.

Well, it doesn't directly threaten the palace, and Coatleque is no adventurer. So she's out. But she'll be sitting at the window watching for Ser Castille's safe return! *wave white handkerchief*

Careful. You'll become a work zombie like me.

Oh look, someone else has joined the ever growing pool of hot highlanders.

Yay, it's Howl! Welcome to the RPC!

Seriously though. Something more realistic: Erik X Yangh - because already hooked up Roen X Askier - because torture brings people together Oscare X Oscare - because dark chocolate protein shakes are not meant to be shared.

IT'S PEOPLE! THE CONTENTS OF THE BOX IS PEOPLE! ...

And stores everything in the same bag. Now we know why they are "replica, joke condoms".

It was nearly mid morning when she had finally awoken. Slowly turning over she looked towards the place she remembered him sitting, but he had already gone. She laid there for a few moments longer just gazing at the chair until she deemed it time to make herself useful once more. Getting out of bed, she put on her robe and surveyed the room. The book had been returned to the armoire. Next to it was a silver tray with a muffin on a plate, some juice, and a single Nymeia Lily. She took up the lily and held it to her face. She smiled as she slowly twirled it in her fingers. [align=center]***[/align] It was about mid-day she received an odd letter. Standing in the street she broke the seal and unfolded it to read. Lady Crofte, I have to admit, I find myself rather, perturbed by you. I learn of your collaring from Ser Warren, bring him along to recover the needed tool of your removal, teach him how to remove a collar and set you free, and in return for my aid, you imprison Roen, and now have a dog named Gaspard sniffing where he shouldn't be. I find this ironic. I happen to visit the bar in the airship landing most evenings as I cannot stand the Quicksand and their prices. Should you happen to be in the area and see a Miqo'te with blue and gold hair, you should stop by and have a chat. I have so much to say about both Roen and your dog. [align=right]~ Askier Mergrey Bomb Maker Extraordinaire ~[/align] "There go any plans for this evening.", she said to herself. [align=center]***[/align] It was later that afternoon she let Warren know as well. He had insisted on being present and she was of no mind to refuse him. Together they sat quietly in the lounge, waiting. It became apparent the man was not going to show himself now. Finally, she worked up the courage to break yet another awkward silence. "Your presence has helped me sleep on more than one occasion now. I... I am almost scared to spend the nights alone now.". Warren seemed lost in thought. "... Coerthas? I was worried I would wake you. And if you like, I'll stand watch over you. Erm, for you. Uh... I'll stay." "No, I cannot ask you to lose sleep as well." "I'm used to scrimping. Honestly, sleeping full hours is throwing me off." She brushed her bangs back only to have them fall forward again. "What I mean to say is, you cannot stay awake all night." He looked away with an odd expression of shyness about him. "Erm... if need be, I'll prop myself by the door." His words trailed off, dying in his mouth as his eyes caught hers once more. She immediately looked away suddenly feeling very shy herself. Her voice lowered and went very soft. Almost to herself she said "You dinnae have te sleep on a chair." "...well...", he grinned bashfully as he pushed his braids out of his face. "I... would like that." She smiled back to him as she tried to gauge his intent behind his eyes. "So... ye would have me?", she asked. His expression changed many times at the question, turning from a smile to a shy glance, back to a smile again. It was rather unbecoming of a knight to be at such a loss for words. He glanced at her once more then looked down toward the table. "If... If I may?" "Ye already do.", she replied. There was another long silence as they both scanned the room once again looking for Askier. "Perhaps you will read to me again tonight?", she asked. "It would be unfair to leave the story unfinished.", he answerd. "Mm. Perhaps it will have a different ending this time." More silence. "Where is Askier, damn him!" "Yes, it's rude to keep a lady waiting!" [align=center]***[/align] Standing once again in the Quicksand later that night, Coatleque was speaking to a curious Miqo'te by the railing when she heard a familiar voice in her ear. "Lady Crofte? Are you on duty?". It was the lalafell stationed at the prison. "Aye, I'm always on duty.", she replied. "We have a bit of a situation here. You should probably get here, now." "Aye, I shall be there shortly." She apologized to the woman and excused herself from the room. As she made her way towards the palace her heart almost sank. She found herself quickly making an excuse into a separate linkpearl. "Ser Castille... it appears I am needed in the palace tonight. I do not know when I will be free once more, but I shall have to hear the end of your story another night." She grumbled. This had better be damned important. [align=center]***[/align]

Now, now, we should at least try to keep it realistic and IC right? Assuming she survives prison of course.

Who's still single? Roen. Kiht? Aya.

Spoiler alert: okay, not really.

People love making no end of trouble for me. Looks like I'm going to have to finally have words with Taeros personally.

Coatleque sat at her desk once more, late at night. She should have been in bed hours ago. The fact that Warren was now waiting on her made her feel even worse. Still, there were more pressing matters at hand then her personal life. She looked down momentarily to the drawer at her feet, then sighed and rubbed her face. For the first time tonight even she was beginning to think it was a bad idea to bring the girl here. She had drawn up a notice to be hung at the Gaols for all guards on duty: [align=center]--------------------[/align] [align=center]Attention[/align] Henceforth, no food or drink is to be delivered to inmate Deneith until personally inspected and approved by Ser Coatleque Crofte. This includes all standard prison rations and water skins. ~ by order of Ser Crofte, Sgt. [align=center]--------------------[/align] She looked at the other document which rested on the corner of her desk. Yet another report to file. She read over it twice before crumpling it in her hands and depositing it in her waste basket. Two lives were now at risk due to this man's meddling. This would need to be handled in person. Ser Jameson Taeros, Your increased hand in my affairs has now jeopardized the safety of my ward. I must needs remind you that control of this investigation was given to me specifically, and I shall brook no threats to myself or my ward in this matter. I believe it is time for you to deliver on that promise of a drink. ~ Ser Crofte, Stg.

Pssst, Natalie. You smell nice.

So in answer to Melkire, yes.

She watched him for a time, listening to his voice until his words began to string together. Her eyes grew heavier. It wasn't fair. For once she didn't want to fall asleep. Her body had other plans, however, and he wasn't even a quarter through the story before she drifted off.

Suddenly nervous, she turned her back towards him as she untied her robe. "I have enjoyed them all. I would like to hear your choice, however." Removing her robe, she let it hang on the bed post, then slipped back under covers wearing nothing but her nightgown. She laid on her side facing him, covering up to her midsection. Her arms were folded to the side as she watched his face flickering in the candle light.

She rose from her seat and moved to the dresser where she had some personal belongings. Atop of it was a worn leather book about six by four ilms in size. She took this and turned to Warren, extending it to him. "Perhaps you would read to me? I should like to hear your voice."

The Knight was once more taken aback by all the innuendo being thrown around, but she shot Natalie a cold glare as she blatantly uncovered the subject matter for all to hear. She huffed over her words but decided she had said enough. Rather than invite further insult she simply wrapped her arm under Warren's and stood by his side, staring into the floor.

Despite herself, she couldn't stop from smiling at him. She knew his offer was genuine but also worried for his own sleeplessness. "I can not ask you to stay...", she said at length. "But I am also loathe to send you away. It does give me comfort to know you are near to me." She couldn't expect him to stand guard over her. She was not some person of interest or prisoner to be watched and waited upon. Yet what other reason did he have to be here then? "Do you read, Ser Castille?"

Coatleque stood there unable to respond. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, then opened it once more. By that time Natalie had come over and... defended her of all things. She had been disarmed twice over now by both the bard and her comrade. Her gaze shifted between the two women, then up to Warren, then finally back to the Bard. "Apologies, Miss, but I appear to have lost my appetite."

Send him away, this isn't right! You're not even dressed! "You never bother me.", she said as she turned and moved to sit on the bed once more. "Though it is curious you would return after seeing me off earlier tonight. Not that I am weary of seeing you, I mean... I just hadn't expected this, is all." She tried to gather her thoughts but felt as if she was just sinking into a deeper pit. She sighed. "My dreams have been vivid of late. I find it harder to sleep again once they wake me." Realizing her rudeness she looked back to him standing at the door. "Please, come in."