Coatleque

The weather was not in her favor that evening. For the last part of the day Coatleque rode westward trough the mountain pass to Falcon's Nest, fighting near blizzard conditions the last third of the way. It was nearly the 4th bell of the day when she arrived at the fortress and was able to stable her bird to rest under a large blanket. She watched him curl up under the care of the stable hands and for a moment felt pity for the creature she had dragged away from Thanalan back to this harsh wilderness. An odd feeling to her, as she was never very fond of chocobos. She had no rest herself, however, setting straight to questioning the night's watch. The blizzard worked against everyone that night however. Nobody had seen him leave the fortress at least. It was somewhat comforting to know he did arrive. Perhaps he was still here somewhere, though inquiries at the inn turned up nothing. As the snows began to relent again near dawn, she found herself standing in the courtyard overlooking the aetherite staring off to the horizon. The quietness of the early morning combined with the softening snowfall offered some reprieve from recent stresses. A gauntleted hand was laid atop the snow-covered crenelation of the upper court and she leaned forward, trying to ignore the frigid wind that whipped her hair from behind. The silence was broken by the beating of large wings and the hallow voice from behind. "I recognize your hair, Ser Crofte." Her hand gripped the stone before she reeled herself around to face the newcomer who hovered above her. A man clad in white armor on griffon back. He bore a large shield bearing a golden lion's head. "And I recognize your voice, Chosen of Halone." She replied in an almost biting tone. The beast landed then but the rider did not dismount. He slowly twisted upon the saddle so the darkened eye slits of his helm remained pointed at her. "You look cold." he said with a single nod. "It is a cold land." Coatleque spoke in her typical measured voice. "And steel does little to keep such at bay." Her eyes flitted between the rider and the beast. She could not hide a twinge of envy at him. They remained at a respectable distance, neither one daring to move against the other. "You have come far," she remarked with more than a singular meaning. She knew who this man was, after all. "Have you declared this your realm now?" "All realms belong to Halone, and She tests every one of us." His voice bore as little emotion as hers. Speaking behind the visor as he chose to only gave it an eery echo as if talking to a phantom. "I come in search of a boy. A Midlander, male, tall with ginger hair. He was seen riding through this gate some two days past. A concerned member of High House Haillenarte has offered to... tithe... a respectable sum for his safe return." She pulled her cloak around her as the winds picked up again. This was so very coincidental in her mind. First she spies that strange priestess she always seems to run into, and now the 'redeemed' lapdog looking for the same mark. It did not sit right in the pit of her stomach. "Have you perhaps questioned their reasoning for wanting him found?" "He is their adopted kin. What other reason should there be?" Her brows furrowed at the question and she mulled it over for the moment while the wind whistled over the wall behind her. "It seems you and I have two pieces of a puzzle." She said at length. "We are after the same boy at least." "Truly?" The figure asked as his head tilted. A cold metallic creak accompanied his every move. "The Sultana is gracious indeed." "I am not here on her behalf, Champion" Coatleque snapped. Her voice lowered afterwords. "Though I do not doubt she would approve of the aid I proffer. I have promised to keep the boy safe, yet he seems to have wandered off again. Would that the storms had let up sooner, this task might have been over by now. "Little and less has been seen of him. I go in search with the coming dawn." She shivered and gripped the cloak about her as her teeth began to chatter. "These l-lands are no place for one of his ilk." The cold of night was sinking into her core now, no number of layers would stave it off. How this so called Champion remained unaffected she could not begin to guess. "I was told he is a green boy, and newly-minted Flame." The armored figure shrugged. "If the cold takes him, that is Halone's will." He paused. His head slowly tilting the other direction though his eyes never left her. "You are the second person I encountered seeking the boy. Perhaps he was found and you simply do not know." Her heart fell at the prospect. The thought of Dheres already being in the enemy's hands made sense given the lead they had on her now. So much time already wasted. The fear of returning to Jameson empty handed only added to he growing knot in her stomach. "W-who?" She chattered. "W-who else s-s-shows such interest?" "I do not know, though some of the soldiery might. They played dice with him last night. A tall Elezen, dark of hair. Perhaps a ... mercenary." The last word was spoken with distaste as if the very thought was unclean to him. Coatleque's head turned with closed eyes as another gust of wind took her by surprise. She forced a slow, shivering breath and looked back to him only when it had passed. "I w-will ask. If-f you do f-find him first, what t-then?" "Then I return him to his family." "For the coin?" "For the tithe. You would have me return him to you?" "What would you have me say to that?" she snapped again. "That I will r-rip him f-f-from your hands by force if n-necessary?!" He laughed. An empty, mirthless echo within his helm. The griffon was nudged a few steps closer to the paladin, it's beak now just out of range. The beast towered above her looking down with a cocked eye but made no move to lunge. She did not flinch or shy away, but stood her ground at the edge of the courtyard for all the night's watch to see if necessary. "You suggest we are at opposing ends." He said evenly. "I have told you my end desires the safe return to his family. If that places you on the opposing end, well..." His voice lowered, still hollow. "Perhaps then you will have opportunity to become the Champion." She glared up at him from her stance. "I have no desire to claim your title, nor your tithe!" "But you oppose his return to his family." "I do! You may be saving him from one death to deliver him into another!" "Death comes for us all, Coatleque Crofte." Her hand moved to her sword in that instant as she considered whether she would be able to fend off the griffon and him together. Something stayed her hand, though, as the dawn began to rise over the horizon behind her. "I go to scout the land," he continued. "I will give the boy a choice of returning with you or with me. If he is a corpse... he goes to his family." "Acceptable." She only half nodded in agreement. With that he reeled the beast backwards causing it to flap its wings and slowly rise, kicking up grime, slush, and wind from the ground beneath them. Her hand slowly moved away from her blade as she watched him go, not caring about the mess whirling about her. She watched as both rider and beast flew off towards the sunrise. When her strained vision could no longer make him out among the sky, she turned and made for the garrison commander's post.

When the door was closed and barred again, Coatleque sank back against a wall holding her forehead. The two women looked at each other with shared relief. "That could have gone better," she said pointedly then sighed and added, "Or much worse." She never could quite tell which way Jameson would lean as pressure mounted. In her heart she told herself he would never hurt her - at least not in any way she could not handle. So long as she did not push him in the wrong way. She could see it in his expression as he moved wildly from anger to irritation and back. A familiar dance they were both now accustomed to. Tamsin looked back to the door. "Thank you, m'lady. I think you helped a great deal." "Who can say for certain? I have dealt with his ire in the past." Coatleque crossed the hallway to her now to press the original issue for her being here. "Tamsin... where is Dheres Algincourt?" The girl had almost forgotten the very news she was supposed to be delivering. Jameson's unexpected arrival was probably to blame for that. Regardless, the boy's life was once again in danger. From the elements alone if not a blade, and she was now one day behind. From Lord Faltheren, Tamsin heard he had been seen riding west of the city on a coal-colored chocobo to Falcon's Nest. By that admission Coatleque realized she had been searching on the wrong side of Coerthas from the start. Her eyes nearly went cross. "Miss Laine..." she groaned and rubbed her forehead again. "Alright, alright," she relented. There was nothing she could do about the mistake anyway, besides hope she could make up for lost time. "I will leave for Falcon's Nest. Was there anything else?" "No, m'lady, don't let me hold you up!" Tamsin replied even as Coatlque began fishing around the purse that constantly hung by her side. She withdrew five large gil and handed them over. Probably a third of the money she carried. Tamsin's eyes went wide. "What is this for?" "Sufficient to purchase a new tea set," she noted. "Try to have at least a small break before your lady returns from Vylbrand." Tamsin smiled wearily yet gratefully. "I'll try, m'lady, but it's hard to rest knowing poor Lord Dheres is in trouble. Oh!" She started then and dug around in her own pockets. She pulled forth a small hand-woven sachet of dried herbs. It was tied with a yellow ribbon. This she promptly handed over to the paladin who hesitantly took it with a smile. "It's for luck, m'lady." Coatleque fiddled idly with it momentarily before pocketing it herself. "Thank you, Tamsin. I may yet need it." She pulled her cloak from the peg by the door and spared one last glance back before making her way to the stables.

They moved from the servant's quarters back to the main hallway and settled near a fireplace. He finally allowed her to help him then, and once he was situated on the closest couch Coatleque took her own seat next to him. He already looked better just at knowing his fate was not sealed yet. "It seems I flit away from death once more." He rasped between coughing. "A parting gift from my good friend Banurein. Would that we were not so close." His head turned to face her by his side. "What are you doing back here, Coatleque? Has Edda already returned?" "Personal matters." She replied curtly. "Please, you must rest." Ignoring her plea, he turned pointedly to the handmaiden who stood off aways. "Where is your lady, Miss Laine?" "She-- she's gone, m'lord! She left on a trip to Limsa Lominsa!" "Then why are you not with her?" He asked quietly. "I-I don't know, m'lord, she took..." "WHY are you not with her?" He repeated, his annoyance becoming evident. Coatleque's hand shot out to rest upon his arm. "James, please. I am sure if your betrothed wanted her along, she would be there." If anyone present knew how his mood could swing, it was she. Tamsin had done nothing deserving of his ire and she would not sit idle and allow this. She squeezed his arm lightly. "Why would she not want the handmaiden I provided for her?" Tamsin finally broke down there in her own guilt. "She took Mister Kitty, m'lord!" The two seated both looked towards her in confusion. Jameson squinted. "Who?" they asked almost in unison. The poor girl motioned with her hands to signify horns at the sides of her face, and of someone who was much taller. Jameson frowned and exhaled through his teeth. "Khadai." "Oh! Kittai, yes! She left without saying anything and wanted me to stay and keep an eye on Lord Dheres, m'lord, but..." "I specifically asked her to look after Algincourt and she left him with you? Well? Fetch the man for me. I need to impart some instructions upon him." Tamsin looked as if she may start to cry then, but was quieted suddenly by Coatleque's raised hand and strained voice. "You heard him, Miss Laine. Go and fetch the boy." She began to protest as she knew full well Dheres was not there. "No questions!" Coalteque almost hissed through her teeth. The girl finally caught her hint and turned to flee from the hall. Jameson turned back to her as Tamsin left and managed a smile. He looked absolutely exhausted, she thought, but it was heartening to see him fighting it back. "Am I to replace my personal guard with you soon, Coatleque?" "Hah!" She exclaimed. "It may yet come to that if you are not careful. Why do you tarry here anyroad, you have a cure to administer!" "I am still here because I cannot apparently even control my own household. Edda scampering off hither and thither in some rather churlish company. I daresay she will not be so charmed with that creature after more than a day in its gray company." She looked about to protest his view of the household but kept silent. It was not her's after all. Not yet. During the brief lull, the doctor who had been keeping mostly silent took it upon himself to administer an extract of bindweed for the weakened man. Something to dull the pain, Coatleque discovered after pressing him on it. She did not come this far to sit and watch the man succumb to yet another poison right before her eyes. Jameson's head rolled back to her. "My dear, I don't suppose you are terribly busy?" "I am, in fact." She replied with pursed lips. "I am looking for a runaway." At that moment Tamsin decided to exercise her most horrible timing as she returned to the hall without the company of Dheres. Jameson turned his attention back to her with an expectant look. He waited, patiently, for a few awkwardly silent moments as the girl stood wringing her hands together. "Really?" he sighed. "Young Algincourt is not here." Coatleque interrupted his thought straight away, attempting to draw his attention. "And that is why I am." She failed, however. Jameson continued to glare straight ahead waiting for the explanation to come from Tamsin. "It's all my fault, m'lord! Please don't be cross with Ser Crofte! I begged her to help, m'lord!" Jameson stood slowly, shakily. Coatleque rose with him, about to grab his arm or something for leverage, but he shied away. "Is he even fucking alive? When did he disappear? Do you realize he was nearly killed on the road here, and that was in Coatleque's presence, not ALONE!" "James, please," the paladin broke in once more. "As if the poor girl could have stopped him. You asked me to keep him safe. If anything this was my own failing for not watching him myself." He whirled to face her then, his rage being quite apparent on his face. "That fucking boy is worth more to me than--" Jameson doubled over in a fit of coughing that prompted the woman to draw closer and grab his shoulder to steady him. He rose slowly land laid his hand on her own shoulder as well, looking haunted. "Coatleque... the boy ha enemies he will not acknowledge. His own father, and more. House Haillenarte alone would gleefully place his head on a spit." His eyes turned feverish then. "Find him. Find him for me. I will reward you with whatever you want, just find him!" She tried to guide him back towards the couch against the wall but he slapped her hand away. Coatleque stepped back looking none too amused at that. "I will find your young ward." She said flatly. "You just... get well again." She turned and pointed accusingly towards the doctor. "And you. If he needs anything I can provide, tell me." Jameson turned from her back to Tamsin. His voice hoarse still with his anger. "You are useless here. Go to Vylbrand, to Summerford, and serve my betrothed as you were instructed to do in the first place." The girl stammered and protested nearly on the verge of tears. It was then that Coatleque stepped between them, drawing his gaze into hers. She set her jaw and stood firmly opposite his rage. "I will set her in order." She declared. They stood there for an eternity. She fully expected him to strike her, or to at least flex his authority over the household. Her breath was held involuntarily until he finally nodded. "Fine. You have my house until my less attentive betrothed returns. Get it in order, if you even can." He turned back to his doctor. "We must go," he rasped. She saw them to the door quietly after that. As the two men left Jameson looked back to her searchingly, and she hesitated as if to say something more. But all she could do was bow her head.

"James?! By the gods, what happened to you?!" "I am returned. Out of necessity." He rasped. "I am... ill." As if that was not plain to see by anyone present. Both women rushed to his side to render whatever aid they could. "Oh, my goodness, m'lord. It is you!" Tamsin exclaimed. "Do you need soup?" Coatleque tried to offer an arm, a hand, anything to help at first but he would have neither of them, pushing her away even. "I require your room. Now." His anger began to ebb and Tamsin quickly relented. She led them into the estate without further protest. The tall man kept close to his patient and Coatleque followed them at her usual respectable distance. The servants quarters themselves were sparse and undecorated save for some dried flowers and incense. A few empty crates and barrels which were whole enough to serve as furniture had been arranged in a sort of table and chairs in front of the hearth. An inexpensive tea set was arranged on top. Jameson seemingly threw all of these aside to make room as he headed straight to the hearth. "I need water to douse the hearth." Poor Tamsin stared mournfully at the bits of ceramic being crushed underfoot. She seemed at a loss until Coatleque brought her back to reality. "Hurry, please." She rushed to a cabinet to fetch a pitcher which was filled quickly from a cistern and brought to Jameson. Taking it without looking at her, he dumped it over the fire and seemingly ignored the hiss of smoke and steam that billowed forth. "James. Is this the poison you had told me of?" Coatleque questioned him from just across the tiny room. She had stood aside so as not to be in the way, knowing full well that James had a purpose to his madness. "And you!" She turned to the tall man. "You are the doctor he told me of!" Jameson nodded quietly as he removed his shirt. The cloth was wrapped quickly around his hand and used to buffer the still smoldering wood and coals aside as he reached into the hearth. One of the stones at the back corner was pulled forth to reveal a hidden alcove just large enough for a small box to be secreted away. "Come now, Rossenheims," he murmured. "Do not disappoint me from the afterlife." Coatleque stepped forward then to watch Jameson from behind. She stood by the 'good' doctor and gently tugged at his sleeve. "What is happening to him. Tell me, please." The man's naked back looked even worse in the dim candle light now that the hearth was put out. Something wholly unclean coursed through his veins, and she felt altogether helpless in that moment as if watching her love slowly die. "Why, my dear," The Elezen replied. "He is suffering the effects of a possibly deadly withdrawal from a very wicked little formula. It is only due to my genius that he looks this good!" His arms were thrown wide as if to accept silent praise from the unseen masses assembled in the room. "Then I cannot thank you enough for what you have already done for him." Her word were cut off by a laughing cough from the hearth. "You were right, old friend!" Jameson rasped as he turned to them, a small spark of triumph across his face. He held up a small, black leather pouch with a glass vial protruding from the top. Coalteque could not tell what liquid it may have contained, but the glass itself was etched in gold with the Garlean numeral 'IV'

Nearly five bells she searched up and down central Coerthas without straying far from the Steps. She was not foolish enough to risk being caught in the weather should the storm increase. As the dim grey slowly turned black she was forced to return to the city lest she risk freezing them both. Once her bird was properly stabled she found a room at Cloud Nine and managed to drift off. Losing sleep would not have him found. The next morning Coatleque awoke to an urgent letter awaiting her. Tamsin had bid her return to House Fortemps's guest apartment as Lord Faltheren had some news. So she made ready in her armor once more, had her breakfast, then made her way there expecting to find the boy had found his own way back. She entered the large stone building and hung her cloak upon the first peg, then stood to the side of the door and waited. There was no sound. Not a greeting. As Tamsin had said, everyone seemed to be away. Coalteque cleared her throat after a few awkward moments to finally be greeted by the handmaiden's voice around a corner. "Oh! M'lady! I am so glad you could make it. I, eh, don't suppose you found anything?" Coatleque straightened herself again once greeted and gave a short bow. "Miss Laine. Of course I could make it. When one goes missing in the snow it is certainly a call for urgency. Alas, I found nothing. The snows had already covered any trail, and nobody had seen anything suspicious. I had even doubled back to the porter to see if young Dheres had returned to the stables. I pray he did not meet his brother's fate over the cliffside." Tamsin frowned. Even in the dim candle light of the hall the dark circles under her eyes were evident. Coatleque pitied her in that moment, knowing full well her employment was on the line - perhaps more depending on Jameson's mood at the time. She thought back to what she had told Edda and wondered if she had learned anything yet. "Your letter mentioned information. Eh, Lady Eglantine has not returned yet has she?" "Oh, no, she's not due back until tomorrow, m'lady." At this news the tension in the hall relaxed instantly. The two ventured further into the manor to stand by the nearest fire while they continued speaking. Voices echoing off the stone even at a whisper. "You are doing me a big favor," Tamsin murmured. "It's really very kind of you to help. I know your recent visits to the house have been..." She paused to search for the least offensive word. "Taxing?" Coatlque offered without a smile. "Er... yes." "I apologize if I had caused you undue stress, Miss Laine. I certainly mean no physical harm to your mistress." Her had waved absently at that as if trying to swat the idea away. Her emotions wavered between either extreme recently based on whom she talked to at the time. It would be more appropriate to say that she did not truly care if harm had befallen Edda though she would not be the one to cause it. That is not to say she would relish in it. "I do understand," Tamsin replied carefully. "I hope things are not always so difficult." "We shall see," the paladin nearly snorted in response. "I've been called stubborn recently, perhaps with good reason." "I am forbidden by the Handmaiden's Code to wish you success, I'm afra..." Tamsin's words were cut off by the hinges of the front door protesting sudden movement followed by the sounds of an argument. Her eyes grew wide and she gave Coalteque one last glance before turning to see who it was. The other woman followed, of course, ready to deal with intruders if necessary. "Are you expecting someone, Tamsin?" "No! M'lady isn't due back until tomorrow!" They turned the corner to be met by two figures just inside the threshold. One, a tall and thin looking Elezen with slicked back hair and thin lips. On his arm he supported another man, hunched and cloaked so as not to be recognized. "Ah, you must be Tamsin!" The Elezen exclaimed as soon as they were in view. "Jannequinard will not stop talking about you." Tamsin stopped dead in her tracks, neither guest was expected nor recognized. "Oh.. y-your a friend of Jannequinard's?" She noticed the other man then who had stumbled alongside his more healthy looking friend. "M.. M'lord?" "We need to pay a visit to your room, Miss Laine." The cloaked man cut her off in a rasping and sickly voice. His gaze slowly rose to the armored woman who was standing just a few paces behind Tamsin. A shaky hand slowly pulled the cowl back to reveal one clearly afflicted. His skin had been sallowed, his veins clearly visible as disturbing rust-orange spiderwebs just beneath. His eyes remained ever sharp as he focused on her. "Coatleque." He rasped. "J... James?!"

One more, for Osric.

"That was when I knew. We were not the same. For I cannot go quietly into the night." "I never expected you to. Do you not understand that? I love you, not your coin. I would not have let you fade so quietly." "What would you have done, Coatleque? Would you have stolen for me? Forsworn your vows for me?" "No. But I would have stayed by your side regardless." [align=center]IV[/align] Coatleque had wasted no time after her rather heated exchange with Lady Eglantine. She ignored the gesticulations of the servants with their towels and bandages and left the apartment straightaway. She had no intention of staying here. Especially when her own work was now falling behind. So she retrieved their mounts from the stables and met Sharla at the Gates of Judgement where they could ride back to their outpost together. It would be just over a sennight since Dheres Algincourt was delivered safely to Ishgard that she would find herself back in the city. It had become a regular trip for her, once every week, to visit the cathedral for prayer and to restock their room with more specific luxuries. There was no shortage of bland soup and strong spirits on the outskirts of Coerthas. Scented oil however, was unheard of. While she perused various wares among the stalls of the Crozier, Coatleque became aware of someone making a fuss to the other side of the street. Her eyes did not need to see for her to recognized the voice of Lady Eglantine's handmaiden Tamsin as she rushed from stall to stall asking of someone gone missing. Smiling and nodding her appreciation to the vendor, Coatleque quickly crossed the road to stand near where Tamsin last stopped. Despite her conscience telling her to leave, her heart could not feign curiosity now. Tamsin turned from the woman she had been speaking to with an almost grief stricken look and nearly collided with the paladin in her rush to the next stall. "Ser Crofte! Oh my goodness, thank the stars! Have you seen Lord Algincourt!?" She took one step back out of the woman's way just in time. "Miss Laine - I've not seen him since my friend took him to the inn." She knew where the boy was left, and that he had at least been collected. What they did with him afterwords was not her immediate concern. Tamsin tried her best to explain the situation to her. "...I ...I wasn't supposed to let him out, m'lady, but I thought it would be just a short ride! He's all by himself in the apartments and ...and he looked so sad, m'lady!" Coatleque looked incredulously at her as her patience began to thin. "What are you talking about? Where has everyone bloody gone?!" She simply could not believe Jameson allowed his entire house to vanish with no word. "Well, first m'lord had his business, and then m'lady went er... home. So I was to watch over Lord Algincourt, but..." The paladin rolled her eyes away from the poor woman, muttering to herself. "Leaving an impulsive young Flame alone for an extended time, yes I can see how that would go over so well." Tamsin's expression fell. "Och, I wasn't blaming you!" Coatleque shook her head then groaned inwardly. Was she really going to wait for the girl to beg her? "Fine! Fine..." Her hands lifted in a calming motion. "When did you lose him, and which way did he set off?" The girl's spirits seemed to lift almost immediately at her offer. "Just after lunch, m'lady! He said he was just going to have a bit of a ride near the gate. I suppose I must go to Lord Faltheren, if I can find him. Perhaps he could help." "Yes, yes - you do that and I will start searching near the gate." Coatleque sighed and lowered her voice. "I swear I am the only one who cares spit about James's household." For all his talk of loyalty and legacy, it seemed to Coatleque that she was the one doing most of the legwork at preserving his. A gamble, she kept telling herself. A risk she was taking to secure her own. "Thank you, m'lady! I am in your debt!" Coatleque waved her off as if this was routine. "I do not keep debts." "If... if perhaps we could not mention this to m'lady... heh heh" The paladin's mouth twitched, almost curling into a snarl. "As you wish," she murmured. And with that, the girl was gone. Later outside the Gates of Judgement, Coatleque had changed back into the same leathers she wore south. Atop the chocobo she had appropriated from the garrison in Drybone, she pulled her cloak tight and shook off the loose snow that was steadily accumulating. She checked the stitching she had made to the arm then settled herself for a long ride. Light seemed to be fading fast now, and the soft but steady fall of snow obscured visibility beyond a few score of yalms. "Blasted snow. Does it ever stop?" she muttered to herself. A humorless laugh came unexpectedly from her side causing her to reel the bird around in an instant. "Have you considered that perhaps it is your reaction to the snow that is the problem, rather than the snow itself?" It was another woman's voice, cloaked darkly and seated upon a bird of pure white. "Embrace your trials," she murmured. Coatleque peered at her once her heart began to slow again, trying to meet her gaze from under the cowl. Her voice was familiar enough. Cold, steady, emotionless. The paladin frowned. "You again?" "Why, who else should I be?" "What kind of question is that? Nevermind. You haven't seen a boy ride through here have you? Nearly twenty summers in age, ruddy hair?" "No." Her voice continued in a murmur, her image against the backdrop of the snow and grey sky seemed almost immaterial. "I did see one at the stables after midday prayer, however. He seemed more out of place than even you." Coatleque turned back to the vast expanse of Coerthas that lie beyond the Steps. "I doubt I shall be finding his tracks now. Pray for us, priestess, that Halone may shew mercy at least. His name is Algincourt, and he may be in more danger than he realizes." She pulled the reins back around and with a short 'hyah!' disappeared once more into the storm.

There really is no gear progression in this game. All tanks wear the same stuff on the left side of your character screen. If tank gear drops from your dungeons, grab it up if you can and it's got better defense than your current stuff. Once you hit 60, you really have only one choice depending on your path. You can grind out the Esoteric gear if you aren't into raiding. You can get gear drops from Savage mode Alexander. Or you can settle for the void ark drops. The only real 'customization' is if you prefer strength vs vitality accessories (right side).

More practice.

Was looking for practice, and the survey said draw Flapjack

Team Halone, about to eff shite up.

And sometimes, both at the same time!

Not until the three of them were saddled and on their way again did Coatleque venture to offer any explanation. One thing had been wearing on her mind the past three days. That she had been instructed specifically not to be the last one seen with him. Difficult when you are so easily recognized all across Eorzea and your name spoken loud enough to travel. She could at least adhere to the letter of the request if not the spirit. "We will be splitting up once we reach the city." She began. "Sharla, I need you to accompany Lord Algincourt to the Forgotten Knight. Get him a room at Cloud Nine. I will leave in the opposite direction to Fortemps estate to announce his arrival. Lord Taeros will collect him afterwords." "Th' Forgotten Knight? Consider it done." Her own cowl was raised again to hide her hair and eyes and they set out northward to Dragonhead. The rest of their ride was uneventful, to the relief of all. Coatleque remained wary just the same. More so as they neared the Gates of Judgement. Her pace slowed so she could fall back next to Sharla once they were on the bridge to the city, and a purse was passed between them for the room that would be required. The promise of further explanations at later times always accompanied these transactions, though lately it was rare to make good on them. They departed as planned just inside the city. Coatleque kept her cowl pulled low but did not instruct Sharla or Dheres to do likewise. As they turned right for the inn, she collected their mounts and turned left to the stables. Coatleque was greeted shortly after arriving at the apartment by the house servant, Percibald Petrias. She wasted no time removing her bothersome robe and leaving it on a nearby peg. "S-Ser Crofte! We were not expecting you!" She turned him with something of a frown. Such news was unexpected given the circumstances. She had thought her mission would have been well advertised among the house by now. "Truly, Mister Petrias? T'is a pleasure to see you again at least. No matter, I am here to see Lady Eglantine if she is available." He looked her over once and beckoned her further into the hall. "Come, here, sit by the fire!" She did as he bade while he fussed over a decanter and glass, handing her some wine which she held close with both hands. "Wait right here; I will see if Lord-- wait, you said Lady Eglantine?" "Yes. I am forbidden to address my lord directly. Lady Eglantine is to be his proxy." "I see. Well. Wait right here!" Perci left her and for a time she sat in much needed silence by one of the most welcoming fires she had seen in the past few days. There was no time for a proper inn since she had left Isghard so many days ago. She smelled of the road, and perhaps some other foul things as well. Her hair had not been brushed in far too long, and looked matted and stringy with dirt, sweat, and grease. All things considered, she was glad Jameson would not have to see her in this state. The wine also helped to warm. Setting her now half-empty glass on the small table by the decanter, she chose to stand by the fire as she waited. Her arm throbbed in the chill air beneath her still blood-stained leather. She held it firmly to her stomach and massaged it with her other hand. Standing there reflecting over the past few days she almost did not hear the approach of Edda's handmaiden from around the corner. "Oh! Ser Crofte! Do you need assistance?" "Miss Laine." She greeted the woman flatly. "Mister Petrias is notifying Lady Eglantine of my arrival." Tamsin looked over her arm with worry then. "Are you... hurt?" Her eyes widened then. "Fury have mercy, m'lady! That needs tending! Let me draw you a bath." Coatleque stopped her with a raised hand before she could rush by to the baths however. "I am fine, it is just sore in the cold is all. Business first. I can see to this later." Tamsin paused and looked at her worriedly, but relented. The paladin was not part of the household. Today, she was not even a guest. She was only a messenger, and by her expression she had no intention to stay longer than necessary. Bowing her head, she hurried along to find where Perci had gone. It was not too long after that Coatleque was seen to the dining room where she was told Lady Eglantine would be joining her. Another hearth was aglow behind the table, and the paladin chose to stand once more by the fire rather than taking a seat. Tamsin began to pull a chair for her as she strode past the table. "Would you care for a pastry while you wait?" "No, thank you. I do not plan to stay for long." She did have a steaming hot cup of something already prepared however, which was now offered to Coatleque. "Really, you needn't on my account..." She hesitated as the cup was offered closer. The sweet smell of chocolate was incredibly hard to argue with, so the cup was taken and held closer than the wine from the hall. She inhaled slowly and turned back to the fire. She might have even began to feel comfortable if not for the involuntary bristling of the hairs at the back of her neck. The door to the room had opened and closed causing a draft. More than that, she knew who was now standing behind her. "Thank you, Tamsin." came the soft voice as the servants attention turned to the Lady of the house. There was a slight sucking of air as Edda winced from the heat of the cup given to her then the soft padding of footsteps as she moved closer to the fire. "Ser Crofte. Thank you for waiting." Coatleque did not turn or otherwise acknowledge her presence beyond a sniff. "Of course. I've come to report on the task I was set to." She spoke in an even tone. The restraint in her voice evident. "And what is that?" "Your betrothed asked me to see someone to safety from Thanalan to Ishgard. I collected him near the Silver Bazaar, drove off his would be assassins, and escorted him through the Shroud. He is awaiting my lord Taeros at the Forgotten Knight under guard of another Sultansworn." She paused, her blood becoming heated and her voice more stern. "Though I wonder why I could not tell him this myself." There as a soft laugh. It seemed almost mocking to the paladin. "Then you may ask him when next you see him." Edda paused to study the woman but made no remark on her appearance. "Why did you not bring your charge here directly?" It may have been the laugh. Perhaps the inane question. Coalteque felt something snap inside, and she had to do something to keep from lashing out. So she drank. Not a sip, but a large swallow of scalding-hot chocolate. There was no flinch. No acknowledgement of the searing pain assaulting her tongue and throat. The cup was then set aside on the table. "It was requested that I not be seen with him last. And as everyone from Ul'dah to Fallgourd knows who I am, I had no other opportunity." "I see. Shall I send someone to collect him then?" "You may wish to do so yourself. He is a young lordling, after all." Her tone turned mocking then. She turned to Edda with a glare as she began to understand. "You did not know I was forbidden to speak with him?" Edda glanced down at her own cup and took a tentative sip. "I knew," she began slowly. "Though it was not I who proposed the idea. That is not to say I was not the cause, however, but I had planned to appeal to his decision the very next sun. But..." She smiled wistfully and glanced from the fire to the paladin and back again a few times as if her words should explain everything. Coatleque's glare turned to a frown, and for a brief second may have had death itself in her eyes. She gestured angrily to Edda, the sword across her back gleaming in the light of the fire. "You DO love him, don't you!" Edda remained ever so calm, blinking and smiling widely. "My, so that is what you were worried about? Does the prospect disturb you?" The paladin scoffed at her. "Me? No. Why should it. I see the way he looks at you." She took a step closer, to the worriment of the servants behind who had kept their silence thus far. "Take care, Lady Eglantine," she hissed as she gestured accusingly to the woman. "He is a powerfully driven man. He will take what he wants when he wants it, and you will not be able to stop him." She leaned back again, standing straighter. "You will either learn to pacify him or..." She paused. "Find out yourself. And when you can not... when everyone else has come and gone, I mean to be the one still standing. Then he will see who is truly loyal." She bit off the last few words with some measure of scorn. A blatant challenge being laid between them. The room had fallen eerily silent. Tamsin stared from across the room, and even the sounds from the kitchen had ceased. Edda merely smiled. "I have completed what he asked." Coatleque said at length, her breaths coming heavily. "Be sure that he knows that." She scowled at Edda only a moment longer before storming away.

She stood by the hearth, gazing into the fire with glassy eyes. "You called me maddening once, do you remember? That we were dangerous together..." Her voice trailed off as he approached. "That was no lie. You were maddening - still are." His own gaze hardened. "That doesn't change reality." [align=center]III[/align] The pair met again the next morning in the lobby of the Bobbing Cork. Coatleque had once more shown her discipline and rose earlier to retrieve their mounts, secure their supplies, and settle pending accounts with the clerk. Miss Holbrook, however, seemed to have been up all night and was now draped over the front desk moaning. "Aelleueuein... C'mooon. Toast. Two eggs, medium. Toast, diagonal..." By Coatleque's count there were near twenty empty glasses on the table when they had left the woman the previous night. Dheres made his way down the stairs with a wide smile plastered to his face. "I feel a thousand times better!" He exclaimed. Coatleque turned to face him and as the distance between them closed even she noticed the change in his health. Whether it was the whiskey last night or the chance to sleep in a real bed again she could neither tell nor cared. They were on the last leg of this journey now, and she was eager to finish. "Good. You should, for how long you slept. How is your head today?" She remarked. "It is much better. I feel like a new man! Who knew alcohol cured headaches? So, how many days through Coerthas?" His own eagerness to be off was a refreshing change she thought. Soon he would be safely in Jameson's hands and she could return to her own duty. "That will depend on the weather," she began. "One if we are lucky and do not stop for rest." "Well, we'd best get going!" They bid farewell to the poor woman doubled over the counter in that chipper, energetic way that is oh so annoying to those who've drunk more than they should the previous night, and were met with a weak wave of a hand. Coatleque allowed Dheres to exit first and they were soon mounted, ready to depart. "We will be heading over the mountain pass. I hope you do not mind the cold." "Pah, the desert is cold enough at night. I fear nothing." The paladin smirked knowingly. "We shall see." It was nearly three bells later and a continuous uphill climb through the mountain road that they crossed what was considered the Gridanian-Ishgard border. Trees had long ago yielded the land to barren rock, and humidity to cold, dry air. By luck the only snow needing dealt with was the steadily deepening drifts on and along the road. Coalteque pulled her cloak tight around her and stopped their march at the sound of chattering teeth behind her. "G-G-Gods it's-s blood-dy COLD." She reeled her mount to the side and twisted to see him. "Do you require more coverings, my lord?" "D-do you h-h-have a cloak?" Her mouth twitched and she reeled the mount around again. Looking over her shoulder she called back. "I have the one I am wearing. Come, if we reach the Observatory I have additional supplies there." She gazed skyward and closed her eyes as if considering, or perhaps counting. "Yes, everyone should be away." she murmured. "Away? From what?" "You will see." The sun held with them, or at least what could be called the sun through the sea of perpetual grey above, and the outpost of the Observatory was reached in near record time. She had not come so far to watch her ward freeze to death after all. Pulling her mount to the side of the road, she quickly dismounted by the side of the local inn. It was almost noontime by her count, and the rest of the squad should be out scouting. Dheres watched her indecisively until she began climbing the stairs straight to a room. He then dismounted and quickly followed suit, eager to be someplace warmer even if temporary. The inn room itself was more an inn floor. Six beds occupied half the room. A table and chairs the other half, with a large hearth. Various crates of supplies, food, and clothing were stacked against the walls. Banners bearing the Scales of Ul'dah were draped over the chairs. Across the table was sprawled a large map of Coerthas held down by various bottles and mugs. Points of interest were drawn and marked all across its surface. It was clear that someone, or perhaps multiple someones, had been staying here for some time now. Someones who had vested interest in the region. Someone who was still present, it seemed. A woman stood by the hearth to keep warm. She and Coatleque exchanged glances before the paladin continued on her way, striding across the room to start rummaging through the supplies. "Coatleque? Did I miss something?" She asked? "I did not expect anyone here, Sharla. I apologize. Er... meet Lord Algincourt." She continued her search without looking back, and assumed the boy had followed her inside. Sharla turned then to see the stranger who had followed her colleague inside. "Lord Algincourt, aye? A pleasure. Sharla Blackheart, at yer service." "Blackheart? I hope that's not literal." Dheres replied. "Once upon a time perhaps." Sharla grinned. "Not so much these days." Coatleque rejoined them by the table then. A bundle of cloth was pinned beneath one arm. "Of course not. Sharla is a friend of mine. We serve the same master, as it were." With that she handed the cloak over to Dheres. "What's with th' robes an' all?" "Discretion. We've been running from Thanalan for the past three suns. Assassins are after the boy. I am taking him to the city for safety." "Assassins? Like we need more o' those running' around th' place." "With luck they did not follow us." "Hmmm, I don't much count on luck these days." Coalteque tapped her chin and gazed at the woman. Dheres donned his cloak and already seemed warmer for it. He rejoined the other two as Coalteque's hand lowered. "Actually, Sharla, I have an idea. Grab what you need and meet us outside." She turned on her heels before any answer was given and headed for the door.

1.) Weapons are drawn in city limits. Coatleque understands sometimes adventurers need to blow off steam, but flashing of steel is prohibited. 2.) She overhears people talking about the Sultansworn, usually in poor light. 3.) Someone's looking for a Brass Blade. 4.) She is looking for someone as part of an investigation 5.) An interesting conversation is being had at the bar (rarely) and she can actually form a relevant opinion.

A few minutes later, Coatleque rejoined Dheres at the Bobbing Cork. There was a measure of relief felt at finding him somewhat dazed and alone on the ground floor. After a brief exchange it was decided they would stay here for the night. So Coatleque stopped at reception to set things in order while Dheres made his way to the balcony on the second floor. Two rooms were requested and two keys handed over after the appropriate exchange of gil. She then followed suit and made her way to the second floor. Her feet grew heavier with each step till she was only just plodding along near the top of the staircase. There was no denying she needed this rest as much as he did now. Thoughts of bed were pushed aside however at the sound of a familiar voice. "Sup, hot stuff. You lookin' for a seat? I got one riiiight here." Coatleque found Dheres standing dumbfoundedly by a table across from a familiar woman. She stepped close to Dheres and slipped him his room key with a whisper of warning. "This one is trouble, be wary my lord." The two women exchanged glances briefly before familiarity set in. "Crofte! I knew that sad puppy face was familiar!" The paladin's mouth twitched as she died a little more inside when her name was yelled across the room for all to hear. She kept her peace for the nonce, however, and Tash seemed to get the hint. "The fuck are you doin' here? Yeah, yeah, I know. Damn, upgraded to the younger model, huh?" She waved nonchalantly to Dheres who boldly took a seat adjacent to her. "Is this like your revenge boytoy fling? I mean, not bad!" With that she burst out laughing. The paladin sighed heavily and slowly before taking her own seat adjacent to Dheres and across from Tash. Scanning the table she noticed quite a few shot glasses arranged in rows. Some empty, some waiting to be emptied. Her eyes half lidded, she glared at the mercenary. "No. To all your questions, Miss Holbrook. And where is your vulgar half?" Tash smirked. "Huh? What, like my ass?" "Yes, him. The large one." Conversation quickly devolved from there to a series of posterior insults and conjecture of flotation devices. By the grace of the Twelve Coatleque was able to keep her voice from trembling in her disgust. "Mister Morn is not here then?" She tried vainly to change the subject matter at every turn. Eventually Tash slid each of them one of her shots. "Here, you deserve this. You want one, Hair? Or you more a wine cooler kinda guy?" Dheres looked at her with his own form of annoyance before reaching out and sliding the offered glass to himself. All three then downed their respective shots. Tash slammed the glass back to the table. Coatleque gently set hers down. Poor Dheres tried to mimic them only to break down into a fit of coughing. "Whoo! Good shit, right?!" Tash exclaimed. Coatleque sat quietly watching him and almost felt sorry for the boy while Tash just laughed. He did recover eventually but a strange calm seemed to overtake him. She leaned over the table slowly and turned back to Tash. "I am surprised to see you apart." The mercenary just shrugged. "We gotta get some work. He's checkin' one lead, I'm on another. Your ex is a bitch, so we're poor as fuck." Coatleque's head shook once and tilted. She remembered the last time she had seen both Tash and Vandol at Jameson's estate in Ul'dah. For delivering Roen they had received payment in gems and precious stones. "What did you do with your last payment?" She asked, now curious where it had all gone. "Spent it. Duh." "... on WHAT?!" Tash gestured to herself as if the answer was clear. "Man, twink ain't cheap! I'ts a fuckin' investment!" Coatleque found herself gripping the edges of the table on either side, her breath becoming slow and forced. Her voice slowed as she hissed, "You received easily what I make in two or three cycles... and you spent it already!?" Her lips began to curl but the anger slowly subsided as Tash explained where most of the coin had gone. When she finally let go of the table, a hand shot to her pocket to retrieve the parcel she received at Camp Tranquil. She slid it across to Tash. "Fine. Here, for the drinks." Tash eagerly grabbed and unwrapped it with the expectation of a few gil at least, then made a face. "The fuck is this?" The smell of chocolate came over the table. "I have no idea. Some sort of cake that a strange little herbalist gave me as we passed through the Shroud." The package was transferred and the conversation began to meander between work and personal affairs. It was clear that Tash held Jameson in rather low regard despite anything Coatleque could say to the contrary. "I admit, James can be difficult to work with sometimes but..." "Difficult to WORK with?!" She was cut off. "He thinks he's too fuckin' good for everything!" "That's not true," Coatleque whispered. "Why the fuck are you defending him!? He dumped your ass. Why ain't you mad!?" "I am livid," she hissed. "Does that change how I feel about him?!" The two went back and forth a bit longer as poor Dheres began to nod off. Seemed the young boy had no tolerance at all to whiskey. His head bobbed from one woman to the other as he tried to follow along. Eventually Tash tried to suggest he spend the night in her room of all places. Coalteque pushed back from the table then, disgusted. "No wonder Morn needed some time away." "The fuck's that supposed to mean?" The paladin waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing. Since you're 'not like that'." "Bitch, don't you talk-to-the-hand me! What, like now you're the fuckn' Morn translator?" Coatleque smirked. "My," she sighed, "so defensive about a mere business partner!" "Well, so's you know, Morn agrees with me. So fuck off!" Coatleque rolled her eyes to the side then snapped forward to stare Tash down. "Good! Maybe I'll just go see for myself! He loves us paladins if I remember right. Something about 'horny freaks doing it in armor'." Tash muttered quietly to herself as she nursed another shot. "Pretendin' you're this or that 'cause you think it's what they wa--" She stopped and glared back across the table, chewing her cheek. The idea of the other two together did not exactly thrill her. "Yeah, whatever. If you think Lord Taeros would let ya." Coatleque sat back once more, her glare hardening. "Bitch," she muttered to herself. Their arguing was interrupted by a thud as Dheres's forehead met the table. Coatleque sighed deeply before standing and pulling him to his feet. Looping an arm around her shoulders she turned him around to lead him to his room. "Take care, Miss Holbrook!" she called back to the woman who then left to refill her shots. "Bitches. Everyone is bitches."

Dream killer Shas has a date coming up. We'll see how that goes.

Yes? Part of shipping is the launch, watching it sail, raging as it sinks in flames. Like, we all know where Crofte's heart lies, even as it slowly destroys her. And we all know where Edda's heart lies, even as it slowly destroys her thighs.

The sea has been turbulent lately. What ships have been launched recently? Jancis and Barengar Franz and Avelyn Roen and Khadai Osric and Tash

Dheres awoke the next morning alone in a strange tent. While not exactly a full-service inn, it was still a far cry above a thin bedroll beneath a rain-soaked tree. He emerged when redressed to find Coatleque once more had been awake for far longer. She stood off by the aetherite securing their gear again and making sure the birds were fit for longer travel. The rain had not let up all the night. Even this morning it still drizzled around them like a coarse mist. "Did you sleep at all, Ser Crofte?" He asked as he approached. "Would you feel safer if I said yes or no?" she replied without looking back. He gave her a rather indignant look and perhaps it was justified. He was no back alley refugee pressed into service when faced otherwise with starvation. He was the son, a lesser son, but son no less of a Lord. Trained in many things not the least of which was swordplay. "Ser, I realize you are here to make me safer, but I assure you, I can fight." The flap of one sack was flipped downward and tied securely. She stopped and leaned towards the bird, resting one hand upon the saddle. "I do not doubt your abilities, my lord. I simply prefer to play things safe." "I was not elevated to the Immortal Flames because of a- a lordship!" His voice lowered then. "Or the potential of one." There was a pause. Coatleque turned to face him and bowed her head low. "Apologies, my lord. I misspoke." She held his bird steady while he climbed atop, then followed suit. The rest of the morning was spent in silence after that. They departed Camp Tranquil heading northward towards the Druthers. Her intention now was to reach Fallgourd if possible. Barring no interruptions along the road, they should make it before nightfall she guessed. She had made this trek many times before to avoid passing the castrum that loomed over Mor Dhona. It had been safe enough in the past, but she was not escorting high value targets then. It was Coatleque's turn to break the awkwardness this time. She owed him that at least after her blunder this morning. Once more she held her pace to allow her bird to fall back next to Dheres. "So," she began. "How long have you known Lord Taeros?" "Oh, near two years now? Ever since father moved us to the Jewel." He did seem more amenable to talking. The afternoon passed more quickly as he spoke at least. He told her of how they moved south, where his mother was from, how Jameson had assisted in their settling in Thanalan. Coatleque managed a gentle smile to his side. "He is a generous man, despite what most people think." Dheres frowned. "Yes, some speak ill of him, but they do of all monetarists." She hummed to herself. "Which is why they do not like me on his arm, I am sure." The trees which flanked them soon began to thin and the terrain became more rocky, signalling their proximity to the northern part of the Shroud. Coatleque chose to dismount and lead them on by foot from here as this would be the more dangerous leg of their trek. Should they be walking into an ambush, she wanted to be ready to defend while Dheres could flee backwards. Dheres continued to talk to her even though she could not face him from her position ahead. "Without Lord Taeros, I would never have met one of my very best friends." "Oh?" She asked if only to keep his spirits up. "Yes. Belaire. You briefly met her." Coatleque had met the girl more than once before. Typically in the presence of her Lady's husband. "She is the Lady Mandercrown's handmaiden if I remember correctly." Her tone turned rather dry. "I do not envy her position." He laughed lightly. "No. They are in truth very difficult. And rather entitled. And not at all like Lord Taeros." They continued on again in silence for a time. Coatleque found herself holding her arm tightly to her chest as it began to throb. 'From the weather', she told herself, and that brought the idle thought that perhaps it will always do so now. She did not like that much. It was still early evening when they arrived in Fallgourd. She led them round the aetherite before Dheres dismounted and moved up beside her. "This would be the next best place to stop," he began. "Of course, my lord. I was about to say just that. This is our last stop before Coerthas." She regarded him then as if gauging how his strength had recovered since the previous night. With a cluck of her tongue she gestured to the large building suspended over the river by cliff side. "The Bobbing Cork will have a proper room for you. I will see to our birds and join you in a moment." He needed no further convincing, already excited by the prospect of a real bed, and headed for the inn while she turned aside to stable their mounts for the night.

"So. You have multiple oaths, I take it?" The remainder of their ride through Thanalan had been spent in silence. As the sun dipped slowly beyond the horizon, the buzzing of flies was replaced by a chorus of crickets and toads. There was a pleasing calm about it at first, but as they drew closer to the borders with the forest the cries of nightlife turned more sinister. Coatleque sensed the unease in his voice and slowed her pace to fall back next to Dheres. "No, only the one. I assume you are referring to my friend last night?" "Well, ah... no. I mean you... have sort of... an oath with Lord Taeros. On top of your oath to the Sultana." The boy seemed to have difficulty in bringing his thoughts to words. She watched him struggle in amusement, keeping her mount's pace even with his. "Ahh, that," she replied evenly. "Not so much an oath as a... promise." "Is a promise not an oath?" "A promise? It is... well, it is complicated. Yes, I suppose it is an oath of sorts. It is just not as serious a thing." Night was well underway by the time they reached camp Tranquil. The darkened sky meant they could not see the storm clouds which had been approaching, but white flashes over the treetops had heralded an impending storm. Dheres stopped them in the middle of the camp. He looked quite pale in the torchlight. Begging her pardon, he dismounted and wandered away from Coatleque to be sick over the edge of the plateau. The paladin also dismounted and collected both birds to stand patiently by the aetherite. There she was recognized yet again by the most unexpected of faces. Lord Darius Vontraus was a merchant based out of Ishgard. He had come southward on business and was slowly making is way back home, stopping at various markets to conduct his business. Coatleque had only met him once, and briefly, at dinner with Jameson and Edda at their apartment in the city. Jameson had decided to rent a cabin in the mountains from him, for use on his honeymoon. Irksome as dinner conversations could go. It was surprising to see him here of all times, but even more surprising that he recognized her. They chatted briefly about why she was now here. "Lord Algincourt, you say? Now there is a name I have not heard in a while." Lord Vontraus turned to regard the boy who was now returning from his bout of nausea. His color had not improved. "My, it's not anything serious is it? I could call for a conjurer." He asked while leaning towards the paladin. Coatleque shook her head and crossed her arms. "No, nothing like that. My lord was attacked and injured in Thanalan. He has been tended but still needs rest." "Attacked?! By whom?" "Would that I knew. Hired blades looking to make quick coin. Sent by whom, I could not say." Dheres, in the meantime, looked perhaps worse than before. It was decided they could press on no further this night. By the good graces of Lord Vontraus, a tent was provided for them in the camp. Coatleque saw Lord Algincourt safely inside and allowed him some privacy to rest, at least for the first half of the night. She had intended to stand guard just outside. Darius took the opportunity himself to ramble on to her about how he had met his wife. It was in these rare moments that she felt some measure of thankfulness for her time spent in the pillowhouse. She was able to nod along and feign as much interest as necessary to keep the old man happy. That is until he began to imply there was something between her and her ward. "Shall I be preparing another honeymoon cabin?" He asked with a small grin. "No, thank you. I shall not be needing such." "Ah" Darius glanced back to the tent behind them. "Well, have you thought about it?" "... more than you know." She muttered quietly. "Oh my." He gazed at her with new understanding. "He fences with the other hand, eh?" "What?" She gave him an odd look, clearly not getting his meaning. "You know. He's... light in his gaiters?" "... who are you talking about?" "Who else?" He gestured back towards the tent. "Wh.. oh. OH! No, no, no - that is out of the question. I am simply escorting the young lord to safety. And besides that, my affections belong to another." By chance they were then interrupted by what appeared to be a travelling alchemist. Lord Vontraus took it upon himself to inquire about healing salves and poultices for the sick man sleeping in his tent. The alchemist seemed off to Coatleque, though, smelling of dirt and staggering off balance at random. When Darius offered to let her examine the boy, the paladin objected firmly. "I assure you, he only needs rest." "Aww - chill, bro! It's all natural!" The odd little woman staggered again. "So is my blade, yet I do not recommend falling on it. I would rather he not be disturbed." The alchemist rolled her eyes. "Here." She tossed something to the paladin. A small wrapped square that smelt of chocolate. Coatleque caught it and turned it over a few times in her hands. "I think this was supposed to come to you. I feel it." She pocketed it then, not quite sure how to react. "Only eat half, okay? You can't take too much cosmic truth at once." She staggered off then, leaving the two standing dumbfounded outside the tent. Lord Vontraus shook himself out of the trance first as he realized the time of night. He ensured the pair would be alright until the morning and Coatleque insisted he had done more than enough already. With one final promise of dinner invitations so she could meet his wife, he departed to continue his business.

Coatleque has managed to piss off everyone close to her, alienate the rest, flush her career down the drain, and learn that love is just a pipe dream. She would not have been thankful for anything this year.

"Thank you for your... trust. And your friendship." Leaning in towards her, he kissed her softly on the cheek. "Be safe," he whispered in her ear. [align=center]II[/align] His eyes opened slowly then fluttered. The room was not familiar at first. No, this was definitely not his room. Nor was it a tent at Scorpion's Crossing. Dheres sat up looking groggy as one who has overslept their mark by a few bells. "What," he began to stammer before holding his temples with both hands. "What happened?" The sun was already making its descent across Thanalan when he had finally come to. Coatleque had not awoken much sooner than he, but had already adjusted her armor and checked their gear. She sat quietly on a stool by the foot of his bed staring down at her arm. Slowly she opened and closed her hand, flexing, feeling the stiffness of the muscle as it strained against the recently closed tear. She wined but looked up from the blood-stained leather when he spoke. "My lord! You are awake!" She said breathlessly as if the news was fresh air to a weary soul. "How do you feel?" Her hands moved to her knees and the paladin straightened herself to hide any doubts she may have had. His hands were shaky, voice low. One was run slowly through his hair. "Weak, to be honest." There was a pause while his mind replayed the events most recent to his memory. Coatleque's head dipped as she watched him with upturned eyes. "He tried to ASSASSINATE me!" Dheres exclaimed through the shock of his slow realization that he did not dream the past evening. His outburst was met with a quieting motion from the paladin. "Shhhh. Yes, he did." She offered what little comfort she could. "Surprising, but not unexpected." As she spoke, she gestured to the chest of drawers by the bed. Atop it was laid a platter of bread, cheese, and grapes with a pitcher of water. Not the best of breakfasts, but affordable and easily available. "How? How is that expected?" He ignored her gesturing and pressed with his justifiable questioning. In truth, Coatleque knew nothing more than what Jameson had told her. It was her experience in observing his business from the sidelines that had prepared her for whatever dangers were still lurking. She could not pretend to understand the games these nobles played - distrust, intrigue, murder. And she liked none of it. But she did not have to play at it, just be there to encourage the man when he was losing and congratulate when he was winning. Coatleque stood finally and crossed her arms, turning away from the boy. "I told you that you were in danger. I was surprised it came so quickly, but I expected it nonetheless." She did not give him pause long enough to retort but did look back over her shoulder. "Please, you should eat something. Recover your strength. We can talk in the meantime if you are so inclined." Her head bowed respectfully. "Would that I had the answers you seek. We cannot even be certain the attacker was sent by your father. But we are lucky there was only one of them." Dheres began to rise instinctively at that. "We must confront him! If we--" but he slumped back to the bed, lightheaded. Coalteque turned back to face him. "Carefully, please. You were badly wounded." "But you saved me." He said quietly. "That was you." "I did what I was sworn to do. By the grace of the Twelve do you still draw breath. The Twelve, and the help of a friend." "I am in your debt, Ser. I will do all I can to repay your stalwart presence." Coatleque looked away again with a shake of her head. "I keep no debts, my lord. I gave my word to see you to safety, and I shall." The boy was much more readily agreeable to hear her out as he ate what was provided. She let him eat in silence at first till she was sure he would not pass out again or fall ill otherwise. Then she began to detail the trip that lay ahead. From the Flames' garrison at Drybone she was able to procure some equipment and supplies, as well as two birds. Such things they were accustomed to providing to the Sultansworn when required and they knew it would be repaid quickly. She intended to lead him north and east through the Black Shroud to reach Coerthas from the opposite side of where his father may expect. Her goal was to reach the Druthers to rest for the night. Judging by the sun they would be lucky to reach Highbridge before twilight. While Dheres finished eating, Coatleque put the rest of their affairs in order. And then they were off. On the long road to Ishgard.

I logged off and now I'm getting the dreaded lobby server error trying to change characters.

Hang in there, mister NPC! Square Enix will save you! (someday)... (maybe)