"Favor for a favor..."
"If I am in need of it. Who knows? With enough evidence, if the Brass Blades have the grounds to hold her.", Jameson stated. She knew full well he would.
The phrase was one of a few that Coatleque had been hearing more and more during her career. More often than not, these favors resulted in her giving rather than receiving. This was, however, why she was here tonight after all. She did not need Jameson. His agent, Brynnalia, would merely move on to the next highest bidder for her services. This here was where they would make their back room deals for a trade of power and to see just which of them would cave further. Who would be the loser tonight, she wondered. "Everyone will believe it is I.", she told herself. For a moment she felt at least partly more confident.
Coatleque sat her glass down once more, having drained it again. "Ah yes, have we come to the asking of favors portion of our business?" He gave her a slow, broad smile, almost hungry in his appearance. As a wolf about to steal yet another lamb from the flock. "Indeed." "Has anyone told you how predictable you are, Jameson?", she replied, again using his name. Her head began to swim now as Mister North walked the table once more and refilled all of their glasses before taking his position again with a look towards the kitchens. "I would hope that is part of my charm! And partly a curse. Alas. None seek my company or audience without some favor in mind. Is that not what all good business transactions and even friendships are all about?"
She took up her glass once more, no longer concerned with how many times it had been filled. This was still a dinner service, after all, and she may have been starting to enjoy it. She gazed languidly into the man's eyes once more as before. "Oh, I have tried. I simply can never catch you alone.", she chided playfully. "One could say the same for you, Lady Crofte.", Jameson retorted with another smile "So. Have a favor then?" Right to business as usual, much to her displeasure.
The Knight canted her head with a smile before taking another drink. "Aye, you've no doubt heard of a rather unpleasant event in Pearl lane concerning the Brass Blades and a poor merchant named Bellveil?" Jameson merely hummed as he also took up his glass again. "Mm." She nodded absently in response, her head feeling quite heavy now. "My concern is with the two who took it upon themselves tae step in and rescue him from the Blades brutality." Jameson took his own languid sip before setting the glass back down to the table. His gloved finger traced the neck of the glass. "You mean, they assaulted a Brass Blade. Attacking a law officer."
She tsked at him, becoming openly annoyed at how he always danced around answering the obvious. "Come now, Jameson, nothing happens in Ul'dah without yer notice." He looked back up to her with his typical slow smile. "Perhaps. So. I suspect you know these two... heroes then?", he stated in a mocking tone. She had taken up her glass again in the mean time and had drained it once again. "What I know of them is nae important. What I need is for these ridiculous charges tae be dropped." Brynnalia had since slid the rest of her food way. Leaning back, she took another long sip of her own wine with creased brows. The discussion had seemed to have taken away her appetite.
Jameson regarded the Sworn to his left with the smallest tug of one corner of his lip. Brynnalia slid her gaze to her as well. Coatleque merely blinked a few times. Her sudden change in mannerism had not gone unnoticed by the other two, though she certainly was unawares of the change herself. "You know me by now, Lady Crofte. Favor for favor.", he stated. "An' I expected nae less.", she replied. "Iron Sea refused tae work for me unless I saw tae this little mishap.", she continued as if stressing the importance of this. Jameson remained unmoved however. "I set to free... your friends... from these charges. Let them roam Ul'dah once more. You, make certain Miss Deneith feels safe to return to Ul'dah. And then bring her to me when she is apprehended. With... just charges. Of course. Two offers of freedom in exchange for one. I say that is fair."
Of course the knight was caught now and Jameson knew it. She had nothing else to bargain with, nor did she ever. She was a servant, not a leader, and as such it was her lot to perform rather than propose. She rolled her eyes while Brynnalia twisted her own lips. The woman tipped her glass back once more to find it too quickly emptied. She motioned with annoyance at Gideon.
Coatleque was disgusted beyond belief. Not only at herself, but those she was constantly forced to deal with. Everyone was at each others throats. Favors, feuds, blood for blood. It was so tiring. She finally slumped back in her chair and blurted out "Och, what is it with ye people an yer blood feuds? Can'nae I just sleep wit' ye and get it o'er with?", she declared with a vague hand gesture. It was now clear the wine was much stronger than she had thought. "I need tae think on that." By think, of course, she meant Roen. Could she break her promise and betray her friend so easily? No. She still had her honor intact.
Mister North quickly crossed around the table and poured another refill for Brynnalia with a courteous bow. She held the glass almost to his chest level before turning back to Coatleque in a bit of disbelief. She as not sure whether to be amused or shocked. No... she was amused. Jameson merely raised his brows before that hungry smily of his began to creep back in. "Why Lady Crofte. I had no idea what was on the table to be dealt. I hold you in high esteem." His grin lingered as he addressed the butler. "A good choice, Mister North.", he said without turning. "I aim to please, sir." came the response. Brynnalia eyed the butler then Crofte again. She too was beginning to feel the effects.
Jameson leaned in, his amber gaze intent on new prey. She merely stared at the table in thought, or perhaps she had passed out with her eyes open. In either case she made no sound or movement. "Now Lady Crofte, if I were to close my deals with such offers all the time, I would not be a wealthy man. Perhaps happy man, but not one of wealth. But your offer... I will take into consideration." His smile did not leave his expression as she merely smirked in response. It was clear she could hear him, though she still seemed to be considering things in her mind. "Are you indeed willing to put that forth?"
"Ah din'nae know where th' girl is now anyroad.", she finally said at length. It was partially true. She did not know where Roen was. But she did know how to reach her. "What do you think Miss Callae? I think this be an opportunity too tempting pass up." Brynnalia had been draining half her current glass when she paused, giving Jameson a look. "Are ye askin' me if ye should take her bed? Or if this be a good trade?" She harumphs. "I know the answer to first, Miss Callae. It is the second I want your opinion on.", he retorted. "Since when do ye need my approval on yer affairs?", she snorted. Her evasion at giving an answer was obvious. She gave Crofte a passing look, narrowing her sights at the woman's wine glass as if wondering if it was truly the wine affecting the woman.
Jameson continued as if formulating a new plan out loud. "Mm. Perhaps I will have to find my own means to find Miss Deneith. Should not be too difficult. Very well, then Lady Crofte." He took the bait then. She continued to stare at the table as if not wanting to be here now. Is this truly what she wanted to do? She looked back to him, studying those piercing yellow eyes. He truly did look like a wolf. Her heart skipped once, though not in fear, at the thought. "Hmm? Very what well?", she replied. "Why not cement our new friendship?", he asked. "Cement? Are we tae lay brick an' mortar now?", she retorted, playing up the wine even more.
"A favor. I asked you for one, and you counter offered. I will accept, lest you are having second thoughts. Then my first favor still stands.", he commanded. It was as if he was making yet another business transaction, although his eyes were lit with something else. Brynnalia could no longer keep silent. "Ye sure about this, Crofte? I'd just accept his first offer." She merely blinked, looking to the raven-haired woman as if seeking guidance or approval. The woman only shrugged. "Just turn the girl over, if she is stupid enough to make a mistake to get herself arrested. And if she never gets that stupid, then ye got nothin' to worry about.", she said with a pointed look. Jameson tsked at her. "Now, Miss Callae, that is no way to..."
Coatleque shook her head and slapped a hand on the table rather forcefully. "I am not arresting her." She withdrew her hand and shook it in mild pain then. Brynnalia rolled her eyes. "What is with this girl and everyone losin' their senses? Her brother fought his own allies even. Just make sure she stays out o' trouble and ye are debt free."
"I am nae th' one with a debt tae settle."
Jameson took a long breath in and leaned back in his chair, a patient smile in place. "Favor for a favor. It is your choice, Lady Crofte." "He ain't even romancin' ye, Crofte. This be a business deal. Ye really want that?", Brynnalia called out followed by a frown. She had found her own tongue a bit too lose now as well. Coatleque merely sighed. Yes, this was a business transaction. Her dignity gone to keep her honor intact. Yet it was so much more than that. This was only the start. If Taeros was willing to accept her this close to him now, he would surely do so again. As she knew from her past life, it was only a matter of time now. While the others worked on the material, she would work on the man. Even Natalie herself may have approved. Their methods were different, but they both served the same Sultana.
That is, of course, what she had told herself as she approached the table earlier that night. Her plans had gone ahead swimmingly. Her only question then was how to drop her own senses enough that she could go through with it. But for now, she had sufficiently done so through wine that she should have no trouble carrying out the rest.
"I dae believe a change of scenery is called for.", she said softly. Jameson glanced between the two women, genuinely amused, yet not affected by the wine what so ever. "A change of scenery." He seemed to ponder her response before smiling at her differently than she had ever seen. This time it was more sinister, oily even. Coatleque reached for her glass absently before realizing it was empty again, then shook her head. "Aye, if there was nothn' else tae discuss, Ah believe we're doen here."
"Mister North."
"Sir."
"Do prepare the deluxe suite here in Limsa. And should Lady Crofte decide to grant me this favor, escort her to the finest room."
"Very good, sir. I will have the desserts preserved, and sent to the estate.", he replied with a low bow.
"Make certain that she is provided for with the finest silks. I prefer silk nightgowns. With a slit to the side.", Jameson continued as if placing an order.
"Very good, sir.", he replied once more as he began to clear the table.
Jameson's eyes did not leave Coatleque. She merely sat where she was, unphased by any of this as if she had been through these very same preparations many times before.
"And another bottle of that fine wine. I do have one more business meeting to attend to, Lady Crofte."
"Of course, sir.", Mister North replied as she nodded quietly.
"But I expect to find you where Mister North will place you. In the finest silks."
"As ye wish, Master Taeros.", she replied softly, yet with a hint of feigned anticipation. Brynnalia merely scowled, her disapproval was clear.
"Very well.", Jameson concluded as he stood and crossed to the opposite side of the table. "I shall see you soon. And in much less." He managed to bow to her, ever the gentleman (or so she thought as she also stood to return the bow). She made sure to bow enough for her dress to fall forward slightly, not caring to watch where his gaze may drift. He smiled one last time before turning to leave. Coatleque turned back to Brynnalia with an almost apologetic look. "Miss Callae." The woman merely clucked her tongue.
Gideon returned to the table then and addressed the raven-haired woman even as she casted her disapproving glare to both in turn. "Will miss and mistress be requiring further assitance or service this evening?" "Not I. I guess ye be attendin' to Crofte here to make sure she pays Taeros up." She snorts. "Very good, mistress.", he said with a bow before turning to addres Coatleque directly. "And miss?"
"Master North? Ah believe ah was tae follow ye?", she said as politely as she could manage. "If miss is so inclined, then I will guide." She regarded the man for a moment before sidling up to him and taking his arm. "Mmm.. please do." He made no motion to push her away, but offered a thin smile. "Good evening. I will ensure a portion of the dessert reaches you." Brynnalia only shook her head in disgust once more and looked at the rest of her wine.
The pair slowly made their way out of the Bismark towards the Mizzenmast. She only stumbled a few times in her heels, though it was definitely from the wine rather than a lack of practice. She clung to his arm just the same allowing him to lead her. "I trust miss had an enjoyable evening?", he asked at length. He may not have known it, but she was glad he addressed her. It seemed to break the tension at least. "Most enjoyable, yes. Thank you so much.", she replied. "I am pleased to serve, miss."
Reaching the innkeep she gripped the bannister of the stairs to help steady herself before turning to him once more. "Thank you, Master North, for everything.", she said. She did not know if he could sense the genuine thanks behind her words. It was always difficult when third parties needed to be involved in this type of transaction. But here he was, serving as instructed. "Miss will find the requisite room on the top floor, with burgundy double doors. If miss has any further requirements, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Will that be all?", he said with his typically courteous bow. She offered him another smile. "Dae have a good evening yerself, Master North. Ye deserve tha' much." "...Miss is very kind. I will have something lightly carbonated sent to the room in case of necessity." She nodded, not even sure what that was supposed to mean after all the wine, and staggered once more before heading for the room. He looked faintly weary for a moment. "A pleasant evening, miss, and a restful morning."
( To be Continued... )
"If I am in need of it. Who knows? With enough evidence, if the Brass Blades have the grounds to hold her.", Jameson stated. She knew full well he would.
The phrase was one of a few that Coatleque had been hearing more and more during her career. More often than not, these favors resulted in her giving rather than receiving. This was, however, why she was here tonight after all. She did not need Jameson. His agent, Brynnalia, would merely move on to the next highest bidder for her services. This here was where they would make their back room deals for a trade of power and to see just which of them would cave further. Who would be the loser tonight, she wondered. "Everyone will believe it is I.", she told herself. For a moment she felt at least partly more confident.
Coatleque sat her glass down once more, having drained it again. "Ah yes, have we come to the asking of favors portion of our business?" He gave her a slow, broad smile, almost hungry in his appearance. As a wolf about to steal yet another lamb from the flock. "Indeed." "Has anyone told you how predictable you are, Jameson?", she replied, again using his name. Her head began to swim now as Mister North walked the table once more and refilled all of their glasses before taking his position again with a look towards the kitchens. "I would hope that is part of my charm! And partly a curse. Alas. None seek my company or audience without some favor in mind. Is that not what all good business transactions and even friendships are all about?"
She took up her glass once more, no longer concerned with how many times it had been filled. This was still a dinner service, after all, and she may have been starting to enjoy it. She gazed languidly into the man's eyes once more as before. "Oh, I have tried. I simply can never catch you alone.", she chided playfully. "One could say the same for you, Lady Crofte.", Jameson retorted with another smile "So. Have a favor then?" Right to business as usual, much to her displeasure.
The Knight canted her head with a smile before taking another drink. "Aye, you've no doubt heard of a rather unpleasant event in Pearl lane concerning the Brass Blades and a poor merchant named Bellveil?" Jameson merely hummed as he also took up his glass again. "Mm." She nodded absently in response, her head feeling quite heavy now. "My concern is with the two who took it upon themselves tae step in and rescue him from the Blades brutality." Jameson took his own languid sip before setting the glass back down to the table. His gloved finger traced the neck of the glass. "You mean, they assaulted a Brass Blade. Attacking a law officer."
She tsked at him, becoming openly annoyed at how he always danced around answering the obvious. "Come now, Jameson, nothing happens in Ul'dah without yer notice." He looked back up to her with his typical slow smile. "Perhaps. So. I suspect you know these two... heroes then?", he stated in a mocking tone. She had taken up her glass again in the mean time and had drained it once again. "What I know of them is nae important. What I need is for these ridiculous charges tae be dropped." Brynnalia had since slid the rest of her food way. Leaning back, she took another long sip of her own wine with creased brows. The discussion had seemed to have taken away her appetite.
Jameson regarded the Sworn to his left with the smallest tug of one corner of his lip. Brynnalia slid her gaze to her as well. Coatleque merely blinked a few times. Her sudden change in mannerism had not gone unnoticed by the other two, though she certainly was unawares of the change herself. "You know me by now, Lady Crofte. Favor for favor.", he stated. "An' I expected nae less.", she replied. "Iron Sea refused tae work for me unless I saw tae this little mishap.", she continued as if stressing the importance of this. Jameson remained unmoved however. "I set to free... your friends... from these charges. Let them roam Ul'dah once more. You, make certain Miss Deneith feels safe to return to Ul'dah. And then bring her to me when she is apprehended. With... just charges. Of course. Two offers of freedom in exchange for one. I say that is fair."
Of course the knight was caught now and Jameson knew it. She had nothing else to bargain with, nor did she ever. She was a servant, not a leader, and as such it was her lot to perform rather than propose. She rolled her eyes while Brynnalia twisted her own lips. The woman tipped her glass back once more to find it too quickly emptied. She motioned with annoyance at Gideon.
Coatleque was disgusted beyond belief. Not only at herself, but those she was constantly forced to deal with. Everyone was at each others throats. Favors, feuds, blood for blood. It was so tiring. She finally slumped back in her chair and blurted out "Och, what is it with ye people an yer blood feuds? Can'nae I just sleep wit' ye and get it o'er with?", she declared with a vague hand gesture. It was now clear the wine was much stronger than she had thought. "I need tae think on that." By think, of course, she meant Roen. Could she break her promise and betray her friend so easily? No. She still had her honor intact.
Mister North quickly crossed around the table and poured another refill for Brynnalia with a courteous bow. She held the glass almost to his chest level before turning back to Coatleque in a bit of disbelief. She as not sure whether to be amused or shocked. No... she was amused. Jameson merely raised his brows before that hungry smily of his began to creep back in. "Why Lady Crofte. I had no idea what was on the table to be dealt. I hold you in high esteem." His grin lingered as he addressed the butler. "A good choice, Mister North.", he said without turning. "I aim to please, sir." came the response. Brynnalia eyed the butler then Crofte again. She too was beginning to feel the effects.
Jameson leaned in, his amber gaze intent on new prey. She merely stared at the table in thought, or perhaps she had passed out with her eyes open. In either case she made no sound or movement. "Now Lady Crofte, if I were to close my deals with such offers all the time, I would not be a wealthy man. Perhaps happy man, but not one of wealth. But your offer... I will take into consideration." His smile did not leave his expression as she merely smirked in response. It was clear she could hear him, though she still seemed to be considering things in her mind. "Are you indeed willing to put that forth?"
"Ah din'nae know where th' girl is now anyroad.", she finally said at length. It was partially true. She did not know where Roen was. But she did know how to reach her. "What do you think Miss Callae? I think this be an opportunity too tempting pass up." Brynnalia had been draining half her current glass when she paused, giving Jameson a look. "Are ye askin' me if ye should take her bed? Or if this be a good trade?" She harumphs. "I know the answer to first, Miss Callae. It is the second I want your opinion on.", he retorted. "Since when do ye need my approval on yer affairs?", she snorted. Her evasion at giving an answer was obvious. She gave Crofte a passing look, narrowing her sights at the woman's wine glass as if wondering if it was truly the wine affecting the woman.
Jameson continued as if formulating a new plan out loud. "Mm. Perhaps I will have to find my own means to find Miss Deneith. Should not be too difficult. Very well, then Lady Crofte." He took the bait then. She continued to stare at the table as if not wanting to be here now. Is this truly what she wanted to do? She looked back to him, studying those piercing yellow eyes. He truly did look like a wolf. Her heart skipped once, though not in fear, at the thought. "Hmm? Very what well?", she replied. "Why not cement our new friendship?", he asked. "Cement? Are we tae lay brick an' mortar now?", she retorted, playing up the wine even more.
"A favor. I asked you for one, and you counter offered. I will accept, lest you are having second thoughts. Then my first favor still stands.", he commanded. It was as if he was making yet another business transaction, although his eyes were lit with something else. Brynnalia could no longer keep silent. "Ye sure about this, Crofte? I'd just accept his first offer." She merely blinked, looking to the raven-haired woman as if seeking guidance or approval. The woman only shrugged. "Just turn the girl over, if she is stupid enough to make a mistake to get herself arrested. And if she never gets that stupid, then ye got nothin' to worry about.", she said with a pointed look. Jameson tsked at her. "Now, Miss Callae, that is no way to..."
Coatleque shook her head and slapped a hand on the table rather forcefully. "I am not arresting her." She withdrew her hand and shook it in mild pain then. Brynnalia rolled her eyes. "What is with this girl and everyone losin' their senses? Her brother fought his own allies even. Just make sure she stays out o' trouble and ye are debt free."
"I am nae th' one with a debt tae settle."
Jameson took a long breath in and leaned back in his chair, a patient smile in place. "Favor for a favor. It is your choice, Lady Crofte." "He ain't even romancin' ye, Crofte. This be a business deal. Ye really want that?", Brynnalia called out followed by a frown. She had found her own tongue a bit too lose now as well. Coatleque merely sighed. Yes, this was a business transaction. Her dignity gone to keep her honor intact. Yet it was so much more than that. This was only the start. If Taeros was willing to accept her this close to him now, he would surely do so again. As she knew from her past life, it was only a matter of time now. While the others worked on the material, she would work on the man. Even Natalie herself may have approved. Their methods were different, but they both served the same Sultana.
That is, of course, what she had told herself as she approached the table earlier that night. Her plans had gone ahead swimmingly. Her only question then was how to drop her own senses enough that she could go through with it. But for now, she had sufficiently done so through wine that she should have no trouble carrying out the rest.
"I dae believe a change of scenery is called for.", she said softly. Jameson glanced between the two women, genuinely amused, yet not affected by the wine what so ever. "A change of scenery." He seemed to ponder her response before smiling at her differently than she had ever seen. This time it was more sinister, oily even. Coatleque reached for her glass absently before realizing it was empty again, then shook her head. "Aye, if there was nothn' else tae discuss, Ah believe we're doen here."
"Mister North."
"Sir."
"Do prepare the deluxe suite here in Limsa. And should Lady Crofte decide to grant me this favor, escort her to the finest room."
"Very good, sir. I will have the desserts preserved, and sent to the estate.", he replied with a low bow.
"Make certain that she is provided for with the finest silks. I prefer silk nightgowns. With a slit to the side.", Jameson continued as if placing an order.
"Very good, sir.", he replied once more as he began to clear the table.
Jameson's eyes did not leave Coatleque. She merely sat where she was, unphased by any of this as if she had been through these very same preparations many times before.
"And another bottle of that fine wine. I do have one more business meeting to attend to, Lady Crofte."
"Of course, sir.", Mister North replied as she nodded quietly.
"But I expect to find you where Mister North will place you. In the finest silks."
"As ye wish, Master Taeros.", she replied softly, yet with a hint of feigned anticipation. Brynnalia merely scowled, her disapproval was clear.
"Very well.", Jameson concluded as he stood and crossed to the opposite side of the table. "I shall see you soon. And in much less." He managed to bow to her, ever the gentleman (or so she thought as she also stood to return the bow). She made sure to bow enough for her dress to fall forward slightly, not caring to watch where his gaze may drift. He smiled one last time before turning to leave. Coatleque turned back to Brynnalia with an almost apologetic look. "Miss Callae." The woman merely clucked her tongue.
Gideon returned to the table then and addressed the raven-haired woman even as she casted her disapproving glare to both in turn. "Will miss and mistress be requiring further assitance or service this evening?" "Not I. I guess ye be attendin' to Crofte here to make sure she pays Taeros up." She snorts. "Very good, mistress.", he said with a bow before turning to addres Coatleque directly. "And miss?"
"Master North? Ah believe ah was tae follow ye?", she said as politely as she could manage. "If miss is so inclined, then I will guide." She regarded the man for a moment before sidling up to him and taking his arm. "Mmm.. please do." He made no motion to push her away, but offered a thin smile. "Good evening. I will ensure a portion of the dessert reaches you." Brynnalia only shook her head in disgust once more and looked at the rest of her wine.
The pair slowly made their way out of the Bismark towards the Mizzenmast. She only stumbled a few times in her heels, though it was definitely from the wine rather than a lack of practice. She clung to his arm just the same allowing him to lead her. "I trust miss had an enjoyable evening?", he asked at length. He may not have known it, but she was glad he addressed her. It seemed to break the tension at least. "Most enjoyable, yes. Thank you so much.", she replied. "I am pleased to serve, miss."
Reaching the innkeep she gripped the bannister of the stairs to help steady herself before turning to him once more. "Thank you, Master North, for everything.", she said. She did not know if he could sense the genuine thanks behind her words. It was always difficult when third parties needed to be involved in this type of transaction. But here he was, serving as instructed. "Miss will find the requisite room on the top floor, with burgundy double doors. If miss has any further requirements, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Will that be all?", he said with his typically courteous bow. She offered him another smile. "Dae have a good evening yerself, Master North. Ye deserve tha' much." "...Miss is very kind. I will have something lightly carbonated sent to the room in case of necessity." She nodded, not even sure what that was supposed to mean after all the wine, and staggered once more before heading for the room. He looked faintly weary for a moment. "A pleasant evening, miss, and a restful morning."
( To be Continued... )
