"Hope yer boss knows this stuff ain't exactly easy to come by." The merchant wrinkled his nose, unevenly bronzed by the midday heat. "Next time I'm puttin' my foot down. Gil in advance, supplies after. Y'hearin' me?" He adjusted his displays almost before he even finished the sentence, his attention no longer on the valet, but on catching the attention of the bazaar's spending passersby.
North bowed politely. "Of course, sir. I shall expect receipts delivered to the manse."
"Yes. The manse." There was a sneer in the merchant's mutter, but North could hardly begrudge him. Working the Sapphire Avenue Exchange in the hottest part of the day would be enough to wear on even the valet's nerves... not, of course, that he had had the opportunity to find out. The package clinked gently as he set it on the storefront's counter; heavy with gil and bound in a crisp, neat square with weaver's thread. Lost in thought, North paid little attention to the merchant's quick grab for the cash--nor to the Miqo'te who eyed him briefly before sidling up, examining the fieldcrafter's wares.
"Now, then..." North exhaled, once more flipping the notepad out from his pocket--briefly scanning through the itinerary. Dark matter, spinning wheel, ornamental hammer all present and accounted for. That left cooking supplies for the evening, high-quality textiles, and of course, the visit to the apothecary...
"Excuse me." North paused, eyes flickering, as the turbaned Miqo'te alongside him spoke. Her tone was low, discreet, but casual--by all appearances, she was still examining the fieldcraft seller's wares. "I wish to head north to find a red-haired Paladin. Know anything about that?"
North paused, absolutely still for the barest fraction of a second, then cleared his throat politely. "If Miss seeks to file a report with the missing persons department, then I shall provide escort. If you please." He bowed to her, more out of reflex than anything else, then set off at a brisk pace, heading for Pearl Lane. The Miqo'te shot him a sideways glance, but followed him nonetheless.
She caught up fairly quickly, as the hum of the busy market street faded behind the walls of the backstreets. She removed the mask wrappings with a slow, deliberate motion, keeping an eye on the valet. "Gideon North?"
At her question, North exhaled--though there was nobody around this was still questionable territory. "...Miss makes... bold maneuvers in the open clearing of the bazaar." He turned his gaze on her with another brief bow--more bemused than offended, though. "I am he, Miss. At your service." Almost instantly, however, he turned once more. "But--come. The Sacrarium is more discreet."
The Miqo'te smirked, following with a nod. "Well met. Lead on."
The open air of the Sacrarium was hardly any more secluded than the bazaar, but was in a far more out-of-the-way corner of the city. More than suitable for a sensitive discussion--though, North pondered as he examined the Miqo'te, it remained to be seen exactly how he could assist her. Dark hair, previously obscured by the turban. Lightly armored, lithe, but not coiled to spring. Likely trained, but not paranoid. "I presume Miss is the very individual that our mutual acquaintance spoke of?"
A nod. She--or rather, Kiht Jakkya, the ally Miss Deneith had spoke of--appeared to trust him. "I am. I was told about you by a Highlander woman. I was told many things that disturbed me." Her voice was quiet--though North supposed that this could be for the sake of discretion rather than any emotional distress.
"I am agog, Miss." The valet laced his fingers over his midsection, listening with polite attentiveness.
Kiht perked a brow. "I am told she has been captured, and taken to a place called 'Black Cell'. I was told to find you." The dark-haired Miqo'te sounded concerned, and more than likely still wary. North knew his friend's recommendation, though helpful, would hardly remove all Monetarist traces from his first impressions.
"Such is indeed the case, Miss." He studied her expression for a moment, quietly considering her options. "Understand, however, that my position makes it markedly difficult for me to influence such matters."
She would not be deterred, however. "Then you know? Does the one you serve have her?" She focused on him, intent on the truth. "Where is this place?"
North paused, coughing politely in response. In the brief pause that followed, Kiht inclined her head slightly. He considered his words carefully... then lowered his head, almost in apology. "I do not believe, Miss, that our mutual acquaintance would be best served by a daring escape that may result in general loss of... vitality, all round."
Clearly displeased, Kiht's ears lowered, her brow furrowing. Despite the tenseness of the situation, the reflex of it almost made North smile. She spoke plaintively, and honestly. "I am open to suggestions, but I am not sure I can just leave her there."
"If I may, Miss..." North grimaced. An unfortunate duty, but he had promised to represent her interests. "She wished that I guide you in a specific direction." He bowed, this time to mask his own distaste.
The Miqo'te immediately perked up. "Of course."
"..." Though North straightened, he was still clearly hesitating, speaking with the same delicacy one might employ to remove a corpse from Thanalan footpaths. "...Heavens know that I certainly would not find it a... palatable task. Nevertheless, I am bound to tell you in her stead."
She nodded, clearly determined. "I know not what she told you of me, but I would go through Hells for her."
A very earnest girl. Birds of a feather, it seemed. With Kiht's attention, North took a short breath, continuing with every appearance of calm. "Milady would ask that you, ah... find her errant partner. That man." Nero Lazarov. It remained unspoken, but the acid still dripped from North's tongue; the very thought souring his palate.
"The one who she was helping?"
"...I believe so, Miss. The... pirate."
A nod, with perhaps more familiarity than North's. "I know who you speak of."
"She would have it, Miss, that you would... talk sense into him, and make him see his obligations through." He shifted a shoulder, eyes briefly flickering to the stone walls of the Sacrarium. "Frankly, from what I have heard of the man, it seems a fool's errand. I hesitate to bestow it upon you, as you do not seem a fool."
If she made any judgments as to the venom in North's tone, she did not show it. "Is that all I can do? What of her? Or does she think he will help her?" Her concern was evident--and, North was pleased to see, she at least shared his incredulity.
"I cannot say, Miss. It is what she would ask of you, through myself as intermediary." He paused, remembering the notebook in his pocket. "I have... certain possibilities at hand that may see her freed. But circumstances must be correct for me to act on them."
Kiht sighed. "I will do it then..." She paused, meeting his eyes. "I hope to Gods you do. I... I can not stand the thought of her being a captive again."
"Again, Miss?" Curious. North tilted his head, politely questioning.
"...Has she not told you of her past? Before she joined with him?" Cautious again. Only to be expected.
"I do not ask questions, Miss, and sensitive matters are not for me to delve into." North had not come this far without discretion. As he bowed, she seemed somewhat relieved to drop the subject as well.
"'Tis not my place to say anydusk..." She gazed around the area. "Is there more I must know?"
North hesitated only a moment, then softened. "She is being taken care of, Miss." Another bow. "Milord has explicitly given me order to ensure she is most comfortable, and by virtue of this, I have attempted to ensure that her stay is not excessively unpleasant."
The Miqo'te frowned at his words, but responded with sincere enough emotion. "...I hope so..." Her voice was quiet again. "You have my gratitude. I will not hold you up any longer unless you have questions."
That brought a smile from North in addition to his reflexive bow. "I do not ask questions, Miss. I will aid you in whatever facility I am able. I hope the future finds you triumphant and your worries relieved."
Kiht let out a final sigh, preparing to leave. "If that is how it must be."
"And..." North swallowed, seeing Kiht's gaze flicker up at his words. "If this... Nero..." He scowls, the revolutionary's name passing his lips with disgust and cold condemnation. "...will not listen to reason... then that is his flaw, and not a failure of yours." He bowed once more, icy composure instantly assumed and returning his voice to normal. "I bid Miss bear that in mind."
With a quick salute, the Miqo'te gave him one last look. "I understand. Menphina guide you."
"Very kind of you, Miss." He watched her go. "Safe travels." Five seconds passed, then ten... and he pulled the notebook from his pocket. To the apothecary.
North bowed politely. "Of course, sir. I shall expect receipts delivered to the manse."
"Yes. The manse." There was a sneer in the merchant's mutter, but North could hardly begrudge him. Working the Sapphire Avenue Exchange in the hottest part of the day would be enough to wear on even the valet's nerves... not, of course, that he had had the opportunity to find out. The package clinked gently as he set it on the storefront's counter; heavy with gil and bound in a crisp, neat square with weaver's thread. Lost in thought, North paid little attention to the merchant's quick grab for the cash--nor to the Miqo'te who eyed him briefly before sidling up, examining the fieldcrafter's wares.
"Now, then..." North exhaled, once more flipping the notepad out from his pocket--briefly scanning through the itinerary. Dark matter, spinning wheel, ornamental hammer all present and accounted for. That left cooking supplies for the evening, high-quality textiles, and of course, the visit to the apothecary...
"Excuse me." North paused, eyes flickering, as the turbaned Miqo'te alongside him spoke. Her tone was low, discreet, but casual--by all appearances, she was still examining the fieldcraft seller's wares. "I wish to head north to find a red-haired Paladin. Know anything about that?"
North paused, absolutely still for the barest fraction of a second, then cleared his throat politely. "If Miss seeks to file a report with the missing persons department, then I shall provide escort. If you please." He bowed to her, more out of reflex than anything else, then set off at a brisk pace, heading for Pearl Lane. The Miqo'te shot him a sideways glance, but followed him nonetheless.
She caught up fairly quickly, as the hum of the busy market street faded behind the walls of the backstreets. She removed the mask wrappings with a slow, deliberate motion, keeping an eye on the valet. "Gideon North?"
At her question, North exhaled--though there was nobody around this was still questionable territory. "...Miss makes... bold maneuvers in the open clearing of the bazaar." He turned his gaze on her with another brief bow--more bemused than offended, though. "I am he, Miss. At your service." Almost instantly, however, he turned once more. "But--come. The Sacrarium is more discreet."
The Miqo'te smirked, following with a nod. "Well met. Lead on."
--
The open air of the Sacrarium was hardly any more secluded than the bazaar, but was in a far more out-of-the-way corner of the city. More than suitable for a sensitive discussion--though, North pondered as he examined the Miqo'te, it remained to be seen exactly how he could assist her. Dark hair, previously obscured by the turban. Lightly armored, lithe, but not coiled to spring. Likely trained, but not paranoid. "I presume Miss is the very individual that our mutual acquaintance spoke of?"
A nod. She--or rather, Kiht Jakkya, the ally Miss Deneith had spoke of--appeared to trust him. "I am. I was told about you by a Highlander woman. I was told many things that disturbed me." Her voice was quiet--though North supposed that this could be for the sake of discretion rather than any emotional distress.
"I am agog, Miss." The valet laced his fingers over his midsection, listening with polite attentiveness.
Kiht perked a brow. "I am told she has been captured, and taken to a place called 'Black Cell'. I was told to find you." The dark-haired Miqo'te sounded concerned, and more than likely still wary. North knew his friend's recommendation, though helpful, would hardly remove all Monetarist traces from his first impressions.
"Such is indeed the case, Miss." He studied her expression for a moment, quietly considering her options. "Understand, however, that my position makes it markedly difficult for me to influence such matters."
She would not be deterred, however. "Then you know? Does the one you serve have her?" She focused on him, intent on the truth. "Where is this place?"
North paused, coughing politely in response. In the brief pause that followed, Kiht inclined her head slightly. He considered his words carefully... then lowered his head, almost in apology. "I do not believe, Miss, that our mutual acquaintance would be best served by a daring escape that may result in general loss of... vitality, all round."
Clearly displeased, Kiht's ears lowered, her brow furrowing. Despite the tenseness of the situation, the reflex of it almost made North smile. She spoke plaintively, and honestly. "I am open to suggestions, but I am not sure I can just leave her there."
"If I may, Miss..." North grimaced. An unfortunate duty, but he had promised to represent her interests. "She wished that I guide you in a specific direction." He bowed, this time to mask his own distaste.
The Miqo'te immediately perked up. "Of course."
"..." Though North straightened, he was still clearly hesitating, speaking with the same delicacy one might employ to remove a corpse from Thanalan footpaths. "...Heavens know that I certainly would not find it a... palatable task. Nevertheless, I am bound to tell you in her stead."
She nodded, clearly determined. "I know not what she told you of me, but I would go through Hells for her."
A very earnest girl. Birds of a feather, it seemed. With Kiht's attention, North took a short breath, continuing with every appearance of calm. "Milady would ask that you, ah... find her errant partner. That man." Nero Lazarov. It remained unspoken, but the acid still dripped from North's tongue; the very thought souring his palate.
"The one who she was helping?"
"...I believe so, Miss. The... pirate."
A nod, with perhaps more familiarity than North's. "I know who you speak of."
"She would have it, Miss, that you would... talk sense into him, and make him see his obligations through." He shifted a shoulder, eyes briefly flickering to the stone walls of the Sacrarium. "Frankly, from what I have heard of the man, it seems a fool's errand. I hesitate to bestow it upon you, as you do not seem a fool."
If she made any judgments as to the venom in North's tone, she did not show it. "Is that all I can do? What of her? Or does she think he will help her?" Her concern was evident--and, North was pleased to see, she at least shared his incredulity.
"I cannot say, Miss. It is what she would ask of you, through myself as intermediary." He paused, remembering the notebook in his pocket. "I have... certain possibilities at hand that may see her freed. But circumstances must be correct for me to act on them."
Kiht sighed. "I will do it then..." She paused, meeting his eyes. "I hope to Gods you do. I... I can not stand the thought of her being a captive again."
"Again, Miss?" Curious. North tilted his head, politely questioning.
"...Has she not told you of her past? Before she joined with him?" Cautious again. Only to be expected.
"I do not ask questions, Miss, and sensitive matters are not for me to delve into." North had not come this far without discretion. As he bowed, she seemed somewhat relieved to drop the subject as well.
"'Tis not my place to say anydusk..." She gazed around the area. "Is there more I must know?"
North hesitated only a moment, then softened. "She is being taken care of, Miss." Another bow. "Milord has explicitly given me order to ensure she is most comfortable, and by virtue of this, I have attempted to ensure that her stay is not excessively unpleasant."
The Miqo'te frowned at his words, but responded with sincere enough emotion. "...I hope so..." Her voice was quiet again. "You have my gratitude. I will not hold you up any longer unless you have questions."
That brought a smile from North in addition to his reflexive bow. "I do not ask questions, Miss. I will aid you in whatever facility I am able. I hope the future finds you triumphant and your worries relieved."
Kiht let out a final sigh, preparing to leave. "If that is how it must be."
"And..." North swallowed, seeing Kiht's gaze flicker up at his words. "If this... Nero..." He scowls, the revolutionary's name passing his lips with disgust and cold condemnation. "...will not listen to reason... then that is his flaw, and not a failure of yours." He bowed once more, icy composure instantly assumed and returning his voice to normal. "I bid Miss bear that in mind."
With a quick salute, the Miqo'te gave him one last look. "I understand. Menphina guide you."
"Very kind of you, Miss." He watched her go. "Safe travels." Five seconds passed, then ten... and he pulled the notebook from his pocket. To the apothecary.
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Skype: wordsmithrefl[/sub]
Skype: wordsmithrefl[/sub]
