Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
That infernal, insufferable clock ticking over and over and over the linkpearl. Caused by the same infernal, insufferable little shite out of his warped sense of kindness. Ki had been missing for over a week now. The first night he didn't return home she thought nothing of it, as he had been known to become occupied with other work. It was the second night he didn't return home, and without having so much as uttered a single word, was when worry began to creep its way into Nahare's mind. Desperately she called her mate's name, only to be met with nothing but silence in response. Eventually a voice rang out to her, but it didn't belong to Ki.
No. This voice was soft, careful with their words, and held the slightest air of amusement in regards to tone. Jin'li Epinoch had come upon Ki's personal linkpearl with Nahare and took great joy in communicating with her over it. "Pardon me, did this one hear correctly you were attempting to reach a Ki?", began their proverbial game of cat and mouse. This time, however, he was the predator and she the prey. Nahare didn't appreciate having the tables turned around on her. "Who tha feck are ye an' why do ye 'ave Ki's pearrrl?", was her counter. Already from the beginning Jin'li put her on edge and growling low in her throat.
"It would appear that he sounds very dear to you? Well, to avoid being ever so rude, this one obtained the pearl after stumbling upon a battered Mister Ki in Limsa. So, to whom does this one have the pleasure of addressing, and perhaps, you can also explain your relationship?" So, Ki was injured and being held hostage, a statement Jin'li had uttered casually whilst sipping upon tea. How grievous were his wounds? Had he received any kind of medical attention at all? But most of all, where was he? "Ye'll aftah excuse me trrransgressions, Mistah Epinoch. I dun take kindly ta things bein' stolen from Ki. Now tell me where 'e is so I may retrrrieve 'im!" Nahare wasn't known for her patience, or tact. Especially when it came to someone with ill intentions against her loved ones.
She refused to answer his question at first, attempting to see just how hard she could squeeze for information before having to divulge any of her own. "Mister Grimsong is out of your reach and no longer in my possession, but within another's. As such, you will have to deal with them instead. Was that comprehended, my lady?" Oh, it was comprehended alright. Nahare wanted nothing more than to find a means to reach her hands across their connection and encircle them around Jin'li's throat. Smug bastard. "I can comprehend ye jus' fine, ye smart arse! If'n ye dun 'ave ye 'ands on Ki, then who does!?" Anger quickly mingled with her words, the level of her patience ever waning. "Please forgive me, Lady Unknown. But this one doesn't feel very compelled to cooperate, not without wondering what you gain for such a trade of information."Â
Jin'li maintained his calm, near nonchalant facade. The sound of tea being partaken of had now been accompanied by the chewing of a muffin. At least someone seemed content enough to eat, because it most certainly wasn't her. "Me name's Nahare, an ye assumptions on Mistah Grimsong bein' very dear ta me were correct. Does that suffice 'nough ferrr ye?" He had barely twisted her arm and she already caved. Then again, if Ki was injured, she didn't exactly have the time to play games. Minutes wasted could have been minutes put forth into rescuing him. A sour feeling rumbled through her stomach at her admittance. She didn't want to say too much, either. Her ears wilted themselves against her head.
"Is this one to assume that, perhaps, you two have become intimate? Oh, how interesting..." Twelves dammit. A sharp shudder jolted itself down her spine. He'd continue, "This little bit of information does, indeed, garner a satisfactory exchange of information. However, this one shall press further. Might you inform me if you have access to one Mister Melkire?" Nahare rolled her eyes, silently mocking and mouthing Jin'li's words back to him as he spoke. Insufferable. Little. Shite. "I may 'o may not know Mistah Melkire. Ta what purpose do ye 'ave with 'im be the bettah question." By this point she'd defaulted into her pacing routine, with golden hues darting around the room and fists clenched at her sides.
"This one would like you to inform the sergeant that he and I should meet, though you may certainly join him. However, no one else. I can discuss something that Mister Melkire might find /very/ desirable to know, as well as the location of your mate." She felt like she was finally getting somewhere, but now it involved convincing Osric to play in this little game. A deep sigh escaped her lips. "Hn. I'll pass on ye message ta Mistah Melkire at me next opportunity. Though /where/ fer us ta meet ye is anotha question." There was a long pause as Jin'li mulled over his next response. More tea being sipped, more of the muffin being eaten. A knife scraping as jam was spread across a piece of toast.
Nahare rubbed her hands over her face, the end of her tail swaying sharply to and fro behind her. The moment of silence was driving her mad. "Oh, let us say, Fallgourd Float. Once you arrive, further instructions will be given via this linkpearl to prevent... unwanted guests. Does this seem acceptable?" No, it didn't. In fact, none of it was acceptable. But she had no choice but to sing and dance to his tune for the time being. "Ye conditions 'ave been noted. I'll be in touch..." She felt defeated, kicked while she was down, once more a marionette doll. "For your dear one's sake, I'd advise you not delay. Should you take too long, Mister Grimsong might very well pass from beneath my realm of influence. This one did leave him... purposefully placed. T'was a pleasure to speak with you, Lady Nahare. This one does look forward to seeing you in person."
For the next few nights she would achieve little to no sleep. The woman was running on fumes with high stress and anxiety surging through her veins. Thankfully, she was able to pin down Osric and convey to him what was said, as well as what was at stake. Unfortunately, him being currently detained in Thanalan posed a problem. He couldn't leave, and she absolutely needed him to go with her. The only other options Osric presented to her were: Take Kanaria in his stead, or they implemented the use of a body double. One of their loved ones was up shite's creek without a paddle to begin with, so taking Kanaria was out of the question. Instead, both of them agreed upon the use of a double, which would stay behind whilst the real Osric accompanied her.
No sooner had Nahare thought herself free of Jin'li's banter did he return, and with a clock. He was so kind in reminding her that he was still waiting for both of them to make their appearance. The clock was wound and the pearl was filled with loud, monotonous ticking. "Should you delay any longer, one would advise you'd be better off building a coffin for Mister Grimsong. This one has provided you with a timer. As soon as the ticking has stopped, you'll know you're too late." She was damned if she did and damned if she didn't. On one hand she couldn't turn the pearl off, lest Jin'li tried talking to her further and now she had some sort of indicator on Ki's condition. But on the other hand, the continuous ticking would prod at her already shot nerves. The seemingly lesser of the two evils was chosen, the pearl remained on.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
