To anyone else looking at him, Reese was the happiest thief ever.
Only he would also be the worst thief ever, since his mission was to deliver a gift rather than steal something from the household. And yet stealth was a must, for his was a surprise gift--one that Launce was meant to find in his study upon his return from the House of Lords--and so Reese had snuck into his friend’s home with a spare key that he had been given. It was almost comical, he mused, how he tiptoed through the halls with the wrapped box in hand, taking care to avoid the rooms near where he knew the servants quarters to be. Oddly enough, they too did not seem to be busying about the manse this afternoon.
All the more fortuitous! Surely, Nymeia was smiling upon him this sun.
But the smile upon his well-trimmed features lingered not just because of the anticipation of gift giving. Reese was not even certain how the stuffed tonberry doll would even be received, it was a plushy thing that wielded a dagger, after all! But the Midlander knew Launce to be the type that marveled at such foreign oddities, and would also appreciate the inherent irony in something that seemed so harmless and yet wielded a murderous weapon at the same time.
How utterly Eorzean!
While the thought of imagining the perplexed expression on Launce’s face did please him, in truth it was another juicy bit of gossip that had Reese bouncing in his steps. It was no secret to his friends that he had an expansive and fond regard for all things scandalous. He followed all of the printed newspapers and gossip publications with a dedication that rivaled any religious zealot in Ishgard. Perhaps it was due to the unbending rule of the Elementals and the too-tranquil ways of life in the Black Shroud that Reese needed a diversion in following any grapevine in print.
So it was to his most delightful surprise that he happened upon a person who was at the center of his most favorite tale. While strolling through the Jeweled Crozier to make his rounds with the merchants there, he ran into a woman he would recognize anywhere: Ser Coatleque Crofte. She looked just as she did in the Bronco Grease advertisement except... perhaps clothed to a far greater degree. He found her somehow more beautiful in full armor. She was one of the central heroines in the up-and-coming play Between The Sea And Sand, a production that if one was in the know, they knew it was based on real political events in Ul’dah. Oh how he had followed the news of every detail that surrounded that sordid saga! Reese owned every publication written by Spahro Llorn (his favorite writer ever) and knew that it was in thanks to her investigative and fearless journalism that such a romantic and infamous story had been brought to light.
Reese’s mind still buzzed with the events that followed his meeting with Ser Crofte. He was still chipper over the fact that he treated her to tea, but he also promised her that he would help her find her one true love, Jameson Taeros. The woman seemed distressed and preoccupied about the Monetarist’s disappearance, so of course Reese would lend his support to his favorite heroine! But moons had passed without any success on his part. Surely a notorious entrepreneur like Lord Taeros could not just disappear off the face of Eorzea without some trail! Then, on one of his business ventures back in the Black Shroud, he happened upon the very noble himself, sound asleep within one of the little known brothels. Reese almost did not recognize the man. His complexion was more sallow than he had imagined, and his chin was capped by a poorly maintained beard. But Reese’s keen eyes recognized him nonetheless, he was a man that everyone loved to hate.
Reese had returned to Ishgard to seek out Ser Crofte immediately thereafter, but the Sultansworn was no longer anywhere to be found. Still, the fact that he was now directly helping someone whom he had long admired from afar, it had put a bounce in his steps that would go on for suns.
The fortunes have been smiling upon me, the Midlander grinned to himself. But just as he was about to reach for the door that led to Launce’s study, he heard muted voices within.
Reese froze. Launce was not supposed to have returned from his House of Lords gathering just yet. Although the Midlander had to admit that he was clueless as to knowing how long such meetings were supposed to last. But knowing his friend, Launce was prone to stay long after, making more acquaintances amongst the circle of nobles. The Elezen had acquired a seat in the House of Lords, but he also had allies within the House of Commons through his history of charitable work and championing the poor’s cause. And while Launce seemed comfortable in his network of allies, this was still a new and fluid body of government, Reese knew. The Midlander knew that Launce would never say so, a public association with an outsider in the eyes of the two new Houses of government may not be strategically advantageous to one seeking influence.
Reese lingered near the door, trying not to make any sound to alert those inside. Where would he hide the tonberry? Should he just come back later and exit the premises the same way he had entered?
Or should he just leave the wrapped gift with a retainer for the house?
The barest touch of his fingertip to the door knob slid the door open by a sliver; the lock to the study had been troublesome for a fortnight now. And as the air within was given a breath from the hallway, clearer conversation started to filter through.
“Aurelieaux states that Miss Reeves’ research with the Au Ra is nearly complete.†It was a female voice that Reese recognized. He had made acquaintance with Miss Isene Daumois a few moons back, she was a cool woman whose sharp tongue seemed intolerant of any ineptitude. But her tone seemed very deferential and muted in her current discussion. “She requires only a few more subjects, but we have many who are eager to accommodate her wishes.â€
A laughter sounded from within, and it was one that Reese recognized with ease. “Getting what tidbits you can from her assistant are you?†Launce seemed amused. “Why not simply ask the woman herself?â€
“Miss Reeves prefers to share her findings with no one else but the Marquis, or yourself, my lord.â€
“Ah, yes. She is quite a private woman. All the better to keep such things as these as discreet as possible, hm?†A pause. “But obtaining what she needs will not be a problem?â€
“With the Dragonsong War at an end, many who were solely trained for battle find themselves restless. And some mercenaries who also answered the call for aid and now have nowhere else to go; they are hungry for work.â€
“Ah yes. We were brought up to live in times of war, to survive conflict, and kill dragonkind for a thousand years.†Launce sighed, his tone turning pensive. “Now entering the time of peace, the soldiers who dreamed of glory find that they no longer have a purpose or worth. A shame.†He tsked, but his tone brightened quickly. “I am glad we can be of service in giving them a new objective.â€
“And filling their coffers,†the Elezen woman inserted. “I have the latest estimates on this winter’s contributions. Despite the former Lord Commander’s edicts, the support for the cause has not diminished. While some have turned more wary in fear of retribution, many others who believe in path to redemption have become even more fervent in their support.â€
Reese’s ears were starting to burn, he knew he should not be privy to this exchange. But the hint of secrecy and maybe even a conspiracy intrigued him so! Even so, Launce was a trusted friend, his only friend in the city, so the Midlander chided himself silently for listening as long as he did. He reached for the doorknob carefully, even holding his breath as he tugged the door closed as noiselessly as possible.
He remained frozen by the portal for another ten seconds, until he heard no movement or pause from within. Confident that he had left the two within undisturbed, Reese exhaled and straightened. But when he turned, he let out a yelp as he saw another woman standing just behind him.
“Mi... Miss Reeves!†The Midlander squeaked, although he managed to keep his voice just above a whisper. He had come to clutch the gift to his chest. “You startled me, dear lady!†When the slight raven-haired woman only continued to stare, Reese let out a nervous laughter. “Ah, you are probably wondering what I am doing here. Yes, well. You see, I brought my friend a gift, a surprise gift! But he seems preoccupied so I was going to return later…â€
Josette Reeves only canted her head, those dark violet eyes of hers boring into the man. Reese loosened his collar.
“And I was so excited to tell him about the latest gossip that I have learned! But I didn’t want to disturb him so…â€
“Mister Templeton,†Josette injected calmly. “Lord Jeaumis will not be detained long. You can accompany me to the sunroom, where you can wait for him.†She turned for the hallway, as if expecting him to follow.
Her reserved mannerisms had always unnerved Reese in their previous encounters, even though the woman had never raised her voice to him. Still, he felt judgement in her still posture. So he prattled on anxiously as he fell in step behind her down the hallway.
“So are you an aficionado of Ul’dan politics, Miss Reeves? Why, I have just come upon some delectable tale of coincidences…â€
Only he would also be the worst thief ever, since his mission was to deliver a gift rather than steal something from the household. And yet stealth was a must, for his was a surprise gift--one that Launce was meant to find in his study upon his return from the House of Lords--and so Reese had snuck into his friend’s home with a spare key that he had been given. It was almost comical, he mused, how he tiptoed through the halls with the wrapped box in hand, taking care to avoid the rooms near where he knew the servants quarters to be. Oddly enough, they too did not seem to be busying about the manse this afternoon.
All the more fortuitous! Surely, Nymeia was smiling upon him this sun.
But the smile upon his well-trimmed features lingered not just because of the anticipation of gift giving. Reese was not even certain how the stuffed tonberry doll would even be received, it was a plushy thing that wielded a dagger, after all! But the Midlander knew Launce to be the type that marveled at such foreign oddities, and would also appreciate the inherent irony in something that seemed so harmless and yet wielded a murderous weapon at the same time.
How utterly Eorzean!
While the thought of imagining the perplexed expression on Launce’s face did please him, in truth it was another juicy bit of gossip that had Reese bouncing in his steps. It was no secret to his friends that he had an expansive and fond regard for all things scandalous. He followed all of the printed newspapers and gossip publications with a dedication that rivaled any religious zealot in Ishgard. Perhaps it was due to the unbending rule of the Elementals and the too-tranquil ways of life in the Black Shroud that Reese needed a diversion in following any grapevine in print.
So it was to his most delightful surprise that he happened upon a person who was at the center of his most favorite tale. While strolling through the Jeweled Crozier to make his rounds with the merchants there, he ran into a woman he would recognize anywhere: Ser Coatleque Crofte. She looked just as she did in the Bronco Grease advertisement except... perhaps clothed to a far greater degree. He found her somehow more beautiful in full armor. She was one of the central heroines in the up-and-coming play Between The Sea And Sand, a production that if one was in the know, they knew it was based on real political events in Ul’dah. Oh how he had followed the news of every detail that surrounded that sordid saga! Reese owned every publication written by Spahro Llorn (his favorite writer ever) and knew that it was in thanks to her investigative and fearless journalism that such a romantic and infamous story had been brought to light.
Reese’s mind still buzzed with the events that followed his meeting with Ser Crofte. He was still chipper over the fact that he treated her to tea, but he also promised her that he would help her find her one true love, Jameson Taeros. The woman seemed distressed and preoccupied about the Monetarist’s disappearance, so of course Reese would lend his support to his favorite heroine! But moons had passed without any success on his part. Surely a notorious entrepreneur like Lord Taeros could not just disappear off the face of Eorzea without some trail! Then, on one of his business ventures back in the Black Shroud, he happened upon the very noble himself, sound asleep within one of the little known brothels. Reese almost did not recognize the man. His complexion was more sallow than he had imagined, and his chin was capped by a poorly maintained beard. But Reese’s keen eyes recognized him nonetheless, he was a man that everyone loved to hate.
Reese had returned to Ishgard to seek out Ser Crofte immediately thereafter, but the Sultansworn was no longer anywhere to be found. Still, the fact that he was now directly helping someone whom he had long admired from afar, it had put a bounce in his steps that would go on for suns.
The fortunes have been smiling upon me, the Midlander grinned to himself. But just as he was about to reach for the door that led to Launce’s study, he heard muted voices within.
Reese froze. Launce was not supposed to have returned from his House of Lords gathering just yet. Although the Midlander had to admit that he was clueless as to knowing how long such meetings were supposed to last. But knowing his friend, Launce was prone to stay long after, making more acquaintances amongst the circle of nobles. The Elezen had acquired a seat in the House of Lords, but he also had allies within the House of Commons through his history of charitable work and championing the poor’s cause. And while Launce seemed comfortable in his network of allies, this was still a new and fluid body of government, Reese knew. The Midlander knew that Launce would never say so, a public association with an outsider in the eyes of the two new Houses of government may not be strategically advantageous to one seeking influence.
Reese lingered near the door, trying not to make any sound to alert those inside. Where would he hide the tonberry? Should he just come back later and exit the premises the same way he had entered?
Or should he just leave the wrapped gift with a retainer for the house?
The barest touch of his fingertip to the door knob slid the door open by a sliver; the lock to the study had been troublesome for a fortnight now. And as the air within was given a breath from the hallway, clearer conversation started to filter through.
“Aurelieaux states that Miss Reeves’ research with the Au Ra is nearly complete.†It was a female voice that Reese recognized. He had made acquaintance with Miss Isene Daumois a few moons back, she was a cool woman whose sharp tongue seemed intolerant of any ineptitude. But her tone seemed very deferential and muted in her current discussion. “She requires only a few more subjects, but we have many who are eager to accommodate her wishes.â€
A laughter sounded from within, and it was one that Reese recognized with ease. “Getting what tidbits you can from her assistant are you?†Launce seemed amused. “Why not simply ask the woman herself?â€
“Miss Reeves prefers to share her findings with no one else but the Marquis, or yourself, my lord.â€
“Ah, yes. She is quite a private woman. All the better to keep such things as these as discreet as possible, hm?†A pause. “But obtaining what she needs will not be a problem?â€
“With the Dragonsong War at an end, many who were solely trained for battle find themselves restless. And some mercenaries who also answered the call for aid and now have nowhere else to go; they are hungry for work.â€
“Ah yes. We were brought up to live in times of war, to survive conflict, and kill dragonkind for a thousand years.†Launce sighed, his tone turning pensive. “Now entering the time of peace, the soldiers who dreamed of glory find that they no longer have a purpose or worth. A shame.†He tsked, but his tone brightened quickly. “I am glad we can be of service in giving them a new objective.â€
“And filling their coffers,†the Elezen woman inserted. “I have the latest estimates on this winter’s contributions. Despite the former Lord Commander’s edicts, the support for the cause has not diminished. While some have turned more wary in fear of retribution, many others who believe in path to redemption have become even more fervent in their support.â€
Reese’s ears were starting to burn, he knew he should not be privy to this exchange. But the hint of secrecy and maybe even a conspiracy intrigued him so! Even so, Launce was a trusted friend, his only friend in the city, so the Midlander chided himself silently for listening as long as he did. He reached for the doorknob carefully, even holding his breath as he tugged the door closed as noiselessly as possible.
He remained frozen by the portal for another ten seconds, until he heard no movement or pause from within. Confident that he had left the two within undisturbed, Reese exhaled and straightened. But when he turned, he let out a yelp as he saw another woman standing just behind him.
“Mi... Miss Reeves!†The Midlander squeaked, although he managed to keep his voice just above a whisper. He had come to clutch the gift to his chest. “You startled me, dear lady!†When the slight raven-haired woman only continued to stare, Reese let out a nervous laughter. “Ah, you are probably wondering what I am doing here. Yes, well. You see, I brought my friend a gift, a surprise gift! But he seems preoccupied so I was going to return later…â€
Josette Reeves only canted her head, those dark violet eyes of hers boring into the man. Reese loosened his collar.
“And I was so excited to tell him about the latest gossip that I have learned! But I didn’t want to disturb him so…â€
“Mister Templeton,†Josette injected calmly. “Lord Jeaumis will not be detained long. You can accompany me to the sunroom, where you can wait for him.†She turned for the hallway, as if expecting him to follow.
Her reserved mannerisms had always unnerved Reese in their previous encounters, even though the woman had never raised her voice to him. Still, he felt judgement in her still posture. So he prattled on anxiously as he fell in step behind her down the hallway.
“So are you an aficionado of Ul’dan politics, Miss Reeves? Why, I have just come upon some delectable tale of coincidences…â€
