Antimony had not enjoyed her time in one of Ul'dah's jails so far. There were no windows for her to keep track of time, hardly any light save for a single torch on each end of the hall of cells she occupied, and the place filled her nose with scents of rot, old water, and urine. A day had passed already, and she had not demonstrated any inclination to move herself from the corner she had tucked herself into, as far away from any other jail denizens she could manage. There she sat with her legs folded beneath her, trying not to panic that she would never see the light of day again.
Lamandu walked down the row of cells, his stride short but quick as glanced into each one grimacing occasionally at the characters within them, before spying an elder miqo'te obviously shrunken into herself, terrified of the very walls around her, "Antimony. I'm sorry to see that you've found yourself a new home..." he frowned slightly at the thought.
Ears laid back against her skull, tail tucked away out of sight, Antimony started and lifted her head sharply towards the cell door. When she recognized the visitor, relief washed over her features and she scrambled unsteadily to her feet. "Captain Tyremandu! I can hardly believe... ah thank you! I knew someone would straighten everything out..." Though her words were hopeful, her tone suggested that she had worried she'd remain here for the rest of her life.
The man reached up to stroke his small goatee thoughtfully, "The charges against you are serious, Miss Antimony. Trespassing on the Dodo's compound? Now why would you have been doing that. Surely it wasn't on a whim!"
Antimony's ears sought to disappear into her disheveled hair, and she clutched her hands together in front of her, wringing them in distress. "Ill--illegitimate charges! I had every right to be... well, it's not my fault they refused to look at my papers!" She approached the barred door warily, as though suspecting it would shock her, and gave Lamandu a rather pathetic look. "You've straightened it all out, surely...? You are a captain in the Brass Blades.."
The hand paused in mid stroke, before dropping down, "That doesn't just mean that I can wave my hand and make things go away. Now, what sort of Captain would that make me? The Dodos are an influential bunch and they aren't happy with what happened... I came down here to chat with you and make sure you're as comfortable as can be. Perhaps another blanket? Pillow?"
Her tail shivered and tucked itself against the inside of one leg as her mouth fell open silently for several seconds. "But..." She swallowed, looked faint, and spoke just as faintly, "I was there legally…"
Sharp brows snapped together, "It’s a gated community, though that meaning is less literal these days, they are within their rights to remove others from the premises if they feel the need. I assume you were there with good reason though? At least, I should hope..."
Sagging, Antimony twisted the bottom of her tunic in her hands. "You do not understand... What did they do with my papers?" She looked around worriedly, fearful of both the shadows and the fate of her belongings. "I had... have direct order from my employer to be there! If they would just check my papers..."
***
D'hein strutted on in the direction of the place, taking long strides and swinging his arms happily. He smiled as though going out for coffee and cakes. "Now, I think this is good. Illira did say you needed work and Antimony's just the most pleasant person to work with! You might even fall for her, but don't do that. Against policy."
A dark-haired elezen, Amaury, behind him nodded. His steps were far from each other, but only because he was quite tall. "I shall keep that in mind, but I am more worried about the Brass Blades general treatment of prisoners right now."
“Well, yes, and that's what we're trying to- wait.â€
D'hein snapped his gaze back to Amaury, looking distressed, "Are you saying they might not have taken good care of her?"
Amaury let out a sympathetic shrug, if such a thing was possible. "I mean that for the charges filled, they probably left her in a cell and forgot about her completely."
“Unthinkable! They may be corrupt hoods bent on the selfish undermining of civilization, but they also have a moral prerogative to take care of those in their care! And Antimony's adorable! She's like a bunny! Imagine finding a helpless bunny and just not feeding it. Can you imagine? No, of course you can't!â€
“You forget I was thrown into the Blades' care,†the tall man intoned. “Helpless, unfed bunnies are what they threw in the most.
“That was a long time ago, and besides, you're not adorable,†the tia explained. “Between you and I, you need to do something about your wardrobe, and polish those pupils of yours to a more upper-class twinkle. Your motivation is "boyish". Go for boyish.â€
Off to their right, a lithe Keeper in dusky skin, purple clothes, and tall leather boots speedwalked by, overhearing some snippet of conversation.
“ ...I'll keep that in mind,†the elezen was saying, “but a wardrobe change requires funding that I lack. I'm afraid society will have to endure my current looks for some time.â€
“Wait, who's a bunny now?†the Keeper intruded. “I've been called cat before, but that'd be a new one. Was it you, punk?†She pointed at D’hein.
D'hein looked past Amaury to the Keeper, and said, "No. I'm talking about someone far more adorable and warm than any present, not that I lack warmth. But mine is more the warmth of fresh bread wrapped in silk and you, I think, a stove on a cold night. Accurate?"
Amaury kept quiet while he processed how weird D'hein was.
“Oh, uh, I thought you meant me. Sorry for calling you a "punk." But then who did you mean? A lover, perhaps? Or just your mother?â€
D'hein held up a finger, "Ah, let's not label her. Appreciate her for her identity first and let her label herself! Though she's not my mother. And what of you who radiates as a kiln? Sharp ears you have."
The brown-haired Keeper paused for a moment, as if choosing her words. "What of me? I'm just a career adventurer who heard an adventure calling! Yes, perhaps I was drawn to warmth of which you speak, as a moth to a flame." She chuckled to herself, thinking she did a pretty good job of playing along on the spot.
D'hein turned to the Keeper, bowed slightly. He smiled at the girl and said smoothly, "If you are a moth, you are a soft and dusky one, elegant adorned of wing and antenna. I see you come with a stinger, though, as is respectable in Ul'dah."Â
She paused for less of a moment, this time retorting quickly. "Why, of course! What good is an insect without at least a little poison?" ...That didn't quite come out how she'd wanted it to.
“Excuse my haste,†Amaury intruded, “but I feel like we shouldn't delay our current task. I can only imagine the fear and anxiety Miss Antimony must be feeling in her cell.â€
D'hein nodded, smiling, "I respect a lady with a sufficiently point proboscis! That... doesn't sound flattering in retrospect." He glanced up to Amaury, then back to the Keeper, "The angular ex-con to my right is correct. My warmth must hasten into the shadows to free the bunny. The moth may follow if she is so entranced.†He let the girl see a sly smirk before turning away towards the Brass Blades jail place.
“Very well! I am a bug- I mean, adventurer of many talents! Perhaps I can help your little endeavor.â€
Amaury didn’t add anything to the exchange.
***
Lamandu sighed, "Perhaps they will turn up. None are in your file; I just reviewed it before I came down here. What were your orders and from who, the CRA? Perhaps I can run things down for you if I know more of your side of the story..."
Her ears shook low. "I was attempting to continue my investigation," she mumbled and then with an imploring look to Tyremandu, "Please. There must be something you can do...! Surely they can't just...!"
"You're investigation? The Dodos are upstanding citizens of the city-state, surely they wouldn't be part of any ill-doing!"
"Well, I..." Her grey brows knitted together behind her glasses. "It's not my place to make assumptions or... accusations. I'm only following information." She hesitated and then kind of wilted. "Was..."
At around this time D'hein lead his followers through the office, did talky-blah-blah stuff with the Brass Blades to get into the cells (as a member of a Syndicate-affiliated tribe, this was easy for him) and made his way in looking for Antimony. Jana remained a step behind the silly weirdo, mentally taking note of what he said and how he got them in through the front door and not through the back.
"Perhaps you should have sought out an escort then, if you're work leads you to this sort of end... I'm very disappointed to see a distinguished lady as yourself languish behind these bars." The lalafell tutted quietly under his breath, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Now I know of only one lady who could remain distinguished in such circumstances!" D'hein proclaimed as he walked up behind Lamandu. Then he thought, "Actually, a few. But. Besides the point."
Amaury throws a disgusted glare at each cell as they walked. "Brings back memories." he muttered.
Antimony’s shoulders slumped with the slow realizing that Lamandu wasn't actually here to get her out. A beat went by and then D'hein was suddenly there. She nearly jumped in shock, staring at him with a slightly open mouth.
Looking up at the coming voices, Lamandu frowned, a crease forming on his brow.
Smirking, D'hein chose to loom over Lamandu, briefly, before moving past him to the side of the cell and standing nearly up against it. "Hello, Antimony. Tell me they've treated you excellently! I've been worried to the point of distraction!" Amaury kept his eyes firmly on the lalafell without turning his head down. He stopped behind him, slightly to D'hein's side. And then he said nothing.
Not to be brushed aside, Lamandu said loudly, "And who would you be?" He then glanced at the other giants now surrounding him, "The whole lot of you!"
The accompanying Keeper woman almost began introducing herself, but thought twice, given that it looked like she might be participating in a jailbreak, and stayed quiet.
"I..." Green eyes flicked to the two followers-on that came with D'hein, then back to the tia. She wavered in silence for a moment and then the floodgates seemed to open, her grip on her tunic twisting painfully, "It was horrible! I was only doing my job and I had all of the necessary paperwork but everyone I spoke to refused to look at the paperwork even though it would demonstrate quite clearly that I was allowed to be there, but they were quite rude at wanting me gone, so I persisted, and I was only trying to do my job and complete the investigation as you said, we couldn't afford to delay any further but they refused to look at my papers and one of them threatened to throw me off the bridge! And then they arrested me! For trespassing! And threw me in here and I cannot believe they would not just look at my papers, just left me in this horrid place without food or water or--or legal standing! And I think they've burned my records and..." Her breath failed her then, so she fell silent, shoulders shaking.
D'hein kept eye contact with Antimony the whole time, looking sympathetic, and he reached a hand through the bars at length. "You poor woman. This is quite unjust."
The Keeper shook her head.
Antimony had been twisting up her tunic until it was bunched up by her stomach. At D'hein's words, she suddenly let it go and exclaimed, "That is what I've been trying to tell them!"
"I didn't think people cared about papers so much in this kind of place," the dust-colored Keeper Jana muttered.
Very slowly, Amauri looked down to Lamandu. "We are with the CRA, captain, and I sure hope you were here to release this woman. Her incarceration by the Brass Blades was illegal in the first place."
The Keeper caught on quickly (or at least thought she did) and filled in beside the two men, crossing her arms and trying to look like hired muscle.
Lamandu frowned deeply, making a stern gesture with his hand for the group to back up, "Please, step back from the cell if you would. Antimony is here on charges of trespassing and disturbing the peace. The particular compound she was in takes such things quite seriously, and they are pressing charges. If you wish to act as her legal counsel, you'll have to arrange that upstairs. This is not the appropriate place for such."
Antimony shut her mouth sharply, casting a worried look towards Lamandu.
D’hein left one hand in the cell as he turned to address everyone at once, "Now, now! Let's stop the posturing and enable discourse. Everyone please introduce yourself to everyone else. Like this: I am D'hein, a member of the Dodo tribe, salaried aide to the Syndicate and on the board of the Commerce Regulation Agency. Just like that, everyone."
"I am Amaury. I am...D'hein's assistant for the time being."
"And I am J... Jhanah, an aide as well.â€
"Then you should have been there to escort her... D'hein." Lamandu's lips pinched together firmly.
"Escort me..." Antimony muttered faintly, "He's here to release me." Then looking to D'hein pleadingly, "You're here to release me?"
Looking up towards Amaury, D'hein said, "Ah, actually, you need to take initiative. I cannot actually act here because of the obvious conflict of interest, so you need to wield the CRA's authority. I won't even advise. I'll just imply very heavily that you have every reason and ability to free the bunny. I mean. Antimony." He answered Antimony with a smile.
"Hmm... Such an excellent person you are,†Lamandu shook his head.
"Ah, naturally." Amaury nodded, then looked at Lamandu again. "I'll be brief, captain, for everyone here is a busy person. Miss Antimony was accused and imprisoned by a supposed crime in the Hustings Strip, correct?"
The Keeper gave Antimony a quick glance as D'hein spoke, thinking the older woman looked a bit more mousy than bunny-y.
"She is here on the charges that I stated, if that is what you mean,†Lamandu replied evenly.
The Elezen smirked. "Charges that couldn't be filled and processed by the Brass Blades: the Hustings Strip is jurisdiction to the Sultansworn and the Sultansworn only. At the very most, this woman should have been handed to them as soon as the crime was reported to you."
Antimony waited in anxious silence, tail shivering between her legs, hands wrapped about one another up by her chest.
"I am not her handling officer,†the lalafell explained, “though from what I understand, the Sultansworn had their hands full that day. They tend to have other things to attend than disputes of this nature. It is common for them to fall to the Brass Blades."
Jana briefly wondered to herself whether she should shiv the guard and run or run and turn to shoot, not really knowing anything about what's being spoken.
"Yes, I'm sure the Sultansworn have a lot of trouble with middle-aged women knocking at the doors of the noblemen,†Amaury said dryly. “But regardless, the time you could hold her up has legally expired. None of the required paperwork to hold her up longer exists, and so you must do as the law demands."
Antimony looked up at Amaury, hopeful. Jana also looked up at Amaury, hopeful for a different reason.
"You have not even read the file on her case, or you would not be down here at the moment. Unless you intend to take her out on bail, I suggest you do your homework instead of simply blustering your way through procedure. I am not her arresting officer, simply an interested party. Now, if you would... Mister... what did you say your name was?" Lamandu squinted up at the exceedingly tall man.
Amaury frowned. "Then I should not waste this woman's time discussing this with you." Looking at Antimony, he added: "I would recommend against discussing your investigation at this moment, or in front of this man. I shall come back soon with your freedom and a written apology."
Keeping her ears and tail low, Antimony nodded.
Amaury walked off towards somewhere! Possibly!
Smiling staticly, D'hein muttered. "Well, that's a helpful fellow." And then, to Antimony, "Ah, Antimony, I don't believe you took a turn to introduce yourself. There's a stranger among us." He gestured to Jana.
The Keeper watched Amaury walk off, unsure of whether he was actually coming back with papers or with a shiv, her right hand reaching for her hip.
Lamandu frowned judiciously at the departing Elezen.
“Ah-! Oh, I am J'Ahnah." Was that what she had said before? Whatever. "I'm here to help, a hired hand, sort of." She had hired herself.
Antimony followed Amaury's exit with her eyes, then the door he disappeared through. She didn’t seem to hear D'hein's words at first, and then shook herself. "Ah...?" She blinked at "J'Ahnah". "That... nnh." It took a second or two more for her to recollect her thoughts and then she just bowed her head and said lowly, "Antimony Jhanhi, miss."
“J’ahnah†flashed Antimony a wink. "I'm sure we can do proper introductions when Amuro is back with those papers."
Her brow wrinkling in confusion, Antimony nodded slowly. "Ah... I... suppose? This isn't exactly..." She sighed and looked down at herself and the dirty, damp floor beneath her feet.
Turning down to Lamandu, D'hein said, "And you?"
“I realize you're not at your best, but worry not! We will figure it out." She winked again, this time more overt. Antimony didn’t look like she understood Jana much more the second time than the first. But... things couldn't possibly get any worse, right?
"Hmm?" The lalafel appeared to be ignoring most of the conversation around him. He walked over to a guard looking down the corridor of cells, speaking to him for a moment before returning, "I am sorry. I must be going," He frowned slightly at the wall of Miqo'te before pressing his way between them.
Chuckling, D'hein said, "We will remember your helpfulness, anonymous Lalafel."
"And I so appreciate your professionalism and respect for my job... D'hein." Lamandu said sarcastically.
"Ah! I'm glad someone does! I don't get enough appreciation!"
“J’ahnah† exhaled, her right hand wandering away from her hip.
Lamandu frowned, squinting at the impeccably dressed man, "Hmm. I see you are one who understands subtlety..."
"Such high praise!" He beamed, getting around Lamandu and waving to him, "I look forward to a long and professional relationship, sir!"
Antimony just kept quiet, taking Amaury's words to heart - doubly so and just not saying anything about anything to anyone.
Simply looking confused for a moment, Lamandu shook his head and walked towards the exit.
“J’ahnah† spoke in a  low voice, "So 'get the papers' wasn't code for 'start a riot'?"
D'hein crossed his arms over his chest and smiled at “J’ahnahâ€, "No, no. Not this time."
"Seems I don't have the right set of talents for this job."
"Never underestimate the value of a proboscis-at-the-ready! Anyway, I thought you were just following me because you liked me!"
"Liked you? I wouldn't say it's totally untrue-" Oh shit, was this another love confession? "Oh no no no, you've got it all wrong. See, I get this kind of thing a lot, so I'm very sorry if you had the wrong idea, I don-" The Keeper woman stumbled back.
Hugging herself, Antimony watches D'hein and “J’ahnah†with a confused look.
D'hein blinked confusedly, frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"You're not? Then please, don't worry about it."
"If you say so."
“J’ahnah†shrugged at D'hein.
Amaury returned then, just in time to witness the ending of awkwardness in the room (that D’hein never noticed). Antimony's gaze snapped immediately to Amaury. Too frightened to be hopeful, she searched his expression for some kind of sign. The elezen let out a cough. "There was some actual paperwork. I was surprised. However, considering it's a first offense there's not enough reason to keep Miss Antimony behind the bars."
"Of course not, considering I talked the Dodoes into dropping the charges before I came down here. I thought I'd mentioned that."
Eyeing D'hein, Antimony muttered faintly, "You did not..."
"Ah, I see. That would... explain the apparent conflict of the previous conversation," the tia mused.
“J’ahnah†briefly wondered if her way would have been more efficient. "So, do we have a key and everything? We can walk out, hassle-free?"
"It would be most helpful to have all the information before such things happen, yes," Amaury nodded.
A Brass Blade who had followed Amaury back arrived and opened Antimony's cell between some grumpy noises. She leaned away from the Blade; then, when he just opened the door and moved off to one side, she stepped hesitantly forward.
“J’ahnah†nodded to the older woman, "Good, then I can assume the que- I mean, you've succeded?"
D'hein pounced forward and hugged Antimony, sensing an appropriate time to maybe do so kind of at least you know he might get away with it. "I was so concerned!"
Amaury questioned the audacity of the action in silence.
“J’ahnah†tried not to be too obvious as she looked away, blushing a little.
Antimony had been watching “J’ahnah†and about to speak when D'hein all but tackled her. She staggered but didn’t fall (alright, thanks to him), and then just stood there for a bit looking uncertain. "I, ah... thank you?" One hand moved up to awkwardly pat at his shoulder.
"I imagine Miss Antimony is eager to leave this place." the elezen said.
He squeezed Antimony and then let go of her, spinning 270 degrees the wrong direction to face Amaury and said, "Well handled! I'll need you to perform similar duties in the future, since I can't touch the situation and Illira refuses to do so.â€
At that Antimony blanched. "Similar... this could happen again..??â€
"I know." he nods.
"No, I mean the business side of things,†D’hein assured. “I can't oversee your investigation, since I'm part of the institution that you're investigating."
"I suppose I should make myself available as a hired hand, should you ever need such a thing," “J’ahnah†offered.
"We should not discuss this in a cellblock,"Amaury suggested.
"Yes, you're right...†the Keeper corrected herself. “We should get somewhere more civilized."
Antimony blinked at Amaury and then paled further, if such a thing were possible. "Oh no... my papers. All of my--please tell me they still have it..!"
D’hein crossed his arms and nodded, one ear swiveling as though to listen to the ceiling while his other maintained its casual poise. "Right! Her papers are most certainly something I should not touch."
“J’ahnah†wasn't sure if he meant it or was sarcastically suggesting the papers be given to him!
"I'm afraid any kind of paperwork you had is lost."
Swaying on her feet, Antimony managed after a moment, "Alright. That... oh dear."
D'hein reached out to steady Antimony about the shoulders, "Ah, surely we can just make fresh copies!"
"What's wrong? No one really cares about papers in this city anyway, so now you can do things normally."
Amaury smirked at the Keeper. "And that's why you are an adventurer and not a politician." Then, he looked at the exit. "Let's step out, yes? This is the second time I say we should not discuss this here and we do need to discuss this."
Antimony's shoulders slumped under D'hein's hands. When the Keeper spoke, she blinked towards her. "Normal...?" She shook her head, reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose, and just took a few slow, steadying breaths.
"Oh yeah, right,†“J’ahnah†hummed. “Anyway, if you need me, I'll hang around with you folks. You seem interesting, so I may yet get my adventure."
“Hrm,†D’hein mused. “That's a very surface view of things, miss moth. While the very bottom-most and very utmost portions of society behave as though they have no use for law, they are still part of a society based upon it, and in their hearts they know it can unmake them."
"I would very much like to leave this place," Antimony mumbled lowly, nodding at Amaury.
Amaury gestured to the exit. "Then shall we?"
The tia hummed once more, ears shifting, and said, "Ah, very well. Antimony and I will return to her apartment to get her cleaned up and comfortable, and then we should meet somewhere more comfortable to discuss this."
"If that is what the lady wishes."
Antimony let out a faint sigh, followed by a nod. "Yes. Please."
D'hein squeezed Antimony across the shoulders, "Don't worry. You're fine now. Let's get you out of here." And he goes to walk her out. And all the way home.â€
“J’ahnah†skipped ahead of the other three as they exit and whipped around to face them!
D'hein was worrying over Antimony as though he were cradling an injured bunny. Antimony was generally oblivious of all of this, though the moment they stepped outside the jail, she regained some color.
"Before we go our separate ways,†the Keeper began, “I thought I should set the record straight on one thing! My name is Jana, Jana Ridah. Master-at-arms, student of magic, and professional adventurer!â€
Amaury chuckled once, looking more blinded by the magic lights rather than impressed. "In this city, it is quite good to have that many titles."
Flinching at the sudden rush of magic, Antimony held one hand up as though to ward off something, cowering back with an exclaimed, "What demons--" she cut herself off, however, when she realized it was just the Keeper.
D'hein was significantly impressed! "A well-adorned moth, shimmering in the light of Thanalan as though a good omen to bless our futures! You should stick to Amaury so that he can find work for you and we can meet again." He smiled at Jana.
"Don't be startled! It's just the countenance of a profesional adventurer at work!" At D’hein’s words, she gave a firm thumbs up.
"I'm sure I can find something for her." Amaury smiled at Jana as well.
"Great! I'll be looking forward to working with you!"
Holding Antimony by her far shoulder, D'hein patted her arm and said, "Home then, Antimony?"
"Ah... yes." Shaking her ears to dispel whatever thoughts had cluttered her head, she smiled a bit at Jana and then just made to continue on.
Amaury moved to Jana and nodded once. "Now then, if you would be so kind as to come with me, we can talk what you are good at besides exemplary introductions..."
"Oh, sure. I can do a lot more than be flashy, if you give me a chance!"
D'hein kept up with her, maintaining physical contact. Yep.
"Oops, that one kinda slipped out."
Amaury chuckled at the latest show of lights. "You make a strong case. This way, if you will." he said, pointing to the street. Jana simply nodded, quieting herself down. Finally, she'd get some real work!
Lamandu walked down the row of cells, his stride short but quick as glanced into each one grimacing occasionally at the characters within them, before spying an elder miqo'te obviously shrunken into herself, terrified of the very walls around her, "Antimony. I'm sorry to see that you've found yourself a new home..." he frowned slightly at the thought.
Ears laid back against her skull, tail tucked away out of sight, Antimony started and lifted her head sharply towards the cell door. When she recognized the visitor, relief washed over her features and she scrambled unsteadily to her feet. "Captain Tyremandu! I can hardly believe... ah thank you! I knew someone would straighten everything out..." Though her words were hopeful, her tone suggested that she had worried she'd remain here for the rest of her life.
The man reached up to stroke his small goatee thoughtfully, "The charges against you are serious, Miss Antimony. Trespassing on the Dodo's compound? Now why would you have been doing that. Surely it wasn't on a whim!"
Antimony's ears sought to disappear into her disheveled hair, and she clutched her hands together in front of her, wringing them in distress. "Ill--illegitimate charges! I had every right to be... well, it's not my fault they refused to look at my papers!" She approached the barred door warily, as though suspecting it would shock her, and gave Lamandu a rather pathetic look. "You've straightened it all out, surely...? You are a captain in the Brass Blades.."
The hand paused in mid stroke, before dropping down, "That doesn't just mean that I can wave my hand and make things go away. Now, what sort of Captain would that make me? The Dodos are an influential bunch and they aren't happy with what happened... I came down here to chat with you and make sure you're as comfortable as can be. Perhaps another blanket? Pillow?"
Her tail shivered and tucked itself against the inside of one leg as her mouth fell open silently for several seconds. "But..." She swallowed, looked faint, and spoke just as faintly, "I was there legally…"
Sharp brows snapped together, "It’s a gated community, though that meaning is less literal these days, they are within their rights to remove others from the premises if they feel the need. I assume you were there with good reason though? At least, I should hope..."
Sagging, Antimony twisted the bottom of her tunic in her hands. "You do not understand... What did they do with my papers?" She looked around worriedly, fearful of both the shadows and the fate of her belongings. "I had... have direct order from my employer to be there! If they would just check my papers..."
***
D'hein strutted on in the direction of the place, taking long strides and swinging his arms happily. He smiled as though going out for coffee and cakes. "Now, I think this is good. Illira did say you needed work and Antimony's just the most pleasant person to work with! You might even fall for her, but don't do that. Against policy."
A dark-haired elezen, Amaury, behind him nodded. His steps were far from each other, but only because he was quite tall. "I shall keep that in mind, but I am more worried about the Brass Blades general treatment of prisoners right now."
“Well, yes, and that's what we're trying to- wait.â€
D'hein snapped his gaze back to Amaury, looking distressed, "Are you saying they might not have taken good care of her?"
Amaury let out a sympathetic shrug, if such a thing was possible. "I mean that for the charges filled, they probably left her in a cell and forgot about her completely."
“Unthinkable! They may be corrupt hoods bent on the selfish undermining of civilization, but they also have a moral prerogative to take care of those in their care! And Antimony's adorable! She's like a bunny! Imagine finding a helpless bunny and just not feeding it. Can you imagine? No, of course you can't!â€
“You forget I was thrown into the Blades' care,†the tall man intoned. “Helpless, unfed bunnies are what they threw in the most.
“That was a long time ago, and besides, you're not adorable,†the tia explained. “Between you and I, you need to do something about your wardrobe, and polish those pupils of yours to a more upper-class twinkle. Your motivation is "boyish". Go for boyish.â€
Off to their right, a lithe Keeper in dusky skin, purple clothes, and tall leather boots speedwalked by, overhearing some snippet of conversation.
“ ...I'll keep that in mind,†the elezen was saying, “but a wardrobe change requires funding that I lack. I'm afraid society will have to endure my current looks for some time.â€
“Wait, who's a bunny now?†the Keeper intruded. “I've been called cat before, but that'd be a new one. Was it you, punk?†She pointed at D’hein.
D'hein looked past Amaury to the Keeper, and said, "No. I'm talking about someone far more adorable and warm than any present, not that I lack warmth. But mine is more the warmth of fresh bread wrapped in silk and you, I think, a stove on a cold night. Accurate?"
Amaury kept quiet while he processed how weird D'hein was.
“Oh, uh, I thought you meant me. Sorry for calling you a "punk." But then who did you mean? A lover, perhaps? Or just your mother?â€
D'hein held up a finger, "Ah, let's not label her. Appreciate her for her identity first and let her label herself! Though she's not my mother. And what of you who radiates as a kiln? Sharp ears you have."
The brown-haired Keeper paused for a moment, as if choosing her words. "What of me? I'm just a career adventurer who heard an adventure calling! Yes, perhaps I was drawn to warmth of which you speak, as a moth to a flame." She chuckled to herself, thinking she did a pretty good job of playing along on the spot.
D'hein turned to the Keeper, bowed slightly. He smiled at the girl and said smoothly, "If you are a moth, you are a soft and dusky one, elegant adorned of wing and antenna. I see you come with a stinger, though, as is respectable in Ul'dah."Â
She paused for less of a moment, this time retorting quickly. "Why, of course! What good is an insect without at least a little poison?" ...That didn't quite come out how she'd wanted it to.
“Excuse my haste,†Amaury intruded, “but I feel like we shouldn't delay our current task. I can only imagine the fear and anxiety Miss Antimony must be feeling in her cell.â€
D'hein nodded, smiling, "I respect a lady with a sufficiently point proboscis! That... doesn't sound flattering in retrospect." He glanced up to Amaury, then back to the Keeper, "The angular ex-con to my right is correct. My warmth must hasten into the shadows to free the bunny. The moth may follow if she is so entranced.†He let the girl see a sly smirk before turning away towards the Brass Blades jail place.
“Very well! I am a bug- I mean, adventurer of many talents! Perhaps I can help your little endeavor.â€
Amaury didn’t add anything to the exchange.
***
Lamandu sighed, "Perhaps they will turn up. None are in your file; I just reviewed it before I came down here. What were your orders and from who, the CRA? Perhaps I can run things down for you if I know more of your side of the story..."
Her ears shook low. "I was attempting to continue my investigation," she mumbled and then with an imploring look to Tyremandu, "Please. There must be something you can do...! Surely they can't just...!"
"You're investigation? The Dodos are upstanding citizens of the city-state, surely they wouldn't be part of any ill-doing!"
"Well, I..." Her grey brows knitted together behind her glasses. "It's not my place to make assumptions or... accusations. I'm only following information." She hesitated and then kind of wilted. "Was..."
At around this time D'hein lead his followers through the office, did talky-blah-blah stuff with the Brass Blades to get into the cells (as a member of a Syndicate-affiliated tribe, this was easy for him) and made his way in looking for Antimony. Jana remained a step behind the silly weirdo, mentally taking note of what he said and how he got them in through the front door and not through the back.
"Perhaps you should have sought out an escort then, if you're work leads you to this sort of end... I'm very disappointed to see a distinguished lady as yourself languish behind these bars." The lalafell tutted quietly under his breath, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Now I know of only one lady who could remain distinguished in such circumstances!" D'hein proclaimed as he walked up behind Lamandu. Then he thought, "Actually, a few. But. Besides the point."
Amaury throws a disgusted glare at each cell as they walked. "Brings back memories." he muttered.
Antimony’s shoulders slumped with the slow realizing that Lamandu wasn't actually here to get her out. A beat went by and then D'hein was suddenly there. She nearly jumped in shock, staring at him with a slightly open mouth.
Looking up at the coming voices, Lamandu frowned, a crease forming on his brow.
Smirking, D'hein chose to loom over Lamandu, briefly, before moving past him to the side of the cell and standing nearly up against it. "Hello, Antimony. Tell me they've treated you excellently! I've been worried to the point of distraction!" Amaury kept his eyes firmly on the lalafell without turning his head down. He stopped behind him, slightly to D'hein's side. And then he said nothing.
Not to be brushed aside, Lamandu said loudly, "And who would you be?" He then glanced at the other giants now surrounding him, "The whole lot of you!"
The accompanying Keeper woman almost began introducing herself, but thought twice, given that it looked like she might be participating in a jailbreak, and stayed quiet.
"I..." Green eyes flicked to the two followers-on that came with D'hein, then back to the tia. She wavered in silence for a moment and then the floodgates seemed to open, her grip on her tunic twisting painfully, "It was horrible! I was only doing my job and I had all of the necessary paperwork but everyone I spoke to refused to look at the paperwork even though it would demonstrate quite clearly that I was allowed to be there, but they were quite rude at wanting me gone, so I persisted, and I was only trying to do my job and complete the investigation as you said, we couldn't afford to delay any further but they refused to look at my papers and one of them threatened to throw me off the bridge! And then they arrested me! For trespassing! And threw me in here and I cannot believe they would not just look at my papers, just left me in this horrid place without food or water or--or legal standing! And I think they've burned my records and..." Her breath failed her then, so she fell silent, shoulders shaking.
D'hein kept eye contact with Antimony the whole time, looking sympathetic, and he reached a hand through the bars at length. "You poor woman. This is quite unjust."
The Keeper shook her head.
Antimony had been twisting up her tunic until it was bunched up by her stomach. At D'hein's words, she suddenly let it go and exclaimed, "That is what I've been trying to tell them!"
"I didn't think people cared about papers so much in this kind of place," the dust-colored Keeper Jana muttered.
Very slowly, Amauri looked down to Lamandu. "We are with the CRA, captain, and I sure hope you were here to release this woman. Her incarceration by the Brass Blades was illegal in the first place."
The Keeper caught on quickly (or at least thought she did) and filled in beside the two men, crossing her arms and trying to look like hired muscle.
Lamandu frowned deeply, making a stern gesture with his hand for the group to back up, "Please, step back from the cell if you would. Antimony is here on charges of trespassing and disturbing the peace. The particular compound she was in takes such things quite seriously, and they are pressing charges. If you wish to act as her legal counsel, you'll have to arrange that upstairs. This is not the appropriate place for such."
Antimony shut her mouth sharply, casting a worried look towards Lamandu.
D’hein left one hand in the cell as he turned to address everyone at once, "Now, now! Let's stop the posturing and enable discourse. Everyone please introduce yourself to everyone else. Like this: I am D'hein, a member of the Dodo tribe, salaried aide to the Syndicate and on the board of the Commerce Regulation Agency. Just like that, everyone."
"I am Amaury. I am...D'hein's assistant for the time being."
"And I am J... Jhanah, an aide as well.â€
"Then you should have been there to escort her... D'hein." Lamandu's lips pinched together firmly.
"Escort me..." Antimony muttered faintly, "He's here to release me." Then looking to D'hein pleadingly, "You're here to release me?"
Looking up towards Amaury, D'hein said, "Ah, actually, you need to take initiative. I cannot actually act here because of the obvious conflict of interest, so you need to wield the CRA's authority. I won't even advise. I'll just imply very heavily that you have every reason and ability to free the bunny. I mean. Antimony." He answered Antimony with a smile.
"Hmm... Such an excellent person you are,†Lamandu shook his head.
"Ah, naturally." Amaury nodded, then looked at Lamandu again. "I'll be brief, captain, for everyone here is a busy person. Miss Antimony was accused and imprisoned by a supposed crime in the Hustings Strip, correct?"
The Keeper gave Antimony a quick glance as D'hein spoke, thinking the older woman looked a bit more mousy than bunny-y.
"She is here on the charges that I stated, if that is what you mean,†Lamandu replied evenly.
The Elezen smirked. "Charges that couldn't be filled and processed by the Brass Blades: the Hustings Strip is jurisdiction to the Sultansworn and the Sultansworn only. At the very most, this woman should have been handed to them as soon as the crime was reported to you."
Antimony waited in anxious silence, tail shivering between her legs, hands wrapped about one another up by her chest.
"I am not her handling officer,†the lalafell explained, “though from what I understand, the Sultansworn had their hands full that day. They tend to have other things to attend than disputes of this nature. It is common for them to fall to the Brass Blades."
Jana briefly wondered to herself whether she should shiv the guard and run or run and turn to shoot, not really knowing anything about what's being spoken.
"Yes, I'm sure the Sultansworn have a lot of trouble with middle-aged women knocking at the doors of the noblemen,†Amaury said dryly. “But regardless, the time you could hold her up has legally expired. None of the required paperwork to hold her up longer exists, and so you must do as the law demands."
Antimony looked up at Amaury, hopeful. Jana also looked up at Amaury, hopeful for a different reason.
"You have not even read the file on her case, or you would not be down here at the moment. Unless you intend to take her out on bail, I suggest you do your homework instead of simply blustering your way through procedure. I am not her arresting officer, simply an interested party. Now, if you would... Mister... what did you say your name was?" Lamandu squinted up at the exceedingly tall man.
Amaury frowned. "Then I should not waste this woman's time discussing this with you." Looking at Antimony, he added: "I would recommend against discussing your investigation at this moment, or in front of this man. I shall come back soon with your freedom and a written apology."
Keeping her ears and tail low, Antimony nodded.
Amaury walked off towards somewhere! Possibly!
Smiling staticly, D'hein muttered. "Well, that's a helpful fellow." And then, to Antimony, "Ah, Antimony, I don't believe you took a turn to introduce yourself. There's a stranger among us." He gestured to Jana.
The Keeper watched Amaury walk off, unsure of whether he was actually coming back with papers or with a shiv, her right hand reaching for her hip.
Lamandu frowned judiciously at the departing Elezen.
“Ah-! Oh, I am J'Ahnah." Was that what she had said before? Whatever. "I'm here to help, a hired hand, sort of." She had hired herself.
Antimony followed Amaury's exit with her eyes, then the door he disappeared through. She didn’t seem to hear D'hein's words at first, and then shook herself. "Ah...?" She blinked at "J'Ahnah". "That... nnh." It took a second or two more for her to recollect her thoughts and then she just bowed her head and said lowly, "Antimony Jhanhi, miss."
“J’ahnah†flashed Antimony a wink. "I'm sure we can do proper introductions when Amuro is back with those papers."
Her brow wrinkling in confusion, Antimony nodded slowly. "Ah... I... suppose? This isn't exactly..." She sighed and looked down at herself and the dirty, damp floor beneath her feet.
Turning down to Lamandu, D'hein said, "And you?"
“I realize you're not at your best, but worry not! We will figure it out." She winked again, this time more overt. Antimony didn’t look like she understood Jana much more the second time than the first. But... things couldn't possibly get any worse, right?
"Hmm?" The lalafel appeared to be ignoring most of the conversation around him. He walked over to a guard looking down the corridor of cells, speaking to him for a moment before returning, "I am sorry. I must be going," He frowned slightly at the wall of Miqo'te before pressing his way between them.
Chuckling, D'hein said, "We will remember your helpfulness, anonymous Lalafel."
"And I so appreciate your professionalism and respect for my job... D'hein." Lamandu said sarcastically.
"Ah! I'm glad someone does! I don't get enough appreciation!"
“J’ahnah† exhaled, her right hand wandering away from her hip.
Lamandu frowned, squinting at the impeccably dressed man, "Hmm. I see you are one who understands subtlety..."
"Such high praise!" He beamed, getting around Lamandu and waving to him, "I look forward to a long and professional relationship, sir!"
Antimony just kept quiet, taking Amaury's words to heart - doubly so and just not saying anything about anything to anyone.
Simply looking confused for a moment, Lamandu shook his head and walked towards the exit.
“J’ahnah† spoke in a  low voice, "So 'get the papers' wasn't code for 'start a riot'?"
D'hein crossed his arms over his chest and smiled at “J’ahnahâ€, "No, no. Not this time."
"Seems I don't have the right set of talents for this job."
"Never underestimate the value of a proboscis-at-the-ready! Anyway, I thought you were just following me because you liked me!"
"Liked you? I wouldn't say it's totally untrue-" Oh shit, was this another love confession? "Oh no no no, you've got it all wrong. See, I get this kind of thing a lot, so I'm very sorry if you had the wrong idea, I don-" The Keeper woman stumbled back.
Hugging herself, Antimony watches D'hein and “J’ahnah†with a confused look.
D'hein blinked confusedly, frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"You're not? Then please, don't worry about it."
"If you say so."
“J’ahnah†shrugged at D'hein.
Amaury returned then, just in time to witness the ending of awkwardness in the room (that D’hein never noticed). Antimony's gaze snapped immediately to Amaury. Too frightened to be hopeful, she searched his expression for some kind of sign. The elezen let out a cough. "There was some actual paperwork. I was surprised. However, considering it's a first offense there's not enough reason to keep Miss Antimony behind the bars."
"Of course not, considering I talked the Dodoes into dropping the charges before I came down here. I thought I'd mentioned that."
Eyeing D'hein, Antimony muttered faintly, "You did not..."
"Ah, I see. That would... explain the apparent conflict of the previous conversation," the tia mused.
“J’ahnah†briefly wondered if her way would have been more efficient. "So, do we have a key and everything? We can walk out, hassle-free?"
"It would be most helpful to have all the information before such things happen, yes," Amaury nodded.
A Brass Blade who had followed Amaury back arrived and opened Antimony's cell between some grumpy noises. She leaned away from the Blade; then, when he just opened the door and moved off to one side, she stepped hesitantly forward.
“J’ahnah†nodded to the older woman, "Good, then I can assume the que- I mean, you've succeded?"
D'hein pounced forward and hugged Antimony, sensing an appropriate time to maybe do so kind of at least you know he might get away with it. "I was so concerned!"
Amaury questioned the audacity of the action in silence.
“J’ahnah†tried not to be too obvious as she looked away, blushing a little.
Antimony had been watching “J’ahnah†and about to speak when D'hein all but tackled her. She staggered but didn’t fall (alright, thanks to him), and then just stood there for a bit looking uncertain. "I, ah... thank you?" One hand moved up to awkwardly pat at his shoulder.
"I imagine Miss Antimony is eager to leave this place." the elezen said.
He squeezed Antimony and then let go of her, spinning 270 degrees the wrong direction to face Amaury and said, "Well handled! I'll need you to perform similar duties in the future, since I can't touch the situation and Illira refuses to do so.â€
At that Antimony blanched. "Similar... this could happen again..??â€
"I know." he nods.
"No, I mean the business side of things,†D’hein assured. “I can't oversee your investigation, since I'm part of the institution that you're investigating."
"I suppose I should make myself available as a hired hand, should you ever need such a thing," “J’ahnah†offered.
"We should not discuss this in a cellblock,"Amaury suggested.
"Yes, you're right...†the Keeper corrected herself. “We should get somewhere more civilized."
Antimony blinked at Amaury and then paled further, if such a thing were possible. "Oh no... my papers. All of my--please tell me they still have it..!"
D’hein crossed his arms and nodded, one ear swiveling as though to listen to the ceiling while his other maintained its casual poise. "Right! Her papers are most certainly something I should not touch."
“J’ahnah†wasn't sure if he meant it or was sarcastically suggesting the papers be given to him!
"I'm afraid any kind of paperwork you had is lost."
Swaying on her feet, Antimony managed after a moment, "Alright. That... oh dear."
D'hein reached out to steady Antimony about the shoulders, "Ah, surely we can just make fresh copies!"
"What's wrong? No one really cares about papers in this city anyway, so now you can do things normally."
Amaury smirked at the Keeper. "And that's why you are an adventurer and not a politician." Then, he looked at the exit. "Let's step out, yes? This is the second time I say we should not discuss this here and we do need to discuss this."
Antimony's shoulders slumped under D'hein's hands. When the Keeper spoke, she blinked towards her. "Normal...?" She shook her head, reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose, and just took a few slow, steadying breaths.
"Oh yeah, right,†“J’ahnah†hummed. “Anyway, if you need me, I'll hang around with you folks. You seem interesting, so I may yet get my adventure."
“Hrm,†D’hein mused. “That's a very surface view of things, miss moth. While the very bottom-most and very utmost portions of society behave as though they have no use for law, they are still part of a society based upon it, and in their hearts they know it can unmake them."
"I would very much like to leave this place," Antimony mumbled lowly, nodding at Amaury.
Amaury gestured to the exit. "Then shall we?"
The tia hummed once more, ears shifting, and said, "Ah, very well. Antimony and I will return to her apartment to get her cleaned up and comfortable, and then we should meet somewhere more comfortable to discuss this."
"If that is what the lady wishes."
Antimony let out a faint sigh, followed by a nod. "Yes. Please."
D'hein squeezed Antimony across the shoulders, "Don't worry. You're fine now. Let's get you out of here." And he goes to walk her out. And all the way home.â€
“J’ahnah†skipped ahead of the other three as they exit and whipped around to face them!
D'hein was worrying over Antimony as though he were cradling an injured bunny. Antimony was generally oblivious of all of this, though the moment they stepped outside the jail, she regained some color.
"Before we go our separate ways,†the Keeper began, “I thought I should set the record straight on one thing! My name is Jana, Jana Ridah. Master-at-arms, student of magic, and professional adventurer!â€
Amaury chuckled once, looking more blinded by the magic lights rather than impressed. "In this city, it is quite good to have that many titles."
Flinching at the sudden rush of magic, Antimony held one hand up as though to ward off something, cowering back with an exclaimed, "What demons--" she cut herself off, however, when she realized it was just the Keeper.
D'hein was significantly impressed! "A well-adorned moth, shimmering in the light of Thanalan as though a good omen to bless our futures! You should stick to Amaury so that he can find work for you and we can meet again." He smiled at Jana.
"Don't be startled! It's just the countenance of a profesional adventurer at work!" At D’hein’s words, she gave a firm thumbs up.
"I'm sure I can find something for her." Amaury smiled at Jana as well.
"Great! I'll be looking forward to working with you!"
Holding Antimony by her far shoulder, D'hein patted her arm and said, "Home then, Antimony?"
"Ah... yes." Shaking her ears to dispel whatever thoughts had cluttered her head, she smiled a bit at Jana and then just made to continue on.
Amaury moved to Jana and nodded once. "Now then, if you would be so kind as to come with me, we can talk what you are good at besides exemplary introductions..."
"Oh, sure. I can do a lot more than be flashy, if you give me a chance!"
D'hein kept up with her, maintaining physical contact. Yep.
"Oops, that one kinda slipped out."
Amaury chuckled at the latest show of lights. "You make a strong case. This way, if you will." he said, pointing to the street. Jana simply nodded, quieting herself down. Finally, she'd get some real work!
![[Image: AntiThalSig.png]](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/179079766/AntiThalSig.png)
"Song dogs barking at the break of dawn, lightning pushes the edges of a thunderstorm; and these streets, quiet as a sleeping army, send their battered dreams to heaven."
Hipparion Tribe (Sagolii)Â - Â Antimony Jhanhi's Wiki
