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DreamedReality · **08-29-2014, 07:57 AM**

First it had been choosing his outfit for the day. Watching Vaughn deliberate and stress over what would be the most appropriate outfit to greet their guests in. For his part he dressed comfortably and simply. Black leather pants and belt, black leather boots with hard leather shin and knee guards, a loose and open dark blue shirt and black leather fingerless gauntlets that matched the boots. The hilt of a hunting knife stuck out of a sheath in his right boot and the hooks at his belt that usually held his fist weapons hung empty.

Now Vaughn had taken over the kitchen, fully intent on going overboard in making... something for their guests. Jaques had just been chased out of the kitchen by Vaughn and Lily. Both making it quite clear that he was only in the way and unhelpful in his attempts to calm Vaughn down. Was he going to become like this for all who came in for a tour?

He shakes his head and takes a peek into the dinning room where most of the Freed were busy with Chiane, a fellow Duskwight. She was teaching their after lunch lesson of numbers and basic math. The class would go on a bit longer yet. Hopefully long enough for Lady Faye and Val to see a bit of what went on here. But not so long that the guests couldn't speak with Chiane or any of the many charges that lived under his protection should they choose.

Jaques finally heads towards the front door, deciding to wait out front where he could be seen. He'd sent the Harbingers a letter with directions to the establishment, which he hoped would be enough. Things could get quite confusing in the cramped alleys and small streets of Ul'dah. He also hoped that the pair would make it to their street untroubled by the many refugees and poor that called the gutters their homes. Perhaps he should have said that he'd meet them by the Aetheryte? Or at the airship docks or stables? Too late now, if they were on time they'd be here within a quarter bell.

The large Duskwight squints in the bright midday sun and is blasted in a wave of heat. 'The typical Ul'dahn sunny day.' he thinks as he closes the door behind himself and leans up against the building's windowless facade. He glances up at the darker stone where the old awning and sign had protected it's surface from the bleaching the sun had caused around it. That was another reason to wait out front, without a sign this place looked like little more than another nameless warehouse.

Crossing his arms over his chest he turns his attention to idly watching those that passed by, which was few this time of day. This particular street didn't get much traffic until later in the evening when men and woman alike went seeking companions of the flesh from the brothels further down the way. For now, it was largely errand runners, delivery folk, the odd refugee, and his own waiting form.

Antain · **08-29-2014, 11:19 PM**

Everything had to be perfect. There was no exception. As much as Jaques scoffed, or made his comments, or even tried to reassure him, Vaughn was hard-wired to accept nothing less than the absolute best for whoever walked through the doors of the Desert Rose.

Er, Phoenix Rose. That will take some getting used to...

The kitchen was in an organized mess, as Vaughn called it. Flour, eggs, vegetables... Whatever that blue stuff was. It was obvious he was cooking some sort of crab and aldgoat dish, but it looked like he couldn't decide whether it should be fried, sauteed, or baked. Everything was out and Vaughn flitted around like a squirrel with no attention span.

As much as he hated being short with the Duskwight, Vaughn snapped at Jaques twice before Lily escorted him out of the kitchens. "You should know more than anyone, you can't talk to him when he's like this." She smiled kindly, sympathetically, as she also stayed out of the Wildwood's way. It was her kitchen most of the time, but now, it was Vaughn's, and the Twelve have mercy on those who interrupted his flow.

As Jaques passed by the room where Chiane was holding her lessons, the 'security' of the Rose watched him from the entrance to the dining room. Another Duskwight, Remioux Beauvais, tall and wearing heavy, sculpted armor. He usually stayed around to 'protect the children' as he called it whenever he was at the Rose, but the companions knew it was for Chiane.

Remy gave a slight smile and bow to Chiane before following Jaques outside, crossing his arms as well and stationing himself on the other side of the door. He looked to Jaques with a raised brow, questioning.

Faye · **08-30-2014, 12:22 AM**

The Midlander's attire had, as always, been chosen with careful discretion, the practiced balance of fashion and functionality. A long white robe garbed her figure, the canvas fabric preventing her skin and the attire beneath from both the harsh sun and sand of Ul'dah. In fact, barely an inch of her fair skin aside from her face was on display. Black leather boots with the smallest wedge of a heel covered her boots and ankles, silky white gloves masked her hands, and a small-brimmed hat rested atop her skull. To say that Faye was not a fan of the sun would probably be an understatement.Â

She walked along the Ul'dahn street, paying no mind to her surroundings. And why would she? Her ever vigilant guard was, as usual, at her side, and perhaps she believed she'd have nothing to fear even were it not for the Seeker's presence, heedless of the pouch of gil hanging from the belt of her robe. Instead, her blue eyes were fixed on a piece of parchment she held, studying it as she walked, occasionally glancing up from the directions to assess their location and scan the walls and placards of the nearby buildings for the correct address.Â

"I trust you'll be on your best behavior today?" she began to her Miqo'te companion in that all too familiar and almost motherly lecturing tone. "We don't need you spitting in anyone's--ah," she cut herself off as she laid eyes on the familiar Elezen standing outside a windowless building, folding the now useless paper she held and stashing it safely in her pocket with little need of the address now with her host standing ready and waiting.

"Here we are." She announced mostly to herself before striding up to Jaques, pausing a few paces away to offer a friendly smile and bob into a curtsy. "Good evening, Mister Jaques," she greeted as she straightened her posture. "It's lovely to see you again." She then turned toward the unfamiliar Duskwight stationed at the opposite side of the door, dipping into another brief curtsy. "A pleasure, sir."

Val · **08-30-2014, 12:51 AM**

Much to Val's dismay, he wore something far more less protective than his usual, armored attire. To Faye's credit, however, she'd done quite the job of picking it out. A dark red coatee covered his torso, either of the sleeves rolled up to reveal the black inner lining. He'd only buttoned half of the coatee with its silver buttons to allow the neckline to hang low. It did a wonderful job of revealing a great portion of the gray shirt he'd opted to wear beneath, or rather, was told he should wear beneath. A pair of dark brown slacks hugged his hips, supported by a black belt with a silver buckle. Of course, the outfit would have never been complete without the black dress shoes he wore, nor would it have been as "stylish," as Val had called it.Â

He didn't feel even the slightest bit intimidating in this outfit. And it itched. And it made him feel vulnerable. And he knew that should someone try to shoot an arrow into his back, he'd be dead and she'd be taken. These were all things that he had likely said to her in concern, but she was his Princess and employer, so she ultimately won out in the argument. Therefore, he was left to simply amble on behind her, hands in his pockets, eyes covered by the dark shades he so often wore during his trips through Ul'dah, and a thoroughly displeased scowl on his face. That was probably the most intimidating thing about him for the time being.

A disgruntled groan escaped him at the woman's words, "Ugh, c'mon Princess. I told ya I spit in that fucker's tea 'cause 'e said y'were pretty. I ain' gonna do it anymore 'cause y'got all pissed off at me th'firstÂ time. I--" He'd been cut off and soon found his attention resting on the building and, more important, the Elezen that occupied the spot outside of it. He made sure to keep a bit closer to the woman now, feeling thoroughly naked without the large lance strapped to his back.

"'Lo," he offered alongside Faye, doing little more than lifting his right hand from his pocket and giving a two-fingered salute from the tip of his forehead. Afterwards, Val made sure to keep both arms to his sides. His eyes remained fixated along Jaques for the duration of the conversation and it likely took little effort to notice that his body had gone rigid. Both of the long, furry ears atop his head lifted ever so slightly skyward, slowly rotating this way and that in order to try and discern little noises about their immediate vicinity. Meanwhile, his tail had gone completely still. He was fully alert, that childish and playful demeanor locked away in light of suddenly being considered "on duty."

DreamedReality · **08-30-2014, 06:23 AM**

At the raised brow Jaques responds to the silent question, "The guests I mentioned to you yesterday should be arriving soon. I'd appreciate it if you didn't pick a fight or try and intimidate them. We could use their support in keeping this place running."

He looks about to say more before movement catches his gaze, drawing his attention to the white glad figure and her darker clad bodyguard approaching. He was surprised to see her guard was out of his fancy ornate armour and in something equally fancy but much less protective. Armour for the estate but fancy dress when out in the world. He didn't even pretend to understand. Though he found his gaze was drawn back to the woman, so fair and out of place in these side alleys. She probably drew the attention of everyone she had passed on her way here.

He gives the pair a shallow bow, his expression carefully neutral in place of his typical scowl. If he noticed the change in demeanor on Val's part he wasn't letting it show. "Greetings and welcome, Lady Faye. Val." He straightens, motioning the silent Duskwight opposite him. The other Duskwight was about the same height as Jaques and outfitted in full plate armour, sans helm, and a sword hanging at his side. He had the typical blue-grey tone of other Duskwights, dark hair, and his face was lined with several scars. Just above the line of his armour they'd also be able to see the top edge of what had to be a nasty scar that ran around the front of his throat, "Our doorguard, Remioux."

After a slight pause he moves to open the front doors. Motioning the pair inside the cool and darker interior, "I hope you had no issues finding the street?"

Antain · **08-30-2014, 12:25 PM**

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't pick a fight or try to intimidate them." Remy smirked slightly at Jaques's request, giving a minute shrug before turning his attention to the ally. As the two approached, a vision in white and...A cat, he instinctively placed a hand on his sword. He didn't start to look offensive until Val's own posture changed. He glared at the miqo'te through narrowed eyes, trying to gauge him as a warrior. Still, he stepped aside as Jaques opened the door to the building, cautiously watching Val.

The interior of the building looked nothing like the outside. While the outer stonework was sunbleached, inside was vibrant with color. Silk scarves of all colors hung in graceful drapings over the walls and across the ceiling. Though it lacked windows, it was very well lit with a myriad of candles, lanterns, and oil lamps. Incense burners were scattered about, lending scents of orchids, juniper, and sandalwood. The main entrance had a curved double staircase leading to a second and third floor. To the right, there was an open door to what looked like an office, with an ornate desk and chair visible, and a large bookcase behind. To the left of the stairway, a large open double door to the kitchen, where a petite red-headed hyur patiently waited for Vaughn to finish his project. The woman smiled and nodded politely to the newcomers. Further to the left was an open common room that had a fancy coffee table and two plush red velvet couches on either side of it, and an entrance to a dining room behind that. At the ornate dining table sat another Duskwight, a female, seeming to give lesson of basic mathematics to a group of fifteen men and women of all races. Some of the people seemed to be focused more on each other than whatever the Duskwight woman was saying, but snapped their attention back when they felt her authoritative gaze.

After giving the pair time to get a quick look around, Vaughn emerged from the kitchen, holding a tray that had a large teapot and four teacups, and a bowl of fresh fruits. Grapes, blueberries, rolanberries, and peeled oranges. His waist-length blonde hair was tidied back loosely in a braid that draped over his shoulder. He wore a deep purple vest with gold trim over a vibrant white loose shirt that was clinched around the waist by a yellow-gold sash, form-fitting chestnut pants, and soft mahogany leather boots also trimmed with gold that rose half-way up his shins.

He smiled with a bow, careful not to spill the tray. He had much practice with this. "Mis-- Ah...Lady Faye. Sir Val. A pleasure to see you. Please, sit." He moved toward the common room to set down the tray and start pouring cups of tea.

Faye · **08-31-2014, 04:20 AM**

If Faye noticed the brief stare down between the two guards, she gave no sign of it, only offering a dazzling smile to their hosts. Perhaps it was simply an occurrence she was used to. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mister Remioux," the Elezen name rolled off her tongue with a practiced ease she could credit to a childhood raised in the Black Shroud. She returned her attention to Jaques, nodding and stepping inside as he ushered the couple through the door.

"Yes, we had no troubles, thank you. Fortunately, Ul'dah is quite simple to navigate, especially with directions handy." As she stepped inside the building and her eyes adjusted from the bright glare of the desert sun outside, her gaze roamed over her new surroundings, taking in the sights. The corners of her lips curled into the faintest of smiles, apparently quite pleased by all the colorful fabrics hanging out, the warm glow of candles, and the pleasant array of smells. Her gaze caught that of the red-haired Midlander, and she offered a polite smile and a little nod of her head in greeting before her attention wandered to the dining room where she caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a lesson in mathematics.

"Quite the lovely facility you have here," she remarked casually to Jaques before another familiar Elezen appeared from the kitchen. Faye spared Vaughn a friendly smile that grew a little wider despite herself at the sight of tea, the Hyur bobbing into a curtsy. "Thank you, it's a pleasure to see you again, Mister Vaughn." She did as requested, following him to the commons area and settling down upon one of the velvety sofas. She peered up at Val, patting at the empty cushion next to her in a silent invitation for him to take a seat as well, knowing fully well it would take some prodding to get him to relax when his mind was set in the mentality of "guard duty."

Val · **08-31-2014, 04:55 AM**

While Faye seemed to be rather enamored with their facility, Val could have cared less. He didn't take the time to admire the colors and the strong scent of the candles did well to override his own senses and mask whatever it was they might have been hiding. ..At least, that's the first thing that caught Val's attention. As they wandered about, he kept himself close to her. He felt far too vulnerable in his attire to ever feel comfortable in a stranger's home.Â

He hated it here. The food looked like something hisÂ food ate, the mathematics confused him, the smells made him feel light-headed, and there were far too many people around for his tastes. Uncomfortable went nowhere near how it all made him feel. Then again, none of this was really for him. He was only here as acting guardian and chaperone for Miss Covington, and thus kept his opinions and comments to himself.Â

He did notice the drinks being carried out and the man that carried them. Moreso did he recognize the hint of that slip-up. He narrowed his eyes at the Elezen and pointedly stared at the cups as they were being poured. Did they look discolored? Did they have a strange scent to them? He couldn't tell with all of these damnable candles. He silently accepted Faye's offer, but only because he knew the lady would fuss at him should he refuse. They'd been together long enough for him to know that much, and thus knew that arguing with her was either a losing battle or would provoke her anger.Â

He all but fell down onto the couch next to the lady with little to no grace involved in the movement. As he was so often used to, the Seeker's arm curled about her waist and almost possessively pulled her against him, as if to give a silent statement to all of those present. His free hand remained awkwardly at his lap, unsure of what he should do with it. His tail curled up to rest off to the side so as not to be smashed between himself and Faye, and those furry ears remained perked high into the air. The only thing regal about the Seeker seemed to be his rather straightened posture as he sat, though that was likely because he was on edge and ready to move at a moment's notice.

DreamedReality · **08-31-2014, 06:44 PM**

Jaques closes the door behind them and murmurs a quiet, "Good, I'm glad." As Faye relays the ease of finding their place. Then falls silent as he allows the pair a moment to look about and gauges their reactions. Night and day, these two seemed. The man only seemed to grow more on edge and uncomfortable while the white lady at least seemed pleased and he gave a "Thank you" to the spoken praise.

He'd been about to start telling them about what they could see when Vaughn entered with the laden tray. With an inward cringe he lost what he was just about to say as things suddenly went off script from how he planned their visit to go. A tour with a few planned things said about each place and then, perhaps, sitting down to further talk and answer questions. But talking first? What did they have to talk about yet?

Following the pair over he let them pick their couch before lowering himself into the seat across from them, back straight as he struggles with his own unease. He catches Val staring intently at Vaughn and has to fight a his own features hardening as his own feelings of protectiveness rose at the rather aggressive guard front the miqo'te was putting on. All this was further pushing his carefully constructed front of over-politeness further from him. Entertaining nobles was never something he thought he'd have to do. Hells, -needing- something from nobles was not something he'd ever planned on. And this woman simply screamed 'noble' with every action and he needed her donation and support.

He glances down to the tea as Vaughn pours. The man had chosen the thanalan tea accented with rosehips. If the clear, pink-tinged liquid was any indication. He takes a slow breath in an attempt to calm himself of the rising panic he felt at not knowing what to say or do next. His eyes flicker to Vaughn, trying to catch the man's gaze, his own all but saying 'help me'.

Antain · **08-31-2014, 07:25 PM**

Vaughn saw the glimmer of the helpless look in Jaques eyes and he knew he messed up. It was just too easy to revert back to who he was, what he did, how he did things. They even had a chat about it earlier. He knew what Jaques's plan was to make things go smoother. They even went over it that morning.

But he knew how to talk to nobles. With a small smile he looks to Faye and Val, pushing the first cup of tea toward the alabaster woman. "You traveled a long way to see us, and for that we are most appreciative. Please take a moment to rest before we begin. You must be thirsty."

He pours a second cup, pushing it toward the guarded Val with a bow of his head. He sensed the mistrust. He knew that look all too well. "Unless...you would prefer something other than tea? We have...water."

Faye · **08-31-2014, 08:18 PM**

Faye was indeed a stark contrast to her companion, settling in comfortably upon the couch at ease and peering sidelong to Val as she felt his arm snake around her waist, offering the Seeker a subtle, reassuring smile before she turned her attention back to Jaques and Vaughn. "Ah, the journey wasn't too bad. We travel quite often. It was well worth the trip," she assured the blond, removing her gloves and resting them in her lap. She reached for the cup of tea he nudged toward her, taking it carefully between both hands. "Tea will do perfectly for me, thank you."

She decided to let Val speak for himself, knowing fully well that he would much prefer water, but also aware of the amusement she received from watching the poor man try to keep down a sip of tea.Â She brought her own cup of tea to her face, giving it a quick and appraising sniff followed by a satisfied smile, before she pursed her lips to blow away a tuft of steam and cool the liquid. She took a tentative sip of the pinkish beverage before resting the cup carefully upon the table once more.

Val · **08-31-2014, 08:33 PM**

Val wanted to know one thing: Why the hell did everyone around here love tea so much? It seemed that everywhere he went, one person or another was serving tea. It's no wonder that Faye came to love the beverage while he, not one to be very used to noble society and its high standards, had only managed to taste it a handful of times. Like many other things that he'd seen this eve, he hated it.

..But he absolutely loved Faye's adoration, and knew that he'd receive none of it if he was outright rude to their hosts. He leaned forward to accept the offered tea, a look of mistrust given to what was meant to be a source of refreshment. For the Seeker, however, it was only a vile-tasting beverage.Â

He lifted the cup and, after observing Faye, mimicked her actions to the best of his abilities. Val gave a small swirl of the cup, though almost overdid it and nearly sent the contents sloshing out of the cup and into his lap. That would have been painful. He took a sniff of a drink and flared his nostrils, the scent invading his already sensitive nose and lingering there long enough for him to make a displeased face. Then, he took a sip.Â

His features scrunched up and became something far more of a frowning scowl, giving his full attention in an accusatory manner to the cup that he held. His lips parted several times, tongue running over the top of his mouth in order to wipe away as much of the taste from it as he could before finally looking back to the two Elezen, forcing an incredibly uneasy half smile in their direction. ...Maybe they would think he liked it, right?

DreamedReality · **08-31-2014, 10:30 PM**

The Duskwight relaxes slightly as Vaughn covers for him, taking up his own cup as it's presented before him. He takes a sip in an attempt to cover his amusement at the clear distaste the Miqo'te across from him found in his beverage. The more he watched the man the more the other man resembled what he -felt-. Entirely out of place in this scenario. He envied the other man at his luxury of being able to show it. But if Jaques knew anything about nobles... it's that they were serpents. If he showed too much that he had no idea what he was doing he was afraid of the strike. It'd happened before in their unsuccessful solicitations with the nobles around Ul'dah.

He sets his own cup down, deciding to have a bit of mercy on the Miqo'te, "I think some cold water would be nice, actually." He adds quickly so that it wasn't -him- having to stay here, alone, with the two across from him. "I'll go get us some." He moves away towards the kitchen. That was almost tactful. Maybe.

Antain · **08-31-2014, 10:46 PM**

Vaughn smiles as he watches Jaques, but it wasn't until he was out of sight when he returned his attention to the pair. "After we show you around, I have prepared stuffed crab and rosemary aldgoat steak with butter and garlic mixed vegetables for lunch. It's the least we can do for you taking the time to visit us."

He lifted his own teacup and took a gentle sip, trying not to fidget. He glances to Val with a light smile in an attempt to set the man more at ease. "We do have other things as well, if none of that is to your tastes. I would be more than happy to prepare what you wish as a thank you for your generosity."

Faye · **08-31-2014, 11:40 PM**

Faye watched Val closely out of the corners of her eyes, not wanting to miss his priceless reaction. And priceless it was. She failed to stifle the faint, beginning snort of a laugh at her lover's expense, though she did raise her teacup to her lips to take a sip and mask her mischievous grin. However, she squirmed a bit closer to the Miqo'te, as if the closer proximity might help put him at ease. She had noticed that she was perhaps the only person in the room who wasn't put on edge.

Her attention flickered to Jaques as he disappeared to fetch some water, and then back to Vaughn who she offered a smile. "That sounds lovely, thank you. There's no need to go to any extra trouble for us. That sounds fine by me, and Val, you're preferable to steak, yes?" She reached a hand forward to delicately pluck a grape from the bowl of fresh fruits and pop it into her mouth. "Mister Vaughn, if I might ask, about how large is your organization?"

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