A Midnight Walk [[Now Open]]

[Yloise]

Yloise shrugged at the advice and turned her back to Tobias. She knew she had gotten away with the deception. She held her new found treasure close to her and decided a casual exit is best in this instance. "Thank you mister, I did not catch your name? I do hope he considers your advice, even if it is not in my favor." She asked the Sultansworn.

 

Yloise fiddled with her bracelets and looked at the Miqo'te as if to size him up if things suddenly turned awry. She might get a few chops in but going against a Sultansworn would be a bad idea that she would have to exile herself from Ul'dah in the future. She did not want that, but if things happen, alas it was meant to be.

 

Yloise straightened her stance and brushed off her imaginary dust from her midnight dyed coatee, which was showing her shoulders and cleavage to anyone who had eyes in their head. Her shorts did not leave much to the imagination but provided support for her stockings that stopped just a few inches prior to them. She was dressed as a professional and hoped that the role would cover her plans, now changed due to having being seen by another fleeing with the gem.

 

Yloise thought about her next destination while she awaited her answer.

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias parts his lips to make another statement, but instead of stating something else to continue their charade, he drops the proverbial 'bomb' onto the situation.

 

       "I apologize Sultansworn. I was hoping I could find amiable means to end this situation for the woman, but it seems that is now impossible," he makes a quiet exhale, "the woman before you is no Goldsmith. Or if she is, she is moonlighting as a thief. That gem, the Garnet, has been stolen from my employer."

 

       It would seem that the Hyur changes his mind on a whim about what to do with the happenings. At the start he seems to have wanted to continue the chase, but now he does otherwise. Perhaps he simply grew bored, or perhaps he felt that the situation would go into her favor and allow her to escape. Maybe his logical side finally won him over. Whatever the reason, he lays everything bare and uses as much information as he possibly can to once again trap and corner Yloise.

 

       "There are minor things stolen as well, but I would see what is in her bag to know what else she has stolen. Regardless of 'what', she steals from Ishgard, of all places to take from. I can assure you it would be wise to not allow relations between Ul'dah and Ishgard to...deteriorate due to something so petty as theft when I have to report that I had the culprit in my grasp, but a Sultansworn prevented me to complete my task. Or, I would more like to report a Sultansworn who was integral in part of retrieving my employer's lost goods."

 

       Tobias watches Yloise with expressionless eyes, his features blank again with no emotion betraying him as he speaks in a matter-of-fact inflection, "If you wish, we can take her back to the Quicksand where he stays now. You will know what I say is true."

 

       Tobias concludes his speech as he activates his linkpearl, "I will return shortly to the Quicksand with what has been lost." his eyes drift from Yloise over to Landrenel as he talks through the linkpearl, "No, the objective is nearly complete. Yes. As you command."

[Yloise]

Yloise's had enough of this facade. The man was not after her but yet the gemstone. She tensed for a moment, getting her bearings before acting what every fiber of her body was screaming, Flee!

 

She was not going to spend one night in a Ul'dah prison, she had hoped for a better future here, but that went out the window on Tobias' last words. She let her shoulder droop which was holding the bag up from falling to the ground. This little Hyur would not get Yloise!

 

After noticing a lengthy pause in the conversation between the Sultansworn and Tobias, she decided to give no reason to pursue her, she swung the bag up into the air and catapulted off her arm to go straight up. As Tobias' eyes watch at the sudden action, she gave a sweeping kick to his knees to get them to buckle. After that occurred, she swung around backwards to give him a swift but short punch to his ribs to complete the shocking pain that would stun him for a moment.

 

Tobias fell backwards upon his rear, and Yloise leapt gracefully over him like a Coeurl would to spring away.

 

She ran as fast as Elezenly possible, and left the Gold Court, springing through the alleyways into the Ul'dah crowds to disappear. She quickly vanished between a few Roegadyn merchants with wagons traveling through. There was no indication which direction she continued onward.

 

The goods however, fell with a plop onto Tobias' stomach spilling open, showing the taken sack intact with the treasured gemstone among it's contents.

[Nirri]

As the Elezen thief sprung into action, the sultansworn merely took a few steps backwards with a suprised expression. His right hand even releasing the hilt of the blade, "Right. She's fleeing." he muttered to himself. Only allowing his gaze to follow her for a moment or two before his attention fell back upon Tobias.

 

"Right. I'll take that back to the Goldsmith's." he'd say, a rather commanding tone taking form in his voice as his body arched forward to retrieve the open sack with the stolen merchandise from the man.

[Tobias Nightbringer]

It was a mistake that he knows better to have done. A list ditch effort from someone who was desperate for escape. A mere distraction that only a novice would fall for. Even as Tobias' eyes lifts up to follow the bag that Yloise flings up into the air, he was silently berating himself.

 

        Fortunately, the Hyur did not have long to bemoan his mistake as the inevitable strike from the burglar lands true. Twice. Before he can collapse entirely from the kick, her fist lands firmly against his rib; and what an impact it was! As a shock wave of pain cracks through his body instantly that Tobias likens to a small hammer or mace - which just happens to be in the shape of a light ash grey fist. The pleasant view of her cleavage bouncing did at least soften the blow so to speak, albeit slightly. It was a blow strong enough from the lean Elezen that sends the Midlander not only on his rear, but flat on his back.

       

        Then, she was gone. Other than appreciating Yloise's ample breasts one last time, Tobias was still processing the rest of what happened before a slightly better prize was somewhat literally thrown his way.

 

        "Hukh!" the heavy bag drops unceremoniously onto his stomach before the garnet, wax stamp seal, and whatever else she had taken from his employer spills out around him.

 

        Tobias did at least hear Landrenel's command, though despite hearing it, he takes hold of the garnet while still lying on his back. He mutters with a winded breath, "You can take whatever else you find in the bag, but I do not believe those in Ishgard will approve of you giving their garnet to the Goldsmiths Guild."

 

        As Tobias attempts to sit up, he winces from a sharp sudden pang that streaks through him, originating from the point of impact where Yloise hit. So, he decides to just lay there. "Go to the Quicksand with me if you desire. Make sure my claim is true need be. Or take my pearl." makes another face of discomfort as he begins to slowly prop himself up on his elbows, "Twelve, she better not have broken anything."

[C'kayah Polaali]

Clucking his tongue in disapproval, a second Miqo'te emerged from the shadows. Dressed all in grey - jerkin, silken shirt, cloak and cap - his face coated with grey pigment, he had avoided the trio's notice, engaged as they were in more energetic and entertaining pursuits. His name was C'kayah Tia, but tonight he bore a different moniker in accordance with the twins Nald and Thal, and their foremost lesson: opportunity.

 

With the confident steps of one who has every right to be there, despite his suspicious appearance, he moves directly to Tobias. Stooping, he begins to gather up the spilled contents of the bag, putting everything back in with the exception of the seal case.

 

"I saw what you did", he said in an approving tone. "You saved our employers garnet, and for that you should be commended."

 

He holds up the case, Ishgardian seal out, and continues. "All the same, I do not think this should go to the Goldsmith's Guild."

 

Standing, he hands the bag, minus the seal, to Landrenel. "I am U'kwor Tia", he says placidly, "and as my companion here has been hired to safeguard the garnet, I have been hired to safeguard the seal. Thank you for your assistance in this, Sultansworn."

 

He smiled down at Tobias, his teeth flashing white against the grey of his painted face. "I was honestly surprised to see that they had sent only one man to guard the gemstone. I'm pleased to see that their choice was correct. Forgive me for not coming to your aid earlier, but I had strict orders. You understand the cryptic and untrusting ways of our employer. Come, shall we get you to a healer?"

[Tobias Nightbringer]

It was obvious Tobias had no trust for the man. How convenient it was for this stranger to appear out of nowhere. This supposed 'help' to show themselves once the brouhaha had all but settled down. This 'U'kwor Tia'.

 

        Tobias was more or less used to the pain inflicted by Yloise at this point, though he still wincing to the pain that shot through him as he attempted to stand. This time, however, he would move with little difficulty to try and intercept the Miqo'te gathering the belongings that spilled from the Elezen's bag.

 

        "Cryptic and untrusting indeed," Tobias murmured as dark eyes leveled onto Tia. The Midlander tried his best to pay no mind to the pain that lingered from his body as his hand reached up to touch his ear where the linkpearl sat with the skeptical gaze not flinching from the man who held the seal. Had the raven-haired Hyur not received the parting shot from the fleeing lady, he probably would have been able to stop the Miqo'te all together.

 

        "Are you there?" Tobias waited for a response that did not come, "Hello?" All the Hyur got was 'radio' silence. "Of course..."

 

        "Well then, as it were, I am grateful for your...assistance, but I am sure you have no qualms if I were to continue safeguarding the seal until I am able to contact my employer. Cryptic and untrusting those Ishgardians are, aye?" Tobias watched for any kind of reaction as he extended a hand out to take back the seal--willingly or otherwise. "And then we travel to the healer." He adds with a quick smile, though the twist of an upturned lip done quickly enough where no demeanor or emotion could be discerned other than from what was obviously put on display earlier.

[C'kayah Polaali]

C'kayah gazed flatly at the Hyur for a moment. The evening's luck had gone poorly - first the dark skinned Elezen snatching the bag he had his eye on, and alerting its guardian, as he was getting into position to take the thing himself. He'd very nearly lost them in the pursuit, as well. Now, misfortune of misfortunes, he had the bad luck to be facing an intelligent guard. The presence of the Sultansworn made things even more complicated. 

 

He shrugged, telling himself that fortune favored the bold.

 

"I can understand your distrust" he began, speaking in the same almost casual tone, "after all, you were not aware of my existence any more than I was aware of yours. Yet I must wonder as to your motives. You all too willing to give our employer's property to the Sultansworn here. Were I disposed to suspicion, I might think that you were trying to eliminate anything connecting the Ishgardians to their gem. Especially since you now insist on possessing the very thing that you tried to give away. Tell me, why is that?"

[Tobias Nightbringer]

There was a time for most anything in every situations. Flee, fight, beg, parlay, gloat, flirt. Tobias knew this well enough. Unfortunately, attempting to drop C'kayah with a few strikes would not be one of those times. Partly because the pain in his body would prove to hinder him, but also because that would obviously not be the best course of action at this given moment--as much as he thought it would be the easiest way to handle the situation.

 

        So instead, Tobias bides his time, "You can understand my distrust and yet you give me no more reason to trust you than for you to trust me. How peculiar a situation we are in..."

 

        Tobias retracts his hand and instead places the garnet into his own pack and nods to C'kayah, "Keep the seal then and let us be off to the see--" the Midlander cuts himself short as he grabs his side with a wince.

 

        However, he kept his eyes on the Miqo'te "Seems the Lady left me with quite an impression. What say you, mind lending a helping hand to guide me to the healer 'friend'?" The last word emphasized just a little in terms of tone and volume, though the cautious inflection would not be lost.

 

        If Tobias could not have his hands on the seal directly, he would settle for the next best thing--having a hand on the person who has it.

[C'kayah Polaali]

C'kayah visibly winced as the man's hand went to his side. "Carefully, friend, I suspect a broken rib. You don't want to move too much, or you'll risk a punctured lung."

 

He slipped the seal into the large leather pouch hanging from his belt, withdrawing a handful of gil which he underhanded to the other Miqo'te.

 

"You, Sultansworn. My friend is injured. Do me a favor and stay with him while I fetch a healer. There'll be more gil for your trouble when I return."

 

The nearest healer that he knew of was M'liss, five blocks away. Funnily enough, he did intend to fetch her. He'd watched the fight, that Elezen had landed a near-killing blow on the man. Turning to go, he raised a cautioning finger. "Don't let him move, too. I think he's in shock, he won't know if he hurts himself more."

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias brushes off the 'warning' or 'advice' or whatever it was. Though he had winced moments ago, he was up and moving. His movements were somewhat visibly hindered, yet not so much to where one would at least assume a rib had been broken. Or at the very least, Tobias was able to play it off very well that it had not been.

 

        Instead, he goes straight to the Miqo'te and attempts to grab C'kayah's arm before leading him away, hopefully leaving the Sultansworn behind before either men can comprehend what exactly was going on. Though, Tobias was not moving very quickly so it would have been easy to stop moving or otherwise hinder his plans.

 

        If the Midlander was successful in taking the Seeker's arm and guiding him away, he would pass a comment casually, "I do believe that has to be some form of bribery. Besides, as much obliged as I am to your concern, there is that one little issue of distrust, aye?" Tobias would keep a firm hold on C'kayah's right arm, holding onto it with his left hand as the two begin to walk out of the Gold Court and towards the Steps of Nald. Though Tobias was injured and around a similar build of the Miqo'te, Tobias would still be able to hold his own at least if need be--at least for a little bit.

 

        However, if Tobias was not successful in his attempt to grab the arm, the Hyur would instead stand there and still speak the same words but also reach his hand back out to C'kayah before adding, "The seal if you please. What worry do you have of betrayal, if I am to stay here under the surveillance of the Sultansworn? Surely I will not be able to do much since my ribs are supposedly broken, aye?"

[C'kayah Polaali]

C'kayah chuckled as the Hyur approached, allowing the man to take his arm while reaching across his chest to do the same with his other hand, supporting him in a companionable way.

 

"Gil is the blood of life here in Ul'dah, didn't they tell you that?", he purred silkily. "There's no sin in recognizing that fact. In any case, the poor Sultansworn over there, moved to speechlessness by the sight of my concern for your well-being, must have something for his trouble, mmm? Before I came along, he was doubtless looking forward to whatever reward he could gain from your gift of our employer's seal."

 

C'kayah shifted next to Tobias, pulling him in the direction of M'riss.

 

"The healer is this way. Let's go get you looked at, and then we can both go make our reports about this evening. Tell me, when I mention your attempts to dispose of the seal, should I give some reason on your part, or should I leave it to them to speculate?"

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias latches his right hand onto C'kayah's wrist after the Miqo'te reaches across the Hyur's chest to give the supposed support. Tobias tries to slip his left arm under C'kayah's right arm and over the top of his left shoulder, giving himself both more balance and support as the duo now move along to wherever the Keeper was guiding him. However, how much support Tobias did actually need to stand and move on his own would still be undetermined save for the Hyur himself.

 

        "Yes, I am sure the Sultansworn was awe-struck by your concern and generosity." Tobias replies flatly that oozes with sarcasm but with a deep tenor, "And either which way you report, it will give them time to speculate on your participation, or lack there of, to have allowed such a situation to arise. Or should I give them the reasons for yourself as well?" 

 

        Tobias and C'kayah would be out of the Gold Court if Landrenel did not decide to stop the pair. Tobias might have hoped for the Sultansworn to give chase and investigate further, but alas Landrenel was probably bored to tears at the current situation.  

 

 

        So, Tobias walked with C'kayah, allowing the Miqo'te to lead but also preparing himself for anything his 'ally' would attempt as best as possible.

 

 

        "What did you say your name is, Miqo'te?" Tobias begins to probe while they journey forth to M'riss.

[C'kayah Polaali]

"Oh, by all means", C'kayah purred silkily, "give your own report in detail. Be sure to include your own initial decision to give away the seal, I'm sure it will make for fascinating reading. Be sure you take care to spell my name correctly: U'kwor, that's ew apostrophe kay double ew oh ar."

 

The pair continued on their way, seemingly clasped in comradely love, through the streets of Ul'dah. The Miqo'te breathed heavily as they went, as if the exertion was more than he cared for. Nodding at the cheerful yellow flicker of light from a wine shop, he continued to talk.

 

"When we're done with the healer, let's stop there. Following the two of you was thirsty work. I'm fond of the light, sparkling wine of Vesper Bay, though something fortified would not go amiss tonight. That shop, by the way, is renowned for its cheese. They buy from a man who imports this hard cheese from the south which is- ah, here we are!"

 

The pair arrived at a door, marked simply with "M'riss", and the sigil of a healer. A light burned inside, strange for the hour. The Miqo'te kicked the door, his soft boots pounding softly on the wood. A female voice called something from inside, indistinct through the door, which presently opened.

 

M'riss was an older Miqo'te woman, with dark brown hair shot with silver and the pale skin of a Keeper, dressed plainly. Silver framed glasses hung on a fine chain around her neck. She looked at the pair, her eyes glancing at C'kayah before coming to rest on the Hyur he supported.

 

"Yes? Come in, come in", she said. "What happened to you?"

 

The front room was a workroom, with a stout wooden table in the center, the tools of her trade on shelves and in drawers around it. C'kayah helped Tobias into the room, toward the table.

 

"My friend here got in a bit of a scuffle", C'kayah replied. "Took a boot to the knee and a heavy blow to the ribs. He's in pain, and he's having trouble walking."

 

M'riss closed the door, settling her glasses on her face. She moved to peer into Tobias' eyes. "Oh? Fighting, have we been? Take off your shirt, we'd better check you out."

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias was not sure if fatigue was starting to set in from the incessant pain or if he was becoming less tolerant of his new found 'ally'. Despite their 'friendly' demeanor, Tobias held no trust nor gave the benefit of the doubt to the Miqo'te. Still, the Midlander would have to wait and see if he could retrieve the seal in a peaceful manner  the chances of that were starting to wear thin.

 

        During their jaunt, Tobias would remain silent and only actually pay attention to whatever C'kayah was saying when the Hyur deemed it worthy of any attention at all. Not surprisingly, everything the Seeker said was drivel. At best. While they walked through Ul'dah, Tobias took note of the surrounding areas. He was familiar enough with the city that he would have taken notice to where he was heading towards. Any noticeable landmarks would have only made it easier to determine if he was near the Ossuary, or passing by Pearl Lane, or anywhere else.

 

        Their walk seemed to just drag on and on, but perhaps Tobias was thinking it was more his companions babble that made their journey stretch. Regardless of the annoyance that the Miqo'te so graciously provided, the raven-haired man continued to stay in silent focus and observed his whereabouts  just in case he found himself in a particularly odd place to be at, in regards to finding a healer. Of course, when they finally reached their destination, he could have sworn that a few Umbral and Astral eras had past during their arduous trek.

 

        Tobias shifted his eyes on the Miqo'te woman that greeted them after the boot-knock from C'kayah. When she glanced at the Seeker, Tobias looked intently to attempt to discern any information that he could. Before he entered, he took a glance up at the sigil and the word 'M'riss'. Perception would be key at this point and about the only thing he could rely on.

 

        Tobias promptly, but not so much rudely, brushed away C'kayah's hands finally after he entered the workroom. He gleaned quite practically everything he could from the various tools on shelves, to the stout wooden table that C'kayah had tried to guide him towards, and everything in-between. He was already on the defensive, but even the slightest hint of anything would put him on the offensive  as foolish as that might be.

 

        Though he heard the woman's command, Tobias kept his shirt and instead slowly turned in place while he scanned and observed. Finally, he began to press on the more pressing subject, "You seem to be quite intent on trying to drive that point home as if that will mean anything to my...our employers. If that is your only means of getting what you want," he stopped turning to look pointedly at C'kayah, "you will have to try much harder than that."

 

        Then, something suddenly flashed across his mind as a brow perked, "Speaking of our employers, where is your linkpearl? I would find it hard to believe that you would not have been given one."

 

        Tobias turned to peer at M'riss, the next question fired at her, "How long have you had this establishment? Besides the Quicksand, I do not know many who offer any services at such odd hours. Or more specifically, a clinic." Tobias then looked between the two Miqo'te. The Midlander kept his calm and composure but definitely was not being lax about anything. The only chance Tobias could have afforded had been spent when he walked away from the Sultansworn, instead of forcing C'kayah to have stayed at the Gold Court by any means necessary and hope that Landrenel would have came to Tobias' aid instead of C'kayah's.

[C'kayah Polaali]

"I'm not the one who tried to give the damn thing awa-"

 

"If you're not here for healing, what the hell-"

 

M'riss shut C'kayah up with a sharp look, then turned back to Tobias.

 

"And when should I be open", she began, adopting the tone of an annoyed teacher, "during the day, when I sleep? Now, if you're here for healing, get on the table and take off your shirt. If you're not, the door is right there."

 

C'kayah shook his head sadly, an apology in his voice, "I'm sorry, Healer. I thought my friend would behave in a civilized manner. We'll go."

 

The Keeper woman ignored C'kayah, her fiery gaze still on the Hyur. "On...the...table...or...get...out."

[Tobias Nightbringer]

It was brief. A flash really, but he assumed some kind of air of familiarity between the two Miqo'te. It was hardly anything, if even that, but it was better than having nothing to go on at all. Though, it could turn out to actually be nothing at all anyway.

 

        Tobias looked between M'riss and C'kayah as he contemplates the decision. The Hyur kept an eye on his 'companion' as he moved over towards the table before he hopped onto it. 

 

        "Trust that I am here for your...aid, Miqo'te," his tone was as languid and relaxed as the gaze that slipped from C'kayah to M'riss as Tobias spoke, "though as your friend there can attest, I have every reason to be wary of those around me. Aye?" His last word that was marked as a question directed back to C'kayah as the Hyur glanced over at him. 

        

        In a 'twist' of events, with an almost humorous inflection, "Is this where you go after one too many bottles of fine wine and a few more bumps you care to have?" The Hyur curiously perked a brow up to C'kayah while Tobias began to casually loosen and unlace the thin leather strip that criss-crossed up the long leather glove that covered a majority of his left arm.

[C'kayah Polaali]

C'kayah laughed good naturedly. "My Hyur friend here is feeling doubly stung, I think. Once from the blows he took in the fight, and once", at this the Miqo'te traced the outline of a tall and curvy woman in the air, "by the one who administered them."

 

 

He grinned at Tobias, his teeth brilliantly white against the grey pigment on his face. "Though I have known people who would pay for such a privilege. Tell me, my friend, you didn't enjoy it just a little bit?"

 

 

M'riss glared sharply at him again, "If you can't say anything constructive, just shut up."

 

 

C'kayah held his hands up, still grinning. "Keepers..." he murmured to himself.

 

 

"And I heard that!", M'riss snapped.

 

 

C'kayah scratched at an itch on his cheek, a little of the grey grease makeup coming away on his finger. He examined it curiously. "I forgot about this. Could I borrow a mirror and a towel, and maybe some spirits of wine? It'll be nice to get this stuff off of my face."

 

 

M'riss chuckled, and jerked her thumb at a door leading deeper into the house. "First constructive thing you've said all night, Seeker. Down the hall, there. Use the rags, not my good towels."

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias continues to look between Ckayah and M'riss while they converse, though the majority of his gaze handles onto the male Miqo'te.

 

        His brow lifts lazily as if listening with slight interest before he interjects his own comment to C'kayah, "And, I would have to be a masochist of sorts to find pleasure in that kind of activity. To which if you are wondering if I am or not. None of your damned business." A curl of a grin scarcely appears.

 

        Tobias' words then aim towards M'riss before dark eyes follow suit, "As for being constructive, I hardly believe you can say it that rather than call it a boon to just have him out of your hair instead."

 

        "Do not take long, Seeker of Sun. We still have to make our way to our employer afterwards." Tobias spekas with a sideways glance to C'kayah while the Hyur finally drops the mismatched length gloves next to him. Carefully, with more difficulty than he expected, he begins to remove the white tunic that covered the thin leather vest underneath.

 

        He would have to wait for C'kayah to leave before Tobias would begin to inquire M'riss.

[C'kayah Polaali]

C'kayah laughed, white teeth flashing against the grey of his face, "Perhaps you need to expand your horizons, then. She was quite lovely, for a thief, don't you think?"

 

Passing through the door he moved deeper into the house, his footsteps fading. A sudden clatter sounded, then a called "Sorry!" which caused M'riss to roll her eyes. A moment later he called out, "Where is it?", and then "Ahhh, here it is".

 

M'riss poured water from a chipped pitcher into a basin then added a trickle of brown liquid from a bottle, tinting it and filling the room with a sharp scent. She set the basin on the table as Tobias undressed, then set a handful of coarse white rag squares next to them. Next came a bronze candle lantern with an elaborate mirror-and-lens, which she lit with a match from a large ill-fitting drawer that the woman opened only with difficulty and a great deal of noise.

 

Finally she turned her attention back on Tobias, her expression impatient. slapping her own side, she stated "Ribs. I need to see your ribs. Your vest needs to come off, too. And your pants, if you want me to look at that knee."

 

C'kayah silently closed M'risses kitchen door behind him as he made his way out the back of the house on soundless feet, uttering a soft thanks for nearsided healers with very loud drawers. Passing down the alleyway, he disappeared into the sounds and bustle of Ul'dah, even now not quite asleep.

[Tobias Nightbringer]

Tobias barely gave a hint of a smirk instead of any spoken words to C'kayah's questions. Even if the Miqo'te were to look at the Hyur's features to read his expression, Tobias held a cool nonchalance in both face and reflection of dark eyes.

 

        He had set down the white tunic as the woman began to have difficulty with the stubborn drawer. However, before he offered any sort of assistance, she completed the task herself before the female Miqo'te made her impatience known. To which the Hyur began to comply after he started to talk to Mr'iss, "One thing at a time, healer. You will see all that you need shortly." A tiny smirk aimed at her before he began to work on his vest. Curiously, he added, "You two seem to be at least familiar with one another. How long have you known him?"

 

        As he fiddled with the couple of small latches and hooks to keep his vest in place, Tobias called out to C'kayah, "Tia, it is quite odd that you have all of that on, what reason did you have it at all?" Unfortunately for Tobias, it was an oversight on his part, but he did not take into account that there might have been a door that lead outside. So, obviously, probably much to Tobias' chagrin, there would be no answer.

 

        Perhaps interestingly, to some, though he was not a Miqo'te, Tobias called out to C'kayah again in the proper annunciation, pronouncing the 'U' as an 'Ooh' rather than with a 'You' that many might have had the mistake of making. "U'kwor?" Once there were no words heard from the back, Tobias quickly realized his mistake as his head snapped over to where C'kayah walked to.

 

        Upon the lack of response the second time around, Tobias forwent taking off the rest of his clothes and quickly jumped off of the table before he dashed  straight into the ground. The sudden jerk and twist from his original position to go and check to see why the Seeker was not responding caused whatever was wrong with his ribs to exacerbate the problem enough put him in a dead stop. With gritted teeth, Tobias raised his head and looked over at the door, intent on chasing despite the futility of it. Tobias figured due to the fact that even if he did not have the pain in his ribs that impaired his movement and flow, the Miqo'te Seeker could have stolen back into the night far before Tobias called out to him.

 

        Tobias hoped that one out of two things returned wouldn't be too bad for his employers.

[C'kayah Polaali]

M'riss clucked her tongue as Tobias tried to leap off the table. "Get back on the table, boy, you're only making it worse."

 

She slipped a hand under his arm to help him back up. "In any case, I don't know him. I live close to the Gold Court, I'm open at night, and I'm known for not asking questions. So I get a lot of your type in here. Jobs done wrong, guards not properly bribed, that sort of thing. Easy, now, don't try to jump up. Just settle back on the table there, that's right. I don't really want to know what you two were up to, or where it went wrong. I'll just patch you up, you'll pay me, and we'll both just go on with our day."