Soliciting Aide [Closed]

[Faye]

Faye allowed her gaze to wander between Jaques and Vaughn, and then to Val, a serene smile resting upon her lips. She cleared her throat silently, squaring her shoulders and returning her attention to Jaques as he spoke up, back to business lest the mood grow too mushy. She seemed perhaps a bit uncomfortable before she perked up at something the Duskwight said. "Ah, yes. I dabble in some tailory myself. Learning to use the thread and needle is a useful skill, even for fighters to mend their armor." Her vision swept over the crafting work space before she nodded her silent approval to continue the tour and lead on to the private chambers.

[DreamedReality]

He leads the way back up the stairs they came down and to the large curving staircases they noticed when they entered. Pausing near the kitchen as the others filed up and Vaughn excused himself to finish his dinner preparations.

 

At the staircase, one of the miqo'te women they may have noticed from the class was proceeding them up the steps. The woman was clothed... mostly. Her long and flowing silk skirt embroidered with a fine ivy pattern around it's hem was belted high up on her waist above her tail. But rather than the usual small opening for her tail the skirt had a long split down the back center. Especially now that she was traveling up the staircase the skirt gaped and revealed the woman wasn't wearing anything beneath the silk.

 

"S'kyla!" Jaques called her name in surprise as he noticed this, a kneejerk reaction. He froze, should he have called attention to this presently? Perhaps his guests hadn't noticed... yet how could they -not-? Too late to pretend -he- hadn't noticed -now- wasn't it? He fights the urge to look over his shoulder.

 

S'kyla whirls, a couple stairs short of the top landing at once startled and fearful. She reverts to her comfortable slave demeanor, giving a bow and standing still with her head bowed, not looking any in the eye. "Yes Mast--" a small strangled noise as she corrects, "Ser Jaques?"

 

"There is a rule of being modest outside of a private room... are you modest?"

 

The keeper's brows furrow a moment in thought as she gazes down to herself. Everything in the front was adequately covered. Her halter was small but she'd worn it before without comment. Hesitantly she answers, "Y-Yes, ser."

 

"Yet.. your skirt gapes open in the back and shows an area that you're to keep covered to be modest. You'll need underwear under that one. Okay?"

 

Her hand strays behind her to feel the slit up the back of her fine skirt and it seems to 'click' that she had erred. "I--ah... Yes Master Jaques." she bows low, "I'm sorry."

 

"It's all right... just keep it in mind for next time you wear such things, hm?" He attempts to keep his tone calm and face neutral despite the spike in blood pressure that particular title always caused.

 

Being able to read a 'masters' mood was a survival skill and so she on some level picked up the slight tightening of his grip on the railing, the subtle shift of posture and stillness. "Yes ser. I'm sorry." Keeping her head bowed she retreats the last few steps to turn down the hallway.

 

As she retreats there is a slight hesitation before he turns to face whoever was behind him, "I'm... sorry for any discomfort." Gives a bow of apology. "I think I mentioned that many had never left these walls? We're still working on some of the finer points of societies rules..."

[Kyatai]

Chiane nodded at Ojune with a smile. "I should like to hear more of this, if you do not mind? It sounds fascinating..."

She moved as if to continue, but stopped at the slightly restless shifting and Jaques' offer to show the visitors the private quarters. She looked up and back at the group, then returned to the Lalafell.

"Ah... seems they are ready to quit this place. Will you join us, Ojune? Or shall you remain and work out your conundrum in peace?"

She glanced back to see the parting swish of Faye's skirt disappear up the stairs. "But... I must go. I am sorry... we will speak later?"

She gave him a quick smile, then hurried to catch up with the others, trusting Ojune to follow, if he wished.

 

"S'kyla!"

She heard Jaques's sharp, surprised voice echo through the kitchen as she reached the top of the stairs. She winced, hurrying to see what was amiss now. The Miqo'te was young, astonishingly beautiful... and completely oblivous of many things.

She also remained quite the favorite of a certain 'former customer' that was notorious for sending her gifts and flowers- and rather graphic erotic poetry- despite the fact she was no longer 'for sale.'

Based on her general state of ... barely dressed... and clearly hurried attempts to hide upstairs... Chi suspected the wooing had gone from mere trinkets and words to more... physical manifestations of ardor.

 

She grimaced, her eyes darting to the others as Jaques turned and apologized, his back straight and his face tightly controlled to hide his embarrassment and annoyance.

Timing... it was always all about timing....

It was, of course, S'kyla's choice whether she wished to entertain the admirer or not. Teaching the Companions about Free Choice was an important aspect of the Rose, but... well such an example such as that really did nothing to impress upon the guests the direction Jaques and Vaughn wished to take with the Sanctuary.

 

She sought to catch Jaques eye, giving him a sympathetic smile.

"Free choice is also an important element we teach here. No one here is for sale, none forced to perform in ways they do not wish to- but unfortunately, many in Ul'dah still view them as items of desire, that can be bought... and they, likewise, find the only way to relate to others is intimately."

She gestured slightly. "Some,... struggle a great deal with this. Believing their beauty and talent lies completely in their ability to pleasure others. That they have no other purpose in life." She paused. "And... they truly -enjoy- the finery often given them by those that favor them. It is hard to teach them there is another way to live and make gil, when it is, in many ways more difficult and less... attractive overall."

She sighs, shrugging slightly with a faint smile.

"So... we are working on self-value and self-esteem as well as free choice and.... the concept of modesty in general, as you can see..."

[Antain]

"So you see, my dear S'kyla, you are free to join in my company. Your Masters said so themselves." The strange, deep voice came from behind them. The one who spoke was a tall, slightly round hyur. His black hair was slicked back, brown eyes piercing in their gaze. He wore the attire befitting of a noble of Ul'dah. Purple, red, and gold satin adorned with emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. He smiled a charming yet devious smile, one that nearly all nobles wore.

 

Beside him was a roegadyn, clad in the heaviest of armors with a large axe at his back. He was obviously being paid very well to stand by this noble's side, as the heavy armor was also adorned with a decorative gold plating in some of the raised bits. The armor itself was well taken care of, and the axe had a fine edge. Slight scratches and scuffs showed the armor and weapon were used, and not just for show. He was more than just used as an intimidating force.

 

The hyur looked to Jaques and Chiane before settling his gaze upon Val and Faye. "Ah! My, my, where are my manners?" He bowed with a flourish. "I am Eristan Nicholis Barristal VI, Lord and owner of Barr Industries in Vesper Bay." He rises with his haughty smirk. "Does this mean the illustrious Duskwight is finally reopening this House? I do so miss it. The company that so freely gave themselves to me finally able to act upon it once again?"

[Val]

Val had followed closely behind the group as they made his way back. He'd certainly caught the sight of S'kyla and her state of clothing, or rather the lack of what she wore beneath. Unfortunately for the Seeker, he couldn't help but to stare for the time he had. After all, it was was simply how he was wired. When the lady departed, only then did he realize that he'd actually looked and glanced aside to see if Faye noticed. He gave a small shrug and stated aloud: "Eh. I've seen better."

 

The sudden addition of yet another voice caused Val to whirl about and face the noble and his rather large guard. He took one look at the armor, trying his best to denote any scrapes or tears or wearings in it before he took another defensive step toward his lady and squared his shoulders. He didn't much like the idea of an armored, fully equipped individual nearby, especially when he lacked anything to defend himself with. 

 

Just like that, the Seeker was in business mode once again. He kept his attention on the guard despite Eristan speaking to the two of them, though the way the man spoke forced a roll of Val's eyes and caused him to let out a small sigh. Great; he was about to be bored again.

[Faye]

Sadly, Jaques' tall and broad shoulders weren't quite enough to block the view of the the Miqo'te woman ascending the steps in front of the tour group. Very briefly the Midlander's eyes widened (shock? horror?) before she demurely averted them with a silent clearing of her throat. Perhaps it was social etiquette that dictated she not make a fuss, especially not when she was a guest and this was the Keeper woman's home, or maybe it was just her background in healing that forced her not to act offended every time she saw the private parts of a stranger. Either way, she seemed quite keen on ignoring it until their hosts spoke up, save for giving Val a chastising glance in response to his comment.

 

She paused as Jaques stopped in his tracks and she offered a dismissive smile, nodding along in agreement and understanding with the explanations Jaques and Chiane made. "It's quite all right. There's no need to apologize. I understand all the various... circumstances. At the very least, most half-naked Miqo'te women I come across are not nearly so apologetic," she added half in jest. "It's entirely understandable given her situation."

 

At the sound of an unfamiliar voice behind her, she turned to face the Hyur and his towering guard. She returned his smile kind, that devious and charming grin all nobles did indeed seem to possess, herself certainly not an exception before dipping into a regal curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Barristal," she greeted as she squared her shoulders. "Lady Faye Covington, Support Saint of Harbingers of Dawn, at your service. I'm quite baffled at your idea of freedom, but I digress; I'm afraid we are not customers. I can receive such pleasures for free. We're here on business pertaining to this House's more recent operations."

[Antain]

Eristan's smile grew, looking over the white lady. "I see. I, too, could get lesser pleasures for free, but I'd rather pay for quality services. My darling kitten up there is certainly worth any price. Surely, you understand, Lady Faye."

 

He gave Val a light wink. "And can you blame me? Your kind has always been the most...enchanting."

 

He smirked at Jaques's scowled expression. "And Jack. You're looking for homes for these lost souls, yes? I'm offering to take S'kyla, give her everything she could possibly desire. You understand. You have a whore of your own, don't you?"

[Val]

Normally, Val would certainly understand where the man was coming from. It wasn't entirely too long ago that he, too, was spending his earnings from odd jobs and working with the Flame on well-skilled courtesans and other, more cheaper forms of "entertainment." And while Val might be completely conceited and full of himself, much like this individual seemed to be, he was at the very least genuine and honest.

 

And that's precisely why, after the man gave Val a wink, the Seeker bit down hard on his tongue in order to keep himself from mouthing off in quite possibly the worst way his lady could have imagined. She taught him that silence on such things was golden in situations like this. The more Val thought about it, the more he remembered he was in an alien world with people he still wasn't entirely sure he could trust. To act against the man without just cause--even if he thought the man had a stupid face and a weird way of speaking and was condescending and.. you know what? Fuck it.

 

"Hey, asshole. How 'bout y'fuckin' respect th'house yer in an' stop being such a godsdamned dick."

 

Whelp. So much for subtlety.

[Faye]

Faye pursed her lips, icy blue eyes wandering briefly to Val before flicking back to Eristan. "I am afraid I do not understand. Quality comes free, at least free of coin." And there went Val. She knew it was coming, it was only a matter of when. He hadn't lasted very long. She shot him no chastising glares this time, however. She secretly relied on the Miqo'te to be her mouth when something required an unladylike amount of snark. She clicked the tip of her tongue against the back of her two front teeth in a faux disapproving sound. "But perhaps the extra coin goes that last length to stop them from being so mouthy."

[DreamedReality]

Ojune watched Chiane leave, glancing between his notes and her retreating form, "I'd love the company later! But I'll stay here. If they decide to talk to members of the house I'll be easily found." He gives a wave as she disappears up the steps.

 

------------------------------

 

Relief washed over Jaques as the encounter with S'kayla didn't seem to have caused too much issue. And Val's entire lack of tact had even been... cute? He'd go with cute... This relief was all to short lived however as an all to unwelcome voice cuts into their conversation. The ease he'd started to feel was instantly gone and his posture shifts to a much more aggressive stance. As Val angled to better cover Faye he angled to better cover them both.

 

His features a scathing glare he was about to retort when Lady Faye spoke up and he closed his mouth. Taking time to take in the state of the intruders... and to check his sudden rush of fury. This 'noble' had long outstayed his welcome moons ago. His eyes flickered to tall, broad and sparkly. That was new. Usually his guards were a bit more subdued and he wondered if the man's armour had anything -useful- implanted in it other than the obnoxious gold. Were some of those raised bits materia enchantments? He couldn't tell and found himself taking stock in case this got ugly. He still had the advantage of numbers. Even not counting Val, the other unknown in the situation.

 

At Val's second display of major lack of tack Jaques changed his original assessment from it being 'cute' to being -amazing-. Direct and to the point, if crass. He could and did respect that. It was satisfying the way the noble's face paled at the insult. Though the absolutely irritating smug smirk became more genuine again at Faye's spoken rebuttal.

 

Finally he spoke, his voice carrying a dark edge and his angry scowl no less dissipated, "It's a shame your memory seems to be going already, Eristan. At such a young age too. Perhaps if you could keep a guard around longer than a moon they'd be able to assist in refreshing your memory. Certainly never -free- was the pleasures here now was it? I have the old logs to prove it if your memory needs refreshing. I've already told you that this is no longer a brothel. It will never be so again. I've told you that those living here are not for sale. I've -also- told you that this is a home to those living here." A faintly heard rustle behind him and he glances back to see that S'kyla had returned back to the hallway's entrance along with a couple others to see the spectacle. He shifts his gaze back to Eristan and Twinkle Mountain, "And no, I do not understand and I do not have a whore. Now get out. I'm obviously engaged in a separate matter and have no time for you."

[Antain]

Eristan took a moment to recompose himself after Val's biting comment. The nerve! How dare the miqo'te speak to him in such an indignant fashion! His gaze drifted to Faye as she spoke, the smirk returning, before smiling at Jaques.

 

He glanced back up the stairs to the gathering crowd, S'kyla in particular. He let Jaques finishes his speech before rolling his eyes back to the Duskwight. "Yes, yes, old stories. Tell me, where is that butler of yours? Oh, right, probably contending in the coliseum. And any other guards? No? Hmm, must be the lack of gilflow. You can't get reliable help for free. Just let me pay for the kitten and I'll be on my way. I'll forget this whole place. What was it again? Two million? Petty change if you ask me..."

[Kyatai]

Chiane had remained silent during the back and forth, her brow slightly furrowed.

Where was Remy anyroad?

She slowly moved to the side, her fingers absently flexing in readiness, her eyes locked on the huge guard.

She would say nothing, do nothing to further intensify the situation, but Twelve be damned if she wouldn't put up a fight if he tried to take S'kyla.

 

She heard a faint rustle behind her, glancing behind to see Lily standing wide-eyed at the door to the kitchen. She gave her a pointed look and a slight gesture toward the Training room. The Hyur blinked, then nodded quickly, disappearing.

 

"Doon think he hearrd ya," a low, soft voice came from behind her. "Soo, let meh..."

 

Chi turned to see a young, shaggy headed Duskwright male walking up to the two 'visitors', his head cocked slightly to the side, his soft grey eyes just barely averted. He wore no shirt or shoes, merely a loose pair of cut-off pants, but his well-formed torso and arms were heavily marked with scars.

He moved so silently, so smoothly... as only a well-trained Duskwight warrior could. But such ability in one that was clearly still in his teens?

She watched him as he approached, halted several paces away from the two, then suddenly jerked his head to stare at the guard, before dropping to his knee nearly eye-to-eye with the Lala... albeit a touch more than an arm distance away.

"... Shay's not far sale. None herre are far sale. Ya arre unwonted. Now leave."

 

His tone had remained quiet, even, but firm without the barest inflection, his body still. "You will not be asked again. This is... your final warning." He paused, then added- somewhat dutifully, but clearly an afterthought. "Serrr."

The boy had an odd rolling accent that she could not quite place, his voice so soft, it was almost as if he were growling. Chi frowned, looking to Jaques curiously. She had not met all of the residents of the Rose... but she had most of them.

Especially the Duskwights...

[Val]

Val kept close attention on both the noble and his guard, even as the others spoke around him. He took a step forward this time, his hands on either side clutching into fists. "I know y'can't do shit, but maybe that big guy behind ya can." He gave a nod toward the large Roe behind him. "What d'ya say, big guy? Care t'go a couple'f rounds?"

 

Regardless of how he responded, Val took yet another step toward the nobleman. Unfortunately, the cork that sealed his mouth shut had been popped and he was rather itching for some action after all of this boredom.

 

"Like th'rest'f 'em say. Ya ain' wanted here an' th'lady ain' f'sale, but I'll make ya a personal deal. How 'bout y'walk yer ignorant ass over here an' lemme pound ya in th'face a few times. Then y'can leave with 'er. That is, if ya survive."

[Kyatai]

The Duskwight glanced behind him at Val's threat, then back to the front as he slowly rose once more, his head angled to the side. His body was slightly tensed, fists loosely gathered, but he made no offensive moves.

Simply waited silently.

 

----

 

Chi likewise waiting, watching the four warily. The last thing the Rose needed was to have a bloody battle right in the foyer. She glanced up at the Companions clustered at the top- and S'kyla in particular, whose eyes were wide, hands clasped to her breast and tail wrapped protectively around her waist.

She seemed to look torn and absolutely terrified, her eyes darting from Jaques to the Lala, then back to the others.

[Antain]

The roegadyn reached for his axe when tension mounted. He didn't level it, just held it. But it was clear he was itching to use it.

 

Eristan tried not to sneer. True, he was outnumbered, but that's what the roegadyn was for. He put on his most obnoxiously charming smile. "Listen, I'm not looking for a fight. Fine, S'kyla's not for sale." He looks up to S'kyla with an outstretched hand. "They say you have free will. Come with me freely and I promise you won't regret your...decision."

[DreamedReality]

Blinks as this strange Duskwight enters the scene. He glances to Chiane and notes she seemed just as confused as he felt. He was used the the place occasionally devolving into a madhouse but this was certainly taking the cake. At least this Duskwight seemed to be on their side?

 

And by the Twelve he wanted to paint the floor with Eristan's face. Or even let Val do so. He throws another glance back to S'kyla. But he knew he couldn't... especially not after Eristan just gave the seeker a direct decision to make and they just had a talk about allowing free choice. He also knew that no matter how much he hated this egotistical toad, S'kyla had been and still was fond of the attention he'd lavished on her. It would entirely destroy everything he was working towards.

 

S'kyla looked entirely overwhelmed and terrified. Frozen with indecision as her gaze flickered between Jaques and Eristan. She was a woman who still had trouble deciding if it was okay to ask for a second helping at dinner... she was not ready for such an entire world changing one.

 

Jaques reaches out to rest a hand on Val's shoulder to hopefully pause the man's advance and eyes the Roe, "Wait." He had to at least -try- to contain this.

 

He looks back up to S'kyla, "You do have a choice. But I can promise you that if you leave with him, that will be the last real choice you get to freely make. He means to make you a slave once again. What happens when he bores of you for the next young and beautiful woman that catches his eye?"

[DreamedReality]

The Seeker started to slip across the landing to the sister staircase to the one everyone else was at while Jaques talked. Life would be so much simpler with Eristan and he had promised her so many things back when he came to select her. He selected -her-. Every time and even above his own wife. And now he was here selecting her again and all she had to do was keep pleasing him in the ways she had always done so. She starts down the opposite staircase as Jaques had now actively given her permission to do so. Mostly.

 

S'kyla sees Jaques tense as she continues on her way the anger that always seemed to lurk just beneath the surface now much more thinly veiled. She grows somewhat hesitant. He was the master now and he really -didn't- seem to want her to go. She swallows as she sees him start talking again, surely now he'd forbid her to go, showing that she really wasn't as free as he'd been claiming these last several moons.

 

"... There is a third choice. You could invite him here and as long as he had an invitation from you, he'd be free to come see you. And since he seems so eager to pay... you could even charge him for your services as you once did. All the gil going directly to you. But... even seeing him freely is an option. You don't need to leave with him to see him."

 

She pauses once again, about halfway down the opposite staircase, her gaze turns towards Eristan as she considers the words. This place had always been home. If she left she had no idea how to return and there were people she cared about still here...

[Val]

"Dunno what kind'a choice that is," Val interrupted. He nodded toward Eristan as he continued. "Y'say y'want 'er, but ya ain' ever said why. An' that makes me think ya only want 'er 'cause she looks half decent an' y'prolly can't find nothin' else t'put yer dick in f'free. So in front'f everyone 'ere, in front'f 'er, tell us all why y'want 'er. An' don't gimme that shit 'bout savin' 'er an' all that. Tell me why yer /interested/ in 'er. Why she stood out out'f all th'rest'f th'women ya could've had."

[Faye]

Faye decided that her best course of action was to shut up and stay put. The scene was growing chaotic enough without her own input added into the equation. And after all, she was a guest, she did not have jurisdiction here to cause a scene or deal with any issues. However, her body was tensed, prepared for... something? It was anyone's guess what the woman might do if things turned violent, but her eyes were acute and alert, rapidly flitting between each person as they spoke in turn. She cleared throat softly as her gaze came to rest at Val at last and she broke her silence to utter her quiet command to him, "It's all right, love, we're only guests here. The situation is under control."

[Val]

Like a trained hound obeying its master, the Seeker obediently stood down. He took a physical step back in order to denote his passivity, though the sneer that he shot in Eristan's direction was easily noticed. Despite stepping down, the Seeker seemed no less alert than he was before. His attention remained not on Eristan, but that large guard from before. Both ears remained lifted high into the air, and the quick pace of his tail swaying back and forth behind him acted as a warning sign of an impending pounce to those that noticed should he be given a reason to do so.

[Antain]

Eristan smiled that smarmy smile as S'kyla started to move toward him. He let out a faint huff as Jaques made her a third choice. One he wasn't entirely disagreeable to, but it made the whore stop to think once again. Godsdammit, whores shouldn't think. And this illusion of free will only frustrated the noble.

 

Val started yelling at him, his smile morphing to a grown, which turned back to a smirk as the little lady calmed the feral beast. He laughed. "Well, well. Seems we all like our pets." He looked to Faye. "Maybe you and your pet would care to join me at my estate? It's much more interesting than this...corpse of a brothel. A shadow of what it used to be, frankly."

[DreamedReality]

Her brows furrow a touch at the further insults, he was being far ruder than she remembered. And the way he seemed so interested in this other noble woman... She finally speaks, "I... would like to stay here. Its... my home. I'll send invitation as Jaques suggested." She turns to start retreating back up the stairs.

 

Jaques's tone is harsh, "There is your answer Eristan. Since you don't -currently- have an invitation, get out." His eyes turn to the unknown Duskwight, his tone a bit less harsh, "You... have a seat and I'll talk to you once I'm done with the tour."

[Faye]

Faye's brow twitched slightly as Eristan dared to call her companion a mutt, but she shook it off, her lips spreading into a disarming smile. "My fiance and I would be most honored, Lord Barristal, but I'm afraid I find this place quite charming and we still have business here. Perhaps we could join you for tea some other time?" there was a dismissive tone in her offer, a date that would likely not be made. She was simply grateful Eristan seemed to be on his way out.

[Kyatai]

He waited, his head angled slightly listening to the interplay and the veiled threats, the catch of breath by the Lalafell... Lord Eristan, they called him... standing several paces before him, the grunts of the Roe guard behind and to the left of his master, the clinks his armor made as he shifted- but did not make a move. He heard the shifts of fabric behind him, but none approached.

He waited, remaining still, his hands loose at his side, but his body slightly tensed, ready to spring into action, should it be required.

 

Then the female, S'kyla, spoke back and to his left, a slight drifting that told him she had remained on the stairs he'd heard her start down... then the harder voice of the one they called Jaques, ordering Eristan out of the building.

His fingers tightened, ready to force the issue, if needed. He heard the Duskwight's follow up command- but he didn't respond, his focus entirely on the two before him.

Waiting for their decision and response.

 

-----

 

Chiane slowly moved closer to the grouping at the foot of the stairs, her eyes on the three in the foyer. Val had stood down, but she could tell the Lady Faye was getting annoyed, and it would only take a glance from her to set Val loose again....

And Twelve help them when he was.

She grimaced, glancing up at Jaques- who was bearing the darkest scowl she'd seen on him in several Moons, his jaw clenching and releasing. It would take precious little more before he, too, would be stalking to the door and physically toss both of the unwanted visitors out on their respectively sparkling and finely-clothed backsides.

 

She stretched and flexed her fingers, feeling the subtle tingling racing over her skin as she turned back to Lord Eristan and his guard. From where she stood, she could easily disable both, and either one, or both of the young males tensed for action would finish them off.

But the political repercussions for the Rose could be crippling.

 

"Consider your next response wisely, Ser..." her tone was calm, almost conversational. "I do not think the odds lay in your favor. And the risk for abject humiliation great. But..." she gave him a cool, ironic smile.

"Like the lovely S'kyla there, you too are permitted a choice."

[Antain]

Eristan sneered at Jaques. It was obvious they hated each other, and probably had this conversation many times before. He growled lightly as S'kyla turned with her answer and started to head back toward her room to be alone for a while.

 

He did his best to put on his smile, but still looked more irritated than anything. "Fine. But Jack, whatever illusion you're putting into their heads is just that. An illusion. Coming here and changing the rules is what's causing you to creep toward debt. You know that. Your whore knows that. You'll change your mind soon enough."

 

He turned and patted his guard on the shoulder, signaling it was time for them to go.