Theory and Practice, Supplemental Lessons

[111]

Though a method not important to the scope of this story, a letter appears before Otto. The paper is crisp, of a high quality that needs no ornamentation. It is addressed to, "My Teacher."

 

Upon opening, a creamy white paper can be found, written over with an elegant hand.

 

Master Otto,

 

I hope this letter finds you well. Many things have changed since our last meeting, and I could very much use your guidance. If it pleases you, could you meet me once more at our previous location? I shall await your company tomorrow, should you have the time. I have many questions to ask you, both on courtship, and of yourself.

 

Your Humble Student,

Evangeline

 

[OttoVann]

Today is like most days. I'm hung over, I feel ill without drugs, and Ridley has left me to my devices after serving me my first meal of the day. Sitting at my desk in one of my apartments in The Mists I spoon my favorite, Dagger Soup, eating as I start to look over any paperwork and documents on my desk. Trash, all of it as usual as I take a maligned effort to sorting through the waste. A couple of statements from my businesses - marker in their own unique envelopes only I use. Guaranteed profits, though lately not as large. No matter how small the profit is, as long as I earn positively I am happy.

 

With a lackadaisical raise of my eyebrows as I rightfully judge the stack of envelopes and missives to be waste - I trash all of them, including reports of any profit. I just need my breakfast in me so I can take my Sugar and get on with my day.

 

Ridley, however, has already planned a part of my day for me. As I am finishing my bowl I notice an already opened envelope peeking out from under my clock that sits on the right of my desk. Pushing my bowl aside with a tsk of my cheek I pull the letter from the white envelope with furled brows as I read it over entirely. I set it down at first without a second thought as I finish my meal and rise to get dressed.

 

Returning to my desk as I cinch my bow-tie tight, I regard the letter once more. Instead of my typical pink suits, lately I have taken to only wearing dark and 'serious' colors. Typically I only reserve dampened colored suits for legitimately serious business but I can't be assed to care right now. I still look good, regardless of color though.

 

Recalling the written words "if it pleases you" I shrug after a moments consideration - taking the letter and folding it into an inner coat pocket before buttoning up and heading out to take an Airship ride to Ul'Dah to meet his...student.

 

 

The past few weeks I have avoided Ul'Dah as best I can. The city is largely forlorn to me, I've lost all interest in it's happenings, its people, and anything that doesn't include my business. I almost despise it, with an arrogant demeanor and I've taken notice of my shift in attitude. Either way...

 

Otto steps from the airship after it's finished its landing approach. Stepping out he takes a deep breath with an equal sigh as he begins to walk over to the small bar and restaurant. He gives an almost sheepish nod with pursed lips and non-gladdened eyes to the bartender, holding up his fingers for his typical order, this time doubled for his awaiting guest - all of this takes place wordlessly and he would be glad for it. He rounds the corner as spots Evangeline and puts it all behind him as he applies his affable smile and greets her. No one can see him in any other state, under any circumstance.

 

"Hello Eva."

[111]

Evangeline seems slightly distraught, though her eyes light up as she view's Otto. "Master Otto!" She leaps up, and grasps his hand, shaking it, "Thank you..." She lets the hand go and clears her throat, "Truth be told, I have very much needed your advice, things have become... complicated."

 

She sits as he does, smiling softly at the food and drinks which seem to appear by magic whenever Otto is at a table.

 

"I... I am not sure to begin. Though perhaps, it would be rude of me to do so without inquiring of your health." She tilts her head, "Have you been well, Master Otto? Hopefully your business continues to succeed. Though I spurned your assistance at first, your donations have been quite helpful to me. Both in my efforts to incite the populace... and my less well known relief efforts in the camps."

[OttoVann]

Otto would put an irritated smile on his face as he takes his seat, unbuttoning his coat and letting it sit wide open as he relaxes into the chair with a crossed leg. Resting an arm on the edge of the table before him he quickly and firmly waves his hand to stop her as he speaks "Please, don't misconstrue my giving you a token some of gil to be carte blanche support of your movement or ideals."

 

He would sit in his chair almost haphazardly, one arm draped over the back as he sits in it at a queer angle with his leg crossed, back slouched, and one arm resting against the table. His free hand resting on the table idly and quietly taps his middle finger against the table as he sits and observes Eva for a moment - he should speak but isn't as he simply observes her and regards her questions.

 

Breaking the silence he waves that hand again at the wrist "Ah forgive me for the scolding. I am doing well enough of course. They always will as long as I am in charge. My health is fine - better than ever."

 

"How are you though Eva? I'm surprised you managed to get a letter to me. Its very...rare to receive missives like that."

 

Otto takes to the plates of food in front of him, mindlessly shifting them around on the plate with his utensils with his one hand on the table as he lastly adds "In regards to where you should start, I find it best to say whatever comes to mind first." He looks up from the plate to her with a smile. "Though yes I do know you love me if that is a concern of yours." He finishes his comment with one light chuckle before looking back to his plate.

[111]

Evangeline blushes slightly at his words, "Master Otto, I am quite fond of you. That is a fact I have no need to conceal. However I believe you presume too much."

 

"It makes me glad to hear of your business's success." She smirks slightly, "And have no worries, as you might have noticed I have reduced the ardor of my crusade. The houses of the syndicate are safe from firebombing, I assure you."

 

She wets her lips before continuing, "As for myself... my courtship with the Lady Leanne is at an end. In fact possibly my friendship as well." She sighs, "The woman seems quite irate with me."

 

"However with every end, there is a beginning. In this case with a woman of my own race..." She smiles wryly, "Though I do not seem to be any better at understanding her heart." She smiles nervously, "Your words earlier... I believe they were in jest. However how does one know that they have the heart of another?"

[OttoVann]

"Me? Presume too much?" Otto looked humored, and he was - no need to act otherwise.

 

"You'll come to learn that I try and remain...jovial. Yes I was jesting - you made it clear you get hot under the skirt for fellow women, much like myself. Even if I were attracted it would be a very fleeting thought." Otto shrugs "As nice as the thought may be"

 

Clearing his throat he brushes aside the banter as he sits from his slouched and relaxed position on the chair, sweeping his arms in front of him against the table as he sits forward, both arms resting on the top of the table "You didn't bring me out here to talk about profits though. Leanne is your trouble it seems."

 

"How does one know they have the heart of another? Do you mean whether you know /you/ love someone or that someone loves /you/?"

[111]

Evangeline shakes her head, "As I said, my courtship of Leanne has ended. I now am with on of my own race, a Lady Arie."

 

"I speak of their heart, not my own. I am already aware of my infatuation with her." She blushes slightly, "I actually intend to ask her hand for the upcoming Starlight Ball, but I am slightly afraid."

 

She leans forward, "Master Otto, have you ever questioned whether a woman's heart was truly yours?" She continues, "That the slightest mistake could see her off, canoodling with another?"

 

She sighs, "She assures me this is not the case... but this is my first real relationship. I wish not to ruin it through incompetence."

[OttoVann]

Otto thinks carefully about Eva's question. Exhaling through his nose heavily he speaks assuredly "Well, if I we're to wonder if their heart was something that belonged to me...I think how I deal with that is seeing if they want to spend time with you on their own. As in, they would approach you for time together versus the other way around without being provoked."

 

"In regards to worrying about whether they will leave the instant you make a mistake? Thats not something you should be concerned over. I figured you were more confident than that. She very well might if you are as timid as the mouse waiting for the shoe to drop - on the other hand showing overt temerity might also dissuade her. I won't simply say 'be yourself' because that's meaningless - but you should try to just act as you normally would and remain self confident enough you can keep her around."

 

 

Otto leans back in his chair again, resting in his chair "As far as the Starlight Ball...why are you afraid to ask her? So what if she says no. Ask her again a week later after you've worked on her some more. Thats how I got with my past-wife and any other relationships. Persistence. I'm not the most attractive man in Eorzea, though I come close of course - I also don't have the most shining of personalities, but again mine is still bright. Showing a measured persistence works better than anything else."

 

Otto shrugs as he thinks about all he said and his own persistence. "What else is on your mind?"

[111]

Evangeline laughs for a moment, seeming thoroughly amused. "Your confidence humble me, Master Otto." She grins at him, mirth still in her eyes, "You are correct of course, I must simply do what seems correct...I shall dispel my worries from my mind, and simply ask her."

 

She grins, "As many times as is needed."

 

"I have many more questions to ask you, but first, I think a toast is in order."

 

Evangeline reaches for the strange drink, the one Otto had ordered for them last time as well. "To confidence?" She holds the glass out, "I will endeavor to resist coughing this time."

[OttoVann]

Evangeline laughs for a moment, seeming thoroughly amused. "Your confidence humble me, Master Otto." She grins at him, mirth still in her eyes, "You are correct of course, I must simply do what seems correct...I shall dispel my worries from my mind, and simply ask her."

 

She grins, "As many times as is needed."

 

"I have many more questions to ask you, but first, I think a toast is in order."

 

Evangeline reaches for the strange drink, the one Otto had ordered for them last time as well. "To confidence?" She holds the glass out, "I will endeavor to resist coughing this time."

 

Otto raises his eyebrows in acquiescence as he reaches forward to his own glass filled with his usual bitter drink. Scotch, ground sugar, orange slice. Miming her toast he raises his glass and takes a sip from his, then another before setting the glass down without care, it clinking loudly enough against the table.

 

"Did you really just ask me out here to reassure you that all you have to do is simply ask her to the ball?"

[111]

Evangeline clinks the glass and takes a deep drink. A strange grimace appears on her face, followed by a barely audible cough.

 

"Still a strange drink, Master Otto..." She clears her throat. "No, I wished to speak of other things as well." She tilts her head, "I've noticed your absence from the city of late." She smirks slightly, "I never expected this day to come, but I actually find myself missing the presence of one associated with the syndicate."

 

"Has everything been quite alright?" She pulls out a small metal sphere, and tosses it up and down a few times, "Is there an oppressor in need of an explosion?"

[OttoVann]

Evangeline clinks the glass and takes a deep drink. A strange grimace appears on her face, followed by a barely audible cough.

 

"Still a strange drink, Master Otto..." She clears her throat. "No, I wished to speak of other things as well." She tilts her head, "I've noticed your absence from the city of late." She smirks slightly, "I never expected this day to come, but I actually find myself missing the presence of one associated with the syndicate."

 

"Has everything been quite alright?" She pulls out a small metal sphere, and tosses it up and down a few times, "Is there an oppressor in need of an explosion?"

 

(I should have written in the first reply of mine my appearance and its roughness. Otto's hair is starting to grey slightly in his beard. Only slightly.)

 

"My absence will continue. I've grown...very tired of this city, its people, everything about it. I have nothing here for me that I care about other than my businesses. I've already begun plans to move into Limsa and Gridania for good and leave Ul'Dah for the most part and leave a token presence befitting of my brand and its name."

 

"I have been far and away from most cities and in fact I only got your missive in a pile of a weeks old mess I had to sort through when Ridley brought it all to me. To be short and to stop droning, no I am not quite alright but its also not a concern."

 

Otto takes his drink, haphazardly drinking it and wiping his chin with his gloved hand before non-gently placing the glass back on the table "Still, it's nice to know I've retained my immutable charm and have you wishing for more." He looks away to laugh once with a wide smile before killing the expression.

 

He lets several moments pass, tapping his pointing finger on the table a few times before asking her "What makes you offer that to me? I thought you had quenched your thirst for vengeance against people like me with a woman or two by now"

[111]

Evangeline laughs slightly, "Quenched? No Master Otto, I know better than to mix business and pleasure. I have simply learned that Ul'dah is more... fire resistant, to the flames of revolution than I had thought."

 

"I have decided to play a longer style of game instead." She clears her throat blushing, "And for your information, I have retained my virtue presently. Despite my courtships" She sighs slightly, "Though I wish it were otherwise."

 

"As for why I would offer... you seem weary, and I fear I must repay your kindness to me in the past." She smiles softly, "You treated me with kindness, despite my initial rudeness. I would do my best to hear your worries, and assist with them if possible."

 

"And yes." She says dryly, takes another short sip, "Your charm, as always, is irresistible. That is of course, the real reason I offer. My unquenchable burning lust for you."

[OttoVann]

Otto sits forward enough with his own dry tone "Eva." He shakes his head "Lets be honest with each other - you want something from me. In one hand you tell me you are in it for the long haul and then you move into wanting information. Whether its personal or professional...come on Eva."

 

"I've come very far is my near two years of being in Ul'Dah. I've dealt with people like you every step of the way in my forward march to getting and consolidating as much power and wealth as I could. Maybe it was all luck, but I like to think that I was blessed by the Twelve enough to be adequately perceptive and I am not going to let my guard down and start to share my world's details with you here and now. I have no way to know if you really are just trying to use that information for more."

 

Otto sits back in his chair and pulls at his face with both hand, exhaling heavily "Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't lash on you like that."

 

"But..." he lets his words hang in the air "Just tell me what you really want. You'd be surprised what I just give to people these days with being so fed up with this place. Just make it interested and come to me with some form of interesting payment. Gil is useless to me."

[111]

Evangeline blinks a few times, "Master Otto... have you ever known me to be anything but direct? I have no motives in this matter other than the ones I have expressed. Namely a concern for your well being."

 

She seems slightly hurt, "As for payment, I knew not this was a business transaction. If you do not wish to converse with me, then that is your choice." She shrugs, "Though if it would ease your nervousness, you may ask any question of me as well. My life, my past, my exile. None of it shames me."

 

"Ask away, Master Otto, and if it pleases you to share your worries in return, I would be happy to help."

[OttoVann]

Evangeline blinks a few times, "Master Otto... have you ever known me to be anything but direct? I have no motives in this matter other than the ones I have expressed. Namely a concern for your well being."

 

She seems slightly hurt, "As for payment, I knew not this was a business transaction. If you do not wish to converse with me, then that is your choice." She shrugs, "Though if it would ease your nervousness, you may ask any question of me as well. My life, my past, my exile. None of it shames me."

 

"Ask away, Master Otto, and if it pleases you to share your worries in return, I would be happy to help."

 

Otto removes his black cotton gloves and throws them on the table haphazardly. He pinches at his temple with squinted eyes as he grimaces a moment before regaining his composure.

 

"Look...uh Eva. Do you not understand your position right now?" He says this tilting his head down while looking at her with a confusion across his face.

 

"Let me paint the scene for you so you can remember. You came to me" he says poking his chest with his fingers on one hand. "You gave me a uh flier of sorts with your political rantings. Now I don't judge you for doing that - what was said on that flier though...and how you followed up with it once you learned who I was..."

 

Otto sits forward, pulling his suit jacket closed but not buttoning it "Look ahh, first impressions matter. A lot. With anyone about anything. I'm not trying to punish you but lets be realistic - your mood swings involving me and my station could give the most stout of Roe whiplash. It's going to take a little more before I just...treat you as a confidant."

 

Otto sighs heavily, slouched shoulders. After a moment he breathes in deeply , reinflating his person seemingly as he brightens and regards her. "Have you ever heard of the ideals of man and him having three hearts?"

[111]

Evangeline leans back, "I understand my position quite well." She clears her throat, "And my mood does not 'swing', Master Otto. I update my decisions and thoughts based on reality. As any logical being should do."

 

"I thought the syndicate merciless tyrants... to a good extent I still do. Though, I have learned there is diversity among all things." She smiles, "I believe you a good man, Master Otto, albeit one who had has some less savory connections. Then again, so do I."

 

She watches him with concern, due to his troubled look, before nodding as he speaks again, "Three hearts?" She drains her glass and looks at it curiously, face beginning to flush "The taste is growing on me. I have not heard of this three hearts... and may I have another drink?"

[OttoVann]

Otto stands from his chair, taking off his coat and placing it on the back of his chair. He begins to roll up his sleeves after unbuttoning his cuffs. As he is pulling his bow-tie loose and unbuttoning his collar he looks down to her with a curt tone "I'll return shortly then". He leaves his bowtie to hand on the back of the chair as well as he heads to the bar. When he arrives he raises his brow in a sigh as he sits at the bar.

 

"Just the usual Ocahn. Two please."

 

The Roe behind the bar doesn't speak, doesn't change his expression, he simply turns his back to me and starts to craft the drinks. Otto sits on a barstool, one arm propped on it as he rests his face in his hand and looks to Eva at the table. Her posture so rigid and formal.

 

>> (perspective shift)

 

What does that woman want? Thats all I can think of. She is fair looking, she mentions lust for me but her tone left much to be desired. She's not seeking money, and he insists at every rebuff that she is just concerned about my mental state. I very much doubt this. I can count on one hand the amount of people that legitimately give a fuck about me past the shell of a person I parade around most days.

 

Without looking away from Eva I tilt my head slightly in the direction of the bar. "Ocahn. Make a third please."

 

Ocahn's seldom words humbly reach from behind the bar "You got it boss."

 

I like that. I like it when a man, any man, understands station and works within its confines.

 

It takes no time at all before I hear three glasses slid my way - drinks made the way I prefer. I take one and immediately down it, all at once in two large gulps, the burning instantaneous - making your stomach lurch in protest. I'd grimace, but I've gotten used to it and instead only the slightest perspiration hits my forehead for a moment until I wipe it away. Sliding the empty glass back on the bar, I reach to my pocket and pull a ten-thousand gil coin and leave it on the bar.

 

"That's too much Otto you know that." Ocahn's ability to humble himself at all times, in the face of more gil than he earns in a year never fails to impress. Normally I'd talk to him but instead I take the two remaining glasses and walk back over to my table. I make it a point of setting one of the glasses down in front of Eva, sliding it with a finger pushing the glass from behind to the edge of the table directly in front of her before I take my seat across from her.

 

>> (perspective shift)

 

Otto would take his seat across from her, setting his own glass down with a bit more care and attempting to put on a more cheery facade.

 

He leans back in his chair and crosses a leg again, letting it dangle idly as he regards Eva while turning the glass with his pointing finger and thumb. "So, Three Hearts."

 

Otto clears his throat as he takes only a minor sip from his drink, enjoying its flavor as the orbs of ice clink in it alongside the glass when he sits it back down on the table.

 

"The ideal goes like this Eva. All men and women possess three hearts. All have equal weight and importance. The first one is the one we use to show the outside world. The second, is our inner-selves we only show our loved ones and family. The third one is our most inner-heart. No one but ourselves can ever see this one under any circumstances. Otherwise we would die. I have dictated every day of my life off of this philosophy for a very long time now."

 

"What you see before you here and now is my outer heart. There are..." Otto would look up as he emphasizes his next words "few who have ever and will ever see my second, inner heart."

 

Otto sighs again as he takes another sip from his drink, clicking his tongue off the roof of his mouth as he sets his drink down with pursed lips, mulling over what to say next to Eva.

 

"What else would you like to know? Or what would you like to share about yourself?" Otto tilts his head as he speaks "I could ask you aimless questions all day - instead why don't you treat me like Leanne again and share with me something you /want/ to share."

[111]

She takes the glass with a nod of thanks, enjoying a small sip. "Three hearts...? Then I must have but one." She smiles softly, "Could I hide things better, I'd likely never have been exiled."

 

"My heart, in its entirety, is what you see before you, Master Otto." She laughs softly, "It might be hard for one such as you to believe, but I assure you, it is the truth."

 

She takes another sip, "As for sharing? Shall I tell you how I fell into heresy? Then perhaps you can tell me how you learned of this drink?"

[OttoVann]

She takes the glass with a nod of thanks, enjoying a small sip. "Three hearts...? Then I must have but one." She smiles softly, "Could I hide things better, I'd likely never have been exiled."

 

"My heart, in its entirety, is what you see before you, Master Otto." She laughs softly, "It might be hard for one such as you to believe, but I assure you, it is the truth."

 

She takes another sip, "As for sharing? Shall I tell you how I fell into heresy? Then perhaps you can tell me how you learned of this drink?"

 

Otto would shrug and tilt his head with closed eyes and a defeated sigh "Share with me whatever you want. You've got my attention thus far, shouldn't be hard to keep it." He finishes his words with a large and lazy sip of his drink, not downing it instantly forcing a reaction from him - coming almost to a cough as he sets his glass down. He's had too much already but that only means he should drink more and quickly at a time like this.

 

"Please go on" he gestures with a flourish of his hand.

[111]

Evangeline rolls her eyes, "Such excitement you display, at the baring of my soul." She takes another small sip, "It is a simple thing, to lose one's faith in the world, Mr Otto."

 

"I was training as a barrister. A thankless job in Ishgard, the Holy Inquisitors do not look kindly upon those who defend the accused. Nonetheless I thought, even in Ishgard, justice would prevail."

 

She grimaces slightly, "After arguing a particularly unbalanced case, I was taken aside. They explained to me that my role was simply to fulfill a requirement. That I only existed to add an air of legitimacy to a unstoppable process."

 

She takes a sip, "The thought did not sit well with me, and I began devouring the literature and thoughts of... subversives. One of whom later became quite famous. You might know her as Lady Iceheart. Her writings were easily obtainable, used as evidence in the constant Heresy investigations. It was easy to study them."

 

She takes a slow sip, "Her words were enticing, words of coexistance between Ishgard and Dravania." Evangeline shrugs, "So I began attending her meetings, many of my clients were more than happy to tell me the details."

 

"However my words became more outspoken with every meeting I attended, raising the ire of the inquisitors. Until, one day, tracking my movements, I was exposed."

 

"I will not bore you with the specifics of my trial, though only my family connections protected me from the fate of common heretics."

 

She sighs, "So I came to Ul'dah." She tilts her head, "Have you ever had a subversive belief, Master Otto?"

[OttoVann]

Otto sits forward, keenly interested in what she has to say and her questions towards him. He finds her wholly more attractive almost instantly - if only because she is educated - though sadly young.

 

He pushes his half empty drink far in front of him, near the center of the table. He is done with alcohol for now. He is drunk enough as is and the warmth in the air causes him to want to sweat so he pulls one button loose closest to his collar to open his shirt more with a hooked finger, running around the rim.

 

Getting comfortable he relaxes as he looks across the table to the Elezen before him. "If I recall correctly..." he holds up a finger to his face to mime where she is scarred "you got that from your 'heresy' while up North. Yes?"

[111]

Evangeline turns her head slightly, revealing it. The mark is black and twisted, seeming almost a cross between a tatoo and a scar. "Indeed, I will not bore you with the process involved, though rest assured, it was not a pleasant one."

 

"Though it was either this, or the headsman... and I have never been one for vanity." She smirks slightly, "Though it does cause some difficulties when dealing with my countrymen, most seem to think I will corrupt them as well with a touch."

 

She takes another slow sip, "Why do you ask Mr Otto? Afraid the inquisitors will be after you as well?" Her grin turns sardonic, "I dare say you are safe, despite your association with me."

[OttoVann]

Otto maintains his posture as he continues to investigate more about the Elezen woman, wild-eyed yet still attractive.

 

"I find it interesting you wear a scar on your face such as that, yet you don't flinch when its existence is brought up and you are quite calm in recollecting to others how and where you got it. I am not...trained in therapy and I don't pretend to understand your psyche but I have worked in fashion long enough to get to know women fairly well, and I was indeed married at one point. Most women would not be so at ease with a branding across their face like that, robbing them of their symmetry and beauty. Here you are though, showing it and speaking of it as if you had little care, humored even."

 

Otto clears his throat "I'm more concerned with who and what you are over any conceivable threat I could face from Ishgard or even here in Ul'Dah."

 

Otto inhales as he looks forward and takes in his surrounding. A table with this woman, at the Airstrip...in Ul'Dah.

 

"You mentioned earlier...wanting to know about me and whats wrong with me due to caring? Well lets see. Tell me about your ideals of Justice and we can trade."

 

Otto leans forward in his chair, speaking legitimately with a hushed and amused tone "I might even tell you why I hate the Syndicate more than you ever could."

[111]

Evangeline laughs, "Hate the Syndicate more than I? It could be easier than you think. My disagreement with them is professional... or at least it should be. Though I have a habit of letting my feelings bleed over."

 

She raises a hand to her face, "As for this... as you say, I would rather it didn't exist. But we mortals cannot turn back the clock, and so I must live with what I am given." Evangeline shrugs, "If I bow to it, hide it, live in shame because of it, then those foolhardy inquisitors of Ishgard will have won."

 

She shakes her head, "But I will now allow them to win, Master Otto. I will not be cowed by shame. If men and women are disgusted by my visage, than so be it, for I will not admit defeat."

 

Evangeline seems slightly heated by the conversation, and she unbuttons her jacket, folding it onto the back of the chair. She leans forward, mail shirt sparkling slightly, "You wished to know of justice, yes?" She takes another drink, draining the glass before placing it back onto the table, the flush on her face increasing, "That is a question for a philosopher, not a revolutionary. Though I will hazard an attempt."

 

She looks up for a moment, "Justice is the greatest good, for the greatest number, without sacrificing overly upon any one individual."