Theory and Practice, Extended Lessons

[OttoVann]

Today, like most recent days in Ul'dah, is drab and dreary. It's hot, noisy, packed with people and refugees alike. You can't walk in front of the Quicksand anymore without at least one bothering you. I'm not a selfish man, I give when they ask, usually a few thousand gil at a time. Enough to change their lives substantially, insignificant compared to what I have.

 

Today however, as I am walking by the Quicksand I notice my 'pupil' of sorts walking out the Gate to most likely head to her refugee camps. I doubt she noticed me and I let her continue on her path without interrupting her, I'm not interested in being roped into a trip to those camps just yet. I'll fetch her by courier soon enough though now that I know she is in the city today. Seeing her reminded me I need to sign over a cheque to her.

 

Otto shrugs inwardly as he continues in his stride unabated by the sight of the wild-eyed Elezen woman and heads towards the Emerald Lane. The Emerald Lane houses the wealthy and elite alike. You have to be very wealthy to even allowed near these streets or a guest. The Brass Blades, ever useless, at least get this part of their job right and accost those who don't belong until they leave. Its not that I prefer seclusion from those with less money than me, but lately I've wanted to avoid contact with practically anyone and anything that doesn't involve business or business owners. I've retreated from the world, caring more for the lounges that only millionaires can access, their air stale and unmoved as scant few ever sit in them for a quiet place to relax and converse. Servants at your whims, the point of such gaudy rooms is for pretentious rich people to sit quietly, speaking at whisper levels across the room as they discuss whatever comes to their minds. I belong mostly due to my colleagues expecting it. Food and drink is never charged, they wait on you hand and foot and you can come and go anytime. I've come before for the quiet and relaxing atmosphere and today is no different.

 

When I arrive outside of the Club, I stop by the doorman and begin to describe Evangeline to the best of my ability. I tell him I want her fetched and brought here as my guest - and that she is not to be accosted for dress or any perceived lesser status. When he hears he may have to send someone to the refugee camps to find her his face noticeably turns sour. I'll never understand looking down on others because of that.

 

Walking inside, the atmosphere is noticeably quieter compared to the outside, and cooler. Much like the Palace, Ice Crystals and smaller Wind Shards are used to keep the air circulated and chilled. People smoking cigars, pipes, and other things are abound as they sit in plush brown leather couches and deep arm chairs. True to form everyone is speaking at a whisper, discussing business, their day, families - pretty much anything. Others are quietly sitting in their deep chairs, reading news or papers or nothing at all as they stare off into the Void with thoughts or not on the mind. A couple nod to me, mostly out of courtesy and I return the favor as I hold a hand up in 'No thanks' to the greeter and their questions on how they can help me and head over a pair of seats across from each other with a table in the middle that is near a window.

 

Knowing the people who work here and how no expense is ever spared - she will be summoned soon enough.

[111]

Evangeline wipes her face with a white hankercheif, removing the sweat before the dust could turn it into a gritty film. Gharen's training had revealed how little care she had taken to maintain her body over the years. In lieue of pointless excercise, she'd begun spending some time doing manual labor among the refugees. It was... hard work, and much different than what she was used to, but they seemed happy to have her.

 

There was a slight commotion to her side, as the children led a well dressed man to her. He stepped gingerly through the refuse of the camp, the men and women here could likely be bought and sold for less than the cost of his shoes, not to mention the rest of the ensemble. The children point and gestured at her, and the man approached,scented hankercheif clamped over his nose. "Miss Primrose, I presume?"

 

She nods, confusion evident on her face, "Yes... Can I help you sir?"

 

The man seems relieved that his brief foray into the camp might soon be at an end, "M'lady, Master Vann seeks your presence at the Diamond Club, I am to guide you there."

 

Evangeline looks down, taking stock of herself. She is wearing rugged, practical clothing, covered with a shirt of fine mail, glistening, despite its fine layer of dust. She looks at the man incredulously, "What sort of Club is this?"

 

He clears his throat, "A social club, where the finest Citizens of this city may sit, converse, and take their leisure." He regards her attire, "It is a great... and uncommon, honor for one of your status to be invited."

 

Evangline bristles at the insult, resisting the urge to berate the man. What did he, some servant, know of true nobility. How are he speak as such to one who has walked the glittering spires of Ishgard, trained among the temple knights, who's birth had been blessed by the Holy See himself! True... such things mattered little in her new vision of the world, where all should be equal. YET IT RANKLED HER ALL THE SAME. Taking a deep breath, she straightens herself, speaking in a voice she had not used since her exile, "I shall take time to bathe and prepare myself. You will wait at my pleasure until I am ready."

 

She walks past him without waiting for a response, "Did you mishear me? I do not like to repeat myself."

 

The servant blinks, then hurries after her, "Y-yes M'lady."

 

 

(Part two coming)

[111]

Evangeline strides through through Emerald Lane, almost outpacing her guide. The man had waited without complaint while she bathed and dressed, pulling an unused dress from the bottom of her luggage. However the short and well fed Hyur found it difficult to keep pace with the long legged woman, and she must slow her pace to match. Finally they reach the doors of the Diamond Club. As always, true wealth needn't be stated, and only a pair of sturdy oak doors, embossed with brass mark its presence. A pair of Brass Blades stand outside, telling all that the law did not apply within. The Law had been bought and payed for in this place, a commodity, like everything else in this city.

 

The Blade stepped up to block her passage. There was no member list for this place, men and women were admitted by sight and reputation, or not at all. The guard see's the staffmember huffing and puffing behind, who gives the guard a hurried nod of approval.

 

Evangeline does not wait for this however, but instead brushes past the guard, yanking open the heavy door and stepping inside.

 

Instantly her eyes water from the reek of tobacco, fragrances, and rarer scents. Drugs that, found upon the common man, would mean only his death. She weaves through the crowd, sight adjusting to the dim light, as she catches a familiar form at one of the establishment's few windows. She takes the seat across from him, crossing her legs before giving a withering look, "Who are you, Otto Vann, sending servants to fetch me like some common slave?"

 

[OttoVann]

Otto is caught looking out of the window during Evangeline's approach, his chin rested on his hand propped up on armrest of the chair. When Evangeline sits, he breaks from his inner thoughts, details involving rivals and people threatening him. They can wait though, his guest has arrived, though seemingly upset. He finds humor in her temerity and shows it outwardly. Speaking and looking towards him as angrily as she is, that's something that anyone would consider truly dangerous in this environment.

 

He notices a servant approach the table, looking all of concerned and nervous as Eva takes her seat and bows as he blurts out "Sir I brought the woman" he trails his words as he looks to her while still in his bow "but she plowed past the doorman and made a scene. Be warned we allow people to invite guests, but if behavior persists she will be thrown out as an interloper."

 

Otto sits back in his chair fully, sinking into the plushed leather to get comfortable. He nods his head lightly enough with a hand raised dismissively in acknowledgment. He sighs once as he gives Eva a looking over, taking note of her dress, creases in it faint but glaringly obvious to someone who works with fashion and fabric for a living. He appreciates her attempt to look the part, a man weak to the fashion trends of the Elezen woman-kind and how they look in their proper dress.

 

Pursing his lips for a moment as he manages to pull his eyes from Eva's dress he looks to the man-servant "Bring me my usual drink, your most recent Market Board ticker-reports, and some news articles. Spare me any Tonberry Lantern articles. You will also see to Lady Evangeline's requests."

 

The man-servant returns from his bow stiffly, looking to me with doubt as he replies "Master Vann...as you wish." True to the nature of this Club, no one works here without being professional.

 

Looking back to Eva, Otto gestures his head towards the servant, indicating for her to make her requests. "Ask anything, and you get it."

 

Unafraid to have a candid conversation in front of the staff he also doesn't wait for her reply to warn her "As for your outburst, be careful how you speak to people in this part of the city. I told someone to fetch you, not to mistreat you. I'd be disappointed you'd think I would instruct someone to treat you as a 'slave' if I expected much from anyone other than myself."

 

Shifting in his seat he changes his facial expression, tone, and considers the subject to he dropped and resolved. "Now, we have business to discuss. A lot of it actually, so don't be afraid to take advantage of the comforts offered here. Food, drink, jewelry even, whatever you ask for is yours to have."

[111]

Evangeline makes an annoyed huffing noise and looks around the room. "So then, you seeked to impress me with this display of wealth and power?" She turns to him, with an annoyed look on her face, "If I wished such things, I would have simply stayed in Ishgard and held my tongue."

 

"As for your summoning, Otto, it leaves much to be desired. Friends and equals send requests, suggestions, inquiries to ask when one is free." She gestures at the liveried staff ringing the establishment, "They do not send some lick-spittle to fetch you."

 

She takes a deep breath, and then exhales. "Very well though. I am here now. Mind though, how you request my company in the future. I do not simply wait on your beck and call." She turns and gestures to one of the countless staff, "I'll have what Master Otto is having."

 

She leans back to wait for their drinks, regarding him for a moment. "You spoke of business, yes? I am curious as to what that might be." Evangeline laughs, before leaning forward conspiratorially, "As for my conduct in this place..." her voice lowers, "Surely the great Master Otto would protect a lady from any harm?" Evangeline leans back again, smirking slightly, light flashing in her eyes.

[OttoVann]

Otto rolls his eyes with annoyance as he looks away from the Elezen woman and back out of the window for a moment to collect his thoughts. Her petulance is annoying him.

 

Looking back to her he speaks softly, to keep in check with his surroundings "If I cared to impress you, I would take you to my bed. I had brought you here as a courtesy, and because I was not in the mood to be anywhere else today. Is it really such a problem for a woman like yourself to be in a Club like this? I..."

 

He trails his words short as the servant returns with a tray holding a myriad of items. Two drinks, his usual that Eva seems to have gotten quite used to. A newspaper folded neatly and unused sans the Tonberry editorials, the most recent ticker-report from the Market Board, and a curious unsealed red envelope. Otto eyes the contents of the tray as they are laid onto the table before himself and Eva. Pulling glasses from his coat pocket, he places them low on his nose to examine the envelope more closely with a confused and surprised looked. He looks up to the servant with an expectant expression as he holds up the envelop but he merely shakes his head in a 'I don't know' fashion.

 

With a lackadaisical raise of his brows he turns the envelope over to open it. He finds a simple card in it and reads the message. Its message is grave, even for him. He shows little as he slides the card back into the envelope, and tucks it into an inner-coat pocket as he leans forward. While forward he reaches into another coat pocket from the inside of his suit-jacket a cheque. Otto makes a point of using nearly ceremonial cheques, made from heavy card stock, embossed with gold dust and the lettering equally so. He looks to the servant making a mock writing gesture with his hand "Pen please."

 

The servants here are all very used to people like me coming and needing pens to sign various things, business dealings or otherwise, and they always carry fountain pens on their person now. He hands his over with a bow and silently holds it out by the tips of his fingers and Otto takes it with intent. He unscrews the cap and takes to signing and filling out the blank cheque. He signs it for two-million gil in all and endorses it with his signature, the ink soaking in deeps to the paper as he scratches across his signature. He rescrews the top of the pen on and places it on the table with the papers.

 

Otto dismisses the man with a simple wave of the hand and he bows one last time and departs without saying anything, taking his silver tray with him. He looks over the check one last time, ensuring good penmanship as he blows on the ink to dry it before leaning forward to hand it over across the table to Eva "Lets get started then. This is the beginning of you getting you refugee help you seem to care so much for."

[OttoVann]

Otto rolls his eyes with annoyance as he looks away from the Elezen woman and back out of the window for a moment to collect his thoughts. Her petulance is annoying him.

 

Looking back to her he speaks softly, to keep in check with his surroundings "If I cared to impress you, I would take you to my bed. I had brought you here as a courtesy, and because I was not in the mood to be anywhere else today. Is it really such a problem for a woman like yourself to be in a Club like this? I..."

 

He trails his words short as the servant returns with a tray holding a myriad of items. Two drinks, his usual that Eva seems to have gotten quite used to. A newspaper folded neatly and unused sans the Tonberry editorials, the most recent ticker-report from the Market Board, and a curious unsealed red envelope. Otto eyes the contents of the tray as they are laid onto the table before himself and Eva. Pulling glasses from his coat pocket, he places them low on his nose to examine the envelope more closely with a confused and surprised looked. He looks up to the servant with an expectant expression as he holds up the envelop but he merely shakes his head in a 'I don't know' fashion.

 

With a lackadaisical raise of his brows he turns the envelope over to open it. He finds a simple card in it and reads the message. Its message is grave, even for him. He shows little as he slides the card back into the envelope, and tucks it into an inner-coat pocket as he leans forward. While forward he reaches into another coat pocket from the inside of his suit-jacket a cheque. Otto makes a point of using nearly ceremonial cheques, made from heavy card stock, embossed with gold dust and the lettering equally so. He looks to the servant making a mock writing gesture with his hand "Pen please."

 

The servants here are all very used to people like me coming and needing pens to sign various things, business dealings or otherwise, and they always carry fountain pens on their person now. He hands his over with a bow and silently holds it out by the tips of his fingers and Otto takes it with intent. He unscrews the cap and takes to signing and filling out the blank cheque. He signs it for two-million gil in all and endorses it with his signature, the ink soaking in deeps to the paper as he scratches across his signature. He rescrews the top of the pen on and places it on the table with the papers.

 

Otto dismisses the man with a simple wave of the hand and he bows one last time and departs without saying anything, taking his silver tray with him. He looks over the check one last time, ensuring good penmanship as he blows on the ink to dry it before leaning forward to hand it over across the table to Eva "Lets get started then. This is the beginning of you getting you refugee help you seem to care so much for."

[111]

Evangeline fails to resist smiling slightly at his obvious annoyance. Even the rich and powerful were still human it seems. She takes up her drink, her irritation fading as she falls into their typical verbal banter.

 

"To your bed, Master Otto? Surely you jest. One should know better to bed thine enemy. Though your confidence speaks volumes." She grins, "Though it would be easy enough to impress a novice."

 

Taking a small sip of her drink, she scans the room as Otto deals with the servant. Many a brow had been raised at her presence, and her lack of formality with Otto. She could see the flittings of curious eyes, wondering what this new player might bring to their game. Her attention is brought back to her companion as he slides the note across the table. Eyes widening slightly, she see's the amount. Evangeline was no stranger to fortune, her family's coffers were as large as any noble house of Ishgard. However their wealth was in property, land, loyalty... such giant sums of money as the Ul'dahns were wont to exchange still astounded her at times.

 

Finances in Ishgard were as Ice. Growing or shrinking a few rivulets at a time, they stood as monuments tied to and supporting the great houses. However In Ul'dah... they seemed to Evangeline as flickering shadows. A man might be a prince one day, and a pauper the next. Even Otto's meteoric rise astounded her at times, a feat that could happen in Ishgard only over generations.

 

She nods, though lets the check lie on the table for now. "You did not forget my conditions of course?" Smiling wryly, "I did not forget yours in return. I will wear whatever you wish as not to embarrass you during our visit. Even clothes of your own make should you desire."

[OttoVann]

Otto takes his own drink from the table, holding the rim of the tumbler to his nose, swirling the glasses contents as he pays attention to Eva's eyes, watching her scan the room. He holds onto the thought as he takes his first sip, bitter and everything else he likes. He leaves his glass to sit upon one of the arm-rests of his chair as he leans forward to the table to take the newspaper. He gets recomforted in his chair, crossing a leg as he lounges, taking time to unfold and flip through the paper to scan for a headline he was interested in. As he is reading the paper he speaks to her while not looking up from it "What is your hesitation with the money?" He asks bluntly and plainly. "It's very rare to have millions handed to a desperate-for-cash someone on a crusade and they focus their efforts on ignoring it and instead ask about other dealings. Are you so eager to hang off my arm as we visit those camp you've come to stay in?"

 

Otto lets his words hang, still shuffling through pages of his paper until he comes to the article he was looking for. It is a piece outlining the struggles having refugees live off the outer-walls of Ul'dah brings. Written by a classist, the language is vulgar though retaining truths about the crime, the chaotic nature of the camps, recent struggles and arrests, and a host of other problems. He folds the paper in half long-ways and slaps it on the table in front of her with a gesture for her to read "Do you think me taking you on my arm to this place, clad in a dress of my design with millions of gil in hand can fix this? Tell me of your plans to bring any sort of relief with my backing."

[111]

Evangeline frowns slightly, "It is not that I dislike money Mr Otto. I am just leery still of accepting such a boon." She takes a moment to gaze at the piece of paper, finger tapping softly on the table. "This will change me... is what I fear."

 

"Currently I struggle day to day, for help, food, shelter, medicine, anything the citizens of this city might give to help those in need. With this though... I will need none of that." Taking a sip of her drink, "Managed correctly the money could last years, even grow, giving measured relief to the suffering."

 

She grimaces, "But what then of my mission? How can I suggest the perfidy of the Syndicate when they are clothed and fed with Syndicate money?"

"I suppose their suffering is more important than political gain, but still, this may be only a bandage over a festering sore. If and when it runs out, the suffering will increase once more."

 

Sighing, "Even with the money, it will not stop the abuse, the beatings, robbery, assault, banditry.. all the other evils of this situation." Finally she laughs, "As for your question, I do not believe you and I could simply stroll in and throw money at the problem until it was solved. I also have no great desire to hang off your arm. It is just..." Evangeline sighs and takes another sip, "It is lonely, fighting a battle alone. I was hoping you would join me in this endeavor as more than just a financier, but as an ally and companion."

 

"In short, Master Otto, I hesitate to take the money, because despite all my bravado, in the end I have precious few more answers than anyone else." She looks at the article with a defeated air, "The best I can manage is what I have already done. Feed, educate, clothe, heal... beyond that I feel helpless."

[OttoVann]

During Eva's objections and rants on the plight of her chosen cause and people, Otto pulls the market-ticker reports from the table. He pulls the glasses from his coat again, setting them on the edge of his nose and starts to thumb through the reports once she finishes. Spotting points of interest he unscrews the cap from the fountain pen given to him by the servant and begins to underline key pieces of information to him.

 

He keeps leafing through the reports, his lips muttering to himself as he reads lines while also paying mind to everything Eva has said up to this point. At the last page he also scratches down a name. Finally he pulls his glasses from his face, holding them in his hand and looks up to Eva with a sigh and a tired look "Here's what you will to start doing."

 

He puts the report back on the desk, sliding it to her portion of the table alongside the newspaper. "Instead of just throwing money at the problem, why not get them to work? Use that gil and go to those businesses I've underlined. They are owned by men that I would consider...good enough to purchase from. If I were you I would start with having them build their own shelter from good materials. Put the skilled refugees to work and pay them for it. Let them build their own small homes - something better than those ragged tent cities they are living in now."

 

"You will find on the last page the name of an Alchemist I trust implicitly. He lives for gil but his word is as strong as any. Work with him and the Carpenter's Guild to have an infirmary of sorts built out there as well. I am sure through him you can find medical professionals of some kind to run your clinic out there you will eventually have erected."

 

"Lastly you will need a way to keep these buildings standing and that where I come in. I will be dealing with permits of sorts so you can actually put structures outside this great cities walls and not have them torn down by other who would find them unsightly. Its...unusual for someone of my station to deal with it but rest assured it is well within the favors I can have pulled."

 

"As far as your dress and us visiting, it can be handled in due time. For now you have security issues to resolve and I am not one to advise you on that."

 

Otto sits back in his chair, running a finger over his brow (IF HE HAD ANY) as he looks down and tired. "You will need more gil from me very soon I can imagine. How is all of this for your partnership you seek? I can imagine we will having a great many more dealings like this in the future in this Club. I hope you can get used to your surroundings in here, I noticed you looking around. Don't worry, they won't bite."

[111]

Evangeline looks up slowly, "I... I'm not sure why you're doing this Otto." She smirks slightly, "I remember at our last meeting, you were the suspicious one. Now I find myself in that category."

 

She nods, "This is certainly a start... a clinic, perhaps a small school. I will have to start small... find people who can be trusted. It would do little good to build a school, only to have it burned down for kindling."

 

Shaking her head, "I still find it hard to believe the monetarists seem to be more concerned about this issue than the royalists..." Evangeline laughs, "They merely tell me that I am crazy."

 

She takes the report, and slides it next to the check. "I truly am grateful Otto, I just don't understand Otto... what do you get out of all this? I thought you hated this city, these people."

[OttoVann]

Otto looks perturbed at his having to explain himself. He 'tsks' once in irritation with a slight raise of one cheek as he looks away momentarily before returning his gaze to match the wild-eyed woman's.

 

"Frankly, I don't see why it matters I am doing what I am for you. If I wanted to fuck you, you'd know - so I'm not trying to get into a bed with you - not right now anyways."

 

"However you are owed at least a bit of an explanation since you will be doing more work than I. Truthfully there is no downside here for me. It only presents upsides, and any possible negativity that will come my way will be not worth my time. Im rich Eva, wealthier than most in this city and I'm quiet and conservative, in regards to politics and public gestures like this. You may find people wanting to help you once my name is attached to it. And isn't that the point? My name, being spread."

 

"Though if you play your cards right you may benefit from it outside of whatever altruism you feel. You may even get to spend more time with me, and isn't that its own just reward?"

 

"One last word of advice Miss Primrose, never take a royalist seriously in this city when it comes to their opinions on anything Stately or Official."

[111]

Evangeline blushes, "Are all gentlemen from Ul'dah so direct? Though I suppose it is good to know where you stand... though I did not ask for such specific terms."

 

She clears her throat and regains her composure, "Very well though, I'll take your help as it is offered. I can little afford to it." Tilting her head, "You seem quite eager to have your name spread Mr Otto. I'm hoping to one day discover why. Though if it is visibility you seek, perhaps I can help as well. There is an event coming up, which I believe I will be attending, perhaps we could speak of it at a future date? It could be useful... and fun, for us both."

 

At his final comment Evangeline laughs, "They are a rather confused lot, the royalists, are they not?"

 

"Quite good at speaking of things... less good at doing them. They seem to lack a certain vision, besides simply wishing to keep things as they are."

 

"Stasis is so terribly boring." She sighs.

[OttoVann]

Otto regards Eva, mulling over her suggestion to what she considers a 'fun' event. He looks away for a moment, panning the lounge they are in. Men with escorts and courtesans, showing off their toys to each other as they drink and speak amongst themselves.

 

"Look around you Evangeline, Ul'dah'n 'Gentlemen' everywhere. Whoring, drugs, abuse. Some might even think your my own courtesan as we speak - you have to know coming here can cast that reputation on you. Its no secret that Otto Vann the self-proclaimed Master of Fashion is comfortable with hiring women who sell themselves. You really want me to come with you to public events that aren't related to these Camp Excursions you've doomed me to?"

 

"I'm not known for being much of a discreet man Eva. I have my habits that I keep private but I am an open book for this world to judge. Can you handle that? There would be a lot to gain from people thinking you were mine, though thats another conversation for another day."

 

Otto sits forward in the chair, resting his arms on his knees as he speaks to Eva, gesturing with his hands "As far as the Royalists go.." he waves a dismissive hand "Their problem lies in the fact that they can not and will not ever be able to manage the business of this City. The Syndicate has many people who associate with it that are insidious at best, and garbage at worst. Many of those men are in this very room. Smugglers, thieves, rapists, worse. However, even with people like that in its midst, The Syndicate keeps this city running - we keep the sludge moving, gil moving up the line so that Her Majesty can 'run' her city. They want taxes, we make sure business stays smooth and those taxes are paid even."

 

"So, for me, whenever I think or hear of Royalists - I always imagine what would happen when or if they didn't have money to pay their guards or soldiers, or anyone for that matter. You can't run a city like this with empty pockets, you just can't. Sure they could try to eradicate us, and make our business run under threat of State force, but men like me are talented at what we do Miss Primrose while their only talent is the ability to be absolutely worthless on their own. Chaos would erupt if Monetarists were removed from the picture, and business would crash for far too long to keep this city stable. They need us to survive."

 

"Do you understand Miss Primrose?"

[111]

Evangeline shakes her head, "No, I don't understand. But perhaps it is better if I do not."

 

"If my reputation matters far less than my goals, Mr Otto. Though I think your reputation less scandalous than you say. Either way..." She grins and taps the brand on her cheek, "I've never been one to care about what people think."

 

"I will do what I think is needed, and travel what paths I may. Whatever happens, I will somehow muddled through."

 

She listens to his words on the politics of Ul'dah. "Well then... it seems meeting you was fortunate."

 

Looking around, she stands, "So you think I appear as your courtesan though?" Evangeline laughs, "Allow me to give you a lesson for once, Master Otto. You would not know this, but crisis's of dignity and image are an illness of the recently elevated." Winking, "My worth and station course through my blood, it is engraved upon my bones, my lineage, my name. I could be the poorest and most wretched of people, and It would not be damaged."

 

"Let us speak again on this social event... but until then, do not worry overmuch about how I might be seen." She smiles.

[OttoVann]

Evangeline shakes her head, "No, I don't understand. But perhaps it is better if I do not."

 

"If my reputation matters far less than my goals, Mr Otto. Though I think your reputation less scandalous than you say. Either way..." She grins and taps the brand on her cheek, "I've never been one to care about what people think."

 

"I will do what I think is needed, and travel what paths I may. Whatever happens, I will somehow muddled through."

 

She listens to his words on the politics of Ul'dah. "Well then... it seems meeting you was fortunate."

 

Looking around, she stands, "So you think I appear as your courtesan though?" Evangeline laughs, "Allow me to give you a lesson for once, Master Otto. You would not know this, but crisis's of dignity and image are an illness of the recently elevated." Winking, "My worth and station course through my blood, it is engraved upon my bones, my lineage, my name. I could be the poorest and most wretched of people, and It would not be damaged."

 

"Let us speak again on this social event... but until then, do not worry overmuch about how I might be seen." She smiles.

 

Otto considers the womans words for a moment, loathe to let anyone lecture him but he tolerates it. He stands to match her taking all the paperwork he had brought off the table to present it to her "Take this, start somewhere."

 

"You never know, it might be a nice thing when people think your a woman of Otto's. Better prices, people on that very list less willing to give you hardship or trouble or the run around. Im not some immensely powerful man, but I do believe in having earned a fair reputation, one built on real principles."

 

Otto takes one last chance to look over Eva, noticing her relative attractiveness, paying attention to her branding on her face. She is shapely, nearly idealistic of her kind though lacking in some stature. He finishes his appraising and quietly gestures over a man-servant and speaks to him while looking at her "Escort her out, have her taken to a bank and help her with whatever she asks for the next bell. She leaves unaccosted and fairly."

 

Otto bows only slightly "I'd bow more to someone of such magnitude and esteem but I only know to show this. I hope you can see past this next time we meet, preferably at a dinner table so you can see my charm in action. Good day Miss Primrose."

[111]

Evangeline steps out of the club, deep in thought. The servant follower her a few steps, but an absentminded wave sent him thankfully back to his post.

 

"Is Otto using me?" She considers, not for the first time. Syndicate members were not know for their charity, and there must be a reason behind such large sums of money.

 

Perhaps he was attracted to her? The thought seemed unlikely, and even if so, was almost assuredly for base reasons. She had no desire to become one of his 'girls', whoring oneself out for money and power was for Lady Crofte, not herself. Though perhaps, if true, she could take advantage of his feelings for a time. The man was not unattractive, nor dull in conversation...

 

Evangeline shakes her head, "Foolishness..." she mutters. Either way, she decides, she is getting what is needed. When the time comes to pay for Otto's favors, only then will she worry what the price might be.