Espresso Sidethread - Jadmai and Claire (open)

[Claire Owens]

With a grateful sigh, Claire sank into a chair opposite the patient Jadmai, glad to be off her feet. A tray containing a pot of black tea and a basket of food was set onto the the table - just fruit and bread with a pat of butter. It was simple fare compared with the delicate conconctions sitting in front of most of the other customers, but much healthier in the long run.

"Sowwy about the delay sir - I just get so caught up sometimes. Weally should learn to delegate more," she apologised with a slightly embarrassed smile. "I haven't even eaten this morningtide yet... would you like to join me for bweakfast while we talk?"

"Oh, and I'm Claire by the way, Claire Owens." As she introduced herself, the young achadiel reached across the table with a loose, easy motion to shake Jadmai's hand. Now that she had shrugged off her 'waitress' mantle, she seemed much less uptight - still watchful of the environment, but not poised to intervene if something went the slightest bit awry.

For the most part, she kept her eyes focused directly on the dark adhiel, holding his gaze with her own curious, guarded intensity while she waited for him to introduce himself. Inwardly, she was surprised that she was making this exchange so coolly. People like Lady Lo Russo normally had her with all her shields up, reciting stock-standard phrases rather than actually conversing, but for some reason, this guy felt like one of her own.

Maybe he was. She'd seen the way three coronets had suddenly appeared in his hand, as though by magic. Anyone who bothered to learn that trick just had to have a bit of roguery in them, if only in spirit.

[Jadmai]

"You don't have to call me sir," Jadmai started out, "if I am going to be coming here every morningtide I won't have you calling me sir, now that will just be too much." He smiled and he laughed at himself being called sir. "Though, I guess that is my fault, I've been terribly rude and have not introduced myself, my name is Jadmai Av'Zathrak, formerly of Amun Rah, Terra Incognita, and of course Gulanadur...and that's it, I believe. You can call me, Jadmai, or Ambassador Av'Zathrak if you must use my title."

Jadmai silver-tinted eyes, the sort of color that clashed with his greyish hair, finally met Claire's gaze, and he realized that he was a babbling away.

"I'm sorry, your a busy woman. Let me be more direct, I'm not good with airs and all that, lady Owens so I will just get to point; As I said earlier it seemed you had a vested interest in this place, and from what I observed in my burns sitting here, is that you are either a vastly concerned customer, or at least a waitress. I'm betting on waitress. If not more, you care too much, I think the average maid would swept the coin from my hand, treated me like a king. But no presumptions here... All I really monopolized your time for is to find out if you know the proprietor of this place, and how they started this business. Because I've come to the Citadel, well, for a number of reasons, but one of them was to start a prosperous business, and I need to know who I should be seeing about that."

Again with the babbling, Jadmai calmed himself, for he was trule excited, he felt like he was forty yahren again. He resituated himself in the seat, tried to calm himself, but he knew the glint in his eyes would not go away.

"I also have a favour to ask, and I pay them back grandly. But, this may answer any curiousities on why I wanted to talk to a waitress so badly, I'll admit there was charm there" he gave a crooked smile, "but where ever I have gone in the world, waitresses not only serve a great cup of coffee or tea in this case, but they also know everyone, and hear everything. Now, I am the newcomer to this incredibly diverse and vast city, and there a few introductions or directions that would be appreicated. Well, I'm frankly practically alone in this city, so any sort of introduction will do, but I am looking for someone not specfially, but who meets certain requirements; I'm looking for a great swordsmen. A man who knows his swords and can use them." Jadmai quickly put out his and waved them dismissively, "Don't worry, good lady, it's not for an illict cause, its for my business. I would like to propose a joint venture to one."

Jadmai sighed heavily, out of breath, he looked at Claire, and gave an almost meek smile, "I know it came out in a torrent, but there, that is what I had to whisk you away for, I'm sorry that it came at what seems your most unoppurtune time."

[Claire Owens]

“Jadmai. Pleased to meet you.” Claire nodded and began buttering a slice of the bread as she listened to the ambassador explain his reasons for wishing to speak with her. His enthusiasm was contagious, and the small smile that played across her own lips as she caught the infection widened further when he addressed her as Lady Owens. Now that was a bit much for her, and she began laughing softly as well. “Can’t say I’m one fer the airs and gwaces either so it’s Claire, please.”

A nod confirmed Jadmai’s observations about the achadiel’s involvement with the coffee shop. In fact, he was a little too correct in his observations for her comfort. Few people knew exactly how deeply her involvement in the business ran – just Keros and her creditors, really – and while the Pleasures was being used as a safe haven by Crane associates, it was in no-one’s interest to let the cat out of the bag. Fortunately, the dark adhiel did not seem particularly interested in pursuing the matter, and Claire was able to take advantage of the short pause in his speech to begin composing a reply which would throw anyone overhearing their conversation off the scent.

“No need to apologise,” she assured him, shaking her head and swallowing hastily as his speech came to its conclusion. “I must thank you for being patient, I’m sure you have important things to do today too, but… well, the lady managed to get my attention first and I twy to tweat every customer with the same wespect I’d show to a king. It isn’t always possible, but I twy.”

“Anyway… wow, this is a lot to take in at one go. I think I’m up to the challenge.” She grinned gamely and paused for a flicker, gathering her thoughts. “You’re wight about my being a waitwess, although I think you might be overestimatin’ who I actually know and how much I actually hear. But yes, I know Kewos – that is, Master Silverflame, the owner. I’ve been fwiends with him since he took over the shop and I helped him we-open it after the fire last month, which is why I seem to have a gweater concern for the business than a waitwess normally would.”

“I can intwoduce you to him after we’re done, if you like. He was with Ambassador Lo Russo from World’s Mouth just now, I’m sure she’d love to meet you too.” While Claire knew as much about the origins of the shop as her partner did, she usually judged it prudent for him to take the lead in cases of ‘official’ business, happy to wield her influence behind the scenes.

However, she did not plan to remain a waitress in the public eye for the rest of her life. If Ambassador Av’Zathrak was offering favours, she would be a fool to cede them to another too readily, best friend or not. So the matter of finding the right swordsman would be handled by her, personally.

“As to the swordsman…” she began hesitantly, then decided to change her approach to something more confident. “If it’s not too pwesumptuous of me to ask, Jadmai, what exactly is the nature of this business you plan to start? I have a couple of names in mind, but I’m not sure which of them might suit your purpose.”

[Jadmai]

"Claire, then it shall be. I'm not much for titles either, but habits are starting to grow. Though, I shall remember and happy to call you, Claire."

Jadmai listened to the part about the ambassador, and while the dark adhiel was almost forbidden to stay out of political arena, it was only Isis arena he was stay out of, Ionis said nothing about Jadmai making his own relations. However, his heart sank heavily when he heard where the other ambassador was from.

"The Worlds Mouth, you say?" He glanced over at the swan-necked ambassador for the tiniest of flickers. "I really don't know how glad she would be to meet me. I haven't heard too many remarks about how open Mouthies are to those with pointed ears--let alone dark skin."

Jadmai waved his hand though, "But if you think she would be receptive, then I of course would be too."

The lithe ambassador then moved on to the topic of Keros, "About the owner, yes, I would be very interested in meeting him. This is my first venture into business and I could use any advice." Jadmai paused for a second, then went on, "As for the nature of my business, it will be both a service and entertainment. I plan to start a school of tutoring those who wish to learn the art of blades, so I would need an extremely talented and patient swordsmen. However, there is another aspect, which I hope only you and our perspective third party privy to, and that is, I hope to open an arena. For dueling and such...practice swords only, nothing barbaric, but a place where every person can come and compete. The land I would need would be vast, and I would hope to either rent a training ground from the goverment, or lease out a training ground I bought to the goverment for guards to learn and sharpen their skills." Jadmai tried to keep his excitement in check, "There will be music, and great competetion--tournaments, and something like this won't keep gambling away as those who come to spar will surely be wagered upon."

Jadmai rested his chin on his hand, "So, with that sort of busines I hope to also attract a name that the Citadel knows--publicity and legitimacy, all rolled into one by having the right person. Does that narrow your search?"

[Claire Owens]

As Jadmai spoke of Rosalie's possible Mouthie prejudice, Claire's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. As far as she knew, the petite Ambassador had never shown any particular disdain for Keros, who had half-pointed ears, but then Claire supposed that she was probably rather good at hiding her true feelings. This was something to keep in mind.

"It is up to you whether you wish to speak to her or not. But I would say... whatever her twue feelings might be, I think Lady lo Wusso is pwagmatic," she told Jadmai. "She’d be a lousy diplomat to send to the Empire if she insisted on avoiding adhiel altogether. And besides, she’ll be mawwyin’ Bawon Marcada tomowwow, and he’s tied to Duke Erwin, so I doubt she can afford to be snubbin' dark adhiel on the basis of their wace either."

“If you’ve got somethin’ to offer her, I think she’ll speak with you.”

Her eyes widened as Jadmai went on to outline his planned venture. It really did sound very exciting! The achadiel wondered if she would be able to enrol in such a school herself - not that she intended to engage in gladiatorial combat, she had her own business empire to build - but to gain a few fighting skills would be useful given her circumstances.

"Nawwows it to one," she announced in reply to his final question. "Ulder Synkaarwos, Former Captain of the Purple Guard, Champion of the Caesar’s Tourney, Demonslayer. Even if he is not the man for you, he can pwobably put you in touch with the wight one."

"If you want to meet him today, I can tell you where he’ll be this twadetide. He’s getting’ hitched too and the invitations were wather… welaxed, so if you show up as part of the delegation fwom Amun Wah I don’t think they’ll turn you away. I’ll be deliverwin’ the wedding cake so I can let Mr Synkaawos know beforehand that you’d like to speak with him. Or, I can bwing him a message fwom you,” she offered. A rather mischievous grin suddenly crossed her lips. “I’d ask you to escort me to the party, but I’ll pwobably be spendin’ the whole time workin’.”

Hello! Gettin’ a bit too comfortable there, my girl. Even though that preposterous suggestion was obviously meant in jest, it still sounded a bit forward. Best to stick to business. The man was an Ambassador, after all – and being a full adhiel, he may well have been a hundred years older than she was. It was kinda hard to tell.

[Jadmai]

Jadmai grinned widely at Claire, "For a simple waitress, Claire, you just dropped a lot names and information. I knew I picked the right, lady for the job. I've seen a good deal of Tazlure, and a waitress or sober bartender has never failed me."

Jadmai wiped the grin from his face, and coughed slightly, "As for the ambassador, I would of course welcome the introduction, as I said, as long as she is open, I will be equally as cordial. If the introduction produces a fruitful relationship, you shall see your good deed rewarded as I am sure there are those in the Citadel and the Worlds Mouth that would do away with a good deal of wages for an audience with her. However," Jadmai lowered his voice and then spoke in adhiel, "I fear she will speak to me in one tounge and speak of me in another."

Jadmai suddenly realized how ironically, and literally hypocritical he was. Though the dark adhiel was not the best of diplomats, and if the lady offended he would not take it as protocol and speak differently of her later. He was the worst type of politician; a nearly honest one. Nearly.

After a short pause Jadmai gauged tried to gauge Claire's reaction to the statement, and he tilted his head for just a flicker as the thought occured to him that she might not know adhiel.

"Anyways, about the swordsmen. The only thing I have heard of going on city has been a wedding--big talk, so I might try get there myself." Claire then mentioned the name, and Jadmai filed it away. "However, I of course won't cut you out the introduction. You supplied the knowledge, if he agrees to any degree we can talk about sharing profits to that degree. How does that sound to you? We'll let him know of a business proposal, and let him decide if he wishes to do business on this occasion."

Jadmai pulled a pipe out of his hip pocket, and was about to ask if it was alright to smoke, when he realized he could make a more personal offer, "Of course if it strikes you lessons in daggers and swords will be complimentary."

Jadmai smiled slowly about the idea of escorting Claire, "Well, I'm sure the cake has to run out eventually, doesn't it? You get done work early, and I will gladly escort you rest of the evening. But in any case, you need not say you are alone, if anyone asks you are being escorted by Ambassador Av'Zathrak of Amun Rah."

There was no second thought at accepting this jest a little more seriously than intended. If ever Jadmai thought that his title granted him any more dignity than he was born with, he thought of the days in which he had no home, no food, and stole what ever he could. That is why he accepted this title in the first place; so there wouldn't be anymore like him.

[Claire Owens]

"For a simple waitress, Claire, you just dropped a lot names and information. I knew I picked the right, lady for the job. I've seen a good deal of Tazlure, and a waitress or sober bartender has never failed me."

Claire smiled shyly and nodded at the compliment to her profession. She did not think there was anything particularly impressive about the things she had just told him – it was mostly common knowledge amongst the merchant circles. Still, if the Ambassador thought that he was getting value for his money…

It was then that she thought to ask herself - why wasn’t he asking the staff at his embassy for contacts and information? Surely, they would know a lot more about the goings-on of the rich and famous than she would. Was it because he didn’t trust them? Or because they wouldn’t cooperate with him?

Jakes, either this cove's lying his arse off... or something very odd is going on at the Amun Rah Embassy. She really was losing her touch, not having picked up on this sooner. Alright Owens, time to tread soft and think careful.

Her small frown crinkled her forehead as Jadmai lowered his voice and murmured something in the adhiel language. She didn't understand it, but it did not sound flattering to Lady Lo Russo, of whom Claire was inclined to think well. The dark adhiel's reluctance to meet with Lady Lo Russo was beginning to ring alarm bells for achadiel too. He’s supposed to be a politician, for Nethers' sake. Not that Claire knew much about what diplomats did – but wouldn’t he be running into foreigners like her at functions all the time? Wouldn’t a normal ambassador have at least introduced himself to the lady and tried to charm her stockings off before making a decision that she was better avoided?

Was Jadmai really an ambassador? But what possible reason would the dark elf have for pretending to such a title? It was not for her benefit – there were less conspicuous and more reliable ways to impress a waitress and a coffee-house owner with one’s importance and besides, it seemed that he’d actually thought that she’d been addressing him when she’d called out to Rosalie.

One thing was clear – whatever Av’Zathrak was really here for, it was not to make “fruitful relationships”. He didn’t have the look of a man who sat around eating big dinners and hammering out complicated documents. If he had the time to build arenas and combat schools, diplomacy was obviously not his full-time job. And somehow, Claire doubted that he had gained his position by smooth-talking his way to the top.

Light burn me… she almost groaned aloud. If he isn’t a spy, I’m dealing with a bloody dark adhiel assassin.

What a horrible, horrible cliché.

Well, it was too late to back out now. Somehow, she needed to turn this situation to her advantage. For the moment, she would continue to show Jadmai just how helpful she could be, but eventually, she would need to figure find out exactly what he was up to – without getting her throat slit.

“Ambassador Av’Zathwak of Amun Wah, you will attract enough attention without me hanging off your arm like a – well, let’s just say hanging off your arm,” Claire giggled a little nervously at the prospect. “Believe me, I’m not looking for any personal cwedit for helping you with your enterpwise. A good word for the café will be appweciated, however, and lessons with a blade would be nice – the Citadel’s not particularly safe at the moment.” The former thief had gotten surprisingly far in life without needing them, but only because she’d had the wits and luck to get herself out of trouble before violence began. She couldn’t rely on them for much longer.

“In all honesty,” she continued. “I only offered to speak to him on your behalf to lessen the surpwise of an exotic stwanger wocking up to his wedding and pwoposing a business venture out of the blue. You are wight of, course, it’s his wedding day and he may not wish to enter into dealings on such an occasion. But I think I can sweeten the honey pot. I will tell him that a dark adhiel gentlemen in the café today spoke of a business venture which might be an appealing pwospect for himself or another of the former Purple Guards. If he doesn’t appwoach you himself, I think he will send someone to.”

“Oh, did you wish to smoke?” she asked, finally registering the presence of a pipe in his hand. “If you don’t mind, could we welocate to the outside? Some customers don’t like the smell. I assure you that the porch and the balcony are very pleasant places to sit. The sun on the balcony might be a bit bwight, but it is much quieter.”

[Jadmai]

Claire's senses were off, and far off. The dark adhiel was no where near an assassin, never had he set foot on that path, never had he taken another life under the instruction of the other. He had taken lives, a couple handfuls one could say, but at least half were in battle, the other half had been, if he could label them as such, had been heroic. The two times he had slain men, whom he had no quarrel was in the defense of others who were helpless. There was the 'dignitary' from Worlds Mouth, who was beating the life out of the woman he would later propose to, so much so that Jadmai though her wounds were mortal, and the random man he saved from what Claire thought he was, an assassin. Jadmai was skilled with daggers and other small knives, but his skill was honed with practice in spare time and yahren, not by slicing open random people for a few coins in the night.

Also, Claire had underestimated Jadmai in the realm of being able to smooth talk his way out of situation and actually be a politican if needed. Jadmai had started his way out in Amun Rah as a captive to Rafao Ionis, his majesty. From that status, he indeed talked his way out of captivity into the favor of Ionis, and then into the title of friend to his highness. Jadmai had spent many nights talking to Ionis of on the nature of man, and Ionis, the man, eventually came to trust Jadmai enough to represent his country in the land of Terra Incognita.

However, it is also known well to Jadmai and anyone who knows him well (which was basicly Parmina the slave girl, and Ionis) that he could be sly, underhanded, and willing to do just about whatever it takes to get a just cause done.

Claire was barking up the right tree on one event however...Jadmai wasn't exactly an ambassador--in the Citadel. Claire didn't know the games that were played at this level. The lithe ambassador could not walk into the embassy and announce his presence and expect a grand welcoming. It's a small island, and two ambassadors was excessive. The arrival of Jadmai as an aide to Isis, her highness, could be construed as an insult, especially with Jadmai's reputation as a watchdog for Amunic interests. It was envitable, Jadmai would enter the political arena, and he would have to deal with Isis, but he would sidestep her carefully. Jadmai didn't exactly know what to do with his time in the Citadel, there was an obvious tone of distrust in Isis' ability to promote Amunic interests, but in the same breath Ionis instructed Jadmai to stay clear of her in almost all respects.

So...spy, perhaps. but in the best interests of his highness, Ionis, and Amun Rah.

As far as his true intentions he was in fact being honest, he was not an ambassador here, yet an ambassador, and talking with the Lady from Worlds Mouth could be helpful, but it would eventually get back to Isis, and Jadmai did NOT want Isis finding out about him through back channels.

"The balcony is fine, I've been bounced from one inferno of a desert to another, I think I can handle the Citadel's best."

Jadmai let himself be lead to the balcony and once there, he took out the black glass pipe from which he smoked opium and stoked his pipe to life. He inhaled deeply, and the light opiate ran through him, it was enough to feel some sort of escape, but stay functional.

"So, you offer to by my...proxy, is the word." He said nodding and a little pleased with his command for the human tounge.

Jadmai offered his pipe to Claire, "Customary in Gulanadur, but I understand that the cultures are different, so I understand if you would not like to smoke, but it's very good, and won't leave you with a heavy feeling common with opium."

"Anyways, you will speak in my stead." Jadmai said thoughtfully, "and you will convey only my interest in a business venture. If you would, also relay to this man that there could be little to no finacial lost for him. He can invest as he pleases, but I have already planned to bear most of the costs myself. Though, I might need additional funding."

There was a detail not absent mindly dropped.

Let that hang out there, and see what this girl is all about.

[Claire Owens]

Perhaps some people could live their lives in the dregs of society and still retain their faith in the basic decency of humanity. Claire wasn't one of them – she found it all too easy to consider the worst about the people around her. It was a tendency that had served her well, kept her from getting burned on more than one occasion. However, it had not turned her into a very open sort of girl. While she wasn't unpleasant to talk to, one could often sense a distance in her, as though she held back more than she gave away. Many people interpreted it as shyness, or dullness and simplicity, believing that the achadiel simply did not have anything interesting to say. Actually, it just took a lot of time before she gave her trust to another person, and she tended to assume that they operated in the same manner.

Jadmai seemed to be entrusting her with far more than Claire had expected, drawing her curiosity, but also arousing her suspicions. The adhiel’s suggestion that he would require additional funding was quietly noted but left well alone. The young waitress had her own political consequences to consider. She could have shared with the Ambassador the strategy that Keros had used in securing a loan from a larger and more experienced cooperative, which in turn benefited from the existence and success of their small business – but that would involve name-dropping on a level that Claire was definitely not comfortable with. Not until she knew a little more about her strange new associate. She could afford to be patient.

"Your pwoxy? Well... if he asks I’ll pass on what you just told me," she spoke with slow deliberation, "but I thought that you would want to make your pwoposal in your own words. I only thought to smooth the intwoduction, perhaps pique the gentleman’s cuwiosity a little and give him time to consider the possibilities that may arise for him by joining your venture. Otherwise, you will have him at a disadvantage when you meet him – after all, you will know his name and his profession and he will not know yours. So my offer was a courtesy, nothing more.” She shrugged, as though she had no interest in involving herself more deeply in his affairs.

“Forgive my reluctance, but the last time I offered to act as a proxy the parties in question ended up this far from killin’ each other and takin’ out the messenger with them. Fortunately,” she dropped her formal pose, a sudden twinkle appearing in her eyes. “It turned out that the lad they were squallin’ over weren’t worth the spit he were made of, but I learned me lesson. It's usually better to let people speak for themselves."

As she spoke, Claire examined Jadmai's pipe curiously, but passed it back without taking a pull. "Kind of you to offer, Jadmai, but I’d best not. Poppy ain’t so common around here… unless you’re takin’ it for medicine... so I’m not used to it like you are.” As Jadmai would have known, with frequent usage, the body built up a tolerance to the narcotic over time, requiring doses of greater and greater strength to obtain the same effects. Unless the dark adhiel had special practices to minimize the development of such a tolerance, a dose that he found mildly relaxing would have much more dramatic effects on his young companion.

She sniffed lightly at the sweet, pungent smoke, to see if she could to discern something of the strength and quality of the resin, then yawned as another thought occurred to her. “You’ve enough stores to last you a while, I hope? Just that I can’t say how easy it is to find a good quality compound in these parts. Not without dealin’ with some unsavoury types, if you know what I mean. And I hear – well I’ve read that it can get ugly if you find yourself without a supply all of a sudden.” She seen it with her own eyes too but that was hardly something that he needed to know. With her inquiries into his smoking habits, she could already be risking enough. And for what? Claire wasn’t sure yet, but in order to draw a little more from him, she needed to give away something of herself…

[Jadmai]

Jadmai let his head slowly sink to his chest in thought as Claire finished up, and he rubbed his chin in obvious thought, however, it was a ruse. Inside the dark adhiel was deeply amused and pleased.

So, our simple lass Ms. Owens, gets less simple as time goes on. Not only has she been a proxy before for some sort of deal, but the deal either went strangely or it was a deal of questionable morals. That is fine, our means may stray but as long as our ends are just.

It was backwards logic, but it got Jadmai from homeless to rubbing elbows with royalty.

He raised his head and addressed the lady, "Well, Claire, it sounds like you are no stranger to this type of arrangement, and may I venture even riskier such arrangements. However, I assure you that this proposal, as far as I can ascertain is to an honorable man, at least that is what I am looking for--and it has an honest purpose. If you uncomfortable with the title of pwoxy...errm...proxy that is fine." Jadmai had no intent of making of fun of the women's speech problem, he simple picked on speech patterns quickly, it is a must when someone speaks primary language different from whom they mainly intereact with. He simply smiled and made a quick apology, explaining himself. "In any event, Ms. Owens, you have been most kind to me, and I therefore wish no discomfort while you do this most generous act for me."

Jadmai scratched at his cheek (the itching that came from opium use) and gave Claire a wry half-smile, "Although, from the sounds of your last arrangement...you're perhaps not a stranger to a little excitement, or at least not afraid of it." The lithe creature quickly gesticulated dismissely as Claire had hinted that the topic was not to be discussed at least for the time being. He took another pull from his pipe and attempted to blow the cloud away Claire, but no doubt she caught a whiff of the medium to strong drug's tendrils of smoke. "Perhaps one day we can share stories of our adventures. I always enjoy a good tale, and also find a woman with courage endearing." He said with a nod hoping to show a sign of respect of her privacy, while conveying his intrigue.

Pulling again on his black pipe, and letting the smoke slowly escape his nose he then gave an earnest smile to the intriguing waitress, "Why, Claire, how kind, becoming, and lovely of you to be concerned after my well-being. Like any vice, the user thinks he has control over it. or some kind of elaborate system. I do have a large store, which I never let dwindle, picking up supplies for my stores in Gulanadur, Amun Rah, and Gulanadur--I have no shortage for myself, or a friend. However, in my hundred yahren of the habit, I have went through the nether like experience of running short. The best stratedgy I have now is trying to notice a shortage coming, and start to ween myself from there...but as I have admitted while the smokers always think we are in control, I know the converse to be true. Still, Claire, I do really appriecate your concern. One can never have enough looking out for them." Jadmai tilted his head and gave a small smile. It may not have been obvious, but Jadmai just did reveal a big weakness. Jadmai couldn't think of anyone that truly just cared about him. The fate of Parmina was unknown to him so he could not count her, and though Rafao Ionis proved to be a friend in time, the man still had his own interest his was looking after, his care was anything but alturistic.

The smile faded from the suddenly isolated-feeling adhiel, as he realized how alone he was in Tazlure.

[Claire Owens]

She smiled at his little slip of the tongue, a wry little quirk of her lips. It wasn't the first time it had ever happened to someone Claire was speaking with and she'd long ago learned to tell the difference between mockery and 'mirroring', the way people deep in conversation tended to match each other's gestures and speech. The slight pause, the little sneer before they spoke... Jadmai showed no sign of either.

She against one of the tables, relaxing once more in his presence. Just as she’d hoped, the ambassador had read more into her petty jest than even she had meant… and his relaxed demeanour suggested that whatever she’d done in her past wouldn’t particularly matter to him, which suited Claire just fine.

"Ye flatter me overmuch I fear - the event in question was a silly spat between two dotin' girls over a fickle boy," the achadiel chuckled. "Still, it's a useful principle that's gotten me through some close scrapes, which I'd be glad to share with ye sometime. I'm wagewin' you have a tale or two yerself - I mean, how does a dark adhiel from Gulanadur come to be an ambassador of Amun?"

She said nothing about the sadness in Jadmai’s eyes, simply returning his appreciation with a nod and a sympathetic smile, offering her care more subtly for the moment. While she didn’t know exactly what it was that pained him, she could guess. Av'Zathrak didn't need drugs... he needed friends... and there was the opening Claire had been looking for.

[Jadmai]

Jadmai quickly pulled out of his minor funked and crossed his arms at his chest, and stood with a relaxed stance, but he turned his eyes away from Claire "How I came from the depths of Gulanadur to an ambassador of Amun Rah... Well, as time goes on, perhaps I will trust you on how I got to Amun Rah, but for now, I will pick up the tale from when I came into the...possession of Ionis."

"When Ionis found me he was intrigued with my honor and certain skills I possessed...skills of all sorts. That interest in me, led to us befriending each other. He taught me of leadership, and how to lead men. I began to show a loyalty to him, as he treated me like an honest friend, and also a benefactor of sorts. Soon, our mutal trust grew, and he sent me out on assignment as ambassador to Terra Incognita. Sorry if it's a bland tale, but as I said...perhaps with time I will reveal the unbelieveable events which landed me in the inferno of Amun Rah. And...that's about it."

Jadmai ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Claire, "Any other curiosities you would like to get out in the open?"

[Claire Owens]

Busted… Claire thought to herself, caught probing just a little too obviously. Actually, it came as something of a relief. As much as she loved the Pleasures, it tired the achadiel to work there pretending, day in and day out, be somebody that she wasn’t. If not for Keros, the strain would have been much worse. She was glad for the chance to be straightforward for change.

As she gazed back at Jadmai her whole stance seemed to change, settling into the cool, louche slouch of the hustler that she was. “Sure, plenty,” she admitted to him brashly. “I’m not sure what to make of you Jadmai. I think I do believe you… that in the end, your intentions have honour… and I’m glad for that. I’ve seen what blades can do in the hands of dishonourwable men.”

“But I’ll be stwaight with you ambassador. I think there’s more to your plans than meets the eye. See, you’re lookin’ to me for information and not some paper-pusher at yer embassy. Now I don’t know nothin’ about diplomatics, but it seems like maybe ye ain’t on the friendliest terms with ‘em…so I’ve been askin’ meself… why?”

Her Dortenese accent, pure street Hafne, seemed to grow stronger the more honest she got. She cocked her head and her large hazel eyes, which could look so innocent at their widest, narrowed slightly. “Haven’t put me finger on it yet,” she said softly. “But you smell like mischief, and gods help me I’ve a sad likin’ for it.” She shook her head at her own folly, a good-humoured if slightly cynical smile playing across her lips.

“So there you have it, that’s what I’m cuwious about. But Jadmai? I’m not gonna ask you for anythin’ you’re not wishin’ to give away. And ye can trust I’ll keep me mouth shut if I catch anyone askin' after yer business.” She knew she could find a way to profit from even the information she already had… however, that would entail placing something she considered far more valuable on the line. His trust.

[Jadmai]

"If I am done bullshitting with the average waitress perhaps I will do something about your piqued curiosity. One matter is clear though; you feel empowered, and that's what interesting me. Your rhetoric implies that if I satisfy a few questions, a reward might be waiting.

"Let's be honest, judging by the way you just threw off one persona for another, shows that you aren't what you seem. So, lets trade some honesty, and don't worry I'll go first."

The dark adhiel closed the distance between Claire and himself, and gazed into her eyes for a few uneasy flickers before he finally spoke, "One stipulation must be clear. The promise you made about keeping your mouth shut reguarding my business--well, let me just say this: You breach any of the following, you break my confidence or compromise me, I will personally make you a living example of what happens when my interests or that of Amun Rah's are betrayed. Understand? This isn't a threat, these are consequences."

Jadmai paused again, and then locked his gaze on Claire, "Do we have an agreement, Claire? My straight answers for yours?"

The dark adhiel did not back down, "If yes, then I will answer your questions, under the conditions I set. Agreed? You can just nod if you want."

[Claire Owens]

"I didn't expect any less, Jadmai. I wouldn't have bwought it up if I wasn't pwepared to talk." Claire nodded calmly. "And just for the wecord, I don't bullshit for the fun of it. Ye don't dive inta some things without testin' the water first, ye know."

Damn, he's a scary fucker up close. Her heartrate was bolting at a hundred markers a burn. She was glad that they were having this conversation outside, where he would more or less have to behave himself. Although... this was actually going a lot better than she'd anticipated. Sure he was a little pissed, but that was normal. Nobody liked being toyed with and having it thrown back in their faces. The attitude might have been irritating him too, but nether, you didn't confront potential dark adhiel assassins without a bit of something up your sleeve.

[Jadmai]

The dark adhiel took a step back, and there was a noticeable relaxing of his tensed muscles. He was still rather close to Claire, but no longer in her personal space. Jadmai stood for a moment in silence, then sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Can't believe this..." He said under his breath, but still audible.

He looked at Claire and started to explain himself, "I'm sure you have noticed by now Claire, that I am a son of Gulanadur. The Amun Rah embassy, isn't exacty my embassy. I'm not even sure how much his Majesty Ionis has told the embassy about my arrival...but that's neither here nor there. The idea here is one embassy isn't big enough for two ambassadors." Jadmai scratched his chin, "Can you put yourself in the place of the Ambassador or more importantly Isis, Claire? What must she be thinking at this point? Ionis sends another ambassador to her realm, but for what reason? Does he lack confidence in her? Does he think that she is not looking out for the best interests of Amun Rah any longer? I'm sure, my dear, you could try rationalize that perhaps I am here to just lend a hand, however, if you were more 'in the know' of Amunic politics you would know that is not the case, and why I must be scarce when it comes to my embassy visits. It has to do with what I really do. And I can tell that's something you are quite interested in."

Jadmai paused, and stoked his pipe again, he let the smoke flow gently out his nostrils all the while waving his hand to keep the smoke away from Claire, "Of course, Claire, I am a diplomat. Sometimes that job is hard due to the hue of my skin, people don't take me seriously. But, I'm also...something more." Jadmai put up his hands, "Now, let me be very clear right now, that I am not the cliche dark adhiel assassin. Never killed a soul that didn't attack me first, never have killed upon the direction of others. However, in the course of politics, there is often a need for someone who can go outside the bounds of what say, the local guard, or solider is asked or willing to do. It works like this, Claire; if Ionis needs something done, he comes to me, tells me what he wants done, and could care less about the means I use to get that job done. In the end, it betters Amun Rah, and the reward is worth more than the price payed of me cutting a few...moral corners. And it's not killing that needs to be done, other methods are easier: blackmail, embezzling, bribing, threating, etc. Murder can get messy, people ask questions if someone disappears. However, sometimes people do need to be removed, but that's not my job." Jadmai smiled a little, "Unless of course we are talking about something that requires a great deal of skill, then maybe." He said with a shrug.

"Like I said, Claire, I just get things done. Those of Amun Rah know that. If Isis knows I am here or not, she knows what I am. Ionis'...watchdog, if you will. The more involved I get with the embassy the more she will suspect that I am looking into her actions. That's a mess I don't need. Though, judging by Lo Russo's prescence, Isis will find out soon enough." Jadmai shook his head, "I will make myself known first though, it might be where I go after we are through here--just so she doesn't find out second hand."

"As for intentions with my business venture. They actually are what they seem, perhaps I shall start a guild of skilled bladesmen and women, but that's mostly it. I have some work to do for Ionis, but that's mostly getting in touch with contacts and the like...nothing cladenstine so to speak."

Jadmai let out a breath of air, "Well, there you have it, all you asked for and then some. I hope that was what you were looking for. You know just about as much as I do...which isn't that much to be honest."

[Guest]

Pale eyes glinted as the young man entered the espresso shop, dressed in greys that only served to emphasize how colorless and faded his body was. He had left two of his men behind in the street to ensure that he was not trifled with.

This, however, was not a pleasure visit. He'd have his coffee, of course, but the young man was here for something else this time. He had a meeting here, but not for another half mark or so, which would allow him time to enjoy some fine beverages, perhaps spiked with the alcohol from under the counter, even.

He walked with a cane now, and there was a slight weeze to his breathing, only noticeable after a severe bout of laughter or an intense fit of coughing. Here was the man who had single handedly destroyed the Purple Guard with a speech, though there were only a few alive who still knew that, and none of them were liable to talk-- it had been months since the tragic events of Samheen. Even so, those that had been present would scarcely recognize him.

William's money had paid for this place, and so this was hardly a place where Laibach felt uncomfortable-- Michael had not destroyed the place yet and thus did not know about its significance, or else didn't care any longer.

"Gracie, love," Laibach began cheerfully, though with the usual note of malice quavering in his voice. Silvery eyes darted about the place with unintentional malevolence, not particularly caring about any of these people... they were just potential customers, business... statistics. Humanity felt increasingly distant to the young man. Laibach was looking for a young face, a familiar face, someone in particular. He only politely paid attention to the door bitch-- despite his cheerful greeting-- and moved into the establishment without a care. It felt odd to let his guard down so completely, but the young man felt safe here as he felt safe in few other places in the Citadel.

Just as he was about to order a drink from whichever waiters or waitresses were in attendance, the young man stopped and took a deep breath in through his nose. It was familiar, but somehow not... like a dream remembered from childhood. After the slightest of pauses, a small smile split his face as he looked into the corner for Wayne. If anyone would be able to help him, it would be the big head of security.

"Excuse me, Wayne, but could you direct me to whomever is responsible for the slight smell of smoke?" He had been under the impression that smoking was not allowed in the establishment, but it was entirely possible the rules had changed. It wasn't like the young man kept tabs on Simple Pleasures, despite his business interest herein. The delightful and distinct scent of opium, though, allowed Laibach to set aside his business for the moment and find out who exactly was smoking, and what they were smoking.

Whatever it was, it was not one of Laibach's imports, and that was interesting in and of itself. Competition... and here, of all places.

[Claire Owens]

"Huh." Claire dropped her gaze and fell silent, folding her arms in front of her as well. "Huh," she repeated after a few moments. "So... you’re mostly here to look stern and make sure Isis behaves, otherwise the Wafao's leavin' you to your own devices? That's not a bad gig."

She made no direct mention of Jadmai's activities in the service of Amun Rah, although her lack of reaction suggested that she didn’t find them particularly shocking. Still, a burn or two crawled by as she readjusted her view of the man before her and considered its possible implications. These turned out to be practically non-existent. The affairs of the desert isle were of no interest to her and as far as she knew, unlikely to affect any of her direct associates (legitimate or illegitimate). Which meant...

"Okay. You're... clean. Leastways, you ain't intendin' to involve yerself in local matters yet. That's... good to know." Not quite the break that she was hoping for, but close enough.

"Guess it's my turn to make good on the deal then. Wight." She took a deep breath, sat on a table and began to explain her interest in him.

As Jadmai had surmised, Claire wasn’t exactly what she seemed. She had connections with one of the local merchant families – major players in the local crime scene – who had funded the rebuilding of the coffee house and provided its security since an arson attack a couple of months ago.

“It’s worth the debt. At the wate business is going, we’ll be square with them in two and a half yahwen. Wight now, the coffee house is… one of the safer places in town. Stay awhile and you’ll hear all about the killin’s, the beatin’s, the fires... we don’t get none of that ‘wound here.”

In addition, they did not maintain open links with the crime family. Their business was ‘legal’ and ‘wespectable’, properties which were clearly quite important to the young achadiel. The only time their operation was interfered with was when their creditors or their associates needed privacy, or a place to lay low… in effect, the café was a safehouse.

“So… I’d like to offer you a quiet place here, no charge, if your jobs ever do get... clandestine. There’s ways and means of comin’ and goin’ should ye not wish to be seen. And better yet, there’s few that know ‘em. Not even our waitstaff down there.”

In addition to the use of the café, she could keep an ear to the street for Jadmai. There was nothing significant that she could tell him now, but she heard things, knew people. Any word of the shadier affairs affecting Amun Rah, she would look into and he’d get a report.

“The weason I offer you this… is ‘cos of the folks that work here. See– ”

This is where it got tricky. Claire’s creditors were actually in the middle of a very ugly internecine turf war. And she had no way of knowing or guessing which way the chips would fall. She had no reason to think the security of the café would be compromised, but on the off-chance, that very slim chance that it was…

“I need someone I can send my people to if things go bad. Someone with enough clout to keep ‘em safe till the storm blows over. That’s all. Now you ain’t a part of this so no-one’s gonna touch you. The last thing any one needs is a diplomatic incident, not to mention a battalion of half-giants crawlin’ up their… yeah. So in light of the minimal wisk and potential benefits, I was hopin’ that if I asked, you might agwee. Dawn, Dawwin, Flo, Melly, Fabio, Thoman, Kewos...”

They were good people, honest and honourable. She would do whatever it took to secure them their own place of asylum, free of obligations to the underworld.

[Guest]

As the Claire and Jadmai discussed private business over breakfast, another had entered in greeting Grace and Wayne in the main room with familiarity as well as engaging the muscle at the door.

The Simple Pleasures had undergone quite a bit of renovations and it was not like it was before the establishment had been taken over by Keros and Claire.

Laibach did not actually know who the real owner of the coffeeshop was or where they got their money to change the place around. It was classier with quite a crowd if he looked about more carefully. Debutante girls, children, beautiful women, and important people. He stuck out like a sore thumb in the main room as he gave off a more shadier feeling than the dark adhiel that was present.

[hr][/hr]

ooc: Laibach, please post in the main room. Thanks!

[Jadmai]

Jadmai couldn't help but laugh a little bit, "Claire, if you would have gently prodded me a little more you would have found out I have this terrible habit of having a soft spot for the...innocents of the world. I've stuck my neck out many times, and everytime without reward, for those in need of protection from a subversive element. I would have done this deed for just for the asking, and the honor."

"However, if anyone of these people strays from their straight and narrow path my protection won't be offered to them. It becomes their own quagmire at that point. Sorry, that may seem cold, but like you said, it keeps me clean."

Jadmai softly rubbed his hands together, "So, I think we have a deal here. Our trade secrets are safe, and we have both benefited. Sounds like a good arrangement to me. Are you pleased?"

[Claire Owens]

Gently prodded? Done for the asking? The achadiel almost shook her head in amazement. People like Jadmai...didn't exist. At least, not for people like Claire. The fantasy of a white knight (or perhaps in this case, a dark one) was one that she had ceased to entertain long ago. It was... weakness. It meant admitting that you couldn't handle whatever it was life had thrown your way. It was the kind of desire that opened you up to trust... to believe in people... who were only people and would therefore eventually let you down.

It was the kind of wishful thinking her mother would have fallen for and Claire was nothing like that bitch.

Even so, it gave her confidence to feel as though she had someone strong on her side, so she nodded, a tiny smile just curving her lips. "It's one less thing to worry about. Thank you Jadmai."

"Well, if there's nothin' else, I guess we better head back down. After you, Ambassador."

OOC: We done?

[Raevyn D`Altamooriana]

"Raspberry tart," the assassin echoed Dawn's recommendation. "That sounds like it would be good. It probably goes good with your green tea too I suppose," Raevyn then added as she tried to sound like she knew what the hell she was talking about. "Then that is what I will have."

Raevyn's circular train of thought went from Jadmai, to the well dressed lady with the personal escort, to this seaside slayer, food, then ended up right back where it started with Jadmai again. Of course sitting here was going to do nothing for her figuring who he was and what part of her history he played a part of.

Raevyn’s original thought was to have Dawn just drop a note to him to meet her somewhere. Yet that idea wasn’t really a good one. As simple as it seemed it left to much to chance. Dawn could prove to be an incompetent twit for all she knew and she didn’t want to leave something this important to her to a possible moron.

That left the assassin with only one alternative. She would actually have to go tell him herself. Now that would prove to be a challenge. Jadmai, whom she didn’t technically know if it was him or not yet, seemed to have done quite well for himself. Judging from his attire of course.

Proving to do so would also prove to be somewhat difficult as he was currently engaged in another conversation at the time. Yet Raevyn was never really one to finesse her way around things. Despite her slight stature she somehow managed to bull her way through some things.

Once Dawn left to get Raevyn her order, she decided to get up and walk to the table where he was talking. Manners be damned, this was Raevyn and when she wanted something, there was almost nothing that she wouldn’t do to get it. So long as no danger to herself was involved. Once she was there she would set up the meeting, if he acknowledged her presence of course.

[Jadmai]

Jadmai purposefully kept his eyes forward for a few flickers, just to let the Adhiel wait, that was obviously trying to get his attention without saying anything. He was wary of her, she knew of Gulanadur culture, so something was not quite right with her. Jadmai reasoned that she was a dark adhiel in disguise or some student of Gulanadur here to pick at his brain about things he care not recall, about a life that actually wasn't that gratifying. Everything had just gotten better since leaving that place, but, ironically he still held it dear.

Finally, the lithe politican swung his eyes over to Raevyn, "I venture there is something you would like to talk to me about?"

[Raevyn D`Altamooriana]

"Yes there is actually," Raevyn answered him. She wasn't expecting him to initiate the conversation as quickly as he did. The assassin then continued in her native language. She was aware of the half adhiel sitting there, and there was a chance that she might not know the language.

"I remember you cousin, but from where I do not know. Or at least I think I remember you," she went on to say. "By any chance were you ever in the desert of Amun Rah?"

Raevyn was certain that was where she knew the man before her was from. Yet she couldn't be certain. She waited for him to answer her before continuing, she didn't want to let too much out of the bag as of yet.

[Jadmai]

Jadmai pulled on his pipe, and the smoke slowly drag out, "I was there, for about two weeks." He said in his native tounge and in an indifferent tone. He motioned for her to have a seat if she would like and then went on to continue.

"Well, you are definitely not a native of Amun Rah, and I don't think many adhiel like to go to that swarthy ball of dirt for vacationing, but maybe you did. It's either that, or you were amongst us in the Oasis." Jadmai said in the same tone as before. Sure, the Oasis was spoke about in hushed tones amongst Adhiel, but if she knew about it was no secret, and if she did, she would likely have no idea what he was talking about.