Who: Cidolfus Telamon & Benedikta Harman. Status: Closed. Where: Around places. What: Cid and Benedikta follow a lead and sneak into a fancy holiday party. Event stuff TBA. Warnings: it's them, what do you want from me
[Indeed, it could be a myriad of reasons, from innocent to suspicious. For now, he takes a picture of the note and the badge before moving back to the wardrobe to put it back.]
At the very least, it seems this party has gotten a bit more interesting. If we happen to hear the names let's see if we can't speak with them.
[She sweeps her hand over the vanity, picking up everything that she had chosen to take along with it, with all sorts of jewelry and knick knacks in her hand. She approaches him and searches his body in the dark for his pockets.]
Very well. I was not looking to kill anyone tonight anyway.
[She's allowed to touch her man!! And she does, pressing the flat of her palm against his stomach and his chest, feeling him through his shirt, before she's stuffing the jewelry into the inside pocket of his jacket. All while gazing up at him innocently.]
It's just a few jewels.
[She shows off the lipstick and slides that in, too.]
And I like this shade. Besides, no one is going to notice with all the noise they are making.
[She responds to his eyeroll with one of her own.]
And make me carry it around? No, I think I much prefer it this way.
[Why bring a purse when she has a perfectly fine man to tote her things for her? Besides... she quite likes this arrangement, as her hand moves around to his back, and down to squeeze at his behind before she slides a bracelet into the back pocket of his pants.]
[That actually surprises him for a moment and he can only give her a slight look, wondering if she really does see him as some kind of arm bag to carry everything around yes.]
Not much unfortunately. Well, and their wallet.
[He pats the front of his vest where he has an inner pocket inside. ...He really is like some kind of arm bag—]
[She lets out a delighted squeal of surprise when his hand lands, the sound turning into unabashed laughter as her eyes follow him like a cat stalking its prey.]
Oh, I've plenty of room for dessert now.
[She picks out a tomato and presses it between her lips, resisting the urge to drop everything and kiss him instead.]
[With one hand holding the tray, he holds out his arm for her to take.
After listening carefully to ensure no one was outside, they quietly exit the room and quickly make it down the hall just before a servant turns down into it. Posing as the loving couple that they are (although is it really posing when they just act naturally?), they make their way back into the main hall. As they walk they quietly discuss their plan while masking it as if they are whispering sweet nothings to each other and for now they decide to stick together and feel out the guests before eventually separating.
Not wanting to stand out too much just yet, they find a table that has another seemingly doting couple and with a quick glance at each other they move over and ask if they could join. Although surprised, the couple happily oblige, allowing Cid to put down the tray of food he had been carrying. This of course prompts a question as to where they got such a selection that seemed different than what was offered at the food tables and before Benedikta can answer, Cid responds that she is currently feeling rather sensitive due to the strong smells and such.
The husband doesn't quite catch on, but the wife's eyes widen as she also notices the glass is not wine but something else. But she is polite and just smiles happily, wishing Benedikta to rest and not push herself too much. It's a "delicate time" after all (the husband still just looks confused, poor sod). But already from this brief exchange it seems the couple is at least perhaps more "honorable" than most here. They seem to be on the older side, the wife perhaps more mature than her more rotund husband, and while their attire seems on the more simple side compared to the glitz and glam of other younger and clearly affluent members, there is an almost elegant sophistication. The wife has pearls and diamonds as her jewelry, and the husband has a gold chain pocket watch hinted on his front vest pocket, the fabric of the suit and dress clearly high end.
Of course looks can be deceiving, so they'll need to probe more as to what they do...]
[She happily takes his offered arm, sliding hers through gracefully as they return to the party, looking as if nothing had happened and they did not just snoop through a Paladin's belongings or steal some jewels and coins. Benedikta is sure to fix her hair and dress back into place, as well as checking on the jewels that he had dropped into the front of it earlier that are nice and snug.
And now it is time for them to do what they do best—work the rooms with their charms and unmatched charisma. She was not expecting that the first couple that they end up talking to to be so delightful, something that she wars with on the inside as she was fully prepared to go into it hating every single one of the attendees. Instead, she turns her ire on Cid when he goes on and on and on about how sensitive she is, how she is "delicate", something about building their little nest, all of which makes her stare at him looking like an angry little bird ready to peck his eyes out at the next insinuation. But she plays along, smiling stiffly as she agrees with everything he says to keep up the act. Loathe as she is to admit it, it seems to be working, and they are buying it. That is the only consolation here.
They go on to explain that they are restaurant owners, running several successful businesses across Nogard, Elah, and Eltrut. "Oh, maybe you've been to one! We have this lovely place that overlooks the water on Elah, we're well known for the private terraces!" the wife explains, beaming.
Benedikta glances sideways at Cid with a soft clearing of her throat.]
No, I do not think we have been there or heard of it.
[Her husband laughs. "Well, if you ever would like to eat there, we'd be happy to get you on the guest list. Maybe after the baby comes?"
To think that their luck somehow managed to have them meet the owners of the very restaurant they went to for their first official date. A restaurant they posed as another couple's reservation and left without paying. Well, it was under that other couple's name, so technically not their problem, but he can't help feel a little prick of guilt there.
So he's just going to continue to ignore those burning glares his lovely little dove is trying to stab him with and just smiles broadly.]
Perhaps even sooner if we can make the trip. Unless you have a branch here in Nogard?
[The wife sighs.
"We do, but as you know...the view is not quite as charming as Elah can afford. But there is a part of Nogard that overlooks the lagoon that Nogard creates with its tail, up high on the spikes. It also gives a lovely view of the city from above."]
Is it so difficult to run so many different restaurants in such unique places? Obtaining ingredients, especially of the high quality you must use.
[The husband just waves his hand.
"There can be difficulties, especially how often the leviathans move, but to make it unique we cater each menu specific to the location. There are a few special items that all three will share to be considered a "staple" dish to represent the line, but we try to source ingredients as local as we can. But, well, as you said, we only wish to have the highest quality, and for that we have our own farms on specially located islands. But it also has it setbacks..."
Catching on, Cid immediately says—]
Keeping it all fresh when shipping it across great distances.
[Another sigh from the husband.
"Yes. When we're close by we try to ship as much as possible. There are cooling boxes and such, but they haven't been working as well as we wish, especially if we want some ingredients to be harvested off season."]
[Well, that is interesting indeed, and as Benedikta sips on her peach juice (ugh, how she wishes it were wine like everyone else at this table... did he really have to keep up with the story!?), her brows lift as they explain their other locations. Those dagger-like stares turn to ones of intrigue, as if to silently tell him that they should find the time to go for one of the many dates he owes her.
She lets him do most of the talking through the business portion, even if it isn't what they were looking for. They seem like a perfectly normal couple, if not fairly wealthy, though not ones to flaunt as much. A couple who has earned their wealth through hard work and good business decisions... So, she listens as Cid works the table in a completely different and unexpected way.]
Cooling boxes?
[Benedikta's eyes flit to Cid, and she gives a cant of her head.]
Is that not sound like something similar to what you were working with?
[Both husband and wife look at him expectantly, and beside him, Benedikta preens.]
[He chuckles at that, knowing Benedikta would have caught on.]
Something like that. I'm a bit of an inventor and I've been working on improving certain household appliances and wares to be more efficient. Having finished the stoves, I've moved on to refrigeration and the cooling systems currently employed.
["Oh my!" the wife exclaims with a silent clap of her hands. "Do you think you could come up with a solution for shipping issues?"]
Perhaps, but I would need to learn more about your methods, along with the ships and ingredients you use.
[The husband eyes Cid for a moment, as if scrutinizing him before they widen.
"Ah, could you be that fellow who developed those stoves?"
To that Cid just winks.]
I don't have any business cards on me, but one in the same.
[At that the couple becomes more animated as they had apparently looked and purchased one for themselves, contemplating if they should use them in the restaurants. As they continue the discussion, Cid glances at Benedikta with a bit of a smug grin. While not exactly what he intended when joining this couple, it's a boon in its own way.]
[She'll just let them talk. For as little knowledge as she has about what sorts of things he can make and is working on, she will not interrupt a good business opportunity when she sees one. She has a good read on these people and believes they are genuine in their interest, and it comes with the bonus of being put on the guest list of all of their restaurants, free to go whenever they please. Not quite the connection they were hoping for, but she thinks he should take it.
And when he flashes her that grin, she returns it with a fond smile and an arch of her brow over her glass as she sips it in silence before it is her turn to talk up his products. Not that they need convincing, but she will do so anyway, explaining how they all have simply made her life easier around the house. How well they work, how convenient they are. How good of a businessman he is. How they should commission him for more.
Not only do they come out of that with a business opportunity for him, but the wife had made pleading looks to her husband about perhaps getting one of the stoves—they needed a new one anyway! A few others at nearby tables also express their interest, and Benedikta will happily talk him up to them, too.
At some point, they will have to excuse themselves, Benedikta using the excuse that she is starting to feel a bit peckish again and needs to get up and stretch. It works like a charm, and once they are out of earshot, she presses her lips to his cheek, whispering into his ear with a sweet, low voice.]
[It certainly is much more than he expected, and whether it's such a good idea to become more well known here or not remains to be seen. But it is true that he could use higher funding to keep everything afloat (they can only use "Corsair income" for so much) and as long as he checks the potential clients and limits his services, it should be fine.
Still, it's a bit of a strange feeling to be recognized even this much, especially when he started his little business as something of an impulsive hobby and a means for a stable income while in this world, and he can't help but smile a bit at the kiss.]
Still remains to be seen what comes of it, but it's a start.
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At the very least, it seems this party has gotten a bit more interesting. If we happen to hear the names let's see if we can't speak with them.
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You don't want to use your charms to woo the information out of another maid?
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I think we're ready to move on to our real targets.
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Very well. I was not looking to kill anyone tonight anyway.
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That would be preferred, aye...
And if you make me carry too much they're going to wonder what racket I'm making when I walk.
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It's just a few jewels.
[She shows off the lipstick and slides that in, too.]
And I like this shade. Besides, no one is going to notice with all the noise they are making.
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I should get you a purse for yourself.
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And make me carry it around? No, I think I much prefer it this way.
[Why bring a purse when she has a perfectly fine man to tote her things for her? Besides... she quite likes this arrangement, as her hand moves around to his back, and down to squeeze at his behind before she slides a bracelet into the back pocket of his pants.]
Did you find anything else over by the wardrobe?
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yes.]Not much unfortunately. Well, and their wallet.
[He pats the front of his vest where he has an inner pocket inside. ...He really is like some kind of arm bag—]
Other than that, they were quite thorough.
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And one more necklace going into the front pocket of his pants.]
Too bad... They've some nice things, but perhaps they've kept the rest well-hidden. Shall we head back to the party, then?
[There is a bit of a whine to her voice at that.]
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Is my little dove getting restless?
[His hands have moved to her waist, pulling her a little closer.]
Just remember we'll building a little "nest."
[Smirk.]
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No, your little dove is hungry and would like a snack, but cannot pause to eat right now.
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[Although he has a feeling she's thinking about "eating" something else.]
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....
She laughs softly under a breath, and she leans up to nip at his bottom lip. His assumptions would be correct.]
That food is not what I had my eyes on. ... But yes. It would be a shame to waste it.
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I'll grab it then.
[But as he passes, his hand slides around her waist to her hip—]
Just save room for dessert later.
[—before there is a little smack to her own cute little rump before he smirks as he walks over to the table.]
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Oh, I've plenty of room for dessert now.
[She picks out a tomato and presses it between her lips, resisting the urge to drop everything and kiss him instead.]
Now, let us go hunting, shall we?
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After listening carefully to ensure no one was outside, they quietly exit the room and quickly make it down the hall just before a servant turns down into it. Posing as the loving couple that they are (although is it really posing when they just act naturally?), they make their way back into the main hall. As they walk they quietly discuss their plan while masking it as if they are whispering sweet nothings to each other and for now they decide to stick together and feel out the guests before eventually separating.
Not wanting to stand out too much just yet, they find a table that has another seemingly doting couple and with a quick glance at each other they move over and ask if they could join. Although surprised, the couple happily oblige, allowing Cid to put down the tray of food he had been carrying. This of course prompts a question as to where they got such a selection that seemed different than what was offered at the food tables and before Benedikta can answer, Cid responds that she is currently feeling rather sensitive due to the strong smells and such.
The husband doesn't quite catch on, but the wife's eyes widen as she also notices the glass is not wine but something else. But she is polite and just smiles happily, wishing Benedikta to rest and not push herself too much. It's a "delicate time" after all (the husband still just looks confused, poor sod). But already from this brief exchange it seems the couple is at least perhaps more "honorable" than most here. They seem to be on the older side, the wife perhaps more mature than her more rotund husband, and while their attire seems on the more simple side compared to the glitz and glam of other younger and clearly affluent members, there is an almost elegant sophistication. The wife has pearls and diamonds as her jewelry, and the husband has a gold chain pocket watch hinted on his front vest pocket, the fabric of the suit and dress clearly high end.
Of course looks can be deceiving, so they'll need to probe more as to what they do...]
no subject
And now it is time for them to do what they do best—work the rooms with their charms and unmatched charisma. She was not expecting that the first couple that they end up talking to to be so delightful, something that she wars with on the inside as she was fully prepared to go into it hating every single one of the attendees. Instead, she turns her ire on Cid when he goes on and on and on about how sensitive she is, how she is "delicate", something about building their little nest, all of which makes her stare at him looking like an angry little bird ready to peck his eyes out at the next insinuation. But she plays along, smiling stiffly as she agrees with everything he says to keep up the act. Loathe as she is to admit it, it seems to be working, and they are buying it. That is the only consolation here.
They go on to explain that they are restaurant owners, running several successful businesses across Nogard, Elah, and Eltrut. "Oh, maybe you've been to one! We have this lovely place that overlooks the water on Elah, we're well known for the private terraces!" the wife explains, beaming.
Benedikta glances sideways at Cid with a soft clearing of her throat.]
No, I do not think we have been there or heard of it.
[Her husband laughs. "Well, if you ever would like to eat there, we'd be happy to get you on the guest list. Maybe after the baby comes?"
And now she is glaring at Cid.]
no subject
To think that their luck somehow managed to have them meet the owners of the very restaurant they went to for their first official date. A restaurant they posed as another couple's reservation and left without paying. Well, it was under that other couple's name, so technically not their problem, but he can't help feel a little prick of guilt there.
So he's just going to continue to ignore those burning glares his lovely little dove is trying to stab him with and just smiles broadly.]
Perhaps even sooner if we can make the trip. Unless you have a branch here in Nogard?
[The wife sighs.
"We do, but as you know...the view is not quite as charming as Elah can afford. But there is a part of Nogard that overlooks the lagoon that Nogard creates with its tail, up high on the spikes. It also gives a lovely view of the city from above."]
Is it so difficult to run so many different restaurants in such unique places? Obtaining ingredients, especially of the high quality you must use.
[The husband just waves his hand.
"There can be difficulties, especially how often the leviathans move, but to make it unique we cater each menu specific to the location. There are a few special items that all three will share to be considered a "staple" dish to represent the line, but we try to source ingredients as local as we can. But, well, as you said, we only wish to have the highest quality, and for that we have our own farms on specially located islands. But it also has it setbacks..."
Catching on, Cid immediately says—]
Keeping it all fresh when shipping it across great distances.
[Another sigh from the husband.
"Yes. When we're close by we try to ship as much as possible. There are cooling boxes and such, but they haven't been working as well as we wish, especially if we want some ingredients to be harvested off season."]
no subject
She lets him do most of the talking through the business portion, even if it isn't what they were looking for. They seem like a perfectly normal couple, if not fairly wealthy, though not ones to flaunt as much. A couple who has earned their wealth through hard work and good business decisions... So, she listens as Cid works the table in a completely different and unexpected way.]
Cooling boxes?
[Benedikta's eyes flit to Cid, and she gives a cant of her head.]
Is that not sound like something similar to what you were working with?
[Both husband and wife look at him expectantly, and beside him, Benedikta preens.]
no subject
Something like that. I'm a bit of an inventor and I've been working on improving certain household appliances and wares to be more efficient. Having finished the stoves, I've moved on to refrigeration and the cooling systems currently employed.
["Oh my!" the wife exclaims with a silent clap of her hands. "Do you think you could come up with a solution for shipping issues?"]
Perhaps, but I would need to learn more about your methods, along with the ships and ingredients you use.
[The husband eyes Cid for a moment, as if scrutinizing him before they widen.
"Ah, could you be that fellow who developed those stoves?"
To that Cid just winks.]
I don't have any business cards on me, but one in the same.
[At that the couple becomes more animated as they had apparently looked and purchased one for themselves, contemplating if they should use them in the restaurants. As they continue the discussion, Cid glances at Benedikta with a bit of a smug grin. While not exactly what he intended when joining this couple, it's a boon in its own way.]
no subject
And when he flashes her that grin, she returns it with a fond smile and an arch of her brow over her glass as she sips it in silence before it is her turn to talk up his products. Not that they need convincing, but she will do so anyway, explaining how they all have simply made her life easier around the house. How well they work, how convenient they are. How good of a businessman he is. How they should commission him for more.
Not only do they come out of that with a business opportunity for him, but the wife had made pleading looks to her husband about perhaps getting one of the stoves—they needed a new one anyway! A few others at nearby tables also express their interest, and Benedikta will happily talk him up to them, too.
At some point, they will have to excuse themselves, Benedikta using the excuse that she is starting to feel a bit peckish again and needs to get up and stretch. It works like a charm, and once they are out of earshot, she presses her lips to his cheek, whispering into his ear with a sweet, low voice.]
Not quite what we had in mind, but... well done.
no subject
Still, it's a bit of a strange feeling to be recognized even this much, especially when he started his little business as something of an impulsive hobby and a means for a stable income while in this world, and he can't help but smile a bit at the kiss.]
Still remains to be seen what comes of it, but it's a start.
[Humble as always.]
no subject
The start of some good business opportunities. They all seemed very interested in what you had to offer.
[She is preening like a peacock with pride right now, happy to show him off to the others. Let them be jealous.]
I quite liked them, though.
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💚💜 fin.