video;

[virginprice]

[Alcuin is sitting at his console with a thoughtful look on his face. It's been long enough that he's settled in and now he has concerns beyond the absolutely necessary- and the money to take care of them.]

Are there any in the city who have a marquist's skill? The circumstances of my arrival left my marque in need of tending, and I now have the coin to pay for it- if none of those who have been brought here know it, I will look among the kedan, but I thought I would try my fellow exiles to begin with.

[He smiles.] If you know of anyone, pray tell me. I would be grateful indeed.

Comments

[virginprice]

You are very kind.

[He will make sure his main floor is clean (as though it would be anything else) and set the water for tea to heat as he waits for her to arrive.]

[suoxi]

[ a light tap will indicate that arrival -- she's not one for busting down doors. Not really. ]

[virginprice]

[Alcuin answers at once, his smile bright- and leaning in to give her the kiss of greeting, like he would to another d'Angeline.] I am glad to see you, Inara.

[suoxi]

[ it's a pretty familiar greeting, all things considered. it's how she herself greets a great many respectable people and clients, and its returned with warmth. ]

And you as well. [ when she pulls back, she holds up a basket ]

I brought a few things to sample, if you're hungry.

[virginprice]

I am, thank you for bringing them. Have a seat- I'll fetch the tea.

[He does make decent tea... he'll bring a tray with the teapot, cups, and some plates for the pastries and other delicacies.]

[suoxi]

[ a soft little smile. ]

You're very welcome.

[ she'll do just that, sitting down and making herself comfortable - no sense in remaining stiff. ]

[virginprice]

[He sets the tray down on a low table near the seat she's chosen and pours the tea, his motions fluid and elegant. Tea is not the usual drink he serves, but it will do very well.] How do you take it?

[suoxi]

A bit of sugar, no cream. I like the sweetness combined with the slight bitterness.

[ she smiles. ]

I think I like a bit of bite.

[virginprice]

[He adds the sugar and passes her the cup, his dark eyes dancing.]

Quite understandable. I have something of a taste for sweets, myself.

[suoxi]

[ taking it gingerly, she flashes him a sultry little smile before wrapping her fingers around the cup to warm her hand. ]

Then you're in luck, I brought quite the stash.

[virginprice]

I cannot wait to have a taste.

[His smile is innocent. Flirting? What flirting could there possibly be?]

[suoxi]

[ what? flirt? her? noooo. that's not a coy look at all. ]

I'm fairly sure you'll enjoy the selection. It's only the best, of course. I could hardly present you with anything subpar.

[virginprice]

[Of course not. Nor is this one.]

I cannot believe that anything you touch would be subpar.

[suoxi]

[ she takes a tiny sip, though her eyes remain trained on him. she's got a merry look on her face - the casual, playful banter is fun. ]

Absolutely not. I make a point to pick only the very best.

[virginprice]

[It is rather nice. It reminds him of a Servant of Naamah who had an assignation with him- yes, a Servant was given an assignation with another Servant for a birthday present. He had a good time.]

As you deserve, of course. [He sips his own tea, after adding quite a bit of sugar.]

[suoxi]

[ she laughs lightly, and tilts her head to the side ever so slightly.]

As do you.

[ the tea is good - he hadn't ruined it, though she hadn't really expected him too.

Not much, anyway.

She's eying the sweets; cinnamon is one of her favorite things and it doesn't take long for her to settle on one and nibble. ]

[virginprice]

[Alcuin takes one for himself and takes a neat bite- another practiced skill. Can't be getting crumbs all over a patron.]

How have you been? I have not seen you since Messire Wayne's party, I believe.

[suoxi]

[ that would be terribly inappropriate ]

Well enough. I'm still working on opening a Companion house here. [ she smiles wryly. ]] It's more work for one person than I anticipated, but well worth the effort, I think.

[virginprice]

I cannot imagine it would be easy. Do you require assistance with anything? [Besides... the actual sleeping with people. Probably.]

[suoxi]

[ an amused look flashes over her features. ]

At the moment, it's all on the business side. Finding a building, establishing contacts, that sort of thing. It's a lot more tedious than I'd anticipated.

You don't happen to have a knack for numbers, do you?

[virginprice]

[Well, he prefers the business side to the other, anyway!]

I am quite good with them. Delaunay ensured our education was thorough, and I've always enjoyed the challenge.

[suoxi]

While...talented in many ways, I confess accounting is not one of my strong points. [ she gives him a smile. ]

You wouldn't happen to be interested in that aspect of it, would you?

[virginprice]

If it would assist you, I would be happy to turn my hand to it. I've gone over Delaunay's books before- I know how it works. [It can't be that different in Keeliai, can it? Numbers remain fairly static.]

[suoxi]

That would be wonderful.

[ she's relieved, and she leans back and relaxes a little. ]

You would be free to choose your own clients, if you opted for that avenue, as well.

[virginprice]

[He doesn't precisely frown, but he looks down and fiddles with his teacup.]

It would be strange to have such free choice.