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As the arcane master rises to leave the room, Jace clasps Passio on the shoulder; "Friend, I'll see you soon. Drinks on me..." he glances to the quartet of newcomers and nods. "Seems there's a few lovely Pathfinders there." he winks at his new-found friend. A child using their sixth sense to tell whomever is uncomfortable in there presence, an ability also possessed by cats and dogs, rushes towards Samara. Jace moves forward to intercept the little child, whisking him up into a spin. The cleric then turns to the others; "So where you heading to now?"
Jace looks up, with wide eyes and a tight smile as Mai enters. He stands up hesitantly, unsure whether to say good-bye or not. Taking a step towards her he adds; "I will not wish you luck, as you won't need it. But Fate will protect you." 'She is destined for great things. I wish, I could be beside her for it.' he thinks melancholically.
Orphanage: "Of course my dear, I would never expect you to clear up after me. You know I take my responsibility seriously." he implies something else, there's a catch in his treacle voice.
With regards to the city quip; optimistically he adds to the departing figure; "Love finds a way." his words drift on the air, lost forever....
With a warm glance to the Tian woman, he quickly gazes away. 'That was almost a compliment, maybe she's warming to me... I can only hope absence makes the heart grow fonder.' He turns to Passio with a reassuring smile; "I'm sure I'll see you around, Absalom's a big city after all." his optimism returns.
With a glint in his eye Jace looks to his friend, the gratitude is obvious to Passio as is the tension that's held in his body; especially at the kitchens' other occupant. The noble man takes the bowl, seating himself at the bench opposite his friend. However though thick lashed eyes he glances at Mai, taking in her form - though his gaze is not obvious or lacivious, just that of regret. The tension in the room slowly rises as the Cleric consumes his food. With a soft snort and smile, he simply says "Thank you."
Leaning heavilly upon the door frame, Jace looks into the kitchen. Unobserved a smile tinged with melancholy slides across his face; as someone notices him it turns into a jovial mask. "Hey, I was thinking..." he jokes "I know a shock for sure!" "But the orphans need some help, as a Pathfinder it's my duty." he puts the emphasis upon the last word, looking at Mai enigmatically. "You have to do the other missions. Complete the rest of our tasks." he ruefully rubs his neck.
Jace laughed despite the shocking behaviour of the children; at least they were happier now. Even if the kitties weren't around at the moments the laughter of children made him forget the earlier conversations. The soup was seasoned to perfection, and the loaf of bread enjoyed by all. Jace tried to work out where they would travel to next; "So to Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise Quarter? Get a look in his vault of treasures?"
Jace walks back up the stairs to the ward with the children and Passio. His face looking drained of emotion, he moves to the little girls bed, sits down and checks of her. Seemingly he needs to lose his thoughts, the young girl shivers and looks at him with big eyes. "Shall I tell you a story?" Jace is a soft voice, tells the girl of a story about 'a young princess walking through a bandit filled forest and tricking them out of all their treasures. And when she left she used them to help the poor.' Jace drinks from the glass of water he had brought up the stairs. He looks to Passio with a nod of his head.
He follows Mai out of the room barely noting the sway of her hips as she walks 'This could either be good or very bad.....and 'please' means this is very bad. She is a private person and I...' He tries to keep his optimism, but his walk shows hints of the condemned man making the way to the gallows.
Jace winces internally; 'Am I insulting her, I just want to know her better.' "I thought they were suitable." he blushes slightly himself. Working at his hands with an unused bar of soap; "So, your home-land it must be beautiful. To produce such a beautiful blossom. Where upon the Tian lands do you come from?" he asks boldly.
"I...I...I never meant to imply that!" he says flustered, hand upon the back of his neck and looking down. "Yes, exactly. Confidence should come from your own abilities, but there are certain times when clothing or how people view you affects that. I remember, the confirmation ceremony when I had my robes on and my brother stood next to me. I was so happy and proud..." He drifts off into a slight revere. Shaking his head slightly, he continues upon his other tack; "Haven't you ever had a suit, dress that made you feel special? Not necessarily desirable, just proud."
'Of course, her beauty shines through though.' Jace smiles, his eyes slightly misty with a light attraction. "Practical clothes are very sensible, especially for missions. However sometimes it is nice to get dressed up, something special that makes you feel" 'even more' "desirable. Not to attract anybody, but for your own confidence." He does a small derisive snort; "Although with your abilities, I am sure you have no lack of confidence."
"Thank you both," Jace says softly; "We didn't talk to much back at the lodge. Where are you from Passio? You seem very much the performer, is that what you used to do? A noble profession travelling magical performer." He removes his jacket, revealing a cream shirt; doing this reminds him that Mai seems to be wearing new attire and it's all he can do to concentrate on the sorcerers answer rather than look at the Tian lady.
"Not in here she hasn't." Jace says quietly with a slight cynical tone. From his words and body language it is apparent that he has seen this before, neglect of care and the slow destruction of youthful hope. "I am glad you are here." He adds honestly, whilst moving between the beds. Moving to the filthy beds he has stripped the sheets, piling the fetid linen in a corner. "I have given them some medicine, but their injuries are not life-threatening. Not in my examination; if you could give your opinion?"
As the others start to leave, Jace nips quietly down the stairs. "You'll come back?" he asks hopefully that they haven't got sick of his company. "Passio and I are looking after the children, there's nothing life-threatening but some should stay. So if you can bring someone back to look after them. Then we can be onto the next job. The VC wasn't patient was he?" He then returns upstairs.
Jace shrugs to Passio, suddenly feeling guilty about trying to match-make. 'The best intentions pave the road to the Hells. Bah, like Aunty Baltwin; I am sure she didn't want the children to suffer so when she started the place....sometimes it amazes me how easy the gifts of Caydean are abused.' Jace walks around checking upon the children.
Jace smiles for although Passio's thoughts are not of romance at least the respect is evident; 'And maybe after all the boisterous kind-hearted optimist Passio would not be perfect for the shy elf. But maybe Faeron would be!' Jace strokes a small sick head, making sure the clean rag is still damp. "I like you, my friend. Maybe Faeron is nice to her because he likes her?" Jace says floating idea, then shaking his head realising that Passio is not half the expert Jace is when it comes to matters of the heart!
As Jace makes sure the children are comfortable, have taken their medicine and are resting in the clean linen. Jace moves over to Passio and says quietly; "So, Samara....?" he leaves the subtle question hanging, before remembering Passio isn't that subtle. "She's a nice lady, you've been hanging around her a lot....?" Jace's match-making skills are quite direct, and not very accurate.
Jace looks into the optimistic sorcerer's eyes and all fury drained away; to be contained somewhere deeper inside ready for when it's needed. For now the children's' needs come first. "Yes friend, you speak wise council." Moving over to the young girl his arms don't even strain as he picks her bodily up, frail bones stick against him and he blinks away tears. Throwing a wane smile, he carries her across the room. To a clean bed Jace places her within, softly tucking her in whilst singing a light-hearted song. Jace goes around all the dirty beds, removing the children and placing them in the clean linen. He opens the foot lockers trying to find clean, night-clothes for the children. Which he gives to them, walking between the children he makes sure they have damp clothes upon their brows that they take a spoonful of the medicine; "I know it's yucky, but it'll do you good."
Bile rises in his throat as the smell of stale sweat and disease assails his nostril. However the tears are not caused by this stink, but the nightmare vista before them. Jace crouches down next to the small girl; "Yes, we have brought you some medicine and food." his voice soft and comforting. He stops the quivering rage and sorrow in the tone, instead keeping it warm and friendly. "Say what's you're name? I'm Jace!" He listens to the little girl talk, a warm comforting smile. Jace focuses on his God and draws upon his strength, a positive burst of healing embraces the cots of the youngsters. Even if he knew it would not help them against the disease, it could mitigate their wounds, bed sores or other minor ailments.
Jace turns his head so the young girl cannot see it, his face darkening as he looks to Passio. The sorceror can see the deep rage held tightly within; "Could you increase the illumination slightly? These children must be moved from here, I wouldn't keep an animal in these conditions." Taking the pack that Mai had given him from his back and carefully placing it upon the floor, Jace rummages around and removes the medicine. He looks at it assessing the need for preparation.
Jace is shocked by the scuffle, but certainly he judges not others actions. His own methodology is slow, subtle and ineffective. Turning to the apprehensive female elf he softly adds, "We will, first we make sure that everyone is fine." speaking as one might to a flighty deer. He looks to the old lady upon the floor, sympathy mixes with a growing apprehension in his gut. 'We have been asked to find rumours about this place, and it has driven them to violence...what has she done. And look at Mai taking care or her, what a kind hearted, level-headed woman.' the ambivalent emotions run through him whilst perusing the scene. Realising the words down here could take awhile, Jace takes a step forward and taps Passio upon the shoulder followed by making the universal gesture of going upstairs.
Subtly, Jace leaves the room to head towards the stairs and ascends them hoping that the children will be above.... and most importantly in rude health.
Jace watches with a startled gasp stuck in his throat as the handsome cavalier manhandles Aunty away as she reaches out for the drink. Stumbling back away from the wailing old lady, Jaces eyes bulging, he turns to Mai. Shocked by the events he listens intently to the Tian woman's words; "Yes." In his shocked state and with the cut-crystal glass in his hand he downs the liquid in a single draught. The strong pungent alcohol burns down his gullet, forcing him to take a step back and place the empty glass upon the side-board. Blinking his eyes, he steps towards Mai "Certainly, we must help the children. Upstairs, after you." he gasps, his usual dulcet tones having a gravelly rasp. As he takes the medicine and motions for Mai to lead the way.
Jace closes his eyes and with a slight wince moves towards Aunty Baltwin; "You see I only want what is best. Here's what we are going to do." his voice is level and reasonable. "Miss Mai and I are going to make sure the children are alright and give them the medicine that they need. We will not deny those in need, speaking of that..." he pours a small glass of her drink and gives it to Aunty Baltwin. "You're need for this is too strong, my Caydean's graces I will help you reduce that need." "If you wish we can have Miltivus go for the guards and we can take a tour!" Jace shakes his head slightly at the prospect.
Jace nods; moving around the older 'Aunty' to go to Mai's side and slightly move past her. He brushes a stray lock of hair out of his face as a subtle cover to rub a tear from the corner of his eye. "Yes, we need to check." 'Upon the children and see what damage has done.' He moves his hand before him; "Would you like to lead?" his voice hold a slight catch, that he represses.
Jace is further taken aback as the elf moves past him and grabs the alcoholic crones arm. Quickly composing himself; he almost says something then thinks better of it. The elven chevalier is obviously upset and although he shouldn't do anything to impinge upon his honour or that of the pathfinders. 'What the?! Alright, I am sure everything will turn out fine....I am sure it will.'
Placing a soft hand upon the ladies shoulder comfortingly, Jace looks at the orphanage proprietress with sadness. 'If she doesn't care for the children who will...she might be...but who will take them in?' Jace vaguely remembers what happened when Hubert's work-house closed with a shudder. "It will be alright, we can get you some help." 'Someone who'll take over, eventually.' Jace shakes his head; "I'll do what I can to help the orphanage and you."
The knocking at the door brings Jace out slightly and his face darkens at the insult to his friends.
"I am a cleric of Caydean, I know you think me a meddler in your affairs. But believe me I see into your heart. You are a good woman aren't you?" Holding his eyes wide purposefully they tear up; "You wish to help these children, but it is so hard. I understand, they disrespect you. The nobles they disparage you and don't fulfill you're children's needs." He gasps from his position near the sideboard; "We...I can help you." eyes tearing up. "I can see how much you wish to help these children, despite the problems that have driven you to Caydeans bounty and I can help you." he places his hand upon the soft darkwood of the side table.
Jace looks upon Aunty Baldwin; "I am afraid you forget it is not just thy home; but also that of thee charges - the orphans that you care so much for?" Jace says with a sad shake of his head and a questioning glance. "Of course, nasty lordling - for I have been called worse. I...we have just been sent here for a simple task!" Jace says with a smile to the elderly curator. "We need to ensure that the medicines are put to good use." He watches the old ladies reaction. "I have seen too many people who use children, especially orphans, for there own gain. Selling them to the highest bidder whether for pleasure, work or something more sinister. Are you one of them?" he asks directly his piercing blue eyes try to bury into her soul.
'Oh gosh. I didn't want to do this.' Jaces eyes widen in astonishment. "My dear lady! I am the Conte of Montaire, I have been sent here as an act of charity. Something you know all about." He looks down at her dress in implication and puts on a haughty appearance, drawing together all his experience from his father and the countless pointless hunting events. A disparaging tone to his voice; "Now we are coming in." he says brooking no question and ensuring his foot is in the door. Cocking one eyebrow, he actually slightly concedes. "Of course the lady from the temple sent us Madam. You don't look well cold is not good for old bones. Let us get you indoors and on with your duties." he moves to push his way haughtily past her inside.
Jace looks crest-fallen; "Oh my dear lady, I am astounded. I thought you might have needed help....especially after the late unpleasantness. But if you do not wish help from a brother of Caydean?" He shakes his head; "I have heard how overworked a lady such as your self is, I visited many an orphanage and orphan in my Duchy.....none created by me." he adds hastily. "I would have thought you would need some help with the heavy lifting, a lady like yourself should not be used to such."
Jace almost leans in towards the old crone, trying to get nearer her eye level to be comforting. "We have been sent here about a charitable mission. I believe you have been having trouble recently." He says warmly. "You have been having trouble with your charges? I am here to help you. May I come in?" Jace says not speaking a word of lie.
Jaces' eyes had looked wide at the mention of fripperies and his mouth opens slightly. Mai's words to Passio pull breath from him, 'I never meant to get him into trouble. And I never would force or want a lady to change her style based upon my whims....not matter how good she would look.' At Mai's smile however his heart soars and he wanders into the square as if upon a cloud. Jace looks to Corbyn with the pair of beautiful, if shy women, as he (and the others) approach the orphanage, then concentrates on the task at hand. He steps from beside the tall elf with a nod of his head; "Milady, I heard you were the proprietress of this establishment? Never fear we don't wish to sell you anything!" he says with a coy smile and the sincerity of years visiting the poor, but not poor of suspicions. "I am Jace Mercier."
Jace falls back to where Mai is; "I did not set fire to the lady's shop, her livelihood. I would not do that, my words were meant to soothe and help." he explains a slightly defiant tone to his words. "I hope you will accept this truth, I try to act with honour and wish us to trust each other as team-mates." 'And perhaps something more?' his eyes nearly say. "Let us see if I can prove myself your equal, whilst we both improve our proficiencies." he looks to the lady in askance.
Before they move on Jace nips back inside leaving a half-dozen gold coins upon a nearby table as as to not scare Miss Solsdtat any further. As he returns outside burnt remnants of silk in his hands, he looks to Mai then away form her ire. Quickly striding back near to near the front humiliated by his incompetence, with a quick look to the silk if any could be salvageable as handkerchiefs or bandages. Then he stuffs the symbol of his failure into his backpack. 'Hmmm, lets see if we can do better at the orphanage! I don't know how we would do worse, without burning the city to the ground or random killings.' After a few more steps he dwells; 'So she thinks me incompetent pompajay and I then prove it.' he shakes his head at the thought.
Jaces eyes go slightly wild as he realises that he has frightened the woman half to death. Then out of the corner of his eye he sees the bolt of silk start to burn. He reaches out, jumping up abruptly before the lady and grabs the cloth throwing it to the floor. He then tries to smother it with his body.
Jace takes a knee before the proprietress. He places a hand reassuringly upon her shoulder and the other underneath her chin gently tilting her face to his. Soft blue eyes meet hers; "It is alright. Tell what did she say?" his words tender. "It is important, you words can mean the difference between life and death." He tries to invest his voice with a warm sincerity gleamed from years or tending to the dying. "Please, tell me!" But he comes off too aggressive, his squeeze too hard as he cannot keep an urgent catch from his voice.
Whilst looking around the shop, Jace seems to find nothing extraordinary. 'Could this be just a normal shop? What got Faerons' horse spooked? Could it be that short one again or a diversion.... well I am glad Corbyn is guarding the medicine. We don't have time to waste.' Jace moves over to the shopkeeper; "Did an acquaintance of mine come in here? Just before us?" he queries innocently trying to fish for information rather than affording the situation too much patience.
Jaces breath catches as Mistress Solstdat moves away from him to Mai. 'So much for taking her attention, well 'tag - she's it'' He starts after the shops 'owner' but only to find that shes confronting the other Tian lady. Their words flow melodiously, but Jace understands naught. Instead he sidles towards the counter, away from wherever any cash box is held - as that is obviously going to arouse suspiscion. Although if his gaze crosses it he will observe anything unusual about it. Then he moves about the shop slightly just to ostensibly see if there is a tape, picking one up for a measure. 'Is this a front, or an observing post for something? A fence, maybe she sells on stolen goods.'
Jace looks around to the boisterous, savvy man. "Oh no, how could I do that? I was thinking of a cut with more fitted but less grandeur. Something that draws the eye, whilst distracting the mind." He looks back to the store-holder lady, "This would be suitable for a jacket lining? With matching waistcoat? What do you think? A heavy charcoal grey outer, cinched around the waist."
With a polite bow of his head to the proprietor, he starts asking "Reds are stunning, but a trifle visceral for my taste. I am not sure, would it compliment a skin tone such as yourself?" he looks at the lady warmly. "A warm saffron or burnt umber. Whilst I am a wane olive." he shakes his head in faux-sorrow. "I would think a deep-blues or strong greens could compliment it. Although he pauses, a pale pastel shade could work with a pattern, but I may not have the purse for such a fabric." He carefully examines the silk he saw earlier with a quizzical look in his eye.
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