II
It was in the late afternoon when Coatleque had emerged from the Quicksand with Jameson Taeros. The weather had been rather mild the past week, tonight being no exception as the sun began to touch the skyline in the west. The fresh air was rather welcome after the few heated words that were spoken a few moments ago inside. They paused at the stairs to the plaza.
"Your friend does not like me one bit", Jameson said amusedly.
"She has her own opinions based on the feelings of others."
"Mm. I suspected as much. Where shall we dine? Lady's choice.", he replied with a smile.
"Is it then? Hmm." She looked out over the plaza in thought. "This early in the evening, the airship lounge may be quiet, and close enough to avoid unnecessary travel."
"Ah, we have dined there often. A bit of familiarity."
"For a small table, yes. Unless you are expecting others that I do not know about."
She spoke with a hint of restrained disappointment. For all the times they had met together to discuss business, the two had not once yet had an outing go uninterrupted. The man's hazel eyes twinkled with amusement.
"I expect no one else. It should just be the two of us. A rare thing. I say, let us take advantage."
"Indeed, that will be a first.", she noted with her own amused smile.
"Who knows what may go on?" Jameson smirked. His sly, confident smile returning.
"Mmm, I would rather not think of such things until we are there."
"Shall we?"
Coatleque nodded to him once and paused as if waiting for him to offer his arm. He did not, but still took the lead and she followed just to his side. He continued to speak as they walked towards the lift.
"So, what did Miss Callae say about that.. opera."
"She merely asked if I had attended."
"Ah."
They paused just beyond the Ruby Exchange. His voice took on an inquisitive tone.
"Is that something that you fancy? I thought that the busy life of a Sworn... one would not have time for such leisurely distractions."
Her hands went to her hips as she tsked him openly.
"You never know unless you ask. I am typically in the Palace during the daytime. Even I am not considered active the whole of the day, lest I should drop dead of exhaustion."
His roguish smirk returned as he regarded her posture.
"So had I asked, you would have accepted?"
"Perhaps I would have.", she replied coyly. "Are such things not always a gamble though?" She turned away then as if to feign interest. His reply was only a hum and a nod, though is amused expression lingered upon her.
"I gamble when I know the chance of winning is high. You are still a bit of a gambit, Lady Crofte."
"I could say the same of you."
"Well then. That makes the game all that much more interesting, does it not?"
He continued on past her, not looking back. She took up her place once more and followed to the lift.
"What is it they say in such a situation? No risk, no reward?"
"Indeed."
He held the door as she stepped onto the lift. It carried them to the top of the tower in silence.
