As I arrived in Ul'dah, abruptly I was greeted by General Raubahn at the aetheryte. With him was his second in command Eline Roaille. A beautiful elezen women with skill as fierce as her reputation would allow. She smiled upon me opening her arms in welcome. Raubahn composed a smile as I approached.
"Eidolon, normally I would not ask much from you. However of late their have been whispers of shadows."
Without much thought to the situation I could not help but roll my eyes at his words.
"Those with most coin often portray such shadows upon the walls and constantly look over their shoulder in dismay without trust General."
"Normally I would happily agree with such an outlook. Unfortunately, this is different from the common paranoia. Five murders have been committed within the city. All of which are wealthy individuals. Normally I would think less upon it.
However these shadows seem to be very familiar with the Flames and the Brass Blades inner workings. Even the Sultansworn have had little luck in apprehension."
"Interesting, so the rich are looking to the Flames now where they use to spit in disgust. How much coin has been promised for the efforts?"
"We can not take coin from unreliable sources."
"Yet you and I both know the coin has surely traveled already."
"Thus why you see may reasoning for outside assistance. I can not have men choosing who to help according to coin when many remain in danger. These shadows need be apprehended."
Eline handed me a file detailing each murder. The three of us made our way to the Generals office. As I studied each closely I noticed the patterns within each killing.
"Everyone of these people are related to members of the syndicate."
Both Raubahn and Eline looked upon me with surprise.
"So that is why this is top priority is it not?"
With hesitation Raubahn spoke upon it.
"Unfortunately yes you are correct. The Flames are a none profit organization. Much of the money to Fund such an effort came from the syndicate. Times of desperation forced this. Thus far it is an uneasy situation. With us doing naught to stop murder however, they are demanding more of us."
"Then what do you require me for? I am in no rush to help them."
"Whomever they are, they know enough to stay out of the Flames eyes. One suggests they may know all within our trusted ranks. This limits our movements, thus far which is why we can not seem to find them."
Eline interrupted attempting to get to the point.
"Which is where You come in. We have been informed one of the syndicate members relatives are in fact having a gathering tomorrow evening. It is the perfect place for an attack of any sort. Despite our attempts to stop the soiree, Lord Lolorito Nanarito has denied our requests and is far more inclined to argue our duty rather then consider a family members safety."
She stopped for a moment recomposing herself. As she adjusted her glasses she continued on.
"We need someone on the inside of that party incase something goes wrong. Unfortunately as this is a... Ummm... well not particularly formal gathering-"
Raubahn interrupted as she seemed to be falling upon her words.
"It's a Gentlemen's Gathering by invitation only. All Flames and guards are forbade and restricted to guarding the outside."
"So far as we have been able to see these shadows do not harm nor kill others within employ of said persons. With exception to the common thug and money sharks."
"This is the part I come in is it not? One thing, I am no male."
Raubahn reached behind his head scratching at his dread tails nervously.
"You would be going as an employed female hostess. Dressed up in disguise-"
"Disguise? What disguise? The women their are often next to naked or wearing some unorthodox...."
Eline placed down the hair piece for the costume upon the desk trying to keep a straight face.
"You jest of course?"
Raubahn shook his head in denial.
"As hostess you will be allowed to at least keep your clothing on. The attackers will not likely think twice about you."
"What of the other Gentlemen!?"
"If I thought you incapable of putting down men, trust me, I would not be here asking. Let alone the fact I am already uneasy about this to begin with. Their is little choice however. If we sit back and do nothing another of the syndicates family dies and the Flames take the blunt of the blame yet again."
"Blame and Frame the Flame, one of the syndicates favored sayings of late. Aside from the normality of greed is good."
Eline jested shrugging as she shook her head in distaste.
"Can we not have Desdemona do this? She is far more suited for infiltration..."
"She Is also a Scion and is far more renown around Ul'dah then you as of yet."
Sighing as I looked upon desk again a bit unnerved.
"Rabbit ears?"
********************
Following closely to the man in front of him while roaming the market place, the Miqo'te quickly bumped into the man hard causing them both to fall to the ground.
"Oh oh! my apologies sir I hope you are okay! Here lot me help you up!"
As the miqo'te pounced to his feet he held out a hand for the man whom quickly wanted it away.
"Filthy little stray! How fare you run into I! Why I would take you for all you had, tossing you into the arena to pay off your debts should I not Know you were nothing but street filth loitering within the city of currencies beauty! Now get away from me!"
The man picked himself up using his cane slapping the miqote upon his shin making him fall to his knee in pain.
"Their now, you know your place filth."
The man composed himself, fixing his coats collar and bow tie he walked off furious.
The miqote kept to his knee snickering as he looked down upon an invitation.
Speaking under his breath he happily claimed.
"To bad I cant kill you just yet... oh well.. payback comes to all in some way."
Gaining his footing again he swiftly brushed his hand through his bright red hair covering his scar over his eye.
"Looks like I have a party to attend."
Chapter 28 End
TOC
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