From being an Abandoned who had rarely left the Hollowed Grounds, to embracing the call of adventure, to dying and being reborn first as an Ascended and then as an Ancient, Maea has gone through quite the amount of changes in her life. One thing remains common, though, in her attempts to find out just where she belongs; she’s always had a craving for knowledge which has brought her to so many places and to meet so many people here in Caido. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!
Congratulations, Maea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
07-05-2021, 09:53 PM (This post was last modified: 07-05-2021, 09:59 PM by Maeve.)
Maeve
Letters were sent and received. Plans were made. This was going to be the second time she's seen him since the fight and the first time seeing him alone. She's nervous, but there is business to take care of and whatever issues they have are to be set aside for this because the well being of her people is far more important than any discomfort she might feel over this meeting. She's waiting for him at the front of, standing behind the receptionist desk, chin lifted and shoulders squared.
Idly her fingers trace over her belly, moving over the growing bump that's just starting to show, a faint smile tugging on her lips as she waits. She has a list in front of her of the different rooms, those interested in attending a class, and a few questions of her own for the "doctor".
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
Nate had never stepped foot in the old Halenani, had assumed both old and new mistress would rather he stayed out of their way for reasons that are too similar to mention, and honestly, he’d been happy to avoid it as well.
Now though, that he’s here on business, that he’s been invited? His steps drag just a little bit as he enters the building, a bright blue gaze looking around and taking in the decor, something impossible to read tucking itself away when he finally lets his eyes find the Maeve. Nate pushes the sunglasses on his face up into his hair and steps up to the desk, keeping a professional distance between them.
“Madame.” Nate greets, looking the woman up and down before leaning back on his heels, a sharp grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He pulls a notepad and a pencil from his back pocket, evidently prepared for the task at hand, and cocks a hip in Maeve’s direction. “Are we starting with the first aid kits, or the lesson planning?”
It's hard to miss him when he steps through the doors of her establishment, seaglass gaze sharp as she watches him take in the newly rebuilt space, not missing the flicker that passes over his features. Her eyes narrow for just a moment, hand falling away from her stomach before she's straightening, lifting her chin as he finally approaches the reception area. His eyes run over her from head to toe, not seeming to linger anywhere in particular and Maeve draws in a breath. "Doctor." She replies smoothly, tone even and smile professional. It's nowhere near as bright and carefree as it is with others, but that's fine by her. He's here for business, not pleasure.
Maeve collects the notes she wrote up for him the other day, script neat across the velum pages, "I have a list of those interested in lessons. We can take a look at each floor, decide what would be best suited for where, and decide the most appropriate content for the kits." The Madame begins, passing him the list of names as well as written list of rooms. "Once that is squared away we can review the lesson plan. If that's alright with you?" A dark brow arches, waiting for his confirmation as she moves from around the desk easily, heels clicking across the wooden floor.
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
“Look at you.” Nate turns the full force of his grin on Maeve as he accepts the paper, his tongue dipping out to wet his bottom lip before he finally looks down at the list. The pencil twirls in his fingers, Nate sucking his teeth and making a few marks on the list of rooms. “How many floors are there?” The question comes out almost absently, Nate still pouring over the paper when she continues.
Confusion pinches his brows when he looks up, his eyes sparkling under his dark curls. “That sounds fine. Why wouldn’t it be alright with me?” Nate asks, stepping to follow her as they begin the tour. He was behaving himself, a reminder he had to repeat over and over, just to keep from rising to the hooks she so delicately waved above his head.
07-06-2021, 11:20 AM (This post was last modified: 07-06-2021, 11:38 AM by Maeve.)
Maeve
The comment has her head cocking to the side, confusion flitting across her features at his choice of words, the way he stresses them. "You say that like you weren't expecting me to be prepared." There isn't any accusation in her tone, eyeing him curiously as her lips twitch into a slight smile. If anything it's almost teasing. Practically a playful gab in comparison to their previous interactions. "We have two buildings and they're three floors each. This is the business side of things." Maeve begins, moving easily past reception as she starts to guide him through the building.
Her steps only slow at his aired question, jade gaze catching his, "I didn't know if you had a preference is all." Despite what Nate might think, she's truly not attempting to rile him up. Nor is she interested in getting into a fight with him when they're trying to outfit her business and home so it's safe for all of those inhabiting the space. Barring that, she knows stress this early on in pregnancy can have detrimental effects and that's not something she's willing to risk.
"This is the main lounge and bar area. We have a few sitting rooms off to the side that are more private." The Madame shifts the conversation back to the task at hand, allowing him a moment to take it all in before moving towards the stairs. "The second floor holds all of the primary rooms for conducting business. We have twenty five in total on this level." She approaches on of the closed doors, knocking lightly to ensure its empty before opening it for them both, stepping inside so he might look around too. "They all have this basic set up." A sitting area, a bed, and small dining area for two nestled in the corner.
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
The only response Maeve gets is a sudden tightness in Nate’s smile, a slight roll of his shoulders. It doesn’t matter what he’d expected, because this was where they were now, with lists and preparation and a forced joviality. Easy. “Are the buildings arranged the same?” That interest that had brightened Nate’s face when he first walked in is back, the doctor impressed despite himself at the sheer scale of the whorehouse they move through.
Nate cocks his head, meeting the Madames gaze with his own electric blues. He doesn’t bother with blinking, with breathing as he looks at her, a brow rising slowly. “Nope. No preference. This is,” he huffs out a laugh despite himself, “your baby, after all.”
Conversation returns to something strictly professional, Nate shuffling the papers around so he can take a few notes, lingering on the first floor before rushing to take the stairs two at a time just to catch up and not miss anything Maeve says. “Is the third floor more of the same?” He questions as a room is opened up, Nate following her into one of the bedrooms and leaning against the wall. His brows pinch as he looks around, tongue dipping out of his mouth again as he thinks, then adds another note to his pad.
She tries her best to keep from letting her frustration spark in her chest and flashing across her features. Every little thing she says or does seems to spurn him in one way or another, making her own ire for the mane flare, but for the sake of her business the Madame keeps herself in check. It helps when he seems to actually be interested in the place she has built from scratch. ”The primary difference is the third floor. It’s much smaller in this building as it used to serve as the living quarters for the Madame. In the other building it does the same, but there are more private rooms for the workers as well.” It’s something she’s incredibly proud of. It was no small feat to create this and her hard work has paid off.
The choice of words strike her as odd and her guard is instantly up, hand subconsciously slipping down to her belly for only a moment before dropping away as she remembers herself, offering him a small smile. ”That it is.”
Soon they’re upstairs, inside one of the rooms so that he might get an understanding of what they’re working with here, offering a nod at his question. ”It is larger than these, but yes, it is much the same. Another small living space. Would you like to see the other building or do you have enough?” She asks easily, head cocking to the side as she regards him, eyes tracking the scrawl across the pad in his hand.
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
Maeve’s gesture towards her stomach does not go unnoticed, Nate’s brows lifting in her direction while a mordant smirk plays on his lips. The expression lingers until well after they’re upstairs, Nate growing distracted by actual work again. “No, I think this should be plenty, as long as they’re as similar as you’re saying.” He hums, tapping at his page.
“So... there are a few options, depending on how much you want to owe me.” Nate laughs, like maybe the words are a joke. Maybe. “First option, a fully customized kit for kitchens and the big rooms on the first floor, at least one for each living area, and one per every...” He makes a face, his nose wrinkling while his hand comes up in a loose, meaningless gesture. “I’d say five? Every five rooms?”” Looking down at his pad again, Nate nods, before electric blue eyes flick up to find the Madame’s face.
“Option two,” Nate holds up his fingers, “is the same for the first and third floor, but each gir- uh, worker carries uh... carries their own little first aid kit.” Nate’s gaze is intense, unblinking as he firmly hands to ball to Maeve, waiting for her to voice anything, thoughts, opinions, questions.
07-11-2021, 02:32 PM (This post was last modified: 07-11-2021, 03:25 PM by Maeve.)
Maeve
A sudden unease washes over her that's so cloying that she fears she might be sick from it at the sight of the caustically critical smirk that curls on his lips. It sharpens his features into something predatory and every single instinct in her screams 'run'. The urge so strong that she has to firmly plant her feet as they enter the room, uncaring if he notices her sudden change in demeanor, uncaring if he attacks that too because to ignore the instinct to protect herself is to not protect her baby. If she was capable of such a thing there would likely be claws at her fingertips, ready to tear at anything that came too close, including him. Definitely him.
Her eyes narrow minutely at his choice of words, at the laugh that drips with insincerity, only adding to her need to be on guard. 'Depending on how much you want to owe me.' The words ring through her head, hanging between them and it's not a joke. She knows deep in her bones it isn't one and the last thing she will ever do is owe this man.
Maeve takes a breath, humming in consideration as a polite smile slips into place, "Both of those sound like good options. I will check with my workers-" she stresses the word, correcting his faux pas even if he already corrected himself, driving the point home. "- And see which they would find the most useful." She answers him firmly, not leaving much room for argument there, clearly having made her decision. "As far as the the class... You have a list of those that would like to participate. We are flexible as far as dates go. Simply let us know when you would like to arrange it." Maeve lifts her chin, moving to head towards the door, clearly signalling that they are done with the tour.
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
If Nate notices the newly born hostility radiating in waves off Maeve, he doesn’t let it affect him, the smirk tapering away naturally to mirror the smile while he lays out the options. “Of course. Best kinds of decisions are made when everyone is in the loop.” He leans back on a heel, the picture of careless nonchalance. “Just keep in mind, if you want each worker to have a kit, everyone would need to be trained.” Any less would be irresponsible, and Nate didn’t want to be accused of withholding information later on.
“Oh, that’s it?” Surprise bleeds through the doctors tone, even if his face is left untouched by anything other than resigned disappointment. “Thought you had questions about the lesson plan? I made sure to carve out extra time for this, just for you.” Nate’s hand flies to the side in a questioning gesture, a smile spreading over his face while he looks over Maeve.
A nod is given in response to his statement. She planned to ensure that all of those on her staff would have the proper training. Did they all need to be trained by him? No, she didn't think so. Not when she's received the same training from Isla and is plenty capable of teaching others.
"Oh, I do. I merely thought it would be best to move to oke or the drawing rooms. This is a working room, after all." Maeve replies easily, nothing in her tone or expression giving away her annoyance, but she turns back to the door to head downstairs once more. Clearly she expects him to follow. Only once they are settled, tea brought for Maeve, does she turn her attention to him once more. "I would like to cover basic wound dressing, tending to burns, signs of infection, and potentially sutures. Isla taught me a lot, but there were some things we didn't get to cover. Thoughts?"
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
“Ah, I apologize.” A pink tongue slips out between his teeth when Nate smiles. “I suppose I’m a little too eager for my next plans.” He twirls the ring on his finger while he speaks, before gesturing for Maeve to lead the way to whichever boudoir they’ll be settling in for the nitty gritty.
A single unimpressed brow lifts as a tea is brought before the madame, Nate catching the server who brings it before they scurry off and letting his most charming smile slip onto his face like a comfortable sweater, his voice warm and dripping with honey and charm when he asks for “A rum darling, whatever’s cheapest please.” He waits for his drink with the same smile on his face, a sincere thanks on his lips as he immediately takes a sip.
Again a brow lifts, this time in bemusement, Nate pausing to choose his words carefully before he speaks. “Now... forgive me if I sound like an asshole, maybe I’m just not,” he gestures vaguely in the air while he searches for a word, snapping when he finds it, “acquainted with the industry, so to speak, but,” another pause, this time to huff out a breath, “are you expecting a lot of burns and lacerations to happen in the day to day?”
Amelia's eyes snap to Maeve as Nate catches her, making his request and the Madame waves her hand, giving her the go ahead to retrieve him a drink, preparing herself a cup as they wait for his drink. Maeve has to bite her tongue to keep from commenting in a way that would only start a fight. She takes a sip of her tea, straightening up slightly as she prepared to speak, a hint of something edging into her voice that isn't exact annoyance. Her lips twitch, a faint smile forming there, "I thought Sunjata told you that the Halenani would be acting as a safehouse should the need arise?"
Her brow arches, head tilting to the side curiously as she regards him, "Otherwise, no, that's not a common occurrence day to day, but we aren't exactly preparing for the day to day now are we?" Bringing her cup back up to her lips she takes another sip, watching him curiously as her words are aired, making her intentions here clear. "If that's an issue... Well, I'm sure I could find someone else." Someone who she didn't have to tip toe around and wasn't going to question her motives behind this particular plan.
If you're a lover, you should know The lonely moments just get lonelier
So you drink your day away till the liquor in your mouth laughs
“Ah, I see.” That did make sense, didn’t it? And here he’d been without a whole part of the puzzle. He takes a sip of his rum, waiting until he can just taste the burn of it to swallow. “He didn’t say anything about it actually. Just mentioned you’d be sending a letter, which, obviously I received.” An unconcerned shrug rolls over his shoulders, Nate savouring another mouthful of the rum. “You know, now that it’s all in one piece again, I actually can’t think of any place better suited in Haulani.”
But, it is one that that changes things. The doctor leans forward to replace the glass on the table, pulling his pad out again and flipping to a new page. “You’d need an emergency response plan in place, obviously, and I’d recommend no fewer than one in every ten person trained in incident management as well as a full first aid course.” His pencil scratches into the pad while he talks, notes so he doesn’t forget what he’s suggested later.
Nate meets the curious gaze head on, his writing pausing so he can offer the Madame a genuine smile, his head tilting pretty as picture when he speaks, achingly sincere. “Maeve, there are few things closer to my heart than emergency preparedness.” A hand lifts onto his chest, the golden ring on his finger catching the light with the motion.
