There is a bar in the Down called 'Vein'. I own it and I need someone to run it that isn't squeamish about guns or other items that cause people pain. Will you meet me there?
[ He wants to ask more questions, like why she thinks he's good management material, and to play dumb about why a pub would relate to weapons. But he's too interested in getting his feet wet and he knows that this is an opportunity. ]
[ vein is obscure and quiet. even during the day, there's not... well, not a lot happening. as far as locals go, they go, but they don't like it. qi'ra's bought it from someone who had it from someone, etc., and she utilizes the weapons depot more than they'd like. she's inside and dressed almost normal - jeans, flats, and a red wrap top. this shows off the fact that she's very tiny and she's behind the bar when rowan arrives.
excusing herself, it's when she steps down and has to look way up rather than just the few inches from before that it's more noticeable - and she looks exactly the twenty-four that she is. she gives him a smile. ]
Walk with me.
[ it's toward the back of the room and a door that she speaks. ] My business partner recently left and I need a manager for the bar. Nothing so serious as partner, but someone to hire and fire accordingly. Because of the weapons that we're bringing in, I expect that you'll be loyal and discreet.
[ Despite Rowan's general caution and attentiveness to his surroundings, he walks with an easy, confident gait, someone who knows his body and how it can be used, how it comes across. But at the same time, there's a part of him that looks, or is trying to look, a bit unassuming.
Rowan nods obediently to Qi'ra at the no nonsense greeting and follows along as requested. His hands stay in his pockets and his gaze idly skims the room. ]
Am I allowed to ask questions? Namely what they're used for?
[ He takes a second to consider that. In reality, he could say it doesn't matter, carry on, find out for himself. He could say he'd walk out right now. But he thinks he picks something in the middle. ]
It's kind of hard to be loyal to someone who keeps you entirely in the dark.
Eventually, the people here are going to want to go home and to take the city - even without harming the local population - there will need to be weapons to fight back. Against the guards, against the administrators, and even against the people who are native to this city if they decide to fight back, too.
[ she opens the door to the back and motions him in. ]
Right now, they're not being used at all and I don't intend for that to change. This is a bar, not a weapons depot, not a stockpile, not a storage for guns. Just a bar. Do you understand?
[ So, rebellion, is it? He can get behind that. It's not quite what he's become accustomed to in terms of bringing a reckoning, but it's more than satisfactory.
He heads in through the open door, waiting until they're both fully inside to answer. ]
Sure looks like a bar to me. I gotta admit my taste in alcohol is kind of limited though. I'm guessing I'm more supervisor than hands on?
If you want to broaden your horizons, this would be the place. Here or, when you're not working, you're welcome at Crimson. It's on the house. If you prefer a supervisory position, you can do that and hire under you. Otherwise, it's as hands on as you'd like.
[ she pays well and she doesn't expect staff to pay for their drinks. he seems to understand that this goes no further than the room they're standing in and she likes that; someone quick on the uptake in a place where everyone seems out for themselves is something she can appreciate. ]
When you find a Dominant, the secret remains with you.
[ Rowan flashes a thin grin at the offer, but he does not intend to take her up on it, no more than an average drinker would, and probably far less than that hypothetical person as well. He doesn't have anything against alcohol, the consumption or sale of it. But he doesn't like the feeling of not being in control. There's no reason for him to chase it here, even if it's ostensibly to know the tastes for his job. ]
When I find a Dominant, they'll need to sign off on me working at a bar. [ It's a confirmation of what she's saying. ]
But in the meanwhile, I just need your authority? They won't come after you for this?
[ there's a reason the liquid in her glass is always clear; she only drinks water in her clubs. ]
When you find a Dominant, they'll need to approve you working, but any Dominant will do. In that vein, no pun intended, I'll do. [ perhaps a bit of pun intended and she may even be smiling about it. ] All I ask is that the secret that this bar keeps stays with you, no matter who you take as a Dominant.
[ her smile fades slightly as she becomes serious again. ]
For now, my businesses have the Creator's blessing. My previous... [ a sigh, she can't help it. ] ...business partner ensured that they'd be protected that way.
[ Rowan nods his understanding, relieved that this is on the level according to Duplicity rules. He does not mind breaking rules that he thinks are unfair, of course, but he's being a little less reckless during his initial time in the city. He needs to gather information, see just how bad the punishments are, and he's not going to risk his neck for any old job. (Not that this is any old job, but it's one he could do without for right now if he needed to.)
His brows draw together slightly as she sobers some. ]
I'm not entirely certain and I never asked. [ a faint smile plays about her lips as if she's remembering something. ] Wesley was... special.
[ she pauses a moment, then takes a breath to clear that particular memory from her expression, her face becoming impassive again. ] As long as you abide by the rules, I don't see why you can't have the job. Break them, and there are consequences.
[ it's said as easily as she's said everything else, even as she motions for him to exit. ]
[ the expression that appears on her face is both knowing and gentle, even if her words are not. ]
I assure you, no matter what paces the city puts you through, I can and will most certainly make you pay far more dearly if you betray my trust. [ she waits for him to stand. ] I am a loyal person, Mr Damisch, and I expect that loyalty in return. There is nothing I wouldn't do for those under my care. Nothing. [ is she being clear enough? ] But our secrets are our own and that cannot be risked in a city like this.
[ He had meant any rules that weren't attached to the secret of the place, but she's obviously focused on those (understandably) and Rowan knows when not to poke a bear. Well, when he's not feeling like getting bit. ]
I understand. [ He says it confidently and with no playing around in his tone. Something about Qi'ra, or maybe the lure of a job, makes him want to be more respectful. ]
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[ He's sitting up in bed now. ]
I haven't. What can I do for you?
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There is a bar in the Down called 'Vein'. I own it and I need someone to run it that isn't squeamish about guns or other items that cause people pain. Will you meet me there?
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[ He wants to ask more questions, like why she thinks he's good management material, and to play dumb about why a pub would relate to weapons. But he's too interested in getting his feet wet and he knows that this is an opportunity. ]
I'm on my way.
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excusing herself, it's when she steps down and has to look way up rather than just the few inches from before that it's more noticeable - and she looks exactly the twenty-four that she is. she gives him a smile. ]
Walk with me.
[ it's toward the back of the room and a door that she speaks. ] My business partner recently left and I need a manager for the bar. Nothing so serious as partner, but someone to hire and fire accordingly. Because of the weapons that we're bringing in, I expect that you'll be loyal and discreet.
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Rowan nods obediently to Qi'ra at the no nonsense greeting and follows along as requested. His hands stay in his pockets and his gaze idly skims the room. ]
Am I allowed to ask questions? Namely what they're used for?
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curiosity rests on her face. ]
If I said no?
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It's kind of hard to be loyal to someone who keeps you entirely in the dark.
But not impossible.
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Eventually, the people here are going to want to go home and to take the city - even without harming the local population - there will need to be weapons to fight back. Against the guards, against the administrators, and even against the people who are native to this city if they decide to fight back, too.
[ she opens the door to the back and motions him in. ]
Right now, they're not being used at all and I don't intend for that to change. This is a bar, not a weapons depot, not a stockpile, not a storage for guns. Just a bar. Do you understand?
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He heads in through the open door, waiting until they're both fully inside to answer. ]
Sure looks like a bar to me. I gotta admit my taste in alcohol is kind of limited though. I'm guessing I'm more supervisor than hands on?
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[ she pays well and she doesn't expect staff to pay for their drinks. he seems to understand that this goes no further than the room they're standing in and she likes that; someone quick on the uptake in a place where everyone seems out for themselves is something she can appreciate. ]
When you find a Dominant, the secret remains with you.
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When I find a Dominant, they'll need to sign off on me working at a bar. [ It's a confirmation of what she's saying. ]
But in the meanwhile, I just need your authority? They won't come after you for this?
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When you find a Dominant, they'll need to approve you working, but any Dominant will do. In that vein, no pun intended, I'll do. [ perhaps a bit of pun intended and she may even be smiling about it. ] All I ask is that the secret that this bar keeps stays with you, no matter who you take as a Dominant.
[ her smile fades slightly as she becomes serious again. ]
For now, my businesses have the Creator's blessing. My previous... [ a sigh, she can't help it. ] ...business partner ensured that they'd be protected that way.
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His brows draw together slightly as she sobers some. ]
Your partner managed that? How?
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[ she pauses a moment, then takes a breath to clear that particular memory from her expression, her face becoming impassive again. ] As long as you abide by the rules, I don't see why you can't have the job. Break them, and there are consequences.
[ it's said as easily as she's said everything else, even as she motions for him to exit. ]
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Well, he has to ask.
He pauses while leaning forward, about to rise to his feet but really just looking a bit eager, with his hands on his knees. ]
Consequences such as? You mean the city's or yours?
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I assure you, no matter what paces the city puts you through, I can and will most certainly make you pay far more dearly if you betray my trust. [ she waits for him to stand. ] I am a loyal person, Mr Damisch, and I expect that loyalty in return. There is nothing I wouldn't do for those under my care. Nothing. [ is she being clear enough? ] But our secrets are our own and that cannot be risked in a city like this.
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I understand. [ He says it confidently and with no playing around in his tone. Something about Qi'ra, or maybe the lure of a job, makes him want to be more respectful. ]
I will be in tomorrow, then.
Thank you.