Now, now. I appreciate the value of good work, and besides, I can't have Darkstar walking around in accessories worth no more than a mere cup of coffee.
Let's meet for tea and work out an arrangement. I'm aware these types of crafts often call for specific materials; perhaps I can help facilitate a steady stream of them for you, to aid in your future endeavors.
I'm still familiarizing myself with all the facilities, but I heard that Birdbucks is quite good, if that's all right with you? But if you have other recommendations, I'd be more than happy to try!
[And indeed, in short order he makes his way down to Birdbucks, walking with an ease and a pleasure he hasn't been treated to in a very long time — because at last, the familiar velvety padding of Darkstar's footsteps is back at his side, the soft jingle of her collar a reassurance as they make their way through the corridors of the resort. It aches a little, to think of how long it's been since he had this, how he'd undoubtedly suppressed the loneliness of not having his most faithful companion at his side all that time, and now is only just starting to realize in retrospect how much he'd missed it now that he has her back again.
It draws looks, of course, that he's bringing a live animal into the food concourse, but that's just one of the benefits of a Jack rank — a stern glare and a wordless dismissal does wonders for brushing off anyone who might dare to comment. And so he secures a table to await his guest, trusting the presence of Darkstar to be more than enough of a signal of who his associate will be looking for when she arrives.
In fact, to make things easy, he waves over an attendant and has them waiting on standby, at the ready to take down orders as soon as they're both present. It's clearly not something that's typically done, but again — what's the point of a Jack rank if you're not going to use it?]
[ darkstar is indeed more than enough of a signal once mercedes arrives. the picture she remembers from rufus' network post also included a bit of himself, so she spends a few moments looking around before spotting his companion, her expression lighting up with recognition. the other guests seem to give them a wide berth, still making the occasional curious glance, but mercedes pays them no mind as she makes her way over. ]
I'm sorry to keep you waiting! It's wonderful to meet you in person, and Darkstar as well.
[ she may have had to ask one of the staff for directions, but she's getting better about remembering where things are. ]
Oh, and before I forget! Here you are. [ she passes over a gift bag to rufus, inside is the neckerchief as promised. ] I thought you'd like to put it on her yourself to see if she likes it. Of course, I'm happy to make any further adjustments as well if needed.
[It's telling, perhaps, that when Mercedes first starts to make her approach toward the table, Darkstar's attention snaps directly to her — ears pricked, red eyes vigilant and piercing. A normal dog would not have a prehensile tentacle extending off her spine; the tip of hers pricks up a little as if poising in readiness to counterbalance against a lunge.
And yet Rufus doesn't even need to touch her to keep her in place, or does he need to offer a single pacifying word; she's evidently capable of drawing her cues entirely from his affect and demeanor, and since he seems inclined to let the stranger approach, she does as well.]
Of course, have a seat. [He flicks a glance to the attendant.] One tab, on me.
[And he motions for Mercedes to place her order as he takes the gift back, digging in after his prize.]
As I thought, the craftsmanship is impressive. I'm sure she'll enjoy this.
[ a normal dog wouldn't have a prehensile tentacle extending off her spine, and a normal (?) person would likely be more hesitant about taking a seat next to her. but there's no sense of nervousness as mercedes gets settled, careful not to touch darkstar or get too close. she's clearly working to protect her master, after all, it'd be rude to disturb her.
even with her rank ten status, she's never gone out of her way to have the staff cater to her more than what was really necessary, and so she's a little surprised at their readiness to take her order. they recommend a drink from one of the food stalls, a strawberry flavored smoothie that is as sweet as it sounds; she remembered enjoying something similar during the sporting events, and decides to take their recommendation. ]
I'm glad to hear it. [ from their previous conversation, rufus seems to have a discerning eye. she gets the impression that he doesn't hand out compliments easily. ] If there's anything else you'd like to have made, I'd be more than happy to give it a try! I've a lot of time on my hands... well, aside from the games this place likes to throw at us.
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Let's meet for tea and work out an arrangement. I'm aware these types of crafts often call for specific materials; perhaps I can help facilitate a steady stream of them for you, to aid in your future endeavors.
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Is now a good time for us to meet?
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[OOC: Sorry about the long delay, I was on vacation for most of it!]
no worries and welcome back!!
But if you have other recommendations, I'd be more than happy to try!
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[And indeed, in short order he makes his way down to Birdbucks, walking with an ease and a pleasure he hasn't been treated to in a very long time — because at last, the familiar velvety padding of Darkstar's footsteps is back at his side, the soft jingle of her collar a reassurance as they make their way through the corridors of the resort. It aches a little, to think of how long it's been since he had this, how he'd undoubtedly suppressed the loneliness of not having his most faithful companion at his side all that time, and now is only just starting to realize in retrospect how much he'd missed it now that he has her back again.
It draws looks, of course, that he's bringing a live animal into the food concourse, but that's just one of the benefits of a Jack rank — a stern glare and a wordless dismissal does wonders for brushing off anyone who might dare to comment. And so he secures a table to await his guest, trusting the presence of Darkstar to be more than enough of a signal of who his associate will be looking for when she arrives.
In fact, to make things easy, he waves over an attendant and has them waiting on standby, at the ready to take down orders as soon as they're both present. It's clearly not something that's typically done, but again — what's the point of a Jack rank if you're not going to use it?]
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I'm sorry to keep you waiting! It's wonderful to meet you in person, and Darkstar as well.
[ she may have had to ask one of the staff for directions, but she's getting better about remembering where things are. ]
Oh, and before I forget! Here you are. [ she passes over a gift bag to rufus, inside is the neckerchief as promised. ] I thought you'd like to put it on her yourself to see if she likes it. Of course, I'm happy to make any further adjustments as well if needed.
no subject
And yet Rufus doesn't even need to touch her to keep her in place, or does he need to offer a single pacifying word; she's evidently capable of drawing her cues entirely from his affect and demeanor, and since he seems inclined to let the stranger approach, she does as well.]
Of course, have a seat. [He flicks a glance to the attendant.] One tab, on me.
[And he motions for Mercedes to place her order as he takes the gift back, digging in after his prize.]
As I thought, the craftsmanship is impressive. I'm sure she'll enjoy this.
no subject
even with her rank ten status, she's never gone out of her way to have the staff cater to her more than what was really necessary, and so she's a little surprised at their readiness to take her order. they recommend a drink from one of the food stalls, a strawberry flavored smoothie that is as sweet as it sounds; she remembered enjoying something similar during the sporting events, and decides to take their recommendation. ]
I'm glad to hear it. [ from their previous conversation, rufus seems to have a discerning eye. she gets the impression that he doesn't hand out compliments easily. ] If there's anything else you'd like to have made, I'd be more than happy to give it a try! I've a lot of time on my hands... well, aside from the games this place likes to throw at us.