A little bit of both. It's not I have too much else to do today. But, I did have one place in mind. It just takes a bit of wandering around and a little luck.
[ and he might as well get to know the new "refugees". ]
Call it a lucky guess. [ or at least, it seemed moderately obvious with her descriptions so far. ] Things aren't so bad once you get the basics of things. The most important thing you probably need to know is that we're currently in the middle of a "Cold War", so to speak.
Ahh, so its the kind of place that'll have you running around in circles if you don't know what to look out for? Sounds up my alley.
[After all, those almost always were places up to no good or at least extremely shady...naturally they were perfect for her. And if he wanted to lead the way? Even better, saves her asking the wrong questions or getting lost in an unfamiliar city.]
I call it having a good eye. I guess it isn't as true currently at the moment, since I lack both a crew and a ship. [But it is on her to do list to regain, since you can never keep a good pirate from the sea for too long. She takes in his descriptions of everything and unfortunately yes, said reference entirely misses it's mark. She looks a little confused at it, instead glances around at the people comfortably milling about and the distinct lack of any battles.] If this is a war, it seems to be a rather bloodless one. I have heard that Wyver and Olympia aren't necessarily the greatest of friends though.
[ and so, he wanders with her idly, carefully keeping an eye out for that door. ]
They're two powers in close proximity to one another. Thankfully, they've been in an uneasy peace for the past few months. But, it doesn't seem like it's really going to be lasting all that much longer. Though, you seem resourceful enough. I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time.
[ but then again, he also thrives in situations like that. regardless... it was still a complication.
and finally... ]
There it is!
[ the door looks unassuming enough, but it's definitely the Gilded Cage entrance. Funny how that works. ]
You're expecting something to actually happen, aren't you?
[She looks at him with a curious eye, because besides the fact that he's leading her to somewhere more suited to how she functions she can't help but get the feeling there's more to him that he isn't saying. Doubtful she'll get anything if she pries with just meeting him, but it's still interesting.]
Well, I just know when to cut my losses and when to keep pushing forward. What I want is something that will last, so I don't mind taking all the time I need to make sure I get it just right.
[Adversity is something she thrives in, has been since the moment she became a free woman to do as she pleased. Tough odds are just a challenge to overcome, and a clean slate definitely both helps and hurts with the lack of bad blood and connections. When they reach the unassumingly bland door she's a little impressed, and she makes a sound of awed surprise as she examines it.]
I was absolutely right. I would have completely passed over something this normal looking, well played to whoever designed it. Lucky me you've been so generous, and I'd thank you for it but I don't believe we ever exchanged names did we?
[ after all, he's been playing the long game while he's been here. making friends. influencing people. the usual.
the area that they walk into has just the right mixture of shady. a place where someone can come if they want to partake in some jobs that might be just a little off the grid.
As to his name. ]
You can call me "Ocelot".
[ it's what everyone else here calls him, after all. ]
Ocelot? That's a surprisingly cute name for you, I don't think I would have expected that. [She chuckles, a little amused.] Well, it's only fair I give you mine too right? You can call me Isabela.
[And she's a little awestruck at the look and feel of the place they step into, pleased smile on her face. It reminds her of side alleys in the various towns she'd visited in her travels, even more familiar to what could be uncovered making a wrong turn in Lowtown or Darktown in Kirkwall. It's the type of suspicious that had potential if you were looking for it, and honestly? She's thrilled. She crosses her arms, looking from side to side curiously.]
You certainly weren't underselling the shady bit, that's for sure. [And she loves it.] Anything I need to be aware of down here, like what toes to avoid stepping on or lines not to cross?
[ a chuckle. as a young man, he might've been offended by that comment. here... he was mostly just amused. ]
Have you ever seen an ocelot in-person, Isabela? They're noble and proud creatures.
[ and incredibly adorable. but that was really beside the point. he observes her as she takes a look around, glad that it seems like he's judged her correctly in what her tastes are. ]
The same rules as anyone else. Be careful who you cross. Observe others. And if you want to do any jobs, Cree, the guy in charge with the birds, is always hiring.
[ whether or not she stays loyal to him is another story. but that's up for her to decide? as for Ocelot?
Well, he's keeping his cards close to his heart. ]
Unfortunately I haven't, but I'll take your word for it. [It's kind of cute how proud he seems to be of them, and she laughs in turn.] Kind of a shame I can't see any for myself, lucky me there seems to be a great representative of them right here yeah?
[He definitely carried himself in a way she'd call proud, or at the very least confident. It's what told her to follow him down the proverbial rabbit hole and see what there was to offer with little fear of a knife in her back.
Speaking of which, learning more about the place has her downright eager. There was likely good work to be found here, deals to be involved in, and she never minded getting her hands dirty and potentially crossing one person to help another if it came to it. Her loyalty was only to herself after all.]
So be mindful of the man with the birds who calls the shots, and everything else is fair game? Sounds simple enough to me, about your standard shady den of criminals and folks looking to get ahead. [Or people looking to gain something specific, that normal channels would make difficult to get. She speaks just a little quieter because a place like this has ears everywhere, but she can't help her curiosity.] What's he like though, this Cree fellow.
[ in his younger days, he might've been offended by a comment like that, especially from a woman. but, as the years went on, he'd come to mature, really appreciate the strength of the opposite gender (thanks in no small part to his encounter with his mother) and mostly tone down his temper.
"mostly" was always the key word.
as to what Cree was like... ]
He seems nice enough. Polite, and well-liked by the common people. Doesn't seem too invested in the war brewing between the two powers either. That is helpful.
[ and incredibly shady as well. but, that goes without saying. ]
[She smiles. Normally she'd toss some good hearted flirting into the mix, but she keeps it at base compliments with him. There's something there, maybe in how he talks about where they are, the state of things that tells her he means business. She can't help just a little though]
A neutral party with good connections? Sounds perfect, almost too good to be true even.
[And undoubtedly with some kind of catch she expects to hear about at some point down the line, because no one well known sits on the sidelines for long. She crosses her arms considering it, it'll be good to start with an affiliation to neither side in getting a good footing to grow from.]
I guess that brings the other obvious question. Do the jobs bring good pay or perks to them? [Like information, which she doesn't say but thinks to herself. ] Just wondering if I should also be looking for something else to fill my purse with too.
[ Ocelot shrugs, looking as though he could care less. still, healthy suspicion was always something that he was impressed with. shows that someone is a hint of a realist.
(that had always been John's problem, he couldn't help but think. too trusting.) ]
Oh, I'm sure there's a catch. But isn't finding out what it is part of the fun?
[ as to the rest... ]
The jobs pay well enough. Not the best, but it's a good place to help you find your way, so to speak. As to whether you decide to do anything else... that's up to you, isn't it?
[ he likes her. there's something that reminds him a little of EVA, even though she's not a spy. ]
About as exciting as building up your own connections and finding sources so when the time comes you're not left without anything to show for all you've done.
[Which is to say very, the money being a reward all it's own but having a name for yourself that you could stand behind being satisfying beyond description. Isabela can tell though, from his posture and the hints she can get of his demeanor that he's likely a kindred spirit in that line of thought.
She likes that, likes how he explains things in such a relaxed, neutral way of seeing things. It's unbiased and she likes that, appreciates the fresh perspective to things that are still new to her.]
To get anywhere at all one has to start somewhere in the first place, right? [She chuckles, giving the place another glance over.] Looks like we'll be running in close circles then. You seem to have a better understanding of things than I do, so if you ever need a hand with anything let me know. Won't be for free, but I figure I should make myself accessible while finding my footing around here.
[ back home, Ocelot had always operated with a goal in mind. here, things were slightly different. one could say he was mostly just killing time, so to speak, until the opportune moment.
but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun. ]
I wouldn't expect it to be. But I'll gladly exchange any useful bits of information I pick up with you as well. Just so long as you're willing to do a few small favours.
[The smile that grows on her face more than gives away how pleased she is with having met him. It's not often she finds someone who aligns with her way of getting around to do things, often used to someone questioning the morality or consequence of it. But he seems to get it in so little words, and if he needed her she'd be more than glad to help him out. ]
Of course, it's only fair if you're sharing what you know. I can keep an ear to the ground myself if I come across something you might not have heard of too.
[She smirks then, laughing a little. She could enjoy herself here she thinks, if there's more people like him around.]
You'd probably be surprised what people will say in earshot of a woman. Their ignorance is our gain with their assumptions that I couldn't possibly understand their plans and ideas.
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no subject
[ and he might as well get to know the new "refugees". ]
Call it a lucky guess. [ or at least, it seemed moderately obvious with her descriptions so far. ] Things aren't so bad once you get the basics of things. The most important thing you probably need to know is that we're currently in the middle of a "Cold War", so to speak.
[ though that reference might go over her head. ]
no subject
[After all, those almost always were places up to no good or at least extremely shady...naturally they were perfect for her. And if he wanted to lead the way? Even better, saves her asking the wrong questions or getting lost in an unfamiliar city.]
I call it having a good eye. I guess it isn't as true currently at the moment, since I lack both a crew and a ship. [But it is on her to do list to regain, since you can never keep a good pirate from the sea for too long. She takes in his descriptions of everything and unfortunately yes, said reference entirely misses it's mark. She looks a little confused at it, instead glances around at the people comfortably milling about and the distinct lack of any battles.] If this is a war, it seems to be a rather bloodless one. I have heard that Wyver and Olympia aren't necessarily the greatest of friends though.
no subject
[ and so, he wanders with her idly, carefully keeping an eye out for that door. ]
They're two powers in close proximity to one another. Thankfully, they've been in an uneasy peace for the past few months. But, it doesn't seem like it's really going to be lasting all that much longer. Though, you seem resourceful enough. I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time.
[ but then again, he also thrives in situations like that. regardless... it was still a complication.
and finally... ]
There it is!
[ the door looks unassuming enough, but it's definitely the Gilded Cage entrance. Funny how that works. ]
no subject
[She looks at him with a curious eye, because besides the fact that he's leading her to somewhere more suited to how she functions she can't help but get the feeling there's more to him that he isn't saying. Doubtful she'll get anything if she pries with just meeting him, but it's still interesting.]
Well, I just know when to cut my losses and when to keep pushing forward. What I want is something that will last, so I don't mind taking all the time I need to make sure I get it just right.
[Adversity is something she thrives in, has been since the moment she became a free woman to do as she pleased. Tough odds are just a challenge to overcome, and a clean slate definitely both helps and hurts with the lack of bad blood and connections. When they reach the unassumingly bland door she's a little impressed, and she makes a sound of awed surprise as she examines it.]
I was absolutely right. I would have completely passed over something this normal looking, well played to whoever designed it. Lucky me you've been so generous, and I'd thank you for it but I don't believe we ever exchanged names did we?
no subject
[ after all, he's been playing the long game while he's been here. making friends. influencing people. the usual.
the area that they walk into has just the right mixture of shady. a place where someone can come if they want to partake in some jobs that might be just a little off the grid.
As to his name. ]
You can call me "Ocelot".
[ it's what everyone else here calls him, after all. ]
no subject
[And she's a little awestruck at the look and feel of the place they step into, pleased smile on her face. It reminds her of side alleys in the various towns she'd visited in her travels, even more familiar to what could be uncovered making a wrong turn in Lowtown or Darktown in Kirkwall. It's the type of suspicious that had potential if you were looking for it, and honestly? She's thrilled. She crosses her arms, looking from side to side curiously.]
You certainly weren't underselling the shady bit, that's for sure. [And she loves it.] Anything I need to be aware of down here, like what toes to avoid stepping on or lines not to cross?
[For now at least, anyway.]
no subject
Have you ever seen an ocelot in-person, Isabela? They're noble and proud creatures.
[ and incredibly adorable. but that was really beside the point. he observes her as she takes a look around, glad that it seems like he's judged her correctly in what her tastes are. ]
The same rules as anyone else. Be careful who you cross. Observe others. And if you want to do any jobs, Cree, the guy in charge with the birds, is always hiring.
[ whether or not she stays loyal to him is another story. but that's up for her to decide? as for Ocelot?
Well, he's keeping his cards close to his heart. ]
no subject
[He definitely carried himself in a way she'd call proud, or at the very least confident. It's what told her to follow him down the proverbial rabbit hole and see what there was to offer with little fear of a knife in her back.
Speaking of which, learning more about the place has her downright eager. There was likely good work to be found here, deals to be involved in, and she never minded getting her hands dirty and potentially crossing one person to help another if it came to it. Her loyalty was only to herself after all.]
So be mindful of the man with the birds who calls the shots, and everything else is fair game? Sounds simple enough to me, about your standard shady den of criminals and folks looking to get ahead. [Or people looking to gain something specific, that normal channels would make difficult to get. She speaks just a little quieter because a place like this has ears everywhere, but she can't help her curiosity.] What's he like though, this Cree fellow.
no subject
Flatterer.
[ in his younger days, he might've been offended by a comment like that, especially from a woman. but, as the years went on, he'd come to mature, really appreciate the strength of the opposite gender (thanks in no small part to his encounter with his mother) and mostly tone down his temper.
"mostly" was always the key word.
as to what Cree was like... ]
He seems nice enough. Polite, and well-liked by the common people. Doesn't seem too invested in the war brewing between the two powers either. That is helpful.
[ and incredibly shady as well. but, that goes without saying. ]
no subject
[She smiles. Normally she'd toss some good hearted flirting into the mix, but she keeps it at base compliments with him. There's something there, maybe in how he talks about where they are, the state of things that tells her he means business. She can't help just a little though]
A neutral party with good connections? Sounds perfect, almost too good to be true even.
[And undoubtedly with some kind of catch she expects to hear about at some point down the line, because no one well known sits on the sidelines for long. She crosses her arms considering it, it'll be good to start with an affiliation to neither side in getting a good footing to grow from.]
I guess that brings the other obvious question. Do the jobs bring good pay or perks to them? [Like information, which she doesn't say but thinks to herself. ] Just wondering if I should also be looking for something else to fill my purse with too.
no subject
(that had always been John's problem, he couldn't help but think. too trusting.) ]
Oh, I'm sure there's a catch. But isn't finding out what it is part of the fun?
[ as to the rest... ]
The jobs pay well enough. Not the best, but it's a good place to help you find your way, so to speak. As to whether you decide to do anything else... that's up to you, isn't it?
[ he likes her. there's something that reminds him a little of EVA, even though she's not a spy. ]
no subject
[Which is to say very, the money being a reward all it's own but having a name for yourself that you could stand behind being satisfying beyond description. Isabela can tell though, from his posture and the hints she can get of his demeanor that he's likely a kindred spirit in that line of thought.
She likes that, likes how he explains things in such a relaxed, neutral way of seeing things. It's unbiased and she likes that, appreciates the fresh perspective to things that are still new to her.]
To get anywhere at all one has to start somewhere in the first place, right? [She chuckles, giving the place another glance over.] Looks like we'll be running in close circles then. You seem to have a better understanding of things than I do, so if you ever need a hand with anything let me know. Won't be for free, but I figure I should make myself accessible while finding my footing around here.
no subject
Exactly.
[ back home, Ocelot had always operated with a goal in mind. here, things were slightly different. one could say he was mostly just killing time, so to speak, until the opportune moment.
but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun. ]
I wouldn't expect it to be. But I'll gladly exchange any useful bits of information I pick up with you as well. Just so long as you're willing to do a few small favours.
no subject
Of course, it's only fair if you're sharing what you know. I can keep an ear to the ground myself if I come across something you might not have heard of too.
[She smirks then, laughing a little. She could enjoy herself here she thinks, if there's more people like him around.]
You'd probably be surprised what people will say in earshot of a woman. Their ignorance is our gain with their assumptions that I couldn't possibly understand their plans and ideas.
no subject
Oh, I can begin to guess.
[ that had been EVA's strength more than anything else. most men found her nearly irresistible, and she seemed to manipulate with ease.
Ocelot, however, wasn't most men. ]
I'm sure that you'll come up with plenty of things. I've known my fair share of men easily swayed by a pretty face.
[ even those he'd consider his closest friends. ]