[FIN] The Strangest Things (Xenon)

[Lucca]

"Thank you," the feline responded, taking this compliment at face value, her whiskers twitching in a pleased manner. "And I suppose most of my Realm simply do not care enough...grace is really a learned skill, even if, as a Cat, it comes more naturally." From her tone, it would be obvious what she thought about those other, apathetic Torques. It may be their lot in life to be cursed, but they didn't have to take it lying down. Using bindings as an excuse had been drilled out of her a long time ago...after all, as far as that went, Eldryia's ball and chain wasn't the worst, by far.

Though the polite smile never left her face, purple eyes narrowed at the question. Well. Apparently the mantis did suspect something about her heritage. Or was starting to, at least. Though the question was an interesting one, and Eldy decided...to be slightly daring with her answer.

"No," she said lightly, truthfully. "At least, not yet." The barest twitch of her mouth betrayed her inner amusement. She'd watched this game being played out many times, though she'd never had the chance to participate...the odd social dance of trying to find out what the other Card knows without revealing more than you have to of yourself. It was even more interesting with a Diamond.

[carcinoGeneticist]

"Of course. From where I stand, it was a trait very much worthy of praise.[/b]" the mantis bowed her head just slightly, a respectful motion. Eldy's next statement also rang true to Sadie's ears. Most of the Torques the Queen had encountered had been gloomy and depressing, and it was often an absolute chore to interact with them for any extended period of time. Eldy was outstanding in that way as well, she decided. "Well done. If you approach all things with that kind of dedication it must have taken to obtain that skill, I imagine you'll make quite a name for yourself.[/b]"

Of course, then the conversation led her up to what had urged her to comment on the feline's grace to begin with. The mantis shuffled slightly, resettling on her four main legs so that she was leaning to the right, the chitin plates clicking as she moved. How would Eldy react to an offer?

"Have you ever considered it?[/b]" It was a clear question, one that Sadie was certain would not be misinterperted. The next step was to laugh, shaking her head. "Ah, forgive my forwardness. Would you care for a drink? I have many things I'd like to discuss with you, Miss Eldryia, and it seems only fair that I give you something in return for your time and consideration.[/b]" Though she was steering the conversation in a different direction, she'd planted the seeds of what she wanted in the cat's mind.

Perfect.

[Lucca]

Eldryia was...rather surprised when the Queen actually bowed to her slightly. THAT was unexpected, but then again, she'd never been around any Queens that weren't Hearts...and Hearts would bow to no one who wasn't a higher Rank. At Sadie's next statement, a small laugh got out. Hoping it wouldn't be taken the wrong way, she shrugged apologetically. "Ah, sorry...it's just..." She grinned wryly. "I've actually been scolded for my lack of ambition before." Namely her lack of trying to raise her Rank. It just wasn't a high priority, despite the fact that the low number on her chest was what had put her life at risk for so long. But spying...becoming more like her mother...those were goals she could aspire to. That was something her sister couldn't do better or first.

The best response to a question like that...was not to answer it right away, or directly. Eldy tilted her head slightly, one eyebrow inching up. Was she really being offered what she thought she was? A rush of emotions came with that offer...excitement, because wasn't this what she'd always hoped for? Triumph...she was finally going to be a REAL spy! Fear...what if she was asked to spy on her own Court, or to do something that would endanger her mother? She made a soft noise as he head began to spin.

What she needed right now...was a drink, and a bit of time to get her thoughts straightened out. The mantis had next offered both, and Eldy decided Sadie was a lovely person, Diamond or not. "I would appreciate that, thank you," she said, with a small smile and a look that meant she wouldn't forget about what had already been said.

[carcinoGeneticist]

It was true, the mantis was a strange one. But she'd never have it said that Diamonds weren't cunning, that they didn't know well what they wanted and how best to get it. A grin quirked at her mouth when Eldy actually started to laugh, though it wasn't obvious thanks to the strange build of her face. "Ambition doesn't only show itself in the form of a high rank, I've often found." the Queen commented in an almost off-handed manner. She didn't feel the need to say any more than that.

"Ah, most excellent,[/b]" Sadie said, nodding her head. Then she went quiet for a moment, considering. "There is actually a Yarrow-style teahouse nearby. I've only been there once, but I was quite impressed. They serve small plates of food formulated especially to best match the flavors of the tea.[/b]" which was how it should be. It would also be comfortable and quiet, which was exactly what she needed for their conversation.

Of course, that wouldn't change the fact that she didn't particularly fancy the idea of waltzing into the place in her Animal form. She straightened out, then shifted, her body melding directly past Biped until she was standing in her much more usual Human body.

[Lucca]

Though she said nothing in response, Eldy smirked at the statement about Rank. Yes, she definitely liked this Mantis. It was true, she had plenty of ambition...she just didn't want to touch politics with a ten foot pole, and she prefered to work in secrecy and shadows, both sentiments which lent themselves to a lower Rank. That way, she could go unnoticed if she needed to...infiltrate more places...catch people off their guard. Like a high-Ranking Diamond, for example, though Eldy had a feeling the Mantis was certainly not to be taken lightly.

"That sounds good. I'm not overly hungry anyway," Eldy said, nodding, stretching out her muscles slightly in preparation for movement. She wondered privately if this Yarrow-style tea shop also made trouble for any Male that tried to enter it, but she thought this wouldn't be an appropriate thing to ask, though for some reason it struck her as amusing and she had to force down a giggle, disguising it as a cough. Her eyebrows went up a bit at Sadie's human form, not able to help noticing it was very...nice. The cat had never seen a Yarrow in human form before, but if she had ever thought about it, she would have imagined something much like what she was seeing.

[carcinoGeneticist]

There were risks involved with a meeting like this. There always were. After all, Sadie knew absolutely nothing about this Heart woman, beyond a sneaking suspicion that she was somehow related to Peaches. That wasn't a lot. Why was she not at the Court of her birth now, for example?

A flicker of suspicion darted through the woman's mind for the briefest of moments and then extinguished itself. She hadn't given anything away that would be a risk to herself or anyone else in the Court, she was just... probing. She wanted to know more, and she was only going to manage it if she worked in an up-front manner for the time being. Today, they could talk. In a few weeks, if she was still intrigued by the Cat's abilities, perhaps there would be a test of some kind. After that...

One step at a time, Sadie.

These things were delicate, after all. At Eldy's reply, Sadie smiled again, giving a small nod of her head. "Perfect, then. I think you'll find it to your liking.[/b]"

Well aware of the glancing-over her human form was currently receiving, Sadie turned to lead the way to the cafe, giving no outward indication of pleasure. It was a curious thing - her human form had been known to turn almost as many heads as her animal or biped in the Gardens, though for entirely different reasons. As soon as they'd reached the small building, the Queen opened the door for her companion, motioning for her to enter. A few minutes later, they were seated, Sadie's bright eyes locked on the Cat as she settled into her seat.

"Tell me, Eldy," she began after a moment's consideration. "Why is it that you are here, rather than at your Court?" A multi layered question at its finest, one that would tell the Queen quite a lot regardless of the way in which it was answered. She needed to know, after all, what would encourage a woman to seek employment outside of her own Suit in the first place. Still watching Eldy, Sadie waited patiently for a response.

[Lucca]

Eldryia nodded to Sadie, content to let her lead the way. Her attention was caught by the fur along the edges of the Human's jacket...assuming, of course, that it was most likely from an Ace. Thinking of Fluffy and a nasty experience with the illegal fur trade, her stomach gave a slight lurch, but she ignored it. After all, it was none of her buisiness, and someone like Sadie would surely investigate to make sure all her things were obtained in a legal way.

She followed, walking in her normal rather silent way out of habit, which wouldn't seem strange until one would realize that she had a heavy metal ball attatched to her back foot that should be making a lot of noise with every step. The silence didn't bother her in the least, either, and she settled comfortably into the seat across from the Mantis.

"Why does anyone venture to Realms or places not their own? I thought it was time for a change of pace," she replied carefully. "I spent my entire childhood in the same place," (had she ever actually mentioned directly she lived at Court? This mantis was sharp...Though maybe it was that damn resemblance to Peaches again. Or maybe she was misreading the entire conversation. Lack of social experience...ugh.) "And it was high time to see something else. Politics and titles hold little interest for me, as far as getting involved in them goes." She'd seen what trouble it caused for her mother, her sister, and everyone else at Court, and she really didn't want to deal with all that directly. Behind the scenes, well, that was another matter. Less paperwork, less infamy. A win-win.

[carcinoGeneticist]

One of the things Sadie took pride in was her observational skills. The silence with which the feline moved, despite her obvious handicap, was quite impressive. Another check in Eldryia's favor, at least in the Queen's book. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her, her posture straight and easy, and she listened carefully to the woman's words.

She certainly spoke with the careful air of one who had spend much of one's life playing the political game, but that made sense if she'd grown up in the Court. Sadie nodded in response to her words, mulling them over and then letting her continue before she spoke again. She wanted all the information before she made her full intentions clear. Hmm. That could... potentially be a problem, though she wasn't certain. This needed more questioning, more work. But it would be worthwhile, she was certain of that much. The woman inclined her head to the side.

"Understandable. The Court life isn't for everyone, and there's really no reason to assume that the children of nobility will have any interest of their own. ...If you'll pardon the assumption on my part.[/b]" Sadie gave the Heart a small smile, raising her eyebrows. She had her suspicions, but now was the time to finally get them out into the open. "Really, though... With the abilities you've demonstrated, the Hearts are missing a great opportunity. It would be a shame for someone like yourself to go unappreciated. The Courts have more to offer than politics and titles, Miss Eldryia, should you have interest in exploring the options.[/b]"

Her meaning was clear. A moment later, the server brought out a pot of tea and plate of small sandwiches. Sadie reached out for one, taking a bite and then glancing back at the Torque woman.

[Lucca]

Eldryia, for as careful as she was with her words, hadn't had much experience hiding her reactions, and so the way her ears folded back at the mention of her being a daughter of nobility probably told Sadie her assumption was correct, though the Feline said nothing in response. Part of her told her she was being silly and a bit paranoid about this...after all, she presumably had nothing to fear any longer from making her heritage clear, as anyone who may have taken issue with her low Rank enough to end her life was gone from the Courts and even from the land of the living. But Peaches, she knew, must have many enemies, and it never hurt to be too careful.

Though this opportunity wasn't one she wanted to pass up. Her planned exploration trip, she decided abruptly, could be put on hold for a little while. Her eyes narrowed in thought, ears slightly rising again. She couldn't help but feel a flash of pride that her abilities were finally recognized by someone.

Granted, with what her abilities -were-, by their very nature not many people should ever actually see them in use. That was the point. Still, it was nice to get encouragement that out here in the wide world, she was still...good at what she did. She chose her words carefully. "Let's say that I do have some interest in exploring my options," Eldy said, and then was forced to pause whatever she had been about to add as their tea came out.

After she had a cup in front of her, one paw wrapped carefully around it, Eldy's purple eyes focused again on the woman, interested by the way the image shifted in the steam rising off, but ignoring that in favor of trying to resume the conversation. "Based on what you said before, can I assume that you're willing to...work something out?" Okay, so she was still learning on the proper, subtle wording of things. So sue her.

[carcinoGeneticist]

((Apologies if this blows - the muses are still rusty.))

Certainly, the young feline was lacking in some areas, but Sadie felt confident that it wasn't out of a lack of skill. No, from everything that she'd seen, Eldy was perfect. Still young enough to be open to learning, but with clear experience in what she would be required to do. There were a few concerns, yet, but with any luck - they wouldn't ever be an issue.

Of course, the Mantis would also have to be patient when it came to sharing anything too important with the Heart, but that was a given. For the time being, if Eldy accepted her offer, she would be in charge of dealing with less sensitive materials. Trust could be built from there, and the Queen could see where things went. For the time being - Sadie actually felt a little bit happy, maybe even excited, about the prospects. "As does the Court of Diamonds,[/b]" she replied, smiling at the Torque from over her cup before taking a sip of tea and then looking down at the glass and its contents. It reminded her of home, which never failed to make something in her relax. "Perhaps we can explore our options... together.[/b]"

From the outside, Sadie knew what the conversation would sound like - a Yarrow woman picking up on a potential new lover. That was, of course, the intent. The less suspicion the pair gained, the better. The Queen took another few bites of her sandwich, finishing off and flicking the crumbs off of her fingers once more. "A sound assumption, Eldyria. But there are some things better left for more private discussions.[/b]" A brief and bright smile crossed Sadie's face, and she leaned forward. "Tell me about you.[/b]"