Honeyed Words, First Impressions [Ashe]

[Auric]

Honeyed Words, First Impressions
It's always good to meet other people.

I like Rabanastre. Nowhere near as big as the other cities I've been to but it was small enough to get yourself known just by visiting a few bars... and big enough to slip into the crowd. I've been here a few times in the past -- even opened a branch for Hero 4 Hire. Business was fairly good, but I did occasionally like looking at the local hunter's board -- I'll tell you now that as mercenary as people might think you'd be, doing a low-paying but high-priority bounty makes you feel a little gooey inside. The Sandsea always had work for those interested; if not for monster hunting then certainly there was always an odd job ready for people to make a decent living. It's also good when you just want a drink and meet new people. Which, on that particular day... I did.

---

The Hero for Hire was always in high demand; jobs were always offered and often they ranged from pultry sums to extravagant prizes when it came to pay. Most jobs were done by referral; wealthy clients looking for a particular problem removed or the occasional item procured... there were times when he wondered whether he should expand and open some sort of business that passed work on to other mercenaries... or in his particular case, heroes. After all, one of the biggest selling points was that people could rely on him to get the job done without some sort of self-loathing attitude that seemed particularly apparent with the stronger types. That, and he was efficient; his reputation wasn't one of failures. Planned out in advance, his chosen missions never failed... and there was good reason for that.

But that was a trade secret. One he hadn't even shared yet with his current partner, Faye. Oh, Faye... she was good to have in his life again; an old friend and extremely talented in the profession... he never did say anything to her about her skill for fear that her ego would go into overdrive and she'd do something absolutely silly like falling flat on her face. Come to think of it, that was an excellent idea... one he'd probably try much later when they'd met up. Auric had just come back from a hunt; having bagged an Antlion without having hurt it whatsoever was a very impressive feat... and within the local bar, the Sandsea, the rumours of his skill were already making the rounds.

Not that he was openly bragging about it. But on the upper level, he was just seated with his drink -- relaxing as he took the occasional sip. His table was host to several bags of gil; it was quite the bonus he'd lined up but for the work required of him it was a pultry sum. Still, with his partner he still had to split it... 35% was her share and though he really didn't need his cut, he wasn't about to give all of it to Faye. She'd probably think he was trying to game her or... get insulted by his show of charity. Ah, life was never so simple it seems. Checking his arm for the digital primer, the holographic interface telling him he still had the rest of the afternoon before Faye would be back.

I wonder if I could empty one of the bartender's taps?

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

It was a rare sight to see Amalia walking through the streets of Rabastre. She normally hid within the deepest bowels of Lowtown. It wasn't the most pleasant place in the world, as the stench from the Garamscythe Waterways filled her hideout. But it was for her own safety. She was the only leader left in the Archadian Resistance, and she wasn't about to throw her life away. But today was special, Rabanastre had a guest that Amalia was obliged to entertain.

The Lady of Dalamasca pushed open the doors to the Sandsea, one of the largest bars within the Royal City of Ranastre. Normally walking into a crowded bar would be a horrible idea, but many of the Resistance's friends spent their days drinking away their sorrows in the Sandsea. A few eyes glanced Amalia's way as she walked in, her slightly revealing clothing wasn't the best for blending in. She ignored the on lookeers and walked towards the bar, her eyes were looking straight forward. She would keep her dignity.

"I would like a bottle of your finest Serpent-wine," Amalia said to the barkeep as she placed one of her hands onto the oaken bar. Tomaj gave her a soft nod and produced a time worn looking green bottle. With a nod of thanks she took the wine from the man, leaving behind a few hundred gil.

With the Serpent-wine in hand Amalia climbed the stairs that led to the balcony of the Sandsea. Her eyes scanned the small crowd, looking for Rabastre's illustrious "guest". It wasn't long before Amalia's hazel eyes rested on a man. It wasn't very hard to pick out the foreigner in the crowd of Dalmascan men. She slowly approached the man, the bottle of serepent-wine held in her hands.

She stopped in front of the strange man's table. He was playing with some kind of machine on his wrist, the holographic projections flashed and swirled, seeming to posses a life of their own. It seemed to confirm Amalia's suspicions that this man was from the Cocoon, or at least some where related to it. The only country she knew that held such technology was Archadia, and he was certainly no Imperial. "Ahem," Amalia cleared her throat in a attempt to catch Auric's attention. "Unless I am mistaken you are Auric, the hero for hire?" She asked without taking a seat. It would be rude to simply invite herself, although she hoped that the bottle of aged serpent-wine would catch the man's interests.

[Auric]

Amalia's entrance stirred the room and even he could feel it -- but he wasn't overly concerned. He didn't need to look or be weary of who it was -- the air present in the room lacked the hostility for him to really be concerned and otherwise if it had anything to do with him he'd rather try to facilitate a nice surprise for the day. It was difficult for him to be surprised; his abilities were such that it was improbable as a rule. Still, no one knew that and he was unlikely to ever share his secret. If anyone, Faye would have been the first to know. But believe it or not, Auric was quite at home here... in fact, thanks to what he knew, the powers of the gifted had its origins in Ivalice; it seems his very existence was an anomaly outside of the norm having been born from another realm entirely even before the worlds merged.

He was still checking the job listings on his primer, scrolling through ones he'd be particularly interested in or whatever paid well. Esthar was one other such place that held advanced technology; but oddly enough holographic interfaces weren't so common for them. Archades had their own -- but none so portable enough that he knew about for them to use it on a personal level... not that it mattered in the end -- his digital primer was personalized to the point it may as well have been another device in its entirety. Even its firmware was written in another language... one which most wouldn't recognize and those that could would unlikely be skilled in writing code. And just then, he spied a woman coming his way... dressed differently, no doubt, but that regal air about her was unmistakable.

Turning off his primer he looked up to her with a gentle smile, curious as to the reason for her presence before him. In her hands? Serpent wine; an expensive drink, ingredients difficult to procure -- it was the local specialty and had a distinctly fine and smooth finish with a firmly sweet taste. It was also more common for celebrations, though she must have thought that this outside wouldn't have known that. Yes... he could tell from her intention to speak with him, she was largely here to entertain him; to get on his good side, in all likelihood -- which, to be truthful could have been done with her presence alone. He'd have happily paid to have a drink with her.

The serpent wine would have been a fine gift; but her presence during such an idle time? You can see why indulging her was so appealing. But of course, his light smile had remained and the talker in him came to light. "That'd be me, yeah." he confirmed, nodding as his open palm indicated a free seat at the table. A non-verbal invitation to take a seat. "I take it there's an occasion you're going to be celebrating?" he asked looking briefly at the bottle in her grasp.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

A small smile formed on her lips. "I like to treat the guests to my city to something special." The rebel continued on, blatantly sweet talking the strange man. Amalia wasn't sure were the phrase 'her' city came from. Rabanastre belonged to the Dalamascan royal family, even if they were all dead. It didn't seem right for her to claim power over the city simply because the rightful rulers were dead, yet it somehow fit her at the same. She shook her head, banishing her thoughts of the future leader of the city from her mind. She had business to attend to.

Placing the bottle of Serpent Wine on the table, Amalia motioned towards the chair in front of her. "Do you mind?" She asked, he formal tone never leaving her voice. It would be rather rude to just take a seat, and Amalia was a woman of class. "I would love to share this bottle of Serpent Wine with you." Her eyes never left Auric, she wondered if this was the kind of man she was looking for. Amalia had a cause and she needed help with it, but most of her tasks aren't something she could just ask anyone of. The leader of the resistance had to make sure that Auric would stay true to her cause, before she hired him. And having a small political chit chat over a nice glass of Serpent Wine was just the way to judge this man.

A nice glass.... DAMMIT! Amalia barely resisted the urge to face palm herself. She forgot to get the glasses. Her nervously darted from Auric to the bottle of Serpent Wine. She had to think of something quickly before she looked like a fool. Nervously taking a few steps to the side, Amalia's head dipped over the balcony. "Tomaj, could you bring us up two glasses?" The resistance leader inquired. The 'I'm sorry' expression painted on her face. With a small ahem to clear her throat Amalia spun around to face Auric. The sorry expression on her face was gone, replaced with her former formal expression. A little bid of red dotted her cheeks, clearly showing off her embarrassment. "I... Uh... Apologize for that." She quickly said, almost at a loss for words.

[Auric]

Something special? She had certainly gotten off to a good start; a good drink to welcome him to the city was appropriate; especially when it was a local specialty and of high quality. Aged, too... the taste would have matured. It wasn't his first time here, though... perhaps she knew or perhaps not -- it didn't matter, them meeting alone was plenty enough cause for him. He knew enough about the city to know its history but the regal air mingled with the words from her lips made him rather sure she was royalty. But despite her well-dressed clothes, it was like an attempt to dress down. It was an imagery that was difficult to shake. Still, her move to sweet talk him wasn't lost on him; and he was intrigued enough to indulge her -- not that it was a difficult option to begin with, but he was curious to see if this was some fake and petty approach or her genuinely approaching him with this demeanor. And if he indulged her further -- would she maintain whatever followed? Or would she go cold the moment she had what she needed of him? There was really only one way to find out.

And that was to let it play out as it did.

Still, to share her drinks he knew there was something missing. The glasses, of course. She certainly didn't look the type to drink straight out of the bottle though that might have been an entertaining sight. Amending that situation, Auric decided on breaking the ice. "Not at all. It's of no concern." he smiled back, shaking his head as he nodded it off. The embarrassment was cute in its own right... he'd been to more awkward first time meetings but admittedly, his host was doing it with style. Still, Auric wouldn't have minded chatting her up; his views were far more worldly than most; but explaining the feeling in words was difficult to describe. Still, they weren't exactly having their chat just yet. For now? Dealing with simple etiquette seemed enough of a chore. Waiting for a vase of a glass would have hopefully been without delay. Business could be conducted once she was settled in and ready to talk about it herself.

"I can't imagine you treat everyone this way. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked. curious as to what she thought and how she'd respond. He could tell enough about her that she was trying to impress him. "Or is it just my lucky day and I get to talk to a beautiful woman such as yourself?" he put forward, a small attempt to get her to relax. Formality was all good and well -- but he had to say he wasn't big on extensively training a smaller group of soldiers.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

As the Resistance Leader took her seat directly across from Auric, the tavern owner approached the table, two large goblets sat on a bronze tray he carried in his hand. WIth a polite little bow the man placed the two glasses in front of the guests before departing, the serving tray safely tucked under his arm. Amalia gracefully scooped up the aged Serpent Wine with one hand, and with a pop pulled the wooden cork out. First she poured out a rather gracious portion of the drink into Auric's class, it wasn't a suspire that she would serve him first. It fit into her mannerisms rather nicely.

"I am Amalia," The Lost Queen said as she poured the wine. A small smile was on her face. "Perhaps you have heard of me before?" Over the past few months Amalia's name had swept through the homes of Rabanastre. The citizens of the Royal City spoke of how she was going to liberate Dalmascas from it's oppressive captors & restore the Kingdom's sovereignty. On top of that her hatred of Archadia was well known, at this point she would go to any extent to destroy the Empire that threatened her home.

Turning the bottle to her own glass, she began to pour herself a glass of the rich purple wine. "Maybe it is your lucky day," She said. "But maybe, just maybe it's my lucky day." She gently put the wine glass down in the center of the table, and replaced it with her own goblet of wine. "You see, I want to talk politics." Amalia continued as she took a sip of her Serpent Wine. "How do you feel about this war?"

[Auric]

His host took her seat as invited and Tomaj came up to deliver the two glasses; Auric set his own drink aside, taking to the moment to lean forward in his seat. More than simpl being a woman, she had the good manners to bring the drink so a moment of his time was the least he could give back. The wine filled the first glass and the scent of strong alcohol wafted between them. Auric already knew what it would taste like but as every bottle of wine, each was different... and they always had such tough critics to satisfy and even the same standard when it came to their own product. But the wine wasn't the main attraction at the table -- rather, the woman serving it.

He gave a curt nod at the mention of her name; the rebel leader who at the best of times roamed Lowtown. Any deeper in and things are a whole new level of difficulty. Her actions and the words spoken about her through the grapevine did much to leave the impressions on others. From what he could see it seemed they were eager to regain their status as a city-state. Their sovereignty recognized and deemed an independent nation. Naturally, with no one left of the royal family that was a hard sell... and for that fact alone there was no real call to be made. But to Auric? If the woman in front of him wasn't royalty he'd of happily lived the prudent life.

Still; "Politics" and "Lucky" didn't belong in the same sentence... not even in the same paragraph unless it meant less of the former and the latter involved the good variety mingled with large amounts of gil. So imagine his reaction to her words... and with them her purpose became clear. She was vetting him out to see whether she wanted to conduct business with him or not. But if anything? Politics was a sticky subject to get into... rarely did people have a full understanding of the situation and thus really weren't well-equipped to make the call. And even those who were, weren't exactly going to have it easy... no matter what you choose, it's likely people will suffer. "I can only hope so." he said back, commenting on her it being a lucky day.

He took a mouthful of the drink, letting it slither down his throat before giving her the answer she needed. A truthful one. "How do I feel about this war? That's... rather simple, actually. The same way I feel about every war." he replied ambiguously as he put down his glass and stole a cup for her own drink.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

He was evading the topic. She wondered if it was a strategy, trying to get her to spill more information then she should. "Not all wars are the same," it was a simple statement yet it seemed to call out Auric's last statement. "Every war has different reasons, different causes. And a man like you can benefit greatly from them if you choose your side wisely." The woman paused, swishing her wine around in the glass before taking another small sip. It was not the wisest idea to drink while doing business, but Amalia gained a strong tolerance for the Serpent Wine over her life. It was a common sight in her house as a child.

Odd, very few families in Rabanastre could afford to drink Serpent Wine on a regular basis... She wondered where she really grew up. Most of her past was a mystery to her, only a few fleeting memories remained. She shook her head and returned to the conversation at hand. "The players are different, the money is different. Surely you can not think the same thing of every war."

She sent down her glass and leaned forward. "So let me rephrase my question, which side do you think has the largest profit?"It was a bold question, or at least thats what Amalia thought. She knew his type, her was a mercenary. He would go to which ever side paid the most, and she would be rather miffed to have her mercenary fight for Archadia.

[Auric]

Fine wine from a fine woman; and they were discussing politics. Still, Auric's answer wasn't as evasive as you'd think -- it was instead rather philosophical. All wars were the same; two factions vying for whatever reason with a whole lot of good people being caught between. Few times in the many realms were there justified wars. Still, that was a bit of wisdom you learned on your own -- not a piece of paper you pulled out of a Chicobo cookie. War was rarely good for a country; you lose troops, burn resources and make more enemies which never really works out very well. Waging war for a long period of time was even worse. But you can't say that to someone like Amalia; to them, their world revolves around the idea that they were in the right and her invaders were vipers to be put to the torch.

"A man like me?" he asked in disbelief as he leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. "My dear lady, are you calling me a mercenary? That all causes are the same as long as someone can foot the bill?" It was a serious question, of course... to most it would have been quite the insult to even think as much; to say it when you were trying to convince someone to join your side wasn't exactly going to endear them into your line of thinking -- but the smile on his face and smirk on her lips would have told her he wasn't expecting a serious answer; that in the end the question itself was more a joke to lighten the discussion. And if there was one thing about being a hero, it was representing an idea and inspiring the same to rise above the common call. But defying a dominating power was a sign of strength rather than bowing one's head and succumb. But in war lives are lost... and so is innocence. But the greatest casualty of war were ideals. Few people could undergo the rigors of battle, perform feats which brought home victory and maintain the same doctrine and ideals.

How a war was fought was as essential as why. Again, he didn't voice this... but as she asked him a question, he could definitely answer it for her. Profit, after all meant having something to gain. "The one that stays out of it, of course." zipped his witty reply. It was the one that held the real truth; if anything the neutral factions might stand to gain from the influx of refugees. Assuming they can handle the strain on their ability to feed their people. But this wasn't about that... if anything, he could already sense that Amalia was trying to bring him around to her way of thinking. He figured he may as well help her along. "My lady, politics is hardly the right topic if we're trying to... get into bed together." he worded coyly, the double meaning applied itself both ways. This really was between them -- if she wanted a mercenary all she had to do was put up some cash. If she wanted him? Then perhaps it was better to get to know him -- see what kind of a person he was before finding out too late and accidentally pushing him away for good.

"Amalia." he whispered, playing to his charm to bring their conversation back into the green. Talk could be sweet; a bit of sugar to make the medicine go down rather than simply swallowing the bitter pill. "Why don't you tell me a little about yourself? I'm sure I could listen to third hand rumors from others all day."

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

"Who knows. History is written by the victors," It was a simple statement, that said much on Dalmasca's own situation. Two years ago the ancient Kingdom went to war with the Archadia Empire against her will. Now the once proud Dalamasca was nothing but a servant to the cruel Empire, and her wicked Lord. Without her sovereignty, the seven hundred year old Kingdom was nothing but a foot note in the history books. Amalia intended to change that. "I am walking the path towards war, my friend. And every war needs her heroes."

She was proud of herself, it was a bold statement. One that was sure to garnish some thought from the so called 'hero' that sat before her. In triumph she picked up her glass and began to drink. The smooth tastes of the serpent wine tingled on her tongue.

"My lady, politics is hardly the right topic if we're trying to... get into bed together."

She almost spat out her wine in shock at Auric's words. Luckily for the man, she was a socialite and was confronted with far worse then this. Was he hitting on her? Oh god, she just wanted to hire him to mess up Archadia. The words 'get into bed together' rang in her mind. The next sentence seemed to make her feel a little better. Maybe he just wanted to get to know her better. Although his vulgar behavior did not help his cause. However the inquiry to her past seemed to bother her. Amalia's mind burned in response, yet the sensation was not from the serpent wine that she was so found of. The further her mind reached back into her memories the worse the sensation became. She decided it would be best to only tell him what she knew, and not inform him that her own memories pained her so.

"Two years ago during the invasion of Dalmasca my husband left to defend Nalbina, he never returned..." she paused as her light hazel eyes glanced down to the wedding ring that still adorned her finger. "Neither did news of his death. I..." She shook her head, he didn't want to know about her missing husband. "Shortly after that my Father join the Dalmascan forces to the treaty signing. He died during the assassination of Dalamasca's king. Another causality to Archadia. A few weeks later out Princess, Lady Ashe, took her own life. That is when Archadia took full control of Dalmasca, and that is when I decided that Archadia would not rule Dalmasca. I joined hands with Captain Vossler, the former head of the Dalamasca Knights. And together we formed the Archadian Resistance. I have lost my home, my family, and my lover to Archadia. I will lose nothing else." Her own words made her feel better. Yet she couldn't help but feel that something was missing. Something important. Amalia took another sip of her serpent wine, washing away the troubling thoughts.

[Auric]

Unlike most others, Auric wasn't phased by comparisons of trauma. If anyone had known about the things that occured on Cocoon -- most would agree it was just plain madness. To hate a faction for a war that was lost was normal; invasions occured in most every other realm he'd visited and rarely were the reasons for war ever different. It takes something else to snap people out of their reverie; the realization that they'd all descended into the depths of madness. On Cocoon? Innocent blood was spilled, driven by paranoia, scores of people fell in the vain thought that Pulse had affected them in some obscure fashion. And how did the rest of Cocoon react? They wanted more. So it fell upon him to bring those thoughts to mind... and to do her a favor, he would happily guide her to greener pastures.

After all, it's easy to hate others. To blame them. To fall. But as she spoke to him of history being written by the victors, he couldn't help but wonder whether the rebel leader had been reading the fortunes inside Chicobo cookies. Still, he could have easily talked back; told her that only the people needed heroes; that wars only required blood and greed in equal measure. Could she really bare to bring the people into the mix? For all the resentment the people of Dalmasca might have had of the Empire, their occupation wasn't so bad. It wasn't as if they had whole regiments out on the streets to herd people into the sewers but then again he wasn't a local so he wasn't someone who could so easily identify with her plight.

But let's not forget the purpose of this talk -- after all, he had indicated that he wanted to get to know her... as a third party, he wasn't about to follow her cause. Nor would many others... but it's not for a cause that he could fight for or just mere money. There were nobler purposes than war, after all... but if he had to pick a side, it would be best to pick one because the leader was worth helping. And in order for him to take her side; she must not be found wanting. Her worth was measured by words and actions. "You already have." he mused, taking the glass in hand and drawing it in deep. The somber statement wasn't made to accuse her... rather, it was one of sympathy. "I doubt your story is too different from the many others who've lost loved ones in this city." he mused, placing his glass on the table as he looked to the bottom of his drink. Contemplating on whether to have her think truly about the cause or... like he'd said, make this about her. After all, Auric's actions were never random; it took a long view to fully comprehend what he did and most would never see it.

But it all came down to her; to whether or not she was a "good person". "... but that's just it, isn't it?" he continued, having given pause to see whether she'd think it through. Reflection and contemplation were both paths to enlightenment and self-improvement. "I asked about you. Hobbies, professions... passions, likes... your husband and your father -- instead, your focused on yesterday's war. Their deaths are unfortunate, I understand and I will never be one to say otherwise nor would I ever tell you to forget them. But what about you? Your loss of identity? That's the tragedy." he said rather firmly. Like consoling a grieving wife whose husband was lost in war... or a mother who'd lost her son.

You wouldn't really think a guy like Auric could be so high-brow. But when one defines him as a "Hero", that wasn't some cheap term coined for a protagonist who loudly exclaimed it to the world and followed through with a pump of their fist. "I suppose one could always find solace in a stiff drink and the company of a good friend." he brought forward, sticking to the good more than the ill. "What is it you look for in me, Amalia?" he asked,a smile tugging at his lips before it hid behind his drink. Had she wanted him to join her cause? That would have been simple... a proposition involving a bag full of gil and an asking price. A phone call, or moogle-mail. But she'd chosen to approach him personally in a tavern and give him special treatment. You had to wonder as to why; whether she needed him for her cause or... maybe even needed him for herself. Lover? Friend? Or just moral support?

He awaited her response, taking the bottle of serpent wine and offering to refill her glass.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

"Thank you," Amalia politely said as Auric offered her another glass of the luxurious wine. Her soft and delicate fingers reached out and grabbed the glass by the fragile steam, and held it before Auric. Patiently waiting for him to refill her glass. She had taken a liking to the bottle lately. Auric said he wanted to know her, but Amalia was afraid to find out who she was. Amalia lusted for power, but it was for vengeance. She wanted to do nothing more then force Archadia to pay for it's sins, to make Emperor Larsa suffer for leading such a wicked nation, and to make them all pay for her loss.

Yet at the same time her own base urges disgusted her. Something deep down inside rejected the lust for power, the lust for vengeance. And it was that feeling that drove her current cause. This feeling of pure disgust was like a primordial entity within her. She learned that she could not ignore it, for it was omnipresent. So instead she decided to try to appease it. If she could prove that her cause was justified then perhaps it would leave her alone.

Which lead her to Auric. She alone could not justify her lust for vengeance, so she sought other people to justify it for her. The leader of the Resistance reasoned that if enough kind and lawful people supported her cause, then that would mean she was in the right. Auric was one of many she approached, the lost Queen heard good things about him. And he wasn't the first. The shapeshifter that ran errands for Migelo on the streets, or the mercenary lost deep within the bowels of Zanarkand.

And so Amalia's mind returned to Auric's question. 'What is it you look for in me, Amalia?' Her lips parted but no answer came out. She wanted to tell him the real reason, but Amalia knew she would sound foolish and silly. So instead she lied. "Morale is low, our troops are far and few in between. I need that hero on the front lines. Even if a hero is only symbolic, it is more then enough for the troops." She paused, her hazel eyes glued to her glass. For a few brief seconds she remained lost in thought before speaking again. "I am looking for that hero Auric. I... We need one."

[Auric]

He filled her glass, serpent wine trickling generously from the neck of the bottle. It was easy to enjoy the specialty drink. Auric would never claim to be a connoisseur, but one didn't need to be so critical to know the value of simple luxuries. And Auric didn't hide behind words... he hid behind meanings but in the end how he felt on her cause and situation was expressed openly and through his words. His disposition, his questions... clearly, he wasn't so interested in her cause as much as he was in her. Not necessarily as base as a beautiful woman who'd just brought him a drink -- but as a rebel leader, looking to fight a battle she had no hope of winning and ultimately struggling with the cause herself. She was far too invested in destruction rather than liberation.

No doubt, her conflict within herself was probably what made garnering support so difficult. No person of worth would be so easily swallowed by the ideals of others... but the people themselves? They were real. They were right there for you to see and hear -- touch and to talk to. It was such people that drove others to flock to their cause... it was why the citizens of Archades were numerous and the same could be said of any other nation. One hero draws in commoners... and if the cause is right and the commoner fights with fervent belief, then among them another hero rises and more flock even still. It was impossible to say that a cause in and of itself is what drove people... even societies that claimed to do so actually did it because its people were collectively impassioned in such a way by those who came before them. And that was something he could relate to.

But that's also it, isn't it? She needed someone of worth to join her cause. To give it substance. To supply meaning... and lastly, to provide justification. She wouldn't find it within him. From the start, it was never about her cause... but about her. He had his own reason for being and a higher calling beyond any single nation is what guided his actions. But that would never come to light; not even his partner knew. But in meeting Amalia he came to know her need. "I'm flattered that you think that's me." he said, after a while... before his drink returned to his lips. He was contemplating how he would break it to her -- or whether to offer some alternative. To provide what she needed rather than what her cause required.

There was a silence there before he refilled both their glasses. Perhaps it would be difficult to get her to understand. But the paths of the future were open... and it was for her to choose which path ultimately would lead to a happy ending. Everyone had the potential to be a better person -- as long as they had the chance. And he? Well, he had the power to pick which path she'd choose by being in her proximity. One's judgement was never made alone... and for this? He couldn't do as she asked. If this were a simple matter of professionalism, he doubted very much that she and her resistance could adequately pay his price. Sometimes, answering a simple question was what helped define you. Perhaps now that was what she needed. To separate need from want.

"Amalia." he breathed. "Who needs me more? You? Or your cause?" he asked, leaning forward as his fingers held lightly on to his glass. Something about him -- be it the air or the slightest gestures on his face told her to be truthful. That deflect the question would risk in losing both.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

The purple liquor swished along the edges of Amalia's glass like her thoughts swished through her mind. She simply gave him a polite nod to his first sentence. There was nothing more to say, flattery would not get far with a woman like Amalia. She had goals, wants, needs, and she needed someone to fulfill them. Not a brown-noser. Yet this man's actions spoke louder then his words. Amalia knew of his skills, he could easily handle himself in any combat. But she wanted to know what he was like behind the lime light, what really went through his head.

But why? There was a long pause before Amalia answered. Did she want Auric for the Resistance? To guide her few troubled troops through the war they were about dedicate what probably would be the rest of their lives too. To draw in more people to her cause and just bolster their numbers? Or did Amalia want the hero for hire for herself? Did she lust after the order that her mind lacked. To cut a clear line in her mind, tell her what was wrong and what was right. To tell her which of these two urges she should listen too.

Amalia brought the glass to her lips and tilted her head back. Within seconds the goblet of serpent wine had nothing but a few violet drops. Which shone in the soft light of the magicite lamps that lazily hung above their heads. The magicite gave a pleasant illumination to Amalia's face as her eyes darted into the side. It was a look of shame. She couldn't give her a straight answer, she was lost in her own thoughts. Struggling with the answer her companion craved. At least Amalia left Auric with something too look at. She was called the Desert's Rose for a reason.

With a soft clack her glass returned to the wooden table between the two. "I want it for me," Captain Amalia said, her eyes returning to face Auric. Her face was stern, after much deliberation her mind was made up. "And for the resistance, I need you for both." She paused to left her words sink in. "I need the resistance to succeed, and so do the people of Dalmasca. I can not win this upcoming struggle on my own, yet I must win it for myself. So I require you for both myself, and for my cause."

Auric's line of questions were interesting. She was the one who wanted to know who he was, yet the tables seemed to be turned. Maybe it was time for her to ask the questions. "And what about you my friend?" Amalia asked, picking up the bottle of serpent wine with one hand. She poured herself yet another glass. Her mind was slightly abuzz, the wine may be potent but she learned to hold her liquor ages ago. It wouldn't be proper for her not to be able too, but that didn't mean it hadn't started to claim her mind.

"Surely someone like you has a higher cause then wealth. Do you lust after the rush of adventure? Or perhaps you crave for the love of another?" A little smile was on her face. Her finger ran along the rim of her goblet glass, creating a pleasant ringing sound which was soon drowned out by the loud crowd beneath the balcony. Amalia clearly had no interest in finishing this glass of wine, but she did have an interest in finishing her sentence. "Or do you desire something even greater?"

[Auric]

She was good to look at; being easy on the eyes always helped. Not that he was here to perve, mind you, it was more like art appreciation. Whatever intentions there might have been beyond the platonic wasn't consciously in his mind. Not that the thought wouldn't have appealed to him, but beyond the fling, being with someone usually meant sharing their cause. And it was funny how much that might have occurred had he said yes...but he didn't. The question he asked was rather binary; it was one or the other -- not both. Ultimately, it's what it came down to... after all, fighting for one wasn't fighting for both. Auric certainly didn't associate himself with Dalmasca; he was no local and fighting for a cause like it was your patriotic duty was difficult when you barely sympathized to begin with.

Not that he didn't disagree with their plight, but... to take a step further and actively support them? That was a lot to ask of anybody. He was rather neutral in this war and his motivations for taking on missions pertaining to any of them was largely material. But even then, he wasn't big on supporting any faction; doing so often made you less liked of the others. Declaring allegiances tended to alienate the rest... working for the neutral nations was often the preferred job. Especially when they could afford his services which was no small feat. There was a lot of zeroes when it came to his price. But Amalia had cheated in her response... perhaps she was too afraid to admit she might have needed him for herself. Beyond the romantic suggestions that might denote, oft-times appealing to one's better half was what someone needed.

And yet... before he could say another thing she was on the offensive; probing into him with a question of her own. He placed his glass to his lips and drank deep the Serpent wine, whilst Amalia seemed was pouring another of her own. She certainly seemed to enjoy it. Auric, however couldn't feel a thing short of a Marlboro straight-up. His fortitude was simply built that way; that and the blood of his people flowed through his veins as thick as any other. More so than alcohol ever could. But what about him? Of course she'd ask that question.... perhaps there was a reason for him to fight that he had yet to indulge her. Naturally any cause he would have joined would have to have been big... but beyond that a swipe of the MoogleCard and a high credit limit was all that really would have drawn his attention. Naturally, it might have have been a facade but never the less it might have been one he sustained.

But how to answer?

"You could say that." he remarked, wondering if he should have given her the truth. He may as well... he doubted very much that she'd be able to understand what he meant. "Oh, I dedicate myself to them all. Status, power, money... odd treasures, old relics... I suppose I do enjoy the occasional adventure." he answered, taking a small break as he enjoyed another sip from his glass. "There is something, yeah. I wouldn't mind getting into bed with you." he grinned, knowing it'd throw her off. As to whether he meant it?

...well.