RP:An Indecent Proposal

Summary: Lanara (Minx) writes a letter to Fox and asks for a meeting, and after getting a reply, she heads to Rynvale and brings Tiber along. They arrive at the Jolly Roger and learn that Leoxander is running things now, and the pirate is equally surprised that Tiber wishes to join their ranks. After a conversation and some shots, Leo accepts Lana’s vouching for Tiber, and agrees to give him a shot. A future jewelry heist is in the works!

This is a Rogue's Guild RP.

Part of the Waxing Crescent, Wayward Course Arc

Leoxander stood on the opposite side of the bar counter, facing the door, an open bottle of blended whiskey and a tumbler half full before him. Hands planted on either side to brace some of his weight, the rogue’s eyes were on the door, some of the light from a hanging oil lamp causing his eyes to flicker and shine as a wolf’s would, while another lantern aflame behind him shadowed some of his features in a silhouette. Propped against the wall in range was a compound bow and upright quiver, while strapped to his back in scabbard was his most recently acquired armament, a black iron cutlass. Not that he expected any need for that or the other blades holstered to his ribs, and beyond the focus of his stare, his body language was fairly casual and relaxed as he took the time to drain what was left in the glass with a swallow followed by another pour.

Lanara hadn’t given Tiberius the slightest of clues as to who they are meeting at this hour, and in this location, hidden in the nook of the island. She specifically said she was meeting an old friend to see about a possible job, and that he had to dress in black. Lana is pretty sure that Tiber assumes she’s hanging out with a gothic crew now, because she is always dressed colorfully or in something that shows off her figure. She’s clad in black from head to toe; a turtleneck, hip hugging pants, ankle boots, and an unzipped leather jacket. The only flesh that shows is her hands, face, and a sliver of flesh between the space where her shirt and pants almost meet. Tonight, the witch walks beside Tiber with her hands in her pockets, thoughts clouding her mind so much that she’s not very talkative. Most would call it a blessing, to relax in the rare silence, but when Lana’s quiet it’s an indicator that something is amiss. Abruptly, she stops short and turns to look up into amber eyes, “So… I couldn’t give you any details beforehand, as there are strict rules to follow.” Rules that if broken, could lead to death. “All will be explained in a few minutes, but remember how we said no secrets between us, after you told me about your scandalous womanizing past?” She’s -still- salty, clearly! “Well. I -did- tell you that sometimes I do bad things for coin with some friends, but I didn’t get into too much detail.” A finger points to the sign on the door, a warning to all that seek entrance, “Anything said or done with these ‘friends’ is to be kept an eternal secret, understand?” Once her husband agrees to the terms, Lana raps on the door to announce their arrival, noting that it’s open just a smidge. With her left hand she pushes the door open enough for her and Tiber to squeeze inside, and once over the threshold she lets her eyes adjust to the lantern light, as she takes in their surroundings. Eventually, her attention is drawn to the area where Leo is pouring himself another drink, and she inhales the scent of the other lycan. For now, she doesn’t step nearer, and she wonders if she’s in the wrong place, but her intuition says otherwise.

Tiber really did not have a clue where Lanara was taking him. It seemed kind of strange for Lanara to be so ‘hush’ around him–afterall, she never stopped talking his ear off. Of course, he loved that about her, but keeping… secrets? Were they secrets? Would he know eventually? And black? Why black? Were they in mourning? Either way, he does as he is told to do because ‘happy wife, happy life’ mentality. He finds a black button-up that he rolls up to his elbows and a pair of sleek black slacks. He also matches the outfit with a black belt and black loafers to match. Always the business attire with him. When Lanara comes out, he frowns, as it was strange to see her so covered up. Was he missing something? He, however, does not question it. Eventually they part and walk down the dark streets, his hands stuffed in pockets as he observes the area around him. Was this a death wish? Was she still mad about the escorting thing…? Lanara then breaks the sketchy silence, “Look, if we are going to bring that up again–” he cuts off as she continues to explain herself which causes him to squint. “You briefly touched on the topic,” he purses his lips and stares at the sign on the door. “Is this another club…?” He whispers in that jestful manner before wiggling his brows. Once he realizes that there is more of a serious look resting on her face, he frowns and nods. He understands. Weird. The man casts a last glance over his shoulder before making his way in behind the witch.

Leoxander could finally put a face to ‘Minx’, and he should have been surprised. But by the time they made their appearance, his sharp ears caught a little of Lanara’s pitch if not exact words, and his sensitive nose had smelled them both as soon as they rounded the corner, despite the salty scent from the near wharf. The rogue actually chuckled low under his breath and deep in his chest as he lifted his filled cut glass again, speaking before he took another drink, “If it ain’t the happy couple…” Amusement was revealed in his eyes when the reflective glint lost the angle to fade to shadowed blue. “Wasn’t sure if you two were gonna make it after that little tour through the tunnel.” Tiber was a recognizable face by now, and Leo thought back to the way he got under the man’s skin with just a look at his old (in timeline) friend. “No sparkles today, ‘Minx’?” He busied himself and silently beckoned them to approach by placing two more tumblers on the counter, but he wasn’t so polite as to let them have their choice from the bottles on the shelves behind him. They’d get a couple shots worth of whatever the captain had opened, and in this case it had Larket’s bird on the label.

Lanara is mildly boiling inside at Tiber’s thought of this being a ‘club’ because her days of being an exotic dancer were long gone. That was a lower than low point in her life, and it’s still not as bad as bedding women for gold! Her annoyed glance says it all, but she doesn’t correct her husband or get into another spat, because this is a serious matter. The chuckle and the newlyweds comment hits Lana’s tapered ears and she narrows her eyes, knowing exactly who that voice belongs to, and she chastises herself for not putting the puzzle together sooner. She closes the distance and leans on the counter, eyeing the bottle as two shots are poured, before she lifts her chin and locks eyes with the pirate. “No sparkles today, Hound. To be honest, I didn’t know we were meeting with you. If I had known, I’d be in something with glitter, maybe a bit of fur? I know how much you like my fancy outfits.” She enjoys the quip, rather than being insulted, because they had met when she was a model for Kreekitaka’s line. Not that Tiber knows any of this, and he’s likely growing jealous. A hand extends to clap on the Catalian’s bicep, “This is my husband and that’s what I mentioned being a potential problem. I don’t want to leave and you -know- I’m a valuable asset to this group.” There’s a pause, as she thinks back on the seven dwarves she had poisoned, though her expression is void of any remorse. “I think he should be one of the team. He’s greedy, sleazy, and we just took out one of the lesser crime lords in Cenril. I can vouch for his colorful past.”

Tiber parts off of the Kelvarian to see the man at the counter. He is confused with her angst about the ‘club’ thing because he is talking of the Adventurer’s Guild. He shakes his head as she walks off as they have not been able to find easy balance since talking of his past. The greeting is thrown by the other lycan, and a quirk of a brow is given towards Leoxander. Not an easy man to trust, especially after commenting on Lanara’s appearance. Clearly memorable ones. The Catalian reflects in the tunnel where the replay of Aspen spins over and over. Aspen had caused the quarrel, but he faintly remembers Leoxander observing some of the tension between him and his wife. “You’re a little observant, yeah?” Tiber walks a fine line with his words, as he is usually careful with them in situations like these… ‘Minx’? What kind of kitty cat name was that? Was that some pet name Leoxander called her a time ago? Were they an old thing? Clearly, Tiber did not get the gist of the situation yet, but he was quick to jump to answers. When Lanara banters back with the lycan, he remains stoic, although this would not fly well at home. “Glad you two are so chummy.” He slowly inched his way over to the bar in caution, and at this point, he is keeping behind Lanara to keep his temper at ease even if his wife reaches out towards him. He takes the pat, but his face does not change. Instead, eyes are glued to the man at the counter. “She really talks me up like a gem, doesn't she,” eyes trace to Lanara, and his accented tongue is full of sarcasm before a small, sly; crooked smile appears on his lips.

Leoxander regarded Lanara with a steadily calm stare, managing not to flinch when she used his former alias. But that, like his relationship with the spellrogue, would be just another piece of his history. Although he let Lanara give her short speech as he took another drink from his glass, his eyes moved over to Tiber to meet his stare as they approached. “I know who he is. But we’re overdue for formals.” To Tiber, he answers smartly, “So’re you, to notice. Kind’a important in this line’a work.” He set his glass down and stood out of his slouch to fold his arms across his chest in a relaxed stance, the ink covering his forearms exposed from the rolled sleeves of a black shirt that he was almost sure Lanara had Kree’ make for him. “I know you prolly ain’t too glad to see me runnin’ things, but fate’s always had it out for me. An’ bodyguard jus’ wasn’t my thing.” It wasn’t an apology. Sorries didn’t come from Leo. But he was at least acknowledging that he’d abandoned her at some point. Back to Tiber to then acknowledge his remark in a less subtle way. “Pretty decent compared to what I’m sure she’d say about me, mate. I’m gatherin’ this wasn’t exactly your idea…”

Lanara senses that her mate isn’t happy with her, so she peers up at him beneath her long lashes, and gives his arm a harder than usual squeeze. “You know how I feel about you… I accept you exactly as you are, were, and could potentially be. Don’t you see I’m trying to sell you, baby? In this line of work, you are -exactly- what we need.” Her voice is soft and soothing, that come hither look is in her eyes, and her hold upon his arm is now a sensual scratching of her manicured nails. She pauses in reassuring Tiber, to listen to Leo, and her lips part in awe. Did he just sort of apologize?! He -had- abandoned her when she needed protection from her father, and he also bailed on her that night she broke up a dog fighting ring and killed a bunch of people. Lana’s words are clipped, “I don’t hold you responsible for my first death.” She had misused her magic and taken out her father and herself that fateful night. “I don’t hold grudges. I just hope that you have my back as I will have yours, should a situation arise.” A brow arches as she steps closer to Tiber, “I think it’s in all of our best interests if we are all on the same ship, don’t you, both?” It’s all about confidentiality in her book, as is in this line of work. How can Lanara be married -and- be a part of this group? Would Leo truly ask one of his valuable and trustworthy comrades to leave? Could Tiber watch his wife lead a double life? Being on the same page is the best deal all around, more jobs, security, and less chance of a leak. “Larket? Pfft. After all those witch murders? You have -got- to be kidding me.” She smirks, “Now I -am- offended!” Still, she lifts the glass to her lips and takes a sip, her gaze drifting from one man to the other. They are quite similar.

Tiber’s expression loosens as the pirate mentions observations are important. True, but Tiber does not say much on that aspect. He considers that to be a quiet, mutual agreement. Both lycans were observant, but that does not mean he is lowering his guard. Carefully, he watches the interaction between the other two before casting his amber gaze around the bar before a hand reaches to squeeze his arm harder in reassurance, which causes him to mutter some words in a foreign language. The agony of her trying to butter him up was ticking on his brain. Should he fall back in? Lanara’s sweet words linger in the air, but he decides she is not entirely off the hook with this group meeting. He, however, lowers a hand on her shoulder in mild compliance. He knows she’s… trying, and his attitude slowly begins to change when she talks about one of her… deaths. “Well, who's to say? I’ve driven her almost mad lately,” he confesses. The men are talking as if Lanara is not even there for one moment, but Tiber catches himself. “No. To say I was in the ‘know’? Not exactly.” Pause. “‘Minx’,” eyes glance towards Lanara in a taunting way before lingering back on the pirate. “Mentioned she had friends. I play a bit of the game, myself. To be on the same ship, though, Lana? I don’t even know what kind of games you play?” The man reaches for the tumbler now. “Yikes, my guy, you’re ticking her off,” he smirked at Lanara’s offense. Truly it was not funny, but was it coincidental? “I think what Lanara is trying to say, though, with me, is that I do have some to offer if you want another player.” Afterall, he was a linguist and fairly decent with geography–plus, the man was a hitman as a career. Sleazy was truly the term.

Leoxander couldn’t quite help the way one brow furrowed and the other quirked at Lanara’s bit of soothing and coaxing. But she’d made a point with it - she definitely had her uses in the scheme of things with those batting lashes and singsong tone. Naturally, it had an idea rolling through his brain, but not one Tiber would need to growl or glare at him for. Not every rumor about the pirate was true. “Everyone’s got nine lives in stake for this game, you know that.” He teased back to Lanara, not a stranger to a first death, either. He’d even had a funeral, apparently, though there was a very blank space in his memories that didn’t allow him to remember it. And more curious, he hadn’t actually attended. “Little early to be spicin’ up the marriage already…” He warned, some of his train of thoughts on the same track as Lanara’s. He’d had plenty of practice balancing love and lies, and it could be said that a little excitement tethered bonds stronger. At least until the fuse was consumed and it all blew to hell. When the witch noticed the label she summoned a vague smirk in return on his unshaven features. “Thought it’d be fun to reminisce. Plus I’m overstocked from the wedding.” No one would have seen Leo attend that, either, but they’d managed to pull in quite a haul with the former queen’s crown. He addressed Tiber’s amused warning with almost half a grin. “Seems to be what I do best.” Arms uncrossed and he shifted his attention from husband, to wife, and back again. “Don’ you repeat, but if she’s vouchin’ for you, I got no reason not to believe you ain’t fit for the work. But you an’ I…?” He picked up his glass around the rim in thumb and three fingers, index doing a little gesture back and forth between them with that hand. “We’re gonna have to get to know each other. I gotta know what you’re capable of.” Leo wasn’t seeking a new best buddy. It would probably involve a heist or a fight, but he wasn’t saying no.

Lanara rolls her eyes, “I couldn’t tell him about what we do, remember?” Are the rules the same, now that Leo is running the show? “I would never ‘out’ anyone or divulge secrets. If I give my word, you best believe that I mean to keep it.” Unlike most people, the witch stays true to her word. Giving the liquor a swirl in her glass, she drains the remainder of it, as she watches Tiber take over the conversation and try to see if he will fit in. Truthfully, Lanara only has met a scarce number of individuals that run with the crew; Callum, Meri, Arlyeon, and Fox. It had been a hot minute since she’d been in contact with any of them, and her friendship with Meri had been rather strained as of late. She doesn’t know how many others are into this, but she’s certain that having her husband involved is a good move. They are two peas in a pod and although they fight like an old married couple, their bond is unbreakable. “Nine lives? I’ll drink to that!” She lifts her empty glass to a toast and grins, waiting for a refill. Leo addresses Tiber and she remains silent throughout, watching each of their expressions for a ‘tell’ as to what will happen next. Lana knows that Tiber’s annoyed with her, but she literally gave him nothing to go on, “High stake thefts, the occasional murder for hire, spying, those sorts of things. You do what you’re asked, you keep your mouth shut, and you get paid.” She shrugs a slender shoulder, “It will pay the bills and it’s easy enough work.” Briefly, she wonders if seeing her in this light is upsetting to him, as his angel isn’t as pristine as she may have led him to believe. “Going to give him a job and see if he passes the test, Cap’n?”

Tiber drains back some of the glass in his hand. He swigs the liquor before swallowing. “Gotta keep the wife on her toes, eh?” Was all he could really say. Lanara and Tiber were a very crimson couple. He swirls the contents in the tumbler as he sits on the words being exchanged in the room. Lanara goes on with the list. Everything he has already done and, still, does. Work and shut it. Pay the bills. Easy enough. When Leo suggests they get to ‘know each other’, Tiber nods his head slowly as he stares at the contents still in the tumbler. The man is nonchalant at this point. “Right,” he blows out. “Not to overstep, ‘Cap’n’,” he lingers on the formal address. “But I know a certain parlor with a certain value. Jewelry. Might be very well guarded considering how… ritzy it is, but if you get your hands on the gem and sell it, well, you’ll be in good fortune. Might be simple, might not be since… like I said, guarded. Or, if you had something else in mind, feel free to throw me in. I’ll see what I can do.” Tiber was very scrappy, but he was willing to at least jump into whatever.

Leoxander took a moment to realize that Lanara was waiting for him to play bartender and refill her glass, but she clearly wasn’t one to assume she could just help herself, either. So he obliged and poured a hint more than he had in the first round, willing to give Tiber another dose as well if he moved his glass forward. “I s’pose it’s the least I could do. Lettin’ you get killed and then married to a wolf.” Tiber could take all the offense that he wanted - Leo was condemning himself all the same with that response. The rogue was one to appreciate some good information, and he scratched his half grown beard with his free hand as the other man offered it. “Yeah, I’ll consider it. But I’ll be gettin’ a Kingfisher in to scout the place before launch.” He turned his attention back to the wifey. “Last I checked, that was your special.” And a way to test how well the couple worked together. Curious how all those pieces so easily seemed to fall into place. That always made Leoxander a bit suspicious, but he had others in the flock should something go array. “You two gonna be at the bout, tomorrow?” Although no real decision had been made on whatever test or objective he settled on, it was definitely a ‘to be continued’. “I want a few more details on this place an’ we’ll figure it out. Location. Security numbers. What you two expect in your cut. Don’t pin it on the board, I want that in my hand. Sooner you do, sooner we start.” With that, he offered his glass up to the other two in a significant sign of accord.

Lanara smiles as Tiber suggests a job that he’s willing to take, one that will put him at great risk. It’s evident in her expression that she is pleased with this turn of events, and she knows that her husband hates having to prove himself, but he’s willing to in this case. She has expensive tastes and so does Tiber, so they need all the extra coin they can gather. It’s also part of the thrill for the witch, because playing it safe gets boring, and she’s always been a bit reckless. Lana knows she has some serious explaining to do on their journey home, but she will be as candid as possible, and her mate rarely stays angry at her for very long. “Thanks.” She finally gets her refill from Leoxander and she’s about to make a quip about his bartending skills, when he accepts her husband's proposal. The two seem to be making a future deal and she nods eagerly when she’s asked to scout the place, “Consider it done.” Lana is a natural at charming others and using her Goddess given looks to get what she wants, as well as the occasional glamor potion or spell. “Alright, Cap’n, we’ll be seeing you soon.” As tomorrow's bout is mentioned she mulls it over, “I may be there, depending on if I can get the caretaker to stay at the sanctuary a bit longer.” Happy Tails is overrun with kittens this season and it’s been hell for the staff. “If not, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon with all the details.” She upends her glass and finishes her drink, before she takes a glance at the door. It’s getting late and she wants to catch the ferry before it ends for the night.

Tiber slides his, now empty, glass forward as he is determined to down something a little different later. Tiber refusing alcohol? That was a new light? Then again, Lanara did not see Tiberius in this light often. The Catalian was often clear-headed in these discussions. The man shrugs as he really does not take offense. Tiber’s a twisted man. A dramatic one, too. He wonders why Lanara chooses him every time, most days. Tiberius then nods at the lycan’s response to the suggestion which he knows needs thought on. Strategy, if it be the job they are doing. Eyes shift to Lanara. Her job? To scout? “Fair.” As for the duel, Tiber looks towards Lanara before returning to Leoxander. “Doctor’s appointment for me, unfortunately. Lanara has been keeping the tracks lately,” is all he can really say. He does not delve deep on the topic of physical therapy. It was clear Tiber was keeping his weakened hand in his pocket for the time being. A smile creeps on his face. “Until then, ‘Cap’n’.” Then, he looks down at the Kelvarian. “I think we should get home. We got quite a bit of travel back.” He glances at Leoxander. “We’ll keep you posted.” Tiber then tilts his chin as if to indicate that it’s time to go and finally get out of this lycan’s hair.

Leoxander felt his expression darken at Tiber’s response. Not because he thought it to be an excuse, but a certain ‘doctor’ and the lycan bite scarring his right arm tattoo had been the reason he was labeled as Tiber was. “Right. See you soon.” A drop of his head in a nod with a slight cant to it. As they made their way out, he corked the bottle and began to shoulder his weapons to lock up after their leave, satisfied with the way his introductions to Mr. Lanara had gone.