RP:Cenrili Alliance Part Deux

Summary: Jaxson and Iintaquohae make contact with the Isran Collective to broker an alliance against the anti-non-human factions gaining momentum in Cenril, and they enjoy some good food and camaraderie during the meetup.

Quaint Corner

Zahrani || The route to the Isran Collective’s Enclave is primarily shared by word of mouth. No signage or arrows pointing ~This way to the felines~>. If you find a small cat in an alleyway and earn their trust, they might just take you home with them. A sleek ginger cat with a small hat and boots (maybe a small sword at his side) leads the way. The surrounding buildings are very old, some well-worn and completely bare of paint, but the streets are clean and vermin-free. The smell of salty air mingles with fresh herbs and flowers growing on sills and balconies. An occasional shadow passes overhead, cast by other residents of the enclave free-running across the rooftops, coming and going with information and/or supplies for various friends and clients. A generously-sized hotel looms ahead, fortified with catwalks, irrigation, and reinforced infrastructure. A large courtyard graces the center, providing a place for meetings, outdoor cooking, and recreation. The catfolk of Isran have many places they call home, but this one is clearly special. It’s a hub for them, yes, but it also has well-furnished rooms for guests, feline and otherwise. Security appears to be tighter, with cats of every shape and size patrolling the perimeter. A pair of tigers stands guard near an anteroom who’s door also bears a containment ward. Sitting at a dining table are Zahrani, Matriarch Roahin, and the Matriarch’s mate, colloquially known as Bruiser. While the other residents are attending to duties or recreation, they occasionally turn to face the meeting, curious about the newcomers.

Jaxson Ravencroft is a man who has been raised in wealth his entire life, and due to that there is an almost inherent manner to which he carries himself most times that would have seen him stand out even harder than he already does as he ventures towards the west end of Cenril to meet the Matriarch of the Isran Collective. But luckily, he’d say to anyone who asked, he spent years within the military of the city where he was very much an everyman, and through the blood, sweat and many tears that came with his service was he able to, perhaps, shake some of that nobility enough that it didn’t come off as arrogance as it so easily can. While this trip was indeed friendly, it was in many ways also political. To that effect the man decided that his business partner, Iintahquohae, should accompany him so that Madam Roahin and the feline collective would see a unified front, as well as see he trusts them and would not hold anything back. TO further this point the use of a carriage was dismissed, and he walked on foot to the meeting so he could take a good look at their territory while not trying to seem above it in any way. Of course, he is once more decked out in the fine clothes he paid a small fortune for, much the same style as when he and Zahrani met just a day or so prior. Waistcoat and matching pants, a rich blue this time and solid versus pinstriped. A dark grey dress shirt with the top buttons undone for comfort lay beneath with the sleeves once more rolled up to the elbows, a common trait for him. The small feline leading the way is studied by those blue eyes of his as he chews on a toothpick, the man having chosen to not smoke for both the sake of the meeting as well as his current company. He picked up Iinks didn’t care too much for the habit, and Jax is such a charmer like that. Every step the man learns more of the Collective, as he prepares for the upcoming exchange with an open mind and a hopefulness that this day will see the breaking of bread and the forging of new opportunities. He’d stop by the tiger guards, politely waiting for the Matriarch to -allow- him to enter. Plus, again, the man can’t help but look over the giant felines. Tigers now? He was like a child inside who had big eyes filled with awe. He loved being in their presence, even if one the outside he keeps up the cool and collected demeanor.

Iintahquohae dropped her work to tag along with Jaxson once she received word of where they were headed. It felt good getting out of her shop and the house after going for such a long stretch cooped up, and the warlock posed a very good distraction to her personal woes. With her usual black, dragon scale-lined jacket needing to be patched up, she dressed casual. Black leggings, boots, and oddly a yellow sweater to cover her gaunt and lanky torso. Her recently-acquired grey, lavender-tipped vulpine ears perk up at the sight of the feline in boots that looks to be their guide into the Isran Collective's Enclave, and an unconscious swish of the tail that came with her new ears has her wondering if she might fit in a little bit with this crowd. ...At the very least perhaps one of these felines might help her figure out how in the world to control her ears from wiggling and tail from swaying to betray her mood. The seamstress shelves the thought for now however, not quite stepping behind the warlock but adjusting her stride near him to make the clear distinction that while business partners, she's following his lead here. Inks didn't know much about the Collective, despite being raised in Cenril since she was a toddler, so she struggles to keep her expression set in its usual neutral state, bordering on indifference. Instead the vampire looks curious, excited even much like Jaxson, and despite with her height of six feet, Inks goes so far as to hop up on her tip-toes to get a good look of their surroundings once they've stopped by the pair of tiger guards. A gloved hand rubs at the back of her head, rustling silvery-grey curls. She liked cats but had never really befriended a feline outside of one of The Eyrie's Red Riders and a handful that worked with her father's crew as a child. Jaxson provided her a name, Madam Roahin, and that's just about as much as she knew. She'd try not to play silent wallflower for this meeting but most likely would be looking around, observing, letting the gears in her head turn for future business.

Zahrani || The small ginger cat is joined at the foyer by a young feline girl with tiger stripes, built very much like a 12-year-old version of Zahrani, carrying a bo staff. She wears a sleeveless button-up vest and functional flowing pants, both dyed a lovely shade of maroon. The two tiger guards greet her with an affectionate chuffing sound. She returns the sound, before turning to Jaxson and Iinks. She has the stance of a martial arts student, relaxed but disciplined, her head held high and her spine in its neutral position. The young tigress speaks, “Grand-Mother will see you now. Follow me.” The fashionable ginger cat sits at the desk, cleaning his paws before consulting what appears to be a guest ledger. As the tiger-lass leads the newcomers to the courtyard, the smell of fresh bread and well-seasoned food emanates from the kitchen area. The elder feline woman deftly rises to her feet, along with the gray male. The matriarch wears a simple Cenril spring dress, modified in the style of a mage’s robe (pockets are handy), and a comfortable shawl rests like a hood over her head and ears. She carries a staff of mahogany, but it is clear from her gait that this is no walking stick. In a firm and slightly weary voice, she greets them with a handshake, “Welcome, Jaxson Ravencroft. Your name is known to some of us. I apologize in advance for being brief with pleasantries...” She pauses, before adding, “We had a scare last night with some of our containment and defense wards, but they seem to be working for now.” She does not elaborate to the stranger as to what exactly the felines were containing, but with the plague still unresolved, Jaxson and Iinks could guess. The Matriarch’s mate stands as well, joining Roahin and extending his large hand to the humans in greeting. His accent is thick, his voice deep but otherwise friendly, “Call me Bruiser. And of course you know our Rani. She told us you were coming and a bit of why, but we would hear it from you and your associate.” The burly feline male strokes the braids in his beard and mustache, the strapping old man garbed in the fashion of a sailor.

Jaxson takes it all in as the process of these kinds of meetings are not lost to him. From dinners with the upper class, to prisoner exchanges and treaties on the fields of battle, to now more recent events where he has to meet and deal with far less polite (and interesting) company than the Feline Collective. Aside from his business dealings with Iinks, which is always a pleasure, this is the highlight of his week in absence of getting to see Valrae. Word is she was traveling to Xalious, probably mage business, and after that debacle at the promotion ceremony, Jax was glad she didn’t ask for him to go with her. Wasn’t his crowd, you see? But in her absence, he has gotten to work, and that work has lead him to an audience with the Matriarch of the Felines, not to bad he’d say. But as the young tigress leads them, Jax can’t help but nod to the guards he passes, almost sad to leave being around such awesome creatures. Back just as quickly the man is laser focused once again as he is lead to the table, and he’d make sure to show all the proper respect, bows and handshakes, as he took in names and faces. Jesus that’s a big ‘ole boy, that Bruiser. A respect given instantly, though this only heightens Jax’s view of Roahin. He is new to feline politics, but if that absolute unit falls in line to his mate, well, Madam Roahin is far more than she seems to be sure. Mental note taken and stored for later, an almost knowing look briefly shot towards the Matriarch in the manner of “I see you girl, go ahead”. But then, its business. And here Jax thrives. “A pleasure, and honor, to be allowed within your enclave, and I hope last night’s…” He doesn’t know what that was. “Situation didn’t leave you all too shaken.” Obviously not, but still, its polite to say. “This here, is Lady Iintahquohae Kerrigan, who can speak more for herself, I just like saying her name. As it’s a name that will soon dominate not only the fashion world, but the business one as well.” He’d let that settle, waiting on ques to be seated and the like, as he continues with a follow up to Bruiser’s statement. “And I’d have it not other way. To speak plain, Valrae is trying to truly make this city a better place, but as we are all well aware there are elements that have taken root within our boarders that don’t care for equality or sharing.” The gangs of Cenril smell blood in the water with Hudson’s absence, and some are being less subtle about their claims to power. Here, Jax assumes the Collective is more than aware, giving respect that is growing by the minute for the felines. “I myself am no politician, but I am a man who knows that rivers will flow regardless, the best we can do is try to control that flow so it doesn’t destroy villages, or sweep away opportunities.” Its not hard to decipher his meaning. Crime is the river, it will continue regardless of politics. Jaxson just wishes to try to build ways to channel the river in a direction that doesn’t cause destruction. “It has become known to me, that certain elements are attempting to drive home during these very turbulent times the message of an anti-nonhuman kind. Some even trying to place the blame for the recent plague upon “nonhumans”, even though its absolutely ridiculous.” He pauses, allowing the digestion of his mini speech. “So, in good faith I wish to one, establish that this in -not- Valrae’s belief, nor that of me or my business partner. And that I do indeed plan to -directly-. “The manner he says this hints at more. “ handle these misguided notions, and drive them from -our-“ Again, he emphasizes that part, making sure they know the felines are included. “ city’s borders so the lives of Cenrili citizens can, in time, return to a normal and hopefully prosperous nature. So, I come before you a humble man, wishing to know how one neighbor can help another, and nothing more.”

Iintahquohae 's eyes were on clothes, furs (not for skinning, just observing, honest), any visible jewelry that she might find visible on every single feline they encountered. Not with the intention of thieving, of course, just a habit due to her profession. With introductions being made and Jaxson taking care of introducing her to the Matriarch and her mate, she extends her hand to shake Bruiser's when it's her turn to do so. Keeping quiet, almost uncomfortably so at mention of the unusual wave of...how could she phrase it? Loss? A blindness of sorts? A lack of something, to say the least, especially in the midst of enchanting something for the city's Bazaar later in the month, the seamstress chews on her bottom lip, unintentionally exposing a bit of fang in a non-threatening manner. “Mister Ravencroft speaks far too highly of me,” she eventually chimes in with a swell of pride after he boasts of her work. “I'm here for Cenril. If my frilly clothes and jewels can help, then I'll keep on making them.” Falling silent again while Jaxson speaks, her feelings and perhaps her thoughts are once again revealed not by her facial expressions, but those bloody fox ears, which flatten a bit at the notion of casting blame on 'non-humans' for Cenril's plague. She isn't a feline herself, instead some kind of amalgam of vampiric-foxkin now, she guesses, but the seamstress could see herself being lumped into the group of 'non-humans'. The manner in which he describes 'handling' the misguided notions has her thinking less diplomatic, more violent, given her work outside of her legitimate clothing and jewelry shop. “Me and my folks can help with that,” she quietly volunteers, and once the warlock's speech is fully finished, she volunteers more in the form of a question directed at the Matriarch. “With the plague still running amok, how are you and yours doing on food? Supplies? I've redirected my ships toward importing things more of use now instead of cloth and jewels and I'd be happy to provide support however I can.” Her efforts to maintain some order with various orphanages in the city might not be known, but she didn't make a point of publicizing philanthropy. It's just what Cenril people do, criminal or not. Just like Jaxson emphasizes 'our' in relation to everybody within Cenril's populace, no matter race or social standing, Iintahquohae emphasizes the same. “We have to support each other. During this plight and after it ends, as a united front.” She casts a glance at the warlock, then adds, “Valrae represents that. Even during my time in the Mage's Guild, she represented that.”

Zahrani motions for them all to take a seat at the table. The stars were coming out and a fire was lit at the center of the courtyard. The residents of the Enclave begin setting up tables and chairs for a shared evening meal. While Jaxson and Iinks speak, food and water are brought to their table, as well as the others. Kebabs of lamb and chicken, generously seasoned, are the main course, along with a yeasted flatbread and an assortment of pickled and fresh vegetables. Roahin and Bruiser listen to the gentleman’s spiel, sifting through the metaphor as Jax makes his stance and intentions known. The two elder felines maintain poker faces, while Rani looks on in curiosity, pouring glasses of water for everyone who wanted one. The Matriarch is the first, saying in a matter-of-fact tone, “We know these rivers well, as well as the undercurrent of violence we have experienced. The struggle of which you speak is older than I am, but we have our scars from its most recent outbreaks.” She pauses, remembering everything her Enclave had gone through to get where they are. The violence at the hands of slavers, authorities, gangs, even Larketian Monarchs, and the plague. Her sharp yellow eyes move to Iintaquohae as she speaks highly of Valrae, offering a slight grin at how the fox-vampires ears and tail render her much more transparent than the tailor would like to be. Bruiser then chimes in, “Our most vulnerable have been moved until the plague subsides. Mostly young children and their parents. We take care of our own, and those who would seek to aid us.” The Matriarch takes a sip of water before clearing her throat and going straight to business, “So you ask us to support Valrae in her campaign for mayor, and support after, I assume. In return...I want what I have always wanted for the Enclave. Knowledge, skills and opportunities to learn them, and seats at the table when city-wide decisions are made.” Zahrani takes a moment to chime in, offering a plate of food to Jaxson, “Any material aid you provide will be put to good use as well. Here and elsewhere. Our roof-runners earn much of their living through private clients...” Some legitimate, some less so. “But if medical supplies need to be moved from one district to another quickly, they can work on behalf of the city as well.” Roahin adds to that, “Speaking of work, if either of you two need shopkeeps or assistants, I can recommend some of our people.”

Jaxson smelled the food long before it arrived, so much so he had to slyly run a hand through his heard as he listened to the mated pair talk so he could hide the fact his mouth was watering a little. He has been so busy today that he hadn’t eaten since this morning, so his eyes take on an almost ravenous gleam as Zahrani offers the plate. He’d nod to the panther as he continues to listen, intently believe me, as even though the food before him is delectable, he has made sure to get a read for both Matriarch Roahin and Bruiser as they spoke. They had their secrets, they were guarded, spurned from past alliance more than likely ruined by the other side’s mistreatment or outright betrayal. This will take time, this will take actions backing words, and most of all they will have to earn a loyalty the man believes will not be broken easily once obtained. Here, he’d take his first bite of the offered meal out of respect as much as desire. The kabab was incredible, the meat tender and juicy, seasoned to damn well near perfection. He savored it, not rushing such a true delight, before he’d take a sip of water before saying. “Whoever made that, I will finance a restaurant right now.” He semi-jokes, his business mind already working out the pros and cons of such a venture. “I haven’t had anything that good in a while!” Mainly he was used to the meals the Ravencroft Manor’s chef made, so its not so much its bad, just his tastebud’s had plateaued. This food was a welcome shock to his routine. Compliments for the offered food now done, he'd return to business, making sure everyone is ready even as the desire for a smoke (always the strongest after eating) rises. “You are free to support who you think is the better candidate. And I want it known our opinions on Valrae are not some ploy, or bought words, as I would bet my entire fortune once she returns to the city and learn of this meeting, she’ll make it a top priority to see you herself.” He had to get that in, Val can and would love to speak for herself, Jax just can’t help but beam about her. Love, ya know? “And as far as official seats at any table, that will be her decision, again to which I hold no doubt she will be very open to.” A moment so everything is settled before its back to it. “Though, what I -can- offer you is fair representation in any businesses I own, which..” He’d look to Zahrani who made mention of shop keeps. “I’ve just purchased a lot with the intent of setting up my main business, call it my own little office, right in the heart of the city. I’d be honored if your people would be so kind as to work there, and I’ll ensure fair wages for all.” A quick nibble of the last bits of the kabab, the juices cleaned up by the bread. He can’t help it, its delicious. “As well, I’ve come into ownership of a few warehouses by the docks and could easily find positions to be filled. A shopkeeper for the cigar lounge, and a foreman for the warehouses. They will run the main business part, managerial that they’ll be. We’ll call it a start.” He hopes it is welcome. “As my partner will no doubt probably already be planning, supplies for the Enclave here can be arranged to be shipped regularly if you so like. A list would be appreciated. I will also, if I may, like to offer some of my own people to help you with matters you see fit, you’ll find them like minded as me.” He waits a moment, trying to think of anything else, as he says. “I will prove I am not just words, and I understand this will take time. But I will do all I can to make sure this city recovers, so your people can come -home-.” He emphasizes that bit, trying to drive that point that the Feline Collective is a cherished member of Cenrili populace. “Seriously though… I’ve got to get that recipe!”

Iintahquohae had never once tried to sell a person, let alone a group of people on voting for someone, but she thinks what little she adds to Jaxson's grander words are helping. This isn't entirely out of her wheelhouse, but once she's seated she internally curses for her newfound clumsiness. How do you sit with a tail? This was another thing the seamstress was trying to learn and look dignified about doing it, but sharper, feline eyes could likely pick up that she's getting used to her new appendages. It takes a moment for her to adjust, but once she's comfortable, her attention rests fully on the conversation at hand, even if her nose picks up scents of food being served. Out of respect she'd clean whatever plate was placed in front of her, but no more after that. Food wasn't a necessity for her even if she partook, and it would be wrong to take more, given the city's current predicament. But everything is delicious, and she nods enthusiastically with Jaxson's voiced praise. “Thank you. ...Don't tell my mother I like someone else's cooking more than hers,” she jokes. Elder vampire she may be, but in reality Iintahquohae was probably right around Jaxson's age, even if she looked to be in her early twenties. She was sired young, and just might be the youngest of the gathered group. Momma taught her to respect her elders, stranger or otherwise, so she's attentive to the Matriarch's words. It's a relief to hear that they've moved their vulnerable somewhere safe. She wished to do the same with her mortal parents, but they're stubborn, remaining in the city but under lock and key in a building with whoever else they managed to gather together for safety. It isn't her place to determine what the Enclave should receive in return for their support, but what the Matriarch asked for seemed fair to her. She'd defer to the warlock, since he was the leader of this cause. Zahrani's words have her attention then, and after swallowing a bite of meat, she nods. “Whatever you need, I'll make arrangements to send what I can. And if your roof-runners need work, I'll be happy to supply them with any medical supplies I can procure. Shop-keeps too...” She could use a few of them, especially after witnessing her enchanted mannequins cease to function properly the night before. Living attendants would be much more useful. After Jaxson lists off his multiple business ventures, she describes hers. “I have a shop up north for my clothing and jewelry, but I plan on buying up a proper building further inland once the dust settles. My ships could always use more bodies for their crews as well,” she offers. “You'd have an idea of what I bring in and send out from the port. It's mostly above board.” Never one to lie about what part of her work was, Iintahquohae felt no need to talk around the smuggling operation she ran. Especially if it could potentially benefit others at this table. “”I accept all kinds, equal pay too,” she adds, rephrasing the warlock's words. “I look out for my own.” Emphasis on 'my own' here meaning Cenril's population, of course.

Zahrani || The two older cats offer a grin to their guests. Bruiser responds, "I'll get you both the info you need, including the recipe." The last part he says with a chuckle. The evening meal continues, with denizens of the Enclave trickling out after they wash their dishes. Some of them gather around the fire, speaking in their primary feline language about the recent events. A few older kids gather in a corner of the courtyard to kick a ball around. The evening winds down, and Roahin prepares to turn in, but not before saying to Jaxson and Iinks, "You are both welcome to stay the night, if you have nowhere to be this evening. Talk to Citrine at the front desk if you want to book a room." With that, the old cats retire for the evening. Zahrani watches her people try to enjoy a bit of life, in spite of how harsh it's been, before turning to their guests. "Don't be strangers," she says with a grin.

Jaxson enjoys the evening once business was concluded, the meal was great, the host even better. He laughed, he learned, he kicked a ball around. Community at its finest, and it will be a cherished moment for the man for years to come. But, as Roahin and Bruiser make their farewells as the Matriarch turns in, Jax is reminded that there is still work to be done. “No sleep for me, I’m afraid.” He replies back, catching a stray ball with his foot before he’d show off some of his own handling skills as he kicks it back to the kids. “But, as I said, I’ve got to make sure certain types know that we’re friends now, madam Matriarch.” He’d stop, offer the woman a humble bow goodnight, as h says to Bruiser, kinda macho ‘el macho, but playfully -and- matter of factly. “And no one messes with my friends.” And so, making his way over to fetch Iinks’s coat for her, as a true gentleman, he’d escort the lady back if she’d like. The two surely having a few more things to discuss now, of that he is certain.

Iintahquohae grinned. “I might need the recipe too,” to give to her mother and see if she can replicated it. Now this evening was better than that ceremony in Xalious. While the warlock is having fun with kids, she's chatting up some felines about clothes and jewels, never one to turn down a moment to discuss two of her passions. As the night winds down, she heads out with Jax, giving the Matriarch and Bruiser a parting wave while shrugging her coat on once the warlock hands it to her. “We'll definitely be in touch.” She'd remain in Jaxson's company for some more of the evening working, planning, scheming, but eventually the seamstress would part ways with him as well to check in on her folks.