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The Mournful Chorus	There are always deals and bargains to be made in Nechara, no matter the time of day. Over labyrinthine streets, the noble houses' impressive ziggurats loom large, with temples and mansions and beautiful hanging gardens. Down below, dozens of bustling bazaars beckon visitors and locals alike. The sun has all but finished setting, with only a faint sheen of purple light left in the western sky, taking the oppressive humid heat of the day with it to the grave. Strings of lanterns light the bazaars, and hawkers continue to yell over each other, competing for the attention from traveling merchants and strolling customers. Ignis might have heard rumors of all kinds of interesting merchandise being presented here, where Immaculacy is frowned upon. Maybe it's better to conduct such business out of the Sun's sight...
Ignis	One particular stall has caught the mans attention. Assorted decorative elements lay scattered about on a wooden table. Expensive jewelry from the looks of it. Bracelets, gemstones, rings nad necklaces....and in particular a golden medtallion with a simple blue set stone within it. The hawker is an aged weathered man, eagerly attempting to attract the attention of any that he can while behind the merchant, hired muscle carefully watches the table for any bold and daring enough to make an attempt for the goods on display there. As to Ignis, the dark blond haired man stands with one hand on his hip and the other rubbing his lightly bearded jaw as he flickers his gaze over the various items on display. His eyes continue to linger on the medallion however and he taps his jaw in thought..almost staring a hole right through with the intensity he seems to be granting it. By dress the man doesn't seem to necessarily be a member of the upper class. Indeed he looks travelled and road weary. Dust clings to his long dark long-jacket and the hand on his waist rests against a sword belt tied to one ornate looking blade while another one, perhaps the size of a daiklaive, is strapped to his back and easily carried by the man. Perhaps if he was cleaned up abit he'd look more the part but for now he simply studies the items in question quietly and thoughtfully until the merchant addresses him: "Will you make a a decision, lord? Mind you the night is still young but...it will eventually be over..." "My apologies.." remarks ignis, "I simply can't shake the feeling I've seen this before.." At that the merchant looks startled and Ignis quickly remarks, "I'm not accusing you of anything, my friend. Don't mind my musings. I....daydream a lot."
The Mournful Chorus	Ignis is hardly the only one interested in the jewelry on that stall. Unlike him, others who approach only linger for a little bit, quickly gazing over the wares, before they continue on their way. The vast majority very visibly lack the financial means to afford even so much as a single ring. The dusty traveler receives more than a few curious looks. Suddenly, the eyes of the merchant, who very obviously pretends to not be impatient with Ignis, light up. He turns towards a small figure who only just has drawn closer to the stall, and puts up his best smile. "Welcome, welcome, mylady! Such a pleasure to have you here", he exclaims eagerly. Clearly, someone who reeks of wealth has finally made an appearance. Should Ignis feel the need to take a look, he finds a young woman with a silvery monkey perched on her shoulder standing only a few feet away, eying the wares with polite interest. She wears a thin turquoise linen mantle covered with floral embroidery over a dark purple chiton, which flows down all the way to the ankles of her sandals. The chiton is definitely silk, and she is positively dripping with gold and silver jewelry. An iridescent scarf wraps loosely around her neck. For someone with Ignis' sharp eyes, these shiny things can't distract from the fact that the scarf seems to be made from an utterly alien material. The sheen and regular pattern remind him of scales, yet the fabric looks too thin and flexible for that. While the woman is busy sizing up the trinkets on offer, the monkey's tiny black fingers are playing with a strand of her dark, short hair. She doesn't seem to mind, or care much. Sensing that he has her attention, the merchant immediately launches into a sales pitch, trying to find items that he thinks would match her outfit. One of those is the medallion that the Solar has been staring at for so long.
Ignis	It's almost comedy goald, the way Ignis looks and glances over at the richly dressed woman......and then glances again...and then glances again. Each time he looks over, his eyes widening ever so slightly until he finally finishes a full on triple take with a long lingering stare at the monkey on the opulant lady's shoulder. He then looks away and stares, blankly, straight ahead and says nothing for a few long, very long seconds. As this occurs, the merchant has well dismissed him and turned his full attention to the woman and Ignis is left to his own thoughts. Until he notes him starting to hawk the medallion he'd had his eyes on towards the woman. "Well I guess I need to make a move..." he muses before finally turning towards them both. His hand reaches down to not so subtly tap onto the table near said medallion though he doesn't make any brazen attempt to actually take it. "They are all rathe remarkable wares. I'm curious as to your sources but no doubt you have your secrets. I do think..I will go ahead and at least.....claim this one but please attend to the lady first." He nods his head and then looks towards the woman once again and this time offers a smile her way, "It would seem she's worth every bit of the attention she's being given."
The Mournful Chorus	If the fancy lady is aware of Ignis' reaction, she shows no sign of acknowledging this. Only when he makes a move to claim that particular medallion for himself does she turn halfway toward him. The jingling of jewelry accompanies every small movement of her body, a chaotic symphony of precious metal and gemstones, audible even among the din of the bazaar. How could he haven't noticed this before? Maybe he really was lost in a daydream. Lantern lights are almost swallowed by the woman's dark eyes, made to appear larger with generous amounts of kohl. A single bright green line of paint runs vertically down the middle of her lips. Gold dust glints on her brown cheeks. Surely, such a wealthy noble would think it beneath her to give notice to a road-worn traveler. But somehow, she still grants him a great deal of her attention. This includes a dashing, bright-toothed smile. Ignis can smell her flowery perfume, much subtler than the odor surrounding the monkey, who now also fixes him with orange eyes. Upon closer examination, they appear... dead, but very much aware nonetheless. After sizing him over, the woman addresses both Ignis and the merchant, who just so manages to suppress an irritated grimace: "So it would seem, traveler. Well, look at that. It appears you have snatched this beauty away under my nose." She indicates the medallion. The Firetongue accent in her Riverspeak is noticeable, though not particularly thick. "Unless I offer a higher price than you could afford." She bites at her lower lip for a few moments, eyeing the medallion from beneath half-closed lids, head tilted to the side. Then her eyes light up on Ignis again, meeting his gaze, and a slow, indulgent smile spreads across her face. "But that would be exceptionally cruel, wouldn't it? Take it, stranger, before someone else comes along." Now Ignis can feel the merchant's eyes on himself as well. The man's polite smile looks strained. But he looks ready to sell the damn thing to Ignis, right now, just to finally get rid of him.
Ignis	"Looks can be decieving...." offers Ignis with a slight smile to the woman. He does indeed seem quite captivated by her apperance but there is also a quiet confidence in his sharp blue eyes and a knowing smile stretched across his jaw. Not unfriendly by any means but the look in his eyes should say it all: Try me. "I'm sure our good friend here has had enough people come back in his experience to not judge a book by its cover and presume simply because I have arrived here from a personal sojourn that I'm somehow.....less...capable of affording his wares or engaging in a bid war." His eyes track towards the merchant as he speaks, eyes narrowing slightly and a slight coolness now rising to the surface as he holds the man in his gaze. It's enough of a warning to, perhaps, urge the man to give Ignis more proper due versus just assuming anything. "But I thank you for your consideration, madam. Just because I -can- engage in a biddin gwar..doesn't mean I -want- to..and I think this little trinket has some personal value to me." He looks back to the merchant once more and nods his head in his direction to encourage him to begin the process of completing the sale. "You are right, however, I would be remiss to wait any longer less someone as altruistic as yourself add themselves to this situation."
The Mournful Chorus	The woman nods at Ignis, now with a hint of respect. Her chuckle is almost inaudible, but there's no mistaking the delighted glint in her eyes. Someone is enjoying themselves, and it's not the merchant, as much as he wants to. Indicating that this particular item has some kind of personal value to Ignis clearly was a mistake - the trinket seller attempts to drive a hard bargain with him... one that he is bound to loose, only he doesn't realize that yet. Eventually, he grudgingly parts with the thing for a reasonable price Meanwhile, the lady continues to browse his other offerings, all under the bouncer's watchful gaze. "They say one should pick their battles wisely", she remarks with a quick, sideways glance at Ignis as the sale is finally complete, and the medallion belongs to him. "I have to admit, it goes well with your eyes." The corners of her mouth perk up again. "Although that hardly explains why you were staring at it with such intensity. I call that love at first sight." She points out a couple of pieces that she's interested in, immediately receiving the merchant's attention, and proceeds to drive the price down without mercy.
Ignis	Yes that was a mistake. One Ignis realized all to late despite his previous statements but he's able to manage a deal he feels satisfied with and once the exchange is made he carefully lifts his prize up and studies it more intently now as the woman besides him begins her own process of haggling. As her conversation continues he's forced to turn slightly and glance away from his trinket to observe her as she smoothly decimates the merchants attempts to wring her pockets free of whatever finances she has on her and he's forced to raise an eyebrow and then the other eyebrow at her managing of the situation. "Perhaps I tipped my hand too much there as quite clearly you might have been able to sweet talk a deal I may have been unable to counter. You've my gratitude for indulging me." he offers with a slight smirk once she's finished her business. "Hmm...love at first sight. I'm not sure. It just... Reminds me of someone I once knew." He looks the medallion over and traces a finger along its edges, noting the carvings and decorative flourishes upon it. "You see I have more hten a passing interest in things of the past...and not only does this remind me of....someone and some place...I see signs here that make me wonder at its own origins. What stories might it have? Where did it come from before it fell in his hands, likely through trade or other more mundane means..." His voice trails off and he then looks to Chorus with a smirk, "I suppose I should admit that some might consider me something of a Scavenger Lord though I dislike the term...a touch too close to 'grave robber' which, I suppose, many 'Lords' are..."
The Mournful Chorus	After demolishing the merchant, the lady's chosen trinkets vanish into her pockets. Yes, her chiton has pockets. Quite large ones, actually. She seems to be sorely lacking servants willing to carry all that newly acquired drip for her... although it isn't ~that~ much, actually. Just a couple of rings and a simple necklace with a large pearl. Maybe this was all just for show? As Ignis begins to gush over his new acquisition, the monkey-loving fashionista extends a hand towards his elbow, subtly guiding him away from the stall with a light touch. More customers already pour in behind them. "A Scavenger Lord, mhm?", she echoes in a slow, thoughtful voice after listening to his rather poetic musings. "Things of the past are often quite dangerous. It certainly takes a special combination of wits, instinct, and bravado to disturb them. Although you seem to lack the avarice that most often taints others of your profession. Refreshing." She watches him with rapt, almost piercing attention. Or rather, scrutiny. Her soft smile does a fairly good job to distract from this. "Assuming you don't actually rob graves... what kind of scavenging to you specialize in?"
Ignis	"It can be quite stressful yes." laughs Ignis as he slowly pockets the medallion while allowing himself to be guided away. "And....I'll admit my peers have a reputation that I try and steer clear from.." He quiets for a moment, thinking for a moment on how to phrase his next words and then he nods hsi head. " I should clarify a touch more. My -father- was more of a 'traditional' Scavenger Lord I suppose. Myself? Well - I allow the business to continue on but I exercise some freedom to allow me to pursue matters of knowledge and learning. Without going into details I'm interested in learning more of the lost knowledge that litters these lands and bringing what I can of it to the forefront so that we can learn from our past and grow. Perhaps it's abit overly optomistic but that is a guiding principle I try and operate with. "
The Mournful Chorus	"A scholar with an adventurous streak, then", Ignis' abductor concludes. "Or maybe it's the other way around?" She lets go of his elbow - not that her grip was particularly firm to begin with - and gazes up at the tall man's face, beaming appreciatively. "Now would you look at that! It seems the fortunes are smiling on us both today. Here I am, frustrated after many weeks of trying to hire a scavenger lord with the right mindset for a very delicate task... and then, you come along." She points a carefully manicured, ring-rimmed finger at Ignis. "Just like that. If I only knew which god was responsible for this wonderful coincidence, I would seek out their shrine at once and shower them in sacrifice." The monkey clings to her, chittering nervously at the many human bodies streaming around them, a never-ending flood of traffic. In these busy hours of the early evening, the markets are a thick porridge of sweating, laughing, yelling people. The small woman is forced to raise her voice, so that Ignis can even have a chance of hearing her.
Ignis	The swordsman gives a laugh. Amused and cheerful but with a veild sense of caution as well as his eyes flicker back to said monkey once more and linger there for a few seconds before his gaze returns back towards the bedeckled speaker besides him. "Quite the coincidence indeed....or perhaps, as you suggest, not so much of a coincidence after all. I'm usually closer to Great Forks. Pure chance and exploration into matters has brought me here but I suppose the what and why of it doesn't matter. Here we are and I suppose that's all that truly matters." With the noice of the crowds beginning to peak, Ignis reaches down to try and gently take over the guiding movements begun by Chorus and to change from abductee to abductor upon seeing signs of a cafe within walking distance. "This way..." he encourages, "Best not to shout about the business you'd like to conduct and I've some questions of my own that I hope you'll indulge me on." He offers her a slight smirk and adds, "With your friend so well behaved I'm sure they won't mind his presence and no doubt we can find a treat for him as well." Though crowded, there are still available seats within the place and should she yield to his guiding gesture they will no doubt easily find a place for easier conversation without, hopefully, listening ears and watching eyes.
The Mournful Chorus	Without any sign of hesitation, she accepts his arm and allows him to guide their path through the swirl of patrons and hawkers. Ignis might have a reasonable chance to see more than the torsos of those around them - unlike Chorus, who might well be at risk to loose her way entirely in this ocean of slowly moving mass and stomping boots. Even the relatively short way over to the cafe is fraught with unwanted attention: Repeatedly, someone tries to press fried dough sticks, dubious sausages, and entire skewers of sauteed crickets into their hands, with an open palm already waiting for coin in return. Yet somehow they make it through without a single unwanted purchase, possibly due to Ignis' sheer determination. The veiled, yet huge sword on his back might also have something to do with it. "Don't worry about Tabi", the maybe-noblewoman says cheerfully after they have safely reached the edge of the crowd. "Even if they object to his presence, he wouldn't mind taking a stroll over the roofs without me. Large crowds are his bane." She scratches the monkey's chin affectionately before taking a closer look at the cafe. "Gods, do you think they have coffee? I haven't had good, honest coffee in years."
Ignis	"Given the sheer activity here...I imagine they either have anything you would want or they can figure out a way to get it in order to not lose a sale..." respondsd Ignis, tone somewhat dry as he dodges another attempt at stuffing bread right into his face. "This way..." Despite the aggressiveness of the merchants, bakers, and other colorful assortments of folk hawking their wares...Ignis seems to move with a well practiced ease until ther'es finally a bit of a break in the swell of people and he's able to successfully bring them both through the winding paths of the cafe and towards an appropriately sized table. The sword does seem to help, yes. The implications that he's carrying a daiklaive quite useful. After all who wants to risk angering a potential Prince of the Earth? But his movements are less that of blunt forward momentum and almost more of a practiced dance around the people and when he finally pulls out a seat for her and then takes his own he explains: "Having spent as much time as I have in Great Forks...well..you learn how to navigate chaos like this. In fact I'd daresay this was a touch easy. Great Forks is -constant- in its chaos. Every day. Every hour. A festival here. A party there. A ritual here. An event there. The Temple District especially is just full of color and chaos.... Gods trying to get as much attention as they can, showring forth miracles. Drugs, dancers, the works. Add to that an event like the Congregation of Victory and you'd best be good on your toes or you'll be carried away by a crowd and find yourself in the middle of a shrine with ribbons all over you for some unknown religious reason.." He laughs and gestures to try and get the attention of a server as he adds, "...So this place is easily managed..."
The Mournful Chorus	Ignis may or may not notice how closely his movements are observed, especially when he turns his back on Chorus to orient himself and push through the crowds. She doesn't bother trying to engage in conversation - after all, what would be the point if they are bound for a much quieter spot? And what a spot that is. The small cafe, while still filled with a muddle of voices in at least a dozen different tongues, at least awards them a table at the back where they can talk in relative peace, without having to shout at each other. The constant murmuring from the other patrons offers even better privacy. Lavishly tressled lanterns bath the space in a soft orange glow. It smells of herbal tea, strong coffee, fried cakes, and honeyed sweetmeats. The swordman's rambling about the chaos that is Great Forks coaxes a delighted chuckle from his companion's lips. While she takes a seat across from him - the table is quite small, as they were not planning to share it with anyone else - she exclaims: "It sounds terrifying and incredibly exciting. I can't wait to see it. It seems my journey should have taken me further down the Yellow River, instead of following the Maruto's waters." Meanwhile, the monkey - Tabi - hops to the ground and crawls underneath her chair, where he sits licking his chops, casting nervous glances at the server's legs as she races to get their order. "Ah, where are my manners?", says Chorus after ordering coffee and 'whichever cake has the most honey in it'. "I'm Brazen Egret. Whom do I have the immense pleasure of spending this most auspicious evening with?" Her smile is radiant.
Ignis	"Have we really done this talking and made it to a cafe through chaos, danger and over eager merchants....and not even exchanged names?" laughs Ignis. He shakes ihs head and orders coffee and a similar cake for himself but doesn't seem particularly invested in what it will be. "Ignis." he says, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, properly, Brazen Egret. Now then..I must ask..." He inclines his head abit to indicate where Tabi has scurried off to in order to hide himself and gain some safety from the chaos around him. "Was he a favored pet of yours once upon a time or a gift from a necromancer you've charmed with your wit." It would seem that she is not the only one that is quite observant.
The Mournful Chorus	If Ignis' discovery of her companion's nature unnerves her, she doesn't let it show. Instead, the dark ponds of Egret's eyes glint with excitement, and her rakish smile shows teeth. If anything, she looks... thrilled? Pleased, even. "You have a keen eye, Ignis - I expected no less from an explorer such as you, who braves the dangers of ancient tombs and mysterious ruins." A candle burns on the table between them, to help with the lighting, and the server left them with a small wooden bowl with peanuts, roasted whole in their shell, to give them something to nibble on before their order arrives. Brazen Egret grabs a handful of them as she speaks, and discreetly lets them "vanish" into black monkey hands beneath her seat. Despite his absolute lack of life, Tabi begins to munch happily on the treats. "I was quite fond of him before he died", says the woman, letting her smile fade. Her gaze momentarily watches the candle flame dance, then slowly returns to Ignis, regarding his face and hands with that same scrutiny again. "Have you ever felt unable of letting go?"
Ignis	Ignis furrows his brow, clealry thinking as he watches the peanuts vanish. It does indeed seem to have quite the appetite for something that really shouldn't need to eat but..then again that's never stopped the walking dead for munching on whatever they could find now does it. "Often." he answers her, finally, looking away and back to her upon not really reaching a conclusion on the what and how of the small pet. "However..I find that there is the gaining of strength in letting something go allowing something to rest so that you, yourself, can move on when necessary versus being...attached to something that may hold you in place." His smile returns, "But I suppose that, as with all things, it depends. There are things we try and hold onto our entire lives or even reclaim when it was lost, after all." After a pause, Ignis looks at her and then aks, "So I suppose, judging by certain things I see from you, the next question would be if this was your doing or if it was done for you?"
The Mournful Chorus	Oblivious to the dark subject of the conversation, the server makes another appearance, dashing smile strained from overuse on this busy night. With a flourish, she places food and drinks on their table, then quickly darts away to attend to other waiting patrons. Their cakes are lavish affairs, two generous pastries filled with chopped pistachios, almond butter, and drizzled with honey. The coffee, dark and brimming with complex aroma, comes with a small pitcher of cow's milk and a bowl of brown rock sugar. While Egret shuns the former, she dumps a few generous chunks into her steaming cup. "I already adore this place", she remarks with a cat's deeply satisfied grin. But that expression doesn't last long. While she waits for her coffee to cool down from scalding to drinkable, Egret places her hands - both clad in elaborate jewelry, like a golden web spun between her fingers - flat on the table, right next to the candle, and leans forward, seeking Ignis' eyes. "Someone else's work", she admits in a low voice, almost whispering. "I lack the gift - and the knowledge, I suppose. It was all I could do to pay for a chance of... keeping him, I suppose." Her eyes fill with regret and dull pain. "He's the only one I have left, after all." After her gaze looses focus for a moment, staring into nothing, she inclines her head, slowly looking up at Ignis again. "Do I feel bad about it? Yes, quite often. You might have done the same, if you were me. I've lost much, and I refuse to accept that I can never reclaim what was unjustly taken from me. So... will you listen to what I have to say?"
Ignis	The swordsman's face lacks judgement as she makes her declaration and stands firm on her ideology. He doesn't seem put off whatsoever but neither does he seem shocked or surprised. Perhaps this is a perspective he's heard before and heard many times at that. There is much loss in Creation, after all, and many who seek the means to reclaim what was lost or prevent more from being taken from them. A feeling he's quite familiar with. "I will listen." he affirms while lifting up one of the slices of cake and then gesturing lightly wtih it at her. "We are here, after all. I would not have come, otherwise, though...perhaps the taste of these cakes will serve to bring me back for repeat visits."
The Mournful Chorus	The woman who calls herself Brazen Egret gives a firm nod at this, noting his attitude towards her doesn't seem to have changed. "Thank you", she says with visible relief. An amiable smile slowly lifts up the corners of her mouth. It's like watching honey dripping upside down. She pulls her hands back with a smooth, jingling motion. "But first, cake." The determination in her voice leaves no room for objections. It takes her a while to savor the nutty, buttery sweetness of the slice in her mouth. With her eyes half closed while she chews, she sighs in deep satisfaction. A generous mouthful of coffee helps the confection go down more smoothly. Egret waits until her companion has had time to try the treat himself before clearing her throat and adopting a more solemn expression. "Finally, some ~real~ coffee. Now we can talk business, if you will indulge me." Again, she reaches for the peanuts, but only picks a single shell and starts to absentmindedly twirl it between the tips of her fingers. "I have enemies, so please don't be offended if I'm going to leave out a few details. Suffice to say that I was - or rather, still am - heir to a kingdom... and it was taken from me by force, usurped, most of my family killed." Again, she lowers her voice. "While I was able to escape, exile chafes. I want to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me, but for that, I need allies... and that's where you come in." She puts the peanut down gingerly, then reaches into one of her many pockets to find a folded piece of paper - strong, good paper - which she hands over to Ignis. If he accepts and unfolds it, he finds an imprint, made with charcoal to capture the inverse mark of some kind of ornament, small enough to neatly feat into his palm. It depicts a complex geometrical pattern surrounding what looks like a sunburst, including an inscription in Old Realm hieroglyphs he might recognize.
Ignis	Ignis inclines his head slightly as he unfolds the paper and looks at the imprint upon it. His eyes narrow ever so slightly as he studies it and attempts to run his eyes over the inscription to see if that grants him a clue. He doesn't seem skeptical at first, willing to hear her out, but he does add: "A princess in need of help? That's almost a story worthy of a library book." His glance filters back up towards her now, "I mean no disrespect of course but you do understand this is a...lofty tale, especially from one who doesn't exactly dress -not- to be seen and purchases riches quite openly in a crowded market. What kingdom f I may ask...? And you truly have none others who have managed to escape?" The possiblities of a nation falling within The Hundred Kingdoms has not escaped him, mind you. That they rise and fall so quickly is part of the very nature of the region. Even it's name is far from accurate for there are more then a hundred such nation states, duchies, kingdoms and more.. but he doesn't seem quick to believe her upfront without...more..."
The Mournful Chorus	"May the sun's shadow never fall over this beloved land", she recites the inscription while he examines it. "I cannot read it, but I was already able to find someone to translate it for me. As for what it means... I have no clue." The alleged princess manages a strained, doleful smile as Ignis voices his scepticism. "I'm not surprised that you wouldn't accept my claim at face value. You're certainly not the first one who doubts my tale. Mind you, I don't often dress like this - unless I want to attract the right kind of attention. My homeland is far enough from here, but the closer I move, the more careful I have to be. Of course I didn't escape alone. There are still people loyal to me, within and without my realm. This kingdom I called mine can hardly be the only one who has suffered this fate... but that doesn't make it safe for me to talk... about these things all too openly." She glances arounds, hesitates for a bit, then leans forward to point at the imprint. "I would need to be certain that you are not going to sell me out. Maybe we can come to an understanding. Let me explain what you're seeing here... This was taken from a bracelet - quite an old one at that. It has belonged to my line for many generations, and there are stories - legends - attached to it." Another big gulp of coffee before she continues: "Legends are grown around kernels of truth. The place where this came from was my family's ancestral home, an ages-old city, or so they say - now lost to time. I don't know it's exact location, but I'm determined to find it. If something - anything - in there would help me in raising an army, proving my claim to the throne without question, or summoning an ancient protector... I want to know." She leans back heavily, with a sigh. "As you can tell, I'm ill equipped to even find the place, let alone delve down to unearth it's secrets. It could be quite dangerous. That is why I need you." Her eyes find Ignis' gaze, and hold it firmely. "I am offering you good coin, and a claim to a share of whatever is in there. Of course, you can explore the place to your heart's content, catalogue it's treasures... Name your price, if you are willing to help, Ignis."
Ignis	There is a very long pause after her words. The two battling wills, perhaps without even realizing that it's even happening. Ignis drifts his gaze down to the parchment in thought and then rests both of his elbows on the table, folding his hands before him and letting his face rest slightly into them, covering the lower half of his face as a result as his eyes narrow in thought. Then, after a few heavy beats: "I will help you....but..I believe I will wait until I see what exactly is going on before I name my price. I think that's fair considering the suddeness of this all but I think your story isn't wholly without merit. However, I'm not interested in riches, you see. My purpose for exploring these ruins is a little more personal then I've revealed..." Or did he not reveal it already considering how intrigued he was with that medallion earlier... "I think, however, it wouldn't be honorable of me to just send you on your way and your story has merit to it." Ignis grins slowly, "I will go with you and see what we both can learn.."