St. James Boutique

She pleased that Madame Naoki decided to follow her advice, and also seemed pleased with the price on the box of a dress that she hadn't even seen. That could have been from Naoki's intuition to trust Genevieve's choices... and it might have also been because of the magical aura of the shop, making people relax and feel at home, which in turn led people to be more trusting.

The blonde seamstress shook Madame Naoki's hand. "I am happy you are pleased," she said. "It has been a pleasure to serve Madame Treasurer of Isra." She looked away from the cat-woman when the bell chimed above the door and a young man with a parasol and slightly-worn clothing entered.

Genevieve smiled warmly to him. "Bonjour," she greeted him. "I will be with you in just a moment."

The seamstress in her pale-green-and-ivory floral gown turned back to Skarlet, her blue eyes becoming curious as Skarlet asked her what it was like to raise a child, and what the difficulties were. "Hmmm... I am afraid there are no simple answers to either one of those questions, mademoiselle," Genevieve said. "Raising a child has been a hard test of my will and integrity. Fortunately, the reward for such hardships has been overwhelming." she smiled. "It has been difficult raising Odette on my own, and with her health so fragile, we both sometimes feel so frustrated and isolated. It was worse when we were traveling, but now that we have settled in Isra, I believe our lives have magnificently improved."

She was aware that she was keeping a potential customer waiting while she spoke to Skarlet, Artemis still quiet and silent on the couch, so she glanced over at Roy again and then back at Skarlet. "Un moment?" she asked, almost apologetically before she moved away, the silk of her skirts whispering quietly around her graceful legs as she approached the white-haired boy.

"Good afternoon. Thank you so much for your patience. How can I be of service?" she asked with genuine warmth.

Artemis evaluates the newcomer from her spot on the couch. Pale, rather spindly. A level of social awkwardness she hadn't seen in a long time. Ragged clothing, but clean, and studious-looking. An academic? Perhaps.

She observes his reaction to Skarlet. Another vampire? That would explain the paleness, for sure. Impossible to know more without witnessing them interacting. Either way, it would be best not to write him off as a potential threat.

She sends a mental ping to Reese, requesting information, then conveys her analysis to Naoki in a brief mental message, the gem on her throat twinkling as she does.

Genevieve looked at Roy's bedraggled clothing and his charming, youthful countenance.

"Oui, perhaps just a bit. Let me see if I have..." she turned away to find something appropriate for the young man when he asked after her origins. Genevieve smiled, warmth shining in her blue eyes. "You do? Oh! This is very serendipitious. Will you be traveling home soon?" she asked, making conversation as she led him towards some open drawers.

Most of the items within this drawer had the basic enchantments of temperature control -- keeping travelers warm when they needed to be warm, cool when they needed to be cool-- and a longer lasting durability which also sometimes worked as an extra layer of protection as well. She pulled out an undershirt, a vest, and some trousers, of which she knew would be sized for Roy.

If there was any conversation going on behind her shoulder blades between the women, she didn't know of it. Artemis had been quiet since she had entered and had exchanged no words with the seamstress, while Skarlet seemed to be enjoying the madeleines.

As the activities within the shop continue, Madame Naoki remains seated politely on the couch. She can’t leave until Skarlet and Artemis’ business is completed, and until her operative arrives with the gold. In the meantime, in between bites of scone, she casually observes the dealings, and manages to pin Roy’s identity down with some help from Reese.

Royal Fletcher, resident student of The Royal Academy of the Arcane, first year. Dormitory 393, roommate to Mr. Maelik, who is also the source of the entirety of Roy’s file. Naoki had seen his face once as she was conferring with Reese in his office, one of the mirrors was trained to ‘see’ though Maelik’s eye, and Roy was, at least for a moment or so, the object of Maelik’s attention. However, beyond these basic details, and some notes regarding his exploits with Maelik, Roy, as he appears on file, seems wholly unremarkable. Some minor rune-magics, and the vampirism bit of course, but not particularly powerful or skilled in any way known to Reese.

Skarlet’s information is relayed, and also added to file (with a note to follow up with Skarlet later for supplementary information), but does little to add to Roy’s prestige. He may be capable of putting up a fight, simply by virtue of being a vampire, but hardly seems like the sort to pick one, and even if he does decide to, Artemis would have no issues subduing him, to say nothing of Skarlet or the Operatives on the streets outside. With more complete information, Naoki stands by her earlier assessment, of Royal being of no particular importance.

However, the other individual entering the room manages to captivate Madame Naoki’s attention more thoroughly, and warrant investigation. This is due in part to Naoki’s predisposition toward curiosity and wishing to know fully of all that happens around her, but in some way, the room’s latest occupant seems to be of some note, though Naoki isn’t quite sure how. For starters, she hadn’t entered through the front door; not a customer. Not only that, but she seemed surprised to see everyone down here. That calls into question either her awareness as an employee, or paints her as something else entirely. Perhaps a family member, or friend? Naoki is unaware of any familial relations Genevieve may or may not possess, but the tax paperwork for this home, (which she had reviewed prior to her visit) only lists Ms. Genevieve St. James, and her daughter, Odette. If this woman is a resident of this establishment, they’re either living here without proper documentation, or visiting. Perhaps from another home in Isra, or perhaps from abroad.

Raising a hand in greeting, Naoki nods to the woman, and takes a moment to examine her features. Red hair, blue eyes, wearing clothing intended for travel. Probably made by Ms. Genevieve; the quality isn’t hard to identify, even from across the room. Speaks with a rather heavy Gauldish accent, and addresses Genevieve somewhat casually. Comparing their faces, Naoki notes some resemblances, but is hesitant to base any conclusions on it; she isn’t an expert judge of faces, and most of the resemblance probably lies in that they’re both beautiful Gauldish women of seemingly similar age, and happen to have the same color of eyes.

Having gathered what information she can visually, Naoki politely averts her glance, and seemingly switches her focus to one of the floral arrangements sitting near her, though her mind’s eye remains trained on the red-haired woman. Though she seems familiar in some way, Naoki decides that she can’t quite place her, and defers to Reese. If they are someone important, he’ll know, and will probably be able to identify them based on the physical characteristics Naoki is relaying to him now. Her earring glimmers slightly as she does so, and shortly, Reese should locate some results, even if those results are that the woman is as insignificant as Roy, and has so far avoided his notice. Until then, Naoki remains as she is, sitting quietly on the sofa, gaze lazily drifting around the room. She muses that she won’t run out of objects to casually examine any time soon, St. James Boutique certainly has no lack of detail, between the floral arrangements, and all of the highly numerous and well made garments on display.

Artemis eyes the newcomer with some interest. There was something different about her, something beyond her not-inconsiderable surface beauty. Artemis spies the twinkle of Naoki's message to Reese, and sends a ping as well, to be included in whatever data he sends to Naoki. She usually is by default, but being sure never hurt anyone.

It seemed like it would be quite a while, with all these distractions, before they were ready to leave, so she rises from the couch, and starts to peruse the offerings. A plethora of quality apparel, for male and female, many things that would serve, but nothing that grabbed her eye. She shies away from the trousers and blouses, looking more at the dresses and gowns.

Too frilly. Not enough texture. Good color, but just didn't click. Many dresses are discarded with similar arguments, and the selection grows slimmer, before a bit of fabric peeking out from behind another dress, near the back of the last wardrobe, catches her eye. Moving to it, she pulls it out, and appraises the article.


Rich velvet, dyed a striking cobalt, hemmed in black and silver. Elegant without being ostentatious, refined without being demure, flattering without being deliberately sexual. Not overly obstructive of her motion. A promising find. Her eyes take on a slight electric blue tint as she examines the magical weave. She is quite certain, given her experience in such matters, that the effect is not negative, but beyond that, her expertise finds itself overmatched.

Turning to Genevive, she inquires, "Ms. St. James, what is the nature of the enchantment on this one?"

Artemis nods thoughtfully at Genevive's explanation. "That sounds useful. I'll take this one, how much will that be?"

Upon hearing the price, she sends a brief message to the Sun, ordering a withdrawal for the amount be taken from her account and delivered to the boutique, and informs Genevive that payment is on its way.

Satisfied with her purchase, she retakes her seat on the couch, and waits for Skarlet to finish her shopping.

Skarlet smiles at the girl, "Yes, thank you petite Mademoiselle, they are wonderful. I have never been to Gaiaton, I don't travel. How old are you?"

After Odette's answer she would respond, "Wow! Believe it or not I am 2 years old, though I may not look it."

Skarlet is a little iffed about Roy's presence and him coming over. "Eh... Hello Royal. No thank you. I have a family now and a boyfriend, we've been together a year now."

"I got a new one." Skarlet points at Artemis and Naoki, them being her family. "I've been made aware though I have a brother who may come around, he is the vampire that turned me. His name is Ranis. My name used to be Céline apparently."

Madame Naoki returns Roy’s leery eyeing with some mischievous eyeing of her own. Even though she had already inspected Roy, she takes a moment to examine him while he’s looking back, managing to infuse her gaze with a lewd undertone that may or may not make Roy rather uncomfortable. Very deliberately, she raises a hand, and gives a single, short wave, accompanied by one of her winks. Even if he is largely inconsequential, she still finds some enjoyment in teasing for the sake of it.

However, a trained eye might notice, one of her ears is still trained in the direction of Genevieve and the newly identified red-haired woman, Arianne. Even if Naoki wasn’t substantially proficient in Gauldish, the names don’t translate. The red-haired woman was referred to as Arianne. Which is highly interesting!

Arianne, the name used to refer to the thought-deceased Queen Arianne of Gauldin, wife to King Renaux. They were married last year, in a ceremony which Grandma attended. A few quick communications, consulting Reese’s database confirms. Queen Arianne, as she was observed at her wedding, at least has the very same characteristics as this woman here. Red hair, blue eyes, a decidedly... ample bosom- even the height seems to match, based on Naoki’s rough estimation from across the room, based on how she compares to Genevieve.

The rest of their conversation even goes so far as to completely confirm her identity, "I've decided to go back to Gauldin. To Renaux.". Though she supposes that the possibility of there being multiple Gauldish women who match Queen Arianne’s description is non-zero, there can only be so many that are also named Arianne, and would speak in such a manner about Gauldin and King Renaux.

With evidence overwhelming, Naoki reaches a small collection of conclusions. First, the red-haired woman standing across the room must be either Queen Arianne of Gauldin, or at least someone doing a very admirable job of impersonating them. Secondly, as a sort of extension of the first, and discluding the possibility of a pretender, Queen Arianne must have survived what had thought to be the final voyage of her life. Instead of dying many months ago, lost at sea, she had found a manner by which to survive, and has now made it back to civilization as we know it. Thirdly, there must be some manner of close relationship between Arianne and Genevive; perhaps a familial one, or perhaps one of childhood friends, or of mentor and student. Looking more closely, Naoki realizes that her previous assessment of them being roughly the same age was false, but their conversation has just affirmed that they have some manner of close relationship.

Additionally, and not quite so much as a conclusion, per-say, but more-so as an inference or assessment, the pair of them must be pretty awful with the concept of intrigue. To have such a conversation, which essentially fully confirmed Arianne's identity, in the presence of four essentially entirely unknown persons, was incredibly foolish. Naoki could, at a moment’s notice, motion for Artemis to leap over and decapitate or subdue the pair of them. It would be over in a handful of moments, the two would be hopelessly overwhelmed by Artemis. As far as Naoki is able to tell, nothing could stand in her way, if she decides to make that call. There are some calming magics at play in the shop, perhaps, but those have little sway over cold steel.

Without knowing if the customers in the shop are able to understand Gauldish, enemies of the Gauldish state, if they had any reason to harm or capture Arianne, or if they had the means to, it was very irresponsible to have that conversation. Loose lips sink ships, and Naoki feels that the pair of them should be more grateful than they know that she is positively inclined toward Genevieve and the Gauldish people. A Naoki that wasn’t an Isranian minister, about to depart as head of a diplomatic embassy to Gauldin, would have twisted and taken full advantage of this opportunity for her own benefit fifty times over by this point. A Queen’s Ransom is an awful lot, and she could probably twist Renaux’ arm into giving her even more than that for the Queen, knowing him to be the unconfident sort of new King he is. The vast and powerful magical knowledge and wealth of Gauldin could be hers, rather easily, too. In fact, in thinking about it, the prospect is undeniably tempting. It doesn’t even have to necessarily have to affect her diplomatic mission, it could be done separately, through a puppet. It isn’t as if Naoki hasn’t done something similar before, she muses.

But no. Some combination of moral integrity, the location’s mental magic, and Naoki’s genuine positive opinion of Genevieve force her to dismiss the idea; she could, but won’t.

That still leaves a fair selection of options, though. She could simply choose to politely pretend not to have heard, and allow the two to continue on however they see fit. However, her natural tendency to take advantage of opportunities dismisses this course of action swiftly. It would be foolish not to do anything. That leaves one primary option: to attempt to work the situation to her benefit in a way that isn’t disagreeable.

Leaning back slightly, she reassess the situation with this strategy in mind, replaying the conversation in her mind, considering how to start taking action. If she’s to assist Arianne, anonymity and security will be paramount. Even if Naoki isn’t willing to take advantage of Arianne, there are plenty of others in the city who would, she knows. Good thing she’s so good at protecting people, Naoki muses. Silently, she calls in reinforcements.

Over the course of the next few minutes, Midnight Sun Operatives, previously positioned to act in the event that Naoki’s trip to the Boutique went south, quietly surround the establishment. Roughly twenty of them are diverted from their standard patrols and duties to take up positions around St. James Boutique. Some settle on adjacent roofs, others circle the exterior of the building, identifying all points of entry, they systematically move to control each one. Some others screen the street outside, assessing and attempting to identify each passer-by. Discluding the possibility of tunnels, it would become virtually impossible in a matter of a few short minutes to enter or exit St. James Boutiqe without getting past the Operatives. However, they are careful not to take up obvious positions around the front door; it wouldn’t do to make their presence obvious.

With security taken care of, Naoki turns next to anonymity. Understanding that Artemis and Skarlet would not be issues in this matter, that leaves the singular, glaring problem sitting only a few feet from her, munching on some chocolate and making small talk.

Since she understands Roy to be a Gauldish citizen, it is a safe assumption to make that he knows the language. Seeing as how Arianne had been referred to by name, and she was, for a short while at least, The Queen, Roy should have no logical reason not to understand as fully as Naoki does. That makes him a security threat. Even now, as completely oblivious and incompetent as he seems, he could be reporting telepathically to another entity, or have some manner of scrying spell trained on him. Even though he himself is almost certainly unable to stand in their way in any meaningful way, one slip of the lips on his part could easily jeopardize Arianne’s safety. (Assuming that she has any left, if this most recent display is at all indicative of her capacity to keep things quiet.) Naoki hasn’t yet underestimated a potential threat, and doesn’t intend to start now; Roy would need to be taken out.

Assessing Roy again with new eyes, Madame Naoki continues her silent deliberation and communication with both Artemis and Skarlet, her face betraying none of her thoughts. One of her hands reaches casually into the black pouch on her hip, and selects a gem. It is a spherical, opaline white gemstone.


Holding it concealed in the fingers of her right hand, Naoki quietly begins to channel small amounts of energy into the gem, preparing to utilize it. Still, she gives no outward indication of having understood quite so much, or preparing to take action toward Roy. As something of an expert in the skills of self-control, she manages to perfectly maintain her slight, pleasant smile, and carries on her seemingly casual examination of the shop's wares.