Same Circumstance, New Grudge

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"When will the next delivery be?" Asked the seemingly upstanding and dignified man out into the void. While the room of the Praetor was indeed empty, the man was anything but alone right now. With his inner eye could he perceive the phantom before him. Whatever sorcery she was using to contact him this way had never concerned him in the past, nor now. In fact, he approved of it. So long as they could keep it subtle and get to the point quickly. "Lovely as it may be to speak with you, Ms. Ranna, I have other affairs to attend. And I can't deliver safely to your doorstep unless I know that our bargain is still being upheld."

"My my, does little Amen hope to extort me?" Spoke the gas-masked woman on the other end of this holographic communication. "Our deal is most certainly still in effect, but your deliveries have been a bit... slow as of late. I need to know that you are not getting cold feet. Or worse yet! Unable to keep up with his indulgences."

"Leave my affairs to me and I'll keep out of yours." Amen was quick to retort, still writing down on a piece of paper the next legislation that needed to be overseen. "Such was also part of the bargain, was it not? We could both ruin one another, but we choose to not do so. If the deliveries feel a bit tardy to you, then rest assured, it is only a matter of certain policies being enforced harder than usual. It will blow over."

"I thought it was in your interest to keep such things from happening." Dandellia replied, feeling uncertain regarding his certainty and dedication to their pact. "Wasn't it always you who saw to it that we would face so little complications as we have?"

"I thought it was in your interest to become chief-baron of the underbelly?" Amen retorted. "Wasn't it you who would make sure that no one stepped out of line? No one made any dumb moves? Thus allowing us to move about freely with our dealings?" Amen spoke, confidence dripping. "The task of ensuring purity in the streets have been divided between me and three other praetors now because of your people's blunders. Keep more from happening, 'lest we both fall to ruin."

Silence followed before Ranna bowed and disappeared from view. "Underbelly politics... How tiresome." Amen groaned as he leaned back in his chair, looking up at the clock above the door to enter his office. "Well, seems like my shift has met its end. Gotta prepare now." He muttered as he dressed up in his coat and hat before moving out. On the other end stood a woman of some few younger years, waiting. "Praetor Neera. Pleasure." Amen said with a short bow. "Anything I can do for you?"

Neera shrugged at that. "Maybe just keep me company on the way out?"

"I would happily oblige such a request."

The lights surrounding her dressing room mirror were bright, brighter than she remembered them being before, hotter too. As she put on her make-up she felt a slight bit worried the warmth of the blubs that let her see the tiny details she needed to go over would be the very reason her make-up would begin to run. Even so, it felt stupid for her to complain about such a thing. It wasn't so long ago she'd basked in the sunlight, enjoying its warm glow. After all, heat meant you were alive and that was something she never wished to take for granted ever again. Her face was a porcelain white, cheeks red with blush, a dark purple eyeshadow brought out the crimson of her iris'. A color that was soon to be matched by her lipstick.

Running the red stick across her lips the sudden opening of her dressing room door made her jump, the red stick running across her cheek and down to her jaw turning her puckered lips into a frown.

"Your assistants will be here soon to help with the costume, Miss Khapree." A man carrying a clipboard told her, seeming not to understand how rude barging in like that was.

Triss took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "Thank you for letting me know. Please ask them to knock before they enter." She requested of the man who wrote something down onto his clipboard before shooting her an okay with his hand which she could see from the mirror. Looking back and seeing the mess she'd made witht he lipstick she let out a quiet sigh before taking a cloth and trying to wipe away the red and knowing she'd have to redo part of her foundation and blush.

She looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes trying to avert but she did not let them. "Someday soon this'll be fun again. The music, the singing, the make-up and costumes. It'll be just like before, Triss." She told herself, promised herself.

The two praetors walked through the halls until they reached the exit. "What what are your plans for the evening, sir?" Neera asked. She had always been an inquisitive sort, and he would make it a habit to suspect anyone who was a bit too curious about matters that they had no purpose or reason to care about.

"I am heading towards a most particular show tonight. A concert. 'Aria of Starlight'. I've heard that it is supposed to be rather good. I hope I will get my moneys worth. Triss Khapree is performing tonight, and judging from what I've heard of her voice, I just have to hear it in person."

"Another woman to take home with you? Indulge her and lavish her with your home's splendor until you achieve another rakish exploit?" She teased him, a hint of curious frustration in her voice. She had certainly heard the talk around the offices, but he cared little. He simply chuckled.

"Even if I were, knowing her status and renown, I doubt a little bit of wine and fancy chandeliers will woo her over." He teased in return, giving her a look from the peripheral. "I would need to show her that I care. Treat her as if she is the only woman that matters in the world. That I will give her all she could ever want in a man. And then, only then," He trailed off as they stepped out on the last step and into the streets. "Will I have gotten my 'rakish exploit'". He grinned. Neera's cheeks were flushed, and he could probably guess for what reason. With a bow, and a farewell, did he turn around and head for the arena. He had reserved a spot in one of the private and esteemed elevated seats, shielded off for him and whatever guest he felt like inviting. Currently there was nobody. But he liked the extra leg space.

The talk amongst the crowd lowered as the lights did, leaving them in whispers and nigh darkness before with a metallic sound did the spotlights come on and where once stood no one was now the woman they'd come to see. A long dress of purple and black with diamonds embeded into the cloth that twinkled like stars as she twirled in the spotlight, said action causing a roar of clapping from the crowd who were swiftly silenced again as the orchestra began to play. They started with the string section, a song many of the crowd who knew her would know well, the very song for which this event had been named. Her first and most popular song "Cosmos". Not a single word did she utter and yet her singing filled the arena, a show of vocal range, power, and stamina.

The night would not end with just one song of course, the many who came to see her this night had paid quiet well for the honor. And so songs passed, some done by other well known vocalists, brief moments to give the lady of the hour a break, but soon she finished her final song of the night and bowed to the crowd before blowing her kisses to her adoring fans.

And one final one, a stray that seemed to be aimmed directly toward the private booth in which sat the Praetor Amen.

Amen raised an eyebrow at the gesture. Were she aware that he was present? He put on a bit of a smile as he collected his items and ventured out. Some flowers and a few humble trinkets were held in his arms as he walked out of the room and down below. He had spent a lot of money to be allowed to walk behind the stage. Now it was a matter to see if it would be worth the cost. She had indeed proved once more to be as grand a performer as her reputation would imply.

Walking down the steps, he took a turn and went for the backstage entrance. He casually held up his pass, granting him passage. Asking around a bit for directions, a kind smile on his lips all the while, he soon found his way to the hallway in which Triss would later appear in. He didn't know if she was already in the changing room or on her way back, but either way, he would wait for her to show up. It ought to be an interesting visit if all went as it hopefully would. His gift consisted of flowers, sweet drinks and vine. In his mind, humble gifts. To anyone else, items of luxury.

Having washed the makeup from the performance on her face she applied a new coat, one that would be easily appreciated by those up close rather than the thick layer meant to appeal to those who would be seeing her under the harsh stagelight from a distance. A pink eye shadow with lips to match. Looking at herself in the mirror, her costume having been replaced with a thinner, black dress that reached down to her ankle, white tights underneath, and a matching bonnet atop her head. Once she was absolutely satisfied with her appearance she stepped from her dressing room, stopping in her tracks when she entered the hall. She'd sent someone to find Praetor but this is not where she'd asked them to lead him. She covered her mouth, hiding her shock to mask it as a more pleasent emotion. "Oh, my. And who might you be, sir? I don't believe I've seen you among the staff here before. I don't believe you would be easy to miss." She giggled, deciding to let the pieces fall where they may, she'd make her moves as she needed to.

Amen smiled softly at the woman, glad to see his actions having brought a pleasant reaction out of her. "A humble fan, wishing to congratulate on a wonderful performance, and to show one's due appreciation for your craft." She said, nodding towards the bouqet. "Praetor Amen Haqet. It is a pleasure to see the siren in person." He spoke, looking towards the spot next to him where other gifts from other adoring fans had been placed. Putting it down in a suiting and stable position, blotting out other presents due to the sheer size of the offering, he looked back to the singer of the hour. "I apologize if I appear at an ill opportune moment. I merely wished to offer my thanks for tonight's performance. Truly one to be looked back on fondly and be inspired by, my lady." He said courteously and with a restrained glee.

She waved her hand in front of her, hiding her face as though embarrassed by his compliments. "Please, your words are too kind, Praetor. To hear such things from one as important as yourself fills me with a great deal of pride and yet at the same time I'm humbled to be in your presence, Sir. You needn't worry about any ill timing. In truth, without the likes of you and my other fans I wouldn't be here now. I'm grateful for the opportunities you and the others have given me." She uncovered her face, smiling warmly at the man, holding her hands together in a ball close to her chest. "In fact, if I might be so bold as to ask to steal some of your time, perhaps I could show you some of that gratitude by inviting you to my green room? You've come all this way after all, I wouldn't feel right simply accepting your gift and sending you on your way. Besides, I'd love to hear how one such as yourself came to find yourself a fan of my music." She asked him in a giddy tone as though she was the one getting the better deal out of this offer.

Amen tilted his head a bit in curiosity at her suggestion. Her offer was tempting, no mistaking it, but he was curious as to what sprung such a wish. Surely she didn't simply invite any old fan to her room like that... Ah, yes, that explains it! She wanted something out of him. Like many others. But he didn't care too much at this moment. It would give him an excuse to associate further with the woman of tonight's wonder. He smiled softly and nodded. "It would be my privilige." He said, taking a step toward her. She was a good bit shorter than him. Her makeup accentuated her beautiful features. She was a marvel, there was no mistaking it. "Would you like something to drink in the meantime? Nothing of alcohol, of course." He asked, always finding it easier to converse over. He gestured over to the bundle of sweet softdrinks next to his bouqet, quietly asking if those may appeal. The bottles consisted of various forms of punch and flavored water of multiple flavors he had learned she favored, making sure to avoid the cherry vine that also came along with the gift.

"O-Oh my, it seems you really have done your research. I find most of my fans simply gift things they believe to be fancy or find rather expensive. Of course there are the few who seem to have found out what I like through some means. I've always found it as equally touching as I have off putting, I hope you don't take offense to that." She chuckled, taking him up on his offer and selecting one of the drinks he'd gifted her. "I thank you again, your gift is certainly lovely. I'll be sure to think of you while I enjoy them. It isn't often that I am able to accept them in person after all." She promised as they walked down the hall.

Entering the green room the room was certainly well decorated, though not to her tastes as this room was used for any of the artists who found themselves on the stage. However, the food and drink laid out most certainly was. Many of the drinks being the same flavors and even brands that Amen had gifted her. The foods consisting mostly of different candies and pastries with the only 'real food' being that of pizza. "Do feel free to help yourself, I do apologize if the selection seems a bit childish. I have quite the sweet tooth and I find the best time to enjoy them is right before a performance... they help to calm my nerves. I eat much healthier at home and during my travels so you needn't worry about me losing my figure and becoming unsightly." She blushed, clearly not wanting the man to see her as childish just because of her food preferences.

"Off putting? I can certainly see that." he replied as he stepped inside the room. "I will admit I felt a bit weird doing that research, but I felt that if I want to go big on the gift, it ought to be something you would like." He said as he looked around. Candy, pizza, fizzy drinks and more. It made for an amusing sight in a way. He walked up to the pizza box and took himself a slice. "Unsightly? Radiant beauty cannot be kept away from the world, even if the figure is 'let go of'. Even so, I go for the pie slices whenever and wherever I can find them." He said, taking a small bite, swallowing before speaking again. "So I would wager that I really do not have anything to say in the matter." He said with a chuckle. Sitting down in one the chairs when he was given the go ahead.

He looked around himself and took in the various brands of sweets that littered the room. "Sourpatch, Sweetpies, fruitcars, cherry drops... A woman after my own heart." He said with a nod. "Your sweet tooth is as refined than your voice." He joked. "In all honesty though, there is no shame in enjoying something that is a bit unhealthy. Moderation is the rule of the game, is it not?" He smiled. He poured a glass each of the soft drinks, clinking the glasses together before taking a sip each. "And it seems we are both curious about the other here. Who should start off?"

Triss fiddled with the bottle in her hand before finally getting it open, a sharp hiss escaping from it before she finished unscrewing the cap and took a sip of the sweet flavored beverage. "I was the one who invited you here, I worry it might be rude if the first thing I did was begin to bombard you with questions. Especially after you came all this way to gift me such lovely things. Feel free to ask what you'd like to know, I'll answer what I can. Though, I'd rather avoid some of the prohibited QandA questions I've had to ban over time. You know the usual, 'are you are virgin? What is your bust size? How much do you weigh?' those sorts of things." She spoke, clearly uncomfortable even repeating them before her eyes widened as though realizing something. "N-not that I would think you might ask those sorts of things. Such things rarely come for my more sophisticated fans such as yourself." She continued, not wanting him to think was the sort to stoop down to asking a lady such things.

"Such questions shouldn't come out of any fan to begin with." He said with a nod and a sip of his drink. "Quite indignifying if you ask me. I should consider it fortunate that such... tasteless inquiries have not driven you away from fan interaction. Such a loss that would have been." He said smiling. "So, me first then? Well, I have been curious about one thing and another over the time I've heard of you. Let us start simple, shall we? What inspired you to pursue this career? Anyone particular that you can think of, or did you simply have this talent that you wanted to 'put to good use'? Showbusiness is quite a treacherous road to walk from what I have heard. Especially in the early game. So what made you want to go through it?"

She smiled, "Ah, that's an easy one. You see, I started on this path at first to help support my family. I came from a rather poor household in my youth and though we lacked in funds, I was blessed with a great deal of talent. It was certainly difficult, I started small, singing in church and on the streets, anywhere where someone might recognize my talents. It felt quite pointless for a long while but eventually I was able to move up when I was scouted by an agent. It still took some time after that but even in those early stages I was able to make sure our family was much better off than it had been. Now look at me? Singing in front of a packed crowd in one of the Nexus' largest arenas? It is shame that mother and father did not live to see me make it this far. I suppose our time in poverty left them far worse off than I'd imagined. Not even what luxuries I could now afford could help them when their time came. I can only hope they're watching over me now." Triss told Amen her story, her smile having faded just a bit as it continued but remained on her face all the same.

"But what about you, Praetor Amen. Even in my stardom I could never imagine what it must be like to be someone as important to the Nexus as you are. What is that like? Is it a stressful job?"

"My sincerest apologies for your loss. I don't remember my own, so I can not fully comprehend what you have lost and what that must have felt like." He said, still holding his smile despite his eyes holding a hint of sadness for the woman. But he knew that just breaking the comfortable air and ceasing to show some level of stoic understanding might ruin everything. "They say that even those who are gone will walk with us as we go on. I am certain that they know fully well where their beautiful daughter is and how proud she has made them." He said with a comforting smile.

He then chuckled as he proceeded to explain to her his work. Trying to keep it as intriguing as possible despite being a bit of a dullard job at times. "Stressful? Quite. There is a lot that hinges on a Praetor's attention and care of the populace. One is never fully at ease with such high demands on ones shoulders. And on the contrary, dear. I would wager that I am not important at all. It is important to distinguish the person from the title. If we were to go on importance of the person, I would say that you are more valuable to the Nexus than I am. You bring joy and excitement. I am just a man behind the curtains, making sure that people feel good in their every day life without having to bother to think of who it is that made it so for them. It isn't a particularly gratifying job, but it is done with good effort all the same. It has to be."

She giggled, "Yes, you're quite right. I understand that most people might not think much about those who keep their lives going on as comfortably as it is so long as it remains that way. All the same, I'm sure you'd hear no end of it if it stopped being as such. So, for whatever it might be worth to be praised by someone like me, I'm thankful that there is someone like you behind that curtain to help make it so that people like me can have jobs like this. It may be true that you are an unsung hero in a sense but as far as I am concerned that does not make you any less a hero all the same." She responded to him, crossing one leg over another as she sat more comfortably.

"As unending as your stress may be, I hope that my show provided you the least bit of relief if only for its duration. It is as I said, I began this career to help out my family. But in their passing I've come to appreciate what my music does for others. So long as there are souls out there that can find joy in what I make I'll continue my work."

"Admirable, Miss. I'll continue hoping that I can deliver in my duties and ensure a prosperous future for others. What good is it to be so elevated if one can not give something back. I'm sure you agree with that." He said with a rise of his glass. "And your work sure does inspire and bring appreciation of those around you. Your acts, your lyrics, those affectionate gestures at the end of your shows. The cheers alone is a sign of how much you are affecting each life."

Amen reached to one of the opened bags of candy and took out a few of the sour candies before dropping them into his drink. Swirling a bit as he heard the fizzling within, he then took a sip, relishing the mixed taste of the sour and the sweet. All that was missing was the sting of alcohol. "My turn I think. I have been curious, what sort of activitied do you engage in when you are not putting all your heart into performances on stage? What events of mirth do you participate in when time finds itself open for you?"

"As of late I haven't had much time to participate in my own hobbies. Always on the move to my next show, practicing for my next show, picking out costumes and make up for my next show. Sometimes it seems the process never ends I do admit. But when I can find free time I enjoy visiting the ocean. Not to swim or sunbathe or the like most often. More just to enjoy the scenery. Sometimes its hard to believe theres still an entire world out there, the ocean by itself seems endless and yet there are lands out there too." She giggled softly as she explained the strange hobby to the man, hoping that he might excuse her strangeness as merely the quirks of an artist. "When I'm indoors however I like to partake in board games, I do very much enjoy those sorts of things. But more often than not I only ever have the staff to play with and they have a nasty habit of letting me win just because of who I am. It feels so..." Her cheeks puffed up with frustration, fists balled up as though she intended to hold her breath in protest of it all. Eventually, she did let out a sigh. "Oh but what can I do? Most of the other female artists are a bit too catty for my taste to befriend and I can't even wave at a male one without the next week of tabloid news printing articles like 'Triss and so and so, are they dating?!' Can you believe them? For shame, for shame..." She sighed again.

She cleared her throat, "Sorry... I know you asked but that all probably sounded like a bunch of boring gossip didn't it. I'm not quite used to spilling my guts like this. I tend to keep to myself, I know I should probably be more cautious."

"Don't worry. I'll keep quiet and be subtle about what we have spoken of." He said with a chuckle. "But I understand the concern, and the frustration that must come from such a thing. Being a praetor is similar in that regard, though with a lot more politics rather than drama to it. Can't go and socialize with anyone anywhere. A certain level of 'dignity' is expected to be maintained. A certain prestige to the company we keep. Load of rubbish if you ask me." He said casually as he sipped again.

"Even so, caution is advised for a reason. Spilling your guts with trusted company is fine, but letting things like that out in front of any loose-lipped gossiper could risk your reputation. I'd hate to see your talents get diminished appreciation because of a slip of the tongue." He said calmly with a comforting smile. "And the ocean? Interesting habit to see it for the mere sake of seeing it. I rarely have time left for games. Most of the time I just want to lean back after work is done and fall asleep with a drink in my hand." He chuckled. "One day I hope to accomplish something on my own. Bring something to the world beyond legislation."

"Something with your own two hands then? Do you have anything in mind toward that idea or is it just a hope for now?" Triss asked the man, a thankful smile on her face both for his company and for not minding her prattling on.

"It is beyond just mere hope..." He chuckled softly, looking into the swirling liquid in his glass before turning his attention back to the woman, resting his one leg over the other. "I write music. My big dream is to one day be able to produce a musical. Or at the very least put up some songs and music to a scene to be performed. I lean more into a traditional style of song. Acapella and the like."