singlehandedly | Asgard: IC Inbox

[And sure enough, he made his way down the street - the early shift had been his today, and he'd spent the rest of the day elsewhere.

Malik greeted her with a nod.]

Claudia. What was it you wanted to speak about?

[She lowers her voice so only he can hear.]

It's a matter that concerns the Order and my business partner. Shall we speak upstairs?

[Additional credit for discretion. He's beginning to like her, truth be told.

A nod.]

Yes, it would be best.

[It's just what she needs too, especially with what she plans on asking.]

Thank you.

[She'll follow him up to the roof entrance. since he probably knows a better route than just... climbing up the front of the building. That and she's been inside the bureau proper once, if at all.]

[There aren't actually that many ways up the building. But he knows the one - the best one - that he can use despite his handicap. Further bonus points for respect in letting him lead the way.

It doesn't take long before he's climbing in through the window. The place is neat and clean, smells of wood and ink and paper and incense and of the maintenance of blades and armour. Once they're both safely inside, he cocks his head at her curiously, waiting for her to speak up.]

[She brushes off the front of her tunic before addressing him.]

I do not know how much my brother has told you about the Assassin Order and its allies from our time in Rome, but there I ran a brothel. My girls were trustworthy, those who weren't were expelled. They helped gather information to help the Brotherhood. They were taught to be discreet, how to walk the streets, and be seen, but unseen. Here I have met a woman named Inara, and we have discussed establishing a business where the natives and our fellow Travelers alike can be entertained or find an ear to listen or satisfy other needs.

If I am to train those who come work for us in a manner that will allow us to establish a network in the city, I cannot hide it from Inara. I need her to trust me and I cannot do that by hiding my ties with the Order. My brother has given me permission to inform her of the Order's existence and anything she may need to know, but only if I informed you of what I intend to do.

[Straight to the point, too. Malik cocks his head and listens, struggling to resist the urge to pace. She makes good points, though, that much he has to admit - it would not be possible to create any business together based on pretense. At least, that would not be an arrangement that would hold. For now, he has neither approval nor disapproval for this idea, only questions.]

So you trust her?

[In all reality, she's only known Inara for a short time. But if she's starting a business with her, she needs to. Without a little risk, there could be no gain. Besides, an Auditore went with their gut, and to betray one meant finding out why it was a very bad idea. But her gut told her Inara was trustworthy. And it was because of this that her answer comes promptly with no trace of doubt or hesitation.]

Sì, I do.

[Malik took a moment to think on this, but finally nodded to himself. Claudia seemed convinced, and he could hardly see every contact or ally for himself, there needed to be some measure of faith among the members of the Order. His eyes returned to her, sharp as ever.]

If you vouch for her, and you tell her about us, should she turn out not to be trustworthy, it will be on your head. [And it would not be pretty.]

I will accept the consequences, should that be the case, but I do not believe she will betray us.

[You hear that Malik? She is brimming with confidence. That serious tone and look on her face? Claudia isn't fucking around. She intends to keep her word and make absolutely certain Inara understands that what she's told cannot be repeated to anyone.]

[He watches her as she speaks, listening closely for this resolve. Then, another nod, slower this time.]

It will be good to have more allies in this city.

Grazie, Malik.

[A small smile appears on her face as she nods her thanks and her left hand comes to rest over her heart.]

[He doesn't rightly know that means 'thank you', but it's his best guess from her body language. While his mouth doesn't quite make it all the way to a smile, his posture loses some of its tension.]

If your plan succeeds, I may yet be the one thanking you.

It will take some time, but I will ensure its success.

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