Ten motioned for his passengers to exit the vehicle as he clambered out himself. He was an odd fellow by all accounts. The criminal moved with a practiced grace and fluidity as he stepped onto the paved ground, which had a dull sheen under the lights above, but he was also unassuming rather than using this poise to give an air of passive dominance. His garage proved that he had great wealth but Ten's clothing was neither expensive nor inexpensive. To the casual observer he was strikingly ordinary. He did not dress all in black like a thief, but was also not ostentatious; that was the true secret to his success undoubtedly. Aristocrats and commoners alike paid attention to someone that was dirty, poor, and suspiciously covered, and they paid attention to the well-groomed, rich, and decadent attired. Ten was neither of these. By maintaining an air of banality it was almost impossible to notice him, much less recall him later in great detail. Solae could almost imagine describing him to law enforcement officials. Tall, but not freakishly tall, dark hair and eyes, medium build, shirt and slacks, no visible scars or tattoos, no identifying facial features or marks.

"Is Cristeta here yet?" he called out to no one in particular.

"Miss Cristeta is waiting for you in the drawing room," a clinical male voice retorted from one of the speakers camouflaged into the walls.

"This way," Ten motioned. Solae hesitated but, after glancing towards Rene, followed their host. If he had wanted to harm them he had ample opportunity to do so, and he could have also easily delivered them to someone aligned with Duke Tan's interests. That he was taking precaution to keep her hidden meant at least, for now, she had a tenuous amount of trust in the mysterious broker. He had professed his loyalty to the Falias and thus far had acted with sincerity towards that fidelity. She knew nothing of this 'vault' she mentioned but having a reason for his alliance that was reasonable and practical gave her an ounce of faith.

Through a pair of double doors on the north side of the garage was a tastefully decorated hallway. Lord Armon and the slaver's mansion were displays of ego and prestige but Ten's dwelling was neither. The wooden floors below their feet were exquisite, and the framed paintings on their left and right worth a small fortune, but it was all done for Ten's enjoyment only. No strange sculptures obstructed their walkway, not everything was coated in gold or another fine metal, and there was no furniture that suggested it was a congregating space for when he entertained. It was reminiscent of the style of nobility that was so secure in themselves they no longer took an effort to prove their station.

"On your left," Ten instructed. He stepped around Solae and opened the door for her amicably.

Inside the drawing room was a large marble fireplace that saw little use, a large ornate woven rug in shades of crimson, muted gold, and shades of both black and brown, a sofa upholstered in an animal skin more luxurious than leather, and accompanying wooden chairs upholstered in a silk stripe fabric. More intriguing than any of this, however, were the large bookcases that dominated the wall opposite the door. Tomes, delicate figurines, and scrolls of parchment were displayed behind a protective glass that allowed view but disallowed handling. 

"Cristeta, this is my guest for which I requested your expertise," Ten remarked as he strode towards a cabinet in the corner and pulled out a large decanter of amber liquid as well as a trio of glasses. "Do not worry yourselves over Cristeta," he assured Rene and Solae casually as he ran a hand through his hair. When it was disheveled it had made him look to be in perhaps his late twenties, but now that it had been smoothed back away from his forehead he had a regal maturity of someone in their mid-thirties at least. "Cristeta is a woman with discretion. My associates with loose lips do not last long. Would you like a drink, soldier?"

"Ten, I appreciate your help but we need..." Solae began.

"It can wait until Cristeta makes sure you are well and there is no further aid she can give you. You can use another room if you would like some privacy," he suggested. "Or you can stay here if it will make you more comfortable. As Cristeta can attest I have no interest in either of you other than discussion."

"His taste is in older men," Cristeta whispered to Solae discreetly, though Ten did not seem to mind if she broadcast it to the entire sector. It was her sense of propriety that made her hesitant to talk about such things too loudly. "Much older men," she emphasized.