Ember straightened momentarily, but suppressed most of the movement.

There was definite commotion going on behind him. Instead, he gripped the "handle" of his parasol very tightly for a moment, then forced calm composure.

The man beside him clearly had not noticed much. Either he was more concerned that he would harm the lovely lady-- who by now had thoroughly betrayed her noble status despite her attestations contrary-- or he was not as attentive as he presented himself to be.  Regardless, this meeting needed to be concluded quickly. He continued with his original plan of action, simply because a situation like this demanded it. Who knows what manner of trouble this young noble woman had gotten herself into. Despite the intensity of the looming situation behind him, he continued to administer his 'test' of the lady.  Class heirarchy in circles of power are [i]ALWAYS[/i] contentious; those at the top, want it to stay that way, while those on the middle rungs are ever eager to climb. The reactions they make to statements that threaten the status quo, were a fine, and usually quite harmless, way to easily winnow one from the other.

"Forgive me Madam-- It was my mistake; However, I feel that people of .. [i] distinction[/i].. should get to enjoy being treated like royalty every now and again-- wouldn't you agree?"

The twitch and further furrowing of the brow before the woman could properly respond told him all he needed to know.  She was definitely a noble woman, 'attempting' (and quite badly-- this was clearly her first time) to be incognito as one of the lower classes.  He did not know the particulars of her reasons for doing so; he had learned long ago not to try to find out. All the same, his .. 'Political Opinions', required him to assist the lady, even if she attempted to refuse.  Discretion.  That was the watch word.  He was a "simple tailor", after all.

"All the same darling-- It is clear that you desire some privacy.  While it might not seem like it, 'discretion' is a very important part of my business."

Ember risked losing track of the magic being employed behind him, and the tense situation brewing back there, to continue his "unawares" performance, and continue as he had initially planned.  Gripping the handle of his wand tightly, he held out his other hand in front of him, and made a stern expression as he struggled with the complex magic required.

Water vapor and burned carbon from the air were gathered quickly, compressed, and forced to take on a new form--

Shhhh--- VVIIIIP--- POP

The resulting tiny slip of folded paper was uncomfortably warm from the expedited process, and a subtle hint of charred paper wafted from it. With a flourish, he gave it a sharp wave, then extended it gracefully to the lady's over-zealous attendant.

"-- Do give this to the lady, wont' you darling? -- It's just my card, dear."

The sharp eyed man radiated an aura of danger and warning which Ember conspicuously ignored. At this range, the man, however skilled, was simply not a match for him. He could have this man turned wrong-side out through his butt-hole before he could so much as draw his weapon-- but such displays were certainly *NOT* on his itinerary today. Instead, the return of the icy aura of danger, with a reprisal of "Dont give a fuck darling. Not scared of you." would suffice.  Between those who have seen battle, such impressions were as clear as talking anyway.

The message was clearly received from what Ember could tell of his body language, as his stern demeanor crackled with 'dont test me bitch.', while he gruffly accepted the paper and examined it. The magic woven inside would not activate for him anyway, so he once again returned the "Don't care, not worried." poise.

The paper was impossibly smooth, and brilliant white.  It was neatly folded in half, and emblazoned with a stylized image of a burning rectangle of charcoal, with flames coming from it, over the word "Ember". The steely eyes of the man darted to the side, taking in Ember's reactions to his reading the card. Once more "Don't care darling." was his response.

Inside the card, a standard solicitation for business was emblazoned in the same charring of the paper.


                              Smouldering Ember 
                       Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity

                  Let this tiny ember ignite your passions!
            Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity at your whim and fancy!
        Garments and styles to suit every need, occasion or pleasure.
Male and Female fashion and accessories, with 'while you wait' alterations.

      "It is our pleasure to attend to your every need. Discretion guaranteed."

                       --EMBER, Proprietor.




"I also do male attire, darling." cooed Ember to the man as he read the card.
The man sneered and sniffed in disdain at the barbed offer, as he handed the card to the noble woman.

She took the card irritably, and glanced inside.

To her astonishment, a momentary swirl of black appeared on the blank portion of the pamphlet.


"I dont know what manner of trouble you have gotten into my dear, and I won't inquire further.
However, it is quite clear you are hiding from something, or some-one.  It is also clear this is 
your first time at this darling.  No merchant's daughter would dress this plainly, and your escort
is too attentive.  Whatever your business may be, rest assured I am not a threat to you."

The lady boggled for a moment, as the swirl of black faded, and a new message momentarily appeared.

"I have decided to offer you my services on temporary retainer should you desire them darling."
"Should you choose to accept, or-- are just in the mood for a lovely dress-- Please come see me in my cabin."

    --Ember

She sucked in an irritated breath as the 'ink' practically blew off the paper, leaving no traces it had ever been there.

Ember did not give her time to respond.  With a short bow of a curtsy, he made plain his intent to depart.

"My lady." he intoned demurely, then turned and walked away confidently and leisurely, gripping the handle on his wand tightly.  Should this insufferable tension escalate, he would be ready to prevent any mischief from heading this direction. It would certainly not reflect well on him, should his potential client suffer any mishap from the foolishness of other guests. Given the demeanor of the woman, it was entirely possible that agents of an unsavory nature were on board, and this was what he was picking up on.