#rathien

Rathien would wiggle his ears as he was offered the mug. "The children have been doing alright;" He said taking a seat beside him. "Growing more independent with each passing day....they already drive me and the husband mad." He took a sip of the warm drink, reveling in its taste. No place made hot chocolate like home. "Yes...you stated in your letter you had news." He started after a minute. "May I ask what it is about?"

Anselme grinned brightly. “Then they are doing their sworn duty as children.” He teased gently. “It’s actually about them. I’ve heard news of a new Academy being opened up here in Ishgard.” He explained cheerfully. “It will be a school for students from all over eorzea and beyond, intending to educate the future generation for our changing world. I immediately thought of you and the twins. They’re being raised non-traditionally, I ah… apologize if that’s an impolite way to say it.” He chuckled and scratched a bit sheepishly at his hair.

Rathien would blink as he heard what Anselme was getting at and his ears would lower. "As a child, I was a victim of severe racism, as I'm sure you could imagine. It has been a joy to see Ishgard open her gates to people from all over the world but...I know that some of that old hatred remains." He smiled. "It's ironic that you bring this to me now; some friends of my mate have offered to teach the children in tribal traditions and now here you are offering me a proper eductaion for them. Nevertheless, it is the children's decision and they are old enough to make that one for themselves."

Thick brows tilted in concerned sympathy. “I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for you, growing up in Ishgard during that time.” Anselme agreed, “the very last thing I want is to expose the twins to such hardship. Nor would I suggest that they give up their tribal heritage entirely. I believe that this Academy will be a step in the right direction for Ishgard and I would have that opportunity given to those who would make the best of it due to merit rather than status or wealth. Children of two different worlds should be offered the best of both, I would think.”

Rathien's ears wiggled. "I would agree. If they decide to move forward with this, what what I need?" He asked, tail tapping on the bench. "I'm sure there is some sort of enrollment period and paperwork that will certainly need to be filled out?" Even without talking to the children he was a bit eager to see how this would play out. A school like this was definitely taking Ishgard int he direction he had hoped it would go in all along.

 “Of course!” Anselme declared cheerfully. “There would be an application and perhaps an interview, though your merits as a scholar and medic would surely speak volumes for them. I would gladly put my own name to the recommendation as well. There may be an entrance exam yet I don’t think it would be in the traditional sense.” He reached into his robe and removed a small parcel of rolled parchment, he didn’t dare fold such precious pieces. “I will be assisting the faculty in matters of security and my own youngest brother is considering taking supplemental courses in addition to his Scholasticate workload.” He declared proudly.

Rathien would blink and give a slow nod, expression turning thoughtful. "Hm....I never thought about it. I suppose you probably have a big family, being from one of the four great houses and all." He smiled. "I will mention it to the children and see if they are interested. At this age and seeing as...well I have only had a hand in raising them the last year or so, I don't want to push anything on them they may not want. That said, they are both smart young kids and are usually curious about everything."

“Of course, should they decide that the Academy isn’t for them I’ll push the matter no further. As I said, I simply wanted to see the opportunity extended to those who would represent the change for the better.” Anselme offered with a grin. “If I had children of my own I’d surely only want what’s best for them and what would make them happy, as well.” Shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Since I don’t, as of yet, I suppose I’ll have to make do protecting the next generation to the best of my abilities.”

=Rathien listened to that and let out a hard sigh. "Thank you Anselme." He said quietly. "It's very sweet of you, and I wish everyone valued the same things that we do." His expression became thoughtul. "What you just said....makes me feel as thought I was right to trust my own instincts." He offers a small smile. "There was an incident recently that was rather...delicate and I...I'm glad I'm not the only person that feels this way."

Rathien would ignore the elezen's words plainly, giving a soft snort at the word truce. "It's come to my attention that you have been having company over, and surprisingly not of the lewd indecent type. Normally I wouldn't care what you do in your free time, or who you do it with," He came further into the yard. "But I can not just idly watch and say nothing when there are guests leaving the estate covered in blood and bruises, specifically when said state was caused by your hand."

Lebeaux blinked slowly. He was well aware of Rathien’s aversion to Saerdha. The miqo’te was sultry, suggestive and sensual. His very existence seemed to offend the Ishgardian catte’s sensibilities. Yet he couldn’t imagine who else he was talking about. Lebeaux smiled as he tapped a finger thoughtfully against his cheek. “You’ll have to be more specific. I am a very busy man.”

Rathien would narrow his eyes, his ears flattening. "I'm talking about one Mr. Elio Bonfils, who was found cowering behind the coat rack in the lobby," He said with a slight growl. "You can deny all you want, but the man has come looking for you, by name, before, and when I questioned him he all but confessed you did it."

Lebeaux continued tapping his finger gently against his cheek until the name was given, at which point the finger pressed just beside his lips and his head tilted somewhat. The smile growing slightly. “Ah, yes. Elio.” He mused as he took a few slow steps closer. “Sweet, stupid little Elio. Just what did he tell you I did? What did he tell you that has you so riled up to defend him.”

Rathien would growl as the other stepped forward, his cerulean tail fluffing of. "The reason matters not, the fact is you had no right to place your hands on him in such a way." He glared up at the elezen as he approached, not intimidated by the difference in height. "For some unfathomable reason he cares for you and you will still just as openly insult him. Are you really so miserable that you feel you have to make even those who might tolerate you, hate you?"

Lebeaux paused a short distance from Rathien, but to the miqo’te’s credit he didn’t turn and run or even back away. “I’d suggest you keep your nose to your own business.” He offered coolly. “What was that about curiosity and cattes…” He mused as the smile grew a little further, quirking at the corner somewhat. “Did he show you the alleged marks?”

Rathien would huff, tail waving behind him. "I suggest you keep your hands off other people." He shot right back in a hiss. "I did see them...he asked for my assistance in having the bruises removed. Naturally I agreed and he removed his shirts to show me. Lai was a witness to the whole thing, though I doubt you will go prodding him for answers." His ears came back up, but his voice became frigid. "Do not touch him again. I shall know if you do, and the offending marks will be mere childsplay compared to what I will do to you."

Lebeaux folded his arms primly across his chest. “You claim to be a medical professional.” He explained calmly. “What caused that particular sort of bruising without swelling in such a pattern.”

Rathien would blink at that, his eyes flicking, perking to attention. "There's several things that could cause that condition, from prolonged exposure to trauma, to a bleeding disorder, medications..." He would wrinkle his nose. "I know not what you did, so please, enlighten me."

Lebeaux smiled. “Of course, I would be glad to expand your knowledge.” He offered. “I put my lips to his skin and sucked. Hard. In several places in rapid succession. There was a little biting here and there but plainly not hard enough to leave marks for you to find.” The smile was an outright grin now. “They were hickies, Rathien. Love bites. Pick your term but there was no violence involved. You’ve blundered head-first into nothing more than the aftermath of a lovers’ quarrel in the heat of passion. Well done.” He lied smoothly. “I rather suspect he was playing you for sympathy when he had none from me.” The arrogance was just rolling off of his words in sheets now.

Rathien's ears would go and his jade green eyes would widen. Even his tail would cease it's irritable swaying and curl as his face turned a bright shade of crimson. "I-I...I don't believe it." He huffed, and the tail went back to swatting the air. "T-Then why was he hiding in the lobby crying?!" He recovered quickly, embarrassed for two completely different reasons, but foolish pride forced him to regain his composure. "And if that's all it was, then why not just say it? The way he spoke it was as if he grieved your loss. Something else happened, didn't it, and neither of you want to say."

“As I said, he is a sweet but stupid boy.” Lebeaux explained with a roll of his shoulder. He had absolutely delighted in Rathien’s response. Seeing the miqo’te blushing and flustered was a sweet enough treat it would likely last him several suns. Or at least it should have. The grin faded and the medic glanced past the smaller man towards the door. “He was already in mourning because he told me to kill myself and gave me the means to do it.” Lebeaux stated flatly, the amusement long gone. “You grew up in Ishgard, Rathien.” He let the emphasis hang on the other’s adopted name. “You should know better than most that we are all dangerous in our own ways. Even silly little boys who cry over their own weakness can do harm when pressed. Move away from the door you’ve taken enough of my time.”

Rathien was stunned by that response, but he refused to let it show, more then a small swallow. "I don't believe it." He said firmly. "Why would he? Besides doing all of us a favor it's clear he actually likes you." His tail waved back and forth. "Regardless, my threat still stands. If he comes crying to me about you again, you know I will find you." His fingers clutched the book at his side so hard he could feel the binding biting into his fingers, but he stepped aside, making his way toward the garden.

Lebeaux snorted. “Believe what you like. He’s given you his version I’ve given you mine. I don’t particularly care either way so long as you keep your nose to your own business.” He suggested as the miqo’te moved aside. The elezen’s smile was a bit smug, yet overall seemed a bit tired. “I suspect he does care. And how many foolish things have you done for a misguided notion of love.” He suggested as he grabbed the door handle. “Sweet, stupid Rathien. Now I see how you two would get on. Good day.”

C'lai blinks, side smiling: "Ah, you mistaken intent. I was nodding that I'd be accountable to it, not that I would sign it." - he'd then gesture towards the desk: "Did I not accept to answerrr yourrr questions... and did so, until we werrre done? I believe that is what cooperrration is." - he'd then gesture towards Rathien: "I even have a witness herrre, seeing you wrrrite yourrr notes about my own self... answerrrs I offerrred in candid rrrespect to yourrr position. Please do extend to the Contrrractorrr ourrr cooperrration, if you believe you must." - and then, he'd push the chair away a bit, attempting to get past the elezen blocking his path.

Rathien would nod, ears flattening against his head. "By all means," he agreed with C'lai. "I'll be more than happy to talk to Lady Kasumi about this," he gave a small smile. "But that won't be tonight and we literally have a thousand other places we'd rather be, so....goodnight."

Lebeaux stepped casually aside, raising his free hand to ensure that C’lai wouldn’t slip past him so easily without having to make a concentrated effort. “She surely won’t appreciate the intrusion, which is why I am attempting to resolve this matter and tie up loose ends.” He explained calmly, as though he was the one being perfectly reasonable all along. “You are aware that making things difficult here and now, as well as potentially dangerous on some future job puts not only your position here at risk but also your mate’s.” He suggested quietly, glancing over at Rathien.

C'lai would stop, hearing the arm come down... all these impediments becoming tiresome... adrenaline building up within him... specially as his mate was brought up. C'lai ceased his gait, the arm just in front of him. He had indulged the man, as much as he could... he had warned him not to involve or torment his mate, and here he was, threatening to do just that: "You seem to be the one making things difficult, Lebeaux of Ishgarrrd. You have had yourrr examination, and now we will have ourrr peace." - and then his glittering emerald hues gaze towards Lebeaux. The fur on his tail rising as he sharpens his ears and wrinkles his nose. He would have no more of this: "Move." - a tone to his voice Rathien knew all too well.

Lebeaux remained just where he was. Now that C’lai had ordered him to move he would do no such thing. The Medic remained exactly where he stood. The slip of parchment held up like a warding spell while his other hand remained outstretched to keep the miqo’te from slipping past him. His posture straightened and chin tilted up, peering down his nose at the blonde miqo’te. “Your petulance grows tiresome…” He paused as Rathien chimed in, pale eyes darting aside to the other miqo’te. “Shut your mouth, your constant mewling whines are like nails on chalkboard.” He spat the words in more than mild annoyance.

It was not so much the words directed at C’lai... but more the ones at his mate, along with the other's direct challenge of dominance. Just as Lebeaux went on about Rathien, C'lai springs to action... his frame tenses potently as he moves with an unnatural swiftness. One hand reaches for Lebaux's wrist, giving it a mighty tug as he pivoted his stance simultaneously. The chair being pushed onto the ground with a loud sound over the miqo'te's own growl. With the tug, he'd attempt to bring the elezen's arm under his other one as he planted his feet firmly on the floor. The other hand going to the elezen's, and with a single motion, he attempts to pull the man down while pressing his elbow joint in the opposite direction, using his armpit as the fulcrum for the endeavour. His muscles bulging to form the grip... intending on inflicting as much pain as possible without breaking. The single huff that accompanied this motion would come, after, with paused, controlled breathing his growl reverberating in his throat.

Rathien would pin his ears and growl, tail fluffing up at the words spat in his direction. He watched C'lai spring into action, but he didn't flinch...just stared, tail raising, ears slowly coming up, alert and on-guard. They had warned him and the elezen had disregarded the warning.

The words had no sooner left his mouth, than did C’lai react. Lebeaux was caught off guard and yanked forwards with a sharp cry of surprise, forced to move one foot forwards in a small step to keep from being pulled off of his feet. The hand he had extended was caught and tucked under the miqo’te’s arm, extending it fully so C’lai could press on his elbow, hyper extending the joint. The parchment slipped from Lebeaux’s fingers as the pressure continued. The pain slowly increasing. He leaned down, trying to ease the pain without giving in. His teeth grit with the effort of resisting the jointlock. He didn’t want to yield yet every time he tried to focus enough to cast his arm was pushed a little further. Slowly he lowered himself further until he was forced to drop to a knee, his breath hissing between his teeth.

C'lai keeps the growing pressure, as he then speaks: "You have been warrrned plenty, elezen..." - he'd press, tilting his stance. There was an odd hum in the air, yet it but stayed like that. The miqo'te's musculature tensing as he intensified the lock: "... yet it seems a morrrre obvious apprrroach is necessarrrry..." - he'd keep the man's hand and forearm close, tilting further again to continue escalating the sensation. He could clearly feel Lebeaux's arm trying to move, forcing from him more tension, like the snake that constricts its victims. He growled as he spoke, baring his seeker fangs. He did not say more yet... the meaning of that should be clear to Lebeaux, just like his intention... for he knew both himself and the elezen were proud men. However, he would not relent, until a sign of understanding was given. Until acknowledgement of C'lai's wishes, in regards to Rathien specially, was made clear... for his mate's tormented, angered visage haunted him more than all else. His tail thrashing about as he gritted his teeth.

Rathien would merely stand, tail curled behind him as if he too were waiting for a reaction....for a sign that Lebeaux would give in or that he even might try to defend himself. He stared to his mate, ears lowering. He had said things, and he had hated himself for saying them, and perhaps that was why...why C'lai was doing this no

The hissing exhale turned into a sharp inhale when C’lai’s grip tightened and shifted. Pushing against Lebeaux’s elbow just enough to ensure the pain gradually increased rather than relenting despite the medic’s best attempts to break free. Dark brows furrowed and his eyes closed tightly, his saintly smile long gone in exchange for an ugly grimace. His free hand smacked down onto the floor, the last attempt to keep himself from falling fully to his knees under the increasing pressure. If he held out much longer something would break. “Yield!” He finally cried out, fingers curling against the tile floor. “Enough, I yield..” He gasped after. He could surely heal broken bones and torn ligaments, but what purpose would that serve here and now.

C'lai had turned to continue listening to Rathien's reading of the various loose contracts, leaning once again with his behind on the counter. Head lowering and ears motioning, he expected more to be read then, having his mind on the chosen hunt... but then Lebeaux once again spoke to them... and as he heard of medical reports, he lifted his head a bit, then turned his face at Rathien in questioning motion, remarking with a shrug of his shoulders, knowing nothing of it.

Rathien continued to ignore the elezen, until he mentioned the medical records, at which his ears went up and he finally looked back over his shoulder at the elezen. "I was not aware that company law stated that I had to provide such a copy," he started in the same coolly distant tone. "And I've been here for nearly three moons now." He narrowed his eyes. "Furthermore, medical records belong to their rightful owners; you can not make me provide a copy without my consent which, if it's you asking for them, the answer is strictly, no."

A hand waved in an almost lazy gesture as Rathien immediately ruffled and glared at him. “Keep your previous records, I’ve no interest in them.” Lebeaux stated. “There is in fact a separate form. A small questionnaire that needs to be answered in the presence of one of the medical staff.” He explained calmly, though the smirk was quickly gaining traction and looking rather smug indeed. “Basic information, pre-existing conditions that may have an effect on work, that sort of thing.” He glanced between Rathien and C’lai. “I was lax in enforcing it previously, trusting the honesty of the staff.” He lied with a sigh as though he had been the trusting and benevolent caretaker of them all rather than the borderline dictator.

C'lai had an instinct for lies... or perhaps just an unhealthy amount of distrust. From what he had witnessed, heard and from Rathien's accounts of the man, he had no reason to not endure such practice. As he spoke, C'lai tilted his head slightly... a doubtful expression taking over, much like the cautious animal. He tensed, visibly... all too noticeably for one whose frame was like his. The man's voice tone all too vulnerable to interpretation, he chose to keep his distance of the matter. His piercing emerald hues set directly on Lebeaux, his expression neutral, apart from the stare of unfocusing pale pupils.

Rathien looked over the leves and finally rolled one up, stuffing it in the pocket of his tunic. "Sounds like a personal problem," he said with a distinct edge to his voice. "One that does not involve me in the slightest." Finally turning around he stared up at the elezen with a cold gaze and flattened ears. "I will go to Lady Kasumi about this, and if it is indeed necessary, then I will be happy to submit to the exam...be that Idristan does it. Or Lady Enx or Lady Kaede." He said each name very slow and deliberately as if he could not make it more clear he wanted nothing to do with Lebeaux.

“You are employed by the Tradehouse, are you not?” Lebeaux mused slowly. The thing that made it difficult to tell when Lebeaux was lying was that it rolled off of his tongue easily as his own name. Which may have been because the name itself was a lie to boot. There was no baseline for honesty. “Therefore, it becomes your problem as well. It’s becoming more frequent that unnecessary complications are getting in the way of minding the health and safety of this organization. Complications that could be avoided with an onze of prevention. Which is why I am re-instating the exam.” Though the way he said it, one could have sworn ‘exam’ was spelled ‘inquisition’.