The Noble and The Proud

Geoffrey enjoys the Ul Cup for two specific reasons. The first one being the spectacle of swordsmanship despite knowing naught of it (he can appreciate a master of his craft when he sees one). The second was it being a good medium for recruiting talented gladiators. It just so happens that his current bodyguard, a Miqo'te man by the name T'schaaza, had told him that he would be departing for Vylbrand in a few moons.

He had a tendency to hire adventurers who don't like to stick to one thing (that's probably why they became adventures in the first place, he mused). It was easier to hire them with a flexible contract rather than find a permanent retainer. Besides, he'd prefer for it to stay that way. Wouldn't do to be too attached, a bodyguard's job is perilous after all.

He couldn't have the weight of someone's death on his mind.

Yet he wondered why he still even hires them at this point. He could very well defend himself what with his gun and myriad of tools. He let that train of thought be stopped by the announcement of a new match. He craned his neck to see the contestants. Despite being a fairly rich Ul'dahn merchant, he always gets himself one of the cheapest spots.

On one corner was a dark-haired Highlander wielding two scimitars, a familiar sight in the Coliseum. Lots of his type come to test their luck at riches, doubtless inspired by the grand commander Aldynn himself. But what caught his eye was his contender. A green-haired Elezen with a sword and shield. He wouldn't be surprised at the sight of an Elezen itself, but he clearly did not look like he was a part of the Temple Knights, which was passing strange.

The announcer signaled the start of the round, and the Highlander leaped to close the gap between them. The Elezen planted his feet steadily on the ground, blocking and countering the onslaught of attacks the Highlander was dishing out. A defensive technique, he thought to himself. Very reminiscent of Paladins. The Elezen waited patiently for a gap in the Highlander's offense as he jabbed at him swiftly and precisely, sending the Highlander tumbling back a few yalms. Now it was his turn to go on the offensive. After that, it didn't take him long for him to earn his victory. The two contestants shared a polite handshake before they exited the arena. Before he knew it, Geoff's feet was carrying him toward the contestants' exits.

He was almost panting when he had arrived, eliciting a look from the newcomers. He always disliked it, but he disliked making others do it for him even more. The Hyur shrugged it off to approach the Elezen, who seemed unfazed by his appearance and was busying himself by rummaging through his small bag.

"Excuse me."

Only then did the Elezen look up from his bag, his green eyes meeting the Hyur's. "Yes?" he curtly replied.

He had seen from the stands that the man was lightly armored, but only from up close did he realize that he was barely even wearing one. Instead, the Elezen was clothed in a white ornate shirt, the only armor covering him being the pauldron on his shoulder. Before the Elezen could raise his eyebrow at the Hyur's silence, he continued, "My name is Geoffrey Jans. And you are Mr. Drillemont?"

"Thayer, actually. Thayer Drillemont."

"Mr. Thayer, might I ask for a bit of your time to discuss summat? If you haven't eaten, I'd be happy to buy you lunch." He explained after catching a glimpse of the bread the Elezen had been trying to fish out of his bag.

"Hmm... I suppose I shouldn't say no to such a polite invitation." Thayer grinned cheekily. At this moment, Geoff realized that he had gotten himself into something he shouldn't have.

He had figured out who Thayer is. Although he'd never encountered a Drillemont in all his ventures, he was acutely sure that he was a noble, even if a minor one. He cursed himself inwardly, trying to distract himself by leading the seemingly nonchalant Elezen towards the Quicksands. It wasn't his fault for not knowing that a minor noble would represent Ishgard in a gladiator tourney, out of all things! He was sure those types would rather step in nanny shite than stick their noses in such a barbaric competition. Although, he'd wager that meant Thayer is different from the typical Ishgardian lot.

He let the Elezen order from the menu, and he chose surprisingly simple foods. That is, until he ordered some not-as-cheap ale. They took the nearest table, and Geoff didn't waste any time to get to business. "You see Mr. Thayer, I am in need of a mercenary at the moment. A bodyguard, in other words. But the contract is flexible and you may-"

The Elezen raised his hand at him, gulping down a swig of ale. "Slow down there stallion, can't you let a good fellow finish his meal first?" He flashed a smile.

The Hyur started seeing red. And flush red to boot. Yet all he could sputter out was a baffled, "Sorry."

Thayer laughed at him, adding insult to injury, and continued to chug his mug of ale. The merchant simply sat there, half-dumbfounded, trying to fixate his thoughts on anything else but this infuriating piece of-

"Now we can talk!" Thayer clunked his mug audibly against the table. "As you were saying?"

"As I was saying," the Hyur took a deep breath, "I am in need of a bodyguard and find your skills to be sufficient. The contract is flexible and you may end it when you so wish."

"The catch?"

The question took Geoffrey by surprise. "There is no catch. I simply need a temporary bodyguard."

"Hmm," the Elezen mused, "I'll have to talk to my mentor first. Besides, I've still got a small leg of the competition to go."

"That you do. It's alright, I'd be willing to wait as long as you decide soon." He moved to leave his seat.

"Wait," Thayer called out as Geoffrey replied with a barely-disguised questioning look. "Don't you want to get to know your prospective future employee, sir Geoffrey?"

He stifled a sigh, "What would you have us do?"

"I was thinking you'd decide, what with you trying to recruit me and all."

"...Let's just walk around town."

----

Out of all the things associated with formalities, Geoffrey absolutely despised small talk the most. Thank Thal, he thought, because Thayer had barely been making conversation despite advising Geoffrey to stay to learn more about him. They simply walked from The Quicksands all the way to the markets and although he cares not for how underhanded most Ul'dahn merchants are, he can't help but still be drawn to some of their techniques. After all, what is a good product if no one is there to buy and use it?

"So, you are a merchant." Thayer declared plainly, breaking the silence between them.

"And you could tell that by...?"

"Just intuition!" He gave that cheeky grin again.

Geoff scrunched up his nose at him and turned his attention to the stands. He must've figured it out by how naturally his feet carried him to the markets and how he's been eyeing things, Geoff thought. Now he feels that it's Thayer who's learning more about him instead of the other way around. He racked up his brain and tried making a mental note of everything he's learned about him so far.

One, he dislikes small talk, just like him. Else  he wouldn't have stayed quiet throughout their walk. Two, he's got decent perception, considering he could figure Geoff out with just a few glances. Three...

"You think a lot, don't you, sir Geoffrey? I'm right here you know, we could have a chat about what you're thinking!"

He stifled a sigh as he finally voiced his third point, "For a noble who dresses the part, you sure don't have an issue mingling with lowborns."

Thayer looked slightly offended for a second as he opened and closed his mouth, only opening it again to say, "I don't care much for classes. Surely I'm not the only one?"

Stephanivien's name popped up in his head. "Aye, you aren't. But it is still quite a rare sight."

Thayer seemed to look sheepish after that, rubbing the back of his neck somewhat self-consciously. 

Huh, perhaps they'll be alright, Geoff thought to himself.

---

They spoke at length about the current state of Ishgard, Thayer once again observing correctly, "You're so knowledgeable about our issues, could it be you're Ishgardian yourself?" Geoffrey's pride swelled at the compliment as he answered, "Aye, by half." He was more Ul'dahn than Ishgardian, that's for sure. Although he wishes he could kick most of the other rich merchants down a peg.

By the time they finished their conversation, the sky had already turned dark. "I shouldn't keep you overlong. I suppose I'll see you again during your next match." Geoffrey stopped and craned his neck to face him. Dear Thal was he tall.

"Will you come cheer for me too?" He said with an unexpectedly low voice. Was he being serious for once?

Geoffrey could feel a warmth coming up his cheeks for some godsdamned reason. "Don't expect me to hold a sign and scream your name."

"I wouldn't dare even think of it!" He broke his serious demeanor and laughed. "Just you being there is enough."

What is it with this man?

"Right, I'll see you then." The Hyur quickly turned and waved to mask his embarrassment. He could hear a small chuckle as he walked away. He sighed.

"This is going to be a troublesome one, isn't it...?"