Topic: The Original Realty Office at Zen Gardens - CLOSED

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-04 18:22 EST

This commission was unreal! Who'da thunk? When the long legged woman had prowled down the street and right up to her, she was pretty sure she was about to get her *** kicked. But lo and behold, another job had fallen right into her lap!

She had worked out a pretty good deal for herself if she said so herself, which she did, at length to anybody who would listen. An honest to goodness Office! She was LEGIT: 2 LEGIT TO QUIT!

She did a little boogie dance in the empty office suite.

Time to do some decoratin' and to get those empty lofts sold to earn her place!

Oh yea!

She was gonna rock this!

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab90/AolaniM/OpenSign.jpg

Aukai · Date: 2010-03-05 07:39 EST

He stood in a half-lean against her desk as she came around the corner, the pupiless cauldrons of his milky gaze locked upon her in lascivious consumption of her feminine curves. The hungry leer would be almost tangible as it ran the length of her bouncy and shapely form, expelling a soft moan as the tip of his tongue appeared to moisten the suddenly arid stratum of delectable claret lips. Masculine arms would be folded loosely across his chest, offering a tempting framework of swollen pectorals that somehow seemed to call for the rake of her nails.

Finally, after devouring her entire form, descending down one side and then slowly rising back up, his head tilts, spilling thick scarlet hair, bathing shoulder and arm in the silken mane. Those lips, parched with need just moments ago, splay to unveil the melodic purr held within.

"I wish to find a chamber able to suit my desire." The flicker of his gaze dropping it down briefly to focus upon her curvy hips before rising once more, meeting her eyes with obscene sincerity. "Can you fit me in?"

Marilyn · Date: 2010-03-05 12:19 EST

Another long day of looking for suitable places for her to work and set up shop in the Area. Why the Kalosis did she allow Ash to name her Squire Regis and set her up here...

Oh Yeah, you don't argue with 11,000 year old Atlantean gods. Not if you want to live to talk about it.

Seriously, Ash didn't give her much of a choice. What with War on the loose and the rest of the universe on thermonuclear meltdown, he didn't feel it a good idea to give the Daimons unfetter access to hunting grounds. So he sent 6 of his Hunters with no backup from the Squire Council. The Council wasn't so sure about setting up a new branch in these lands. Ash was adamant.

And what the boss wants, the boss gets...

So here she was with her briefcase on a long shoulder strap, entering into an office behind a demons of all things. Oh yeh, he was hot, this not her style if she even had a style. He was more Simi's style what with the *hornies* and the red skin.

Better off not telling her that...

So she slipped in and took a seat, waiting her turn patiently. She was trying to ignore the infernal stud. Though it was not as hard as trying to ignore 11,000 year old gothic beefcake...

It was going to be a loooooooooooooooong wait.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-05 21:56 EST

She had put in some long hours to put the office to rights. The scent of paint still hung in the air when her first customer sauntered within. A business-polite smile hung uncertainly upon her lips at the crimson sight of male supremacy appeared before her.

Licking suddenly dry lips she ran her gaze over that perfectly sculpted abdomen and up over the steamily yummy pectorals to stop and hover on the curving lips of utter sin. And she did the only thing a sensible woman could do in that situation.

Clamped her eyes shut.

Skittering backward she bumped into her office chair and sat down. Hard.

Eyes still firmly closed she kept that smile plastered on her lips and cleared her throat, once, twice, three times before she was able to squeak out cheerfully.

"Welcome to Fiora's Realty, Where I Make Dreams --- oh...well probably not yer dreams, cuz yer dreams are like the playground of the damned; but, yer housin dreams, that I can do for ye. Or are ye lookin for commercial property? What have ye got in mind? Business or plea-- oh hell, well ye know I mean..work..or play...oh damn...uhh..." The race of her words tumbled over one another in a nervous deluge before she trailed off and uttered the only thing left to her...

"OrcSnot."

Aukai · Date: 2010-03-06 03:30 EST

The empty cauldrons of nubilous opaque flickered with incisive mirth as he listened to her entangled pitch, stepping off of her desk to begin a languid approach. Even though her eyes were closed she could feel the palliative warmth that naturally emanates from him, washing over her with an intangibly soothing caress. The graceful stride would end just a finger width from her - so close that, while remaining cradled within her chair, she is able to feel his legs brush against her knees.

"I am searching for a residence. Some place beyond the outskirts of the city, where screams of utter pleasure have no chance of being heard."

Lips coil, a motion of allure that seems to invite the touch of her own mouth. Eyes descend transiently, roaming once more over the lithe framework of her body in hungry appraisal, the sound of his melodic inflection heard in medial inspection.

"It should be a little roomy,... " The deviously choral intonation dropping to an aroused sibilation. "...there are only certain things I like tight."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-06 21:52 EST

"Ohhh..." A moan? A groan? Eyes still shut firmly she kicked back from the floor and sent her wheeled chair gliding across the floor away from him, bouncing into the wall with a <BAM!>

"Right. Roomy. Screams. Got it. Got it." Spinning around to quickly thumb through the filing cabinet. Yanking out a sheaf of papers she flung them in a whirling cloud of white over her shoulder in his general direction.

"If ye'll just fill out the proper forms and, uhh..." Screams? "I'll give ye some privacy." Ohhh...cheeks flaming, she scurried for the door. Her eyes remained averted. "Just uhh make sure to fill out the survey about yer dreams... NO! I mean your wants.. NO! I mean your--oh shit, just fill em out!"

Scrambling out the door she pulled it shut behind her. Flustered, out of breath, and flame cheeked, she stared at the primly dressed woman in her "lobby."

Marilyn · Date: 2010-03-07 21:45 EST

She had to arch a brow at the flustered state of the woman that came out of the office. Given what walked into the office prior to her arrival, it was rather obvious what got her to this point.

Her briefcase was set to the side and her hand raised to show she was mostly harmless. "I'm human, I swear."

There was a warm smile as she moved to brush the brown bangs from her face. "I understand there is residential and commercial openings available in this building. I'm in need of one of each."

Purely business...

Melisande Clarikara · Date: 2010-03-08 06:22 EST

Invitations had been extended. Offered out in hours near as temptations with hidden promises lacing up that invitation like a lovely present to appeal to both the woman and the lioness.

Riley had done nothing more then introduce Melisande to some of the most exquisite and mouth-watering individuals that could be known to the lioness since her arrival. Certainly, the lioness had found some of them on her own, but the presence of the jungle cat was as appealing as the lions from the prior evening.

Promises had been made and would be kept. She was no visitor from the woman's past. Someone fresh and new to both the lioness and the jungle cat that maybe given time... would not be so new at all but well known.

It had been if anything a successful endeavor to lead the Regina to forget about all that had been lost. The melancholy of it pushed far from her mind as she stepped inside the establishment after giving it a once over.

Oh Riley had done quite well for herself.

The subtle smile touched her lips as she regarded the actions of the human woman, dark golds flickering with some unreadable emotion as she took a seat and waited.

Melisande had all the time in the world. After all, this was... just a beginning.

Mataya · Date: 2010-03-08 16:16 EST

It really is amazing what you can pick up just by lingering in a hallway overlong. Mataya De Luca had managed to pick up just what she needed, namely information of the hopeful sort.

She moved to the office door, a petite figure in dark jeans, bright top and heels, pushing it open and finding herself at the end of what seemed to be a queue. Shrugging, she stepped inside and leaned against the wall, going over what she'd discovered in her head.

One - that there were lofts to rent here. That was good; always good to start in a new town with somewhere to live. Two - that the Dance Studios were of a goodly size. That was even better; if her plan was going to get off the ground, she was going to need rehearsal space.

Thankfully, money was pretty much no object. Grandma's will and her own income had seen to that. She pushed off the wall, waiting patiently to be seen to. After all, from what she'd seen of the Zen Building, it was worth waiting for.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-08 22:45 EST

Breathless she turned wide eyes on the women who filled the ?lobby? outside her little office. Plastering that professional grin upon her face and approaching the first of them with a friendly tone, ?I?m Fiora Shantalaine, and I?m the perfect person to help ye with yer housin need---want?I mean dreams! ? Turning a frantic look back in the direction of her closed office door. He?d be needin a place far away from any where she planned on travelin that was for damn sure.

?So what ye lookin for?? Leaning in toward the willowy Marilyn with her clipboard handy, ?I can help ye with the residential easily enough as this building has a few absolutely perfect lofts left available, but there?s no more commercial spaces available in it. Maybe I can find ye something nearer the market place, yea??

She handed the bespectacled woman a few sheets of paper, ?Ye just start fillin those out and I?ll be right back with ye.?

With one squared away she turned to smile at the golden eyed watcher, just the predatory look was enough to reveal quite a bit about that one?s nature. With a cheeky grin she approached without a lick of fear, after all she was pretty damn lean and stringy, no real meat for a meat-eater to enjoy, ?So what are ye in the market for? I?ve got a few lofts left upstairs, but no more commercial properties.? Papers retrieved from her clipboard to hand out.

The quiet dancer?s entrance was noted and she left Melisande to fill out her paperwork alongside Marilyn, making her way over the Mataya, ?Ye look like yer in the market for an apartment. And I?ve got the perfect fit for ye!?

Papers again delivered and with a bouncy little step she poked her head inside her office, eyes screwed safely shut to conceal the glimpse of the red-skinned lustful dream within, ?Just leave yer papers on m?desk, I?m off to conduct a tour of the lofts. I will find ye a perfect place for yer... pleasures.? Cheeks flaming as she ducked back out with the door closing quickly and firmly on the desire to see more, feel more, or even taste more.

Melisande Clarikara · Date: 2010-03-09 06:28 EST

Her lips curled into the most subtle of smiles as she watched the woman flit and flicker about. A lean, stringy creature indeed but the way she moved well any common house cat would be going after that bit of a woman like a cat prowling after a bird. Little finch.

The notion had the subtle smile to only lift a fraction more. There were no concerns regardless for Melisande was far from the common house cat and had no taste for... birds.

Inhaling softly she breathed in the scents around her, the blend of human and far from human brought an intrigued smolder to those dark golds as they rested upon Fiora.

"I was interested in a loft, Riley suggested I leave the confines of the Inn's rooms and find a place of my own."

A glance around once more as she smoothed a hand along her side.

"Something accomodating, spacious and yet welcoming. I believe Riley knew exactly what I had in mind when she suggested this place. I am certain you will find the perfect place to suit my... needs."

Oh the softness of a purr there to words, its sensual coaxing caress to play and roll across the words in such a casual nature. The lioness would want her space, and the loft would need to accomodate to her company, but above all Melisande wanted nothing more then the same she had searched for since the day the burning plains had been left.

Distractions. Something entirely different from what had been left behind.

Marilyn · Date: 2010-03-09 08:57 EST

It was said her uncle didn't have a sense of humor and even less patience when it came to his duties. She was a lot like him. Must be the fact that people's lives and safety depended on her?

"Odd, when I came in I was under the impression that there was still commercial units available. For what I am looking for, the Marketplace is highly unsuitable." There was a hint of New York in her accent. She had a control on her voice where she could school out her accent and sound very professional. "Would prefer to keep the business close to home."

She took the papers thrust at her and organized them. "I'll have to wait on the commercial unit I suppose." With what she was currently doing, she could work out of her loft for now.

She waited while Fiora spoke to the red skinned demon in the office. She debated asking for a Charonte but they got a little too hungry when left unattended. She waited for the tour to commence and studied the others briefly.

One of the one women that came in after her, reminded her a bit of Ravyn. Ravyn was the only Were-hunter Dark Hunter that she knew of and this woman walked as if she was one of them. The other woman came across as purely human to her. Interesting mix of potential tenants in the building much like the town. Supernatural and Ord... And here she was the Squire.

So why was there a migraine threatening?

Mataya · Date: 2010-03-09 10:36 EST

Never let it be said that the fantastical could phase Mataya - she'd spent most of her working life living in her imagination, who was she to say that here, imagination wasn't reality?

She smiled winningly at the women presented before her, seemingly unaffected by the somewhat unworldly appearance of the golden-eyed beauty who stalked past her. Likewise, the apparently everyday appearance of the realtor and the other customer were noted and taken in stride.

Flicking her blonde hair back off her face, her smile focused itself on Fiora. "You're good at this," she complimented the woman, watching as Fiora seemed to dart in and out of her own office with no little curiosity. "I'm in the market for an apartment of some kind - nothing too big, just somewhere to live." Her accent was startlingly recognisible, placing her as a lifetime resident of Brooklyn, New York. Firmly in the totally human, from Earth catagory.

She'd seen the advertised pictures of the loft spaces, of course, and was more than willing to settle on one straight away, even without a tour. But she was new in town, and maybe it would give her a chance to relax a little before she threw herself into her real reasons for being here.

Stepping back to allow the other women room to move about, Mataya cleared her throat cautiously. "Uh, I'm also looking for a performance space, preferably a theatre of some kind, with the option of accomodation for chorus and musicians? Is that possible?"

Mindy McKnight · Date: 2010-03-09 13:37 EST

The flow of traffic in and out of Fiora's office fascinated Mindy as she watched from the door of the space next door. A few more papers to sign and that space would be filled with art and books on all things mystical.

It was an odd series of luck that brought her there really. Her best and worst day ever.

First she'd been fired from her job, well laid off really. Who'd have thought there was really such a budget crisis in the nearly nonexistent city government? Seven librarians were laid off from the Rhydin Public library that day, and Mindy being one of the newest hires had been the first to go.

Second she'd returned to her run down little apartment to find the place overrun by men in yellow Haz-mat suits. The landlady had apparently been making some sort of home-brew zombie virus in her kitchen that had escaped and infected the population of rats that had been living in the walls of the basement laundry room. So the building was condemned due to a zombie rat infestation.

The upside though was the baffled looking little man watching the chaos at her uninhabitable residence, holding a manila envelope addressed to her. His name was Albert Finklestien the fourth, an estate lawyer. He'd been looking for her to give her a large sum of money, left to her by one of the patrons of the Rare Book Annex of the library that she'd spent a great deal of time helping.

A Very Large Sum Of MONEY.

The kind of money that just made the lost job and currently homeless state seem like small potatoes.

Mindy shook herself from her musing and headed over to Fiora's to get those papers signed. She wanted to ask about the lofts upstairs too while she was at it, having noticed that they were vacant. It would be so much nicer than having to commute from a tatty hotel room in Badside.

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-03-09 15:52 EST

"Well, holy sh*t," Riley whispered from her lean against the wall in the reception area of her Black Cat Studios. She'd finished ballet lessons and the small group of five-year-old girls had just trailed out of the studios, dressed in their painfully cute leotards and tutus, clutching the ribbons of their toe shoes and holding the hands of their mothers and big sisters. Through the huge panes of glass, she could see a queue of no less than five people in the Realtor's office. Were they all there about her building? The tiniest beginnings of a grin graced the corners of the Lycan's mouth. She knew in that moment that engaging the sprightly little Fiora to sell and rent out the building's spaces was the right decision.

The grin grew when she spied Melisande. Riley was glad the other Cat had decided to take her up on her offer. The steaks that she'd promised the lioness for dinner after the tour of the building were even now marinating upstairs in her kitchen in a tasty bath of soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. There'd be sake, sesame noodles and fresh edamame as well. Maybe some candlelight, a little Sade on the stereo... It should prove to be an interesting night.

She pushed off her lean and left the studios, moving silently on bare feet across the hall and into the reception area of Fiora's office. Riley gave smiles to all those present and then said, "Hi. I'm Riley O'Rourke. I own this building and I'm wicked glad to see all you. If I can answer any questions for you, please don't hesitate to ask." Then she gave the Realtor a wink. "I thought you could use some help." She nodded to the luscious scarlet creature in the Realtor's office. "You seemed a little...overwhelmed." The Lycan gave Fiora a teasing smile and then turned back to the four women, awaiting their questions.

Melisande Clarikara · Date: 2010-03-10 09:26 EST

The most subtle of smiles graced her lips as she considered the other women. Melisande of course would see them, noted the differences and the familiar. What was human and what was not. If anything she was graceful and kind to them all as she could be and that was as far as her interests and manners went at that moment.

The woman after all had other things on her mind while the lioness claimed indifference in the dark of her spirit. Riley's presence would change that.

The lioness stirred within her as the scent of the jungle cat awakened her, bringing her to awareness. Prowling to the surface to watch and consider even as Melisande herself smiled in a way that could melt the heart. Smooth as honey.

Before the complaints, concerns, and questions could spill forth from the lips of the other women her voice came forth in its ever soft and sensual way.

"It is good to see you again, Riley. Your place is lovely."

As was the woman herself. As lovely as ever. A gleaming light crossed its pattern within the dark golds as she watched and waited.

For the tour and what would come after.

Mataya · Date: 2010-03-10 12:09 EST

Mataya turned to look over at the woman who had joined them, she who introduced herself as the owner of the building, Rily O'Rourke. There was something other-worldly about this one, too, but nothing so intimidating as she might have expected.

She paused as the golden-eyed woman greeted Riley, before extending her hand to offer her own introduction. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms O'Rourke," she smiled, a genuine, open smile of greeting. "Quite the building you have here. I'm Mataya De Luca, I was hoping to rent or buy one of the lofts you have advertised as available."

Practised eyes rouched on Riley's garb, and her smile relaxed further, recognising another dancer in the taller female. And an interesting little thought sparked in her mind. "Do you run the Studios, as well?"

Lions Sonnet · Date: 2010-03-10 15:11 EST

Busy, busy day. The kind where a guy just never stopped. Breakfast with his mother and sisters had convinced him he was going to go nuts if he didn't get out of there soon. By lunch he'd given up on studying, slipped out of the house and headed for town following a string of fliers advertising a real estate office. Five cats in one space was just too much.

The first thing he noticed on entering the building was the musk of female cats. He almost groaned and walked right back out. And then he shook his head. They weren't his mother and sisters, and they couldn't possibly be worse could they?

He forced himself to walk into the office.

"Excuse me? I'd like to rent one of your lofts?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-10 18:48 EST

Seeing that Riley had it wonderfully under control, she left her to conduct the tours with her potential Loft owners.

She consulted her clipboard of notes.

Of the Eight Lofts:

Riley, Fiora, Marilyn, Melisande, Mataya, Mindy had claimed Six.

And the commercial properties:

1) Dance/Yoga - Riley
2) Realtor's Office - Fiora
3) Art Gallery - Mindy
4) Cafe that was looking for someone eager to run it.

Looked Good.

Her Separate Accounts:

Leoline de Montesquieu and his bride Meleigh had paid handsomely for their place.

She was looking for a place for the Angel fellow with a voice like harps.

Marilyn had requested commercial properties.

And she had the perfect location for the sinful incubus in her office.

She looked up at the approach of the young hesitant man. Moving forward at a chipper pace she brandished her paperwork before her, "You look like you're just in time to snap up one of the two remaining lofts!"

Yejix Zabiru · Date: 2010-03-13 15:31 EST

Yejix would enter this establishment, wearing a modest black three-piece suit that Kuro had lent him. He looks about and sees the Owner. He looks down at a piece of paper that someone had given him with this address, and he has to ask.

So he sits down at the customer chair in front of the desk, and waits for the other man to finish speaking. Then he pipes in.

"...Do you have any property in the Southern Glen for sale? I wish to build a home. Money is no concern to me."

A hopeful look is on his face.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-14 12:59 EST

"Why sure thing, what are ye lookin for? I kinda need to get some parameters to be workin around." Eyeing the newcomer from behind her desk. Lookin all professional and up in the biznaz side of things.

She consulted her checklist to verify her To-Do List.

* Sign off the paperwork on Aukai's new place - From a Distance A very long distance, by courier to keep herself from salivating all over that deliciously sinful manbeast

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Sold/AukaisExterior.jpg Aukai's Exterior

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Sold/Honeymoon20-20Interior.jpg Aukai's Interior

* Sign off the paperwork on the du Montesquieu Estates - Mmm, picturin the yummy guy that accompanied that married couple but then promptly rememberin all of those kids, oh hell no, stepmomma was not her in near future

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Sold/DeMontesquieuEstate.jpg de Montesquieu Exterior

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Sold/VillaEstateInnerGarden.jpg de Montesquieu Gardens

* Stop by the Luks Condo place and see if they'd be likin some representin - Pretty nice digs, picturing them in her mind.

* Figure out how to set up that newfangled phone system thingamabobber - she eyed that contraption with something akin to open dislike

* And don't forget the little box with pictures and keys that don't look anythin like any keys she's ever seen before and also, on a sidenote, why do people keep sayin the keys are bored? Damn things just wanna be tickled.

Kuro Inzen · Date: 2010-03-14 15:43 EST

"I'm looking for something in the area of a 1 acre square lot that I can build a cottage on and develop a small farming area."

Kuro would hand over a photograph of the area that his Uncle is wanting to develop land in. He had silently made his way in behind Yejix, unseen.

*photograph*

"This patch of land is about 5 miles away from the Wide open spots of the glen, near the rocky areas."

Yejix jumps at Kuro's sudden appearance, and the two of them have a very quick, heated discussion in their native tongue, Taeran. One could assume that they are either having a disagreement or chiding the other for sudden appearances.

Yejix shakes his head, and then looks towards the Owner.

"I also seek a valid vendor's license so I can sell my wares in the same area. Again, madam, money is of no issue to us. We're just tired of living in the Red Dragon Inn where people have little to no privacy in the rented rooms."

Kuro would then suddenly remember something, pats his uncle's shoulder and takes off, leaving Yejix confused and with a large sack of gems.

"See!" Yejix beams. "Money's no problem. If you could even give us 3 acres, that would be excellent."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-15 14:29 EST

"I don't own the land yer after but I'll look into who does," Turning an eye to the gems that the kinfolk bandied about. "And I'm not sure who'd ye talk to about the vendor license, might need to mosey on down to the governmental side of things."

"We'll get ye set up."

And true to her word, she made the appropriate arrangements for a nicely priced percentage and Yejix would find himself the owner of his "little" lot of land.

Yejix Zabiru · Date: 2010-03-16 17:12 EST

Yejix would set the small sack of Platinum Gems, a strange mineral oddity from his world, on the desk and take his deed gratefully. Today he would begin construction of his Keep.

"Thank you. Very, Very Much."

Aukai · Date: 2010-03-18 07:35 EST

With a graceful languor, the Incubus made his way through the rich and elaborate dwelling - an even pace that matched the gait of the courier who showed him the detailed interior. The man, no older than twenty, followed the careful instructions jotted down upon the small index card, moving from room to room with systematic efficiency. Aukai followed along, delectable crimson tiers unable to resist the devious smile that curled them handsomely at the realtor's efforts to keep away. He had sensed her arousal, claiming just a small sample of its astral flavor, and was amused at the lengths that she had gone to in order to ensure her own safety...and sanity.

"And here..." The man said as they stepped through a high arching doorway. "...Is the bedroom."

Those eyes, unmarred wells of lustrous cream, lit with infernal interest amidst the lewd percolation of inspection. The opulent chamber would be a meritorious altar for the sinful endeavors that would soon take place.

"Incredible." The Incubus offered.

"Oh I know, my sister is newly married and she and her husband are looking for a place. When I showed them the pictures of this house they absolutely fell in love with it." His features twitched with brimful sorrow. "Unfortunately, they just couldn't afford it."

With a slow turn those fiendish eyes leveled upon the courier and the coil of splayed lips spread even more, showing the straight white pearls of teeth behind them.

"Sister, you say?"

Lions Sonnet · Date: 2010-03-18 23:06 EST

Kendri was relived that there were lofts left when he arrived, even putting aside his vague feeling of dread that he hadn't seen another male in the mix. He only had a few questions, but he was already getting the bankbook his mother had presented him with on his last birthday out.

He was going to sign a contract come hell or high water.

"Is it a quiet building? I need to be able to study here."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-19 11:30 EST

"Quiet?" She drew the word out carefully as she watched the flash of his bankbook curiously. All the new and interesting ways people paid in RhyDin had been her favorite lesson so far.

"Well, sure." There didn't appear to be an falsehood hidden within the two words, or really any insincerity; yet, the flippant way in which she answered it should have been warning enough of what was to come, "Its got a name like Zen, right? And if yer apartment is far enough away from the cooin, gigglin', gaggle of geese that flit about here in pink tutus then ye'll be just fine."

"I'll take yer paperwork to Miss O'Rourke and upon her approval, ye got yerself a place, kid." A grin that reveals the flash of dimples engraved in her cheeks and a wink underscore her words with a cheeky deliverance.

She paused on her way toward the door, a serious frown marring her brow as she turned back to him to deliver the bad news:

"Oh wait. Ye're not another M, hmm? See my filing has been downright easy with all the M's floatin around here and ye look to be like a K. Can we change yer name maybe?"

The twinkling eyes reveal her humor before the impish grin cinches it, "Just Kiddin. Be right back with yer keys or a boot!"

Max Yako · Date: 2010-03-20 21:49 EST

There was little mistaking the wildly decorated balcony overhead - this was where Mataya had holed up, above a Dance Studio of all things. Max grinned to himself as he stepped into the Zen Building, approaching the realtor's office with the suave, charming smile he kept in reserve for when he thought he might need to do a little negotiating.

Waiting for the young man being dealt with to, well, be dealt with, the tall actor lounged against the wall, hands in the pockets of his charcoal grey suit. His eyes wandered down the hallway to where a small group of dancers were gathering for a lesson. Was she a student or a teacher, he wondered. Not that it mattered, really.

When Fiora was free, Max pushed himself out of his lean and extended his charming smile to the pretty relator.

"Excuse me, miss, I heard there were lofts for sale here," he began, reaching over one hand in greeting. "I'm Max Yako, I'd like to buy one of those lofts."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-21 11:07 EST

She looked up. And then back down. And, what the hell, back up one more time. Where did all these yumtastic men keep pouring in from?

Having just taken the paperwork from the purrfectly serious princeling, she slid another clipboard Mr. Broody's way.

"Well hello Max, I'm Fiora. And I can lease ye the last one with Miss O'Rourke's approval of course."

Leaning forward helpfully, "Ye just pencil, here, here and here."

A wink over her shoulder at Kendri, "Looks like we're gonna have to change our names to fit in around here. Got any good M names?"

She offered up a bowl of candies all stamped with little letter M's.

She'd drop off the paperwork and go back by Luks Condos and the DeMuer Holdings one more time this afternoon. Didn't hurt to try and push a little more business. Besides she had two lined up for commercial properties she hoped to find place for.

Max Yako · Date: 2010-03-24 14:56 EST

"Nice to meet you, Fiora." He smiled, his teeth as perfectly straight as money could buy. "I do hope Miss O'Rourke does approve." He took the pencil gratefully.

T's were crossed, I's dotted and his name and initials were placed in several places on the lease agreement. Once completed, he places the pencil in the holder and slides the application back across the desk.

Sitting back, he gave a curious look to Fiora and then to Kendri. He supposed he'd learn the inside jokes and his neighbors eventually. All the while, he maintained his placidly friendly expression.

Looking at the proffered bowl of candies, he can't help but laugh bitterly. "Thanks." He took the bowl and proceeded to remove the green ones. They had a special meaning that went far beyond the silly little joke. Maybe, he'd give them to her...

The interview seemed to be over. he thanked Fiora for her time and slowly backed out of the office. Once the door was closed behind him, he turned and gazed up the stairs. "One step closer, Taya. One step."

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-03-29 14:55 EST

Using her master key, Riley slipped into Fiora's office before the sprightly Realtor opened up for the day. Carrying a box of pastries from Daily Bread, a bright and cheerful bouquet of spring flowers, and a note, the Cat went to Fiora's desk and set her items down on the cluttered surface. Stepping back and cocking her head to the side, studying the flowers with an appraising eye, she fussed with the arrangement a little, moving a tulip here, tucking a lily there. Finally satisfied with the state of the flowers, she leaned the note against the vase and slipped out of the office, locking the door behind her.

The note, written in Riley's elegant, feminine hand read:

Miss Shantalaine -

Thank you so much for all of your hard work with the Building. Due to your go-get-'em attitude, your superb sales pitches, and your dedication to your client's needs, the Zen Gardens is 100% occupied!

If you ever need a letter of recommendation to land you another client, please don't hesitate to send 'em my way. I have nothing but the highest respect for you!

Enjoy the flowers and pastries - they're just a little something to pay back all of the wonderful work you've done for me.

Sincerely,
Riley O'Rourke

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-03-31 08:11 EST

"oh...wow."

There was something magical about the sugary sweet confection she licked off of her fingertips. Surely she was eating an enchanted treat? Donuts had just become her newest favorite meal, ever. Sandwiches for all their wholesome goodness, now had the evil dark twin to their perfection.

After the second one she was convinced to thank Riley in singing sweet praise from her window to any who would listen.

After her third iced pastry she was convinced that it wasn't enough to share Riley's goodness with the world but she must now take up a Saint-like trek around the world to share in the glory that was the almighty donut.

After her fourth her stomach protested such gluttony and her saccharine responses were less forthcoming.

It really was the sixth one that did it though. The fifth was lost in a daze of a sugar coma, she couldn't even remember its name or its flavor.

But the half-dozen mark proved to convince her that indulgence was better in small doses and that Sandwiches had never treated her so poorly.

Miserably she moaned as she leveraged herself up and out of her desk chair. She needed to keep moving forward on that property of interest. And she promised that Dr fellow a shot at the fabulously appointed condo.

"ugh..."

Despite her overindulgence she couldn't help but smile at the sight of the rampaged pastry box and the flowers from Miss ORourke. She felt loved.

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-05-05 16:21 EST

Another box of pastries - cherry Danishes - another flower arrangement - orange oriental lilies - and another note were waiting on the Realtor's desk one morning.

Riley found herself with an empty loft - 3B, to be exact - and she was counting on Fiora's skillz, yo. Daniel would be moving out over the week-end, and Mr Cheung said he would need a week to get it ready for a new occupant. Riley was counting on Fiora being able to rent out the place as soon as possible. Having an empty loft in her building made the Cat feel kinda nervous. It didn't set a good precedent.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-05-10 10:52 EST

A hip bump sent the door open and the erstwhile realtor made her way inside, bumbling beneath the weight of the boxes she held. She was busy formulating a new plan to drum up business that made her want to cackle like a mad scientist when she noted the flowers first.

"ooooh, pretttyyyyy."

And then the box of pastries. "Oh no!" Eyes widened in horror as she stared at the deliciously tempting box of yummy bad for you tummy achin goodness that sat in prominent display upon her desk.

"Oh Riley... Nooooooo." She moaned pitifully, dumping the boxes in the chair nearest and going so far as to damsel in distress-y throw a hand across her forehead al a Scarlett O'Hara.

"Don't look, don't look, don't look." The mantra wasn't doing her a whole lot of good as she tiptoed near even as she sung it underneath her breath.

She'd just move them. Yes, she'd just give them to Mr. Cheung. She could do that. She was a brave, strong, formidable woman with the willpower of a lemming.

She leaned past the tempting box of pastries to peruse the letter left explaining the empty loft. Daniel Tej no more? No way! She had just about worked up the nerve ty try out his weird restaurant with the strange food that did manage to smell oddly appealing. Oh wait. She remembered seeing the boxes and the moving and the, oh! OH! He and Riley! OOOOHHH!!! She let her imagination pull her along just exactly what two cats would do in an enclosed area that came complete with a bed and realized belatedly that she had just indulged in some kind of wicked explicit fantasy of her LANDLADY!

"OH!" Cue furious blushing.

She scrubbed at her cheeks as she flounced back in her office chair and eyed that box of pastries like it was her mortal enemy or a coiled snake.

"You seriously need to get laid girl."

Yep, decision made she yanked the agenda pad around to scribble that on her TO DO LIST.

Conclude financing and purchase of property with DeMeur
Finalize lease for Dr. Shilo and Ms. Beaumont.
Find another business owner interested in setting up shop in the Plaza.
Hire someone to do the construction needed.
Find a new tenant for apartment 3B.
Get Laid.

She was halfway through the first cherry danish by the end of the list. She stared at the pastry in her hand as if it were the One Ring to Rule Them All.

A defeated sigh as she reached for a second pastry, and with one in either hand she flopped back in her chair and nibbled away, lost in thought. A lemming, really, all the willpower of tissue paper.

Aislyn Jordan Lambros · Date: 2010-05-15 05:41 EST

She'd come to the quick realization after leaving the Red Dragon Inn earlier, that this job was going to take longer than a week. Long enough that she'd have to actually take up residence in this town, which to AJ was fine with her. After three days of wandering around and collecting information, she found herself heading back towards the West End where she'd remembered seeing a Realtor's Office.

With a duffel bag in each hand, AJ stopped in front of the Realtor's office and looked up at the sign. She clucked her tongue against her teeth, "Quaint little place." Chocolate colored eyes quickly scanned the surrounding buildings and stole a glance through the office window. Coming to a quick and subtle conclusion that she wasn't going to be ambushed, and that no danger would come to her, she shrugged her shoulders mumbling, "It'll have to do, hope this place has a vacancy." Nudging the door open with her left knee, she slid her hip against the edge of the door to open it more allowing her body and bags to fit through with her. Chocolate colored eyes quickly scanned for the realtor she'd sworn she'd caught a glimpse of a few minutes beforehand.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-05-19 11:35 EST

She was startled awake by the chiming bell she kept over her door. Sitting up sharply and wiping a hand quickly across her mouth to make sure she hadn't drooled on herself, she plastered a smile on her lips and blinked her sleepy eyes wide.

"Welcome! Welcome to Shantalaine Realty! Where I make your dreams a Reality!"

Oh wow. That one was really good. What had she just said? She muttered it back to herself as she scrambled for one of those pieces of colored paper that had the sticky snot stuff on the back. Ah ha! Post it found! She scribbled down her words and read them back to herself, "shantalainerealtymakedreamsreality."

"Oh yea, I'm just that good."

Grin.

She turned those blinding dimples and dancingly mischievous eyes on the pretty brunette and bounced up out of her seat excitedly, "Hello Hello! You look like a Zen Garden Girl! Oh yes you do! Totally! Don't suppose your name starts with an M? We kinda got this M thing going here."

Rounding the desk, her mouth still running a mile a minute she stuck out a hand, "You're gonna love it here!"

Aislyn Jordan Lambros · Date: 2010-05-19 21:30 EST

It didn't take her long to find the owner of the voice as she took a few paces in and then around a table. She stood now a couple feet in front of the desk, and chocolate colored eyes took in the woman in front of her - and AJ had to bite back the grin that was fighting it's way to the surface.

AJ had met a lot of people in her life, but until this very moment, she was certain she'd never met someone quite like the realtor that stood before her. If she'd had any doubts that her life might be in jeopardy, it was quickly being washed away as a totally new danger was slowly being born in this office building.

The woman was cheerful, bubbly, vibrant, energetic and AJ swore the woman was glowing.. rather brightly at that. The odd passing thought fleeted through AJ's mind that maybe the woman had gotten a pure cut fix, instead of the diluted ones off the street.

She quickly shook that thought off, plastered one of those genuinely fake smiles onto her face and took a step forward - though she never dropped the two bags she held; one in each hand, to avoid having to shake the woman's hand.

"Hello there." She paused a moment as if searching to find the best way to word her answer. When in fact AJ was deciding how best to handle the woman before her, so she could get what she wanted. It didn't take long for her to come to the quick conclusion on which role she needed to play.

She furrowed her brows in slight confusion and shook her head with that same smile on her face. "No, sorry. No 'm' here, just plain ol' AJ. Hope having an 'M' isn't a requirement in renting a place here." She nodded towards the window. "And if it is, I might be persuaded to change my name to be able to live in such a wonderful area!"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-05-25 11:32 EST

"Oh well, I ain't gonna lie, the area's pure OrcSnot. Ye never know what yer gonna get in the WestEnd. Ye've got a way to protect yerself, right?" Finally turning those surprisingly piercing and observant eyes on the newcomer. The lack of a handshake duly noted and tugging at the inner prankster child in her. She so wanted to throw her arms around AJ and just give her a big ol down home hug, but she was pretty sure that would go over about as well as Annah Montannah's lap dance fiasco.

"The place, however, the place is pure Faerie Dust! The landlady is awesome when she isn't gettin her panties in a twist and she's got serious connections bein a Minister and all that. The neighbors are like dragon eggs and moon beams. Right up there with sandwiches!" She nodded vigorously to support her declarations wtih a bob of russet curls.

She slapped some paper on a clipboard and swung it around before AJ, "No M required, but references are. " Wink.

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-06-05 14:41 EST

Another note was awaiting Fiora one morning. This time, however, it was accompanied by a single orange tiger lily and half a pound of whole bean Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

Fiora -

A David Lo will be dropping by soon to look at the empty loft on the third floor. I would very much appreciate it if you'd take good care of him while he's here. I'm trying to recruit him into the Watch and part of the deal is finding him somewhere to live. He's cute, so...flirt or something.

Riley

Riley giggled at the thought of Fiora's face when she read the directive to flirt with David. She almost wished she could be a fly on the wall and follow the taciturn man and the nearly-obnoxiously cheerful Realtor around. That would be pure comedy gold.

David Lo · Date: 2010-06-05 14:50 EST

Early Friday morning, David headed out to Zen Gardens to see if he could get a look at the place to sleep Riley had promised him in return for joining the Watch and taking a shift in the Inn that very night, sans training. He hoped it wouldn't be too terribly different from being a cop in San Fran.

He headed for the office Riley had said was the realtor's place. She'd also said something about the realtor being 'wicked cute', which had almost made him chuckle. Riley was a bit odd, sometimes, but he had a feeling it was going to be interesting working for her.

He knocked on the door to the realtor's office and waited to see if someone would respond.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-08 14:59 EST

She was muttering to herself. The instructions of the coffee pot held inches from her pert little nose as with the other hand she poured water in a deluge over the machine, aiming for the designated container...kind of.

"Pour water in the car-aff? What the hell is that, like a giraffe's stepchild? I mean seriously, why can't I just mix this stuff in the water and stir."

A grumbled growl accompanied a fullblown pout and sounded about as frightful as the look. With a huffed sigh she pushed back a springy russet curl that refused to stay pinned and shot a look over her shoulder at the knock on her open door.

"Yea?"

She should sound grouchy. After all she was in the midst of a losing battle with a small appliance, and it had been a seriously bad couple of days. The small crescent moon of purplish black and blue that edged one cheek spoke of the recent excursion into West End politics.

But with the effervescent quality usually claimed by pixies, faeries, people on acid, and the deluded, she flashed a dimpled grin at her newest interruption, "Come on in and have a seat, I'll be with ye in just a --- what in the hell?!" A puff of steamed water shot out of the little spigot as the water heated. Unaware that she was supposed to wait to turn it on until after she'd put in all the ingredients and safely closed the lid, Fiora did the only sensible thing one could do when confronted with something trying to attack you, she shrieked like a scalded cat and threw the entire contraption over the other side of the counter.

David Lo · Date: 2010-06-08 15:09 EST

When David looked into the realtor's office, several things happened in quick succession: First, he learned that Riley's description of the woman was pretty accurate. Second, she seemed to be suffering from major mood swings, but whether that was normal or just a bad day, he didn't know. Finally, she seemed to really hate coffee machines, which was a little odd, but considering the things he'd seen in just a few days here wasn't really too bad.

When faced with a situation that seemed to have no logic attached to it, such as watching a realtor hurl a coffee maker around, David utilized his standard defense, which was to ignore it. Instead, he just walked into the office and sat down in the indicated chair. Once she finished her mechanical mayhem, he said, "Riley sent me."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-08 16:30 EST

Wiping a hand over the damp cloth of her pink silk blouse she tried to dry the telltale signs of her losing battle with the coffee pot. The steamy mist having sprayed her in a direct shot that had her muttering to herself, "you sank my battleship."

With a shrug to her predicament she dismissed it. And, as if it were an everyday occurrence to throw your small appliances around, Fiora turned about to face her new arrival completely ignoring the mess she left behind.

"Hope you don't like coffee." Brightly, her dimples flashing as she took in the muscled lines of her newest prospect. His age was hard to place but the competent way in which he held himself said more about him than any other detail.

Settling into her seat she reached for the message she'd yet to read, while giving him a nod, "Yes, yes ye must be David, new prospective tenant, friend of Riley, soon to be member of the watch and--" COUGH! Sputter, wide cerulean eyes flying up to stare at him in surprise as a flush of pink rose up to match her blouse.

"Oh hell. I suck at flirtin."

David Lo · Date: 2010-06-08 18:45 EST

David stood up in surprise when the damp realtor started to read Riley's note and broke into a coughing fit and...blushed? What the hell did Riley put in that note, anyway?

"You what?" he asked, raising one eyebrow a fraction of an inch. Did she just say something about flirting? He shook his head slightly. Was everyone in this city insane? "Never mind." He sat back down and waited for her to recover. He was starting to have some serious doubts about the intelligence of accepting that job offer from Riley. Seemed like it came with heaping spoonful of madness. Still, he really did need a place to sleep that wasn't a hearth chair at the Inn, so the least he could do was hear the realtor out and see the apartment.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-09 11:19 EST

She scrunched up her face in consideration but stopped immediately when the movement caused the bruise on her cheekbone to throb. Maybe this was Riley's idea of a joke? Surely she didn't really expect Fiora to flirt with a prospective client?

Another look sent David's way as she watched the play of emotions flicker and disappear behind a wall of reserve. Yes, most assuredly a joke as this man looked as flirtable as a poisonous suckerfish. She relaxed as the joke revealed itself to her and a spontaneous giggle escaped.

Reaching for her trusty clipboard she slid it across her desk so that it arrived facing him and flicked him a pen, "Here, ye just need to start fillin out the required paperwork. Ye can do it while we're lookin at the apartment."

She was out of her seat while she was explaining, grabbing a handful of M&Ms from the bowl as she made her way toward the door, "I'm already showin it to another prospective client. Ye two could room together. She's pretty smokin hot."

Her teasing expression was hidden from view as she made her way into the hall.

David Lo · Date: 2010-06-09 13:23 EST

David had noticed the bruise on the realtor's cheek when he first came in, but now that she was looking right at him, his trained eye couldn't help but notice that the bruise seemed to be the result of a punch. Now he was more than a little curious about the circumstances surrounding that injury. Who would be beating on such a cute little woman? He'd actually started to open his mouth and ask her about it as she passed him, but he caught himself just in time. While he was already a member of the Watch--his first shift being later this evening--he still didn't know about the laws and procedures of this place. Was he even allowed to ask her about the bruise? He made a mental note to ask Riley about it the next time he saw her. The realtor seemed like a sweet girl, and if someone was beating on her, well, that didn't sit very well with him.

He picked up the pen and clipboard and rose, just in time to hear her last comment about another client being shown the loft. Did Riley know the place was already being shown? He certainly wasn't going to fight with someone over an apartment, especially a 'smokin hot' woman. That was one nice thing about this crazy city; it seemed to suffering from an overabundance of gorgeous women. Especially his new boss. Christ, Riley was insanely attractive. Even knowing she wasn't even human didn't lessen the attraction. It just made him feel a little weird about it. He was glad the realtor's back was to him, he was pretty sure there was a bit of a flush going on right now.

"I'll wrestle for it," he said, letting a brief chuckle escape along with his words. That's right, say something inane to cover your embarrassment, he mentally berated himself. It's not suspicious at all.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-10 14:57 EST

The mental image of this taciturn man wrestling with the hesitant-to-touch woman who had previously shown interest in the apartment was a seriously entertaining one. Never one to hold back her giggles, Fiora led him up the stairs to the accompaniment of her mirth.

Unlocking the door to the loft she gestured him inside before entering. She'd learned a few tricks in her tenure as RhyDin's Realtor and one was to allow the client a chance to peruse the perimeter on their own. To generally "get a feel" for the place before interrupting them. For someone as naturally impulsive and talkative as Fiora this was a tad difficult to manage, but she was improving.

One breath. Two breath. C'mon Fiora ye can do it. Three breath. A tremble as she started to push off from the doorjamb. Four breath. The pressure of silence was unbearable. Five breath.

"So, I was thinkin ye could definitely set up an office space there by the windows, great light, dontchya think? And yer bed, right there maybe near the bathroom? That way ye dinna have to be searchin in the middle of the night. And ye probably have a big ol bed," She ran her gaze over him. "Well, no, ye kinda look like the serviceable cot kinda guy. But you SHOULD get a big ol bed. Yer goodlookin, obviously responsible, ye don't talk a lot so ye'll be perfect cannon fodder for the crazy arse women who live in RhyDin. If ye were up for it I betchya could swing through the Dueling Arenas and bring home a new hottie for every night of the week. Ye could call em Monday 1, Tuesday 2, Wed--" She realized that she might've been going on a bit much and finally took a deep breath. A possible moment for a word in edgewise lost as she launched into another explanation, "If ye really are into wrestlin that will be a definite plus. And don't worry about wrestlin the other tenant, she never got around to finishin the paperwork, see if you just sign..."

Holding out the clipboard,

"...the place is all yours."

Beaming dimpled grin.

David Lo · Date: 2010-06-10 16:18 EST

Making his way up the stairs behind the realtor, a quick smile flickered across his lips at the effect his little quip had had on the woman. He wasn't exactly used to being funny. At least not anymore. Things had been different before all of the changes started. He'd spoken more, laughed more, and enjoyed life more.

After she opened the door, he stepped inside and looked around the loft. It was a little smaller than his old apartment back in San Fran, but it was just him now, so that wasn't a big deal. In reality, it was more than he'd expected. He'd seen Riley and her boyfriend's place that night after their fight with the Makos, and it looked like this loft was pretty much the same size.

When the realtor started her rapid-fire patter a few seconds later, he almost laughed again. Telling him he should have a big bed and all that. It was actually kind of nice to listen to someone who obviously didn't take things so seriously. Lighthearted chatter had a way of putting someone at ease. Plus, she'd called him good looking; always a nice thing to hear from a cute woman.

After glancing around the loft once more, he turned back to her and reached for the clipboard. "Sounds good," he said, reading through the paperwork quickly and filling out the required information. He finished with his signature, adding the Chinese pictogram for his surname after the English, as was his habit. Then he handed he clipboard back to her, another brief smile curving his lips. "Thank you."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-14 12:36 EST

Now that David was squared away, Fiora made her way back to her office the papers in hand. She hoped Aislynn returned sometime after her mysterious quick disappearance. The girl had been skittish and Fiora was becoming adept at noticing the signs despite her seemingly frivolous attitude.

As she re-entered her office she sent a brief exasperated glance in the direction of the coffee pot. She'd need to clean that up before Mr. Cheung stopped by and gave her one of those creepy disapproving looks. But, for now, she'd get back to her To Do List.

Filing David's paperwork away she sat at her desk and scribbled Clean up Coffee Pot at the bottom of her list. Scanning back up to the top that's when she noticed it:

Howe.

HGLowe.

Howe was the man DeMeur asked her to look out for; HGLowe was a possible business prospect.

She sent a quick glance up and around as if she'd been busted. Oh hell, that crate had absolutely nothing to do with anything and now she had no idea in the wonderful world of wackity what to do with the outcome of her most recent shenanigans.

Well, there was one part she'd promised herself she'd take care of. Reaching for the phone she dialed the number she'd looked up earlier wincing at the chipper "HEYYYASSS!" that blasted in her ear.

"Uhh yes. I would like to nominate someone for your Manic Makeover." Fiora cleared her throat nervously.

"WOULDYA!? THat's Just GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!"

She held the phone a little away from her ear to avoid the Pixie's pleasure.

"Uhh, yes and I'm willing to ...uhh...donate heftily." Sending another glance over the numbers written in a column on a sheet filled with boxes. She could afford to do this...if another commission came in soon.

"ALRIGHTIE! Name?!"

"Umm, her name is Ms. Junan. Deena Junan."

"GOTIT!"

"Do you need her address or anything because I'm not sure... I mean I know where she works, but I, well she might not anymore I-"

"Oh NO! We can find ANYBODY in RHYDIN!" The highpitched squealing giggles sounded demonically maniacal and Fiora had to give a moment to be thankful that these crazy creatures had decided on makeovers instead of more sinister work.

"Uhh okay, I'll send in my paymen- I mean Donation! soon."

"You BETCHYAS!"

As the dialtone buzzed in her ear Fiora scratched one more thing off her To-Do List and shook her head at the inanities of RhyDin Life.

"Ack!" Her cerulean eyes widened as she realized she hadn't called that temp service about sending out the receptionist to the Plaza.

Hastily dialing the number she hoped that they'd sent someone despite her oversight. She'd promised to let them know if she still needed someone but with her recent excursions she'd been suitably distracted.

"Hello. You have reached the Plaza de Troyes. Please press 1 for Common, 2 for Elvish, 3 for Draconic, 4 for Orc, 5 for Sidhe, 6 for Klingon, 7 for Quenya, 8 for Sanskrit, 9 for Infernal, 10 for Celestial, 11 for Dwarvish, 12 for Pig Latin, 13 for Wookie, 14 for Binary Code---"

"Uhh..." Fiora pressed 1 as her eyes widened in some surprise at the continued list provided in a modulated voice that soothed as it gently prodded.

"Welcome to Plaza de Troyes, this is JhaiNein how may I direct your call?"

She hung up in disbelief.

Jin · Date: 2010-06-14 13:30 EST

The previous day, Jin had voiced the desire to find a new place to live. Some place he could fit a small piano, he longed to play again. He had been at the Red Dragon Inn, on the porch with Riley, David and Vex. Riley suggested he go and pay Fiora a visit at her office. And the detective set out to do just that!

With all of his filing and busy work completed for the day, he left the courthouse and made his way to the Zen Gardens building in WestEnd, finding it easily enough for his first time paying the place a visit. Of course, Jin got lost a few times along the way, but they were simple matters of taking a left where he should have gone right, this and that. He approached the realtor?s office once arriving, glancing left and right to make sure he was in the right place before pausing outside the door.

A hand lifted, knuckles rasping a few times before pulling back again and listening for any sort of response from Fiora (he didn?t know if she was actually in today).

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-15 13:44 EST

She was just getting ready to rush out the door and head over to the Plaza when Jin's hesitant knock brought wide cerulean eyes up in a flash of surprise. Her grin would be an immediate reaction to the site of the gent, dimples flashing despite the wince immediately following as a result of moving her bruised cheek. Like everything else about Fiora, it was all a rapid fire assault of emotions, Concerned-Surprised-Thrilled-Pained across the expressive tapestry of her face.

"Jin!"

Rushing forward and practically into him as she pulled the door shut behind her, she twined her fingers about his jacketed arm and pulled him along with her, "So incredibly good to see ye! I was just gettin ready to head over to the Plaza. Have ye seen the new receptionist?" Eagle eyed at the question. "Cuz it's like the craziest story ever, totally needs telling over a tankard or two, or three!" Impish grin, "But seriously, I mean I really should tell ye all about it, it was like something out of a ..wait a minute...what are ye doin here at my offices? Ye never come by my offices. Wait. Are ye movin out?? Is there somethin wrong with yer office?!" The mile a minute diatribe accentuated by wide hand movements and a variety of volumes.

Jin · Date: 2010-06-15 13:59 EST

His brows creased when noting the bruise; Jin was a worrier like that. Mouth agape, he prepared to speak, to question the origins of the mark before she went off and a million-and-one tangents in a few short seconds, dragging the flabbergasted detective into her office. He barely had time to close his mouth again before she had stopped and questioned him.

Clearing his throat, Jin shook his head, taking a moment to sort through the surge of information and questions she had thrown into his lap. Thinking...thinking...thinking...

"Okay, no, there is nothing wrong with the office. I don't like my apartment and want a bigger, nicer place. Riley suggested I come speak to you about that." He flashed her a reassuring smile; Jin was quite happy with the Plaza after all.

"And what about the receptionist?" A glance was tossed over his shoulder, as though the woman in question would appear right behind him.

"We can discuss that and the whole new place to stay thing, I suppose." But he paused, staring at her. A hand lifted, finger extending to point at her bruised cheek. "And what happened to you? Do I need to arrest someone?" He'd totally do it.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-15 18:36 EST

"Ooooh!" Like a kid presented with a Bomb Pop, her eyes widened theatrically, "House shopping!"

A quick little hop had her in the air, the aerodynamic spin a holdover from her acrobat days. Glee was quite evident.

His concern for her injury brought a quick hand to cover it and a scrunching of her pert little nose, "Oh that!" The lie was not completely obvious but Jin is an investigator after all, "I totally just fell out of bed. That's me, total klutz!"

Retaking his arm and attempting to dance him in a circle headed the opposite way.

"I'm thinkin windows! Big windows! Lots of space! But in a bachelor's confined sort of way. I see it being closer to the downtown RhyDin, nowhere near Seaside and out of the hellhole of WestEnd. Of course that makes the price definitely higher." The receptionist forgotten for now as the thrill of the house hunt began.

Jin · Date: 2010-06-15 18:43 EST

He bit his tongue when she dismissed the bruise on her cheek with such an excuse. Mentally, Jin took note to ask about later when Fiora was in less of an excitable mood (if such a mood even existed for her). For now, he merely nodded and pretended to believe what she said before he was being turned around.

"Right. I think that'll be fine, price isn't too much of an issue." Not for the first time, nor the last, Jink thanked the pantheon that the gold from his world was just as valued and accepted in Rhy'Din; and for the invention of pocket dimensions and bags of holding. They made the care of money so much simpler.

"Have a particular place in mind?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-16 11:40 EST

Oh those words.

Those magical words.

Weighted words filled with the wonders of the world.

If it were possible her eyes would take on the cartoon shape of the money sign; yet, it isn't but one could almost swear that the cerulean shade shined a bit greener.

"Price isn't really an issue?!" A sharp intake, breathless, a soft sound so full of pleasure that it vibrated on an intensity normally reserved for bedchambers and illicit meetings. "Mmmmm..."

She had to take a moment. Held perfectly still to allow that ambrosial moment to take full effect. Small chin pointing slightly upward as her lashes fluttered downward, lips parting to to allow the sweet exhalation of her breath.

The slow turn of her lips edged into a cheshire cat grin as her eyes sparkled wide, "Oh Jin!" Whiplashing into motion as she hurried him along, "I have the PERFECT place for you!"

The weaving circuitous route seemed to bother her none at all. Directions not needed when one operated on such a fully emotional scale. The WestEnd apparently agreed as none of its usual tricks seemed to bother them and they arrived quite easily at the destination she had in mind.

"What do ye think?"

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Available/Modern.jpg

Jin · Date: 2010-06-16 13:23 EST

Jin stared at Fiora when she repeated his words, dark brows arching incredulously at the look of elation that had crossed over his peculiar friend's countenance. And then he was being hurried along (or shooed, depending on how you look at it).

He liked to think that he paid a close attention to detail whenever walking about, but she was such a torrent of violently vivid cheer and excitement, that he was having a difficult time focusing on anything while under the attention of her extreme ranges of emotion. Eventually he gave up, just following where he was dragged until they arrived.

His chin lifted, head tilting back. Arms crossed over his chest; he leaned away for a moment.

"What an oddly shaped building."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-17 12:32 EST

"It's perfectly perfect for an odd gent like yerself!" An impish grin as she danced over the even boards and quickly unlocked the doors. "The previous owner was a mage who skipped town over the Denubae attacks. said somethin about 'The Dehydrated Oceans of Discworld weren't this bad!'" She adopted a crotchety cranky old man's voice with surprising realism, "'I'll just take me chances in Avalon, or maybe that teachin job at Hogwarts.'"

"I wanted to point out that kids were just as draining as Denubae, but hey, what do I know?"

Door opened she motioned Jin inside, "I know this place is perfect for ye. I tell ye what I'll let ye wander about a bit alone. Just lock it up when yer done," Tossing him the odd magical/technological key. "I'll be over at the Plaza checkin out a few things... ye can just sign the paperwork and drop off the payment if it works. If not I have this great hut in the woods outside of RhyDin proper, and a tower in the clouds, and there's always Luks Condos!"

Leaving him to wander and ponder she was off on a brisk step.

Jin · Date: 2010-06-17 12:55 EST

"Denubae?" A brow arched, he was dragged, pushed, ushered, et cetera. Turning, Jin peered around the entryway after being ushered inside, a hand slipping from the pocket of his coat to catch the key-thing as Fiora tossed it to him. "Children?" That was when Jin decided to use one of his signature stares, turning to stare at Fiora as she went on about a hut in the woods, a castle in the clouds, and some condos.

And then he was alone in the house, staring at the spot where the realtor had been before she had wandered off. After a few blinks and a firm shake of his head the detective turned and wandered through the building, peering at the odd ceiling and the large amount of windows. Oh, Aoife would love-. Wait, Aoife was angry, upset or displeased with Jin. He highly doubted she gave a damn about his windows.

About two hours after Fiora had left him alone in the building, Jin had gone back to her office and spoken with the receptionist--who he found to be odd and peculiar, just like her boss--before signing the paperwork and arranged for the payment, leaving with the keys to his new home.

"Tell Fiora I said thank you." He informed the receptionist whose name he kept forgetting on his way out.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-21 15:43 EST

She skipped.

Skipping was much easier to do in comfortable sneakers than it was in high heels. Though admittedly a skirt added a flair to it that the denim jeans seemed to lack.

As was her wont, Fiora made no effort to keep track of her surroundings as she made her way home from the Inn and over the bridge into WestEnd. Even after the encounter that still marred her cheek she was unafraid of her setting.

Tonight's escapades had included a televised futbol match and a couple of beers with a Hot Sex in a Suit. The man had been hard to read, most assuredly not human. But then again, that in itself wasn't surprising at the RDI. He hadn't sprouted tentacles or wings.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-22 15:27 EST

Her bank balance wasn?t looking too shabby all things considered. Jin?s bachelor pad having added a little more cushion. The Plaza was working out delightfully after the cheap price DeMeur had let it go for and she still considered the owner of Luks Condo to be a Hero for the commission he was willing to give her. Maybe Sevier would be interested in one of those gorgeous condos; yet, he had specifically mentioned an interest in the Gardens.

Well there wasn't anything she could do about that one, unless Riley was willing to give a boot to any of the tenants who weren't paying their dues. Or maybe someone was moving?

Fiora pushed the expense sheet away to look at the stack of Posts that littered her desk. It was time to do a little organizing. She?d toss em after she scanned for her favorites:

Connolly's pieces were always a quick bit of fluff that didn?t demand she read through a ton of political jargon.

And the Bane articles left her giggling in a way the seemingly defunct GangStar used too.

She kinda thought the Senior Columnist, Madu Adeniji was a pretty vision to wake up to so she always gave his articles at least a cursory glance.

The headline for this week actually broke her admiration for the sleek lines of Madu, her breath wheezing out of her, ?Multifarious Mass Murder Leaves Eight Dead.? Surely not? No way it was reported to the Watch. Cerulean eyes narrowed in concentration as she read it with growing trepidation,

WEST END, RhyDin --- Eight men and women were found dead in a warehouse located in West End early Monday Morning. Experts peg the causes of death as anywhere from bullet and knife wounds to

No word yet on possible motive, but local authorities are currently looking for two women that left the scene before the crime was reported. According to Junan, both were unarmed and might have served as eyewitnesses to the murders.

?Oh Ms. Junan!? She groaned in despair. Slumping back in her seat and staring at the Post as if it were a snake that might bite her.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-06-25 11:45 EST

She entered the Realtor's Office that morning with a thoughtful frown. She liked being able to get up from bed, get dressed and meander down to her workplace. There was something appealing about it; but, a recent client had refused to enter the West End to visit her offices. Was it time to relocate to the Plaza? Maybe she should simply open a branch there?

These thoughts were far easier to contemplate than the ones that kept her awake at night. Even her favorite Landon Donovan jersey hadn't been enough comfort to put her to sleep. She had watched hours of that television with its satellite set to take in "shows" from all over the known Universe. What did it say that she was half in love with a truck named Optimus Prime?

Any distraction from the "case" left open by her shenanigans last week was a good one. She had been keeping a close eye on her neighbors. With Riley being the Minister of Justice and her friends being watchmen it was a simple case of hiding her nerves every time they passed in the hall.

It was another midnight pacing the floor moment that had sent her reviewing the Post article and this time she caught an important note that she had earlier missed in her frantic reaction, "Anyone with any information is urged to contact West End Security Inc., who is currently heading the investigation. "

She was partially relieved. Quite obviously "they" didn't want the Watch poking their noses around anymore than she did. But who or what was the WestEnd Security company? Should she do some digging or leave it alone?

Fiora was exhausted. The bruise had finally faded but was replaced by the dark circles beneath her cerulean eyes. Climbing into her office chair she slipped her heels off and curled up in a comforting ball, nuzzling her cheek into the comforting weave of the chair's fabric. If she tried hard enough she could almost imagine that it was the comforting chest and arms of another that held her.

She was asleep in seconds.

Ryder · Date: 2010-06-27 20:59 EST

Boy, David hadn't been joking about this WestEnd place being rough. Reminded her more than a little of Alphabet City in Manhattan. And she had been certain not to wear her gun, just like he told her. The idea of a 12 foot tall stone lion dog coming to life and making brunch out of her was not a pleasant one.

Ryder entered the cool darkness of the Zen Gardens Building at about 11:00. She hoped the realtor would be in. Living next door to Room 16 at the Dragon was getting old. Every night she'd been there screams and moans and rhythmic banging against the wall started up and she hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in more than a week. It was definitely time to find a place of her own.

She went to the door of the realtor's office and looked inside. Ms. Shantalaine seemed to be curled up in her desk chair asleep. "Crap," Ryder said. She'd go next door and root around in the bookstore and maybe go grab a bite to eat at the Chief's man's restaurant, too. Maybe the realtor would be awake by then.

Mataya · Date: 2010-06-29 10:52 EST

After musing over her vague idea for a couple of days, Mataya had decided that she needed to have everything laid out before she pitched it to Riley. After all, the woman was working around the clock, it would hardly be fair to pitch a half-cooked idea and then sit back and watch her worry about every little detail.

So it was the actress found herself slowing as she walked past Fiora's office, still mulling over a couple of things on her way back to 2B. Her eyes glanced into the office, and she couldn't help a smile for sleeping realtor. At the same time, however, she winced at the position the woman was sleeping in. That was going to hurt like all hell when Fiora woke up.

A quick sidetrip to say hi to Daniel and get a cup of coffee from him, and she returned to the realtor's office. The coffee cup she placed on the far edge of the desk, out of flailing hands' reach, and moved around to crouch next to the sleeping Fiora. A hand reached out to Fiora's shoulder, squeezed, and then shook gently.

"Fiora? Wake up, sweetie."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-07-03 17:18 EST

"Huh?! What?" She sat up quickly and checked to make sure she hadn't drooled in her sleep. Safe bet, though how long had she been out?

"Oh thanks!" Taking note of the gorgeous neighbor and her near clairvoyant and incredibly gifted skills. Coffee, but not near enough to be victim to her spastic awakening.

"Did I miss anything?" Arching up out of her seat in a bone-cracking stretch made oddly sinuous by her lack of tension and incredible flexibility.

Her cerulean gaze flicked up toward the door that Ryder had slipped by earlier. "Because I was so totally not sleeping on the job, in no way am I anything like a bureaucrat!"

Mataya · Date: 2010-07-03 19:22 EST

Mataya laughed softly, leaning back out of the flailing wake up as Fiora came to full consciousness. She rose from her crouch, perching on the edge of the desk and brought the coffee within reach for the realtor.

"No, I don't think you missed anything," she assured her neighbour. "Besides, if it's important, folks'll come back, right? I'm Mataya, by the way. 2B? Lives with with the anti-social Max?"

He'd kill her for describing him like that, but he wasn't here, so ... whatever. Her brain kick-started her thought-processes again, and she moved into the chair opposite Fiora's, waiting a moment while the sleep was blinked away.

"This is sort of a throwaway idea, but ... well, I was wondering if there are any, you know, unused theatres in the city?" Mataya put on her most pleading smile for Fiora. "I'm working on a couple of ideas, but before I pitch to Riley, I want to have everything in hand. So ... a performance space would be great. Doesn't need to be in perfect condition, and trust me, between me and Max? Money isn't a problem."

Ryder · Date: 2010-07-06 17:00 EST

She picked up a copy of The Prophet by Khalil Gibran at Tranquility and had a nice lunch of mulligatani at the Bodhi Tree. When she'd finished her soup and had read the first chapter in her book, she figured the realtor had had enough time for a nice nap and went back to speak to her about finding a nice, cheap apartment somewhere near the Red Dragon Watch House. Once there she discovered that there was a line in Ms. Shantalaine's office. She sat down in the reception area with her book and waited her turn.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-07-08 17:27 EST

Money isn't a problem.

There really weren't sweeter words in the known multiverse. Seriously, I mean who said that? Money was at the root of all problems. Money was the maker of the world go round. Money was the end all be all. She-yitt, Money was Money.

Fiora blinked at her neighbor like she was tripping on some strain of RhyDin Acid. "Hi. Mataya." But managed to plaster the Realtor Grin on her lips as she sat up straighter and whipped out her newly formed business catalogue.

"Oh yes, this I can help with. Oh sure indeed-y. Here are some business venues I have available. None scream theater but I can most assuredly look in that area just for you."

Hopping up and grabbing her jacket, "In fact, I'm gonna hit this city and see what I can find! While I do that ye just thumb through that catalogue and see if any of those places scream BUY ME! BUY ME NOW! OWN IT! YOU KNOW YA WANNA! DO IT!! YEA BAYBAY!"

She spun out the door and paused at the sight of Ryder and as if she hadn't just sounded like a bad porn soundtrack she sung a sweet, "Oh hello! Are ye lookin for a place to?" She took a moment to take in the woman's long legs. "Would ye mind conductin this meetin on the go?"

Mataya · Date: 2010-07-09 17:55 EST

The look Fiora's face when Mataya said those words was priceless. She almost found herself wishing she could freeze-frame the moment. But then, how many times did someone hear those words in any line of business?

Twelve years of working in show business, be it stage or screen, had allowed Mataya to build up a fairly substantial little fortune, though she hardly flaunted the fact. And once Max was in on her plan, she had no doubts he would start waving his own little fortune around and try to insist on paying for everything himself. Which meant that between them ... money really wasn't a problem.

Giggling at Fiora's excitement, Mataya took the catalogue from her, grinning as she rose.

"Okay, then," she laughed. "I'll have this back to you in a coupla hours, or when you're back. Uh ... have fun?"

Although, by the look on the realtor's face, fun could almost be an understatement.

Ryder · Date: 2010-07-10 13:39 EST

Ryder followed the realtor's gaze to her legs which were covered in torn and ragged jeans. Maybe she had something against women wearing pants?

Ryder stood and shrugged and fell into step alongside Fiora. "On the go? Sure, why not? It's not like I don't spend 8 hours a day walking around anyway." She said this with a smile.

"David Lo? The cop? He sent me. Said you could find me a cheap, nice place. I'm looking for something near the Red Dragon Watch House. That's where I'm stationed and since like I said I spend 8 hours on my feet every day, I'd really like to not have to walk far to work."

She looked over her shoulder at the extremely pretty girl who had been in Fiora's office first. Then she whispered to Fiora, "Is she like a model or something?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-07-15 10:30 EST

"Yea. Somethin like that. But then again most women in RhyDin look like they walked off the runway. RhyDin is kinda like the Hollywood of the Multiverse. Ye never know what y'er gonna get. But the gals at the Gardens are pretty awesome sweet inner and out."

She took note that Ryder fell in next to her and while she was outmatched by the woman's long legs her hyper skipper walk was fast paced and determined.

"I definitely know of just a place, right around the corner from the RDI. Kinda expensive like most joints in Central RhyDin but not anythin like Luks Condos. Now if ye can spare the change there, that's not too far either and well worth the coinage."

Her cerulean gaze darted all about as she quickly navigated them both through the West End with surprising ease.

Mataya · Date: 2010-07-29 10:06 EST

It had taken a little while, and some more than usual boldness on 'Taya's side, but the catalogue Fiora had given her had definitely given some results.

She'd found an abandoned mansion house that looked perfect on the page, and even more perfect when she was standing in the street in front of it. It was central to the city, easy to get to no matter where you lived, and there was room to make a carriage and car park without spoiling the gardens that could be opened for the public.

As she walked around the building, she could already envisage the cafe and bar that would have be installed, and the form of the auditorium they could create. Forget what she'd said about a custom-built performance space, Mataya was willing to put in all the work to get this building ready.

You have to make your own way, her mother had always said, although 'Taya doubted she'd been talking about massive reconstruction at the time. But the house was perfect, and Mataya had a good feeling.

She took the catalogue along to Fiora's office and, finding the realtor out, left it open on the desk at the right page, scribbling a note to go with it.

'Found it!

Perfect place, just needs a little work done. You're a life-saver! Just let me know when and where to close, and I will. And free tickets to the first show, just for you!

'Taya, 2B.'
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab51/RhyDinLittleTheatre/RhyDinLittleTheatreCompany/london-theatre_rsc_swan2.jpg

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-07-30 11:25 EST

She'd had plenty of success showing Ryder around, there were several apartments in the area that had fit her description but the woman played her cards close to her chest--with this thought Fiora quite suddenly couldn't get the image of Ryder in a cowboy hat and vest striding down the cobbled streets with her gunbelt slung across her hips.

Hopefully she'd settle on one and Fiora could add another successful notch to her Realtor's bedpost. She giggled at the impish thought and slipped inside her office to discover Taya's selection, "oooooh perfect!"

It was gorgeous and stately and with the artsy elegant flair of Mataya would most assuredly embody everything the dancer wanted out of her investment.

Spinning into her seat (unable to resist she spun it in a helicopter swirl a full 360) she had to swipe back the everpresent russet curls that had escaped her attempts at a business bun. Gathering the paperwork needed she considered the promised tickets, maybe she'd take a date. Euriya had been a fantastic first date, all urbane polish and gentlemanly good looks. Dare she venture into second date territory? One had to be careful in RhyDin she might be married with a baby by the end of the night.

Dropping off the paperwork in Mataya's box she ran a quick look over her to-do list.

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-08-02 17:58 EST

After her advanced ballet class was finished, Riley headed across the hallway to Fiora's office. She had quite a few things to discuss with the Realtor and they weren't the sorts of things that could be left in a note...even if it was accompanied by flowers and pastries.

The Cat slipped inside the office and rapped sharply on the door frame next to Fiora's desk. "Ms Shantalaine? A moment of your time?" Riley asked in a most professional voice, only the vaguest hint of warmth lurking in the depths of her eyes.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-04 11:32 EST

The guilt she'd felt at leaving her apartment in such dire straits had been replaced by a sweet sensation of pure relief at sliding into her office chair.

"Work, oh sweet blessed work, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

A smile tugged at her lips and revealed a dimple that carved a mischievous niche in her cheek. She could almost forget the dull aching throb that set behind her eyes, a parting gift from her dalliance with that Muscat.

Her ledgers and catalogues occupied her vision and she smiled at them with the love one usually reserved for small children. A caressing hand slid over the business cards safely ensconced in their ceramic frog-faced holder as a contented sigh slipped free.

Only to jerk upright at the sharp business rap of Riley, blilnking her cerulean shaded eyes in her direction she frowned quizzically, "Uhh...Mornin Rile--- .... Miss O'Rourke?"

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-08-06 14:35 EST

Riley's stern face transformed into a big, friendly grin as she entered Fiora's office and plopped herself down in the nearest chair. "Been a long time, Fi. How have you been? I've got some things that I need to discuss with you and hopefully, it'll help your bank account...or wherever you keep your money."

Riley shifted a bit in her seat and leaned forward, the next part of the conversation very important. "Listen, there's this house up in the northeastern part of the city, out by the Garnholme Embassy. The property's pretty run down; I'm not sure how long it's been since someone lived there. I want you to figure out who owns it and make a bid for it. David, Danny and I want to begin renovation as soon as possible so we can move in before winter."

The Jaguar paused as that sunk in and then said, "And as you can guess, that will leave two more empty lofts here, leaving more empty than are full. If you can figure out how to fill those places, I'll give you some kind of bonus. And speaking of bonuses, I would like you to take over management of the building, too. You office here and you live here, so it seems rather natural for you to do that. There isn't a lot to do, collecting rent, dealing with maintenance requests and forwarding them to Mr Cheung." Riley paused for a moment and then gave the Realtor a commiserate look. "Maybe I'll have to give you hazard pay for that."

Riley paused again and then made her last request. "And finally, I need you to find me a warehousey kind of thing. And an office, too. If they're in the same building, awesome. If not, maybe a plush office in your other building and a small warehouse around here somewhere? Let me know what sorts of places you have available and I'll take a look at them."

She sat back then and folded her hands in her lap, going over the things she'd meant to talk to Fiora about. The new house - check. Management of Zen and filling the empty lofts - check and check. Office and warehouse space - check. Good. Seems Riley had covered everything.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-09 09:43 EST

At the grin, Fiora's own dimples answered as if summoned. She had harbored an uncomfortable moment there where she wondered if Riley had somehow seen the explosion of her kitchen and was here to take her to task for it. She was ready to protest that she had already called a maid service (a little white lie really) when Riley threw her the proverbial curve.

"Oh a house!" Thrilled, excited, she immediately began jotting down notes only to frown slightly at the pause. Her hand freezing as she slowly lifted those brilliantly bright eyes upward to peer at her landlady from beneath her lashes. Befpre she managed to formulate her response beyond that quizzical frown Riley swung in with the rest of her information.

Even as the words: Pay, Mangement, Hazard Pay, all gleamed shinily in her mind's eyes she was still stuck on the first part of the conversation. Yet, Riley's final delivery shook her from her stunned participation as the prospect of even more commercial business lit her inner fire.

"Oookay, whoa. You handle business propositions like a pugilist." Shaking her russet curls she sat back in her seat and just blinked owlishly at Riley.

"So, let me get this straight. You're moving out of your own place? Ye want me to manage it during this absence, in a house I'm to look into gettin for ye, Aaaaand yer interested in an office and warehouse." Scrunching up her nose, she did what she did best and rose to the particular level of her customer.

"Not sure about the house, problem with pickin up new properties around here is sometimes the oddest people refuse to let go of them for the straaaaangest reasons. But I'll look into it for ye. I'm pretty stoked about the Hazard Pay, I mean the Management Position. So sure, I'm in. And what do ye need the office space for, I'll have a better time runnin down a place for ye if I know what yer after."

And then, without the business edge, a little softer maybe, "Are ye sure about all of this? It's a lot of change so soon after yer..ye know..resignation."

Riley ORourke · Date: 2010-08-09 18:29 EST

Riley nodded as Fiora recapped. "Yes, Danny, David and I are looking to buy that house as soon as possible. Price is very nearly no limit, but we have been up to see it, and it will require quite a lot of work to get it livable. I don't want to get screwed on the final price, and I trust you to cut us a good deal. And if you could put a rush on it, so we can have everything ready before the first snows, that would be spectacularly awesome and you will be my bestest best friend forever."

The Cat flashed a quicksilver grin and then moved on to the next point. "I'm still going to own this building and house the Studios here, which means I'll be here three days a week, but I'll need someone to keep an eye on it when I'm not here. I'd like that someone to be you. How does free rent and a monthly stipend sound?" She watched Fiora's face after that announcement, expecting to see dollar signs in the Realtor's eyes.

Then after hearing Fiora's question about the office space, she made a thoughtful moue and said hesitantly, "I'm not ready to talk about it, but it's a new business venture for David and I. We need a nice place to meet clients and then a warehouse to do...um...training and store...stuff. Think you can find what we need?"

Riley's face softened and she nodded at Fiora's final question. "You're very sweet to worry about me, but if I don't keep busy, I'll go crazy. I think the best thing for me right now is to just throw myself headlong into work and forget about the Ministry fiasco. But I appreciate your concern, Fi. It means a lot to me."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-11 20:15 EST

If she boggled a bit over the "rent free/monthly stipent" part it was forgiveable, right? Her cerulean eyes shading greener as the prospect of money always made her giddy.

She was in total agreement about putting the entire Ministry thing behind her, after all she still felt like Riley had been handed a big old steaming pile of shit and expected to fix a gourmet meal out of it. And after her recent experiences in cooking she sincerely understood the work cooking involved.

Nodding decisively she finished chatting with Riley and headed out that afternoon to take a look at the building she had mentioned. She was more than a little startled at the shape it was in. This was beyond a little home improvement. But with the two strapping men at her side and her obvious good taste who knew. After all, take a look at the Gardens in the middle of the West End.

She ran down the owner and wasn't surprised to discover that he was willing to let the property go cheaply. She'd be able to surprise Ri with it and had the added bonus of knowing that the warehouse to either side of the Plaza was optional. She'd been working on nailing those properties down and with office space in the Plaza itself she was pretty sure she could answer all of her requests with surprising ease.

Satisfied with herself and near to skipping with her whistling she paused in front of the newstand to flip Bane the bird. "I'm happiest when I'm workin! So there! Pffffffft!"

Sevier Bane · Date: 2010-08-14 16:47 EST

Patience.

He had based a life strewn across the centuries around it. Serenity had been his silent assistant throughout these many years, aiding in the strategic nuisances that often arose in the life of a Dark Hunter. It was this patience, in fact, that had crafted an internal pendulum within him, regulating the transition between tranquility and ferocity.
And it was this patience that kept him calm and sedate inside the waiting room of the frenetic realtor, Fiora Shantalaine.

The tailored suit he wore was impeccably fitted, smoke grey fabric showing off the slender lines of honed muscle beneath, along with the expensive taste of its owner. Shoes were polished, catching hints of the room's lighting every now and then with a random movement, proving not a single blemish existed. Even the black gloves that adorned his hands were flawless and new, though the habitual adjustment that he was known to administer remained as he pulled and tightened them occasionally. The faultless professional, it was how he appeared. To onlookers he was a high-end lawyer or financier, someone who dabbled in a more lavish lifestyle and rubbed elbows with the privileged and elite. Hard to approach, impossible to ignore.

Dark eyes lifted to the clock that hung on the wall, counting the minutes that went by, and then shifted to the door. Fiora would be back soon, he was certain, and when she returned the negotiation process would begin.

For the realtor it would be nothing more than a business transaction.

For the Dark Hunter, it would be so much more.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-15 17:55 EST

She danced inside mumbling "Shoop, shoop e doop. shoop a shoop-" and wiggling her hips as she spun about. Freezing she stared in consternation at her "guest." Before recovering her composure and a slightly more professional mien.

"Uh, Good Evenin." Hot Sex in a Suit was sitting patiently in her waiting room. She swallowed and was surprised to see that his long fingered and elegant hands were gloved. This detail seemed particularly distressing. Perhaps it was her fetish for hands made more profound by the attention she paid them, or perhaps it was her newfound love of detective novels that made her aware of the sinister qualities of hiding one's prints. Whatever the reason, she felt a shudder of unease, a ripple of goosebumps and her smile was only a whispered attempt of her usual grin.

The prospect that one of empty lofts might be on the agenda (the influx of empties having left her with an uncomfortable sensation of gloom) had excitement flaring and burning away that gathering sense of discomfort.

"Sevier, right?" Remembering their encounter in the Red Dragon, "Did ye bring a beer this time?"

Sevier Bane · Date: 2010-08-17 07:01 EST

"Beer?" He asked with an enchanted smile. "Unfortunately no. I'm afraid all I've brought is the desire to see one of the rooms for rent."

Dark eyes watched her evenly as he drew himself upward and out of the chair with a grace that could be defined as fluid. He wore the suit well, and by all accounts appeared human, though there was something in the way he moved, in the way he watched her, that spoke of a nature far beyond the prosaic norm.

He tightened the gloves with a subtle gesture that required merely pinching the cuff with the opposing finger and thumb. "I was hoping for a spacious living area with large windows facing the northwest. I do so love to see the boats on the water." He paused for a moment to let her contemplate his request before adding. "I am also interested in renting side-by-side rooms, if they are available."

Again there was that charming grin as he folded his hands behind his back, eager for her response.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-18 09:07 EST

"Two rooms?" Startled eyes widened at the implications. "Well, I'm afraid I can't allow any renovations to the Gardens without the permission of the Landlady. However, if yer lookin at two rooms cuz yer bringin along a friendly neighbor person, I'm all in!"

With flashing dimples she forgot her sense of unease at the pure female appreciation for the way he'd glossed himself with that gorgeous suit. She sighed and allowed herself a moment.

"Right this way, let me show ya what I got available." She'd learned in one of her online realtor courses that even if she had more empties than opens she didn't act like it.

Determined to land a few neighbors she withheld the sigh at all the changes around here. Grabbing a sweater from the hook as she went by to ward of the sudden inexplicable chill.

Sevier Bane · Date: 2010-08-25 07:00 EST

Sevier watched as she donned the sweater with a hint of curiosity. It continued to amaze him how fragile humans were, and images filled his mind of how this woman, who struggled to endure even the slight chill in the air, might handle the depths of the Shadowkiss Glacier or the slopes of Wintherthorne Briar, two of the colder regions within the Unseelie Court.

Falling into step behind her, Sevier followed her out of the office. His distance was scarce, though far enough as to not conjure any sense of unease. He tightened the gloves one final time before dropping them into the pockets of his blazer. "There will be no need for renovations, Miss Shantalaine. Just two rooms side-by-side. I sometimes have family come and visit me, and I would like a place for them to call home when they do." He smiled then, and even from behind the inviting connotation of it could be felt. "Couches can be such an uncomfortable bother,...much like in-laws."

A cordial fellow - or at least it would seem so - the Dark Hunter traversed the halls, nodding to those passing by with the same disarming smile. If this were to be his Rhy'dinian domicile he wanted to make sure to get off on the right foot.

...and that foot needed to tread lightly; barely noticed.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-08-31 21:04 EST

Upon the successful showing of the rooms she left Sevier with the paperwork, nearly having a seizure when she took note of his last name. But upon clarification that he was of no relation to the man who wrote for the post she was almost gregariously happy to help.

She wasn't sure about the two rooms and would have to run such a request by Riley but it was as good an excuse as any to stop by and see the Feline Trio.

Katt Batten · Date: 2010-11-27 21:35 EST

Lips pursed as she shouldered into the unfamiliar building that was going to be..familiar soon enough. Unsure steps carried her forward, eyes drifting about as she hugged the ever stuffed bag close to her body. Protectively.

She didn't quite know what to do with herself beyond entering the building which in itself was a big step for her. Fingers kneaded nervously at the bag. Was she just suppose to pick a room and take it over or.. Pupiless greens found the door to the reception area and she turned to direct her path that way. Peeking through the glass paneled door she reached out and carefully griped the handle. The door was nudged enough for her to poke her head inside.

"Hello..?" she called out but ready to turtle back at any moment in case something came flinging way towards her.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-12-02 14:42 EST

((Takes place after the events in Diamond, Silver, and Blood))

Thankfully the usually hyperactive realtor was mildly subdued after her recent bout of Supernatural Possession. Hooded eyes shot upward the skittish quickness of an unnerved animal caught in its natural habitat.

But Katt didn't have any of the creepy vibes that had become the norm and Fiora was quick to offer a smile that transformed her suspicious features into dimpled welcome.

"Heyyas! Welcome to Shantalaine Realty! Where I make yer dreams a reality!"

She bounced up out of her roller chair and sent it skittering backwards to thump against the wall. This obviously happened quite often as the plaque behind it had been knocked down so many times that its edges were dented. She didn't even seem to notice as it slipped from its hook to hang haphazardly by one corner, a pathetic testament to the level of chaos that usually surrounded Fiora.

"Are ye lookin for a place to live? Cuz I got plenty of those! And I've got GREAT news! We're runnin a special on lofts at the Gardens right now, first month's rent is Free!....if ye get someone to rent one next door to ye! Neighbors are great ye see. Just great! Like if ye ever find yerself needin sugar, or an exorcism, they're just a holler away!"

She beamed.

Katt Batten · Date: 2010-12-03 16:45 EST

Pupiless greens shifted at the cheerful voice. It didn't quite echo how she was feeling but she did manage a meek smile for the unknown woman. She struggled not to shrink back into the hall, forcing herself forward a little in the door.

"O-Oh. I uhm..Riley sent me. I am sorta working for the cafe and will be getting paid with a room?" Fingers pressed at her bag, pulling it closer to herself.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-12-07 22:01 EST

"Wh-what?"

Blink.

She sniffled. The lost commission felt almost like watching your diamond ring slip down the drain, or the hansom cab pull away from the curb seconds before you got there, or arriving at the Inn seconds after Elessaria and the Boys had already packed up for home.

But, that was seconds ago.

Her dimpled grin was back as she danced around the desk to grab her keys, "Well then neighbor, let's take a look at which loft ye'd be wantin? Miss ORourke and her Cats moved out a bit back so there's that one, and there's the ...."

Her voice continued, an endless stream of chatter as she allowed Katt to pick her room and helped set her up with that easy assurance of someone who doesn't quite get personal boundaries.

Euriya Shilo · Date: 2010-12-22 10:55 EST

{Now, this entire scene is based around Fiora opening her door. So, if she wouldn't, just ignore it...but she better open her door.}

As she opened the door the entourage awaiting beyond stepped forward, all of them bustling into motion the instant even a sliver of light was seen from inside. A pair of gentle-yet-medically-trained hands would take her by the arms with inquiry as to her fever and other symptoms, leading her to the couch as a pair of attendants spread a fleece blanket over it for her lay on, and then another to cover her up with.

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/home-classics-fleece-blanket-c20383.jpg

Her coffee table was pulled out of the way, though only so that a larger counter top could be set before her to offer sufficient space to accommodate the trays awaiting her approval. One by one they were placed evenly across the table, with those attending to them glancing to her and offering a bright smile in greeting.

One: Soup.

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/SlowCookersChickenNoodleashx.jpg

Two: Cookies.

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg

And three: For dessert...

Sandwiches.

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/images.jpg

A folded card would be the last item to grace the table, its asymmetric shape allowing for it to sit upright so that she didn't have to lean forward to read it.

Fiora,

I heard that you were ill and wanted to come and have lunch with you. Of course, with it being the Holidays my practice has picked up greatly and I could not slip away to come and see you personally. I have gone ahead and made all of the arrangements anyways in hopes that you enjoy the food and the game. Next time I will do what I can to make it. After all, what sort of date would I be if I continued to not show up?

Sincerely,
Euriya.

P.S. Tell Dmitri to play O Divine Redeemer. It's one of my favorites and I think that you'll enjoy it too.

As she looked up there was a man standing just a few feet away dressed in a concert tuxedo, violin and bow in one hand, an item in the other the size of a thin booklet.

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/270-Violinist-Dmitry-Sitkovetsky.jpg

He stepped forward and extended his hand, offering her what he held in it, his deep baritone rich with a thick Russian accent."For ahfter you feenish eahting, Mess Shantalaine. Dahctor Shilo t'ought you might enjoy theese."

http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz281/AukaiMastema/man-u-180x260.jpg

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2010-12-23 13:03 EST

She'd been unable to go into work today, the cold setting in her chest and making her miserable.

But thankfully she had quite the surprise awaiting her at home...

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-02 15:58 EST

Gorgeous men grew as plentifully as apples here in RhyDin and Jonathan Granger was no exception to the rule. Goodlooking, civilized and the pretty hands of a poet. Yea, she was a sucker for a good set of hands.

He'd arrived at the Plaza de Troyes seeking a place at the Gardens and she was more than willing to accommodate him. Of course, the garage part of his request was a bit tricker. While the Gardens themselves were a haven against the usual crude element found in WestEnd they did not in fact have a garage attachment and to park his baby on the streets was to pretty much guarantee its theft.

Determined to find a solution she asked Dr. Shilo what he would do in these circumstances. Of course, his gorgeous babies were stored near Luks Condos and he never had to worry about such things. A driver was his best answer. Jonathan Granger could store his car at the garage near Luks Condos and have a driver bring it to him when he was ready to depart. A definite inconvenience but it was the best Fiora had to offer at this time.

She hoped it didn't break the deal. Having a Granger at the Gardens seemed like a surefire way to convince the rest of the clan that they might want to look into moving into something that would have the Shantalaine stamp of approval on it.

She couldn't help but rub her greedy little hands together at the thought.

Jonathan Granger · Date: 2011-01-03 19:36 EST

Jon considered his options. He'd chosen Zen Gardens not only because of its proximity to the theater, but also because Max and Mataya lived there. The only drawback was the fact that there was no garage to park the Bentley, but he was fairly confident he could find a garage nearby to rent or he could rent a garage at Luks Condos, though it seemed if he was going to rent a garage there, he might as well be living there.

Money wasn't really an issue. He was more concerned with convenience. He didn't really need anything big and spacious. He wasn't planning on having the entire family move in with him. He just needed a place to stay where he'd be able to have some privacy.

The security was good, more than adequate. He didn't think he'd have to worry about any rabid fans or press stalking him there. That was a plus.

He did have a couple of questions, but they were cursory at best.

"How much is the rent and do I have to sign a lease?" he asked as he looked the place over.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-04 10:24 EST

She hammered out the details, the price one of the most affordable one could find within RhyDin unless one was willing to become a squatter (which many were).

Sliding around the lease with a dimpled grin, "So Neighbor, think I could trouble you for one more thing..."

And she ambushed him about the Date Night Auction. Certain that Jonathan Granger would most assuredly bring a fair price.

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-04 15:07 EST

Breakfast was good, and complete with poodleskirts and saddle oxfords.

The guy in the back that was cooking, took a break to look at my car, and while he was looking, took the time for a smoke break, offering me none other than a Lucky Strike.

I introduced myself and smiled when he acted like I was any other person in the world, my name held no meaning to him.

?Sal,? he said, as he shook my hand. ?The girls call me Sour Sal or Sally, and it don?t bother me none.?

While we talked I took note of his tattoos on his massive forearms. One a topless dancer over a patch of grass, the other the Marine Corp?s Logo and around it, ?Semper Fi.?

?Marine huh?? I asked as I took another drag on the cig, and watched his eyes as they moved to his right arm. ?I was too,? I added. ?Scout Sniper in Desert Storm.?

?You are a Jarhead?? Sal?s eyes lit up and he snapped into a crisp military salute, ?Oo Rah!?

I returned his gesture, then smiled at the older guy. I asked him for directions and after hearing about his wife, children and grandchildren I found myself rolling to a stop in what they called The West End, in front of some refurbished buildings. I parked the car and made my way toward her office, trying to mentally prepare for whatever questions she might have for me.

So far the place seemed normal enough, the people nice enough, and it wouldn?t be the first time I lived somewhere unknown. I pulled open the door and stepped into her office, waiting to see what I would wind up with, and had my own ideas of what I wanted. My best smile was put on, and my gloves were pulled from my hands.

Jonathan Granger · Date: 2011-01-04 17:50 EST

Jon couldn't help but smile, both at Fiora's shrewd sales pitch and those adorable dimples. The price seemed right for what he was getting, and it afforded him both the privacy he craved and close proximity to the theater, which he needed. He wondered what Max and Mataya would say when they learned he was a neighbor. Would they welcome him to the building with a casserole? Doubtful. Knowing Tay, a bottle of the finest champagne she could get her hands on was more likely.

Jon signed the lease, agreeing to its terms and conditions with barely a glance. There wasn't much point in showing it to his lawyer when his lawyer was the one who owned the building. He wondered if he should send Riley a thank you gift of some kind for keeping his ass out of jail, but considering he'd paid a handsome fee for her services, he didn't really feel it was necessary.

Once the lease was signed and the deal sealed, he was ready to go on his merry way, but then Fiora dropped the million dollar question. The question he'd been hoping she wouldn't ask. He'd heard about the auction and was hoping he wouldn't be asked. Playing Father Christmas was one thing; being auctioned off to the highest bidder was another. It was just a date auction and it was for a good cause, but now that he was in a committed relationship, he wasn't sure it was such a good idea. Then again, he'd managed to make a decent living off his looks and it was a way to give back to the community.

He seemed uncertain for a moment as he waffled back and forth, weighing the pros and cons, but in the end, it was the dimples that did it. He could never say no to a pretty girl with dimples, and though he was in a relationship already, he couldn't help but flirt a little.

"Are you going to be bidding?" he replied, flashing the patented Jon Granger grin, blue eyes dancing with mischief.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-04 23:22 EST

"Oh wow." She breathed and fanned herself, "Yer really good at that." She mocked a swoon and fell back in her office chair with wheels, "I'd be a total fool not to bid on a man who can knock a girl down with one flash of his grin."

Rolling backwards she collided with the filing cabinet right on cue, the door popping open as if this were the standard way in which she accessed it. And his paperwork was duly filed. "Ye're an official Zenner now."

"Ye'd best watch out it only makes ye ten times as hotter. And yer seriously gonna set some fires with blue eyes like that."

She kept the whole exchange light and friendly for she was aware of how these things worked. Men who looked and acted like Jonathan Granger were never single or at least they never lacked baggage. Tight, constricting, maneating baggage that viewed every other woman as a threat.

Yea, she totally didn't need any of that on her plate.

Escorting Jonathan on his way out she teased, "Though I'm easy, a beer and a futbol game and I'm golden. I'd better let someone with better taste land a catch like ye."

Her cerulean gaze drifted over her lobby and held suspended upon the stranger loitering there. "Hmm, looks like business is boomin."

And the thought gave her a purely physical response of pleasure, for when it came right down to it Ms Shantalaine dearly adored being good at her job.

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-04 23:57 EST

I watched the man leave, and yeah, he looked like the type of guy that would live in a place like this. A home for what we called Yuppies in the 80s, and usually just dicks in present times. He was a good lookin' guy that more than likely used his looks to get his way with the ladies or in whatever career he was in.
Seriously, I hope to be around when these people get old, they are going to have so much plastic and reconstructive surgery to hang onto what they knew, they will wind up looking like Joan Rivers. No facial movement, no look of happiness, sadness just the same tightness and weird nose.

Good luck when you are 50, Pal.

Then my green eyes locked on the cerulean gaze of what I hoped was my realtor. Not overly tall, long hair, light complexion beauty of a woman.
A conquest? Maybe...

Something more?

Depends on the ring, or mention.

I nodded to the man as he walked from her office, and then turned toward her again.

"Good Mornin', Name's Lucas Boudreux, you can call me Luke. I hear from a lil' birdie, you are the woman to see about a couple of places to call home. So, in the words of Monty Hall, "Lets Make A Deal!" I offered my hand, and waited for her next move.

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-05 06:21 EST

Okay, so she'd been in Rhy'Din for a while now, and sure, the Red Dragon Inn was a pretty cool place to stay. It was not, however, the most secure place for someone who was becoming known to the less-than-savoury demonic types in the city to be sleeping.

So, on her way home from her rounds with the mail, Shen Lei dropped by the Zen Building, noting approvingly the guarded entrance. She was sporting an interestingly shaped bruise on her temple, the gift of a newly formed vampire the night before who had proven to be highly gifted when it came to wrenching iron bars out of railings and using them as weapons. It hadn't saved him from becoming a small pile of dust, though.

Pausing in the hallway outside the realtor's office, she looked around, liking the feel of the place. If only it was over running water, it would be perfect, she considered, turning back to the office and leaning in the doorway with lithe patience. She could wait her turn just as well as the next person.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-05 12:31 EST

Oh no he didn't.

He really did.

Her jaw dropped before a gleeful eruption of laughter spilled free, dimples flashing as she lit up with humor, "Let's see what's behind the curtain shall we?!"

And she spun about, a contradiction if ever there was one. She dressed with expensive chic taste but moved like a puppy or a toddler on pixie sticks. At barely five foot three, she was much smaller than her presence gave her credit for, a former acrobat's build giving her an athletic reservoir to fuel all of that irrepressible energy.

And a known fact about Fiora was her absolute awe of the television (now that she was assured it wasn't a gateway to some dimension in which people were being punished purgatory style). Old Earth favorites played on her bigscreen every night and it was because of this that she was constantly making references that many RhyDinites didn't get...and to be honest, she didn't get half of what she said most times either.

She opened the door to her office to show Luke in, taking his hand last minute to offer a quick shake. And, of course, this led to an examination of his hand for it was through a person's hands that she learned much about them. "Nice to meet ye Luke, I'm Fiora. Fiora Shantalaine. Welcome to Shantalaine Realty where I make your Dreams a Reality." She sang happily.

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-05 15:25 EST

"I feel like I should be wearing some strange outfit, maybe like that pink tele tubbie thing with the..." I remembered I was in the company of a woman that didn't know me from Adam himself...yet, and I bit my tongue about the rest of that strange little outfit for the children's show. "Long as it's not a "Zonk" behind the curtain, life is good for me."

Now I watched this woman, energetic, toned and either drugged or naturally energetic. She had a disarming beauty, and those eyes, damn.

"So, I need an office, and a home. Combination is fine, but I prefer seperate locales. I like to leave work at work, and home is where you hang your whatever ya wanna hang."

She was dressed in the latest of workplace fashion, and I was still in the same shirt that I've had on for two days. I'm sure that I looked like Rumpled Stilt's Kin, faded jeans, my old worn boots. If this woman is half as good as her energy shows, I'll have to remember to thank her, maybe flowers, dinner? Hell, maybe just old Lets Make A Deal Reruns.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-05 17:26 EST

Another rich laugh revealed that she wasn't afraid to just give into the humor and let it overtake her. Hers was an infectious giggle, unbound by social constraints, mayhap a little loud, definitely a little chirpy and all in all, just hers.

"Teletubbies! Y'know I've never met one before." And this was said with all seriousness for she had lived in RhyDin for a year now and in the hodgepodge melting pot one never knew what one would encounter.

She motioned him toward a seat, nodding at his requests as her busy mind worked through it, "What kind of business?" Her mind immediately jumping to the empty offices at her Plaza. She retrieved the catalogs of pictures that she kept in rigid order. One binder noted "Castles" and another "Huts" yet another said "Troll Bridges" and another said "Condos" and based on her initial impression (which she's pretty good at) of him she slid a couple directly before him.

"Would ye like somethin to drink while ye look through em?" Moving to the small kitchenette just off of her office and that's when she noticed the quiet young woman seated out front. A double-take as she hadn't heard her come in.

"Oh my! I'll be with ye in just a moment," She smiled at Shen Lei sweetly.

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-05 18:05 EST

She was definitely infectious with charm and laughter, I couldn't help but smile at her.

"Coffee please, if you have any made, Thanks."

I started flipping through the books and trying not to watch her as she moved about her office, then a glance toward the Asian woman waiting outside, and a nod was about all I could offer.

"Well, back home I am a Private Investigator, so I'd like something nice, not some dingy old thing like the film noir. I like Bogey, but I don't want to be him, or Marlowe." I smiled, at least she seemed to know television. "But for home, I want something like an old, smallish warehouse, you know? Garage slash loading dock, upstairs office that can be converted to live in."

Couldn't help but admire her form as she disappeared into the kitchenette, and shake my head.

Down boy.

"So tell me, Fiora, what can ya do for me?"

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-05 20:55 EST

Being what she was, Lei honestly didn't mind being left to her own devices. She spent most of her time on her own. Which was why, even though she was sitting in plain view of everyone who walked in or out of the building, she was actually peering at the noticeboard outside the Yoga & Dance Studio.

"Martial arts classes ... interesting."

Hearing herself hailed, she turned her head to look back at the effervescent realtor and her flirtatious client, her features relaxing into a grin at the sheer vibrancy that radiated from both of them. Her hand rose to wave ever so slightly dismissively.

"No rush," she called. "I'm fine here."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-06 10:03 EST

Of course he would say coffee. She eyed the machine that had bested her like it was a snake waiting to strike.

With her back to her potential customers she made a face at it, daring it to snarl and hiss at her again. Very carefully she followed the instructions she'd had Mindy write down for her after the last time she'd ended up throwing it across the room (It had attacked her! Promise!). Take pot out of the mouth of the beast...

A distracted, "Mmm hmmm," purled somewhere in her throat as she concentrated on the task at hand. But then it registered: "Private Investigator?!"

She whirled about, feline slanted eyes wide and drowning depths of sea hues, "Really?!" Her tone suggested something magically uplifting and she was giddily crossing the room toward him with that same seemingly uncontrolled speed children used when they flung themselves wholeheartedly into the change in direction, "I've got the absolutely most PERFECT place for ye!"

She stopped mere inches from colliding with him and grabbed her purse and keys off the desk, "I'll take ye there! Ye'll love it! We'll be office mates, well actually ye'll have yer own fancy offices just down the hall from me! And Tasha! And Euriya!" She practically glowed with excitement.

Spinning back around, her russet curls escaped the upswept attempt at business chic, spilling to lick down her back as she rushed for her coat on the rack. "Oh!" Eyes drifting to the woman in the lobby.

Of course, when Fiora was on a roll she was all action, very little reaction. "I tell ye what, ye head on over to the Plaza." Stopping to scribble down the information, "Meet with JhaiNein, my receptionist, and I'll be along shortly. She'll show ye around, let ye feel the place up and I'll have put together some residential places we can hunt about together." Again he was blasted with that dimpled grin that was surely used to getting her way, "Yea?"

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-06 14:17 EST

"Mmm hmmm," Thats what I heard from her, until she whirled on me like a cat attacking a mouse. "Private Investigator?" She said it like there wasn't one around, or that the last one had an unfortunate accident, like falling down an elevator shaft onto some bullets.

I was about to answer her, but she closed the distance and was looking up at me with those disarming eyes, claiming the perfect place for me, close to her and a few other women's names were rattled out.

Down boy!

Her hair fell from the upsweep it had been in, as she turned to grab her purse and keys, still going on about how perfect the place would be, moving with the energy of bottled lightning, then she paused, remembering the woman in her waiting area.

She hit me with that dimpled grin again, and handed me directions to a place called the Plaza de Troyes, and said a name JhaiNein. I was nodding as I heard her mention meeting later for residential places.

With a view like you, I'd follow you anywhere....Damn it, Down boy.

"Yeah, meet at the plaza then?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-06 19:49 EST

"Plaza de Troyes. In an hour." She promised. Distracted momentarily by the fleeting brush of their hands. Rough working man's hands. She had paused in her normally flighty trajectory to consider that. He was a contradiction this one was and he reminded her of someone. Blinking it away to focus on the task at hand she added, "Have JhaiNein make ye some coffee, she's really good at it!"

And she was off, her booted feet carrying her into the reception area to level her cerulean gaze upon the young woman who loitered patiently. She was immediately cognizant of her interest in the flyers and grinned, "I won't lie, sharin a home with a bunch of yoga, dance, and martial arts instructors kinda demands that ye stay in shape." A quick assessing gaze over Shen, "Not that I think that would be any problem for ye."

"What can I help ye with?"

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-07 00:51 EST

Glancing up from her continued perusal of the various flyers and announcements on the noticeboard, Lei let the realtor's enthusiasm for her job and home bring a lopsided grin to her own face, rising to her feet to greet the woman.

"Miss Shantalaine?" she asked, just to be certain, offering her hand over to shake. "I'm Shen Lei, I'm ... in the market for a place of my own."

She was still dressed for 'work' from the evening before - vampire bait tended to involve at the very least a bare neck and clothing that clung to the figure - presenting an odd contradiction for the casual viewer. Apparently unafraid of accusations of sluttiness, but quiet and polite, and as Fiora had noted, physically fit to the point of obsession.

At the realtor's comment on her evident interest, she glanced back at the noticeboard, and her grin grew rueful.

"You got me," she confessed with a small chuckle. "Although dance? Not really my thing. Martial arts ... now that I'm interested in."

Remembering what she was actually here for - and sternly reminding herself exactly why it was that she didn't cultivate friends in her line of business - Lei straightened her shoulders, taking a breath.

"Like I said, in the market for a place of my own, but I have a few specifics that need filling," she told the realtor with a wary smile. "It needs to be stone or brick-built, have multiple exits, and ... if it's possible, it needs to stand over running water."

She paused, looking at the realtor hopefully. Was there anywhere in Rhy'Din that fulfilled those specific needs?

Luke Boudreaux · Date: 2011-01-07 01:22 EST

The woman was damned good, or damned excited about her job and it showed. I took note of the time on her wall clock and made my way out past the tiny Asian woman, noticing her, but acting aloof and uncaring. Some say I made that look easy.

Short, fit, and like the rest of us, I bet there was more to her than one would know.

I nodded my head toward her as I flashed a grin, used my hip to bump open the door, and left the ladies to talk shop of their own. Yoga, Dance, Martial Arts? None of that goes well with smokin', drinkin' and staying in shape by dodgin' hot lead I'm sure.

I made my way back to the Firebird, nodding a greeting to some people that passed by. Work day, and I look like someone that should be askin' for change, not getting into some classic iron, even iron that looks a little ragged.

"Don't worry Girl, if we aren't home, you'll own m' heart," I said as I patted the sparsely padded dash. "Stream lined and wicked." I turned the key for that perfect exhaust note, and couldn't help but shoot a glance back toward the realtor's office.

A push of the clutch, a shove of the right hand, and I was following her directions toward the Plaza.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-07 11:32 EST

"Running water." She paused in thought, "Well with vamps on the brain I've got a couple of places I could suggest," This was RhyDin and Fiora had been around the block a time or two, after she'd accidentally crisped that one Vampire by trying to show him hallowed ground she'd gotten a bit better about understanding racial cues. Of course, he'd been trying to eat her so she didn't feel too guilty about it.

"Well, I'll be honest, this place here is one of the safest if yer afraid ye've got trouble lookin for ye. The Pups don't let anybody with harmful intent inside." She nodded at the statues out front that were visible through the glass door, sidetracked by the attractive view of her client sliding into a car right out of one of her favorite movies.

"That is certainly a fine piece of work." She grinned a wicked flash of dimples leaving it up in the air whether she was talking about Luke or the car.

"Ye want, I can show ye one of the open lofts?...Or..." She was already whipping back into her office, it seems that speed never slows down, kicking her filing cabinet so that another drawer slid open. "I've got these places organized based on racial significances...." She pulled out a binder that had a big red circle with a line through it sitting over the word "VAMPS."

She paused, "Even if it ain't about the vamps and y'just like the sound of runnin water, chances are it'll still be in this file, though I feel I got to warn ye. This is RhyDin, not sure if yer new here but the Vamps, they come in all kindsa shapes, sizes, and varieties. Y'got yer shapechangin kind, yer allergic to the sun kind, and yer I like to tan kind, and yer sparkly glittery kind, and yer I'll shoot ye in the head if ye smile at me kind, and yer party girl kind, and yer soccer dad kind, and yer nosferatu acid spittin kind, and did I mention the crazy little girl kind, cuz that one is just down right effin creepy, and then there's the I'm so cool I am UNIMPRESSED with everythin ye do kind, and then there's the "Don't-Look-In-Their-Eyes kind cuz ye might end up doin all kindsa things ye regret in the mornin" She paused for an aside here, "but ye might be lucky and totally forget," before launching back in to finish with a flourish, "and rumor has it that even the Big T is vampiric, though that's the least of yer worries with her, if she comes at ye with her crazy eyes, ye just run, it's far safer that way."

Breath. (Just in case someone was interested in getting a word in edgewise or something).

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-08 04:46 EST

The longer Fiora talked, the wider Lei's eyes got, touched more with amusement than alarm. When the realtor paused for breath, she smiled, jumping in quickly before another round of babble could start up.

"Thank you for the warning," she nodded, smiling as she slipped her hands into her pockets. "I only go after the kind that kills on a regular basis, and they don't have to be vampires. Demons, warlocks, weird scientific experiments - you name it, I've dusted it one way or the other."

Confident in her own ability, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling, considering the offer of a loft here. "This place is almost perfect, you're right," she agreed, "except that multiple people live here, and I don't want to attract trouble to someone else's home just through living here myself. It wouldn't be fair, especially since a lot of the folks I go through know plenty of ways to get themselves invited in."

Her head tilted, her own dimples making an appearance as she eyed Fiora. "Who's the Big T?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-08 11:40 EST

She liked her. The girl was forthright and had a sunny smile. A tilt of her head as she considered her words, "Well Mataya and I brought home a ghost last month and nobody kicked us out." Dimples flashed. "But if ye really want somethin else, I've got all kindsa options." Motioning to the folder she'd pulled.

"But, if ye stay at the Gardens, the classes are super awesome and ye get a discount!" Motioning to the flyer that had captured the girl's interest.

"Ye havena heard of the Big T?" Her cerulean eyes flared wide, "She's Tara. Queen of PSYCHO. Just stay away from her." Nod.

"Ye know if yer serious about 'dustin' there's this new nest of vampyr harpies that's taken root in this old buildin I'm hopin to renovate and sale. They've been a real pain in the too-kus. I'd totally be willin to pay ye for yer services. Ye don't know how many times I get a call from someone lookin for a new place because they've got an infestation problem."

A plan was hatching in her fiery little mind, "Ye could be like a regular Pest Control. Infestation Specialist."

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-09 07:56 EST

"A ghost, really?" Lei's brows rose in an impressed approximation of surprise. She certainly wouldn't have pegged the merry realtor for the occult type. "Seems like you sorted that out pretty well, or I don't think we'd be talking about it."

The allusion to discounts on classes made her chuckle softly, though. "Anything for a sale, hmm?" she asked with a grin, shaking her head. "It's probably really selfish of me, but I'd rather not have to worry about an entire building of people at risk if I get followed home."

Picking up the folder, she began to flick through it thoughtfully as Fiora expounded on a job opportunity.

"Vampire harpies ... can't say I've ever come across them before," she mused, considering the offer. "Or that anyone's ever offered to pay me for it, either. It's kind of a vocation type thing, you know? Here's your stake, your Watcher, your Slayer Handbook, don't tell anyone about us, try not to die before you hit twenty."

All the same, though, Rhy'Din did work differently to Earth, and Lei was pretty sure she was happier with the more relaxed attitudes here. At least no one complained if she turned up covered in masonry dust and blood. Her eye caught on a picture of a house that had real possibilities.

"This one would, by any chance, be that house I spied in the trees over the stream that feeds the lake in the Glen, would it?" she asked, tapping her finger against the glossy picture as she turned the folder toward Fiora.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/FioraShantalaine/Available/seattle-tree-house-architectural-de.jpg

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-09 12:17 EST

Her movements were that of someone strung out on coffee or some other stimulant. Brisk, quick, but without a shaky edge. The flirty edge of her skirt was constantly in motion as she made sharp turns to echo the sharp curves of her movements and the even sharper directional changes in her conversations.

Dimples flashed at the mention of the ghost. It certainly was nice to be free of all that spook. Moving right along she was nodding as Shen Lei explained her reasons for not moving into the Gardens. She loved a woman who knew how to make up her mind, and hey it wasn't like she wasn't getting the commission no matter where this client chose to settle, she was just partial to having neighbors (especially neighbors who were handy with a stake).

Her surge of disappointment was covered by the sight of the chosen locale. It was one of her personal favorites and she'd always thought if she were going to run away from the Gardens to hide out for whatever reason that's where she'd head. "It's perfect! And aye, it's got a stream and everythin!"

"I tell ya what check out the place and tell me what ya think." Getting together the key and the paperwork settled. "I've got to run and get Mr. Boudreux settled in at the Plaza, but if ye do decide to set up shop of some kind. Y'know advertise yer talents so to speak, let me know when ye bring me back the key and sign yer papers on yer place. The Plaza's got plenty of office space and ye'd find plenty of business here."

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-10 09:35 EST

The press of the key into Lei's hand made her blink in surprise, having not expected to be trusted with it alone and with no escort. She smiled somewhat incredulously as her fingers closed over the cool metal.

"You're on," she agreed. "I'll be back in a few hours to do the official stuff."

The suggestion of setting up in business had set her mind working, though. She knew that Rufus, her Watcher, still hadn't found anywhere to work that gave him the flexible hours he needed to train and assist her. Maybe she should run the idea past him of them becoming some kind of supernatural pest control agency.

Shaking out of her thoughts, her smile brightened as she looked back at Fiora. "I'll bring a friend along later, too, if that's okay," she told the merry little realtor. "He knows more about the whole business side of things; he's the one who points me in the direction of what I'm supposed to be dusting." She grinned, utterly unconcerned that she was talking about shortening the unlives of the less-than-friendly demonic forces in the city.

"Hope the tour goes okay," she chuckled, pulling open the door to let herself out. "That guy looked ready to leap into your pants the second you give him the slightest come on." Not the most diplomatic of comments, but there was no malice in it as she flashed a cheeky wince Fiora's way. "Later, Fi."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-10 13:27 EST

Fiora always had a bit of difficulty with the idioms. Slang was problematic and as she grinned and nodded at the enthusiastic young woman she focused on the important things first, "I can't wait to see you later!" She thought about warning the young woman that the key was only good for 24 hours and then the wards reset but she liked the vibe she got from her.

She had no doubt that she'd be seeing her again real soon. Gathering up her purse and her filled key ring she pulled the door shut behind them as they exited. A smile and a wave for the always dour Mr. Cheung. It was only after they had parted ways on the sidewalk that Fiora thought to wonder why in the world Luke would want to fit into her pants? Consumed with thoughts of Mr. Boudreux leaping into jeans she was already occupying she was giggling as she made her way through West End.

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-11 07:35 EST

A few hours later ...

"Will you stop already? You've straightened that thing about fifteen times already!" Shen Lei was laughing as she led her Watcher, Rufus Bennett, to Fiora's office. "I can't believe you changed your clothes just to come and ask about an office space."

"It never hurts to make a good first impression, Lei," Rufus told her somewhat coolly, his fingers lowering from his tie yet again. "This Miss Shantalaine may wish to be reassured that any office space she rents to us will not be occupied by people who continually look as dishevelled as you do."

Lei glowered at him. "If you don't stop going on about my clothes, I'll start replacing all the tweed in your wardrobe with Lycra," she threatened, lifting her hand to knock on the realtor's door. "Hey, Fi! I'm back!"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-12 11:50 EST

She was up out of her seat with a bubbling burst of speed, zipping around her desk to giddily greet ShenLei and the oh-so-dapper Rufus.

"It's a pleasure to meet ye!" She beamed, her hand finding his in what would become an extremely energetic handshake should he let her latch on. "Shen Lei and I were just talkin about what she does for a livin and I was tellin her that here in RhyDin we definitely have a need."

She didn't motion them inside her office but headed down the hall instead, motioning to the elaborate hallway and elegant office doors, "If ye do decide to come and stay with us ye'll be aligned with an Astrologist, a Psychiatrist, and here is our Private Investigator."

She opened an empty office and motioned around inside it, "The spaces are completely modifiable to meet the needs of the individual." She tilted her head, dimples flashing as she considered something Shen Lei had said, "I'm lookin into how I could get a runnin stream of water to circle this place. I don't suppose a fountain would work huh? Has to be more natural?"

She tugged on a russet curl and eyed them both closely with her ceruelan eyes. Surprisingly she was a pretty good judge of character and so she went with her gut, "We've got state of the art security, both magic and technology combined and a Vault in the basement for items that might need that extra special safekeepin."

"Ye look like a booklover." Something about all that tweed, and she stepped out of the empty office to the room across the hall. "I was supposed to have a Professor of Ancient Cultures move in but then he ended up making some kinda pact with a fae that demanded he serve fourteen years in another realm," She shrugged as if this kinda thing was common, "we'd just finished customizing all of these shelves..."

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnNQS2pDMndlNEJHV1o2RW55MUNvRGcAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-12 12:34 EST

While Rufus blinked in his usual lacking display of surprise at the realtor's bouncing visage, Lei laughed, lowering her hand to avoid knocking on Fiora's face. She watched as the realtor captured her Watcher's hand, pumping it up and down while his mouth worked silently. Evidently he hadn't been expecting this bundle of energy to greet them.

"Ah, it's a delight to meet you, Miss Shantalaine," Rufus eventually managed as he turned to follow the merry woman down the hallway, glancing at his Slayer as she fell into step with them. "I'm Rufus Bennett, and, ah, forgive me, it isn't Shen Lei. Shen is her family name; Lei is her given name. Chinese naming traditions, you see."

Lei rolled her eyes at the faintly stuttering explanation. "Just call me Lei, Fi," she clarified, just before Rufus continued.

"Slaying is, in fact, a sacred duty, not a profession," he explained, in what Lei liked to refer to as his 'preachy voice'. "But I believe that here, in Rhy'Din, there is no need for the secrecy which rules a Slayer's life on Earth. Of course, as her Watcher, I would have to be in full control of any business arrangements, but I do feel that such a business would be preferable to us both ..."

His voice trailed off as he looked around the empty office space. Lei could see where his mind was going as she watched him, nudging Fiora lightly.

"Would you mind having him living on site here?" she asked, while mentally Rufus was pacing out the measurements of the furniture he had not yet acquired, and the training space he wanted for her. "He's very quiet. I don't think he even knows how to operate a television."

"Thank you, I am not that monolithic when it comes to technology," Rufus told her with mild irritation, but it couldn't be more obvious that the pair of them had wrangled over that before. "I believe, Miss Shantalaine, that a fountain would fulfil the requirements. Traditionally vampires cannot cross running water; it has never been specified that the water should be part of a river system."

As Fiora turned to lead them across the hallway, Lei was struggling not laugh at the manner in which her Watcher seemed to have decided that he was already living here. And of course, the customised office the realtor led them to simply slinched the deal. Rufus stared, his mouth working silently.

"I think he's just fallen in love with you," Lei murmured to Fiora laughingly, her chuckles growing in volume when Rufus blushed on overhearing her. He turned to look at the women, inclining his head to the merry realtor.

"I believe, Miss Shantalaine, that if you have no objections to my living here in your utterly charming building, that we have a deal."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-12 18:39 EST

She had smiled all the way through the bumbling conversation, the only sign of any discomfort was when she was corrected on Lei's name. Immediately storing that information away with an apologetic murmur for getting it wrong.

Their dynamic was adorable, the banter between them obviously affectionate no matter how studiously detached Rufus attempted to be.

His reaction to the library was perfectly fabulous and dimples heralded the sound of her musical laugh.

"I'd never planned for there being any residential aspects to the building." She considered it. The main offices did have bathroom suites complete with shower and he could probably remodel the storage room off of his office into a bedroom of some kind. Turning about, she imagined the changes and followed it through. She'd have to warn him about the night security and JhaiNein, but that secret didn't apparently seem to be the type to bother him.

"Aye, I'm thinkin that would be doable." First a dog on the premises and now this, JhaiNein was liable to murder the realtor in her sleep.

"I'll get the paperwork, ye two should think of yer business name. Oh, and do ye want to be hosted in the upcoming Gala? It might be a way to get yer name out if yer interested. Ye think on it and I'll be right back, " She moved down the hall, leaving them to figure out the parameters of their new business, making a mental note to install a running fountain around the building.

Shen Lei · Date: 2011-01-13 04:48 EST

"Business name?" Lei blinked in vague confusion as Fiora left them to it, turning to look back at Rufus. "What, we can't be Slayer/Watcher Ltd?"

Rufus gave her a long suffering look, digging into his inside jacket pocket for a folded piece of paper. He was already way ahead of his Slayer on this point; while Lei was good at ideas, details were really not her thing unless they pertained to the permanent removal of a demonic being from the plane in which it currently resided.

"No, Lei, we can't," he told her, unfolding the paper. "We can, however, be Transcendental Paranorm Facilitators."

There was no change in Lei's expression. "Excuse me?"

Sighing, Rufus pulled her over to an empty desk, laying the paper down on it and pointing to each word in turn.

"Transcendental - meaning something beyond the normal world, something mystical or supernatural. Paranorm - a corruption of paranormal, meaning again something beyond the normal way of things. Facilitators - people who contribute to the fulfillment of a need; in this case, the removal of supernatural pest problems."

"So we're ... Super Super Slayer/Watcher, Ltd?"

Rufus groaned, rolling his eyes again. "Just trust me on this, Lei," he gave up trying to get the name straight in her head. He lifted his chin, looking around at the empty shelves all around them, and sighed happily, imagining the hours he would shortly be spending cataloguing his entire collection. "This will definitely work."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-01-14 13:52 EST

She couldn't have been more thrilled. Another office mate at the Plaza and another happy set of clients on the residential side.

With a happy little giggle she danced passed a grouchy Mr. Cheung, swinging him around and delivering one of her super giddy hugs, "It's been a grand week hasn't it!?"

He grumbled and watched her depart shaking his head. Apparently even being possessed didn't dampen this girl's spirits for long.

Unlocking the office door she marched over to the filing cabinet and thumbed through the newest stack of papers to put away. She was on a roll and was determined to keep it going.

The Gardens brimmed with people again (neighbors thrilled her) and the Plaza was actually hosting five businesses now. A glance over the charts revealed that it was time she put a little of that energy toward Luks Condos. Besides, this gave her an excuse to check on Duci, Jatari, and Dusky.

Maybe the Ergins wanted to be a part of the Gala? Yep, looked like she suddenly had a busy day ahead.

The Realty Office of Shantalaine Properties was always open and she kept a sharp eye out for anyone who looked like they were considering a new home.

Lola Granger · Date: 2011-02-07 19:26 EST

The brand new (used) truck didn?t roar or rumble the way Lola was used to. It did cough politely on starting and again when she turned the charmed key that triggered the spell-engine to the off position. She had to park a good block away from the Zen Gardens building, and West End wasn?t an area she was terribly familiar or comfortable with. That didn?t stop her from locking the truck and hurrying toward the building, though.

With her hood pulled up, a scarf, gloves, and the overlarge tote bag that served as her purse, it took a few minutes to unwind herself after she made it into the actual building. Then she was able to look around ? the ground floor held a Yoga and Dance Studio, a caf? that smelled wonderfully of curry and other spices, an empty store and gallery space, and there was the Realtor?s office. Lola spent a few minutes trying to peer in at the empty store space through the window before she gave up and turned to enter the Realtor?s office.

?Uhm ? hello?? She had her hands wrapped around the straps of her purse while she called it out into the apparently empty office. ?Is anybody here??

Dusky Beaumont · Date: 2011-02-13 18:36 EST

Dusky turned startled eyes toward the lush woman who called from the doorway. She'd just managed to get through the door and was staring in consternation at the pile of mail upon Fiora's desk, dutifully delivered despite the crazy week.

Thankful for the interruption she smiled with the southern belle sweetness of mint julip tea, "Hello, how may I help you?"

Sliding seamlessly into the role of the hostess she waved the potential client indoors with a gentle artless air. "Can I get you something to drink?"

Lola Granger · Date: 2011-02-15 03:15 EST

Lola's smile turned up brilliant when the woman made her appearance - she'd been just about to leave to try again another day! The welcoming gesture and familiar inquiry were reassuring. "Oh - oh, no, thank you. I was just - well, I'd talked to Fiora a while ago, about a shop and gallery space for my brother and I. And then I never made it in to follow up before, but now we really want to set up a place where we can sell our work that's not out of our homes or on consignment in someone else's shop. And there's that store just out there, and it's already set up for gallery space too, and - well, I was hoping to talk about renting that?"

The tumble of information was very probably overwhelming, but then, Lola was quite prepared to give a better organized summary if she needed to. If it happened, the woman wouldn't be the first to get caught off-guard by the way Lola spilled out words like a ball of yarn unrolling, after all!

Dusky Beaumont · Date: 2011-02-16 14:48 EST

She'd worked with Fiora for a year now and was more than capable of picking up a snarled spill of colorful yarn and deciphering the tangle.

It took her a moment but more due to her own fears that she was going to get this wrong. Though none of this showed on her serenely Southern smile of welcome as she carefully attempted to take notes in a PDA that was refusing to cooperate. Unruffled, she simply switched to pen and pad.

A soft sound of agreement slipped like honey from her throat, "Mmm. Yes, I do believe the shop is empty and indeed looking for just such a tenant."

Despite Fiora's seemingly reckless personality she was ruthlessly organized and Dusky found a binder with little problem. The numbers discreetly listed in a stylized font alongside pictures and selling points. "Here you are. And let me get you something to drink while you make an initial decision?" Gracious charm, "And then we can tour the place if you would so enjoy?"

Lucky Clover · Date: 2011-04-10 04:05 EST

Following the Zen Garden Rooftop Party and the meeting of Taya who enthusiastically recommended Fiora's services--along with the possibility of taking up residence in the Zen Garden building itself--that Clover would find her way back to the building to see about meeting Fiora or making an appointment.

Entering the realtor's office with an optimistic smile and bounce in her step.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-04-11 17:26 EST

She was miserably disappointed that she'd missed the Hanami party. All dolled up, ready to go, the pain in her shoulder had been incessant and she finally took half of a pain pill. Lightweight didn't begin to describe her and she'd passed out, heels still on her feet, as the party had taken place overhead.

Sunk in a glorious pout she'd left the spectacular yellow dress on when she went downstairs to open up the office that morning. Hell might as well get some wear out of it, so it was an odd sunshiney-gloom cloud that met the arrival of the redhead...

...though a prospective client always drew a dimpled grin and the storm clouds in her cerulean eyes lightened considerably as she chirped, "Good morning! Welcome to Shantalaine Realty where I make your housing dreams a Reality!"

It felt so delightfully good to be back at work that she decided a hug was in order, "What can I do for ye?"

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-04-14 15:30 EST

The meeting with Clover had gone exceptionally well and Fiora was in a celebratory mood when she bounced back through her door that evening. Another neighbor and one with a sense of a humor! She was stoked! For the first time in awhile the Zen Gardens were full, No Vacancies, the wash of success was high.

And that's when she noticed the advertisement about Luks Condos. What a great selling point! Stoked she made plans to visit first thing in the morning to see how the Helston artwork was coming along.

Her imposed recuperation time was coming to an end and she looked forward to Monday with the eagerness usually reserved for a holiday. The Plaza was her destination.

It was time to get back to work.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-04-15 15:44 EST

Upon returning to the Plaza she took care of business:

She didn't hear the elevator as she was just finishing up a phone call, leaving a message for Lola Granger regarding her interest in a residential property: "Hi, Miss Granger? This is a Fiora Shantalaine with Shantalaine Realty and I was just callin to make sure ye'd found the place of yer dreams cuz that's what I do, make people's dreams come true, not in the hot wet kinda way but in the findin a place to live and maybe do the hot wet kinda thing in, wait. I don'tthink I meant to say that, okaywhat I am tryin to say is that if ye still need help findin a place I'm yer girl! For the findin not the other. Right. Yea. Umm Bye."

Piper Granger · Date: 2011-05-19 08:30 EST

The longer she stayed in Rhy'Din, the more Piper felt the need to have her own space. Space that wasn't a room over a pub where she had ended up in the middle of what appeared to be a fight between old enemies. She'd decided that she was too easy to find at the Red Dragon, and besides that, she missed her dog. If she got a place of her own, Loki could come and stay with her sooner rather than later.

Having heard great things about this realtor, she made her way to the Zen Building, unable to keep from smiling at the sight of small children making their way into a ballet class as she arrived. She could remember doing that when she was a little girl, though the lessons really hadn't stuck in her case. But the notices on the board outside the dance studio did catch her eye for a long moment - particularly the offered yoga classes.

Dragging herself away before someone decided to ask her what she was doing lingering in the middle of the hallway, she turned and made her way across to the offices of Ms Fiora Shantalaine. A moment was spent pushing aside her now habitual paranoia about the slowly growing evidence of motherhood at her waistline, and she raised her hand, knocking politely on the door.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-05-19 10:51 EST

"And that's when I was like, Oh Yes YOU DID NOT!" Fiora giggled as she stalked Mr. Cheung through the corridor. He was muttering something about evil spirits and every now and again exclaimed, "I'm Not Listening."

His disavowal didn't seem to disturb Fiora's rendition of her day's events as she chased after the disinterested superintendent.

As he entered the little storage closet he slammed the door behind him, leaving the completely nonplussed realtor standing outside the barrier. Not put off in the slightest, she leaned against the door and lifted her voice to penetrate, "I MEAN CAN YE BELIEVE THAT?! IT WAS LIKE FAERIES GONE WILD! I COULDN'T BEGIN TO IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD'VE BEEN LIKE IF THEY ACTUALLY HAD COCONUTS!"

As she tossed a russet strand of mismanaged curls to the side she noticed the glowingly attractive woman standing outside the Realty's office. "OH HEY! I GOTTA RUN! WORK'S CALLIN! BUT THANKS FOR BEIN SUCH A GOOD LISTENER, YER LIKE SUPER KINDS OF HOT! LIKE RAGIN CAJUN HAWT!"

She spun away from the trapped man and hurried toward Piper, a wide smile revealing her welcome as she sang out, "Welcome to Shantalaine Realty! Can I help ye find a place?"

Piper Granger · Date: 2011-05-19 19:04 EST

Anyone who missed the approach of the merry little realtor would have to be deaf as well as blind. Piper couldn't help staring at the woman shouting through the door at her companion, wondering what on earth was going on here. It was quite a surprise to then find herself the subject of that tidal wave of overwhelming enthusiasm, as the woman came toward her.

"Uh ..." Pulling herself together, Piper stopped gaping and managed to smile.

"Well, I hope so," she laughed softly. "I'm looking for somewhere to rent on a short lease. Preferably fully furnished, open to pets, and with neighbours who won't mind a large dog barking every now and then."

Back home, that would have been a tall order. Here, though ... well, she could only hope Ms Shantalaine's reputation was not exaggerated.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-05-20 17:36 EST

"A short lease hmm?" A closer inspection with the sweep of cerulean eyes, "In a respectable part of town, probably not a Westie, eh? And let's keep ye away from Dockside."

She moved into the cheery little office, the sublet away from the Plaza, and motioned to a comfy chair, "And ye say dog, eh? Lycan, hellhound, or otherwise supernaturally different? Cuz neighbors aren't big fans of the invisible ones or the eat-yer-young kind, not sayin I can't do it if it is!" Fiora reassured with a grin.

Piper Granger · Date: 2011-05-20 18:58 EST

She laughed at that, shaking her head. "Oh, no, just a standard Malamute," Piper assured the merry little realtor. "He's well behaved most of the time, but we haven't seen each other for a while, so he's going to be a bit rowdy for a week or two."

Her head tilted as she realised Fiora was talking about areas of the town, grateful that she did not look like someone who should live in a rough place.

"I hope to only be living there at the most four months, and I wouldn't want to default on a lease or tie up a property that someone else could be using," she explained quietly. "It doesn't have to be a big place. Just room enough for me and Loki."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-05-24 09:49 EST

The best part about living in RhyDin had to be the properties. The rules and regulations around abandonment were sometimes a bit murky but so far Fiora had been very very careful not to take on a piece of realty that probably had someone stepping back through the Nexus to proclaim their rightful ownership.

With that said, the binder full of Apartments was slid around towards her.

"Well there's the end of the spectrums: Kesey Apartment Complex and Luks Condos and then we got a lotta stand alones in between. There's usually the Gardens to consider as well, but we're operating at capacity." Cerulean eyes dipped over the rather prominent baby bump, "Ye think about where ye're wantin to have the baby? Riverview has some nice apartments near it."

"Ye know what, let's take a look at some of the smaller housing projects."

Another binder was delivered upon the desk, this one simply read Houses. "One of m'favorites I ever sold was for a private investigator friend of mine. Gorgeous layout that one."

Piper Granger · Date: 2011-05-24 15:25 EST

Quietly embarrassed by the gentle reference to her 'delicate condition', Piper blushed a little as she peered over Fiora's shoulder at the binders the realtor brought to bear.

"Well, I'm ... I should be getting married before the baby's born," she explained softly. "And, well, he already has a place, so we'll be living there. I think ... hope. We haven't really spoken about it."

Awkward wasn't really the word for how she was expressing herself right now, and she knew it. A thought occurred to her, one that made her rethink her approach toward renting.

"Actually, I might want to buy the property," she admitted, her eyes flickering over the smaller houses in front of her thoughtfully. "My parents would never stay at the Red Dragon willingly, and there'd be no room for them at Ollie's ... Oh, how lovely."

Her gaze had lit upon a house that seemed taken straight from the Mediterrean old towns of home, small but beautiful. It might require a little work, but it would suit her own to the ground. Her fingers gently touched the photograph.

"Is this one for sale, do you know?"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2633905084_2aeed372fb.jpg

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-05-27 10:54 EST

The problem with having too vivid of an imagination is that you can put yourself in nearly any situation without too much work. Fiora spun in the center of the living room of her newest piece of realty. It was stunning and the way the sunlight spilled through the windows and the breeze pushed its way in the open doors, only added to its allure. She was impressed with Piper's ability to pick out a place so perfect.

"Aye, she'll do just fine here. Pity she only wants it for a short time." She was talking to herself. An occupational habit really.

Fiora could picture a happy little family living in the quaint cottage and smiled at the thought.

"It'll be perfect."

A final spin drew her cerulean eyes to the patiently awaiting Sevier Bane. His cool, dark eyes were mysteriously deep as he smoothly agreed, "Yes. Perfect."

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-05-30 10:23 EST

The house was a gorgeous affair and Fiora was quivering with excitement as she moved up the steps. This one would certainly make a very happy home for the right person.

The last owner had been insanely quick to let it go and for dirt cheap and this kind of behavior would've made Fiora suspicious but many people made snap decisions like his here in Rhy'Din.

The key turned in the lock and the spritely realtor poked her head inside. The wide open foyer was a delight and she practically cooed but ended up choking on a sneezing cough at the smell.

What was that smell? She'd definitely caught that scent before. She was certain of it. She paused with one step past the door frame, the sun light billowing in from behind her.

A tilt of her head sent a russet strand of misbehaving hair to spill over her shoulder as she listened. Did she hear something?

A rustling noise for certain.

She took another hesitant step inside. The square of sunlight spilled in around her, emblazoning the rich hue of highlights found within the multi-shades of brown and red in her hair.

Narrowing cerulean eyes to peer into the gloom she wished she'd thought to bring along a partner. Or one of those lights trapped in a can things.

The charm bracelet gifted to her by Aurelia suddenly slid free from her small wrist and with a startled sound Fiora crouched down to retrieve it. The rush of air across the top of her head had her glancing upward as she swept her fingers around her fallen baubles.

And a scream choked off in her throat. There, perched above the doorway like a scuttling spider was the hissing fanged face of some creature. His clawed hand reached for her again but jerked back as it encountered the light she crouched within.

Falling back on her rump, Fiora scooted backwards on a furious kick of heeled feet. Rolling out the door she landed unceremoniously upon the charming little porch front. "Watch it ye ugly faced troll turd!" She blustered over the thundering beat of her heart.

Pushing herself up she dusted herself off and yelled back inside the door, "This is an eviction notice, Fang Face! Ye get yerself off my property tonight or I'll be back in the mornin with a friend who don't take kindly to yer.. uhh.. kind! So there!"

Snatching up her purse she stalked down the stairs, swiping a hand through her hair, "Damn Squatters." Muttered beneath her breath.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-06-07 10:15 EST

She giggled to herself as she pictured the uptight Rufus screaming as Lei swooped in for the rescue.

She was going to have to start thinking of some office pranks she could play just so she'd have the privilege of hearing it herself. But, for now, the house was clean of any issues thanks to Lei's delightful help. She'd have to remember to have Paige cut a cheque to pay for services rendered.

A turn around the foyer brought a dimpled grin. Yes, this place was definitely going to be perfect for somebody and she was delighted to be able to put it on the properties offered.

Stepping out onto the porch she used one of the special keys she'd had made only to pause and quickly jerk her gaze toward the street corner. Had something been there? Someone had been there watching her? Frowning now, Fiora turned the key in the door and started toward that direction with some ferocity to her step. She'd just about had enough of this and...a twinge in her shoulder accompanied the tightening clutch of fear.

Maybe she'd wait to check this out with a little help first...one small hand instinctively rubbing at the phantom pain in her shoulder.

As she headed back toward the office in the Gardens, Fiora kept a careful look out but didn't see anything else suspicious.

By the time she passed Harry and Sally she was already making fun of herself for being skittish.

She settled into her office seat with a wave to Mr. Cheung and focused on business. Not for the first time she wondered if it might be time to set someone up in this office location with regular hours.

Toby Aradam · Date: 2011-06-09 13:45 EST

"This is it," he said to his small friend. His eyes flicked between the door to the office and the small business card in his hand. He was thankful he hadn't quite forgotten how to get there, yet. There were only a few times that he had even had to go to the Zen Gardens complex that he could remember.

He pocketed the card and reached for the door handle, drew it open with a smooth pull. His other hand waved May ahead of him into the cool building. It was a good idea that she wanted to come here in the morning..they had a better chance of catching Fiora in a place that actually had her name on it when it was open. He hadn't exactly seen her get away from the fountain, he was running on assumptions..and he really hoped, for May's sake, that he wasn't wrong.

He rose his voice to subtly carry. "Hello..?" He followed May inside, his eyes panning around the office interior as he let the door gently close behind him.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-06-12 13:55 EST

"Oh aye?" Fiora blinked up in startled wonder at the sight of the other gentleman from the night of the fountain attack.

Her mind started spinning, if getting attacked in the marketplace brought in more clients....

...distracted from that line of thinking for now she dimpled at Toby and his companion, "Can I help ye?"

Elisa Clarke · Date: 2011-06-13 23:42 EST

The smaller of the two offered a glance up to Toby, being ushered in with some unspoken haste. It took effort for the girl not to stumble and fall right there on the spot. It was a habit, it was a trend. It was part of her need to embarrass herself at every turn.

Fortunately, she had some sense of luck with her today.

Her glances continued to Toby in between inspecting the area they entered, Fiora's response straightening her gaze, green eyes swelling. "Miss Fiora, you are well!"

She wasn't dumbstruck by this revelation in the slightest. She was relieved and thankful her lackluster performance didn't cause any additional problems for them all. Another glance lifted to Toby, her smile coupled with her relief. "I had to see for myself that you were w-well?"

Forefingers smushed together, head lowering, "A-Ah? th-that, and I w-was wondering? y-you deal with realty, yes?" She hoped that was the correct word. Her English had a tendency to fail her in trying moments. "?Toby and I," head tilting his direction, "was hoping you could help us f-find something for us a-and? eight others."

The burn of carmine in her cheeks was apparent, creamy complexion incapable of hiding such a fussy color.

Toby Aradam · Date: 2011-06-14 03:08 EST

He couldn't help but smile as he listened to his smaller friend, letting her do the talking. It had been entirely her idea to come here and check on Fiora in the first place..but he was glad to see that nothing really bad had happened to her either.

"Toby and I..was hoping you could help us f-find something for us a-and..eight others."

"Wh--wait, I was? We are?" His eyes were a little wide as he looked down at May, searching her red face. "A-ah.." He'd had the feeling that she hadn't really wanted to move into the manor. He touched his gut where he remembered her clinging to him the first time they both saw the massive dwelling.

His mismatched gaze swung around to Fiora. "I guess so.. Something that's not right on the river, either. Or..in sight of it. That can fit a lot of people," nodding.

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-06-15 12:57 EST

She had been thrilled with the meeting with Toby and May. They were fabulous people. Absolutely! No questions asked!

Speaking of questions asked, she probably shouldn't have asked May if she was expecting four sets of twins. They'd both kind of deflated from the shock of it all and their crimson reactions had made Fiora realize she'd been doing that thing again, Playing Hopscotch in her Mouth. Euriya was always telling her she should be careful where she put her foot. In this case, both of them.

The shock had quickly passed and they'd been delighted with her suggestion of the Old Temple District as affordable and a safer choice than WestEnd. The former hostel was going to be perfect for them, safely placed near the Watch House and offering both a huge kitchen, dining area and commons in addition to what would hopefully provide enough bedrooms for their crew. It was on the smaller side, a wayside hotel at one point in time on the way across the river into the main Marketplace, but she hoped they'd like it.

There was always the former convent if they didn't mind the kitschy addition of cells? Fiora giggled to herself as she put the binder back where it belonged and hoped they'd return happy with their initial selection.

She was pretty good at finding a perfect fit on the first try, if she did say so herself...

Edited to Add: THANK YOU FOR THE FABULOUS RP TOBY and MAYU, LOVES YOU BOTH!

Fiora Shantalaine · Date: 2011-08-13 16:20 EST

So rarely did she come to this office she was rather surprised to find it clean and in sparkling shape. Of course, she shouldn't be, after all the Gardens remained surprisingly immaculate no matter the provocation whether it be parties or ghostly exorcises.

It was with some sadness that she hung the sign upon the door.

"THIS LOCATION OF SHANTALAINE REALTY WILL BE CLOSING, SHOULD YOU HAVE REALTY NEEDS PLEASE COME AND SEE ME AT THE PLAZA DE TROYES!

Thank you - Fiora Shantalaine"

As nice as it had been to be able to come downstairs from her loft and run the business near to home, she'd been spending entirely too much time in the Plaza and this location was frequently closed.

Her heart lifted a little as she realized this simply meant that this space could now be rented....Oh yes! Rented!

Cerulean eyes sparkled in delight as she remembered the delightful Athalie and her flower shop. Hmm! The possibilities really were endless in RhyDin.

Giddy instead of grieving, she spun about to confront a surprised Mr. Cheung, "Flowers! Can you believe it?"

He narrowed his eyes upon her and shook his head muttering in his language.

"I know!" She dimpled as she danced toward him for a hug. A hug he sidestepped and bustled behind the counter.

"Have a great day!" She sang as she left him to contemplate the meaning of her sign.

Topic: The Original Realty Office at Zen Gardens - CLOSED

Fiora Shantalaine

Aukai

Marilyn

Fiora Shantalaine

Aukai

Fiora Shantalaine

Marilyn

Melisande Clarikara

Mataya

Fiora Shantalaine

Melisande Clarikara

Marilyn

Mataya

Mindy McKnight

Riley ORourke

Melisande Clarikara

Mataya

Lions Sonnet

Fiora Shantalaine

Yejix Zabiru

Fiora Shantalaine

Kuro Inzen

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Yejix Zabiru

Aukai

Lions Sonnet

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Max Yako

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Max Yako

Riley ORourke

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Riley ORourke

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Aislyn Jordan Lambros

Fiora Shantalaine

Aislyn Jordan Lambros

Fiora Shantalaine

Riley ORourke

David Lo

Fiora Shantalaine

David Lo

Fiora Shantalaine

David Lo

Fiora Shantalaine

David Lo

Fiora Shantalaine

David Lo

Fiora Shantalaine

Jin

Fiora Shantalaine

Jin

Fiora Shantalaine

Jin

Fiora Shantalaine

Jin

Fiora Shantalaine

Jin

Fiora Shantalaine

Fiora Shantalaine

Fiora Shantalaine

Ryder

Mataya

Fiora Shantalaine

Mataya

Ryder

Fiora Shantalaine

Mataya

Ryder

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Mataya

Fiora Shantalaine

Riley ORourke

Fiora Shantalaine

Riley ORourke

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Riley ORourke

Fiora Shantalaine

Sevier Bane