Fantasy World Creations

[spoiler]Ian Delrain arrives at the estate around midday and, having no other options, applies for a job. He may need to be shown around :3 Any of the residents or employees may join in[/spoiler]
The sun is high above the estate, drenching the land in a comfortable warmth. A stranger, with short blonde hair, a ragged goatee, and worn clothes staggers toward the gate. He holds his forehead, directly above his right eye, with with one hand.
" Great... In strange territory with a head injury." He mutters to himself.
Looking around, he spots an old, battered, slightly open guitar case under a bush and sighs,
" At least she left this.", then slides his hand down to lift it up. When he moves the case, a letter slips from its resting plce between the strings. He glances at it for a moment before slipping it back in and continuing on his way, guitar- and letter- in tow.
"About time I started fresh anyway."
He approaches the bars of the gate and stares at the manse in awe. A sly smirk spreads across his handsome visage.

The sun was warm as Rina strolled back home. She was coming back from picking up a few groceries for her mother. As always Rina was happy to help. She had been given some extra money too, so she figured she'd go buy Sophie something as well. She carried four bags with her, two on each hand; each filled with a variety of goods: tomatoes from the local grocery, bread from the bakery, just to name a few. Her arms were tired, but she didn't mind, the sun was out and though Rina did prefer cool winds, shade, and even cloudy skies, there was something about the sun being out that she felt everyone had to share in. She was relaxed, calm, and sure of herself, that is of course, until she saw him.

Tall, scraggly hair, and clothes to match, the first thoughts in Rina's mind wasn't very complimentary.

What's this dirty person doing here? Is he a beggar? A con artist? A solictor? A burglar? Her eyes grew alarmed at her last thoughts. What's a burglar doing here? What does he want? He should just stay there! No. He should leave! He should not get any closer. No no no. Get away! Though her thoughts screamed and panicked, Rina showed an outward cool, nothing betraying the thoughts in her head.

He's coming closer! What should I do? You can do it Rina. Think. Think! I know! I'll mash these groceries in his face then run for it! Yet even as the man neared her, Rina did not move. Finally, when the man stood right in front of her, Rina attempted to 'swing' her groceries at him. Of course, knowing Rina, instead it looked like she was handing him the bags.

"I... tried." She said softly, almost inaudible, to no one in particular.

The unknown stranger eyes her quizzically. He had never seen someone act so...odd. He gently takes hold of the bag,
"If you needed help, all you had to do was ask." Then his tired, icy blue gaze turns to the mansion again. His thoughts take over his mind. . Am I THAT disheveled that I scare a young girl? Or did she mistake me...for a hobo. Hrm. Wouldn't be the first time that's happened.
With his guitar case in one hand and the girl's groceries in the other, he patiently waits for her response to interrupt his thoughts.

As the groceries left Rina's hand, she stood there frozen, shocked, and unmoving. As always her face and visage remained impassive, but already her thoughts came in full.

I knew it! A burglar! He's stealing them! She wanted to grab them back and keep them safe, but she found her hands wouldn't move. And he's getting away with it! In that moment she wanted someone she knew to be there to support her. Or perhaps even help her take back the stolen goods. She of course, had no idea how to handle a burglar.

Within moments, and seemingly uncalled for, her eyes started watering.

The "grocery thief" turns back to see her teary-eyed. Did I do something? Maybe a tomato fell on her toe...? He glances down, then back up with a very confused look. ...Nope.
"Hey umm.." He musters his voice, "Is everything alright?"

[spoiler]Ian is quiet most of the time o.o hence short posts. Plus I'm typing on my phone[/spoiler]

Though asking someone if everything is alright is usually taken as something supportive, to Rina the question only made her eyes get even more teary. It was as if the very words frightened her. In fact, that statement was as close to the mark as it can get. Rina never acted well around strangers, she would always tend to sink into the background as either Sophie or Diana spoke for her. Being the quiet and shy girl that she showed herself to be, strangers made her uncomfortable. Especially burglar strangers.

She spoke quietly, her eyes filling with water.

"... Mom's... tomatoes..."

What on earth is wrong with her? Poor girl....Didn't mean to scare her.
"Her tomatoes are right here, lass, safe and sound." He raises the bag and nods slightly, trying his best to be a gentleman. Well, as much as a gentleman as he can be, the way she's scared of him.
"How about we  deliver them so you can stop...worrying?" Casually, he slides the grocery bag to the other arm- the same one as he's holding the guitar case.
Arm outstretched to take her hand, he smiles earnestly.

As she watched the man's hand reach towards her, Rina closed her eyes tight as if to deny the man's existence. Maybe... She thought. He'll just go away. Yet she knew he simply wouldn't vanish, and she knew she wouldn't miraculously find herself randomly strolling in the sunshine as she was not so long ago.

Yelling, or rather, squealing as it would have sounded, she drew back and started to run away from the burglar. She didn't get far however. Just moments after, she tripped and fell unceremoniously to the ground, dropping her remaining groceries in the process.

He rushes to the fallen lass, dropping his guitar case in the process. When it hits the grass it busts open. BWAHM! However, he ignores it. Step by step he makes his way closer to her. All the while his thoughts rage, Why did she run? Is she okay? Did I hurt her? Will she call the police??? I can't face another arrest! Stopping quickly when he reaches her, he slides to his knees. [spoiler]Homerun![/spoiler]
He speaks, his voice wavering slightly. "Are you...are you okay, lass?"

Sebastian, having finally looked over what it was Rina went to fetch, realized it may be a bit much for the girl to carry comfortably and was walking toward the gate to help her. Knowing her, she vas already having trouble vith the crowds...it's admirable zat she asked to do it zough, I give her credit for zat.

It took a moment for Sebastian to get past the shock after seeing the girl run and trip, dropping the groceries. But as soon as he saw the man, run up to her and try to help her, he immediately understood. Poor Rina...and poor man for having no clue vat's going on.

"Could somevone explain to me vat has happened?" Sebastian states as he walks up and kneels beside Rina, helping her up. "There, there, it's alright." He looks over at the man, and sees why Rina had such a reaction. Now it makes sense...Rina really needs to stop judging by appearance...zough I do not completely blame her. Sebastian also notes the mans personal belongings strewn across the ground.

"Seeing as you dropped all your tings to help her, I know it vas all a misunderstanding. I am Sebastian, a butler for ze Jameson family. Vat is your business here, Mr...?"

As the burglar talked to her, she closed her eyes tight.

What should I do? Should I respond back? But as she finally decided to respond, Sebastion had come, interrupting her thoughts, and stealing her opportunity to respond back to the burglar. Instead she let the butler help her up, and quickly hid behind her fellow Jameson staff, and peered out cautiously towards the stranger. Her eyes looked to the groceries that were still on the ground. She wanted oh so dearly to pick them back up.

[spoiler]Mom took phone for no reason D:[/spoiler]

"Jennings. Just...Jennings." The stranger said, casting his gaze away from the butler. "I'm simply on my way looking for employment...Saw this girl and looked like she needed help..I swear, I don't know why she got so startled." He rises to his feet and collects his belongings as casually as he can in this situation. "Seeing how my trying to help caused this mess, I probably shouldn't 'help' any more."

"Quite ze contrary, Mr. Jennings. Zis lady's life has brought her up to be incredibly shy. Expressing herself has never come easy, I'm afraid." Sebastian puts his hand back on Rina's shoulder in reassurance as he steps forward a couple steps. "I doubt eizer of you vere able to explain yourselves to each ozer in such a situation." He looks back to Rina, then sees her gaze looking elsewhere. Following her eyes, he sees the spilled groceries, causing him to smile a little. Of course.

Sebastian whispers to her, "Rina, you're free to go pick zem up. He vas never going to hurt you. And if he vere to try now, as much as I doubt he vould, I'd stop him." He smiles back to her, nodding in the direction of the groceries.

Sebastian then turns his attention back to Mr. Jennings. "Now, vat position vere you aiming to be hired for, sir?"

Jennings laughs almost nervously, running a hand through his blonde hair, purely out of habit, before he speaks. "Anything. I'm not in any position to be picky." He then gets closer to the butler and speaks softly. "The girl...Will she be alright? I didn't mean to upset her at all, and I want to make things right. She reminds me of someone dear..."

"Yes, yes, she'll be fine. Truly a kind soul, but easily shaken, poor ting." Sebastian replies. "As for making it up to her, just do little, indirect tings. She's bad vith forceful people, taking ze attitude as aggression. Don't let it bother you too much, a similar ting happened to me ven ve first met."

If Sebastion thinks he's okay... Well, okay. He might not be what I thought... Maybe. I think? Possibly... Peering out from behind Sebastion, she considered what to do next. You can do this Rina! You can! Just take a step. Yes that's it... No don't go back! After what seemed like a few long seconds, the maid eventually gathered up enough courage to make her way out into the open. You did it! Now look at him in the eyes... But as Rina stepped out she found that her eyes drifted to the stranger's feet blushing all the while. To her credit, she at least managed a small curtsy.

Sebastian smiles. Zat's it Rina...you're getting zere. He pats her on the shoulder a couple times in both support and a sort of congratulations.

Then he speaks aloud to everyone. "Vell, vonce ve pick up our tings, shall ve head back to ze estate to get tings settled?"

'Jennings' bows his head respectfully, avoiding eye contact while he thinks, (This man is inviting a total stranger into that manse...Either too much of a gentleman or a complete idiot.
He then lifts his head and speaks calmly, "Thank you for the offer...and Lass," His eyes shift to Rina. "It's my pleasure to meet you."
His guitar case is held in one hand, slung over his shoulder, and he's ready to go.

Her face becoming a clearer hue of red, Rina shifts uncomfortably under the man's gaze her blush accentuating her eyes. She moves her eyes to the side looking at nothing in particular, though she held her ground instead of hiding behind Sebastion again.

It's a pleasure to meet you too! My name's Rina. Rina wanted to say, but of course, and as what was expected, her words came out quite differently.

"...Pleasure... my... Rina..." Though to her it sounded like what she said mirrored her own thoughts exactly, it didn't take her too long to realize what she had actually said out loud. Needless to say, not a moment later, she buried her face into her hands; blushing furiously at her apparent blunder.

(Don't think I've ever seen a single person get so red... "Well Rina...If things work out, we may be co-workers. I hope you don't mind." 'Jennings speaks comfortably in his attempt to lure her out from her shell.

The blushing maid would have looked curiously at the stranger save that she was too busy trying to compose herself.

While this entire situation continues on, Sebastian is analyzing the man. He sees that behind the man's gaze there is a sharpness, a very familiar one. Zis man has been through a tough life...as much as I vish to sympatize vith him, I must be careful...his introduction vas lacking, and the name too plain, so I may as vell assume ze name false until he decides to share his past...vell, for now, I'll take him to Jared. Zat man may as vell be ze estate's detective vith his attention to detail.

"Alright zen, ve have much to discuss, let's grab ze dropped groceries." Sebastian makes sure to keep an eye on the both of them; Rina for her nervousness and klutziness, and Jennings out of suspicion and for Rina's safety.

After setting his guitar case down, with it's broken latches from being dropped so often, Jennings helps to round up any stray tomatoes rolling around the ground. He makes it a point to keep his back to the butler, as if trying to hide his identity even further. "If it's not entirely private matters, we may save time by speaking out here as we gather the goods." He says, playing innocent. Feels like his eyes are digging into my soul...Creeepy.

A few seconds passed as Rina watched Jennings pick up the tomatoes. Her blushing had calmed down considerably as Jennings' attention was focused more on Sebastion, so Rina let herself feel more at ease. Well, at least she tried. She kept remembering what the stranger had said just moments ago.

Well Rina... If things work out, we may be co-workers. I hope you don't mind. Rina repeated in her head, trying to match Jennings' voice in her imagination. Co-worker? It wasn't that long since the family hired the doctor. Were the Jamesons planning to hire more? How many are they hiring? And why now? Her mind deep into thinking, she didn't realize that she had automatically started picking up the fallen tomatoes and placing them into her bag. Her habit as a maid getting the best of her. She blinked a couple of times when she realized there were no more groceries on the path. Looking up she saw again Jennings' face. And of course...

She blushed.

Rina's blushing face catches his eyes and he smirks, then rises to his feet and offers her a hand. "You should leave the crawling around on the ground to ragged people who are used to it, like me. Haha.."

The girl looked down, trying to avoid eye contact. I didn't mean to call you ragged... I couldn't help it... She thought as she sat on her knees. Staring at the hand that Jennings offered to her, she didn't know what to do or how to respond. In the end, she just stared.

Jennings lets his arm drop back to his side. "If you won't let me be a gentleman like that, at least let me carry the bags?" He says to her, trying his very hardest to gain approval of both the butler and the lass.

She instantly felt regret and guilt as Jennings withdrew his hand. Though, as always, her face did not show it.

Rina! Try to be more friendly! She paused as she started to pull herself back up and stand beside Sebastion. I need to remember to be more assertive! Like what Diana told me. Assertive. With that in mind she pulled herself together and attempted to smile. At least to her, she thought she smiled, but for those who were watching her, all they saw was her seemingly indifferent and still unsmiling visage. She at least did hesitantly start to her bags forward.

Taking the bags, he's thoughtful. Taking the bags... She thought. A moment later her eyes widened again as she withdrew the bags again closer to her. A thought crossing her mind.

He was so trying to steal it! I knew it! With that in mind, Rina went back to hiding behind Sebastion, clutching the bags as she peered suspiciously at Jennings.

He scratches his head, quizically, trying to figure the young girl out. Just how indecisive is she? Can't have had good experiences with people to be this quirky...Ah! I know. If I get hired here, I'll leave a flower for her every day. If THAT doesn't say "I'm not a vagrant bandit that wants to steal every single thing you own," I dunno what...Hrm. I would hope I'm not at the point of robbing lasses of their (sarcasm) beloved groceries. He ponders. After a slight silence, he speaks, "So...I guess we go, then?"

Sebastian watches the exchange, and  knowing Rina well enough by now to read her reaction, can't help but chuckle, "Yes, yes, zis vay, you two." Sebastian beckons them to follow, still chuckling. I do hope he gets hired. I feel like he'll bring some life to ze estate staff. He muses. Sure he's guarding himself a bit much, but I was no different ven I ended up here.

While walking, a thought that was both entertaining and disappointing occurred to him. Vell, his personality still von't rub off on zat cold, old Jared, zough. He unconsciously sighs after mulling this over, continuing along the path.

Mr. Stranger Danger falls in line behind Sebastian, making sure to keep a decent distance back.
Ian Delrain, the infamous bandit butler guitarist...Maybe the police will die from laughter and I can escape. He laughs faintly at his own amusing thoughts, but keeps his eyes focused on what lies ahead- a butler, a shy lass, and any thieve's greatest dream.

Rina was usually one to walk at the back whenever she was with a group, but this time around she chose to keep up with Sebastion with equal time in front of the group and beside the butler. She kept stealing a glance back towards Jennings, wondering all the while if he was a burglar or not.

Sebastian slowly eased, realizing that anyone who wished ill of the estate would have to go through a few "monsters" of the mansion. Vonce he meets some of ze staff, I feel I'll no longer need to vorry about his actions. So in ze mean time, I'll try to give ze man a new life like he seems to be trying for.

Finally, Sebastian comes up to the gate, with Ben sitting there in the booth. He hails the gatekeeper politely by raising his hand in greeting. He speaks back behind him, aiming it at Jennings. "Vell, here ve are."

Jennings eyes around, his instincts kicking in to find various vantage points and points of entry or exit. He nods slowly, after catching a few glimpses of the surroundings. Yeah, I can work with this. All else fails, I can get some loot and keep running.

"Fancy grounds you have here...I'll guess people with a place like this don't hire just anyone." He then looks at Rina before diverting his gaze back to the manse. Maybe I should try to play it straight this time.

Trailing the butler and keeping an eye out on Jennings, Rina followed suit. She was peering at Jennings intensely, and she fancied herself as a spy or even as a stalker of some sort. She smiled inwardly when she likened herself to a stalker. Though she was still hesitant of the man, she found herself relaxing more as they neared the gatehouse and as Ben waved at them.

A stalker! Fear me. She thought as she darted back and forth on either side of Sebastion, always glancing back suspiciously at Jennings.

---

"How you'z doing Sebastion and Rina." Ben said as the group neared. Rina, already accustomed to their long-time gate keeper smiled. In her quiet voice she spoke.

"...Stalking..." Ben raised an eyebrow though he chose not to ask or question. He looked towards the newcomer, Jennings, but he pushed a button, and soon enough the gates opened.

[spoiler]BTW, NPCs are all free for all, if you need to use them for anything.[/spoiler]

Sebastian nods, trying not to laugh at Rina's response, not even sure how to take it. "Just taking care of business, Ben." He made a quick sign with his eyes to Ben to stay wary, then continued on, seeing him get the message.

"So tell me, Mr. Jennings. Vat sort of skills are you bringing to ze Jameson Estate. Vat kind of vork do you do?"

Jennings smirks and joins Rina in the childish game of 'darts'. He is quick on his feet when he needs- or wants- to be, and moves almost like an entirely different person. But when Sebastian asks the questions, he stops dead in his tracks before piping up with his response. "Charm, playfulness, and good music? As for work... I'm in the odd jobs business. Or, used to be. Recent events changed that."

Sebastian turns his head, making his first true criticism, "As much as I vish to protest it at times, ve are not looking for bards, Mr. Jennings. I'll hear of your vork in detail later." If you truly vant to turn your life around, you'll need to say at least zat much...I'm the easiest to convince here, as a turn-around myself, so it won't be any easier from here on. Show more desperation; I know you feel it somevere inside yourself...And please, forgive my pressure, it is for ze safety of my family.

"Vy come here for work vith such capabilities? You must know our reputation, and zus ze caliber of ze staff ve are looking for."

Jennings narrows his eyes and replies honestly for possibly the first time. "I'm a sniper. And before you get all worried, my ex stole my rifle." Tch...First it's "I'm a sniper" then it's "I'm Ian Delrain. Yeah. The guy with a bounty on his head. You heard of me?" Hahahaaa...Oh, I really need to be more careful. This guy sure knows how to talk someone down to submission, I give him that..

Then he continues, after gathering his thoughts. "I wasn't looking to wander to your doorstep. It just happened- Who am I to argue with the present in my position?"

Good, he can read situations vell. I'm on your side, just keep it up. Zough I feel getting ze full name von't be an easy task. If he vas honest about being a sniper, zen zere must be a decent reason for zat. "A marksman, huh? Zat is quite ze skill. Military experience, or other training?" Sebastian replies. He tries to keep it somewhat cordial so he doesn't scare Rina.

The maid had listened to the conversation with passing interest. She never truly did like guns and she already knew that Sebastion had once served in the military so the news wasn't as surprising as it might've been. Though she did stare at the newcomer longer though, she wondered if he had guns on him.

Guns like Noelle! A thought occurred to her. I wonder if he's hiding any... With that she squinted her eyes again trying to imagine where the burglar might hide a gun.

"Started off as a military dog, but that was a long time ago. Once a sniper, always a sniper though. Just a shame I don't have my rifle anymore..." He trails off, reminiscing about his lost gun. "Pistols and such...? Heh. They're nothing compared to rifles. Used to be a real good shot, too. Threading the needle should've been my specialty."

Shut up Ian. Don't give away too much. He clutches his empty hand and eyes his guitar case, in the other.

Sebastian raises his eyebrows, "Vell, if you have any of ze discipline from service remaining as habit, it vill make things easier for you here. I vasn't much different from you ven I first came here." He laughs, reminiscing. "I may have to see zose skills of yours in time."

"However, I regret to inform you zat rifles vould not be aloud in ze estate, if you are to vork here in any position."

He furrows his brows slightly and answers, "Don't have to worry about that. I don't have my rifle any more. Only things to my name are my clothes and guitar." Looking Sebastian directly in the eyes he then remarks, "But we're not very alike, either. Trust me on that."

Jennings moves the guitar case to his other hand, but in doing so it breaks open because of the faulty clasps. The guitar- and the letter tucked within its strings- cascade to the ground in a chaotic crash.

The resounding crash jolted Rina from her meticulous spying. She had seen the the guitar case start falling, and likewise, she had closed her eyes tight and covered her ears as the instrument fell. She never really liked things crashing down, the sounds of them almost grating to her. For the most part (save for her thoughts in some occasions), Rina was a peaceful and helpful person, at least how she shows herself to be, and didn't like things that can cause chaos - falling instruments for example.

So it was at that moment that Rina decided to help the burglar.

Maybe if I help him out and not take his things, he'll understand that stealing is not the way. Rina thought as she entertained thoughts of being some sort of paragon for justice and all that was good in the world.

A maid of justice! With that in mind she bent forward to attempt to pick up the fallen items. Her thoughts were not fully within the moment however, day dreaming more about wearing a cape and fighting bad guys, and not a moment later the stalker-turned-Maid-of-Justice over-balanced and fell forward. When she recovered, she found a letter underneath her hand. She tried not to read, though the letter was short and she couldn't help but see the words as she picked the item up.

Jennings, who had appeared frozen in time when the guitar fell, slowly looked over to Rina- a look of horror, sorrow, and despair looming on his face. Good job Rylla...You led me to another nasty situation. Ah...Covers almost blown. Unless~ I find every wanted poster around town and tear them down! .... No. Think reasonably. You're doomed and you know it.

Thread the needle, huh?... Well, looks like I caught it a little too close this time.

He exhales, realizing he had been forgetting to release his breathe- a sure sign of stress and nervousness.

The maid was confused at first. Though she reached her hands out to give the letter back to Jennings.

I'm not a burglar, so watch as I give you back this letter! But in that moment, something clicked in Rina's head. Ian? Who's Ian? And wouldn't a letter be addressed to the person it was for?

"...Ian?"

Her eyes widened once again. He is a burglar! Stealing from this Ian!

Ian sighs and closes his eyes, lowering his head. He completely ignores Rina's attempt to return the letter, and he doesn't move to pick up his guitar.

"...Yeah...That's me."

His voice is much more faint than usual.
Failure. Faaaaaaailure. Note to self: Keeping confidential letters for sentiment in the strings of a guitar in a broken case is a very bad idea.

'Ah, so zat's your real name. I vas wondering when ve'd find out. Zough I vasn't expecting like zis." He looks at the mess and sighs. "You know, if you tell us now, tings could still be repaired." Sebastian hints. As sorry as I feel for him, it's ze truth.

Ian sighs heavily before drawing his breath to speak, "I'm Ian Delrain. May have heard of me, or seen my face. I'm a good model for wanted posters...Haha...Been cutting it close with jobs recently, and...this girl I've been trying to protect- Rylla- was in danger. So I stepped in. Nearly got myself killed. Then she took my rifle and dragged me here. End of story."  He covers his eyes with one of his hands, stressed. "Understandable if you turn me in for the bounty. Won't hold anything personal against you."

Good job Ian....

Sebastian slowly begins to laugh, "And you said ve vere nothing alike...I bet you vouldn't believe that I stumbled onto the doorstep here a decade ago in a similar manner to zis. I knew zere vas someting familiar about you." Sebastian turns and looks Ian in the eyes, "So, vat vere you hoping to accomplish here after being stranded? As a former hired gun myself, I assume you had a plan in progress out of habit. It's survival after all."

Sebastian gives a side-long glance to Rina, giving a slight smile. I hope zis doesn't shock ze girl too much, I'm not sure if she knows my past vell or not. Please don't think I'm somevone else after zis, Rina.

"Well," Ian says, glancing to Rina. "I was originally planning to get some loot and get out, try to get back to my jobs. But...meeting Rina changed that. She reminds me of Rylla in a lot of ways."

He smirks and laughs. "I'm just a dog, after all."

Sebastian grins, looking at Rina, "Hear zat, Rina? Zat's two men you've helped turn zeir lives around." He turns back to Ian, "Vell, how determined are you to work here, Ian? And I mean living out an honest life again. I can vouch zat it is possible."

"I'll do what it takes to make sure Rina's safe, and by doing so..." He pauses, straining to say her name." Rylla...would be happy too, I think."

Finally he gathers his guitar and strums a few chords. He then plays a beautiful melody. [spoiler]I'll post a link later[/spoiler]

"Wrote that for her after we first got in a brawl. Heh...I loved her from the very start, but she had no idea."

The girl for one did not know how to react. She had been 'working' with the Jameson family ever since Diana and Desmond Jameson were born, though at the time she was simply a play-mate and the daughter of a chef and gardener working for the Jamesons. In all that time, she never realized that she would be able to help others save for her masters of course.

Friends... co-workers... but they're like family. Rina thought remembering an idea she had a few weeks ago when Doctor Reginald was first hired. It's natural to help! Her inner-self smiled widely.

"I'll do what it takes to make sure Rina's safe, and by doing so..."

Of course until she heard those words from the stranger, now called Ian. Which, not only would have left her speechless outwardly, but also stemmed the flow of thoughts in her head. All she managed to do was blush and look to the floor.

"Good." Sebastian states, "You'll need a strong determination like zat to get trough to some of ze staff here during hiring. Just tell ze truth and be sincere. If anything, ze Jameson's can do someting about the bounty after hiring, so don't let zat scare you. Zey did so for mine ven I vas hired." Sebastian somewhat looks in the distance, thinking for a moment, probably an=bout the past. "All ve look for are level-headed, capable and trustworthy individuals, and vith zis conversation, I feel I can trust you."

Ian laughs. "So they're in the habit of giving criminals a new walk on life? Been so long since I've felt...respected, I guess, enough to be given the benefit of the doubt."

He plays a few small notes on his guitar before clasping the strings, silencing the sound in the air. Then he replaces the battered guitar in its case and latches the locks.

"...Now, let's see if I can get to where we're going without it dropping out again. Haha..."

Sebastian smiles, chuckling a little, and leads the duo to the front door, then stops and says, "Be ready to convince zem of your determination, zough. Zey are certainly not as easy-going as I am." With that, he opens the door and leads him into the mansion.

Upon stepping foot into the glorious mansion, Ian's eyes drift from place to place.

"So who's the head honcho I have to talk to about a job?" He inquires, still examining the interior d?cor. "He uh...won't hold my appearance against me, will he?"

The head butler usually recommends people to hire... But it's master Jameson who has the final decision. Rina thought, she wanted to voice her thoughts but she ended up staying quiet, instead listening to the conversation between the two men.

"Vell, I vould say ve need to talk to Jared first, he's the head butler. After that, if tings go well, ze issue is brought up to master Jameson. Now it's just a question of finding Jared." He looks around for a moment, then turns to Rina. "Do you happen to know vhere he is today, Rina? It's slipped my mind."

Ian shifts around uneasily. I don't look that terrible, do I? Hrmm... He scratches the back of his head, still engrossed in thought.

Nah, I can't look THAT bad. Little worse for wear, but not like a hobo. Then, he feels his beard.

....Well...its not a bad case of hoboness. But I guess I am in worse condition than I thought.

Putting her finger up to her lips, Rina started trying to think. She had been asked to go shopping earlier that morning, her mom wanted to prepare something for tonight's dinner, and there was no rush so Rina took her time. She hadn't really put much thought on the others of the household, they just seemed to be where they were. At the very least it had never troubled the maid before. She thought long and deliberately, and finally she had an idea of where the head butler was.

"Somewhere... in... the mansion..." She smiled brightly at Sebastion; she was of course, happy to help.

Ian laughs and smiles at Rina. "That rules out the outside, and the rest of the world! Thank you, Rina."

Sebastian laughs as well, "Yes, tank you, Rina. Let's see if I can call on him, zen."

[spoiler]So...there has to be some sort of call system, right?[/spoiler]

As the trio found themselves standing in the main entry room of the estate, the maid found herself looking to the ground again blushing at what she thought to be a compliment.

Her eyes widened in alarm a moment later however.

What if he's not inside? I would have failed Mister... She thought for a moment, but her bad memory was of no help. ... Mister Burglar...

[spoiler]Lets say no intercoms. XD They're kinda loud and noisy, and remind me too much of public schools. They would have phones though. Phones to call separate rooms.[/spoiler]

First, let's call ze kitchen. Zere's usually someone in zere, and Jared tends to make a pass trough zere during ze day. Sebastian thinks to himself as he dials the phone. "Hello. Zis is Sebastian." The chef that answered gives a cordial greeting, but hasty, quickly asking what the call was for. "Ah, yes, sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Jared, or know where he may be in ze mansion?"

"Sebastion!" A voice from the phone said. It was Pamela, one of the chefs of the Jameson estate. "Jared... I saw him talking to the tutor earlier. I had tried to get him to try one of the new experimental dishes I just thought of this morning. But I'm glad you're here and called. Would you be willing to try it out? No one seems to be interested..."

Rina, who had over heard the conversation looked at Sebastion in abject terror. Though for all of Pamela's, Rina's mom's, prowess in cutlery, her "experiments" were something quite out of this world.

Ian's stomach growls at the mention of food, and he remains silent until it subsides.

"...Who would turn down a free taste-test...?" He smirks oddly, his mind over-taken by food. "Can't help to just check the kitchens ourselves..." Then, partaking in the conversation, his stomach growls agreeably.

Sebastian grimaced at the thought of an experiment. He saw Rina's expression from the phone, showing his own displeasure as well. Then he heard Ian's stomach growl, and knew then that he could not refuse. Seems ve vould end up zere regardless. "Ah, uh, yes, I'll be zere in a short vhile. See you soon." With that he hung up the phone. Last time I was stuck in ze restroom for nearly a day. Vell let's hope she vasn't especially creative zis time...

"It seems ve are headed to ze kitchen, zis vay." He looked to Ian, who he could tell was excited, and then to Rina. He tried to comfort her with a smile, but knew she knew best what this trip to the kitchen meant.

FOOD! FOOD! FOODFOODFOODFOOOOOOD! Last thing I had for dinner was a pint! GLORIOUS FOOOOD! Ian's odd smirk seems stuck to his face as he walks with Rina and Sebby to the kitchen.

As the group made their way towards the kitchen, and to her mother, Rina couldn't help but keep glancing at Mister Burglar. There were a lot of questions in her head such as where he came from, where he lived, who Rylla was, and probably more importantly how hungry was he?

She had heard the grumbling of his stomach, and it was true it was still mid-day. Perhaps the burglar simply forgot to eat his lunch. She gawked at the man. A sudden realization showed on her features.

So that's why he wanted the tomatoes! She smiled at him, though she kept her thoughts hidden. Silly mister burglar. With that, she pulled a tomato from one of the two bags she had carried. Thankfully, they were still whole even after the two times she had tripped. She went over to Ian and put the tomato right in front of the man's face; literally an inch from his nose.

"Yours." Rina said happily.

She's warming up to me! -gasp-

Ian's goofy smirk turns into a full-fledged grin as he takes the gifted tomato.

"Thank you, Miss Rina!" He says happily, and bites into it like an apple.

It's good to see tings are starting to settle down...I vas getting vorried! Then he got a whiff of cooking food, knowing the kitchen was close. I almost audibly gulps. It's do or die, now, Sebastian...

"Ze kitchen is just down zis next hall." He announces to the duo, turning the corner, walking ahead, then bracing himself before opening the kitchen door.

The first that greeted them was Pamela's smiling face.

"Sebastion! I'm glad you're here! I have been thinking of this recipe for quite some time now, but it was only after I saw some mustard lying on the counter when an idea-" Her demeanor was happy, though she caught sight of Rina and beamed even brighter. "Rina! My adorable daughter~" Rushing past the butler, she proceeded to tightly hug her daughter.

"Mother! Not in front of people..." Rina's voice was uncharacteristically louder, as she made what looked like a pouting face, her cheeks turning a slight red.

"Tell me about your new friend." Pamela said as she finally noticed Ian.

Ian, still munching on the tomato awarded to him by Rina, looks at the cook and nods respectfully. He is too busy devouring the tomato to respond properly.

Sebastian holds back a chuckle, "Excuse him, it seems he vas famished. Zis is Ian, he has come here looking for vork. Ve vill be discussing it sometime later today."

"Tell me about your new friend."

Letting go of her mother, Rina looked to her then glanced back at Ian.

"Burglar!" She replied as she pointed towards Ian. That would have brought an incredulous to any other person. However, Rina's mom wasn't like any other person. Instead, like Rina, she just smiled widely.




"My my." Pamela said smiling like her daughter as she looked to both Sebastion and Ian. "Well master Ian, let me be one of the first to welcome you then." She bowed, albeit a bit clumsily. After bringing herself back up to her full height, she lead the way into the kitchen. Walking over the the kitchen counter she pulled what looked like cookies. They had a reddish hue to them.

A moment after that she presented the tray to the group. They were at a precarious angle, and it looked like the cookies could have fallen off the tray in any moment.

"Go on. Try them. It's called Very Delicious Red Deluxe Cookies." She smiled widely, her face beaming pure innocence.

After finishing the final bites of his tomato, Ian takes a cookie and downs it without a second thought. He pauses for a moment before swallowing.

"That...was EXCELLENT!" He exclaims. Apparently, he's eaten some odd things in his bandit days, leading to an increased tolerance for the unusual.

So it is a good result, zen...? Sebastian, surprised, decides to take one as well, taking a slightly less cautious bite than he would normally have.

He barely keeps it down, grimacing with his final swallow, "Quite an...interesting taste, Pamela." He forces a smile, somehow making it believable enough. For it was in mid-swallow that Sebastian had realized what she had mentioned. Mustard! She put mustard in cookies!...Vell, it's not as bad as ze chicken she had marinated in strong winegar for days...or ze baked vatermelon vith syrup...I can stay conscious zis time.

As the cooking made its way into Ian's mouth, Rina couldn't help but stare in surprise.

Are they actually... edible? She thought as the cookie disappeared in short order. He had even said they were excellent... She glanced to her mom, only to find her still smiling wide. Her mother caught the movement however and for a moment the two locked eyes. She silently attempted to plead with her eyes that she didn't want any. Of course she knew better, her mom usually never understood those cues. So it came to no apparent surprise that her mother started to push the plate in her direction.

"Rina! Try some! You'll love them." Her mother said.

"Mother..." Rina said her voice softer than usual. I don't want any.

Aww she must be so happy to have one of the cookies I made.

No offense mother, but they probably will taste weird...

These are probably my best ones yet.

I bet she put vegetables, or lots of salt, or something else more horrible.

Cinnamon, paprika, mustard, ketchup. Vitamin gummies to keep them nutritious.

It's like... It's like...!

And of course the most important ingredient...

Torture!

Love!

But of course, and as always, Rina always gave in. Following Sebastion she hesitantly took a bite. She forced herself to smile as all sorts of strange flavors assaulted her.

"It's... good..." Rina said, as she held her urge to vomit.

Ian, staring at Rina's mother, smirks in his typical, goofy way.

"May I...have another?"

The mustard she added... Tangy cookies are good. Ketchup...Mustard.... Kustard Cookies!

Mein Gott! Even if he does like zem, he'll be in pain later...Or else he's not human...Zough if he can eat zem zis easily, we may hire him just to save ourselves ze pain...hidden talents can be a blessing sometimes. Sebastian continues to stand there, trying to think of how he can get out of seconds.

But it was too late, Pamela, happy that her creation was liked, offered more to Ian, Sebastion, and Rina.

"Maybe I should prepare it for desert for tonight's dinner!"






[spoiler]Btw, even if I'm using her name and a portrait, I'm not really RPing as Pamela. Anyone can use her. xD I'm just writing up filler posts. :c[/spoiler]

[spoiler]But you make such amazing filler posts. I honestly don't want to step in because I look forward to them haha.[/spoiler]

Sebastian had to think quickly. "Vell...I'm not sure how ze masters and ladies would take zat. Zey are fairly picky, after all. It may be safer to just create a more established dish for desert." Please vork, please vork, please vork, please vork...!

Ian cocks his head and gives Sebastian a questioning gaze.

"Picky? Why would anyone be picky with food? They're lucky to have a good chef. Heh...I've never understood noble taste."

He turns to the cook and smiles earnestly. "They're great. You'll probably be seeing alot more of me if I do get employed here."

"I'm glad! You'd be able to taste more of my cooking." Pamela smiled as she kept the tray up, waiting for any of them to pick one up.

Ian, having been raised as the antithesis of a gentleman, takes a handful of the questionable cookies. Within moments, they disappear into the chasm that is his stomach.

"Heh...almost inspires me to play a song, meeting all of you."

Although Rina herself has never played an instrument well, there was a point in her life in which she attempted to. She wondered if Ian was serious about playing an instrument, the man did bring his guitar after all.

She kept silent however, and just kept glancing at the guitar the burglar carried with him.

Ian, after finishing his cookies, whirls the guitar case around and removes his guitar. It has a black body with a lighter gray neck and- surprisingly- is in very good condition, unlike the case. He plays a short tune, all the while with his eyes either closed or looking into the distance, and always smiling.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44597627/Music/Original/Neili/Ian22.mp3 (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/44597627/Music/Original/Neili/Ian22.mp3)

Listening to the song Pamela claps her hands, ending with her hands clasped together. "That was wonderful!" After seeing that neither Rina nor Sebastion were taking anymore cookies, she placed them down on the kitchen counter.

Sebastian listens to the short tune happily, as though reminiscing. I soft smile spreads across his lips, the first of its kind that anyone at present had seen. After the melody ends, he quickly starts from his thoughts, "Yes...well...tank you for zat, Ian. Music is much appreciated here, despite vat I said as ve vere valking here."

He takes a quick glance at Pamela, noting her energy. Now if only she put zat energy toward culinary understanding...even zough she is such a great cook, she can't match tastes at all...vell, at least somevone can stomach her experiments now...

Ian bows his head to the two while he places his guitar back in its case.

"Yeah, yeah... Maybe it'll give me a point or two with the head honcho. After all, how many bandits do you know that have music as a weapon of choice? Since I'm unarmed, I don't think I'm a threat."

He looks back up, guitar case in tow.

"We should probably find him now huh?"

"Ah, right. Pamela, you said you saw Jared recently, yes? Do you know vhere he is now?" As much as he enjoyed talking with Pamela, Sebastian was aware that the longer he stayed in her presence while in the kitchen, the more likely she would pull out more experiments. Thus he wanted to carry on with business while he could still stand. Zat "cookie" is already giving me a veird feeling...

A parting always saddened Pamela, even more so when it included missing out on more chances for others to try out her new recipes.

"It's a pity... Well..." Pamela looks towards the bags that both Ian and Rina were holding. "Perhaps when you come back, I'll have a new recipe for you to taste!" She reaches out for the bags that the two held; getting Rina's first.

"We have here the bread... and the tomatoes. Perfect!" She turns towards Sebastion, a smile on her face. "I offered him the cookies earlier, unfortunately he told me he had something to do. He left in quite a hurry so whatever it was I'm sure it was important." She shrugs.  "If you find him, tell him my cookies were great! And that I think I'll serve it for dinner tonight." She smiled knowingly at Ian.

Sebastian nods, knowing why Jared really left in a hurry. "Very vell, tank you, Pamela. I'll keep looking around ze house. Tank you for ze food, ve shall take our leave for now." Sebastian was barely able to say the word 'food' as he spoke. He took a quick, polite bow, then turned and began to search elsewhere in the house. Who else might have seen him...

Ian stretches, uncomfortable in the silence that seems to have lasted forever. "Isn't there some fancy office or something he'd be in?" He pipes up, nearly forgetting his own predicament- being at the mercy of total strangers.

"Vell, zere is his office." Sebastian begins, "But he tends to valk around ze estate for his job. Ze man does not like to sit still ven zere is vork to do." He sighs. Zat is vhy I vish I had not just missed him. He is difficult to find ven you vant him.

After Sebastion had started to leave, Rina quickly handed her mother the bags. She had wanted to go meet up with Diana or perhaps Sophie and tell them all about the new burglar who was in the house. But she figured it would be better if she kept her eye on him.

Besides. Rina thought. I must protect the rest of the family! Following close behind the other two she did her best to not make too much of a presence. She peered behind them, and every time it looked like one of them would look back, she always made it a point to hide behind the other. Stalkers shouldn't be seen after all.

Glancing behind himself to the stalker every now and then, Ian smirks and gives a very faint chuckle. She's so childish, just like Rylla....If only I could gain her trust.. He thinks to himself, narrowly avoiding walking head-first into the door frame.