Looking for Monkeys ((Serenity & Open))

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Aria sighed; and drummed her fingers on the table. Earlier that week she had spread the word that she would be hiring for her house hold staff. Seeing how most of Nova was illiterate sometimes the word of mouth was the only way to get the word out. She had set up a time and place to hold interviews; choosing to hold them outside of Lua Azul. Earlier that week she had asked Serenity her handmaiden if she would be willing to oversee a larger staff. Aria was sure the chance to boss some people around would be right up the red head’s ally. Plus Serenity knew more about running a noble house hold then she did. She had sat down with her handmaiden and informed her that she was going to be giving Serenity a promotion. Serenity could oversee and train her knew staff as to what needed to be done. Least it was something she could keep track off while giving her a little more flexibility. But when things came down to it, baroness Yuki had made her aware that she would need to employ a few more people to the palace if she were to entertain visiting nobles smoothly.



Aria today was dressed in a butter cream colored gown with an off the shoulder neckline; the bodice had pretty flower crystals embroidered along it, and the back laced up in a corset like style. The skirt was a loose flowing, the material having a pretty gold shimmer to it. Her hair was braided in a long french braid, a small thin crown of crystal and gold in a leaf design sat upon her head. It marked her status as a duchess, seeing how she was hiring as one she suppose she had to look the part.



Aria sat in front of Lua Azul at one of the outdoor patio chairs with her handmaiden Serenity. Serenity would be a better judge of who she’d need for what. But really Aria was looking for a few positions. She needed guards, a kitchen staff, a stable hand, one that could handle her drakes when she wasn’t home, a couple of maids, and a man servant or two as well. That certainly was a lot of people…though Yuki probably brought that many just to visit. Aria turned to Serenity who had come with her ”So; how many people do you think will take the bite?”

[Serenity Caine]

When Aria mentioned that she would be hiring more staff to live onsite of her new home, Serenity held back an inward sigh. She knew it would be her helping pick what was needed, seeing as she'd lived in a fully functional house of Nobility before- or at least her modern day equivelant. She didn't mind too much, but she knew it would be mildly time consuming. Thinking ahead, she closed her shop for the day, still not having found a part timer to help her out for days like these.

She dressed herself down, knowing she couldn't look better than the Duchess she worked for, choosing a simple white chiffon gown, with a golden embroydered middle in a cross zig-zag pattern, and a golden buckle on each shoulder strap, like so. Her autumn coloured hair was half pinned back in a messy braided bun in the middle of her head, while the rest of her hair cascaded down around her shoulders, ending just below midback. They had chosen that local resturant, Lua Azul, as their meeting grounds; far less promiscuous than a tavern.

As Aria turned to her and asked how many would bite, Serenity shrugged. Honestly, I dont know. There's bound to be people who are just desperate for a job- most likely Fated, but I dont see you of all people having an issue with Fated employees... You're going to need to be picky, but not too picky- just in case... Depending on the ammount though, I would do callbacks. That way you dont cancel anyone out until you know exactly how many are interested. She suggested, moving some hair behind her ear.

[Xander Amzina]

Xander approached the restaurant Lua Azul. He eyed the building, wondering what kind of food they served there. He shrugged, his eyes looking over at the two red-heads, who seemed somewhat out of place. Xander stood back for a bit, out of sight, wondering exactly how he would get a good impression across? It was not as if he had a resume to give. He was very happy though, even though his chance for a position seemed slim in itself, the thought of being able to do something different brought up his spirits.

He made his way over to the two red heads, who both seemed particularly well dressed. His eyes popped out of his head for a moment, as he looked over to the two females. He however continued moving forward, the only odd thing about his approach was actually how silent his movements were.

"Hello?" Xander called out to the two, not really sure how to make an appropriate formal approach.

"I'm here for a position, I read it on a posting." He looked at the two, confidence slowly building in his eyes.

Xander had no form of identification on him, which was a little worrisome.

"The name's Xander, I was hoping to be your servant." Xander looked at the two women, there eyes making it a bit difficult to stand in front of them. They were rather attractive, and Xander wasn't the most confident person in the world. They looked like they were in a different social class than him, at least there clothing, Xander didn't have any money for really anything.

"I can learn quick, and I don't need to sleep!" Xander laughed, as if that was a joke. "So, if I was your servant, I can almost guarantee that I will get more work done than any other person.. At least, after I've been trained a little.." Xander wasn't going to lie, and say that he had experience being a servant, and he would need some training.

He became worried, having really no Idea how to even handle these situations. He was very anxious, worried nervous, and the eyes of the two gorgeous woman before him made it difficult to stand in front of them. However, he wasn't one to back down, he may have had trouble walking up to them, but he wasn't going to walk away without knowing who these two were.

Xander wasn't always nervous around people either, but he was sure he would comfortable after spending more time with these people.

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Aria nodded and fiddled with a small black ring that sat on her ring finger; the colors in the opals blazing as the light hit them. A round black opal in the rings center, while smaller opals shaped in delicate flowers framed the sides. ”Desperate or not, they wouldn’t be working for a noble for long” She tapped her nose in thought. Either way even when she lost her title she’d still have an income in trading, along with her guild. She’d still be able to pay to keep a staff in the household. She’d also be able to keep her own land thanks to the negotiations she had made with Noku. ”You are right though, I wouldn’t be finicky with fated employees, though I hardly think we’ll get enough bites to require call backs. My reputation around here…isn’t exactly sane. I’m the big scary dragon lady who was chained up at the gallows just a year go remember?”

She chuckled a bit; but was startled to see someone actually approach them. Holy crap on a cracker it worked….He seemed familiar….she knew she at least saw his face once. But couldn’t recall wear. ”Hello Xander, I am Aria Wurud and this is my handmaiden Serenity Caine. You said you read the posting; does that mean your literate Xander?” If he was then what he needed to learn could easily be glean from books. She looked over to Serenity, she would be in charge of his training if he was hired on. But the reading thing would certainly help. She looked back at Xander and motioned for him to take a seat. ”Can you tell me more about yourself Xander?”

[Xander Amzina]

Xander confidently took a seat, judging mostly from the sound of her voice, he felt more eased. His lack of confidence earlier seemed out of place. Even though he lacked documentation for his birth, origin, etc, he was educated. "Nice to meet you both," Xander looked at the two curiously, his eyes slowly shimmering from the hue of the soul sand within him. 

Tell her more about himself? 

"Well, Aria, I dabble a little bit of magic. I used to be very proficient, but I spend a lot of my time learning more spells, or reading a really good story." 

He looked into her eyes, wondering what kind of judgement she might draw. 

"I apologize, but I don't know too much about my past." This was only partially true. 

"However, I'm not very troublesome. I guess really all I have to myself right now is books, almost all my time is reading, and if I'm not reading, I'm walking somewhere, tracking something down. That's me, my life." Xander felt bad for being only able to share so much about himself to her, but he didn't share who he was, or what he was with everyone, and for right now he wanted to be looked on like another living person, so that was all he was willing to share. 

It wasn't as if Xander fully lied to her, that really was what he did, only with the personal parts left out. 

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity shrugged in response to Aria, turning as someone approached them. Well that was faster than expected... As he introduced himself, Serenity gazed over his figure; tall, kind of lanky, but it looked like he might have some hidden muscle. Could be a good gardener... Serenity nodded her head in greeting as Aria introduced her.

She arched an eyebrow as he claimed not to know too much about himself. Do you have amnesia or something? She asked. She hadn't meant it to be rude, but it may have come off that way.

[Deleted]

Aria smiled as he immediately went to a first name basis; while she cared very little for strict formalities, in higher court unless you knew them more on an equal level you kept to last names. Even more so if it was a man addressing a woman. Aria quietly contemplated Xanders next words; his situation already peaking her interest. He was literate and was magically inclined…maybe she could get Ally the little house dragon to help him with some practical spells. Already Aria was thinking of ways she could train Xander; personally she didn’t judge on lack of knowledge so long as a person was willing to learn. She could make up for a lack of information but she couldn’t supply the drive needed to gain it. But Xander seemed to have plenty of drive and as a representative of the god of knowledge himself, Aria was more than willing to teach.

”Well Xander; first off do you have a last name? In court one usually has to use last names when addressing someone unless the rare permission is given otherwise. That or if they are close friends or family. While most of the nobles I know are quite lenient on this rule, it’s always good to air on the side of caution.” Arias tone was friendly, not demeaning or correcting; just simply stating facts. Xander did start with the fact he knew very little about how to do the job he was applying for. ”As for reading, you couldn’t have come to a better household for it. I collect books, I also repair them, and make copies to bring to the grand library; in my free time of course. It would be a sad thing indeed if Sadens champion wasn’t a bit of a book worm. So I could certainly use someone who doesn’t find the work as tedious as some do….How are you with numbers and bookkeeping?” That was an area that she found VERY tedious, words she liked, numbers……… well….she didn’t struggle with them but it certainly wasn’t her favorite thing. Xander clearly being educated would certainly be of help. It was rare in this time to find help that was uneducated; though it would seem that most fated were that came over.

”Xander, I know you say you don’t remember much about your past, but any chance are you fated? It’s just its very odd to find a commoner who was Novanian raised to be as educated as yourself; unless they went into priesthood. I would like to state I’m in no way predigest against the fated if you are; seeing that I myself am fated. It would be quite silly indeed if I was.” She smiled, really she didn’t care if he was fated or not, she was just curious if he knew. ”I am however very curious about your last statement; tracking something down?” It was hard not to have her curiosity peaked by that last very vague statement. She looked over at Serenity when she pipped in as well with a very blunt question of her own. But it was and important one, it was one thing not to remember, another completely to hide something one did not want another to know. None the less, Xander, while being the first applicant, was certainly a good runner for a position at this point.

”I suppose I should tell you a little more about the positions I’m offering. I’ve very recently came into being a Duchess; and likely very soon I’ll be leaving the title behind, but my lands which have trade agreements with the King of Nova will still remain in my possession. Where my lands are is currently on a need to know basis, for reasons, if you’re hired, you will soon understand. I have many connections to the Nova court, as well Palicos. I have personal connections with the Arch, as well as many other establishments in Nova. I have recently come to realize that my connections have led to a need to have a lot more hands then I possess. One cannot easily entertain and provide for twelve or more people that suddenly show up. Apparently Nobles like to travel with and entourage. I have a number of positions open, and until they are filled the people I hire on might have to dabble in other areas. I’m looking for butler, cook, and housekeeping positions, as well as some general laborers. I primarily trade in fruits and medical herbs. Serenity here while my handmaiden is also in charge of overseeing the staff in my absence; frankly I will admit when it comes to running a household she is my superior in the knowledge of how it works. I pay those who work for me well, and you would also be provided with meals, and a place to stay. In your case I would also be willing to provide a continuing education on the practice of magic.”
”Xander, I can tell you now, by your willingness to learn I’m very easily able to overlook any lack of experience. However with the lack of knowledge of who you are….or were… is as you can imagine a bit concerning; especially when you consider the connections I have. If I decided to higher you, would you be willing to submit to a small investigation? Basically I would just need to check that there are no current warrants out for your arrest.” Not like that would be too hard, she did sleep with the captain of the civilian guard… ”There would also need to be an agreement of confidentiality that you would need to accept as well. Otherwise I’d be very happy to hire you on.”

[Xander Amzina]

Xander looked at the two curiously. Xander wasn't really liking his 'case' being investigated so thoroughly between these two. Xander wasn't a criminal, he was just a victim right?

"I am not fated," Xander spoke calmly. "I don't have any criminal records, and I don't have amnesia, for the most part." 

Xander looked at the two woman in front of him. 

"To be honest, I feel that in order to have a complete and proper business relationship with you, that I have to be completely honest with you about what I am." 

Xander's face became somewhat sullen. 

Xander positioned himself on the chair so that he could relax more. 

His voice was calm, and smooth. His tone was soft enough to avoid being heard by the people around him. 

"As for confidentiality I hope that it swings both ways. There are certain things about me I wish to remain in the knowledge of the few." Xander looked at Aria curiously.

Xander placed his hand on the table, and turned it over so that his palm pointed to the sky.

"The truth is I'm talented, I'm very good at math," He said with confidence. 

He slid his palm across to the two women.

"But, can you feel my pulse?" He looked at the two, his confidence slowly draining.

If she accepted this part of him, Xander at least wouldn't have to hide so many things about himself. This seemed like a good fit, and he didn't want to have to explain why he wasn't going to sleep, or eating, or even no drinking. She could very well throw him away, but Xander didn't need food anyways. Social interaction, and money were the only thing he seemed to care about ever since waking up again. 

 

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity stayed quiet as Aria began questioning him; letting Aria do most of the talking made sense, after all Serenity was only there for the general opinions. As they spoke, she scribbled down small notes, adding Arias questions and leaving spaces for when Xander would answer, filling them in as he did. When it got tense, Serenity put the quill down and arched a brow at him.

As he placed his wrist on the table, Serenity looked cautiously to Aria before reaching out and feeling for his pulse.

...

Ahem... Lady Wurud... He doesn't have a pulse. She said slowly, blinking to herself multiple times as she pulled her hand away, writing that down in big bolded letters at the bottom of the page.

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Aria tilted her head, a man who could not remember his past yet did not have amnesia. ”The asking about a record is more for my sake, seeing as if you’re hired on you and your actions past or present become my responsibility as the hiring noble. It’s one of the social nuances that comes with being a noble; and is also the reason why being hired as a staff to a noble house hold is considered a large show of trust. As a hired hand you will be representing me and my reputation, in return you will be well cared for treated with respect and live comfortably. How well staff is cared for plays a large part in how a nobles character is judged. Honestly as long as you sign a set of papers with Serenity here acting as a witness saying you have no knowledge of past crimes, I’m fine with leaving it at that.”

She really could care less if he did have a past, so long as those papers were signed it would relieve her of the burden if something were to pop up. Her curiosity was peaked when he mentioned he had to be honest about ‘what’ he was. She leaned forward; the curiosity plan across her face. Whatever it was it had to be good. She nodded when he asked for confidentiality as well. Seeing how the man did not know her as she did not know him she wasn’t insulted at the indication that she may blab. ”I see that as a given; you have my word I am not the type to gossip others secrets. I respect those who follow the same code of ethics” He had already earned points by making that point. Honestly whatever he was it was a good chance she just found her family butler.

She tilted her head as he slid his hand across the table, with all the head tilting she was doing she was beginning to resemble a dog trying to figure out an odd sound. But this man kept increasing her curiosity. She looked at Serenity as she reached over to feel the mans pulse, only to have a look of shock when there wasn’t any. In a few short moments Aria’s delicate pointed ears shifted to form tall pointed canine ears that rested on top of her head. They twitched….no heartbeat. She wouldn’t be able to hear this shitter coming if he ever decided to hide somewhere.

”How intriguing… any chance your one of Helena’s pop ups that lingered around after the red mist?” She thought they all dropped when the mist subsided…. But the man had no pulse. But this was certainly curious. Aria’s nose twitched, similar to the twins but also still different. Core now had an odd twinge to it to now that she thought about it. Her ears twitched. Breton also had an odd scent to him…….She wondered if they had pulses as well. ” I have a regnants personal space I need to invade now….anywho I take back the Helena comment; you don’t smell like her work. Xander I’m not going to press you for more information at the moment; we can get to know each other later. You are hired, so welcome to the family.”

She pulled out two sheets of paper with written contracts on them ”Ones the papers I stated before saying you have no knowledge of criminal records, the other is a contract to work under me. I know you said you don’t eat, but if you wish to your meals are provided, so is a roof over your head, plenty of books, and a steady income. We will probably stay here for a few hours to see if anyone else wants to hire on, but congratulations for being the first. After we’ll show you to your new place and get you settled.” She recognized that maybe a public area wasn’t a place for this mans secrets to be told. So her first act as his new boss and respect for confidentiality was to make sure such a conversation would be held in an appropriate place.

[Xander Amzina]

Xander looked at her curiously. It seemed like he got the job, was it rude to ask what the rate of pay was? Perhaps the pay was knowledge for now, it wasn't as if he needed money at this point. He shrugged, and smiled kindly at the woman offering this job to him. 

Xander quickly scanned the contracts, making sure to know what he was signing. Despite trusting this woman a lot for acquaintances he still worried that there may be ill intent, so double checking didn't sound too outlandish.

"Well is that everything?" Xander asked her, signing the contracts.

What address was this place? Where was the library? There was a slew of new things that entertained Xander in a way that nothing had before.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to get to work," Xander told her, almost hoping she would start his training as soon as possible.


"When you have all the free time in the world, it gets harder and harder to find entertainment," Xander was excited about learning again, and regaining his past prowess in the magic arts.

"I can't wait to grow a healthy business relationship with you two," Xander reached out his hand to shake Aria's, and Serenity's there after. 

"A one-on-one discussion sounds good." Xander was happy she understood that privacy was a concern here, and because she was being very honest it was hard not to feel a bit of respect for her. He could only hope that his work would meet and surpass her expectations.