Cell Call (Aria)

[Roland]

Roland sat sullenly in his cell. He stared at the cup of water before him with chapped lips and a thirsty expression. He had been doing this for a while now, he did not trust Severine to wait for whatever trial he would face to get rid of him so he was cautious about both food and water, even when the guards brought it for him. He had half a cup of unpoisoned water stored away in the cell, but he did not know when he would get more.

Meanwhile Aria would recieve a letter from Roland that he had managed to convince one of the guards who owed him several favors to send for him. It had taken the guard some time to figure out who Roland was referring to and then also to locate Aria, but the letter was delivered after a day or so.

The letter read:

Aria

I hope this finds you well. I have been imprisoned following my long absence, I am currently in the castle dungeon, and would appreciate it if you could stop by to talk. If that is not possible can you please look in on Aveline for me then and keep her company

~Roland Walker[/i]

The letter had been delivered by the guard who was still loyal to, or at least who still respected Roland.

[Deleted]

Aria had received Rolands note earlier that morning; after having her meeting with Noku she arranged to see Roland that afternoon. However she was not planning on going alone. Shortly after her meeting with Noku concluded Aria had gone to seek out one of the royal guard; the one who went by Jose Herrera. Having gained permission to borrow him she sought him out first; then after that she sought out her hand maiden Serenity as well. Aria had not changed her clothes; a simple brown dress with a low scoop neckline with gold leaf embroidery. The bodice was fitted as were the sleeves; a gold sash was tied and hung neatly at her hips. The only thing that was added now was a light sage green silk robe done in an eastern style that was called a kouchigi. The large bell sleeved coat was left open; and added only for warmth; it consisted of two layers. The inner was gold that matched the gold embroidered leaves on her dress. The outer later was the sage green with a slightly darker shade of green depicting trees barred of leaves. Her hair now dried formed soft waves down to her waist; a portion of her hair tied up in a bun with her phoenix hair stick poking out the side.

Aria waited for her guard and handmaiden before making the trip down to the dungeon. She had already asked Noku for permission so no sneaking was necessary as she made her way down to the cells. When she arrived she walked in first; allowing her handmaiden and guard to fallow after. Aria stopped before the cell; her hands placed calmly in her sleeves as she looked before the impassioned guard. Her face smooth from expression; and her eyes holding no judgment. ”My apologies for not coming earlier; I happened to have a meeting I needed to attend when I received your note.” Aria looked at the state of the cell; he seemed to be faring well enough for someone in his position. She could not help but noticed his situation was considerably more laxed then her own when she was on the other side of those bars. She noted a full glass of water nearby un touched; she herself had distrusted anything brought to her while in the cell. Refusing water and food; she highly suspected the guards doused the water to make inmates drowsy anyway. Some prisoners welcomed the escape….others like herself well… Her blue green gaze traveled back to Roland. ”Do you mind me asking what charges are against you?” She was forgoing the pointless banters of ‘nice to see your again’ or ‘you’re looking well’ because frankly he looked like shit.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity got the memo to meet with her boss not long after it had been sent; she had still been in the castle from that morning, so it didn’t take her long to make her way back to Aria. As instructed, she’d toned down her attire at work, and wore a simple white and light green gown, box neckline, long sleeves ending at a point at the top of her hand, and a skirt that ended just above her shoes. The over all fabric was the light green, while the accents, and the lacing in the back, was made of white lace and ribbon, of course, handmade by herself. Her autumn hair was half pinned back in a lovely braided bun sitting neatly on the back of her head, while the rest of her hair hung softly down her back, curling lightly at the tips.

Once arriving with Aria, they awaited Jose, which Serenity found oddly amusing, after their “meeting” a few days before; however she would not let said meeting affect her work. Once he arrived, Serenity followed at a respectable distance behind Aria, as they made their way down to the cells. Aria had briefly told her who they were going to see, but in all honesty, Serenity still had no idea who this “Roland” guy was anyhow. Once they stopped walking, Serenity moved slightly closer to Aria, about a foot or two behind her as Aria folded her hands and began to speak. She had nothing to say to this man, nor was is within her rights to speak at the moment, so she stayed silent, looking only at the back of her bosses head, and occasionally at the man behind the bars.

[Deleted]

Jose had the day off and had spent most of the day in quiet contemplation until he chose to visit his father. He resided above his small leather and metal workshop in the second district and of course was nearly lost amongst the bellows and clangs. As expected the air between them was firecly tense and collectively a handful of words was spoken between them. The trip was not in vain however, despite the strain in the relationship they had his father still cared enough about him he often crafted him armour and the like. Today was not exception and he passed over a beautiful set of silver dyed leather armour that was pieced together in such a way from behind it appeared like wings. The front plating had swirls etched into the torso running vertically upwards and outwards. A mutual nod was exchanged and he bid his father farewell. .

Jose traveled back to the barracks where he changed into the leather armour and a small pleased grin played upon him. As always his father did a splendid job, mobility was key and never forgotten and he looked elegant . He threw his bow and quiver over his shoulder and strapped on his two short blades to complete his look. He normally wouldn't go to such lengths on his day off but he wanted to see what he looked like in his new gear all decked out. A few moments later he would receive the message from lady Wurud requesting his presence and he dutifully went to dungeons. Depsite it being his day off when you were called upon you went and if he was to be summoned by Aria chances were Serenity would be present as well and he would never give up the opportunity to see her sweet face.

Arriving in the dungeons he inclined his head toward the two redheads; " Lady Wurud, Miss. Caine. " Jose kept the rear as they advanced forward. He kept his tongue and hands to himself despite wishing to chat with Serenity for he was here for business and not pleasure and he could see she wished to be professional as well. Sure Jose was raunchy sometimes but he could seal that up-especially when in the predicament they were in.

Jose had never met Roland but of course knew who he had been but said nothing about the matter. Arriving at his cell he eyed the other guards with an authoritative expression, but kept behind the women, his hand resting on one of his short blades if anyone tried something funny. He might be with his brother's in arms but he also knew many operated under own direction and he didn't trust a one. He kept silent as it was not his place to speak, just kept his eyes peeled for any and everything.

[Roland]

Roland looks up at Aria walks in and gets to his feet. Ironically despite his time in prison he still looked healthier than the last time they had spoken, admittedly that was a very low bar. The former guard captain opens his mouth to speak but closes it when he sees the other two enter the room. He was under the impression that there was something more going on here, as he looked at the pair but soon decided it was none of his business.

"Guardsman Herrera and..." He pauses as he studies Serenity and searches his memory, there had been a dossier on this woman, after a moment the memory clicks and he says "Serenity Caine, I suppose Severine must have eased up on her Fated hunt." He says contemplatively.

"Ar...Lady Wurud," before she speaks she asks him about his charges. "Well there have probably been some new ones since my arrest given some of those who dislike me, but from what I can tell I am being charged with suspicion of treason due to my disappearance following my wedding, and Severine has probably accused me of enchanting her daughter magically by now." He admits with a distasteful expression. He was not used to discussing things from this side of the bars and even though his edges had been smoothed a bit the stern Captain still lived underneath.

"I had been hoping to ask you for a favor, but I suppose we should settle and concerns or dealing you have first." He sits down once again staring distrustfully at the water, with no capability of purifying it and not having bothered to learn the mundane skills to deal with poison he was still unsure if Severine had tampered with it.

[Deleted]

Aria smiled slightly as Jose joined them; he was at least prompt. Before they went into the cell she paused to speak to him. ”Thank you for coming; I’m sorry I had to borrow you so suddenly. This came up quite unexpectedly, I will explain to both of you the reason I called you here in more detail later.” She was thankful both of them did agree to accompany her; it would at the very least put some of Noku’s worries at ease. When they walked it she was not surprised to see Roland’s reaction; she was aware he thought she’d come alone. If it hadn’t been for the circumstances she very much would have considered it.

Aria tilted her head as the first words that left Rolands mouth were directed at Jose and Serenity. It would seem that Roland would greet those ranked under her first; even she knew that was rude more so she did not like where the topic of conversation went regarding her handmaiden. ”Serenity is my handmaiden; thus she is a ward of Palico and protected as such. Lady Severine would be stirring up a much different pot if she were to go after her. As for her hunt I would not be surprised if her sights turned elsewhere for the time being.”

Aria would have leaned against the wall as she talked as habit would have; but frankly she knew how filthy these cells were. Instead she would stand her arms still neatly tucked into her robe. She calmly listened as he listed off what he was accused of. A bit of interest forming on her features. Honestly she really would not blame Severine if she tried to pull the whole my daughter was magically tricked card. It was an understandable course of action in this situation. However….”First of congratulations on being wed; second do you know for sure that Lady Severine is adding such charges? What do you plan to plead?” Aria watched him as he went and sat upon the bench; his gaze directed at his water. When she herself had been in this cell she hadn’t trusted the water in the least. Seems with his hesitation she was correct in her suspicions. A sigh escaped her lips as she held out her hand; ”If you wish I will replace your water” If he wanted it she would replace it. If not well no skin off her back.

Her eyebrow raised as he did indeed seemed to want something from her. However it was possible the fact she brought Jose and Serenity with her made him hesitant. ”I have already mentioned to his majesty that I do not believe you would knowingly commit treason; from what I know of you it would go against your nature. However right now your situation does put those you call to this cell at risk, with that in mind, I do not believe in your position you are able to alleviate any concerns I may have regarding this visit. As for dealings I do not have any; I received your note and my curiosity was peaked and I came to hear you out. What is it you wish to ask; I make no promises as of yet to agree though, but I will hear you out.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity stood behind Aria respectfully knowing full well she was here on formality and took keep Aria from being alone; she had no place to speak. However, when she heard her name come from the man behind bars, her eyes raised and narrowed in his direction. How was it he knew who she was? Capitan of the Guard or not, Serenity had never been convicted of anything, and thus there should be no record of her; that she was aware of anyhow. As he continued on with the name of Severine, and the words “fated hunt”, her face paled out, all colour lost, although in the dim room it would be hard to tell. Serenity grit her teeth, knowing it would be out of place to speak, much as she wanted to.

Thankfully Aria spoke up for her, surprising her with how protected she was. Serenity hadn’t been aware she was under any sort of protection. She had always seen her handmaids as replaceable, easily removed. Serenity let her face relax, comforted by the fact that this “Severine” could do very little to hurt her. After all the time she had gone through, terrified to even leave her hotel room, or enter the city at all, she wanted that woman dead. When the hunt had first begun, Serenity had done what her mother taught her to when she was a child in an emergency, and hid behind her bed. That had been where Rivers found her, terrified out of her skin. She never wanted to feel that way again; the fear, or the dependance on another person. It was draining. Serenity had a hunch she wasn’t the only one who wanted this woman dead, but she knew she was one of the only who wouldn’t be able to do a damn thing about it; not as a Duchess’s handmaiden. It would look bad on her. Oh, but she could wish and dream.

From there on out, Serenity had no opinion. HIs charges, or what he would plea; she didn’t care. This man was a stranger to her, and he was obviously in here for a reason. Silently, she glanced to Jose, curious of his take on all of this. Clearly Roland knew him by name; hell he probably was the one who had hired him. It must be weird seeing him behind bars.

[Deleted]

When Aria thanked Jose he smiled kindly and only shook away her thanks " I had nothing better to do regardless, and I do enjoy your company. Really it is of no concern my Lady "

A solemn nod was sent Roland's way, at his greeting a stoic expression laced to his face. Although they were never particularly close, Jose and his former captain had spent the better part of a decade together, growing up and into the duties and lifestyle of a guard and it was peculiar enough in itself to see one of your own locked away, even more so when they used to be your commander. Just very queer to believe that it only took a few bad or even misconstrued choices to land you on opposing sides from whence you once stood. When he addressed Serenity however, and Jose's saw the effect it had upon her, that blank expression yielded, a small snarl wove unto his lips and his fingers rapped against the hilt of his sword. He might have just met Serenity but a protective instinct far greater than anything he understood pulled ferociously at his soul and this small infraction disturbed him immensely.

Despite his feelings about the matter he knew better than to raise his voice and it proved that even if it was appropriate to do so, it was unnecessary for Aria too was as offended by Roland's words and had made him fully aware of that fact. As he went about his charges Jose's face reverted back to a neutral stance, but he kept up with the quiet rapping of his fingers.

He was rather devoid of emotion at present, at least when concerning Roland's situation, he knew the worst couldn't be at hand just yet if he hadn't "seen" it. He just kept up his role as he been trained for, a quiet observer to protect if the situation called for such actions. It was just a crack in character for him to even display that flash of rage eariler and he willed himself to take better care of his emotions. My what was that girl doing to him?

[Roland]

Roland watched as everyone's egos and various pet peeves flared, he was not particularly surprised, he'd always seemed to have a talent for angering everyone in a room. This is why I do not do politics. He grumbles to himself, people were difficult and complicated, at least the law was simple...

Or maybe not... He had to admit given his current situation. Roland had not done anything that he considered wrong when making any of the decisions that led him to this point. The time in this cell had given him plenty of time to wonder how many others had thought that they were 'doing what was necessary or right'.

Roland tries to figure out what upset everyone, but soon decides that it would be a fruitless endeavor. I wish Aveline were here.

"Alright, as I seem to have somehow offended everyone in the room, and that was not my intention I will start by apologizing. Though this is a poor excuse I am a bit on edge." He says in a stiff voice, clearly he was unused to the gesture or situation. When Aria asks about the water he shakes his head. "No, I will figure something out regarding my beverage, you bringing me anything would only implicate you if this gets more complicated than it already is." He rasps.

Aria might be able to sense mana being called uselessly as the very walls of the level prevent Roland from casting any magic and he stares at the group with his natural brown eyes for the first time. "To be honest Aria I do not actually know what they have charged me with beyond suspected treason. I imagine the list will change depending on who wants me here and who wants me out. That being said it sounds like you've been doing well politically if you can...no this is not an interrogation, this is a force of habit, I apologize."

"What I plead will depend on that charges, but I initially left on granted leave and then my wife fell ill and I sent a few messages saying I would need to be away longer while I treated her. Apparently they did not get through, or someone decided that was not a sufficiently good reason. Anyways, all I want to ask is for you to see if you can keep Severine from taking Aveline back by force, if she does something political I imagine there's not much to be done and honestly Aveline's far better at the social game than I will ever be anyways."

"However, I am sure she could use a friend right now, so anything you could do to help her would be appreciated." He says as he sits back down. Without his glowing eyes and air of menace Roland looked far more human, and worry once again began to cross his face.

[Deleted]

So he really was just stupid when it came to understanding the effect of words. Aria’s face blanked as he apologized; causing her to reach up and rub the bridge of her nose with two fingers. Anyways it was up to Serenity whether to forgive Roland or not. The offending comment was directed at her; Aria looked up and over at her handmaiden. Waiting for a bit to see whether she would say anything or not. Aria nodding accepting his wish to not receive fresh water. It was his choice after all. She remained quiet as he went on to mentioned that she seemed to be doing politically well; her gaze traveling up to the ceiling as she pondered it. Was she doing well? ”Palico is certainly not as picky when it becomes to the subtle nuances involved with Nobility. If you are physically capable of bringing glory to your kingdom then a manner of respect is earned. Brawn over brain over there I’m afraid. It has been a good place to at least start to smooth out some of my rougher edges. As for finding out what you are charged with; talk to Breton. The dungeons are under his jurisdiction after all; although I suggest doing so in a different method other than secret notes.”

It seemed he wanted her to try to protect Aveline; not that surprising. Though that woman did not like her; not in the least. It was interesting however that his letters had been intercepted; he hadn’t sent them through her guild…at least she didn’t think so. She would have to look into the records. Finally the got into the nitty gritty; he wanted her to protect Aveline from Severine; which caused her to raise an eyebrow. After all Severine already didn’t like her to begin with, however since her absence in Palico it seems she had slid under the older woman’s radar for the time being. Teaming up with the prisoner to help her runaway daughter seemed like a bad move for all parties. ”I do not think Severine would try by force; if you’re under arrest for treason as the woman of the household she should be under suspicion as well. Severine going after Aveline by force would make it appear as though she were trying to hide something. Politically it would be a very poor move. Plus it would complicate a already complicated situation. I doubt his majesty would be pleased with the action.” Really it was only logical that Severine wouldn’t go about it that route…if she did well. She was sure the problem would sort itself out fairly soon after. That road didn’t lead to anywhere good.

As for going to see Aveline; that also seemed like it wasn’t the wisest of ideas. Or the most welcomed by either party. She wondered how Aveline would feel about the red head suddenly poking around. ”You are aware I may make that woman more uncomfortable yes? I have a feeling she still views me as a monster from the execution. If anything I think my presence around her would make her feel like theirs just one more thing to worry about....Moving on; how is Aveline fairing, you said she was ill? Is she doing any better?” She was curious to what manner of illness would keep Roland away from his work as long as it had.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity heard the very slight rapping of fingers to her right, and glanced carefully through the corner of her eye at Jose. He looked so tense, and she watched as his fingers hit the hilt of his sword over and over. After a moment of thought, she wondered if he was so tense because of what Roland had said about her. No, it was probably just because seeing his boss behind bars was nerve racking. With a silent sigh, she turned her attention back to the front, as Roland began talking again. Serenity blinked once or twice before allowing her body to relax. Of course he was on edge; he was in prison. Yes of course, it's not a problem. I over reacted. Serenity spoke, her voice usually soft and quiet, completely out of character for her. She kept her eyes lowered, wishing the conversation to end there. Aria had defended her, and that was what mattered. This "Severine" couldn't hurt her anymore. She didn't have to hide under beds anymore... hell she didn't have to hide at all. Aria would protect her. As odd as that was for her to admit, if it came down to it, Aria would protect her.

She felt Aria's eyes on her, which was why she responded at all. She knew deep down, had the situation been reversed and had she been back on her planet, she never would have put her neck out for her maid, or anyone else that worked for her. Aria was a much better person than she ever was. Serenity kept her eyes down for the rest of their conversation. It was clear she and Jose were only there to accompany Aria, not to actually be apart of their conversation, so she did her best not to fully listen to the details. She glanced at Jose again, and saw that his face was neutral again, a curious fact. Were he to look at her, she would smile softly, reassuring him that she was fine. They had had previous conversations together, so she wouldn't be surprised were he to question her about this later. (Seeing as this was after their running into each other at the tavern).

[Deleted]

Jose for the most part kept his eyes fixated on the dungeon's grimey ceiling, dark eyes flickering towards the other guardsmen, and the rest of the party now and then, keeping his view on everything and nothing in one fell swoop. His head inclined slightly at Roland's apology, he thought him to be a little socially inept if he couldn't see what the connection between his words and their reactions were but he let it slide nonetheless. As they both spoke of things he had no place in commenting upon he kept his mouth tightly sealed-he wasn't here for his fantastic conversationalist skills as it were, just a body and some steel to await in the shadows until his services were required.

This being said however, he hated to see the man suffering and nearly rolled his eyes when he dismissed Aria's help with a beverage but held off on the motion when he went about that he didn't wish Aria to be endangered from the small kindness. What a world we lived in. Jose could be pardon this infraction-if giving a fresh drink could be called such a thing-on the grounds he was just extending a simple helping hand to his former commander and thus he swiftly unearthed the small metal flask he always carried and tossed it through the cell bars, it sliding along the floor to Roland's feet.

" It's not water, but it will sooth your cracked lips. Drink gently and don't be a hero. I can handle whatever-if anything-comes down on me for directing a man away from death by dehydration." He spoke when there was a lull in between their words regarding a drink. If Roland were to unscrew the cap and bring it to his lips, he find a light amber colour alcohol within that burned nicely down his throat with hints of cinnamon and ginger. He made his way back to the wall and continued on with his wandering gaze and silent stature.

On one of his glances sent Serenity's way he noted her soft smile and a quiver of delight went through his core and he couldn't help the grin that inched against his lips in her regards. He hadn't seen her since their night of passion and despite his little game of questions it seemed there was still quite a lot he didn't know about her. He wanted to change that and vowed he would after this was all over.

[Roland]

Roland closed his eyes let his hand fall into his lap, Aria clearly did not seem to want to get involved, and his hand rose to the collar around his neck. He did not pull on it ever since a very educational incident that had happened when he had attempted to the first time. His other hand rose to his ring finger and played with the wedding band there. "Alright, I was the one asking a favor so if you cannot, you cannot." He agrees then look up towards the ceiling.

"Lady Wurud, I am aware of how uncomfortable you make my wife, but she does not have protection from magic and she is at risk from casters without," He makes an expansive gesture to indicate around "and within." He finishes, placing a hand on his stomach.

"Either way, you certainly do not owe me anything, I appreciate you coming to see me, and hear my worries." He says, then turns as Jose hands him a skin through the bar. A small smile spreads across his lips, "I should probably scold you for doing this..." his eyes seem to shine a bit, though not with any of the unnatural light they usually would. "But none the less, I am very grateful. Thank you, if I am proven innocent, I will make it up to you." He gets up and walks further back in his cell before taking a small very measured sip from the skin.

[Deleted]

Apparently he was going to gloss over her question; even if she was to help she certainly wasn’t going to say it aloud in the dungeons. She was fine letting him think that he was without help, but really for someone without options he really wasn’t trying hard to convince her. Fact of the matter was he still didn’t answer her previous question about his wife. Serenity ended up surprising her when she uncharacteristically submitted to the apology, she expected a bit more sass than the meek acceptance that was given. In her position Aria more than likely would have sassed it up. Her attention slid back to Roland whom was gingerly touching an object around his neck…she didn’t remember him wearing neck accessories. That and usually anything that could be turned into a tool would be taken from a prisoner….Aria looked at it with knitted eyebrows. Something about it tugging at her memory….but it was unfamiliar enough that she could quite place it. The topic went on to that about magic; making an eyebrow rise up in speculation. ”You have suspicions she’ll be targeted by magic, why? Is the older Zoe of the magical sorts?”

Jose shortly afterward tossed Roland his drinking flask; and admitting it probably wasn’t water. Causing a small smile twitch upon her lips. He really ought to not be drinking while on guard; it was one thing to do it another to admit it out loud to your former commander. Aria hid her smile behind her hand as she looked up at the ceiling, listening to Jose admit he really didn’t care what trouble came his way for his action. Aria let her features slide back into a relaxed mask and turned her gaze back to the occupants in the room. ”I don’t see a problem with it; after all it’s a guardsman’s duty to make sure the prisoner doesn’t harm himself before he can reach trial. He wouldn’t be doing his duty at all if he knowingly let you dehydrate yourself to death. In fact this situation reflects rather poorly on the guardsmen in charge of you Mr Walker. Then again they didn’t quite keep up on it for myself either when I was in your place.” Really if any trouble did go Jose’s way she would step up and say something; after all he was working under her at the current moment. She wouldn’t want him to get in trouble over such a trivial thing.

”Roland, can I ask you again what your wife was ill with and if she still is; at the very least I can send something to make sure her health stays favorable. I doubt anyone can object to making sure disease doesn’t spread through the castle.” Really with how tired Noku looked this morning and as of late she was more than sure he was likely to come down with a cold sooner or later. If someone ill was running around the castle it surely wasn’t going to help matters. There was genuine concern in her voice; even if it wasn’t directed to the lady in question. At the very least she would check in with the girl to access her health.

”One more thing…it’s bothering me. Your necklace; the guards let you keep it when they put you in here? I don’t remember you ever wearing a necklace; seems like it would be impractical for your work.” Guards she knew very rarely wore things around there neck that could be used to strangle them in the field. Though the necklace was close fitted; if someone could get their fingers inside it wouldn’t be hard to apply the pressure needed to strangulate the guard. At the very least it would provide a hand hold. The metal neck plate she usually wore was designed to snap off easily if a certain amount of pressure was supplied. A lot of the neck plates were designed like that; she actually got the idea for hers off of a street guard back in her time.

[Deleted]

Jose probably should have been more explicit when handing off his flask that he didn’t swig from it whilst on guard, he liked the drink and it did soften his inner demons but he was no fool and knew it affected his reaction times and never would do something to endanger himself or anyone else. He merely always kept it on his person was all, a comfort from it being there rather than actual drinking in itself. He may be a slight drunk but he never let it interfere with his work, that’s how lives are lost.

He smiled kindly back at Roland as he said he should scold him for his actions but he only chuckled, glad to see some life come back to the man.

“ Come now, I am a responsible man-I only keep in on me on duty for situations like this. And look I may have saved a life, the wonders of liquor!” He joked, even though the situation was entirely tense he couldn’t help but be playful as was his nature. Jose waved off his offer of making it up to him, “ The gesture is utterly selfless, I can’t very well sit back and watch a great man fall while I can assist. ”

He looked to Aria before she spoke and he caught her trying to hide a smile. A little twitch of a grin spread against his lips and he nodded in agreement towards her words feeling totally unfazed. He had done things much “worse” than give a man a drink and suffered no consequences from it. Jose shuffled a bit where he stood and became stoic-like once more, listening but not hearing as he attempted to give a form of privacy.