Chapter Text
Fade into:
INT. THE SWAYING SAILOR TAVERN. FRONT ROOM. NIGHTTIME.
We focus on a small, almost too-intimate table off to the side. There are two people sitting at this table, both in naval jackets; one pristine and decorated, the other worse for wear. The man, JAYCE, sits back in his seat, lounging comfortably, though he watches his counterpart a little too closely to be truly relaxed. Across the table from him sits MEDA, picking anxiously at the cuffs of her busted-up jacket. Jayce WATCHES her hands.
Miles of history stretch between them. Their knees don't touch under the table as they once might have. The air is cold as Meda radiates steely indifference.
This is the eye of a storm. Around them, the room is loud, but here, for a moment, there is quiet.
Meda's tankard is untouched.
JAYCE
(Not wholly unkind)
You wanted to talk, Meda, so talk.
Meda SWALLOWS, her eyes flicking to Jayce then away.
MEDA
I had some questions. About the job.
JAYCE
(Starting to feel like his time's been wasted)
You should take that up with the guild.
MEDA
No. They're for you.
Finally, Meda makes eye contact. Whatever she sees in Jayce's eyes eases something in her.
MEDA
How much contact do we have to have with you?
Jayce smiles with the same mechanical methodity of putting on a well-worn mask.
JAYCE
As little or as much as you want. Officially, you go through the guild. Unofficially , well…
[Jayce looks her up and down. His eyes are HUNGRY.]
You know how to find me.
Meda is unable to stop themself from flushing.
MEDA
And this… if we are doing this, it's on my terms. Not yours. You don't seek me out, you don't slip messages into my pocket, you don't send me letters. Nothing.
Jayce grins lazily with the countenance of someone who has practised the subtle art of pretending not to care much too often.
JAYCE
So you did get my note. Too embarrassed to ask for me?
MEDA
(Icily)
I'm not in the habit of begging.
JAYCE
(Smirking)
We'll see about that…
MEDA
(Blushing but studiously ignoring it)
Do we have a deal or not?
JAYCE
If that's what you need.
MEDA
It's what I want . I don't need anything from you.
JAYCE
(Disbelieving)
Sure.
Meda GLARES at him. He tilts his chin and smiles placatingly, unfazed.
MEDA
This doesn't affect our work.
JAYCE
Of course not. The adventurers guild is our intermediate. Technically, you shouldn't even know it's me employing you.
MEDA
Ael knows.
JAYCE
(Arched eyebrow; doesn't know what to do with this information, nor cares)
Okay…
MEDA
He thinks we shouldn't work with you. He thinks you're a dirtbag.
Jayce LAUGHS, full-chested.
JAYCE
(Eyes still laughing. If it weren't cruel, he might even be handsome)
Meda, why would I care about what he thinks?
MEDA
(He's my world)
He's my son.
JAYCE
(He's an idiot)
He's a child.
MEDA
(Frustrated; the words aren't coming out like they should)
You aren't listening to me.
There's a BEAT. Jayce exhales with a looong eye roll.
JAYCE
Fine. He doesn't like me. So what?
MEDA
So you don't fuck with him. You don't raise a hand against him, Abbil or me, nor any of my friends.
Jayce shows his palms in an accommodating gesture.
JAYCE
Sure. You're my employees.
MEDA
(Acidic. This is an old wound)
And we both know how well you treat them.
[Beat.]
Now, personally, I don't want you dead--
JAYCE
(Interrupting, sardonic smile clear in his tone)
You're too kind.
MEDA (Cont.)
(Blunt to the point of bludgeoning)
--but I'm not sure I could stop him.
BEAT. Jayce meets their gaze for a long while. Whatever silent conversation this is resolves.
JAYCE
Fine. I'll leave him be.
MEDA
(Demanding, gaze razor sharp)
And the rest of them too.
JAYCE
(Exasperated)
And the rest of them.
MEDA
(Unsatisfied)
Swear it.
Jayce leans forward, eyes intense, placing a hand on his heart.
JAYCE
I swear, Meda.
Meda examines him for a long moment. Eventually, she lets out a satisfied hum, leaning back to lounge in her seat.
MEDA
Good boy.
Jayce blinks, something VOLATILE sparking in his eyes. He wets his lips and leans back, eyes raking over Meda.
JAYCE
Are we done here?
Meda watches him for a long moment. It's hard to say if they find what they're looking for, but, eventually, they nod.
MEDA
Let's go.
Meda drains her drink, stands, and walks towards the door. Jayce leans back into his seat for a moment, watching her leave, before following obediently.
Fade to black.
FIN.