Kage's eyes glitter as he studies the waitress, considering her offer. There where many different lights such a suggestion could be taken in. At face value it was a reasonable suggestion, yet if there was dark work to be done the privacy of a back room would prove ideal. Of course that cut both ways...
Kage looks at the bottle, glances at Jon and gets up, before replying to the waitress, "But of course."
Kage gets the sense that the waitress is able to handle herself, but isn't spoiling for a fight at this point. She leads you through the side door and down a narrow hallway, past several nondescript doors. Picking one seemingly at random, she opens it and waves you inside. The big guy follows, but stays several paces behind.
The room is small, lit by an array of candles and one everburning torch in a sconce. Three chairs are arranged around a small table, which has four goblets already in place. The tiefling gestures to the seats, then goes about the practiced motion of opening the wine bottle and filling two of the goblets. She collects the other two, leaves the bottle, and exits, closing the door behind her.
After a short while, the door opens again and a stocky man with a beard that could rival a dwarf's comes in and sits down like he owns the place. He drums his fingers on the arms of the chair as he stares at you both. "So. You want a, what was it? A 'history lesson?' I can help with that, but there's a lot of history. Where would you like me to begin?"
"Rules?" says one of the interested parties with a laugh. He's a balding man with a heavy leather jerkin over an otherwise bare chest. "Only rule is, the Darkwind Trade House rules. If you want to do business, that is. If you want to party, then there are no rules." He laughs at his own brilliance and puts a hairy arm around Eris and guides her to the bar. "Haru! Get this lovely lass another!"
A pair of lanky, straw-haired young men, identical twins except that the one on the right has a milky right eye, approach Alenaya and similarly guide her to the bar. "What can we get you?" the one on the left asks.
”Something sweet. And perhaps a meal fit for a Lady? We’ve been traveling and a nice meal sounds so good!” she says as she hooks her arms into one of each of the twins. ”What’s your names?”
Eris smiles happily, allowing the man to direct her before the bar. "Oh how excellent, parties without rules are extremely fun. I'm Raven by the way" she mentions quickly to the man, ordering another drink and letting the arm curve around her waist. "Lets say I did want to do business though, any rules I would need to know about?" she inquiries, really just trying to get a sense as to whether Sa'Kage and Jon would be alright or if she needed to step in somehow.
"Well, say you're a skilled tradesman looking to operate in the area for a short time. Who would you need to speak to to make sure that there are no hurt feelings. We understand that the guilds and the crown have some history. Where do they stand in relation to one another today?"
Take 10 on Bluff for secret message (22 total) "Who runs the underworld and can you get us in contact with them? What is the current situation between the underworld and the king?"
Kage approved, Jon was asking the right questions in the right way. This let him indulge in his favorite hobby, people watching. Naturally the bearded man was now the center of attention. Kage watched him, idly thinking that the saying was probably true - a man with a beard has something to hide. 'What are you hiding?' he mused...
His eyes flutter about the room and the man himself, searching for signs of danger or anything that might be turned to their advantage.
"Ah," exclaims the bearded man, sitting back in his chair and relaxing visibly. "Wise of you to ask. Wiser still that you came to us first, since doing any sort of business in Pitax without the blessing of one of the Trade Houses is apt to get you... sanctioned. This is the Darkwind Trade House, run by the Strocalle family. There are three other houses, but they're hardly worth mentioning, really. What sort of business might you be looking to get into? Go ahead, we're past being evasive here. I'll see about setting you up with a license if it has potential. For a small fee, of course. My name's Kullen, by the way."
Kage seems satisfied that Kullen is interested in doing business at this point, and he and Jon are not in immediate danger. He can tell that Kullen is not particularly high up the ranks of the Strocalle, though he clearly has done this kind of brokerage before.
=================
Alenaya's suitors introduce themselves as Timmond and Tommund. They order a round of sweet wines and for her a meat pie baked in a flaky crust from the bar, then entice her to a table along the wall. They sit on either side of her and give her a moment to have a few bites of her supper. Timmond (the one with two functional eyes) props his head on the table with his arm as he leers somewhat drunkenly at her. "So, where've you been traveling from? You here for the Rushlight Festival? If you're interested in a little gambling, I could tell you where you need to place your coin when it comes to the jousting or the archery."
Tommund scoffs at his brother. "She ain't the gambling type. What's your name, darlin'? You're here to see the menagerie, aren't ya? I've heard there's some griffons this year."
Meanwhile, the man who has taken a liking to Eris chortles a bit at her question. "Well, that's simple. You get permission from one of the Trade Houses. It turns out you're in luck, since you're actually in one right now! But you're not interested in business, are you Raven? When you can cut right to the pleasure?" He flips a strand of Eris' hair off her shoulder and nuzzles her neck in a move that is supposed to be pleasant. His technique, however, needs some work.
Eris smiles playfully, placing her rear firmly against the man, before leaning backwards, whispering in his ear quietly, but firmly, tone turning slightly businesslike.
"I don't think you quite understand. My business is pleasure, so why don't you set me up with someone that can allow me to sell my particular business to some of the high society men and women in Pitax? I'm sure there is a way I could negotiate an arrangement of course."
Jon sits up more straight. His takes on a calm demeanor with a business tone. "Good. I've always preferred direct in these matters. Our business will depend upon the client, but our specialty is in 'sanctions'. What we really need to know is if you can get us a meeting with our desired client. The king."
Kage nodded slightly at Jon's words before adding, "As my college suggests we have a very particular set of skills, skills acquired over a long career. Skills I am lead to believe his magnificence Castruccio Irovetti will be in need of before long."
Calmly looking the man in the eye, Kage continues, "Something tells me this realm is far from stable... I've seen what happens when civilization descends into chaos, it's ugly and more to the point bad for business. We did ask for a history lesson, I'd like to know who might want to kick the ant's nest over and why?"
Kullen runs his hand along his beard as he sizes the two men in front of him.
"Hmm. You pose an interesting question. I would say that the player seeing a hopeless game would most likely want to knock over the board." He gives you a satisfied smile that lets you know he believes himself to be holding all the pieces.
He leans forward. "Tell me why you believe the king will be needing your services in particular?"
==================
"Is that so?" He pulls back and studies Eris, desire still all over his face. Coming to a decision, he says, "Fine, then. You show promise. How much for the night? If it's worth it, I'll make sure you get in good with the Strocalle Family. I talk you up good enough, maybe Eliste hears about it and she brings you in as one of her Purple Ladies." He says that as if it is a high honor indeed.
Eris does her best to look disinterested."It that all darling? It sounds like a lot of if's and maybe's to me, not really the confident answer I'd want from someone in charge. I don't even know what a Purple Lady is and therefore I'm unable to accept the merits of the offer, for all I know, maybe that's the name given to toilet cleaners!"
The sorceress thinks for a moment, reflecting. "Why don't you put your cards on the table hmm? I'm a beautiful woman personally trained by my priestess who in turn was personally trained by Shorafa of Riddleport. I'm after some fun and people usually pay for my services in information. Naturally it's usually those in high society that can afford me, but in this town I don't quite have access to them yet. At the moment, I'm happy shopping around for the best deal - there is no shortage of people happy to make me offers. So, if you are interested, feel free to make your 'bid' as it were, and I'll let you know how it stacks up."
Irritation flashes across the man's face. It fades quickly and he nods, accepting that he'll have to work in order to enjoy Raven's bed. "All right, you're obviously not from around here. I'll set you straight. Come along then."
He grabs a couple bottles that the bartender had pushed his way. Putting a heavy arm around Eris' waist, he leads her deeper into the tavern. In the far back, several tables are blocked by partitions giving patrons a measure of privacy. He selects one of them and guides Eris in. He moves in after her and sets the bottles on the table.
He pushes one into her hand and takes a swig of the other. "Now," he begins, pulling Eris so close she's practically sitting on his lap. "My name's Ryvan. I've worked for the Strocalle Family all my life. Got my start busting crates, moved up to busting heads. Now I run a crew myself, doing 'special' jobs for the Darkwind Trade House.
"Here's the thing about Pitax: there is no high society. There's the trade houses, and there's the artists. The artists may play at being all hoity-toity, but I guess that's not what you're after. Am I right? You passed all the fancy theaters and the studios and came here. Where the real power is."
After taking another long pull from his bottle, he squeezes her close, using his greater strength to hold her in place. "I don't know where Riddleport is, and I don't much care, 'cause you're in my town," he whispers in her ear. "So my 'bid' is this: you show me you're worth my time, and I'll tell you all about the trade houses, the families, what it was like before Irovetti and what it's like now. How does that stack up?"
Jon looks at Kullen. "Some knowledge can be hazardous. Do you really want to know the answer to that?"
When Kullen responds in the affirmative
"Your request is not unreasonable. The Mighty Acheachuk has sent us to speak with him to negotiate a contract."
”Boys, Boys. No need to argue. Names Holly, and I’m here to see the whole thing! The festival, the city, the king, all of it! How might a girl do that, hmmm?”
"Ryvan, darling, you are not filling me with confidence" Eris says bluntly, not in the least bit intimidated by the mans strength.
"How could you do an adequate job talking me up to this Eliste when you are ignorant of perhaps one of the most well known and highly regarded figures of the profession? How would you know what was good and what was average?" she continues smoothly, giving the man a slightly disappointed look.
"Look, I'm not trying to be unreasonable here, and I'm happy offering my trade to a trading house that offers the best deal, but I would like an audience with Irovetti. This shouldn't be an issue, and I'm sure he has a number of secrets the Strocalle Family would appreciate me seducing out of him. That's all I'm really charging here for my services, if I wanted money, I'd have gone to the fancy studios for it. So Ryvan, seeing as I am in your town is such a request beyond your power to grant, do you need to confer with someone higher up in the Strocalle Family?" Eris finishes, with her tone containing the barest hint of skepticism directed at Ryvan's allegedly high ranking within the Trading House.
Kullen makes a show of searching his memory. "Achaekek? That's a god, right? I don't know a whole lot about him. I'm a follower of the Gray Master myself. What's this Achaekek about? Murder for hire, I suppose?"
The Gray Master is one of Norgorber's four aspects.
Timmond smiles. "You don't want much, do ya? Well, the festival is outside the city. It's several miles north, up towards Cutter's Creek. You gotta buy tickets for the events. If you want to join us, we're planning to head up tomorrow morning. We have some 'business' to attend to -- several of the merchants haven't paid their licensing fees so we need to --" he exchanges a look with his brother, "--persuade them to pay up."
Tommund finishes. "But that won't take all that long and it'll make sure we have plenty of cash -- and maybe a few trinkets that catch your fancy. I'm sure you'll get a chance to see the king while we're up there. He's got a grand pavilion near the coliseum. We'll definitely want to check out the midnight joust on the last day."
Okay, so she thinks she's hot stuff being trained and all. But if she makes demands like this in front of Eliste Strocalle, she'll be a black-and-blue lady, not one of her ladies in purple. I got to take some of the fight out of this one or I'll lose face bringing someone too uppity before Eliste.
After thinking for a moment, Ryvan sighs and takes a different tack. "Think about it. You're trying to shoot straight for the top without proving yourself. Believe me, I got the connections. I get that you're trained, but if you think you're getting into Irovetti's bed before you can prove yourself to Eliste, you got another think coming. Here." He pushes the bottle into Eris' hand. "Have a few more, or don't, and come show me what you can do. I promise I'll talk to Eliste if you impress me. Unless you don't think you're able...?
"Oh darling, you were so close to sealing the deal Ryvan...but I think I'll pass on giving you the opportunity to 'take' the fight out of me. Black and blue isn't really my color" Eris responds, folding her arms and facing changing, flashing with anger.
"Yes Ryvan, I can read your mind. Useful tool for an escort so I know exactly what my clients want, and useful in this case where I feel I'm being manipulated. Its been a long time since I was threatened with a beating - I had a reputation after all, I just wouldn't stand for it. Now its...vexing, and I do hate being vexed."
Eris shifts a little from her position, tapping the mans hand around her waist with one finger, indicating she wished for him to remove it. Regardless as to whether the man does or not, Eris continues, after sighing heavily
"I suppose I shouldn't be too upset with you. Using your hands, physical work, that's all you really know, although truthfully I had hoped otherwise. So Ryvan, no demands, but I'm going to run a scenario for you to think about. Lets say I leave, right now - because frankly, you blew it about two seconds ago. Lets say I go into a rival trading house. They give me the connections I need, and I repay the favor back twice back. The money, the prestige, the secrets I could extract for them, all that potential power. Now, imagine Eliste found out I came here first and her faithful supporter blew the opportunity. How much face would you lose then?" Eris asks.
Letting the sentence hang in the air Eris shifts again, indicating she is prepared to leave. "Lets get one thing clear, this" Eris points to her body in an expansive movement "isn't happening between me and you, not after I read your mind and learnt a little of your actual intentions. Still, lets move on. One option, you could consider. You could recommend me to Eliste right now. You could tell her I was flawlessly amazing, perhaps a little uppity, but you put me in my place. You could lie, in other words. Then you can hand me over to Eliste blameless - as far as shes's concerned you did everything expected of you. Or, I can get up and walk out of here, and you can reflect on the missed opportunity. Got a preference Ryvan honey?"
Kage hadn't heard of the Gray Master, it was no matter. This was probably still a business transaction.
Casually Kage replies, "Sometimes, we've been hired for other purposes as well. We won't just take any old contract mind you... Not everyone who asks really wants somebody taken out or kneecapped, or can afford it for that matter. Some prospective employers are a liability too, wanting to specify how or when the mark dies or worse be present."
Discussing this kind of thing tended to upset normal people, Kage's eyes never left the man, was he a normal person? Was he going to be a problem?
Ryvan snarls, baring his teeth. "Yeah, I got a preference. Read this:"
After a pause where he glares daggers at Eris, he clamps his hands down hard on her. "Even if you get away to run to one of the other houses, you're lost. Only Eliste has the ear if the king. She's working with him to get rid of the rest of the houses. I know what you look like, so 'Raven' or whatever you decide to call yourself will be worthless to any of the other houses. You're working for me. You could have used your gift to be smart, but you just lost your advantage. Now, if you want to keep your pretty skin intact, you're going to do everything I say. Give me a kiss."
Jon smiles at Kellen's response. "Yes. Achaechek is a god. He's the patron of the Red Mantis. He has sent us to offer our service to the king. So, can you help us?"
Sa'Kage gets the sense that Kullen is a pragmatic business man but also one with very little loyalty to anyone but himself. He regards Jon-Wyn with interest. "The king is currently occupied with his festival, which might mean it will take some time before he will have any interest in the services you claim to provide. I can get the message to him that you are interested in a meeting, for a price."
He certainly believes he's capable of doing what he claims and that the Strocalle Family is the one with connections to the king.
Eris wasn't particularly surprised by his response, but immediately seeks to neutralize the threat. Acting cowed, she bows her head meekly as if giving in. "Why don't you take your clothes off sir, we have some privacy and I can show you what I can do" she remarks in a passive tone. Whether the man does so or not, Eris immediately casts Suggestion, asking him to back off, and refrain from hurting or restraining her.
Ryvan had started to respond with Eris's request for him to take his clothes off by forcibly grabbing her dress. But her magic takes hold and he sits back in his seat, his hands moving to his lap. "All right," he grumbles, looking somewhat perplexed at his own actions.
"Oh good, now why don't you finish taking your clothes off, and then shall we go to the bar again and say hello to everyone. You can show me off as your prize" Eris purrs, back in control of the situation but fully aware the new suggestion was embarrassing and the mans reputation would likely suffer.
Ryvan blinks in surprise, but immediately begins squirming in the close confines of the private booth as he removes his clothes.
Alenaya gets the sense that the twins are definitely connected enough that they'll have the run of the festival, but they don't have any real connection to the king. They seem to expect that seeing the king from afar will be sufficient.
While Alenaya is chatting, she sees a rather large commotion as a very naked man walks past them to the bar, with Eris walking next to him.
"What the hell is Ryvan doing!?" Timmond exclaims.
The twins in unison turn to the alchemist. "Say, didn't that woman come in with you?"
"Gentlemen please accept my humble apologies" Eris remarks smoothly, nodding to the twins and gesturing at the very naked Ryvan. "Ryvan was going to set up a much anticipated meeting between me and someone by the name of Eliste when he abruptly tried to take his enjoyment by force and made some very disturbing threats against me. I didn't know good sirs, if all men in this bar behaved in this disgraceful manner, so I'm currently trying to teach him how to respect particularly beautiful women. Do any of you have an opinion on the subject?" she inquires casually, as if this was a very standard debate, before tilting her head to one side as she looks at Alenaya.
"I believe we entered this place at the same time, but it was pure coincidence, nothing more. I know her about as well as I know the two of you and I don't even know your names. I'm Raven."
"Everything has a price." Jon waits for the amount.
"...I'm sure something can be arranged.", echoes Kage, "What's the deal with this rushlight festival anyway?"
Kullen leans forward. "I need five hundred up front. The festival is bread and circuses, but it draws the attention of all the River Kingdoms. The king entertains dignitaries from most of them, and rumor has it that he personally invited the new rulers of that upstart kingdom to the northeast. So I'll need plenty of bribery money to get you in." He shrugs. "Plus something for the trouble."
Alenaya shrugs, ”Came in with her, maybe, I dunno. I was trying to get a drink from the other two guys who walked off. Then you two handsome fellas came along and stole my eyes away,” she says with a wink to Timmond. ”But, say...there are two of you, and only one of me. Maybe miss Raven here can join us! Have a seat honey. I’m Holly, this is Timmond and Tommund.”
Jon gives over 750 gold. "We are staying at the inn. We will await for you to contact us about the details."
Kullen's eyes light up as he sees the sum of money Jon-Wyn produces. "My friends, to wherever you are staying, it is far too modest. Allow me to get rooms for you at the Shaded Breeze Inn. All your needs will be attended to."
Kage can tell the man is genuine in his desire to provide them hospitality, but there's also a measure of wanting to keep tabs on them to make sure they're not going to stray to a competitor.
==================
The commotion caused by the nude man and Raven's pronouncement prevents any easy communication between Eris and Alenaya. Ryvan's stupid grin and gesturing like he was showing her off clearly appalls most of the crowd, although there is a fair amount of snickering from the ladies.
Eris's comment to Alenaya and the twins are lost among the uproar, just as Alenaya's invitation for her to sit.
Timmond and Tommund raise an eyebrow at the whole spectacle, but cast a suspicious eye to their guest.
Haru, the man behind the bar, comes around and places himself in front of Eris. "That was very impolite of him. What can the Darkwind Tavern do to make it up to you?"
Eris makes a dismissive gesture at Haru.
"I don't hold him personally responsible for this establishment - he acted as an individual. Of course, I wouldn't mind having a chat with Eliste about possible employment - ironically enough despite what happened I did hear good things about this establishment - but I'm also intelligent enough to realize Ryvan here might have jeopardized it. If it can happen, then it happens>'
Jon leaves the decision to Kage.
Kage supposed that was rather a lot of gold, he hoped Jon was playing this right, it seemed to be working so far... He was also marginally surprised the man hadn't asked for them to prove their claims, although perhaps with so much gold he simply didn't care.
Kage wasn't particularly happy about this change of accommodation, but he didn't want to endanger the man's cooperation, "Our needs are fairly modest: food, a place to sleep and that's about it, well a view wouldn't hurt but it's hardly essential. Maybe an adjoining room for the ladies with a lockable internal door, they can be funny about these things. Apparently I'm a terrible snorer and they'll never get a wink of sleep otherwise."
Kullen nods to both with a sly smile. "Ladies. Certainly. It will be arranged. Stay, enjoy your wine. It is a very good vintage. Someone will collect you shortly." He gets up to leave, taking the money with him.
==================
The twins exchange a look, then glance back at Eris while Ryvan is still saying hello to people at the bar. Tommund shrugs, and says, "I don't think that one's going to get the chance to sit and chat with us. She's caught some attention."
Timmond nods in agreement with his brother, then leans toward Alenaya. "So, Holly, where are you from? If we're going to enjoy the festival tomorrow, we should get to know you."
Haru, meanwhile, bows slightly to Eris. "I'm relieved to hear that. Can I get you a drink on the house? Word will reach Eliste quickly, I've no doubt. You can remain here, or in a private booth, if you wish to wait for her." He smiles reassuringly.
Several toughs give Eris a glare as they grab a hold of Ryvan and escort him into the back room. Many of the crowd hoot and holler as he leaves.
Eris smiles sweetly at the toughs, indicating she had little problem with them helping Ryvan into a more private location - her punishment of sorts had been administered and hopefully the lesson had been learnt.
"I'm happy waiting for her to arrive actually, but considering the nature of employment she's mostly interested in, do you think she would want it discussed her or in a private booth do you think? Does she have a preference, as I don't mind too much, I'll just have a drink while waiting." she replies to Haru, nodding politely.
Jon is very happy with the way things are going. It seems that Achaechuk has blessed their outing. "Actually, we'll be out in the main room." Jon stands and follows Kellen out. Finding a table and continuing to drink.
As Jon-Wyn and Sa'Kage step out into the back hallway, they are passed by a naked man who waves at them and Kullen. The man is escorted by a pair of sour-faced men. Kullen is brought short in amazement, but relaxes somewhat when one of the two men whisper something to him.
"There's a witch of some kind out there in the main room. Magicked him."
--------------
Haru nods at Eris. "Private booth, then." He takes her drink order, and gestures to the tiefling waitress who escorts the sorceress to a private booth.
Kage and Jon reenter the common room and are shown a table which gives them a good view of the room. They are able to spot Alenaya easily enough, chatting with an identical pair of sandy-haired men. Eris -- or at least her Raven persona -- is absent, but the rear of the establishment has several private booths.
After a short while, a pair of attractive women, one an ebony-skinned Garundi with a low-plunging front and the other a willowy half-elf with large, expressive eyes, introduce themselves to the two men. "We heard you'd like some company? I'm Giselle and this is Uana," says the half-elf seductively.
"Is this a normal thing here?" Jon asks as the happy naked man passes them by. He hears the whispered words, but does not react to them.
In the common room, when Jon does not see Raven, he is concerned. He goes to the offered seat, though, not wanting to interrupt whatever it is she is working on. "You know we will be watched every moment at least until the meeting, right?"
"Giselle and Uana? Please have a seat. Is there something we can have them bring you?" Jon is willing to make small talk with the pair of attractive women. His attention is split between them and the rest of the establishment, particularly with Alenaya.
Kage noticed the whispered words and that Jon had noticed them. He wondered if things where going to get ugly... If so it might make sense to retire for the night early on some pretense, bar room brawls tended to get ugly. Of course as the will of the gods would have it, a rather delightful pair of excuses arrived. Not that he actually intends to get up to anything, his memories of that last night with Astrid are still far too raw.
"Giselle and Uana? Please have a seat. Is there something we can have them bring you?" Jon is willing to make small talk with the pair of attractive women.
Kage shows them the half drunk bottle, "Some wine perhaps? This red is really rather good."
The two ladies slide into seats next to Jon and Kage giggling. "Absolutely!" Uana says, giving the tiefling a wave. "Quella, dear! Two more of the Crown Red!" The waitress nods in response, and before the first bottle is finished two more of the same vintage are on the table.
Giselle and Uana both wiggle in close, being very forward in their attention. Soon Giselle is running her lacquered nails through Jon-Wyn's hair, while Uana leans in and nibbles Kage's earlobe. The chit-chat at the table is idle and loaded with innuendo.
After about ten minutes pass, a man approaches Jon-Wyn's and Sa'Kage's table. He clears his throat to get their attention. "A carriage is ready to take you to your rooms," he informs them. "When you're ready."
At roughly the same time, a lithe woman with her black hair in a pixie cut strides into the tavern along with a pair of black-clad men. She engages with the bartender for a brief conversation. She nods curtly, then moves to the back while flanked by the men who came in with her.
After roughly ten minutes, during which time Eris is given whatever you wish to drink, the partition opens and a black-haired woman with a pixie cut slides into the seat across from her.
Two black-clad men enter the partition as well, one sitting next to the woman, the other sitting next to Eris. The last one in closes the door.
The woman stares at Eris severely, studying her without moving her head. "Congratulations, you have caught my attention," she says after her silent assessment is concluded. "It was an original method, I must admit. But one that does not immediately engender trust. In fact, it really quite concerns me that you might be a threat to me and more of my people."
Eris relaxes in her seat. She knew that man sitting right next to her was to unnerve and weaken the position, and she recognized the tactic for what is was. She she focused her attention on the woman and did her best to ignore her neighbor.
"Eliste I presume" the kitsune remarks, meeting her gaze evenly. "If you truly considered me a threat to you and your people, you wouldn't have bothered coming. Why risk placing yourself in a harmful position? Besides, if you are up to date on the situation, you would know I did try asking nicely until one of your staff ignored the negotiations, made some rather nasty threats to my welfare, and then tried to get what he wanted via force. Quite frankly, maybe your people need to learn a little more about the delicate art of diplomacy - it would have avoided a lot of the...unpleasantness."
Eris pauses for a moment, weighing up whether she should use her mind reading ability, before electing not to, for now. It would have been nice to know what the woman was thinking, but on the other hand, she didn't really want to unduly antagonize someone at this early stage.
"Besides, in the big scheme of things, all I did was humiliate him a little. A rather mild sort of punishment for a mild transgression. It could have been much worse for him, but I didn't want to punish him unduly for something he had probably been..taught."
Eliste shrugs. "I don't care if you had your reasons to humiliate Ryvan. He wants blood. As his superior, I need to give him something, or I lose his loyalty. Is this something you can understand?" She folds her arms with a look of disdain, as though she believes Eris cannot.
Eris raises her eyebrows, not altogether believing Eliste. "Oh please darling, you're talking to someone who handled a rather tense situation with a rakshasa. I know a lie when I hear one. My little punishment included Ryvan not hurting or harming me, ergo unless Ryvan is feeling a little different from when I last saw him, he probably isn't feeling the way you describe. Even then, knowing Ryvan, he strikes me more as a pleasure kind of guy when I'm concerned, considering prior conduct. No...I think you are still trying to play the power game with me here, trying to make me feel indebted, which is flattering but still not the real reason you are here, personally. Why don't you jump ahead and skip the mind games."