You enter a room with a large desk set in the middle of it. On one side are three fine leather chairs and a small end table. The desk itself is orderly but well used. Neat stacks of paper, piles of scrolls, and bottles of ink occupy it’s perimeter. The center is clear save for a few sheets and a quil. Surrounding the room are all manner of cabinets, cases, shelves, and tables. Each baring baubles and strange artifacts, some obviously for display, others set out for examination or use.
Across the desk sits a half-elf. He is of medium build, has fine high features, and bright eyes the color of emeralds. His hair is a dark red, almost the color of aged copper, and worn long, falling strait down his back. He has a red goatee and mustache, not very full but immaculately trimmed and waxed. He wares red and purple robes with silver accents. He nods at you from behind the desk and motions you to sit in the center chair opposite him. After you take your seat, he folds his hands and begins to speak. His voice is clear but flat, with no hit of emotion or concern.
”Welcome Mangur, I’m so glad you came. I am Ronard Rousseau. I know Jawara well as both a business associate and a friend. He speaks very highly of you and recommended you to me for this position. I’m sure you have as many questions for me as I have for you. So please let us begin.” At this he unfolds his hands and reaches into a drawer at his side. He produces a pair of silver framed glasses with thick, pink crystal lenses. He dons them and adjusts them on his face. He then looks at you and smiles cordially. ”I would like to start by saying that this is a long term position we are discussing. If you were to assume these responsibilities, I would expect you to be involved for, even a number of years perhaps. Assuming, of course, that everything works out well on both sides. Is this something you are comfortable committing to?”
"Thank you my good sir."
Turning to Tristen, Mangur says, "I am sure I will see you again."
Mangur chuckle and says, "My dear sir. How can I be expected to answer such a question when I have no idea of what kind of work I shall be called upon to complete. I think I must first ask you what is the nature of this employment, and why you are assembling a number of other diverse personages for this job. It seems to me that you are hunting a group, not a single person."
As for who I am, I am part of a noble family here in Taldor. I oversee our family's business interests. And to the timing, I believe that for me to expand my dealings I need a group of agents that can do things for me that I can not do myself."
He pauses slightly and looks down at the paper before him. ”In way of compensation, I offer a salary of 5 silver shields a day, plus I will provide for room, boarding, and all reasonable expenses while you are in my employ. You will be afforded one day of rest per week. Whenever your assignment takes longer than 6 continuous days to complete, say a two week journey, your rest days will be provided at the completion of the assignment. There will also be, I foresee, opportunities for me to be especially generous at the end of some tasks. Does this offer meet with your expectations.”
Alika is left in the wake of the knight's departure for a number of moments, simply staring at his wide back as the assembly parts to permit his movement. Impetuous, Alika assesses. I should hope that his benefactor rules with an iron fist, she muses, eyes flashing with amusement.
"Pray, forgive my companion," she says to the porter the knight assaulted. "He is of the barbarous north, and has yet to acclimate to civilized society."
Alika favors the porter with a smile and a polite salute, and cuts her way through the assembly, mounting the stair with less difficulty than she had previously. At the landing, she surveys the district with a frown. Filth, she dismisses. I have no place here, or as a simple performer.
Sighing heavily, Alika exits the dock district on her own power, making sure to keep to the brightly lit areas and avoiding them which seemed unpopulated. Several years in Isarn had made Alika aware of such dangers.
When the streets become more friendly, Alika hails a coach states that Pharasma's pulpit in Old Cassomir is her destination.
Past the end of the docks to the north you see the ruins of a large keep. The road circling around it, you see everyone else steering well away from it’s crumbling walls. Yet just past the abandoned keep you find a quaint, lively district of shops and street vendors. There are musicians playing on the corners and groups of young adults walking about.
As you continue, before you rises the walls of the old city and it’s imposing gate. The gate itself is well guarded and all of the carts and travelers are scrutinized, but not stopped, as they enter. A pair of guards stare at you as you move under the parapet, but make no move to impede you.
When you enter the gates you find yourself directly behind a large citadel. It’s thick walls rising imposingly before you. The road curves west around the massive structure and also opens toward the north.
You find that Old Cassomir has clean, well cobbled streets and many parks and areas of green. The houses are well built and many lavishly decorated. You see many noble crests and banners adorning the different buildings and houses. As you turn to the north west, following the general flow of traffic, you eventually come upon a square containing what could only be Pharasma’s Pulpit. A 30 foot high platform built of wood, rope, and mortar, rises above the square. The gallows upon it look well used and well maintained. There are groups of people milling about and vendors with their carts selling wares around the perimeter of the square, but you can see it could hold a great deal more people.
The driver deposits you in the square near Phrarsma's Pulpit as you had requested. Even given the late hour, there are still a number of people in the square.
Tristen laughs softly to himself Disemble...what in the gods name does that mean? He laughs even more as Adler fixes Mangur with a beady eye before cawing softly as the man is escorted out of the room.
"Your right boy, definitely something off bout him. Maybe it's the city air makes them all act strange and say weird words. Can't just speak truth." he clucks to the bearded vulture before searching his pockets for a small tidbit to feed the bird as he continues to gaze about him never really searching for something particular more to get a feel of the man who he hoped to soon meet.
Perception
Gawain, his honour will bind him too you; though be careful to make no orders that impinge on that.
Tristen, a quiet sole. Cautious and clever; although has a small chip on his shoulder.
Mangur, an inquiring mind. Sharp and clever. If not I, then i would place the seal within his care.
Alika, passionate, resourceful and true; she will be hard to get on your side. But once give her loyalty could be unmatched. Though she will create action." Matt says trying to sound kindly and analytical.
Matt stands picking up his pack. "I take it the butler will give me instructions where to find this Inn." Matt memorises the face or a master he might not see again, turns and moves to the door.
And so too I stand in judgment, Alika hums, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She spends a few minutes angling about the vendors and the people, curious to see what manner of petty trade would compel persons to frequent this particular scene. None favored the sight of the Monolith in Isarn, and many sought to avoid the Revolutionary Council that maintained her.
When her curiosity has been sated, Alika turns to the north, and begins walking. Given the apparent affluence of the residents, it would not be outrageous to assume that patrols in this area are regular, she muses while she walks. And what tale might I tell them should I be forestalled? she considers.
'Beg pardon, Officers, but I received this summons, you see, the Magnate is expecting me...' Alika chuckles softly.
Assuming that Alika arrives without incident, she will pause near the house to take a quick survey of the edifice and her environment before she approaches it properly, and knocks on the door.
You come to the appointed address and see a well built, two and a half story manor. It's white washed appearance and Large porch give it a welcoming if unremarkable feel. Unlike many of the surrounding houses, it doesn’t have any banners, flags, or statues decorating it. Hanging just above the front porch is a familiar crest of a Tiger holding a sword, also borne on the wooden marker you each carry.
As you ascend the small steps and approach the front door, it opens automatically before you. Standing there in the doorway is a man in a neatly pressed dark suit trimmed in red and purple with a high collar. He bows deeply as you approach and says ”Follow me, if you would, just this way.” He turns and leads you inside.
The house is well furnished but a bit bland and under decorated. The walls are hung with simple elegant tapestries and modest high quality paintings. Entering the foyer, you are lead up a flight of stairs and into a well stocked library and sitting room on the second floor. The sitting room is comfortable with thickly padded chairs and a small lounge. The walls are covered on three sides with bookshelves. Tristen is here in the room, sitting in a chair. The gentleman turns and address you, ”If you will please wait here.” he then turns to Tristen "If you would please follow me, sir." He bows to you as he leads Tristen from the room.
You are lead down the hallway to another door. Before opening the door, your guide turns to you ”If you please, I will take your marker.” After receiving the wooden marker from you he opens the door and steps out of your way. He bows slightly as you pass by him.
You enter a room with a large desk set in the middle of it. On one side are three fine leather chairs and a small end table. The desk itself is orderly but well used. Neat stacks of paper, piles of scrolls, and bottles of ink occupy it’s perimeter. The center is clear save for a few sheets and a quil. Surrounding the room are all manner of cabinets, cases, shelves, and tables. Each baring baubles and strange artifacts, some obviously for display, others set out for examination or use.
Across the desk sits a half-elf. He is of medium build, has fine high features, and bright eyes the color of emeralds. His hair is a dark red, almost the color of aged copper, and worn long, falling strait down his back. He has a red goatee and mustache, not very full but immaculately trimmed and waxed. He wares red and purple robes with silver accents. He nods at you from behind the desk and motions you to sit in the center chair opposite him. After you take your seat, he folds his hands and begins to speak. His voice is clear but flat, with no hit of emotion or concern.
”Welcome Tristen, I’m so glad you came. I am Ronard Rousseau. I know Tomas well as both a traveling companion and a friend. He speaks very highly of you and recommended you to me for this position. I’m sure you have as many questions for me as I have for you. So please let us begin.” At this he unfolds his hands and reaches into a drawer at his side. He produces a pair of silver framed glasses with thick, pink crystal lenses. He dons them and adjusts them on his face. He then looks at you and smiles cordially. ”I would like to start by saying that this is a long term position we are discussing. If you were to assume these responsibilities, I would expect you to be involved for, even a number of years perhaps. Assuming, of course, that everything works out well on both sides. Is this something you are comfortable committing to?”
Matt with his things stowed away moves out of the room. Once outside he gulps the rest of the wine and lays the glass upon a doilie on a oaken side table. Turning to find Javin beside him; "I accepted his Excellencies offer, I take it you can direct me to the Standing Ogre?" Matt says as he moves with the butler to the front door showing courtesy to one whose work is to protect the house.
Alika's eyes narrow when the door opens before she has even a chance to announce herself. That spell is likely pedestrian in this quarter. The question becomes if the caster resides within, or were simply hired...
Alika follows Tristen's apparent dismissal with her eyes, but says not a word to the boy. Of course, she had expected to see the boy here, but she is not particularly fond of him, or his outrageous bird. After the boy and the steward have exited, she shakes her head, causing the beads and plates in her braids to beat against each other softly, and moves towards the bookshelves.
Alika casts and begins concentrating on the room.
The lack of standards hanging from the portico would suggest that Roussaeu is only lately come to his title. And the animal in his crest... A tiger. Taldor's native heraldry favors the lion.
Alika's fingertips glide across the spines of a number of books, considering their titles and their apparent subject in an attempt to divine the nature of the Magnate's employment.
You head that way, passing back out the gate between Old Cassomir and the rest of the city. Once you find the Standing Ogre you realize you must have passed by it on your way to Ronard's house.
The building appears as a unremarkable three story brick and plaster structure. The large (7 ft) stone figure of an Ogre stands beside the door, his face contorted in a slack jawed smile. He wares a tunic and apron and holds a mug in his left hand. His right arm is raised strait overhead, his hand holding a horizontal pole from which the establishment's sign hangs beside him.
As you enter, the lively sounds of a common room greet you. There are several groups of people eating, drinking, and talking at the tables. You see a young girl carrying a tray of mugs, weaving in and out of the tables. Behind the bar you see and exceedingly tall dwarf, standing eye to eye with the human customers.
You are quickly greeted by a woman with light bronze skin and thick dark brown hair, with streaks of grey beginning to show at her temples. She is wearing a dark blue gown of fine velvet trimmed in gold and green. She has deep grey blue eyes and a warm, welcoming smile. ”Welcome to the Standing Ogre Inn, how may I help you tonight?”
Trsiten studies the half elf considering the proposition for a moment almost ignoring Adler for a time as the bird shifts about on his shoulder uncomfortable to being inside so much.
"Thing is Tomas never mentioned you so forgive me if I seem.....reluctant to agree so readily. What position do we speak of? What would be my job per say? I don't imagine you would want a young trapper or you could find anyone outside the city to do that. So tell me why would contact an old trapper like Tomas." He says slowly after a few minutes of studying the half elf. He knew very little about them he had met very few elves and even fewer half breeds. To find one bearing a nobles coat of arms, well he had never heard of such things and if he had hadn't payed attention to it.
Entering the warmth and bussle of the tavern, Matt takes off his cloak. He takes the hand of the woman and bestows a gentle kiss (if she lets him). "Miss Gueneph, I presume. Mr Javin sent me, but failed to inform me of your beauty." Matts' eyes sparkle.
"If I may have a table, or a dance later?"
Alika hums with pleasant surprise and ends her concentration on .
If not permanent, than prepared for this evening, at the very least. A caster of the third circle, perhaps, to account for the time spent dawdling?
Alika begins to sing in Osirani to pass her idle moments, continuing to study the titles of the books within. The tune is simple, and almost rude compared the aria she performed earlier in the night, but the performance itself is not the object of her revery, but the words. The hymn she sings is in praise to Wadjet, the Mother of the River Sphynx, Guardian of the Pharaohs.
"I see. So I would be continuing my current position, but exclusively with your house, is that it?? I am not opposed to this, but I will have to hear what the remuneration will be."
You wait in the room for about 25 minutes. Then the gentleman who first greeted you reappears at the door. "If you would please follow me, my lady." and he leads you out of the study. You are lead down the hallway to another door. Before opening the door, your guide turns to you ”If you please, I will take your marker.” After receiving the wooden marker from you he opens the door and steps out of your way. He bows slightly as you pass by him.
You enter a room with a large desk set in the middle of it. On one side are three fine leather chairs and a small end table. The desk itself is orderly but well used. Neat stacks of paper, piles of scrolls, and bottles of ink occupy it’s perimeter. The center is clear save for a few sheets and a quil. Surrounding the room are all manner of cabinets, cases, shelves, and tables. Each baring baubles and strange artifacts, some obviously for display, others set out for examination or use.
Across the desk sits a half-elf. He is of medium build, has fine high features, and bright eyes the color of emeralds. His hair is a dark red, almost the color of aged copper, and worn long, falling strait down his back. He has a red goatee and mustache, not very full but immaculately trimmed and waxed. He wares red and purple robes with silver accents. He nods at you from behind the desk and motions you to sit in the center chair opposite him. After you take your seat, he folds his hands and begins to speak. His voice is clear but flat, with no hit of emotion or concern.
”Welcome Alika, I’m so glad you came. I am Ronard Rousseau. I know Harlan well as both a business associate and a friend. He speaks very highly of you and recommended you to me for this position. I’m sure you have as many questions for me as I have for you. So please let us begin.” At this he unfolds his hands and reaches into a drawer at his side. He produces a pair of silver framed glasses with thick, pink crystal lenses. He dons them and adjusts them on his face. He then looks at you and smiles cordially. ”I would like to start by saying that this is a long term position we are discussing. If you were to assume these responsibilities, I would expect you to be involved for, even a number of years perhaps. Assuming, of course, that everything works out well on both sides. Is this something you are comfortable committing to?”
Gently he fiddles with the ring of Ioemadae on his hand.
Alika chuckles softly. "These terms of yours, would you require that I sign to them? If you know Harlan, and of our particular... arrangement, then you should also know that I, as a private individual, am none too fond of contracts.
"If, however, you simply propose to retain my services for an indeterminate amount of time..." Alika trails and smiles again. "I have yet to entertain another offer of employment. As your coin has funded this comely exile, I have little cause to refuse you."
Past the end of the docks to the north you see the ruins of a large keep. The road circling around it, you see everyone else steering well away from it’s crumbling walls. Yet just past the abandoned keep you find a quaint, lively district of shops and street vendors. There are musicians playing on the corners and groups of young adults walking about.
As you continue, before you rises the walls of the old city and it’s imposing gate. The gate itself is well guarded and all of the carts and travelers are scrutinized, but not stopped, as they enter. A pair of guards stare at you as you move under the parapet, but make no move to impede you.
When you enter the gates you find yourself directly behind a large citadel. It’s thick walls rising imposingly before you. The road curves west around the massive structure and also opens toward the north.
You find that Old Cassomir has clean, well cobbled streets and many parks and areas of green. The houses are well built and many lavishly decorated. You see many noble crests and banners adorning the different buildings and houses. As you turn to the north west, following the general flow of traffic, you eventually come upon a square containing what could only be Pharasma’s Pulpit. A 30 foot high platform built of wood, rope, and mortar, rises above the square. The gallows upon it look well used and well maintained. There are groups of people milling about and vendors with their carts selling wares around the perimeter of the square, but you can see it could hold a great deal more people.
You come to the appointed address and see a well built, two and a half story manor. It's white washed appearance and Large porch give it a welcoming if unremarkable feel. Unlike many of the surrounding houses, it doesn’t have any banners, flags, or statues decorating it. Hanging just above the front porch is a familiar crest of a Tiger holding a sword, also borne on the wooden marker you carry.
He temples his fingers together leaning forward slightly balancing himself on his knees Adler shifting slightly to accommodate him.
"To guide, but not to lead," Alika observes. "I note the distinction, and the air with which you deliver your proposal. Very... practiced though I dare say I cannot blame you. A man of stature such as yourself, having obtained your position, you haven't the luxury of interviewing each of your hirelings in a manner that would betray that you do indeed value their individual talents.
"Might I say that I did find your choice of landmark exceptionally amusing. There beneath the Monolith," Alika intentionally mistakes herself, smiles, and continues, "excuse me, the Pulpit of Pharasma, each of us are equal, no? But, what a macabre landscape there, filled with pilgrims, penitents and proprietors seeking to profit from their presence as well," Alika leans forward in her chair slightly.
"But not a landmark in this city interests me so much as the figure seated across from me at this moment, having called each of us here to serve your whim," she continues, azure eyes flashing. "Your lenses, are they meant to discern the truth of my words, or the presence of magics?"
"Suppose this means I call you m'lord then?" He chuckles slightly before coughing in embarrassment and then continues speaking. "One thing though, I don't work with priests, whole lot of them can go to hell so don't expect me to help them. Tomas would've told you that if you inquired about me. Other than that the 5 silvers is more than what we would get on a good run of pelts. Seems to me you might be over paying me by some. I'll let you decide what is fair by my performance. But aye, you have your man. "
"Where do I start then?" He asks after moment of consideration.
Alika sits back and laughs softly, like a song, and crosses her legs at the ankles. "You display an appropriate amount of caution."
Alika draws her lower lip between her teeth and is silent for several moments, considering her position. "Would accepting your offer of employment preclude me from my professional obligations? I've no need of the... sails, as you say, but have found in the past that it beneficial to keep a... public persona that clients can readily identify. And unless my assessment is grossly inaccurate, the skulk, Magnur is meant to be your shadow dealer?"
As the young serving girl passes, Matt puts up a hand gesturing to her. She comes over to the table. "This is amazing can you give the chef my compliments and a second glass of wine, I am expecting a guest. Here you go for your trouble." Matt pops a few coins on her tray.
Smiling between mouthfuls, 'I might loses my cautious edge here, but at least I will finally live.'
When the second glass arrives Matt puts it on the bench beside him, hidden from view. 'I wonder who will be the next to arrive? Matt keeps as much as an eye as he can on the door.
"I will leave the decision to you on your public persona. I will expect, of course, your obligations to me to take precedence over any others. As for your roles, I am sure all of you will work together to accomplish the tasks I put before you. Do you have any other questions before you make your decision?"
"Several," Alika answers, her voice now resembling his. "First, what particular challenge is it you wish to avoid that you would assemble a team of misfits from every which corner of Avistan and Garundi to serve your whim? I was unable to discern if you had any particular interests or enemies in anything, which... concerns me.
"Second, if I am to be your 'emissary', I would be informed of the image which I am to sell of you. You cannot know Harlan and be completely ignorant of the service I provided for him on account of his... heir," Alika hisses the last with distaste. "And it may be a lie, but I would know the nature of my employer before I endorse his cause."