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. The gentleman turns and address you, ”If you will please wait here." He then bows and leaves you in the study.
"That answers a third question, whether or not I am free to invest my earnings in mine own pursuits," Alika observes.
"I am familiar with several methods of detecting our... association beyond pedestrian means. Several of my... companions are particularly vulnerable." Alika opens her mouth to continue several times, but simply shakes her head.
"I accept," she says finally.
To you, Alika, I give this Token. It will be a marker to others that you are my representatives.” He hands you a rectangular piece of finely worked metal the size and shape of a playing card. One side is intricately carved with the symbol of House Rousseau, just as on the wooden makers you received before. On this one, rather than inlaid enamel, the tiger and sword pommel are set in gold and the sword blade and helm are platinum. ”Unless otherwise instructed, you are to carry it and will be responsible for it’s safe keeping. Show it only to those you are instructed to. Deny to all else that you are associated with me in any way, and report anyone that may inquire about me or my family.”
" I guess I should ask if you have any tasks you wish me to do first m'lord. Or do we simply report to the woman..uhh you said Gueneph?"
Alika hefts the token in her hand, and practices with moving it through her deft fingers, and then tucks it into her sleeve.
"It is a bit heavy," she admits, raising and lowering her arm. She licks her lower lip. Perhaps a wrist sheath? "I suppose that I will find my possessions at this establishment?" she inquires, rising. "I should warn you that the knight is quite upset that his steed was spirited away from the docks. It is... unlikely that he will be responsive to civilized negotiations."
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?”
Once you exit the study you are met by the same man who admitted you. He introduces himself as Javin and gives you directions to the Standing Ogre Inn. It is located in the Abbey Green area of town, just north of the ruined tower you passed earlier in the night.
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?”
"I would like a bath, a bottle of wine, and a discrete matron to share them with me," Alika sighs, and then laughs softly. "Forgive me Mistress, it was a trying voyage."
That amount seems a might low. Now I know you are providing lodging and food, but still, it seems low. Are their any other perks to this position. I work in the trade business, after all, and so a percentage of goods is my usual fee.
"A private room, if there is one available," Alika answers, and steps closer. "I was informed that my personal effects were delivered earlier. I answer to the name Alika, if it please you, Mistress."
I believe that my skills and abilities are work at least double of what you offer. Without knowing what other compensation I might have awaiting me after any particular 'adventure'. I must look to the bottom line. I am sure a man of your affluence will not need to dicker about such a price. After all, you did invite me here for my particular skills.
(OK..so he is bluffing..lol...do you want me to roll for it, or just take the verbal smack down he will lay on me now..lol)
Mangur stands and bows to the gentleman. "I thank you for your offer, and I am glad you can see the value in my skills. Is there some document that I might examine to ensure all the particulars of this agreement are well set?"
Alika follows the Mistress to the bar and leans up against it, peering over not at the woman, but at the collection of bottles the 'keep makes available to the public, curious if she can recognize any of the brewers.
"If one were to ask whom the premier expert in Viticulture is in this area, whom might they be directed to?" Alika asks any who is available to listen.
Tristen smiles good naturally, these were the sort of people he was used to though it did seem slightly upper-scale compared to the inn's he had stayed at before.
"Evening good matron, uhhh I believe I'll need a room. Im new in town and was directed here by new acquaintance. Hope you don't mind Adler here, he doesn't eat much and ill clean up any mess he would make. Actually do you suppose you might have a leg bone of something or any couple of bones would do." He smiles rather embarrassed as Adler squawks loudly at the mention of bones.
"Again I am sorry I know this is...different than your regular patrons."
Mangur spends some time in examining the document to insure all is correct. He then takes the quill and signs his name on the required line and returns the paper.
"There, it is done. And I think a good deal for the both of us it will be. I look forward to working in your employment."
He stands and offers his hand, to seal the deal in a gentlemanly way.
"Good evening, Master," Alika greets with a soft smile. "I have a query that you will be able to answer, I am certain. I have recently been at sea, and my stomach is not particularly suited for that method of travel. Having returned to the comforts dry land of civilized conversation, I wished to celebrate with a bottle of wine. Which of the local vintages would you recommend?"
"You have my word and descretion, sir. I will take up no more of your time and shall retire to the abode you have provided for me. One question. Who has this token, and what others are in your employ, so that I may know them when we meet?"
Once you exit the study you are met by the same man who admitted you. He introduces himself as Javin and gives you directions to the Standing Ogre Inn. It is located in the Abbey Green area of town, just north of the ruined tower you passed earlier in the night.
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?”
Alika taps the label of the wine bottle with her fingertips and considers the question. "If I am to drink alone tonight, I will take a single glass. And I prefer to pay for my expenditures on mine own," she answers. "I harbor extreme distaste for debts," she adds.
Alika sets the bottle back down on the bar for the 'keep to open and pour, and spares a glance for the common room. "Have you no regular player here?" she inquires. "Perhaps the totem frightens them away?" she jests and laughs softly.
"Ah, yes. Would you be Gueneph Beausind? I have been sent here with the promise of room and board. A certain common employer set this up in advance. I am sure you know of what I speak."
Mangur examines the comon room, looking for anyone that may be out of place, or that he recognizes.
Perception:
"Oh I am sorry my names Tristen Almeran." He smiles sheepishly having been caught without his manners with what he could assume was his boss?
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 its 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 Gawain, I’m so glad you came. I am Ronard Rousseau. I know Ottoman 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. But before we begin I understand you are concerned for you steed. I can assure you he is fine and as soon as we are finished here you can go and check on him. Now, 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?”
Mangur smiles back at the proprietress and says, "I am Mangur Harmpreet, at you service." He gives a short bow to the woman.
Matt raises a glass to the man as he talks to Gueneph. Matt is sat at a table to the back of the 'Standing Ogre', on a high-backed bench with a discarded plate in front of him. A small smile crosses his lips and he beckon the man over with his wine glass.
"Ah yes, we have a room ready for you. If you would care to join your companion I will bring you your key." She gestures to Matt and then heads to the bar.
Mangur nods to the elf and heads over towards him, after ordering a meal of steamed vegetables and a cup of fresh-pressed fruit juice.
"Ah, Matt. What a pleasant surprise to find you here. I hope all has gone well for you since we last saw each other on-board the ship?"
He seats himself in the chair across from the elf and waits for his meal and a reply.
Matt nods, "I take it you saw the man with the magic glasses? Of course you accepted his offer or you wouldn't be here?" Matt queries a smile upon his face.
Between the pair he places his hand offering to shake.
Gawain listens intently to his words, relaxing somehwat at the news of his steed's wellbeing and he smiles a little sheepishly to himself before returning to his proud visage to continue listening. He bows his head to the lord Rousseau and smiles, showing his white teeth beneath his thick black beard. "The amount of time necessary for this venture is of no consequence my lord. I forsee no problems assuming this role for the time-being. Again, Gawain Macellan at your service my lord."
Inwardly, Gawain likes this man already, his attitude was calm and assured, much like his father but minus the thick black and grey beard and the foaming tankard. He could see himself fighting for this man, and that wasn't something he could say of many.
Mangur looks at the woman, then at Matt. "I mean no disrespect, madam; Matt, but this is not acceptable. What is the cost for a room for 1 night. I will need to speak to our employer about this. I am sure you will want your privacy, as I will want mine. We are more then likely going to be spending a lot of time in each others company, so a little separation while not out on the job, I feel, will be necessary. Do you not agree Matt?”
Mangur continues to look at the woman and asks again in a very patient voice, "I asked how much a room was, not if any were available. And I am sure accomidations could be found, for the right price."
He gives the woman a charming smile, so she will not think him being difficult or troublesome and maybe more willing to find space for him.
Diplomacy:
Matt waits a moment, leaning to one side "I believe Gwen here is the owner, so we do not wish her upset with us. Though I agree with the stance it may not be practical at this time. Perhaps later?"
Matt returns to his original position taking another sip.