"Evening gentlemen. Who are you affiliated with and where are you going?" asks the man in front.
She nods to him "I have been hired to find out information about a certain someone in this city and am trying to do this job but unfortunately I lack the ability to read your language and would never burden you with this task if I did not have anywhere else to go." she says very seriously.
"If this is something you will not do I understand but I have no where else to go or anyone else I can trust."
Michael address the man in the front
"Good even my good man I do believe that you are being rude questioning who we are and our affiliations without properly introducing yourself first. I am not inclined to tell you anything without good reason as to why I should or without knowledge of who you are."
Michael crosses his arms in a defensive stance
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
Somewhat taken back by Christopher's gratitude, Gunther clears his throat and reaches for the young lad's hand with both of his.
"Young man, you and your family are most welcome.", he replies, shaking his hand firmly.
He turns to look at Jordan and finds her blushing at Rafael's charm.
"To answer your question, Rafael, I am the owner and manager of a local inn and tavern just down the road from here. It is one of the finest, most reputable, and popular in the city.
Gunther's attention then shifts to their family crest and adds, "I have to admit, I was very concerned as to whom this boy was that my daughter has such an interest in, but I recognize your family crest and I must say that it is an honor to have you and your family here with us this evening. Thank you all for accepting our invitation to dinner."
Adelchi steps forward, "Perhaps just as important is how this information was acquired".
Another man in the entourage steps forward, " Sir this is Michael Santo a fine upstanding citizen who has a gondola business here in the city, it is his companions though who should identify their purpose here as h is simply doing his job in leading them somewhere".
Christopher steps inside and closes the door behind him his smile is dazzling as he steps forward to take Jordan's hand, " You honor us with your invitation sir I am most happy to be here".
"Proprietor of an inn? That is a very distinguished position for a foreigner here in our fair city. Tell me how did you come to Venice Signore Thesing? asks Rafael.
Xing Shi ignores Adelchi and keeps talking to Luigi.
"In truth all I need to know is what is the name of the owner of this document and what he does for a living. The rest I can handle. If I have put you in danger I apologize and this document will be returned to where it came and none will know you have ever seen it."
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
"Well, I was born and raised here, but my parents were originally from Hungary. They moved here something like forty years ago, established a business which I now own and run, and I met my lovely wife twenty years ago. We were just about Jordan's age when we first met.
Fiona, having already placed a tray full of various finger foods on the table, enters the room with another serving tray with an opened bottle of wine and her finest stemware, some fresh fruit, and some cheese.
"Anyone care for some wine? There's also some appetizers on the table to tide us over until dinner is ready."
"Hungary eh? I have not been there myself, I spend most of my time here in the city taking care of matters which need attending to so that merchants may continue their businesses freely. My son on the other hand is a freeloader, who would rather drink and fight than attend to matters of importance".
Christopher stares at his father but before he can say anything Filomena speaks, "Miss Jordan you are ever so pretty how did you meet my brother?"
Jordan replies, "A few weeks ago at market with my mother your brother spotted me sifting through fruit and he introduced himself. You are pretty too Filomea and Christopher has told me so much about you I am so happy we can finally meet!" The girls conversation takes the tension out of the room as they continue their small talk. Fionna enters the room again pouring wine for everyone and engaging in conversation.Rafael remains quiet.
speaks with the man that speaks on his behalf.
"thank you for that warm introduction, and good sir who might you be. Your man here says that you are of the authority of the Doge do you have any credentials that would confirm that. As far as we are concern the streets have been hostile with scams and malicious characters how do we know you guys are not of the sort.
Michael looks at the other gentleman "for citizens in good standings those of authority should display a little more common courtesy to those of the city instead of aggression. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar"
" Beg pardon Signore these are troubled times and we cannot afford to be too careful. Why in fact just a handful of nights ago a young Lord was assaulted by unknown assailants during a duel. Regardless of my manners your companions will reveal their identity and their destination, now". The man in charge with a calmer demeanor but still with an authoritative air says.
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
Xing nods to Luigi. "Yes of course I will do this for you. Thank you for the information. Have any of the tea from out east? she smiles at him.
Michael will allow for the others to introduce themselves
"A YOUNG LORD YOU SAY!!!" Michael says with concern
"that will not sit well with the Doge at all, who were the duelist was anyone apprehended?
The leader turns back to him, "I think you have said enough. Now you will identify yourselves". [/b]
Wilhelm and Brice introduce themselves as vassals of Sergie here on his behest.
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
Gunther also stands and follows Rafael's lead, exiting the kitchen to join him.
He turns to you, "Surely you realize by now that I frown upon this union. Not because I harbor any ill will towards you or you lovely daughter but because I have arranged a number of marriages which are beneficial to my family which Christopher has broken off. I suspect that some of these issues have arisen from his interest in your daughter. I am not sure how these things are done in Hungary but here a daughter is expected to provide a suitable dowry upon marriage to her husband's family. If this is to be their fate I think it best that we discuss this matter up front".
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
Clenching his fists and narrowing his eyes, Gunther does all that he can to keep from reacting to the anger that is welling up inside of him. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly before finally responding.
"Rafael, first of all, what makes you believe that my daughter does not have a suitable dowry? Secondly, where I come from, the man is supposed to be able to provide for his beloved, not the other way around. Third, perhaps the reason why your son has broken off all of your arrangements is because he values women more than just prospects, he values who they are more than what than what they own.
Having expressed himself somewhat, Gunther relaxes his hands but the look of sheer insult is still evident upon his face.
"At first, I was very concerned about the age difference between Christopher and Jordan, but after hearing how he has refused all the arrangements you have tried to force upon him, it is quite clear that he has more respect towards women than their material possessions, and I have a greater respect for him for doing so."
Gunther pauses a moment, then adds, "Oh, and if this is to be their fate, I say they decide for themselves. I don't know how they do things where you come from, but I would rather see my child happy than miserable and resentful."
Still annoyed, Gunther turns to take his leave and heads back into the house to join the others.
Prologue:
Arriving after a long voyage the young man looked forward to his new life as a diplomat of Scotland. He had come a very long way since his days as a boy during the battle of stirling Bridge 11 September 1297,
he was a man though by the time of the Battle of Falkirk. On 1 April 1298, the English bastards invaded Scotland at Edinburgh.
William went to France on mission to help beat back the bastards.
More than one minor battle we had in 1304; one happened at Happrew and the other at Earnside.
I should have been there in 1305, but wasn't.
That was four years ago now and still the English bastards are breathing down our necks!
Looks at the others as prepares to depart the ship....
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
"Gentlemen, or whatever, my name is Sergei Volkov. These two are my retainers. We just arrived in town and were heading to meet with Lorenzo Cappelli and his brother to see about procuring some warehouse space. You are welcome to escort us there to check our stories. We would also like to make a donation to the cause."
Gunther Thesing Prologue:
"Always happy to help! Do you still wish to escort us?"
Xing Shi will approach his house front door and knock waiting for an answer.
prologue
"Strap yer sword on an well find err own way thar. How yah feel bout followin a one eyed, and nearly crippled warrior, healer turned diplomat?"
Leans on his cane and unsteadiness thinking of the benefit of solid ground for shambling around.
Aodhan is nearly frothing at the mouth he is so angry.
Donnach puts a hand on his shoulder, "My Lord. Hows about we let Lord Andrew here take our lead en find an Inn for us to rest our weary heads?"
As you look around you see that the area by the docks are surrounded by canals, these are the features that make the city fresh and unique. Sitting and standing on these canals are a few men in boats, it looks like that would be the best way into the city proper.