"But yes, Signore Volkov has signed the contract. It seems that Giuseppe has been a problem as of late, Signore Volkov has an associate who is looking for work, perhaps we could take him in to aid or even perhaps replace Giuseppe? I would rather we bring someone in to aid him rather than replace him, as Giuseppe is not a bad man, just in need of a bit of motivation, perhaps the arrival of another night watchman will make him take his duties more seriously. What do you think, brother?"
[spoiler=Lorenzo Cappelli and Sergei Volkov Prologue]Lorenzo returns to where Sergei stands and says just loud enough for his brother to hear him if he is listening in, "Alright, Signore Volkov. Everything seems to be in order. If I remember right, you had said an associate of yours was looking for employment. It just so happens we have an opening for a second night watchman. If you believe your friend would be interested, I would be happy to interview him for the position."
Once out of his brother's earshot, "Although it is a foregone conclusion, I would still like to speak with your man about the 'position'. My brother is very good at sniffing out lies, so if this is to work, it will need to be at least a half-truth."
You enter the house and Francois is alone in the front room. He looks up at Sergei ignoring Lorenzo. "Your sister is no longer a child Sergei. She is a woman and free to make her own choices. I understand why you hold on I went through the same horrors but if you do not loosen your grip..."
He then turns to Sergei, "Wilhelm is out looking for the Doge's men from the other night". [/b]
"Come with me, I will take you to meet my brother, Dominic and he will handle the specifics of the offer such as pay and what time you should arrive on a given night."
Turning his attention to the Volkovs, "Good afternoon, I trust we will meet again soon."
[ooc]Lorenzo will do as he has said, take Francois to Dominic. Afterwards, he will return home to wait for his next appointment.[ooc]
With the nature of smuggling. And risque busy I have after hours "moonlighting under the moonlight" would I be entitled to know some prominent city officials whom would look the other way while I operate. I would like to establish connections with some political figure and get involved with this know power struggle that is under way. Or at least keep abreast of what's going on in the city.
They seem to hit it off well. Francois while not a nobleman is cultured and well spoken. They head out drinking and you head home.
Venice by Night - Wednesday March 4, 1309
Katriana meanwhile sits in her room knowing that to leave now will provoke a reaction and questions from her brother, questions she feels he has no right to ask. Katriana too smells the food but it is the taste of freedom which she savors.
You smile and jokes with the patrons even though the words of Rafael Dandolo reverberate in your mind. These haughty nobles actually do snub their noses at those who they feel are their inferiors. To think it is one thing to have someone actually admit to it is another. You snap out of your reverie as a man approaches you at the bar. This man is like no man you have ever seen before his grace and yes even beauty are stunning. Women would be jealous of his long flowing locks and flawless skin. Trailing behind him are two more attractive men both taller than him though not nearly as stunning and both wear leather armor of the finest quality.
The small entourage seems to pass through the crowded Tavern with ease almost as if they sense greatness from the lead man and are fearful to touch him. Strangely though as they move away they simultaneously pay him no mind he stops in front of you and smiles. His eyes lock on yours as you are both of equal height. “Greetings Signore Thesing, I am Talisman. Mr. Kestral told me that you Inn and Tavern would be available to my people tonight though I fear there is no one minding your Inn this evening so I was forced to come here to find you. Let this trouble you not, I understand why you would not pool resources of your people there when you have no vacancies. No doubt I am the first of the group to arrive. I am sure a century has passed since I have been in this place, or at least that is how it feels to me”, he states in perfect Italian smiling.
He does not disappoint as you are not waiting long. “M’lord. I am happy to see that you are waiting for me so early. I hope that your friends have seen the wisdom of our arrangement? I’m afraid I don’t have long to chat though as my employer wants me at the warehouse tonight. A new guy is coming on board and I have to train him”. Federico looks a bit stressed and is clearly anxious about this meeting.
"Sergei, I have had it with being treated like a child. I am going to go out on my own. I think its the only way that you will see me differently."
Xing Shi moves his hand to her lap and moves closer to him.
"You westerners intrigue me we should go someplace a bit more private after you buy me dinner of course."
She smiles at him.
"Just a moment, I will be right there." he calls to the door, trying to quell his eagerness.
Just before opening the door, he asks "Dr. Benne, is that you?"
Once you let him in and he settles down in a seat with a glass of wine he scrutinizes you carefully. "You seem quite excited. Does this mean that you wish to accept my proposal?"
"Here we go again, another city and another Katriana "I'm a big girl" speech. Fine, go out on your own! You will be back in a day or two, just like Prague. Just hope that I am as willing to let you come back this time!"
prologue
"Fredirico, have no fear mah friends err in good humor and spirits, wha options have we fer lands an deeds tha may be suitable fer pipeweed growin? I mean tah back tha venture tah tha fullest."
"Must you train tha entire evenin time, err would we have time tah talk later at tha warehouse?"
Lorenzo's voice gains a bit of somberness when speaking the next words, "You said there is a dark price to pay for this knowledge, I have thought on the matter, and there is no price that I am not willing to pay to be with Constancia again. I accept your proposal, Dr. Benne."
Michael arises from his chair where he has been sitting behind his desk taking care of business pertaining to his Gondola Services.
"Who might that be knocking at my door!
Says michael as he approaches to open the door and welcome his company.
Before he has a chance to kiss Xing will pull away shyly.
"I like a big strong man who knows how to use his weapon. How long have you worked for your boss doing what you do? Have you ever had to kill a man?"
She will act like she's getting excited at the though of him being this big brutish killer type of guy.
The breeze coming off of the sea is still uite strong you regret not dressing more suitably for this meeting. As with the previous night there are patrols out questioning people. One of the patrols warns you of further violence the prior evening and that you must be careful as the victim was a young woman whose throat was apparantly slashed.
Grimacing you continue forward to you meeting. Soon enough you find the location where you and Antonio agreed to meet. He is sitting at a table inside dressed in nice but not fine clothing. He smiles when he sees you and gestures for you to come inside.
He ponders, "I suppose I won;t be training the entire evening. If you come by around midnight I am sure I can send the new recruit on his way while we discuss further business. This way we can talk longer and in more private quarters", Federico finishes as he looks around the crowded common room.
Standing to leave he smiles, "I look forward to seeing you then Signore".
Dr. Benne removes a wine bottle from his satchel. There is no makers mark on the bottle. He pours a glass for himself and a glass for you. He toasts, "To our eternal friendship" and surprisingly gulps down the glass.
"It looks like it is time for your meeting. Sadir is on that ship. How are your wounds?"
prologue
"That sounds well, mah friends might come long at tha time, I would much like tah see tha land yah hold in yer family, an tha lands tha might be needed fer growth tah take root. When could we see tha lands?"
after the man leaves....
"Who is up fer a late night?"
Xing Shi will give him some action and in the morning I want to follow him to work to find out where this goon lives.
Once Federico leaves: Donnach agrees to go but Aodhan and Luag do not seem all that interested in a late night. You are not surprised at all and in fact you figure you are probably better off without Aodhan based on his track record with guardsmen since entering the city.
"It is a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation. Drink it in full as there is no vintage quite like it that you could ever acquire elsewhere".
Dr. Benne pulls the vial of dust from his satchel next. "Before we proceed with what I need from you let me inform you what I have discovered regarding these remains. This man was indeed a servant of Prince Narses. An old and powerful servant as well though it seems his luck ran out the night he confronted the night watchman. My first lesson to you is underestimate no one, as you saw ignoring that lesson has fatal consequences. The man was in that warehouse that night searching for something very specific working for someone who was not Prince Narses. Tell me did you find anything else unusual that night?"