"Oh indeed, well next time we plan to go anywhere I'll set something on fire. That should get us noticed."
ok then lets move forward then.
Mortimer passes by, the smallest hint of a smirk on his face, grabbing a piece of fresh fruit as he goes.
"They seem to be preparing for some sort of celebration" - Erianna states the obvious - "I wonder... Has no alarm been raised nor anything of the sort? I find it rather strange" - she adds as she examines the elevator, trying to understand how it works.
Mortimer approaches the nearest servant with slow steps, stopping in front of his hiding spot. He motions with one finger for the man to rise, then says quietly. "We are from out of town and are a bit ignorant to the festivities today. Would you be so kind as to fill me in?"
Erianna is focused on the contraption, but keeps an eye on the interaction between Mortimer and one of the servants, ready to spring if necessary.
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The man bursts out in a cold sweat and slowly rises with the complacent dignity of a man condemned.
Doffing his cap, the man speaks slowly.
"It's the virgin auction, milord. The most prominent slavers and pleasure houses are represented. This is a close to a high festival day as it really gets around here."
Realizing he's gotten a bit familiar, the man casts about wildly before dropping to a knee and bowing his head.
"Forgive my waggin' tongue, milord."
A snarl crosses Erianna's face as she listens to the man - "The virgin auction..." - she whispers looking viciously at him, momentarily distracted from the checks on the elevator.
Milord, can't remember the last time I was mistaken for that. Oh dear, I bet our new companions will make the sky rain with the blood of slavers after hearing "The Virgin Auction"...
Mortimer turns his head slightly and glances over the others. Best to keep them in the dark, don't want a loose tongue letting the slavers knowing a rebellion is happening. He looks down at the man. "Nothing to be sorry for, there are far worse offenses to be made than your tongue. We do so humbly apologize for interrupting your work on such an important day, carry on." Mortimer looks at the others expectantly to come over, and when Erianna gets near him he casts her a dark, dangerous look, then whispers quietly to her. "You cannot just go through the streets shouting freedom from every rooftop. We do not hold enough power to face the entirety of their force in the open, we are a small strike team here to eliminate the large players. We appreciate your help, but not your tongue." With that he glances once more at the workers, as if to tell them again to get back to work, then raps his cane on the ground and goes through the door.
"You'll just have to deal with it" - Erianna answers Mortimer matter of fact - "Whenever you want to take a moment, we can discuss the multiple things I do not appreciate from you either, like your supposedly insightful remarks - let me know when. Perhaps you'll get a chance to ponder that sometimes, you can keep your colocquial tidbits to yourself " - the woman doesn't skip a beat or a breath as she moves along, past the wizard and into the next room.
"Actually, I do not have to 'deal with it.' Despite your callipygian your lack of acumen shows you do not have the sense of excogiatism that I do. We invited you in good faith but you respond with perfidiousness. I trust a sesquipedalian and his circumlocution haven't discountenanced you." He pauses and rests his hands on his cane. "So let me or Erasmus do the talking."
Virgin auction. Is it too much to hope for that they mean.. Of course it is. at Erianna's and Mortimer's spat Erasmus leans back on a table, grabs a piece of fruit and says So, once the two of you have finished deciding who's methods of nonstealth is superior, can we get back to blowing up people-peddlers? That elevator probably goes up to another serving room, but at the same time, it might open up to a feast hall filled with exactly the sort of people Mortimer likes to set on fire and let sit to well-done. Think we could all fit?
"Are those big words useful, or are you simply trying to mask a weak argument?" - Erianna carries on checking the elevator - "Maybe they scare off your scholar friends, but I am not that easily disconcerted - yes, they are finely shaped, and no, there is no perfidiousness. You are simply coming across as someone that thinks he can impose rules on people you have just met"
After being satisfied with her findings about the machine, she turns back to Mortimer - "This is not your gig - we are thankful for you having released us, but from that point onwards, we are equals - and each will speak whenever found appropriate, or when a well constructed, rational argument is put forth not to do so. To make sure things are set straight, no one is running across rooftops shouting for freedom, and no one is unwilling to work as a team - you just need to stop telling me what to do, and everything will be fine - opinions are always welcome of course" - she finishes.
"You are right Erasmus, enough with the bickering" - she offers a nod to the man - "Seems to be a simple enough mechanism of rope pulling, and cargo hauling this one. As to the question if we all fit inside..."
Esther was pondering something during the whole Ok Please listen up your three. This is going to be the plan. Erianna you will me Madame Listan. Head of the Soon to be unveiled "Lost Freedom" Pleasure Boat. T@#~ a new concept of open casino / pleasure house on a grand cruise ship. You Mortimer are the accountant, knowledge specialist. Actually i have a better one for you if i take into account your skills and abrupt language. You can be the financial baking. A Wealthy ship builder who go contacted by us in order to put out the "Pleasure Ship" Erasmus is your bodyguard. And i am the older sister who is also in the Madam business. . I have assigned roles based on skills. Not only does Erianna is a good bluffer and negotiator but also she is rather good at spotting when others lie to her. she says while in the elevator.
When we find ourselves within striking position of the top brass in the slaver's business. Well Mortimer you said you could level a small town didn't you she finished smiling.
Try to walk around like you belong. When talking to slaves don't apologies they are slaves and you all must act the part and do try to conceal all your weapons sister.
Erianna will cast a message spell for us to be able to communicate.
Esther will cast a Delay poison for herself
Mortimer waits for both ladies to finish speaking then nods. "Esther speaks sense. The reason telling all those servants we are here to free them was foolish was because now there are dozens of servants running around with the though of freedom in their head. Their owners still expect food and other things done by them today, so even if they still manage to keep their head and do their job, they'll whisper freedom into other slaves ears and smile as they work. With a hundred or more men doing this, how long do you think it will be till a slaver or a particularly loyal slave hears word of us? Next time I disagree with your actions I'll make sure to fully explain myself since you don't seem to trust me."
It seems you do agree with this course of action Mortimer? Perfect then. The doors are about to open so if everyone could put on their game face we are about to set foot in the unknown.
"It's a sound plan. If I ever mention the Isles of Eden, that means the time to act has come, should we be in a delicate situation."
Erianna nods to her sister as the plan is laid out, then turns to Mortimer - "It is not a matter of trust, though such feelings don't just pop up spontaneously because you have released us - it is a matter of appropriate wording when one addresses another, hence my reaction"
"Thank you for offering full explanations when you believe them necessary, I will do the same and try to shave some of the edge from my words, as it should definitely not be aimed at you" - she bows shortly.
"Let us get on with the plan then - Madam Listan I am" - she shakes her hair, sheathes her sword and assumes a more distinct posture, different from the previous battle stance.
don't forget the Message spell also replied Esther with a smile
Erasmus assumes an aggressive posture, and starts walking ahead of the group. He grabs a rag to clean his boots and trousers a bit, offering it to the rest of them.
I don't think Madam Listan would have her entourage be so disgraceful as to track mud around her potential business partners
Mortimer cocks an eyebrow at the half done cleaning job. "No I would imagine not." He raises a hand, palm upward and says "Illinia" He lowers his hand, and as he does so a disk of near invisible particles floats over the party, cleaning all forms of filth off them. When it reaches the floor he releases the magic, watching the mud and dust fall to the ground.
....ooooorrrrrr we can do that. Do you have one for shaving? How about creating scents? You might be the best wingman ever in port.
Mortimer grins slightly "I might be able to create a scent, but if I tried to shave you I might cut off a bit more than you would like."
And now the Stage open's up and the Show begin..
"Remember Erasmus, my bodyguard. You don't even have to act." He pats Erasmus on the shoulder with certainty, trusting his life to the man.
Mortimer takes on the edge in his voice of a wealthy merchant who knows his gold buys more loyalty than a king has. "You were right milady, surprisingly good food. However that was not the objective of our trip here. I hope you don't mean to distract me with the celebrations." He smiles playfully, taking a look around the area while listening to the ladies responses.
Erasmus walks in first, looks left and right, hands twitching as if he may make a move for his weapons. He relaxes slightly, turns around and addresses the group.
We're clear. Room is secure.
Erasmus uses the same flat tone he uses when addressing his military superiors. The chit from his usual cockiness is a little jarring to the sisters, who have yet only known him to generally act the way one might expect a 19-year-old with insane sword fighting talents to act.
A real soldiers soldier. "Oh I would certainly hope I wouldn't be attacked while taking a snack break!" He toys with Erasmus, the same way a smiling lord would poke fun at his stoic guard.
Shall we attend to the business at hand? says esther smiling. The woman is naturally radiant as well as beautiful
"Yes, I'll have more to eat later. Onwards, you know this trade better than I."
"We all ready to go inside?" - Erianna questions.
You don't pay me to keep daggers out of your ribs except during mealtimes, sir.
Mortimer laughs loudly, clapping Erasmus on the back. "And how do you intend for my ribs to be cut without daggers? Oh I'll starve to death." He grins "You're damned right, although I believe half that pay goes to your wit." He turns back to the ladies. "I believe we are, the rest of my business here is learning about your business here, so do lead on and teach this ignorant man."
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It takes some time for those in the room to recognize your presence. At Mortimer's loud guffaw, however, many turn. Most lose interest immediately, but two men approach.
One is tall, nealry 7 feet, and the other average height. Both are leanly muscled and wear the garb and mustachios of Isterothi caravan masters. Impresive tulwars hang from their hips in gilded scabbards.
The shorter of the two speaks.
"Curious! I admit to vast curiosity, brother. How is it, I am wondering, that such guests appear, unanounced from the underthing?"
"I'm glad it is you who spoke, I would hate to strain my neck speaking to your brother. My own curiosity is what is the cause of it! I have a vested interest in foods I have not experienced before, so I stole away to the kitchen to get a taste of the food for later. A bit presumptuous maybe, but I was rather hungry after such a long sail. And to whom is it that I have the pleasure of speaking?"
"Understandable, as I am a new player to this game. My name is Arjax, and I am a merchant of every kind and trade you can imagine; well, I will be by the time I am done today. You see...well my lady you explain it better than I, I simply manage the resources." He looks at Esther to explain further, still taking in their new area.
Well my sister and i had a new concept of pleasure house that we want to create and we turned to this fine gentleman for a partnership. I am Madame Lucrezia and she is Madame Donatella and each own and run our establishment. And of course since we shall be expanding thank to you she radiantly smile at Mortimer We are all here to participate in the buying. i am so excited she says with glee
I hope we won't compete for the same prizes in the virgin auction now. she continues with a frown, whispering his pockets are deep but not deep enough to compete if you have you're eyes set on something
oh well whatever will be, will be.
Via message: What do you know about them?
"Yes, I have my hand in about every business that touches the ocean, so imagine my surprise when Madame Lucrezia and Madame Donatella wanted to create a new one. "Well", I said to myself, "If you're going to get involved in a business, it's best to understand it first." So, here I am."
Not only are you here to understand but also to finance. Esther immediately replies still looking at the brothers.
Erianna observes their interlopers with a smile, as she tries to remember if she has ever heard about them.
"At least that is one of the things we are counting on you for" - she adds with a wry smile, at her sister's comment.
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"Both Madames! Why am I not hearing of you!? Where are your pleasure houses, ladies. That I may come to knowing you better in the future?"
The Twin Elephants were caravan masters in Isteroth, it is said. However, we they crossed paths with Targ the Twice Taken, they were forced to defend themselves or be taken.
The duel is said to have lasted 9 hours. In the end, Targ hired them on. They are second in command of Targ's slaver's empire.
Well we first started with the Laughing Maid in in south Ninbanda, then we sold it and move in North Ninbanda With the Rose Peacock. Then there were a few in Ekur. But our biggest success were in Telkion until we sold the Caressing Mermaid and the Singing bird in Horokan when we got news of what happened in Flahrim. We took the time off so that my sister could pursue her passion for the performing arts.
she pause for a second now that she is a master in these she can train the girls to be more complete courtisanes.