Lanya hails the guard on the battlements of Oleg's.
"Hello Frank! We're back or at least a part of our group is back. We bring good tidings, the bandit threat in this area has been dealt with, no real casualties on our side. Could you care to inform us whose carriages are those over there? We don't want to make a bad impression."
Fhârn reels his horse in behind Lanya and glances over at the carriages. He had a distinct feeling he should know what those red skinned critters where - but it escaped his mind at the moment. Eh - probably something Destor blabbered about sometime ... I wonder how that old fool is doing?" "Considering ordinary travellers seldom employ guards with more then a tattered sword in between them - I'll say they look fairly impressive."
Sanita waves at the guard. "Hi Frank! How goes! Looking good on the repairs! When did the Pornos family get in? Aren't the eidelon guards awesome?" She waves cheerily. Turning to Lanya and Fharn, she goes into lecture mode. "The wagons belong to the Pornos family, no making fun of their names, not if you want to open a bank account anywhere within a hundred miles. Those creatures are eidelons, which means they've got at least one heavy duty magic user per red skinned guard. The Pornos are a very rich and moderately powerful banking and money lending family. Gnomish."
Tired from his ride, Wilhelm scratches Triumph on his neck as they ride through the game, "Hail... erm... Frank. The bandit's have indeed by dealt with. I appreciate the insight into the creatures, Sanita. Eidolans, you called them? I'm curious what the Pornos family wants to do with a remote settlement like this. I've heard of them by reputation, but I hadn't known they were interested in places like this. Could they have been sent by the Swordlords?" Finishing his musing, Wilhelm dismounts in the yard and allows Triumph to be led off.
Walking further into the post, Wilhelm searches for Oleg, hoping that the man has news of what has occurred. "Hail Oleg, it seems things have picked up now that the bandits haven't been harassing you. We dealt with the rest of the bastards, back in their so-called 'Stag Lord's' fort. The rest of the crew will be joining us shortly." He pauses, glancing back at the wagon's before he gestures, "I'm curious what the Pornos family is interested in so far from Restov. Has there been news since we've been gone?"
Sanita ties off both her horses to the hitching posts, giving each a pat, and an apple as a treat. When she walks past Triumph, she gives Wilhelm a look, and then gives his horse a wink and a saucy grin. "Shhhh, don't tell him." She gives Triumph a nice juicy apple too before following Wilhelm into the fort, waving Lanya and Fharn after them.
"We also have some other good news for Kesten himself, Frank. I assume he's around the post? Could you tell us where he is?"
When Frank does so, Lanya will wait for Wilhelm's business with Oleg to be finished and then she'll approach Kesten.
"Kesten, might we have a word with you?" She looks at him with a comforting look.
"We killed Falgrim Sneeg in the big melee in which we killed or captured the other bandits as well. This item belonged to him, so you could verify it is true. We burnt the bodies as there seemed to be a ghost raising undead there, we didn't want to attract even more undead raising creatures to that place. I hope you understand that last part on our behalf."
"So, they are basically investors then? Eh, unless they are interested in franchising Oleg there is not much to pour money into here except ... the Kingdom" Fhârn comments after Sanitas lecture. "Anyways - there was something I needed to ask you Sanita. Since you were going back to civilization, you wouldn't mind picking up a thing or two for me?" With a crooked grin he hands her several sheets of paper. Apparently his idea of 'a thing or two' is of by a few powers of ten from the rest of the world. "Now, I'll go and see if I can't pawn off our loot on Oleg. He might have the contacts to turn it into sweet gold."
With a wave and a smile Fhârn also setts out to find Oleg, intent on turning their hard earned loot into hard cash. And perhaps pick up a thing or two for himself.
Munin, in turn, follows Sanita as she feeds the horses. The keen eyed bird observes - and as soon as she also feeds Wilhelms horse he pounces into action. Landing on her shoulder he attempts his masterful plan of deception. *Cawneigh! I'm a hungry horse!"
Triumph eyes Sanita warily as she approaches, prancing in place. As soon as she offers an apple, however, he eagerly approaches (as well as he can) and takes it gingerly from her hand. Chomping happily (and noisily) on the apple, the stallion starts sniffing around Sanita's pockets looking for another. Munin's abrupt arrival, and talking, surprise the horse, but he quickly recovers. Tilting his head side to side as if trying to understand Munin, he leans in closer and sniffs the raven, snorting hot air onto the bird when he finds the smell displeasing.
Sanita giggles, and pulls out some beef jerky for Munin. "I think the little black horse prefers meat." Once munin is satisfied, she slips Triumph something better than an apple. A small chunk of sugar. She rubs the horse's forehead, where the holy symbol is. "Now, take care of Wilhelm, and don't let him get too full of himself. If he starts getting pompous, dump him in a puddle of mud... For his own good of course. Pride goeth before a fall." She admonishes the horse with a saucy grin.
Having made friends with the animals, she turns back to Fharn, taking his papers. The list doesn't seem to give her any pause. "Can get as much as you want, as long as you have the gold. If you can't sell anything to Oleg for any reason, his lack of funds, for example, I'll take it with me and sell it in Brevoy."
Satisfied that his ruse appears to be successful Munin happily retrieves the jerky and takes off, preferring to dine on it a bit further away from the sniffing horse. Snorting at me? Ground dwellers these days. Bah! Thankfully he had yet to meet a snorting horse capable of vertical travel, so the roof of Oleg's should offer some piece of mind.
"Excellent! I'm just about to meet the man and discuss the matter - we got quite a mottle haul of equipment to pawn off, so perhaps you indeed need to bring some with you and trade closer to civilization."
Sanita nods. "I'll also ask Svetlanna and Oleg if they want me to take anything with me, or bring anything back." She tells Fharn.
With all the people who are trying to get Oleg's attention, Sanita heads out to find his better half. Once she finds Svetlanna, she smiles at the woman. "Hi again! We killed the bandits, killed the undead, killed the ghosts, chased off the will-o-whisp, and return with a ton of junk... I mean fine items to sell." She grins at Svetlanna. "We also need to buy some enchanting and alchemic supplies, if you have any in. I doubt you'll have enough, but even if you do, I'm planning on heading back to Brevoy to drop off some letters and such. If you want me to take any messages back, or pick you up something, or take something to someone, I'd be happy to do it."
Frank starts to answer Lanya's question, but is cut short by Sanita's very knowledgeable reply. My Lady, it is as Sanita said. The Pornos family has sent some representative along with some other nobility. I don't know who, but Kesten is impressed. While they're here he's stopped work on the battlements and we are supposed to 'Make damn sure we don't embarrass ourselves' while they're here." Frank seems to be quite an accomplished mimic as he coplies Kesten's accent and voice perfectly. "Keston is guarding the wall to the south. There are only 5 of us total, but while we have guests Kesten is intent on providing at least some security."
As Lanya approaches Kesten, he nods as she hands him Festen's sword. "Yes, that is his. May the bastard rot in hell and my friends enjoy at least some measure of vengence for his killing them. I kept my squad's weapons and swore I'd give them to whoever slew the bastard. I can't leave the wall right now, but later, it would be my honor to present them to you."
The Stables are fuller than Sanita has ever seen them. The extra horses for the wagons and carriage have made it a crowded place. However it is still better than outside, as the storm is getting worse and all the crowded horseflesh is actually keeping the stable fairly warm.
Wilhelm and Fahrn enter the Trading Post proper, knocking the snow off their shoulders. The place is crowded, along with the regular crew of trappers and traders there is also a bunch of well armed warriors. The two groups aren't mixing, but Oleg and Svetlana are enjoying a brisk buiswness. As Wilhelm asks Oleg he hears a voice from a table firmly in the current warrior section call out "Orlovsky!" As Wilhelm turns he seems a very well dressed man who has stood up at the table. Two well dressed female gnomes, from their resemblence they must be mother and daughter sit near him. "It is Wilhelm Orlovsky, is it not?" the standing man asks.
Fharn and later Sanita soon find out if they want to get anything more than a few words to Oleg or Svetlana tonight they're going to have to help the hard pressed couple.
Fhârn doesn't have a slightest clue about whom is who in Brevojan nobility, so he merely gives Wil a supportive pat on the back. "Sounds like he knows you - lets hope that's a good sign. I'll be over by Oleg trying to sort out somekind of deal for our surplus equipment. Just yell if you need me." he whispers discreetly and heads over to the trader.
However, it soon dawns on him that Oleg has about as much time to listen to his proposal as he has the power to fly. But perhaps one day!. Sighing, he resigns to the fact that he just have to wait. But he was not above making an extra copper or two. "Hey Oleg, when you got the time to sit down, I'd like a quick chat. In the meanwhile, do you need a hand ? I'm sure there is something that needs attending to in all this chaos."
Seeing that Svetlanna can't do much talking while she works, Sanita doesn't bother asking if she needs help. She just washes her hands, rolls up her sleeves, and starts helping out. She grabs tubers and slices the skin off deftly (surgeon's hands don't you know), chops vegetables, deftly cleans and skins rabbits, slicing the rabbits into bits with surgeon like precision. "So, how have things been Svetlanna? We got the bandits, or at least the Stag and his major officers. There might be a few stragglers here or there who got away. Anything exciting happen up here?" She asks as she helps with the preparations. She leaves all the actual cooking to Svetlanna, knowing her skills are more in chopping things up and slicing up meat.
Wilhelm, surprised to hear his name called, searches through the crowd for the source. Finding it, he schools his surprise and smiles at the noble. What in the world is Iyov Damrosch doing out here in the wilderness? I'd expect him to be in New Stetvan playing the courts like a fiddle. Nodding to Fharn's whisper. Walking towards the noble, he maintains the smile and says, "Indeed it is, Iyov. It's been some time since we've seen one another. What brings a noble Surtova so far from New Stetvan?" As he reaches the man, he offers his hand to shake.
Oleg sizes Fharn up and quickly sets him up helping bus the tables while Oleg concentrates on keeping everyone's tankards full. Svetlana watches Sanita's skill with the knife for a few vegtables, then seems accepting of her help. "Yes dear, you can help, but please no talk of bugs with all the nobles about eating their food."
Iyov accepts William's handshake. "Yes some time. And you and your companions are what have brought me so far from the comforts of home. Your expoits are the talk of the town." He pauses as the door to Oleg's opens as Lanya strides into the room. The woman knows how to make an entrance. "There is another of your stalwart band. Good, only one round of introductions." Smiling he motions to Lanya to come over to them. "Are there any other of group here, Wilhelm. I was really hoping to talk to Felix."
Sanita makes a face at Svetlanna. "Don't be silly, Svetlanna. I only talk about bugs if they're on the menu, or if I'm trying to annoy my father's wife." She gives the woman an impish grin. "Oh, I did do some foraging the other day, I have some very nice mushrooms in my pack. Also some sassafras bark if you want it for tea. I was going to boil it down for compresses, but I got pulled off before I finished harvesting, so it's mostly just enough for tea." She goes out and returns with the mushrooms and bark. "Now, I'm not a great cook, but I can certainly tell good produce from bad. And I can slice things up pretty well." She says, proceeding to wash the mushrooms she brought. "Now, what that Iyov doing here?"
At some point, Sanita will bring out some appetizers for people to nibble on, making sure everyone get's some. When she sees Iyov, she'll smile. "Nice to see you, heard some good things, Mr. Iyov." She'll give a half-bow. "You'll be enjoying Svetlanna's cooking tonight, and unlike the food at the Or'Fana household, you don't have to worry about poison in it. Which, believe me, is a nice change of pace." She dimples and whirls back into the kitchen.
"Ah, Frank, are there any guards who aren't currently standing watch on the walls? These four fellows are former bandits who've yet to work off their sentences, after a fashion. Would it be possible for you to find someone to keep an eye on them until I get back? If you've somewhere warm that's not Oleg's itself, that would be preferable."
Wilhelm raises an eyebrow as Iyov explains his purpose. Since when has a Surtova had an interest in the Swordlord's exploits when he wasn't directly involved? Following Iyov's gaze, Wilhelm smiles at Lanya and nods towards a nearby empty seat. Returning his gaze to Iyov, he maintains his smile, even if it is slightly forced, "I'm afraid there are only four of us here right now. I lost track of one of them shortly after we came in, but the other is speaking with Oleg. As for Felix, he's leading a diplomatic mission to a nearby kobold tribe. He and his group will be doing a little exploration on the way back. I doubt he'll be here for another week at least." Wilhelm pauses as Sanita arrives with a platter of appetizers. Sighing slightly, Wilhelm makes an introduction, "Iyov, allow me to introduce Sanita Kalnath. She's one of the three others who returned with me. She's a... doctor, with appreciable skill with the rapier."
Whenever Lanya arrives, "Iyov Damrosch, allow me to introduce m'lady Lanya Beladon Medvyed. Lanya, this is m'lord Iyov Damrosch of Surtova. He's here with some purpose related to our expedition, the details of which I'm still unsure of. I'm afraid I've not been introduced to your lovely acquaintances, though I suspect they can only be m'ladies of Pornos." Wilhelm gestures towards the two gnome woman.
After introductions are complete, Wilhelm gives Iyov a considering look before asking him, "It's worth noting that due to certain extenuating circumstances, Felix has abdicated his position and by popular vote I have taken leadership of the charter. What is it that you wished to speak about?"
When Wilhelm gives Iyov Sanita's name, Sanita first waits to see if Iyov recognizes her.
If he does, she'll try to keep him from mentioning her full name with a look.
Lanya walks into Oleg's looks around the room at the different parties being seated inside and notices the gnomes amongst the rest.
Somehow they look familiar, at least the one talking to Wilhelm.
As she sees Wilhelm beckoning her to come close and sit down, she nods back and approaches the group. Seeing Sanita and Fhárn helping Oleg and Svetlana out she smiles.
That's nice of them to do, I would've gotten stuck in there as well, I like the pair of merchants.
"Iyov Damrosch, pleased to meet you. Though I have the idea we have met before, on a Surtovan party perhaps? Apparently we have not made a lasting impression on each other, I don't know if that's a good thing or not." She grins as she shakes the gnome's hand and putting her other hand on his as well as she shakes it.
After Wilhelm's got his question answered, Lanya leans in close.
"We have been given a choice of weapons from Kesten Garess's fallen comrades. We killed a deserter and killer of soldiers at the bandit camp, I thought I'd inform him first to give him closure and he offered us that as a reward."
Then she lowers her tone and whispers in a cryptic sentence.
"Surtovans at parties are fun, if you ask them to get you something, they'll get theirself a drink first."
Whistling quietly Fhârn quickly and efficiently cleaned and fixed the tables. With a grin he remembered an earlier conversation with Sanita on the topic of mundane and magical work. Still, he felt no shame as he called upon his magic to remove stains, clean tablecloth and quickly wash the dishes. There is some perks of ones knowledge, after all! And Oleg probably appreciated every time-saver available today. And while he worked, he also tried to get a feeling for Oleg's capacity to absorb their goods. If he can only afford to buy a fragment of it, we might aswell haul it further. But he might appreciate the first pick - and down here friends are as valuable as gold. He glances at Wilhelm and Lanya talking to the nobleman and the gnomes. Probably more so ..
A little bit later, he notices Sanita serving Wil's and Lanyas table. Hmh, she seems to know - and even like - that one! Thinking that it might pay to be in the loop, he discreetly intercepts her on the way back to the kitchen. "Hey - you know that one ? A man hanging around with bankers must be pretty slick." He grins "I hope you're not letting him fleece poor Wil out of spite or anything... " he quietly inquiries as he walks beside her, a stack of dirty plates in hand. Curiously, all the scraps and grease and other leftovers seems to migrating towards the topmost plate in a blatant disregard for gravity or other pesky laws of nature. There it all gathers into a surprisingly small and dry pebble.
Munin, on the other hand, had taken refuge in the stables. There he was perched on-top of Hestor, keeping a watch over his masters and the others belongings. A pleasant work - it was warm and dry and comfortable. Besides, he had noticed that other two-legs sometimes objected to his presence inside taverns and such - usually causing far to much commotion. Caw! and the brooms! They are the worst ... He shuddered at the thought of a particularly determined barmaid back in Issia. Fhârn had managed to chase and calm her down after a while, but not before she had overturned almost every table in the room. And somehow she still thought it was my fault?! Bah! Sighing he stopped his pondering about the stupidity of the human race and instead scratched Hestor on his head with his talon. In return, the horse neighed satisfied. Now this is a good horse - not like that snorting one! Hmph...
Sanita raises an eyebrow at Fharn. She firmly pushes him into the kitchen where Svetlanna is, and then talks at a normal tone, although not one that would carry into the main room. "If Wilhelm is in charge, he needs to be able to deal with such as Iyov. Iyov, of the Damrosch, is a Surotovian bastard. Unlike most bastards, he doesn't whine about his fate, he makes his way the hard way. That's not to say he's trustworthy, it's just to say he's worked hard to work his way up through the Surtova court. Whether you like Surtova or not, any bastard that can make his way up the ladder there is deserving of respect. Just remember that he has his own reasons for anything he says, and that he's not going to lose face in court, so keep that in mind when dealing with him."
As they re-enter the kitchen and Sanita explains whom the man is, Fhârn can only raise an eyebrow in return. "So you are saying Iyov of the Damrosch - a man of no small craft - is Wil's first real diplomatic encounter? By Brighs bronze buttocks, let's hope he stands this trial by fire!" He laughs "Atleast it is not some Chelaxian devil yapper - then we would probably have to mop up the blood by now ..." Stroking his chin, Fhârn thinks for a moment before asking the real question, the one he has been dying to ask since, well, two minutes ago at least. "Say ... May I ask how you recognize Surtovan courtiers by look? Wil and Lanya have been quite generous with their family names - but you are still a riddle..." He grins and continues in a teasing tone, but there is genuine curiosity in his voice. "You're not some lost Rogarvian Princess on the run or something?"
Sanita ducks her head and looks away. "I don't like to trade on names. I'd rather my skills be what people remember, not who my father was or wasn't, or who my mother was or wasn't." Sanita bites her lip. "I gave Felix a name... I guess I should give you one." She leans over and whispers in Fharn's ear.
The Malvanna clan is a minor branch of the Surtova family. Despite being a minor branch, they're one of the richest branches. They are known for being highly disruptive politically, usually revealing people's secrets at the worst possible time. The more chaos they brew, the richer they seem to get.
So you are saying Iyov of the Damrosch - a man of no small craft - is Wil's first real diplomatic encounter?
The mage-knight smiles. "A good honest outlook indeed. I guess I would realize why you know Iyov by sight if I were to look at a family tree of Issian nobility - wouldn't I?" He pauses and shudders at the thought. No, let the others bother with such boring scrolls of dust... "But I thank you for sharing -" he blinks conspiratorially and bows "Thou secret is safe - my lips are sealed with iron my fair lady, oh collector of names" in his best courtier impression. He can't seem to recall anything that would make Sanita reluctant to share that name - but then again, not his sphere of interest. Ah well, there is probably something buried somewhere ...
Lanya sits straight up from the conversation with Wilhelm and then adresses Iyov again.
"So Iyov, what's the latest news from Restov and Brevoy? What made you come down this way? Certainly not to just see Felix or Wilhelm. As a vacation down south with your lovely wife and daughter seems also far-fetched for someone with your determination."
Frank takes the bandits from Wilhelm. There is no spare barn, but there is a storage shed for trade goods that Oleg has bought where at least they could be out of the weather and it has a lock. As you open the shed it is more that half full. It was empty a week ago, Oleg must be doing well. Frank wakes up and extra guard to keep an eye on them in addition to everything else.
Svetlana takes the bark for Sanita, leaving her to cut up the mushrooms and proceed to brew some tea. "Thank you, Sanita, this will do quite well. He arrived yesterday along with the gnomes and their wagons, some sort of envoy from Brevoy from the talk. No one's sure whats in the wagons, Clem over there swears its got to be gold."
Iyov waits for Lanya to arrive and actually holds a chair out for her. "I am certain if we have ever met, I would never forget it. He indicates the older of the gnomish women sitting at the table. "This is Aliza Pornos and her daughter Rebecca." The younger gnome actually interupts Iyov at this point and says. "Please, we're all friends here. No one calls me Rebecca. Call me Becky." Aliza gives a slightly disapproving hmmph.
"Felix has abdicated? That's unexpected." He sits back a moment, obviously the news has caught him by surprise, but he quickly recovers. "Well, my Lord. I apologize for my rudeness in calling out to you earlier. I wish to convey the respect and admiration of the Swordlords, Lord Mayor Sellemius and Church of Erastil for the speed and vigor that you have attacked the bandits. I carry a writ that expands your charter to the formation of a new kingdom. These lovely gnomish women have seen fit to help fund this endeavour. I would personally like to discuss the matter in more private surroundings, but let me be the first to congratulate you."
Aliza chooses to finally speak. "If I may, I would like to make my family's position clear from the beginning so there are no misunderstandings. We thank you for destroying the bandit presence along the South Rostland Road. Something, I would like to point out, that the Surtova noble house has been unable or unwilling to do. Trade along the road has dropped to a fraction of what it used to be and that's very bad for both Business and Restov. So I consider this an investment in keeping the Road open. You do this, and I think you will find our rates reasonable, even generous. If this doesn't happen the reverse may well happen."
As Wilhelm introduces Iyov to Sanita, he merely smiles and nods, definitely not treating her as nobility.
Oleg stares in disbelief at the speed at which Fharn gets rid of stains. "Fharn, I don't think we've been properly introduced, but I am Oleg Leviston, and you can work for me any time. Free room and board for you and the bug lady whenever you help. Svetlana interrupts. "Her name's Sanita, dear."
Fhârn nods in appreciation. "Thank you - My name is Fhârn Uðrrúna, arcanist, blacksmith and warrior. I must admit, one of those professions helped me greatly -" he laughs "and it was not blacksmithing, for sure!" He straightens his back and assumes a more businesslike tone, still with a pleasant smile. "Hmm, Oleg - I happen to have some goods I need to sell, but I am afraid most of it wouldn't be you of any use," [i]Besides, it would take him months and months to process it all! Ah, well such is life. Looks like 'Bug Lady' *heh* have to make that trip after all. "but I would be most grateful if you could point us in the right direction. You will get first pick if you want - of course." He pauses and ponders ... "Hey - do you think the gnomes would want to buy the lot? I've heard they like collecting *ehm* stuff - and those two looked like they have some coin to throw around ..."
Lanya nods and shakes hands with Becky and Aliza as well.
"Pleased to meet you both, Aliza and Becky. As it seems with the news you bring, getting rid of the bandit presence has a double upside. Be assured that keeping an open trade route with Brevoy would be in both our interests. We thank you for your initial support, though we haven't explored this land fully yet, so we might still encounter some unknown problems. Trade may not yet be as streamlined initially as we might both hope, but in time we hope we could get a steady caravan going. I hope you understand the problems with setting up a new 'kingdom' on a new frontier, if trade would be interrupted it would probably have a dire cause on this side."
She then smiles to all three newcomers.
"But there is little need to worry, we have a strong group of allies. We'll take on everything the Greenbelt throws at us."
She then looks to Oleg to see when he might have some spare time from servicing the new inflow of guests at his tradepost.
I still need to ask him for a new garb for my wardrobe. It's something I could wear much easier here than in Brevoy.
Wilhelm bows politely to the two Pornos woman, "A pleasure to make your acquaintances, m'lady Pornos, Becky. The Pornos family name is well known, and respected, even in my distant home in the Icerime foothills." Taking a seat, he hides a smile at Aliza's disapproval.
Wilhelm, having introduced Sanita, is surprised to see a flicker of... something. Recognition? He knows who Sanita is? I didn't think her a noble by her manner, but I could well be wrong... Setting aside the interesting tidbit, Wilhelm focuses on the conversation at hand.
Wilhelm notes Iyov's surprise and the sudden change is his form of address. So there's rank and respect associated with this role of mine that I wouldn't otherwise be entitled to. Smiling disarmingly to the Surtovan lord, Wilhelm waves away his concern, "No need for apologies, my friend. I'm gratified to hear that Swordlord's, among others, have been taking notice of our efforts on their behalf." Wilhelm glances to Lanya briefly, hoping she noticed the implication of what was said. So they've been keeping an eye on us, have they? I'm curious how they've managed that. Wilhelm continues his reply, "I'm also happy to accept the extension of our charter and your congratulations. I'm thankful of the trust the Swordlords, among others, have displayed in those who've fought so valiantly on their behalf. It's a true shame that my companions could not be here to hear it themselves." Smiling, Wilhelm resides as Aliza begins to speak. Hopefully that will earn further recognition and support for us. It never hurts to remind our supporters that we're bleeding for them.
Curious that Surtovan failure is called out so readily by this woman when one of the clan is sitting right next to her. Could this be a point of friction between the two?
After Lanya has finished speaking, Wilhelm addresses the gnomish noble, "I'm glad that we could be of assistance to the venerable Pornos family, and indeed all who frequent the South Rostland Road, in removing the pernicious bandit threat. Our victory was hard won with a cost in blood and sweat, but we sleep better knowing the path is significantly safer for innocent travel. As Lanya has mentioned, the land is still untamed, but I believe it will be our pleasure to further secure the route, and the safety of those who travel on it. It's obvious that it is in both of our interest that the road remain in good repair."
Wilhelm pauses, looking contemplative for a moment before continuing as he looks Aliza in the eye, "Of course, our ability to ensure the road's safety will depend in no small part upon the powers vested in us by this charter. It will also depend, for a time at least, on the support that our fledgling nation will receive. No doubt there will be no problem on either front, but I'm bound to mention the possibility. With firm support from our backers, there's no doubt in my mind our stalwart band shall ensure that trade will flow unhindered." You need us just as much as we need you, m'lady Pornos. Best not to let you forget that.
"If I may recommend it, it may be best for my companions and I to wash away the dirt of the road before we conduct any further business." Wilhelm taps his armor with a knuckle to make a point, "I'm eager to begin discussing the details of this writ -in private of course-, but no doubt it will be distraction for all if I'm sitting there armed and armored. Shall we reconvene in a private room for supper in roughly half of an hour?"
If I'm to play the role of noble lord, I'll need to acquire the means to do it. Perhaps Oleg can see to a suitable set of clothing and accessories. Washing away this slimy political feeling will be welcome, though. A shame we can't speak more openly, but we all have to play the game if want to get ahead.