Three is Company-IC-Crescent City
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Verasaille on 13-01-2017, 02:48:58</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>13-01-2017, 02:48:58</strong>
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				(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/d8/09/e0d8099306a40e6665b3de37ccf0a0f9.jpg)<br><br><span style="font-family: impact;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Crescent City, Kingdom of Odall</span></span><br><br>The city of Crescents, it was called, mainly because it composed of a half circle of terraces that led to the open plains and the river Thangris valley. The upper terraces were dug out of the cliffs and hillsides overlooking the Shining Sea. The nobles and upper class lived there. WIth walled complexes and guarded gates. Servants of the nobles were often housed there in the complex in separate buildings. The estates were well tended by gardeners, and guards patrolled the streets. <br><br>Cobblestone streets were the norm on this side of town. Winding in a switchback pattern around estates and past the opulent Palace of the Duke of Odall. Carriages would rattle along the streets at almost all hours. The tree lined streets had magical lamps that came on at sunset and went out with the rise of the sun in the morning.<br><br>The Duke, Harval Winchester, was an elderly gent with a few heirs who could hardly wait for him to pass on. His wife the, Lady Janine, seemed almost as eager, as she was far younger and had her eyes on younger replacements. He had two sons, Harval, Jr., and Jasok, who was the youngest. His two daughters, Melora and Sybil, were old enough to be wed soon and talk was that the Earl of Templeton had put forth his son Nathir for eldest, Melora, while Sybil had decided to go into the Sisters of Mercy Monastery and study as a Priestess. They did not expect any problem with the older son inheriting the title of Duke. <br><br>The city itself was a huge bustling merchant trade center. The docks on the ocean side of the city were busy night and day. Huge cranes sat on the docks to load and unload cargo in the many merchant ships coming and going from all along the southern coast. Huge warehouses were always being filled and emptied, making the merchants rich, and in turn, the Duke.<br>Nobles had various functions, most of them founding their respective trade houses on specific goods, like the grain and agricultural goods, owned by House Farstead, being shipped down the Thangris River to the port and from there to other ports. <br><br>Mines in the distant but visible mountains to the north sent barges of ore, mostly iron, tin and copper. House Brighton controlled the mining industry. Sometimes a barge brought in rare metals in smaller containers mixed in with the common ore. It was a happy day for most when a barge made it downriver with gold or silver. Mithril was so rare it made the gossip in Court nearly explode in excitement. That was of course if the merchant selling it cared to inform the Tax Collector.<br><br>A great many smaller Houses tried to combine many of the exotic trades, like gems, artifacts, and textiles from other parts of the continent. It was a risky venture to send either ships to the other countries past the borders and somewhere on the charts, or to send caravans to the interior, where sometimes bandits and other enemies of the Kingdom awaited a chance to strike.<br><br>Next to the nobles on a lower tier of the terrace were the merchant houses. Most of them built of stone and mortar, with elegant wood trim and fenced yards not quite as fancy as the nobles. Here the streets were still cobblestone, but not as well kept as the upper streets. Smaller lot sizes and sometimes crowded together to make it hard to tell where one property left off and another began. Here there were smaller businesses like a fine fancy Inn could set up to cater to the wealthy, merchants and nobles alike would use it as a meeting place.<br><br>There were barber shops, clothing shops with tailors, a small market square for local produce and trade goods, and quite a few homes scattered about. It was dubbed the Gerswin Square, and was a place where the more genteel of the merchants could congregate and shop.<br><br>The lower levels of the city were bordering the docks. Here the not so wealthy set up crowded housing that often shared walls and yards. Noisy and crowded most of the time, it was more squalid the closer it got to the docks.<br><br>There was a very large and bustling area named the Market Square right next to the docks. Here the goods arriving from ships and barges could be bought and sold. Many taverns, inns and craftsmens shops were set up, including the Blacksmiths and the leather tanners and crafters. Business was good here, if a bit hectic.<br><br>In all of this was an overtone of corruption. Nothing unusual, just that bribery, clandestine meetings and&nbsp; even the occasional assassination between warring Houses was common. There was an established City Guard, headed by a Captain, who answered to the Duke. There was a Justicar who held court to judge the criminals and sentence them. There was no such thing as a jury or peers. Though it was sometimes easy for the Justicar to be bribed, he was also subject to public opinion and was mostly a fair and open minded man, appointed by the Duke.<br><br>In the Harbor District, Admiral Sutherland kept his fleet of Royal Navy ships ready to repel foreign invaders and pirates. His flagship, the Pomeroy, was a three masted warship with 110 cannon. He also had everything from 80 gun frigates to 40 gun sloops that would patrol the various sea lanes within twenty miles of the port.<br><br>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/e5/96/67e596a5545fc98d043b5dde45e89ec0.jpg)<br><br>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/43/ed/17/43ed1763d82cb2d630023a724f8cd53e.jpg)<br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>15-01-2017, 01:31:16</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b7/3b/bb/b73bbbe4eeac8cb95ad88173e348dfe0.jpg)</div> The night was dark, there were clouds obscuring the crescent moon. Though it was balmy enough, Hani was not cold. Her form fitting black tunic and trousers melted into the night. She wore a hooded cowl that covered her hair and face, leaving only slits for the eyes. Black gloves and boots with soft soles completed her stealthy outfit.<br><br>The cobblestone streets were slick with dew, but she did not let it stop her. She was agile enough to scale a brick building and climb to a roof. Tonight she was searching for an artifact only recently sold to the pawnbroker, Fidel&nbsp; Zenithar. His building was sturdy and well guarded on the street level. Not so much the roof.<br><br>Her eyes were well adjusted to the darkness and her hearing was enhanced with a magical amulet under her tunic. The footfalls of a patrol echoed through the night as she sat in the shadow of the chimney to wait until he passed. As soon as the footfalls faded, she moved to the edge of the roof to peer over. The balcony that more a decoration than a function was right below her. <br><br>Silently she dropped over the edge with the aid of a slender cord attached to the chimney and wrapped around her waist to allow her to move quietly and quickly. The cord was left wrapped around the support of the balcony. Her slim form was vulnerable in that few tense moments as she tried to ease the window open. To her relief, it was not latched, and she was soon inside the attic of the pawn shop. <br><br>The various chests and crates of goods stored up here were not to her interest. The artifact would be kept in the vault below. She worked cautiously to the trap door that led to the next floor down. Listening intently to the sounds below, she determined that the upper floor was not occupied. Opening the trapdoor and slipping down by way of the retractable ladder, she fastened the latch to keep it in place. This was her escape route and she needed to make sure she could get out of here.<br><br>This level was partly an old apartment that was now vacant. Old Zenithar did not trust anyone to live there, but it would certainly make sense for him to have a live in security guard. Hani smiled as she thought he might be looking for someone soon.<br><br>The stairs were old in this building and creaked when she put her weight on them. She froze for a moment as the sound echoed in the stairwell. Nothing was heard for a long minute as she waited. She could still escape if anyone heard her. Cautiously she continued to the door to the next level, which was locked. Pulling out her lockpick, she took only about half a minute to get the door open. This was the street level and she could not afford to be seen. No lights burned in any of the windows or hallways. The shop long closed and locked up on the outside.<br><br>The vault was in the back office and had no windows, which made it easier for Hani to close the door and use her tiny witchstone, which glowed when she whispered the spell. It was on her wrist and allowed her to see the vault lock, which was complex and trapped as well. She knelt next to the vault door and used her probe to ferret out the trap and disable it. This took her about fifteen minutes, the longest she figured it was worth the task. <br><br>The lock itself soon unraveled to her skill, and she opened the safe to peer in at the wrapped bundle. She reached in to grasp it and pulled it out. The dagger was a magically enhanced work of beauty. Made of mithril and silver, the hilt was studded with three gems, each one a different spell of protection. A ruby protected from fire, the sapphire from water and the extremely rare Mythic gem protected from evil.<br><br>Hani did not have time to contemplate her treasure, as it was soon close to the next guard patrol to pass the shop. She wrapped the dagger back into its protective sheath of deep purple silk and placed it in her pouch. <br><br>Relocking the vault, she also took a minute to reset the trap. With any luck, old Zenithar would not realize the theft for many days. She would need time to get it to her fence. He had promised her a hefty cut of the black market sale. Not everyone could afford the fortune it represented. <br><br>Retracing her steps, Hani made it back to the roof without making any more fuss. Once there, she paused as the patrol went by. A smirk on her face was hidden by the cowl. She was not home free yet. All she had to do was make it back to the Dew Drop Inn, without being seen. Not hard to do for her, but now she had something on her that would be difficult to explain to a zealous guard. <br><br>Dropping to the roof next to the Pawn building, Hani ran across three more roofs before being forced to go to the ground. Her room at the top attic level of the Dew Drop Inn was ahead. Below she could hear the distinct clatter of a patrol. Hani frowned, it was rather late for the patrol to come here. She peered over the edge of the roof she was on to see who it was. If it was not so dark, an observant guard could see her, if he looked. Of course all he would see would be a dark shape, possibly a cat or owl. Hani froze as the guard looked around.<br><br>She hoped he was merely looking to meet someone here, or maybe the Inn. He appeared cautious, as if not sure he was being watched. Maybe he did not trust whoever he was meeting? <br><br>Hani withdrew before he spotted her, laying flat on the roof and listening. Her heart pounding as she wondered how long he would stand there? Soon enough, he moved on, his footfalls echoing down the street. <br><br>When it was safe to do so, Hani went down the side of the building in the back and crept out of the alley to the Dew Drop Inn. Making her way up the back of the building, she entered her attic room from the window and closed and locked it behind her. It did not take her long to change into her bright blue skirt and white peasant blouse, lacing a darker blue corset over the top of the blouse to secure her modest treasures and emphasize her waist. After combing out her long red hair in soft ringlets around her face she went down the stairs to begin her work shift.<br><br>Her father, Malcolm was behind the bar and smiled at her as she came into the room. There were only a few diners in the dining room, most of the dinner crowd had already left and only stragglers met in shadowy corners to do business or simply to relax. Hani went right to work, helping in the kitchen to clean up and called out only to serve when the present cocktail waitress was too busy to carry out drink orders. This was the late shift. Easy going and not much to do but serve drinks and clean up after the last of the diners left. She went from table to table, wiping off the spills and keeping an eye on the&nbsp; door in case anyone came in and needed to be served.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>17-01-2017, 19:29:59</strong>
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				Even before he achieved his current title and position in Crescent City, the Dew Drop Inn had been one of Sir Doryn Aelland's favored places to put his feet up and relax a little. After becoming a Noble, though he would occasionally take his leisure in the more higher-class establishments favored by the cities upper classes, Doryn still enjoyed the ambiance of the Dewdrop and spent as much time there as he could manage. The ale was stronger, the food was heartier, the women and music were both more to his liking, and no one begrudged him getting a bit far into his drink and needing to sleep it off in one of the rooms upstairs.<br><br>Or, on occasion, making <em>other use</em> of those rooms.<br><br>Everyone knew him here. He had a little table all his own and usually the undivided attention of more than a few of the serving girls, who he liked to imagine appreciated his looks as much as they did his coin though he had no doubt which of those two properties it was that earned his their regular attention. He was free with his coin in the Dewdrop, often buying a round of drink for the entire common room,-- renting out rooms for his own use or to put up a friend for the evening,-- and, of course, <em>very</em> generous tipping.<br><br>One of the few downsides of his promotion to Knight-Captain of the Guard was that he wasn't as free to visit his favorite bar any longer...<br><br>...he still visited when he could, usually with a few tall broad-shouldered men with him as an Honor Guard, a particular protection that he'd quickly learned was not in any way optional.<br><br>He knew the Inne still appreciated his patronage, of course, if anything even more so. The place had become a lot more <em>respectable</em>, without losing its own unique charm, attracting the odd young unmarried noble. Mostly folk who Doryn took out drinking with him, once or twice, who developed a liking for the place on their own. Noble <em>women</em> mostly stayed clear of the place unless Doryn took them there himself, but honestly that suited most of the visiting young noblemen just as well. It'd become a somewhat safer place to work and drink, as well, the Captain of the Guard having assigned a few extra patrols to the area and made sure that any disturbances at the Inn were handled with alacrity and carefully measured force. Hell, most everyone in the City knew that the Knight-Captain of the Guard favored the place and that made it safer all on its own.<br><br>Which, in turn, attracted those with heavier purses.<br><br><hr><br>Tonight, Doryn was tucked away in his own private table, nursing a mug of ale and trying his best to ignore the presence of Friedrich looming behind him. It wasn't that the Knight-Captain distrusted the nearly seven-foot tall fellow who was standing at attention behind him, if anything the imposing mass of plated metal was one of Doryn's most loyal men and one whom he trusted implicitly, no, the main problem that he had with the Sergeant's imposing presence tonight was the simple fact that Friedrich looking over his shoulder tended to negatively impact the atmosphere of the bar.<br><br>He was taller than most anyone else in the City, except for a few of the Elves, and that might be part of the reason. He never sat down, never spoke, and tended to blend into the background of the Inn after a while so that he looked more like an armor-display than a living person. Right until he shuffled a bit, or moved, the slight adjustment of his armor reminding everyone that he was there. Mostly, when he felt the need to head to the Dewdrop he would rather leave Friedrich behind and instead bring one of the other members of his Honor Guard. Vaughn, for instance, actually <em>sat down</em> and <em>had the occasional drink</em>. Even Meerika blended in more than the 'Big Guy,' for all that she couldn't usually make it through a visit to a place like the Dewdrop without hurting someone before she left, and nimble soft-spoken Lai was the kind of honor-guard that one barely even noticed was in a room at all until the sarcastic elf said something.<br><br>Tonight, though, Doryn hadn't even thought about it before he'd told Friedrich to accompany him to the Dewdrop.<br><br>Despite the fact that he was tucked away in a shadowy corner of the Inn at his private table, that he'd bought a round of drinks for the common room, that he'd spent 15-minutes with one of the serving girls sat in his lap and that he was already on his 3rd mug of ale: Doryn wasn't at the Dew Drop Inn tonight for the purposes of <em>relaxation</em>. Someone had reached out to him with a business proposition, someone who had wanted a sit-down face to face meeting, and that meant that he'd not even paused before deciding to bringing 7-feet of cold imposing metal with him on this evening. If his potential business partner found Friedrich somewhat intimidating, well, that was only yet another service that the Sergeant would be more than happy to provide (and was quite experienced with).<br><br>Hani had made all the arrangements. Young, Beautiful, ever-so Sensible Hani-- by far his favorite of the girls that worked at the Dewdrop,-- was a woman after his own heart. He regretted, sometimes, how deeply involved she was in his various 'business arrangements'. They made excellent partners, such as it were, but he had no doubt that they'd have made great lovers as well. Yet, as his own Father had once told him, one should never mix matters of the heart with matters of the coin. It had been one of the few pieces of decent advice that his Father had even given him before he'd left his homeland and came to this land, but as all good pieces of advice that didn't mean it was always easy to follow.<br><br>"Mercedes, please, my mug is getting a little low..." he called out, giving a smile to one of the Dewdrops serving girls.<br><br>The young shapely redhead, who had spent more than a bit of time earlier tucked in his lap, simply nodded and flashed him a simple.<br><br>Doryn simply leaned back in his chair, glancing up at the nigh-expressionless face mask of his Honor Guard, wondering what Friedrich was thinking,-- if, indeed, the silent giant was thinking anything at all. The meeting would be happening soon, Doryn knew, a realization that was only redoubled when he fetched his mug from Mercedes,-- his fingers lightly brushing hers as he took it,-- and spotted Hani making her quiet way into the common room to start her shift.<br><br>"Thank you, my dear, your attention tonight has been most appreciated," Doryn said to Mercedes, eyes roaming appreciatively over the woman's low-cut dress, a smirk on his face as he looked up into her eyes. "Friedrich, do you want anything, before I send the lovely Mercedes away?"<br><br>Mercedes made a face, glancing up at the tall armored statue standing in the shadows behind Doryn before quickly looking down at the floor.<br><br>They both waited a moment, but there was-- of course,- no response.<br><br>"...it appears he does not. Ah well, only polite to ask. I'll leave you to your more demanding clients, then, lovely."<br><br>"You be as demanding as you want, love," she said, eyes fluttering a bit. "I'll check on you again a bit later."<br><br><strong>Soon...</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Maltese</strong> on <strong>22-01-2017, 02:42:32</strong>
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				Damned if you do. Damned if you don't. Don Pieter de Gotha was taking chances on this night, and he knew it. Oh, visiting the Dew Drop inn it itself was hardly the pinnacle of risk - this was a fairly decent place in one of the more reputable areas of the city. And having a discrete look around upon entering was habit, if one born by the experiences and scars earned from lack of such prudence's in the past. Also he had Corben with him, and was carefully not exchanging open glances with him. But right now the risk lay in the next step, not in his past ones.<br><br>A shaved head was Corben's most immediate visual feature. The simple cut of his clothes defined him as of the working class, but the way he filled them out indicated muscle of a kind that was not acquired with slow mundane work. Nor did the size of the dagger on his hip or the leather bracers on his wrists speak of a farmer's life. No, the burly man leaning against the wall not far from the entrance door was easily recognizable to cunning eye as a man of action; perhaps a former soldier, or a mercenary. Corben happened to be both, but he was drinking his grog with care because he was also gainfully employed and right now at work, watching a certain table where his employer was seemingly residing without a care: the dark-curled merchant Don Pieter, working on his second cuplet of wine and a plate of the best fried somethings that the Dew Drop Inn could muster. While this was hardly a place for the common cutthroat, the merchant had other worries than being robbed by a mere mugger. You can only get out of trouble so many times before the residue starts to build up, and Don Pieter had both trade opponents of various unsavouriness and the more ruthless kind of vengeful acquaintance. So Corben drank in silence, and watched while trying not to be noticed unduly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Pieter, dressed for a jolly occasion in his red and black doublet with a matching wide cap, had been there together with Corben for over an hour. Happily he had not unexpectedly met upon any familiar faces, which would have been a bloody nuisance on this particular occasion. It was just one more perk of this place which had suggested itself so handily, when his swift handed acquaintance and some times business compadre Hani Silverthorn had mentioned that a certain Guard captain had become a patron of the very place she worked at and called her home. Knight-Captain, Sir Doryn Aelland... now there was a right piece of work, evidently. As well as a tongue twister. Word about town, which was sketchy, was of a warrior that had earned a place among the nobles. An interesting rise to power in a city where you normally had to be born into any kind of title, but normally not someone Pieter would search out. Traders of the more dubious kind of goods tended to keep a bit of careful distance to the keepers of the law. <br><br>However, Pieter was in a quandary and had been there for over a month now. A quite valuable shipment of his had had the misfortune of being taken into official custody, although under a false name and false contents. Being caught with it would have been very unfortunate; losing the investment was bad enough for business; still the biggest current pain for the merchant was failure itself. De Gotha had taken losses before and truly knew that while the wins build your career it is the losses that kills your heart. While there still was a hope of regaining his goods he was not going give up. But to do this, to get anywhere with his plan, he needed an insider. Greasing the palms of a mere customs guard so he'd look the other way was not going help enough, not this time. But buying the help of a born and bred lord would take more money that Pieter had ever owned. Perhaps a lord not born and bred? <br><br>And so Pieter and Corben ere waiting, patiently, eating and drinking slowly and using their eyes well. They had seen Hani when she arrived, too. Pieter had ordered the last refill of wine from her, said nothing knowing he did not need to but smiled. They had been there when Sir Aelland had arrived with his walking-wall man as well; Pieter had only the most rudimentary description of the man but it was not exactly difficult to notice when a man of such expansive nature entered. A couple of most discrete questions had confirmed this to be him. The merchant was now left with the decision to go for this knight or not. It was just part of business for Pieter to be quite careful with judgement of the people he dealt with one way or another. Were they going to be honest with him? Was there a backstab attempt waiting to happen? Were there weaknesses he could if necessary turn against them? Or, to come down to cases, was the nobleman he was carefully not looking at, either a potential blackmailer or someone who would literally call for the guards when the offer lay on the table? That was the trouble with word about town; it never contained the information you needed most. It was his best shot so far though, and time WAS running out. In the end Pieter's decision hinged on one single fact - that Hani said she knew him. And whatever else could be said about Hani, she didn't spend much time with the pure and untarnishable. Which was one of the reasons why Pieter liked her. So eventually he looked at her until she looked back, and winked slowly to her while smiling. It was hardly an uncommon thing to do to an inn wench. And it was also the sign that he had decided to go through with this meeting, and that she was to prepare for a discrete chat between the three of them. Pieter, always the man with a plan, was already preparing a couple of white stories to get him out of the meeting should things smell bad.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>22-01-2017, 09:09:48</strong>
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				The Dew Drop Inn was a pleasant place. Merchants who had coin and a distaste for the lowlifes who frequented the docks, came here. Sometimes to do business, sometimes for entertainment. The Bard had retired for the evening, since there were only five people in the common room, and they were actually happier if he was not playing. Tips tended to drop off when customers were irritated by his music. Not that he was a bad musician, but they had other things to do. Like talk in low voices about trade and the odds of the next ship due in of making it on time. In one corner sat Sir Aelland, looking decidedly bored, even with the attention of the cocktail waitress who tried to entice him. <br><br>In another quiet area, within sight of the Knight Captain, sat Don Pieter. He was respectable enough to be here. Why he did not frequent the Inn more often, Hani did not know. She busied herself while she waited for the two men to case each other. It was a delicate thing to bring them together. Though they each knew who the other was, neither was familiar enough to be relaxed around the other. <br><br>Hani gave some thought to what was going down. She stood a chance of getting a healthy cut of the profit, just for helping Pieter. She had not known him long. It was the old jeweler, Belisare, who had suggested she meet with him, after her last fence had pissed off the wrong noble and ended up having a short argument with an assassin. <br><br>She found Pieter to be very clever and canny. His charm was enough for her to consider him a friend. She picked her lovers with a great deal of care. Most of all she liked the chase, the tease and innuendo. He gave her good prices for her goods when she decided to let go of them. But she wanted more of the Black Market than she was getting as a thief. It was risky, she knew. Brokering meetings like this between the smugglers and the buyers had proven to be a much more lucrative enterprize. The snag had come when someone was careless and the Guard had made a haul that was not even completely inventoried yet. <br><br>It was her idea to set up this meeting with Sir Aelland. He was all for law and order, but he was far from stupid. It was not hard to see he might be open to&nbsp; &nbsp;negotiations, when some of her friends in the town reported him accepting bribes, very discretely, of course. He was not about to let dangerous criminals wander the street if he knew about it. His first priority seemed to be actually protecting the citizens from harm. That made him a very good man to know, in Hani's mind. She was very curious why he seemed to keep her guessing, he would flirt, but had never made a serious effort to get her in his bed. Hani decided he wanted her to pursue him. Which was a fun idea, in itself. <br><br><br>This game of flirt and tease was what made the relationships with the two men so interesting. Hani was smart enough to make herself just decent enough to satisfy her father as to propriety, and just revealing enough to entice the men into flirting. Tonight, she wore a white blouse that contained her treasures with pristine grace. It was low cut enough to give a peek at her cleavage if she leaned over a table, yet contained with the dark blue bustier that laced up her front. Her flirty skirt flounced as she walked around the Inn, give an occasional flash of long shapely legs. Black laced boots that came to her knees made it a bad idea to anger her, or a swift kick would follow.<br><br>As soon as Pieter was satisfied there was no immediate danger, he gave Hani the signal she was waiting for. She already had a room prepared, all she had to do was lead them there one at a time. She nodded to him and smiled in return. With a saucy smile she walked over to Sir Aelland's table, moving to stand behind him, slightly to his left. A daring smirk was given to Friedrich. He would not interfere, and she always liked to tease him a little too. She had tried in vain to get him to smile back, before.But it was a waste of her time to do so tonight. Turning her attention to Doryn, a hand rested on his shoulder as she leaned over him enough to give a nice view. She whispered in his ear, the feather light touch of her lips brushing his lobe. "A room is prepared...for your privacy, Sir Aelland. Would you come with me?" She could not resist a very tiny touch of her tongue to his ear.&nbsp; He had to have nerves of steel to ignore that!<br><br>When he complied, she would stand up and make her way to the hallway, leading him to the private rooms. They were sound proof and locked for security, and even had a one way back door to leave, should either of them prefer that exit. No windows marred the walls, though a couple of comfortable chairs were posed in front of a fireplace. A carafe of brandy stood on a tray with two snifters beside it. A box of fine cigars was on the table, along with lit candles. Other lamps decorated the walls, along with some innocuous paintings. In all, a pleasant room to meet for business. "Relax, Sir Aelland. Your contact is here and ready to meet. I will bring him in shortly."&nbsp; She gave him a coy smile. More teasing, some day he would give in to her flirting.<br><br>Once she had Sir Aelland settled, and Friedrich if he wished to attend, she went back for Pieter. The room was quiet except for the soft conversation between her father and a visiting noble who was relaxing at the bar. Hani went to Pieter's table and smiled as she walked around behind him to put her hands on his shoulders. Gently she massaged the tenseness out of his neck. Leaning over to whisper in his ear, "You should relax. There is nothing to fear. It's just business." She had never been intimate with either man, but she would flirt and carry on with great joy, just to tease. Her lips caressed his ear as she massaged his shoulders. "This will be good, I know he seems intimidating, but be calm and respectful. He is not a monster. Come with me now to the meeting room. I have some fine brandy for you both and some cigars if you wish." <br><br>Hani straightened up to give Pieter a sly smile, "Your bodyguard is welcome to join us. Just be sure he behaves." The walk to the back was uneventful an dshe opened the door to the room and stepped aside so he could enter. <br><br>Once the men were done giving each other the once over, she introduced them. "Sir Doryn Aelland, this is Don Pieter de Gotha. I know both of you are a little nervous. Let me pour you a brandy and you can chat awhile, get to know each other." She moved to the table and poured a generous amount of brandy for each man. With her serving, since both of them trusted her, she would be the neutral party to smooth things out. <br><br>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ac/bc/5b/acbc5b1a7d9c957e6b0257a4eb2ce56e.jpg)<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>24-01-2017, 01:20:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Knight-Captain couldn't quite keep the smile from his face as he saw Hani coming toward him, carefully watching the way that she moved across the floor of the Common Room, having always found something vaguely captivating about the way that she <em>moved</em>. It was vaguely artistic, or at least so it struck him, or maybe that was just part of the subtle dance that the two of them were engaged in. Since he'd become a Noble, "Sir" Doryn Aelland had been blessed with no small amount of attention from the fairer sex, and he'd of course enjoyed all of it. Only a few of the women seemed to understand the true route to earning his interest, however, but Hani seemed to understand the basic principles well enough...<br><br>...not too aloof, but not too available, either. Show interest, tease, but don't give in too easily. It's the chase that was most enjoyable, and as Doryn watched her approach him while he leaned back in his chair and sipped at his drink he couldn't help but think that he was very much enjoying this chase. He dutifully let his eyes wander down toward her assets when she put them on display, putting his mug away as she leaned into him and incidentally gave him a hint of her delightful scent. He breathed in deep even as she whispered into his ear, tongue lightly wetting his lips as he savored the scent of her. Even the touch of her breath in his ear was intoxicating, much more so than the ale served at the Dew Drop, and while she remained so close... Doryn felt well and truly drunk on her...<br><br>Then, with a light nip at his ear, she awaited his response to her query.<br><br>He just smiled at her, a lazy smile on his face as he glanced up at her, lightly tracing the back of her hand with two of his fingers before he said anything. Fingers ever so soft against her delicate skin, teasing from just above her knuckles up to her wrist in the gentlest and most teasing of acknowledgements.<br><br>"Of course," he said, smiling, his eyes never leaving hers. Standing, lightly, as she made room for him to do so,-- but, before they wandered off to the back room, Doryn moved into her and let his lips brush up against <em>her</em> ears,-- breath warm as he whispered to her, "I'd advise you to be more careful with my earlobe, sweet Hani, or you'll find yourself getting into trouble. We've been <em>so careful</em> to keep things between us professional, after all, but you doing things like that..."<br><br>He pulled back, just a bit, biting his lip as he watched her with a smirk.<br><br>Gesturing for her to lead the way.<br><br>He wasn't exactly shy about 'enjoying the view' as he lead the way, too.<br><br>This wasn't his first trip back into the Dew Drop's private room, and he didn't need much guidance as he headed over toward one of the comfortable chairs tucked away in front of the fireplace. He quickly made himself at home as he always did, grabbing a cigar from the box laid out for the Inn's "special guests" and lighting it on a nearby candle. If Hani didn't make him a glass of brandy herself, he helped himself to that as well, and either way was soon sat back in the chair with a cigar in one hand and his other resting comfortably around his drink. He simply smiled, nodding lightly, when Hani told her that his contact was ready to meet and let her know that he'd be more than happy to wait...<br><br>...he liked it back here, after all.<br><br>The entire time, Friedrich didn't say thing, merely following his Master at a discrete distance and taking a position in a corner of the room.<br><br><hr><br>The Knight-Captain had already finished his brandy by the time that Hani brought the rather non-descript Merchant back to meet him. That hadn't been avoidable, really, since there was a certain amount of subterfuge involved in such matters and wouldn't have done to be <em>too</em> obvious in arranging their meeting. Well, leading one man and then another into a hidden back room would be rather obvious, the end result of which being that Aelland sat back in the room for quite a while. In addition to his empty glass of Brandy, he had a book open, when Hani finally read the Merchant back to see him.<br><br>...a book that he quickly marked his place in, putting it aside, when the other man walked into the room.<br><br>He was an attractive enough fellow, more or less Doryn's type, perhaps looking at more nervous than he'd have liked. That was understandable, though, in his position the Knight-Captain of the City Watch is probably a rather intimidating figure and Doryn in particular is a likely still considered an unknown to most of the people in the City. Plus, of course, given that Hani was introducing them,-- the exact details of <em>why</em> were still not exactly clear to him,-- there was the almost certain fact that this "Piotr" was some form of criminal despite appearing to be a fine upstanding businessman.<br><br>And, well, as Knight-Captain he had already overseen the deaths of more than a few of the cities criminal figures.<br><br>The dismantling of their organizations.<br><br>"A little more Brandy would be nice, yes, please,-- I recommend a Cigar, as well, Pieter,-- may I call you Pieter? If you insist on 'Master de Gotha,' I'm afraid this meeting will be rather more dour than I'd like, what with all the invocations of 'Sir Doryn Aelland, Knight-Captain of the City Guard, etc, etc...'&nbsp; You are, of course, welcome to call me Doryn."<br><br>He smiles, as the other fellow sits down, pushing the cigar-box into the middle of the table as a little non-vocal addendum to his greeting.<br><br>"I have to say, of all the people that I saw in the Inn tonight, you were not the one I imagined had reached out to call this meeting."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Maltese</strong> on <strong>31-01-2017, 23:26:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pieter followed Hani, openly looking at her now that his intention was revealed anyway. It was a fine shape for an inn wench and a finer one for someone who plied their real trade on the rooftops and in the shadows. While their shared business so far had been relatively limited, he could literally not see a reason why it should not be extended in the future. But so far Pieter no more knew what she could offer in the commerce chamber than he knew what she could offer in the bed chamber. But a good merchant always looked for future opportunities.<br><br>As he entered the room, Doryn was already sitting pretty and Pieter pulled off his cap and offered a a flourishing bow that a nobleman would not be shy to copy. "A pleasure to meet you upon this merry evening, Sir Aelland." The guard was given a very quick look but no greeting, as was proper. <br><br>Corben had followed Pieter discreetly into the hallway, looked quickly into the private room, then at Pieter while nodding slightly toward the exit. Pietro looked casually at Doryn and his man, then nodded with a quick movement. Corben nodded and then left them to take a new position near the hallway's exit. It was an established pattern between them; the mercenary's job was to see trouble before it arrived and deal with it preferably before the dagger was at Pieter's throat. <br><br>Pieter gave Doryn a long look when the latter commented about his looks, then grinned. "Good. I would hate to be walking around giving people the right impression of me. It could be counterproductive to my merchant activities." He cast Hani a glance and wagged his eyebrows, then stage whispered to her. "What HAVE you been telling about me?!" Sitting down he poured himself a brandy, but refrained from the tobacco for now - he had other plans for his taste buds. What had appeared to be nerves was draining off as if it had never truly been there. Like a warrior finds his ease once battle commences, the merchant was now at home with the situation as negotiations were at last in progress.<br><br>"Be that as it may. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Captain. And I shall attempt to favor using your name Doryn; you are too kind. I am indeed attentive to being called just Pieter myself. I understand that we have both traveled extensively over the years, and thought perhaps you might be ready to partake in a little gastronomical journey of remembrance. I am a merchant of the more exotic types of goods and have brought a few treats with me from my stores. Certainly not in order to suggest a purchase. Merely a friendly attempt to share a few delight with a fellow connossieur of foreign pleasure. Far from be it my intent to criticize the menu of the Dew Drop Inn though; these trifles are not to be found at any public dining and drinking place in our city." He gazed briefly at Doryn, smiling. "That they might be found at the private gatherings of some of the higher lords is a different thing."<br><br>From a hidden pocket in the loose pants de Gotha produced an intricate wooden box. Pressing at two innocuous places while whispering a certain word at the same time made it click open, to display a tray with a dozen lids of colored glass. Under the lids, which Pieter removed with a toggle and a flourish and put to the side, were a variety of substances. Powders, jellies, oils. Some were glittering like rubies of various colors. Others were faintly sparkling or shimmering with weak magic. To top it all off he reached into another secret pocket and produced a simple box of salt crackers, each so thin that they could almost be seen through. "Voila. A banquet of rarities, for discerning palates. Not for the hungry, and wasted on commoners, but I bid you sample them well and savor their... effects." He looked from Doryn to Hani and smiled again. "Ash of Helides, to give you a goblin's heart throb and sense of a wild beast for a minute." He bowed to Doryn. "Although I can see how that might not be required in your case. Here's jelly from the great leviathan's heart; it makes you hear a hundredfold for half a minute and I suggest you sample it lightly or every word from every mouth in this inn will thunder in your head until it subsides. Cream of the elves; everything you taste right after will be a sensation like none before. Elvish wine, the muse of every sylvan poet in their realm and the giver of visions that might come to pass if you stay on your course. Even a few drops will give you an idea of how the elves see the world. And here, obsidian spice of the desert's black rose - it only blooms ones per year, and -" The merchant chuckled. "But I am robbing you both of the delight of tasting new experiences, or or reacquainting yourself with old ones. Taste, taste!" Taking a wafer and dipping it delicately in the black rose powder he put it in his mouth, then said nothing at all while it melted on his tongue. Once he swallowed he gave one long ragged breath with closed eyes. "Perhaps it is for the best that it only blooms ones per year." He winked to Hani and unconsciously licked his lips. "Or seduction would become too easy. But you better have a taste for yourself. If slowly. And consider it fortunate that in these volumes, none of these substances' effects will will linger for long. Pity... because they are very pleasant." The way he was still looking her up and down let little doubt remain that the black substance was a powerful aphrodisiac. <br><br>His gaze went back to the Captain, a faint golden gleam still on his eyes and lips. "And you should taste well, taste as well my good man. Now tell me, Sir Aelland, how familiar are you with the trifles that our Elven neighbors favor? I understand you have been in their refined company in the past? It is a good while now since I last could bask in the tunes of an Elvish lute."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>01-02-2017, 03:38:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The private meeting room allowed the them the sense of conspiratorial bonding. Hani was certain that bringing the two gentlemen together would allow her to gain in her realm of contacts, and to give her more interesting things to collect in the long run. She allowed the two men to get comfortable as she gave them each warm smiles. Since there were only two chairs and those separated by the small table between them, she stood to look over the delights offered by Pieter and eyed them with a connoisseurs sense of discriminating taste. <br><br>In answer to his sotto voice query she giggled. "I only tell them what I know to be true. You are a businessman with high ideals, a gourmet's tastes and a remarkable way of charming people. It would be foolish of me to say anything bad about you. Of course, rumors fly as they will." she shrugged.<br><br>"How well I know these things, dear Pieter. Having tasted some of them in the past when I was brave enough to be curious. This one is especially interesting, I believe it is Dwarven made. It removes inhibitions and gives the imbiber a very loose tongue." She pointed to a pale blue gel that sparkled with magic. "Best used for when you wish to interrogate someone without making them aware of the danger. Very pleasant indeed, as it leaves one with a sense of euphoria unmatched by anything made of human hands. It also tends to make the mind forget what was said and done under its influence."<br><br>She looked over the rest of the offerings and chuckled as Pieter said the effects would not last long. "I do think that the amounts you have here are adequate to demonstrate your willingness to be above board and open with your influence and charm. This one I am unsure of." she pointed to the black powder. "I know the black rose is famous. I have known those who swore it lasted longer than the few minutes you profess, even in small amounts. But I am sure they were merely boasting to enhance their own prowess."<br><br>The selection contained some things that Hani knew she would never touch. Well she knew the danger of becoming addicted to such substances. She got her high from her daring and clandestine explorations of the nobles attics. Being clear headed and aware of things around her was essential to her well being. She had no clue what Doryn might enjoy out of the offerings and curiously she watched what he decided to try. He might know some of them by reputation, or by actual experience. She wondered to herself if Pieter was aware of the northern tribes hardiness and immunity to most of the drugs that the humans came up with, but very ingenius in coming up with some native enhancements that would stagger a Midlander without the grace of northern blood? There were a few things on the tray she did not recognise, perhaps Doryn would?<br><br>She sighed at the mention of the Elven wine. "I would try it, maybe a small sip, greatly diluted. The one time I did indulge, it was heavenly. I had dreams for a week of ...." she stopped. Her revealing this very personal dream might make both men wide eyed. She really did not know either of them well at all. Giggling softly she blushed. "Well, maybe that kind of fantasy is better left in my head..."<br><br>Hani was tempted to sit in Doryn's lap, but was unsure if Pieter might feel slighted. As it was, she stood between them, leaning over the table and eying the delights without paying much attention to the fact her low cut blouse might give both a view. Her outfit was modest in comparison to most of the bar maids, as she was the Innkeeper's daughter. It was hard not to miss the grace of movement she displayed, nor the way the corset tightened her already tiny waist. The glances she gave each man were friendly and a little flirtatious, as usual. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>01-02-2017, 22:06:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In truth, Doryn had heard rumors of someone in the city who dealt with the import of various items that were not easily acquired. Especially items that it now fell within his aegis to maintain a tight control over, and when Pietr began his match and unveiled this small sample of what he could do, the Knight-Captain of the Guard couldn't help but wonder if this unassuming merchant wasn't the elusive contact whom he'd been unable to find much in the way of information on.<br><br>Not out of any attempt to shut down his operation, of course.<br><br>No, Doryn didn't see anything wrong with a bit of smuggling, so long as it didn't progress too far. No one wanted to see <em>certain substances</em> become widely used amongst the citizenry, but at the same time, if their own access to such treasures was to be disrupted then Sir Aelland would find himself in a rather uncomfortable spot. Doryn's interest in such matters was more personal, for in truth the young Northman was rather well-travelled and he'd acquired more than a few vices even as a relatively young man, vices that he would enjoy indulging again and which he would like to offer to his closest friends.<br><br>He didn't bother to conceal his interest as he looked over the various contents of Pietr's box of 'samples', vaguely amused that he only recognized roughly half of the items therein. Oh, he'd tried Ash of Helides not long after he'd left his home and found it an almost religious experience, and he'd tasted of the bitter Black Nectar during his stint with the Mercenary Company in Ostoporath, though all things told <em>that</em> wasn't exactly an experience he was keen to repeat. He'd heard of the Powder of the Black Rose, its properties were especially whispered, but he didn't feel any especial urge to make a fool of himself by taking such a powerful afrodisiac right in the middle of a sensitive negotiation.<br><br>Even the gel that Hani mentioned, which he'd had used on him once and used on others on a few occasions, was perhaps not the best choice of item for such things.<br><br>In the end, Doryn settled for an old staple that he'd used once or twice as a young man living amongst the Celebrants of the Blind God, more than prepared for the effect that the Elysian Tears would have on him as he ever so carefully took one of the small wafers and lightly dusted it with the rock-salt like 'tears' before sitting the mixture on his tongue. Sitting back in his chair, Doryn had a bit of a smile on his face as he felt his eyes become unfocused and a pleasant sensation spread through his body. It took a moment, before he first saw them on the edge of his vision, the vague figures of light whom the Celebrants had called 'Dancers'. The first time he'd taken the Tears he'd tried to focus on them, to watch their Dance, and been ever so disappointed when they disappeared.<br><br>This time, he knew to keep his mind and eyes unfocused, to let the Dancers play at the edge of his vision and enjoy the sensation.<br><br>"You've quite a wide selection of joys, Pietr, I have to admit to being impressed-- I was an even younger man when I last saw the Dancers," he says, chuckling just a bit. "I've heard of the Cream that the Elves use, as well, though only since coming here to the Crescent City. This is as close as I've ever been to Elven Lands, I'm afraid, though you -are- correct that I'm somewhat familiar with them however. They enjoy my fanciful stories of my homeland and my travels, and I've found myself entertained at their parties now and again."<br><br>"Except for the occasional glass of their wine, which I must agree is quite an experience, they've been quite stingy with their 'trifles', however," he says, a bit of a smirk. "Wary that I'll become addicted to their refined delights and take pleasure in nothing else ever again. Their women say much the same thing, albeit more flirtatiously and in a rather different context, and I've thus I've had little direct experience with either. Though this does not, of course, stop me from attempting to acquire one or the other."<br><br>He grins just a bit, flashing a bit of a smile over at Pietr, knowing that the older man,-- at least,-- will understand.<br><br>Before the Merchant can say much in reply, though, Doryn has something else to say: "I noticed few items in your box from the Northlands. Have you ever traded in Ice Cobra Venom? Small doses, properly diluted, can induce dream-like visions that can show you things both beautiful and horrific in equal mixture. Our Holy Men train to take larger doses, as part of their rituals to see the future, but it was a common enough delicacy amongst the young men of my Clan back in my youth."<br><br>Too pure of a dose, of course, was almost inevitable fatal.<br><br>It'd been far too long since he'd last tasted such exotic treasures, of course, but-- if he could arrange a supply,-- the venom had shaped his life to his advantage so far. Who knows what he might be able to do with more of it, what further heights he might glimpse in the visions that it showed him? It was, after all, in just such a haze-induced vision that he'd first seen this City and the Battles that had led to his enNobling. It'd been in the tortured painful trance of the Venom that he'd first seen this Inne and the fair face of Hani all those years ago before he'd even left home.<br><br>"It's not a common export, I know, but I could pay quite handsomely for a meager supply. I'd be happy to help you find other trade goods you might find more profitable."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>02-02-2017, 01:51:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The meeting seemed to be going rather well, with smiles and friendly words all around. Hani was intrigued by the substance that Doryn inquired about. "Tell me more of this Ice Cobra Venom. How is it used and in what form?" she sidled closer to Doryn and leaned against him with her hand on his shoulder. She looked at him with interest as he imbibed the Elysian Tears. His eyes seemed to dilate with pleasure and she noted he seemed more relaxed. <br><br>The comments on the Elves drew a frown from her. The diplomatic housing on the edges of the Duke's Palace were off limits to her. Not that she had not tried to infiltrate. They had magical barriers maintained by the Elven mages to insure their privacy. Even though the Elves enjoyed partying with the Human nobles, they were not welcoming to those of a lower station. All their servants were Elven, and their residence was maintained on the outside by the Royal Gardener, who was himself half Elf. <br><br>"The snooty Elves? They have magical barriers, I cannot get through. I have tried, unsuccessfully. The wine they have at their parties is heavily diluted. They have some undiluted in their cellars, I am sure. But they will not let Humans drink the undiluted. It has a tendency to knock a Human out cold. It does give one a very marvelous sense of euphoria as well as very lucid dreams...even the diluted stuff works well. As I said, I do not often have the opportunity to imbibe." She smiled at Doryn. <br><br>Hani wondered what other things that Pieter had in his arsenal. She knew he traded in exotics and in the Black Market. She had sold some of her more expensive baubles to him. Of course he had no idea what kinds of treasures she still had locked in her room. When she knew him better, she might reveal them, a few at a time. <br><br>"Pieter, have you any of that weed that the far desert nomads trade from time to time? I was hoping for some seed. I have a friend who is into horticulture, he has a hothouse of sorts and would like to experiment. He is willing to pay well for viable seed as well as a whole plant if you can get such. He would like to see the root structure and some of the soil it likes. No hurry, as we are heading into autumn. I am glad we don't have to worry about snow here. At least it is rare." She smiled and then turned to Doryn.<br><br>"Do you miss the cold and snow of your native land? This must be stifling for you in the summer." She knew only that Doryn was tall and strong and of the northern tribes. He was far more sophisticated than she had expected. She still knew next to nothing of his past. Curiosity would be all over her face. Not to mention a certain flirtacious interest. His comments about the Elven women made her roll her eyes. They all seemed to be so cold and aloof, including the men.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Maltese</strong> on <strong>05-02-2017, 02:06:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah, what a shame. But one cannot always indulge in all the pleasures the world offer. For one thing it starts to chafe after a few hours." Pieter's smile at Hani was white and innocent. But he noted down mentally her reluctance to experiment, or maybe it was just caution, for later. Both virtues and vices can are valuable in the right situation. The aphrodisiac would take a little while to wear off, and in the meanwhile he'd be just that little more attentive to her - and to the Captain. While that special hunger had to be forcibly ignore for a while, there was that extra bonus of the keener edge of observation. Glances to notice, breathing to watch, a bulge her and a stiffening there - Pieter had chosen his drug with care and would notice such things now. It's a kind of magic. And sometime, very useful. "But I can't help wondering. Those dreams that the elven brew favored you with... did they become true? One gets the distinct impression that anything less would be a shame." Again the white innocent grin. "However, the purple weed I know of. It is not on this tray but I have it in stock. Let us go rummage in the shelves on some other night. I might surprise you with my resources yet."<br><br>Then his attention slid back to Doryn, and nodded appreciatively as the Captain sampled the Elysian Tears. It was a product for which he had a market, especially among the younger nobles and the more social merchant circles. Used over sufficient periods the effect got stronger and longer. But if taken in careless amounts the effect just wouldn't STOP. Knowing the value in keeping his customers alive and returning for more, the merchant rarely sold it in bigger volumes. But you do not just say no to dukes so he was 'out' more often than not when certain customers demanded more. The same went for most of the more 'exotic' goods in Pieter's trade. Fortunately he was not the only one selling these goods; having a corner on the market is good but not when everyone knows you are the one controlling it. Better to be one among a handful. It lowers the prices but if and when a consignment starts killing the customers it's good to have scapegoats. In reality Pieter was balancing his position with as much care as back when he was trading with pirates. One wrong step, and the swords come out - but to be honest, the game of merchantry would have bored him to tears if it was just a matter of budgets and accounts.<br><br>Selecting another wafer, he dipped into the glass of elven wine and had a small taste. Had his luck prevailed the merchant could have gorged himself with it and then this meeting had been superfluous as far as his immediate plans went. But even the few drops of it on his tongue sufficed to toggle his memory and display a few pictures of his past clearly - and faint shadows of the future for just a moment. The spicy taste lingered longer than the images though.<br><br>Pieter followed every word of Doryn's accounting of his experiences with the elves, noting what was said and what was sidestepped. "I think we can agree that, withholding diplomatic terms for the moment, the whole lot of them, men and women alike, are an arrogant bunch. I like that. And occasionally you can find one among them with a sense of actual humor, and then one must hold on to them for your dear life." He pursed his lips. "A number of years ago I was voyaging over the Southern seas. Visiting their lands is generally discouraged by their navy, but they will let you in under the right circumstances. Preferably on a ship with an elven captain though. However, my ship was on other business and it was sheer coincidence that we came upon the wreck of one of their trading ships. Oddest thing, too. The ship itself was broken by a storm and was listing badly, its masts and sails trailing over one side. On board we found nothing of crew or of cargo. Except for one male elf, who had tied himself to the rudder. He was still barely alive by sheer determination alone, but spoke not a word to us." Pieter had one more wine dipped wafer, to refresh the memories. "Now, normally we might not have cared much one way or another beyond maybe offering him a berth in exchange for working his way to the nearest port. But this guy had the air of a noble on him; hands that were too soft to be a sailor, clothes of someone living very well and eyes that worried us working lads to no end. We took him aboard and we headed for the nearest elven port which happened to Perida. For sure our little two-masted schooner was brought up by an elven navy ship as soon as we got into their waters but once they saw our passenger they backed off. They flagged us to proceed to the docks then kept a distance which left us barely seeing them. When we got to the docks they were practically deserted but for an eight horse closed carriage and a couple of guards who whisked the noble away without a word. Damnedest thing; we were paid very handsomely in silver coin and allowed a week's stay in Perida. The latter would have been payment enough. There were other humans there, we found out, but they were kept under both open and more circumspect attention; mostly sailors and a few specialist artisans. Our crew spent most of the time in the dock inns; I found it wiser to spend my coin and time roaming through the stores and speaking with the innkeepers and merchants - stone faced lot as they were. Here is the real kicker though. We never found out who it was that we had rescued or what he had been doing. Was he trying to get back home? Or fleeing? Was he a hero, or a criminal? It does not matter to me; I made other friends then that have been useful in other ways. Although I did not touch an elven... woman... once during my visit." <br><br>Pieter grinned to them. "But here I am talking about obscure elves. To the matter at hand!" He looked speculatively at Doryn. "Ice Cobra Venom... Yes. I have heard of it, and it might have passed between my hands once or twice - but not recently. Tell you what. I will inquire among my business associated if a quantum can be acquired, and when I do I will be more than happy to see that some of it passes into your hands. Think not of payment. What are friends for?"<br><br>He sighed. "Speaking of procuring amounts of exotic and entertaining substances. Some times it can be such a bother, what with the dangers of transport and the dull pain of bureaucratic hassles and so on. I swear that some times it does not seem to matter whether it is wheat or wine; before the goods can be delivered to the hands of the needy sheer time will have ruined them." He looked into Doryns eyes like a man burdened with weariness. "Do you not agree that although society must be built with brick and mortar, there must still be a little room and time for the worker to find rest and restore his spirit? That even though excess is to be frowned upon, the odd pinch of salt or sugar will still improve on the daily meal?" Pieter's eyes roamed over the tray now. "Frankly I could use a little friendly help myself. Nothing overly strenuous or taxing on muscles or reputation, provided discretion is maintained. I would be... so appreciative."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>05-02-2017, 10:43:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3e/26/0b/3e260bb429bfca5b55336d16b7959e09.jpg)The dreams were something Hani had never shared with anyone. Her brow raised in impish flirtation as she chuckled. "The idea that they are a foretelling of the future is intriguing. I did not know it affected humans in that way. That even makes it more interesting to me. If they do play out." Her hand was idly playing with Doryn's hair as it lay across his shoulder. "I shall tell my friend you will find him some of the purple weed. It can be a very profitable move if we can grow it here."<br><br>Her casual air of flirting with both men in turn might be a fore runner of things to come, or she might find each of them vying for her attention. Something that excited her to a degree. Of course she would not come right out and say it. Hani was an old hand at innuendo, and she took great delight in teasing them. She found that flirting got her special treatment, and she used that for all it was worth. Not that she slept with anyone and everyone, she was very choosy. In fact she had not had any lovers in the last year. <br><br>The enticement of the Elven wine finally got her to dare a tiny bit, just a taste on the tongue to tantalize. Maybe she would have one of those moments of clarity that would tell her what to expect from Doryn and Pieter. The thin cracker was dipped in the elven wine and carefully taken into her mouth. The exquisite flavor flooded her tongue and made her close her eyes for a brief moment to savor it. When she opened her blue eyes they were unfocused and blurred. The room shimmered in that otherworldly way and she finally looked at Pieter, seeing him as the handsome gentleman who was always kind to her and courteous. The look in his eyes must have mirrored hers. She saw his desire then as he gazed at her, unashamed of the effects of the black powder. A smile then as she slowly licked her lips, the residue of wine completely taken in. Maybe some day she would let him indulge that desire.<br><br>Pieter was talking about the Elves, and how they were snooty and arrogant. His story fascinated her and she could almost see the Elven city as he described it. The Captain in his chair next to her shifted and her attention was drawn to him. She looked into his eyes and saw in them a challenge and a yearning together. It was then she knew he was playing the game. Enticing her and making her chase him, only giving her brief touches now and then to encourage her.&nbsp; He was a devilish scoundrel to lead her on and make her wait. She gave him a soft smile and deliberately traced the edge of his ear with her soft fingers. Two could play at that game!<br><br>Pieter's offer to Doryn was generous. There was a price of course. The barrels of wine labeled as medicine, gathering dust in the Impound warehouse. The Inspector did not know what he had there. The label of medicine gave the impression of vile tasting herbal concoctions to fight the fever and other ailments. Hani thought the labels were ingenius. Who would want to test it for the contents? NO ONE! <br><br>"Didn't you tell me the shipment was of medicine? The makers of those concoctions do not make them to taste good." she made a face to prove her point. Of course if Pieter wanted to be honest with Doryn, he would tell him the truth about the contents of the barrels.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>12-02-2017, 01:28:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doryn was more than a little relaxed as he sat back in the chair and listened to Piotr finally get around to the matter of business that had brought them together. It was easy enough for him to read between the lines, of course, especially since he knew that his men had seized no small number of shipments in the past few weeks. One of them, if he had to guess, had belonged to this intrepid Merchant of the Exotic. Was it that knowledge that brought a tiny smile to the Northman's face, or perhaps the gentle teasing of Hani's fingers through his hair,-- or something that neither of them were privy too?<br><br>"I want to make it clear that, as the City Official in the room, I don't hold your careful means of speaking against you. These matters are for me to breach, as it were, and you are naturally reticent to speak plainly until then." Doryn said, a bit of a smile on his face as he did so. "That said, it is now time to speak plainly, so allow me the luxury of doing such: I know well the importance of smuggling, the black market, and other such things. Especially in a city such as this, where so much is tightly controlled, the person who can get around such... restrictions... is a powerful friend to have."<br><br>"Just as <em>I</em> am a powerful friend for such a person... if approached in the proper manner..." Doryn says, that casual smile still on his face, glancing up at Hani with a lightness to his eyes-- even idly reaching out, a few fingers brushing against her cheek before he looked back at Piotr,-- "Yes, I have your barrels of 'Medicine.' Or, in the interests of speaking plainly, of Elven Wine. I assume, in any event, that they're <strong>your</strong> barrels given the story you shared about Perida. An interesting visit that must have been... I can only imagine the contacts you must have made..."<br><br>Exotic wonders are one thing, but the Knight-Captain is-- at his heart,-- a simple man who enjoys his alcohol. The main matter 'out in the open', as it were, his hand finds his glass of brandy with an old familiarity as he brings it up to his lips and has a sip of the strong bitter liquor.<br><br>"In truth, the raids on suspect warehouses and impounding of various loads of cargo has turned up no small number of interesting items,-- you'd be surprised what people try to smuggle into the city,--" Doryn says, then chuckles a bit as he notices what exactly he said, looking down into his glass of Brandy and then back up at Piotr with a grin. "Well, maybe not <em>you</em>. So, my prospective new friend, please. The time has come to speak plainly. Your 'medicine' is safe, for the nonce, and the only ones that know it isn't medicine are myself and a few trusted men in my employ. I'm sure it would do a lot more good for both of us somewhere <em>other</em> than where it currently is, though, and I'm willing to entertain offers to make such a reality and to ease the entry into the city of any future shipments."<br><br>Eyes twinkling, just a bit, glass of Brandy in hand,--<br><br>--Doryn glances up, idly, at Hani and smiles lightly.<br><br>"...and I'm afraid I haven't been in my native land in quite some time, and have rather gotten used to the climate-- more or less,-- but that said: I <em>do</em> miss my native lands. Sometimes."<br><br>There's just a bit of distant sadness in his eyes as he relays that, sparing Hani a brief smile before turning back to Piotr and feeling out the 'Merchant' for his reaction.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Three is Company-IC-Crescent City</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Verasaille</strong> on <strong>12-02-2017, 20:57:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even as Doryn spoke, Hani relaxed enough to be sitting on the left arm of the overstuffed chair. She was leaning on the back of it, with her right hand playing flirtatiously with Doryn's hair. Her right hip close enough to his shoulder to be touching it lightly. When he lifted his left hand to touch her cheek, she smiled.&nbsp; "It's nice to have powerful friends." Clearly she enjoyed his brief touch, wanting more.<br><br>In any other circumstance, where the meeting itself were not so important, Hani would have found a way to be in Doryn's lap. As it was, she was careful to allow the men to do their business. Though Doryn had pretty much put her off most days with only a subtle and low key encouragement, she felt like she was starting to make some progress. It seemed to her that Pieter was not only openly encouraging her to sample his wares and get high, he did not seem to object to her attentions to Doryn. <br><br>It occurred to her that Pieter might be thinking that Hani was deliberately softening up the Captain of the Guard with her gentle flirting. Whether that was his intent when he asked her to arrange a meeting, she did not really care. It gave her an opportunity to whittle down Doryn's resistance. It was such an enjoyable pastime. <br><br>The remark directed at her about his native land caused Hani to nod in compassion. "It seems like everyone has a place they consider 'home' and it is a sad memory if you cannot be there. I have lived here in Crescent City all my life. I suppose if I were to be suddenly elsewhere with no way to get back, I might miss it..." She then reached for her own glass of brandy.<br><br>There was a distinct air of relaxation and camaraderie between the three of them. Hani was glad she had managed to get them together. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship, or at least a good business relationship. She glanced at Pieter to see how he would respond to Doryn's words. This was getting down to the basics. Establishing the terms in a friendly and open way. Hani felt like she was learning things from both men. Interesting in that Pieter was eager to get closer to Hani, while she was not averse to the idea, she liked being chased a bit. On the other hand she adored flirting with someone who was reluctant, as Doryn was. The teasing, flirting game was fun no matter which direction it went. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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