Merchants' Spring Festival (PT, IC)

[Kuronami]

Nora and Gabe.
Nora smiled slightly. Of course, he would not even get close to their hideout, even with the ransom, so she would most likely not see him in that function.
Her reply also told her, that Gabe apparently never had thoughts about her brothers, very specific thoughts, which Nora knew had been entertained by her own brothers. Or maybe she was trying to hide them.
"Oh, I believe, you're exactly the right person to ask.", Nora said with a small smile, "After all, you know him better then many other persons. He is your brother, after all."

"Huh well..." She thought a moment "Well yes, I think my brother is quite handsome. If he weren't my brother, then I suppose I would even be in love with him myself. And even want to date or even marry him. But i'm also a bit strange because....I also rather find women attractive too. I don't mean the way other women can notice the looks of another I mean like there's even been school girls, girls in my own classes and lectures I've crushed on a bit. But men aren't so bad either. I've found a few who I've had the pleasure of an evening with and thought could go further but it wasn't meant to be. Oh well. But yes, I'd say Noah is quite a handsome person and a real catch."

At the Stall.
"Busy, but chill, yes.", Liliane replied and waved. "Hello again, Hiram, was it?" Seanbhoc announced his presence with a short bark as well, before he trotted behind the stall and found a shaded spot for him to lie down. "Now, I gave Noah an offer concerning the rifles he's carrying and I have to cancel that offer. It was a bit unfair and does not reflect my economic will... instead, I would like to offer the two of you to enter into a business with the two of you, these rifles being my initial investment."
She took a breath.
"Or my dowry.", she said and blushed heavily. "I came to like your brother very much and... screw it." And with that, she rather let her words be followed by deed as she wrapped her arms around Noah's neck and kissed him with all of her might.

"Hiram is my name indeed, Miss." He responded and listened further to what she had to say and his eyes widened at the sight not only of her kissing him but offering her very self up as a dowry, at least that's what he think he just heard and Noah seemed just as eager to accept and well... "I accept." Noah replied, he didn't want to let this vision of loveliness go when the time came to pack up and head for home. It seemed things were just too perfect to let it slip. Plus his parents had been eager to see him take a bride. "Dear Liliane. If you are offering yourself for me I would be happy to take you. That is as a wife or companion or even just my first mate. Co-captain even."

"He's absolutely star crossed. Hiram thought to himself Gabe would love to see this. She was known to plow through stacks of penny romance novels day in and day out. "Noah before you make her your co-captain or first mate, best be sure she can handle a ship. But Noah's a good teacher so you'll be in good hands."

[Lux Pulchrae]

With Jose.
The Priestess nodded.
"Something of that kind, yes. Of course, we will include the merchant, who braved the waves, into our prayers, wishing for his safe return to his home shores.", she said and collected the cloak with a small smile. The prayers were a sort-of repayment for the cloak, but also an honest wish of good will for the merchant Jose. "With this, I believe, our time to part has come. It was a great pleasure to do business with you."

With Baselio.
As the guard was unfamiliar with the gesture of shaking hands, so she bowed her head at the introduction.
"Ida.", she said and gave a small smile, "It's a pleasure. I indeed have to go now, these lassies here need to be led back, but it was nice to do business with you." She leaned over, motioning for him to come closer as she wanted to tell him something. "The rifle is from the Gabha Manufactories. They have a rather large stall a bit down the road to the left, can't miss it. Especially since they don't only sell hand-weapons."
In a touch of boldness, she pecked him onto the cheek.
"Good luck, Baselio.", she added and then retreated, her new mace on her belt in a position of honour, lighting fires under the girls' arses to make them move.

Jose:
"Pleasure it was with you as well. Have fun with the silk, when you run out of silk, let me know." he smiled and waved at the priestess as she was off packing the materials. Still the markets rang and coin clinked against coin, he started to get other's attention

"Come anyone who wishes to buy these fine fabrics and garments from the heart of Amaglione, King Louis himself would wear these. Even your gods would approve of them!"

Baselio:
Baselio stood with his arms crossed, contemplating Ida's peck and the gunsmith as well. Deciding to follow her directions he went for it. Jumping the counter he went to his uncle's stall next to him "Tio, I was told of a gunsmith in the area. I liked what the woman carried and want to check it out myself, can I go?"

Jose stroked his mustache in thought "Why, Basel? We have firearms back home. You own one!"

"Yeah, but theirs looked better." he responded

"So? Looks better, doesn't mean it works better. You look better than I do but make more money." Jose smiled as he taunted his nephew. "This woman, was it more than a rifle she carried?" raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Baselio smiled and countered his uncle's remarks "Yeah it was more than a rifle she carried, she carried a lightweight mace I sold."

Jose sighed as he took coins out of his sack and gave Baselio a gold piece and 50 gil "There, I hope that's enough, it better be. Make sure you have enough to get lunch for the both of us eh. Do you need Jean to accompany you?" he asked as he pointed to Jean, a lightly armored guard armed with a short sword.

"Uh, no Tio. I'll be fine." refusing as he thanked his uncle for the money and went off in the direction Ida had told him.

[Keilersmoor]

Robert slowly shook his head. "I find it difficult to believe that people would act so unwisely against their own interests. What is even more troubling to me is that chivalry is dead in this day and age." He sighed theatrically. "Well, I mean we both know that the concept of chivalry never really existed. Nevertheless, it strikes me as barbaric to try to involve you in some kind of fight." With his eyes slowly moving towards Aludra he added "Barbaric and suicidal. Calm waters and such. Calm waters. They saying is there for a reason." With a few moves that he had obviously practiced quite often he sealed the letter and stored away his own. "I thank you very much for this kind gesture. I have been to Sarepta before and I must admit that you do not exaggerated the situation. Being from the Confederacy gives me quite a good position to judge bureaucracy and Sarepta is a fine match for places like Langenbrück or Steinhafen." His eyes widened at the thought of the opportunities laying before him. "Are you suggesting…" he said, raising an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting you are willing to send spice and silk to Leuda? That would cut the transport time in half. Even for average quality that would be…well. I think we will certainly work something out. Let us have a look."

[The Selkie]

Nora and Gabe.
Nora smiled slightly. Of course, he would not even get close to their hideout, even with the ransom, so she would most likely not see him in that function.
Her reply also told her, that Gabe apparently never had thoughts about her brothers, very specific thoughts, which Nora knew had been entertained by her own brothers. Or maybe she was trying to hide them.
"Oh, I believe, you're exactly the right person to ask.", Nora said with a small smile, "After all, you know him better then many other persons. He is your brother, after all."

"Huh well..." She thought a moment "Well yes, I think my brother is quite handsome. If he weren't my brother, then I suppose I would even be in love with him myself. And even want to date or even marry him. But i'm also a bit strange because....I also rather find women attractive too. I don't mean the way other women can notice the looks of another I mean like there's even been school girls, girls in my own classes and lectures I've crushed on a bit. But men aren't so bad either. I've found a few who I've had the pleasure of an evening with and thought could go further but it wasn't meant to be. Oh well. But yes, I'd say Noah is quite a handsome person and a real catch."

At the Stall.
"Busy, but chill, yes.", Liliane replied and waved. "Hello again, Hiram, was it?" Seanbhoc announced his presence with a short bark as well, before he trotted behind the stall and found a shaded spot for him to lie down. "Now, I gave Noah an offer concerning the rifles he's carrying and I have to cancel that offer. It was a bit unfair and does not reflect my economic will... instead, I would like to offer the two of you to enter into a business with the two of you, these rifles being my initial investment."
She took a breath.
"Or my dowry.", she said and blushed heavily. "I came to like your brother very much and... screw it." And with that, she rather let her words be followed by deed as she wrapped her arms around Noah's neck and kissed him with all of her might.

"Hiram is my name indeed, Miss." He responded and listened further to what she had to say and his eyes widened at the sight not only of her kissing him but offering her very self up as a dowry, at least that's what he think he just heard and Noah seemed just as eager to accept and well... "I accept." Noah replied, he didn't want to let this vision of loveliness go when the time came to pack up and head for home. It seemed things were just too perfect to let it slip. Plus his parents had been eager to see him take a bride. "Dear Liliane. If you are offering yourself for me I would be happy to take you. That is as a wife or companion or even just my first mate. Co-captain even."

"He's absolutely star crossed. Hiram thought to himself Gabe would love to see this. She was known to plow through stacks of penny romance novels day in and day out. "Noah before you make her your co-captain or first mate, best be sure she can handle a ship. But Noah's a good teacher so you'll be in good hands."

Nora and Gabe.
The Selkie raised an eyebrow. She did not find it strange, that Gabe found herself attracted to women as well as to men, she was in that Age of Confusion, as her own mother had called it, but she found it strange, that the people from where she came from, found it strange, apparently.
Regardless, it was not her job to interfere with that.
"So... 'the pleasure of an evening'..." Nora even made air quotes, noting the expression and that it was not 'the pleasure of a night'. She did feel a bit dirty at that, blushing lightly. "But I won't pry. What about the other one?"

At the Stall.
Liliane smiled slightly.
"If you would have me, Noah, I would like to be your wife.", she told him in a whisper, loud enough for him to hear, her arms still slung around his neck. "I can handle a vessel... maybe I need a refresher, but the skill is there... but I'm more comfortable with my rifle and on horseback, so if you need me more on that front, I'd be happy to take it on."
She did not comment, that her dowry were the rifles, not herself, but that was another story entirely. For now, she was practically glowing - she had not been pushed away! She was...
...she was going to get married!
And Seanbhoc, the old lug, grinned a wolfish grin, visibly supressing the urge to jump around the stall barking like an over-excited puppy. He was an old Grey Wolf, after all, but happy for his Mistress.

With Jose.
The Priestess nodded.
"Something of that kind, yes. Of course, we will include the merchant, who braved the waves, into our prayers, wishing for his safe return to his home shores.", she said and collected the cloak with a small smile. The prayers were a sort-of repayment for the cloak, but also an honest wish of good will for the merchant Jose. "With this, I believe, our time to part has come. It was a great pleasure to do business with you."

With Baselio.
As the guard was unfamiliar with the gesture of shaking hands, so she bowed her head at the introduction.
"Ida.", she said and gave a small smile, "It's a pleasure. I indeed have to go now, these lassies here need to be led back, but it was nice to do business with you." She leaned over, motioning for him to come closer as she wanted to tell him something. "The rifle is from the Gabha Manufactories. They have a rather large stall a bit down the road to the left, can't miss it. Especially since they don't only sell hand-weapons."
In a touch of boldness, she pecked him onto the cheek.
"Good luck, Baselio.", she added and then retreated, her new mace on her belt in a position of honour, lighting fires under the girls' arses to make them move.

Jose:
"Pleasure it was with you as well. Have fun with the silk, when you run out of silk, let me know." he smiled and waved at the priestess as she was off packing the materials. Still the markets rang and coin clinked against coin, he started to get other's attention

"Come anyone who wishes to buy these fine fabrics and garments from the heart of Amaglione, King Louis himself would wear these. Even your gods would approve of them!"

Baselio:
Baselio stood with his arms crossed, contemplating Ida's peck and the gunsmith as well. Deciding to follow her directions he went for it. Jumping the counter he went to his uncle's stall next to him "Tio, I was told of a gunsmith in the area. I liked what the woman carried and want to check it out myself, can I go?"

Jose stroked his mustache in thought "Why, Basel? We have firearms back home. You own one!"

"Yeah, but theirs looked better." he responded

"So? Looks better, doesn't mean it works better. You look better than I do but make more money." Jose smiled as he taunted his nephew. "This woman, was it more than a rifle she carried?" raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Baselio smiled and countered his uncle's remarks "Yeah it was more than a rifle she carried, she carried a lightweight mace I sold."

Jose sighed as he took coins out of his sack and gave Baselio a gold piece and 50 gil "There, I hope that's enough, it better be. Make sure you have enough to get lunch for the both of us eh. Do you need Jean to accompany you?" he asked as he pointed to Jean, a lightly armored guard armed with a short sword.

"Uh, no Tio. I'll be fine." refusing as he thanked his uncle for the money and went off in the direction Ida had told him.

Gabha Manufactories.
Those, in the centuries to come, who knew their arms manufacturers, would know the name Gabha in relations to the Free Lands: One of the two largest and most esteemed arms manufacturers, Gabha Blacksmiths Limited, a force of high renown amongst those, who knew their stuff.
By then, in 1718, however, the Gabha Manufactories were two small manufactories in Traverse, a few dozen employees, mostly buiding rifles and, in a Canon Foundry in Dún, light and easily transportable pieces of artillery.
Indeed, one approaching right then and turning into the street, would be confronted with the large stall to the left... looking down the muzzle of such a lightweight artillery piece, sitting in a pre-prepared position, the banner above the position showing, that it belonged to the City Militia of Traverse.
It was a six-pounder, the limber sitting to the side with cannonballs and a few gunpowder bags to the side, all under strict guard, with the horses used to draw the gun grazing peacefully. The barrel was decorated by a small coat of arms, but nothing more.
Many people, quite a few in armour, many more not, were around, looking at the newest wares offered by the Manufactories this year, as well as wares from the previous years, which had a bit of discount assigned to them. One could note the absolute absence of mellee-weapons amongst the offered wares, as well as of armour, but the guards of the stall did carry them.
And, while many of the employees were wearing Geansai (a half-half-split between men and women), one would be prudent to assume, that they were armed, too.

Robert slowly shook his head. "I find it difficult to believe that people would act so unwisely against their own interests. What is even more troubling to me is that chivalry is dead in this day and age." He sighed theatrically. "Well, I mean we both know that the concept of chivalry never really existed. Nevertheless, it strikes me as barbaric to try to involve you in some kind of fight." With his eyes slowly moving towards Aludra he added "Barbaric and suicidal. Calm waters and such. Calm waters. They saying is there for a reason." With a few moves that he had obviously practiced quite often he sealed the letter and stored away his own. "I thank you very much for this kind gesture. I have been to Sarepta before and I must admit that you do not exaggerated the situation. Being from the Confederacy gives me quite a good position to judge bureaucracy and Sarepta is a fine match for places like Langenbrück or Steinhafen." His eyes widened at the thought of the opportunities laying before him. "Are you suggesting…" he said, raising an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting you are willing to send spice and silk to Leuda? That would cut the transport time in half. Even for average quality that would be…well. I think we will certainly work something out. Let us have a look."

Tajir nodded.
"That was the idea, yes.", she admitted with small smile. She was a bit surprised, if she was honest, that her conversation partner had already visited Sarepta, but that was of little concern right now. He most likely didn't do the tourist-thing. "I transport my wares here for your ship, which brought your wares here, to pick up while mine picks up your wares and we both sail away happily. It saves time, money and effort, especially since the harbour is nice and has a few good trading opportunities as well."
She let a beat pass.
"And yes, I am sending spices and silks to Leuda - not in large quantities, mind you, people around here are more interested in certain smoking and tea herbs, but yes, I do.", Tajir said and then motioned to her tea cup. "But before we go and have a look, let us finish our tea. It would be disrespectful to Aludra to not finish it."

[Keilersmoor]

"I beg to differ!" Exclaimed Robert. "That's the best tea I have enjoyed in my entire life and that's only partially due to the pleasant company. Not finishing that tea would be an awful waste of time and resources." He closed his eyes and his thoughts wandered back to the habour and the Selkie. "I mean not in a lifetime I would dare to insult…" He paused for a split-second thinking about whether or not he should break etiquette. Addressing Aludra directly would be a bold move. Too bold, considering that he only had a glimpse of understanding of her culture. Not addressing her directly would belittle the respect he held for her so he decided for a third option. While turning towards the handmaiden he opened his eyes again and finished his sentence spoken to Tajir. "...you." Taking another sip from the delicious tea he closed his eyes again. "Not everything they say and write about us is true. Most things are but not everything. However, the STC hates waste and loves a good opportunity. So let's finish this here tea before we turn to anything else." Placing his cup back on the table he leaned back a bit enjoying the silence and the security of the moment.

"The Selkie and the Aperians, the people of the bogs and fens had a lot in common. Culturally and all. When my ancestors, the crusaders came all was destroyed. Or most of it. It is strange to see that Selkie are often portrayed as bloodthirsty savages in my home country. It is funny in a way that all pictures show them as non-human, ape-like, creatures covered in dirt. There is a lot of hate towards them in the Confederacy. The only reason for this is that they defeated the crusaders and drove them back. They mocked our god, you know?" He paused for a while. "I don't know if you are familiar with the bible Lady Tajir. Are you? Well, the bible says all who will take up the sword, will die by the sword. Usually this is shortened to those who live by the sword will die by the sword. " Again he paused. "Now the Selkie, they changed this to Those who live by the sword usually will get shot by those who don't." He pointed at the guns. "Why am I telling you this you might ask yourself. Well, for two reasons. I want to present these fine pistols to you. One for you and one for your handmaiden. If you can spare the time I will gladly instruct you on how to use them. It is only slightly more difficult than finding the philosophers' stone. A trained alchemist can master these guns in a few years…" he said with a slightly ironic tone in his voice. "But there is another reason why I tell you about the long standing difficulties between my people and the Selkie. Well, those are more prejudices than difficulties because we do not have much contact. I think we should rent warehouses and open a Kontor in Leuda. Would you be willing to help me with that?"

[Kuronami]

Nora and Gabe.
The Selkie raised an eyebrow. She did not find it strange, that Gabe found herself attracted to women as well as to men, she was in that Age of Confusion, as her own mother had called it, but she found it strange, that the people from where she came from, found it strange, apparently.
Regardless, it was not her job to interfere with that.
"So... 'the pleasure of an evening'..." Nora even made air quotes, noting the expression and that it was not 'the pleasure of a night'. She did feel a bit dirty at that, blushing lightly. "But I won't pry. What about the other one?"

"Oh Hiram? Well if I didn't know better, Miss Nora I'd say you were hoping to pick up on one of them. But very well, yes Hiram is quite a handsome man. He's not as muscular as say Noah, because he's more about books than brawn. Aha not say Noah isn't intelligent or anything, of course he is just as I said the sea and boats are his real passion. Hiram is the business side of things."

At the Stall.
Liliane smiled slightly.
"If you would have me, Noah, I would like to be your wife.", she told him in a whisper, loud enough for him to hear, her arms still slung around his neck. "I can handle a vessel... maybe I need a refresher, but the skill is there... but I'm more comfortable with my rifle and on horseback, so if you need me more on that front, I'd be happy to take it on."
She did not comment, that her dowry were the rifles, not herself, but that was another story entirely. For now, she was practically glowing - she had not been pushed away! She was...
...she was going to get married!
And Seanbhoc, the old lug, grinned a wolfish grin, visibly supressing the urge to jump around the stall barking like an over-excited puppy. He was an old Grey Wolf, after all, but happy for his Mistress.

"Then my wife you are." He agreed and kissed her in return. Hiram stood there his mouth slightly agape but shook it off "Well then. Uuh Miss Liliane, or I guess it'll be Missus now. Welcome to our little family." He welcomed. Still surprised Noah acted so quick but what can you do with star crossed love. "Gabe is really going to have a field day with her."

"Ah what Hiram means is she'll love you! She's only had us two as her brothers for so long but now she'll have you as a sort of sister. Don't worry too much either, I can teach you everything you need to know or remember I guess. "

"Well Noah is the best at ships and sailing so you have quite a teacher there."

[The Cross and Davids Star]

The Lieutenant nodded - the story seemed sound. Of course, it could always be the other way around, the Wavebreak being the attacking vessel, but he had no way of checking that.
His gut told him, though, that something was wrong with the story.
"If you were in combat recently, you must have wounded.", one of his companions chimed in. "Get them off the ship and to the Harbour Hospital. That's this building." He pointed at a two storey, not really ornamental stone structure looking more like a fortification building, quite a bit away from the Counting House of the Merchant Guild. "They'll take good care of them."
"As for the ship itself, we'll see, what we can do about her.", the Lieutenant, "But before that, you need to pay Dayage."

Isacc Friedman

“But of course.” He replied, before turning to the ship and yelling in latin, as crewmen carried wooden stretchers, along with their wounded comrades off the ship and towards the building, some of which had limbs hanging from a thread of flesh.

“As for Dayage, we do not have much in terms of currency, but if you are willing to wait, my homeland can send a ship carrying resourses to trade, as well as the currency to pay for the repairs and debts. If you don’t believe me, you are free to inspect the ship as you like.”

[The Selkie]

"I beg to differ!" Exclaimed Robert. "That's the best tea I have enjoyed in my entire life and that's only partially due to the pleasant company. Not finishing that tea would be an awful waste of time and resources." He closed his eyes and his thoughts wandered back to the habour and the Selkie. "I mean not in a lifetime I would dare to insult…" He paused for a split-second thinking about whether or not he should break etiquette. Addressing Aludra directly would be a bold move. Too bold, considering that he only had a glimpse of understanding of her culture. Not addressing her directly would belittle the respect he held for her so he decided for a third option. While turning towards the handmaiden he opened his eyes again and finished his sentence spoken to Tajir. "...you." Taking another sip from the delicious tea he closed his eyes again. "Not everything they say and write about us is true. Most things are but not everything. However, the STC hates waste and loves a good opportunity. So let's finish this here tea before we turn to anything else." Placing his cup back on the table he leaned back a bit enjoying the silence and the security of the moment.

"The Selkie and the Aperians, the people of the bogs and fens had a lot in common. Culturally and all. When my ancestors, the crusaders came all was destroyed. Or most of it. It is strange to see that Selkie are often portrayed as bloodthirsty savages in my home country. It is funny in a way that all pictures show them as non-human, ape-like, creatures covered in dirt. There is a lot of hate towards them in the Confederacy. The only reason for this is that they defeated the crusaders and drove them back. They mocked our god, you know?" He paused for a while. "I don't know if you are familiar with the bible Lady Tajir. Are you? Well, the bible says all who will take up the sword, will die by the sword. Usually this is shortened to those who live by the sword will die by the sword. " Again he paused. "Now the Selkie, they changed this to Those who live by the sword usually will get shot by those who don't." He pointed at the guns. "Why am I telling you this you might ask yourself. Well, for two reasons. I want to present these fine pistols to you. One for you and one for your handmaiden. If you can spare the time I will gladly instruct you on how to use them. It is only slightly more difficult than finding the philosophers' stone. A trained alchemist can master these guns in a few years…" he said with a slightly ironic tone in his voice. "But there is another reason why I tell you about the long standing difficulties between my people and the Selkie. Well, those are more prejudices than difficulties because we do not have much contact. I think we should rent warehouses and open a Kontor in Leuda. Would you be willing to help me with that?"

Tajir listened to the story Robert had to tell, while Aludra blushed at his compliment. He might be moving outside of his home waters, but he was doing quite good, sailing his metaphorical ship well in Kyrenaian Cultural Waters.
Tajir also had to note his very practical and open outlook, an outlook she shared...
...and so did the Selkie.
That his people were involved into the Crusade, four centuries ago and still a very important mark on Selkie-History, still very much alive in their memories, did not bode well, however. The Selkie were rather iffy, when it came to that, at many points.
How they were seen in the Confederacy was not exactly the best of premises, on either side. Tajir knew, that a more self-ironic Selkie would be indignant about being covered in dirt and not fur, while many others would be offended and enraged.
Tajir, after he had asked his question for her help, closed her eyes and thought about an answer... a good half minute passed before she opened her eyes again. "I will gladly accept your gifts and, if we can find the time, receive your training in handling these marvellous weapons together with Aludra.", she stated, getting the first part out of the way, "As for my help in renting a warehouse and opening a counting house despite the odds... the Selkie, especially their merchants, are practical people. If you keep it strictly business, I do not see, where they would interfere. I will, however, help you along with getting you in touch with the right people."

Nora and Gabe.
The Selkie raised an eyebrow. She did not find it strange, that Gabe found herself attracted to women as well as to men, she was in that Age of Confusion, as her own mother had called it, but she found it strange, that the people from where she came from, found it strange, apparently.
Regardless, it was not her job to interfere with that.
"So... 'the pleasure of an evening'..." Nora even made air quotes, noting the expression and that it was not 'the pleasure of a night'. She did feel a bit dirty at that, blushing lightly. "But I won't pry. What about the other one?"

"Oh Hiram? Well if I didn't know better, Miss Nora I'd say you were hoping to pick up on one of them. But very well, yes Hiram is quite a handsome man. He's not as muscular as say Noah, because he's more about books than brawn. Aha not say Noah isn't intelligent or anything, of course he is just as I said the sea and boats are his real passion. Hiram is the business side of things."

At the Stall.
Liliane smiled slightly.
"If you would have me, Noah, I would like to be your wife.", she told him in a whisper, loud enough for him to hear, her arms still slung around his neck. "I can handle a vessel... maybe I need a refresher, but the skill is there... but I'm more comfortable with my rifle and on horseback, so if you need me more on that front, I'd be happy to take it on."
She did not comment, that her dowry were the rifles, not herself, but that was another story entirely. For now, she was practically glowing - she had not been pushed away! She was...
...she was going to get married!
And Seanbhoc, the old lug, grinned a wolfish grin, visibly supressing the urge to jump around the stall barking like an over-excited puppy. He was an old Grey Wolf, after all, but happy for his Mistress.

"Then my wife you are." He agreed and kissed her in return. Hiram stood there his mouth slightly agape but shook it off "Well then. Uuh Miss Liliane, or I guess it'll be Missus now. Welcome to our little family." He welcomed. Still surprised Noah acted so quick but what can you do with star crossed love. "Gabe is really going to have a field day with her."

"Ah what Hiram means is she'll love you! She's only had us two as her brothers for so long but now she'll have you as a sort of sister. Don't worry too much either, I can teach you everything you need to know or remember I guess. "

"Well Noah is the best at ships and sailing so you have quite a teacher there."

Gabe and Nora.
Nora smiled as she heard her descriptions... and her comment.
"You are imagining things.", she said and waved her hand, "I have no interest in any of them except the ones connected to you. Know your opponent, as they say." She let her smile look dangerous for a moment. "That is, if they do something stupid, like hiring a mercenary to hunt us down and then start a desperate attempt at freeing you... if they don't, it's just idle small talk."
There were plans for all of that and they were not pretty.

At the stall.
"Thank you, Hiram.", Liliane said, a small smile on her lips, "Please, just call me Lilly, as I will call you Hiram... after all, I imagine, that we're going to see quite a lot of each other in the future."
She turned to Noah.
"You, too. Lilly.", she said and smiled, "I always thought Liliane was a nice name, but too long."
Seanbhoc, who was basically assuming, that he was long for the ride, rounded the stall and sought out a nice shady spot by Hiram's feet, rolling himself up in the shade, his old bones to rest.
"Now, before we get to anything...", Liliane said with a smile to her future-husband, "...I believe, that we have customers."
There was a short laugh, as indeed half a dozen customers made their presence known, one of them quipping: "So, besides a good love story, what do you have to offer, laddies?"

The Lieutenant nodded - the story seemed sound. Of course, it could always be the other way around, the Wavebreak being the attacking vessel, but he had no way of checking that.
His gut told him, though, that something was wrong with the story.
"If you were in combat recently, you must have wounded.", one of his companions chimed in. "Get them off the ship and to the Harbour Hospital. That's this building." He pointed at a two storey, not really ornamental stone structure looking more like a fortification building, quite a bit away from the Counting House of the Merchant Guild. "They'll take good care of them."
"As for the ship itself, we'll see, what we can do about her.", the Lieutenant, "But before that, you need to pay Dayage."

Isacc Friedman

“But of course.” He replied, before turning to the ship and yelling in latin, as crewmen carried wooden stretchers, along with their wounded comrades off the ship and towards the building, some of which had limbs hanging from a thread of flesh.

“As for Dayage, we do not have much in terms of currency, but if you are willing to wait, my homeland can send a ship carrying resourses to trade, as well as the currency to pay for the repairs and debts. If you don’t believe me, you are free to inspect the ship as you like.”

The Lieutenant nodded.
"We might as well do that sooner rather then later.", he said as the men were transported off the ship, viewing their injuries with a remarkable indifference, as if this was more business as usual for him. For the companion, who was released with a nod, it was as well, him leading the column of wounded towards the Harbour Hospital with ease. He also instructed a Sergeant they passed to send a troop or two towards the new arrival. "As for payment, we will see, what we will do with you lot. Maybe a shipwright will have mercy with you or have a few jobs for you to do around these parts, one never knows."
He let a beat pass.
"While you are waiting, though, there's a Festival currently going on. Might want to let off some steam.", he suggested.

[Kuronami]

Gabe and Nora.
Nora smiled as she heard her descriptions... and her comment.
"You are imagining things.", she said and waved her hand, "I have no interest in any of them except the ones connected to you. Know your opponent, as they say." She let her smile look dangerous for a moment. "That is, if they do something stupid, like hiring a mercenary to hunt us down and then start a desperate attempt at freeing you... if they don't, it's just idle small talk."
There were plans for all of that and they were not pretty.

Nora's wickedly dangerous smile and her response had Gabe's pupils widen a bit more and her body temperature to rise a bit more, she was kind of scary looking. She meekly responded, "No, they won't do anything like that. They'll pay the ransom to get me freed, that's all." And that was the honest truth, long after she'd leave the shores of Selkie this would be a distant memory that no one would pay much mind too. But now she was worried she had told a bit too much about her brothers and maybe she was a bit too trusting of her captors to share so many details of her personal and family life. Of course Nora had promised it was a simple hostage taking and all that was needed was her brothers to pay up, but still now she couldn't help but worry a bit more of what would happen beyond that. How can you really trust a band of criminals? Still nothing more to do other than keep waiting.

Uugh of course she was frisking me for information, and I'm sinning to her like a soprano! Uuugh why am I so dumb? she instinctively put her hand to hear head, it was her habit when she was frustrated. "Oh, I guess my head still hurts a little..."

At the stall.
"Thank you, Hiram.", Liliane said, a small smile on her lips, "Please, just call me Lilly, as I will call you Hiram... after all, I imagine, that we're going to see quite a lot of each other in the future."
She turned to Noah.
"You, too. Lilly.", she said and smiled, "I always thought Liliane was a nice name, but too long."
Seanbhoc, who was basically assuming, that he was long for the ride, rounded the stall and sought out a nice shady spot by Hiram's feet, rolling himself up in the shade, his old bones to rest.
"Now, before we get to anything...", Liliane said with a smile to her future-husband, "...I believe, that we have customers."
There was a short laugh, as indeed half a dozen customers made their presence known, one of them quipping: "So, besides a good love story, what do you have to offer, laddies?"

"Lily it is then!" Hiram enthusiastically replied

"Oh yeah sure of course" Noah responded in his usual goofy way when around such a pretty lady. "Lily is plenty nice too!" he agreed

"Oh" Hiram turned "Well ladies and gents step right up we offer goods from the great Kuronami lands! East-and-West joined in perfect harmony!" He showed off a good array of goods, dishes, soaps, knifes, sugar, spices, teas, some other weapons, porcelain dolls and even extra sailcloth for ships and rigging ropes. "Goods for the sea can't be outmatched. As I understand you fine folks here are true mariners of the sea! So check out or sea goods here. Of course for the shopper looking to treat themselves or someone special, we have some goods for that." Various kinds of clothing in Western styles, dresses, bonnets, men's shirts, overcoats, petticoats, boots, hats. And eastern apparel too, kimonos and similar apparel. "Dresses hand woven by our own younger sister. Wherever she may be..." Hiram knew Gabe could probably sell ladies fashion better than either of these men could. "Take your pick, be it East or West we got it!"

[Lux Pulchrae]

Gabha Manufactories.
Those, in the centuries to come, who knew their arms manufacturers, would know the name Gabha in relations to the Free Lands: One of the two largest and most esteemed arms manufacturers, Gabha Blacksmiths Limited, a force of high renown amongst those, who knew their stuff.
By then, in 1718, however, the Gabha Manufactories were two small manufactories in Traverse, a few dozen employees, mostly buiding rifles and, in a Canon Foundry in Dún, light and easily transportable pieces of artillery.
Indeed, one approaching right then and turning into the street, would be confronted with the large stall to the left... looking down the muzzle of such a lightweight artillery piece, sitting in a pre-prepared position, the banner above the position showing, that it belonged to the City Militia of Traverse.
It was a six-pounder, the limber sitting to the side with cannonballs and a few gunpowder bags to the side, all under strict guard, with the horses used to draw the gun grazing peacefully. The barrel was decorated by a small coat of arms, but nothing more.
Many people, quite a few in armour, many more not, were around, looking at the newest wares offered by the Manufactories this year, as well as wares from the previous years, which had a bit of discount assigned to them. One could note the absolute absence of mellee-weapons amongst the offered wares, as well as of armour, but the guards of the stall did carry them.
And, while many of the employees were wearing Geansai (a half-half-split between men and women), one would be prudent to assume, that they were armed, too.

Following the directions, Baselio found himself at the gunsmith, it wasn't exactly hard to miss. Approaching the first person he saw he greeted them
"Um excuse me, sorry, I assume you work here. I was told this was the gunsmith, and judging by that canon you're not selling pastries."

[Keilersmoor]

"I am not so much worried about interference but I think that there are a lot of mistakes one can make in these areas and I intend to avoid those." His thoughts wandered back to the days of his childhood. The days when every blue piece of cloth, be it an old blanked, unattended table linen or perhaps a large napkin turned into the blue cloak of the Oak Brothers. Legends of Selkie women who fought from horseback with bow and arrow had survived and evolved over the centuries. He and his comrades never ran out of enemies as every self-respecting girl in the neighbourhood would was more than willing to grab a stick or a wooden sword, apply historically rather incorrect face paint and prepare an ambush. The fights were hard and bloody and he often emerged scratched and bruised but it was nothing to what would happen to them if they were caught by one of the priests.
The reminder of the beautiful smell that had emerged from the tea pulled him back to the current time and place. "Do you fancy fireworks? " he asked. "These guns, they basically work like Roman candles. They are easy to shoot but the loading is somewhat difficult. You are right. If we find the time we will study them in detail. Now what about these wares you mentioned earlier? "

[The Selkie]

Gabe and Nora.
Nora smiled as she heard her descriptions... and her comment.
"You are imagining things.", she said and waved her hand, "I have no interest in any of them except the ones connected to you. Know your opponent, as they say." She let her smile look dangerous for a moment. "That is, if they do something stupid, like hiring a mercenary to hunt us down and then start a desperate attempt at freeing you... if they don't, it's just idle small talk."
There were plans for all of that and they were not pretty.

Nora's wickedly dangerous smile and her response had Gabe's pupils widen a bit more and her body temperature to rise a bit more, she was kind of scary looking. She meekly responded, "No, they won't do anything like that. They'll pay the ransom to get me freed, that's all." And that was the honest truth, long after she'd leave the shores of Selkie this would be a distant memory that no one would pay much mind too. But now she was worried she had told a bit too much about her brothers and maybe she was a bit too trusting of her captors to share so many details of her personal and family life. Of course Nora had promised it was a simple hostage taking and all that was needed was her brothers to pay up, but still now she couldn't help but worry a bit more of what would happen beyond that. How can you really trust a band of criminals? Still nothing more to do other than keep waiting.

Uugh of course she was frisking me for information, and I'm sinning to her like a soprano! Uuugh why am I so dumb? she instinctively put her hand to hear head, it was her habit when she was frustrated. "Oh, I guess my head still hurts a little..."

At the stall.
"Thank you, Hiram.", Liliane said, a small smile on her lips, "Please, just call me Lilly, as I will call you Hiram... after all, I imagine, that we're going to see quite a lot of each other in the future."
She turned to Noah.
"You, too. Lilly.", she said and smiled, "I always thought Liliane was a nice name, but too long."
Seanbhoc, who was basically assuming, that he was long for the ride, rounded the stall and sought out a nice shady spot by Hiram's feet, rolling himself up in the shade, his old bones to rest.
"Now, before we get to anything...", Liliane said with a smile to her future-husband, "...I believe, that we have customers."
There was a short laugh, as indeed half a dozen customers made their presence known, one of them quipping: "So, besides a good love story, what do you have to offer, laddies?"

"Lily it is then!" Hiram enthusiastically replied

"Oh yeah sure of course" Noah responded in his usual goofy way when around such a pretty lady. "Lily is plenty nice too!" he agreed

"Oh" Hiram turned "Well ladies and gents step right up we offer goods from the great Kuronami lands! East-and-West joined in perfect harmony!" He showed off a good array of goods, dishes, soaps, knifes, sugar, spices, teas, some other weapons, porcelain dolls and even extra sailcloth for ships and rigging ropes. "Goods for the sea can't be outmatched. As I understand you fine folks here are true mariners of the sea! So check out or sea goods here. Of course for the shopper looking to treat themselves or someone special, we have some goods for that." Various kinds of clothing in Western styles, dresses, bonnets, men's shirts, overcoats, petticoats, boots, hats. And eastern apparel too, kimonos and similar apparel. "Dresses hand woven by our own younger sister. Wherever she may be..." Hiram knew Gabe could probably sell ladies fashion better than either of these men could. "Take your pick, be it East or West we got it!"

Nora and Gabe.
The woman moved forward, instinctively guiding the girl to her bed.
"You should rest a bit.", she advised, a soft and sisterly smile on her lips, "And don't worry about your brothers. I told you already, we have standards, not good ideas."
She silently promised herself, that is the headache continued, that she would go and get their herbalist, he would have a cure... and as she softly guided Gabe, her dagger peaked out of her belt. It was a short blade, but easy to reach, and while Nora was distracted, it would be easy to reach out, grab it and ram the knife into her.
It would be easy, even for a beginner.
Nora was completely unaware of that possibility.

At the Stall.
Lilly smiled as Hiram went into what could only be described as Merchant Mode, telling the half dozen people, who were coming closer with great interest in their eyes, about their wares. The speaker from before was especially interested in the sailcloth, inspecting it with an appreciating nod, marvelling at its little weight, soon discussing a few technicalities with a man next to him in Selkie.
"Don't worry, they're wondering if lighter sailcloth still doesn't rip.", Lily whispered to Noah, translating, "Pros and Cons of the cloth and so on." She winked at him. "Can I see, whether or not I can help that Lady by the dresses?"
Indeed, there was a woman by the dresses, looking them up and down.

Following the directions, Baselio found himself at the gunsmith, it wasn't exactly hard to miss. Approaching the first person he saw he greeted them
"Um excuse me, sorry, I assume you work here. I was told this was the gunsmith, and judging by that canon you're not selling pastries."

Gabha Manufactories Stall.
The first person was a soldier, a guard in the livery of the Gabha Manufactories - who did not speak Baselio's language, looking to a woman in Geansai, in Carman Fea's Red and White, approaching the pair.
"Good morning, and welcome to the stall of Gabha Manufactories.", she greeted, bowing her head lightly with a chipper expression. Her accent let her language flow like a song, pleasant to the ears, like velvet... and she herself wasn't that bad to look at as well, a blonde of fine proportions, if a bit too slim around the hips, her legs seemingly endlessly long. Her eyes shone like deep blue sapphires, a spark of a person knowing very well what she was talking about and how. "We build the means to communicate your displeasure to a wide variety of people, from silly natives to oppposing nations. Interested in our Tollpholl Guns, good Sir?"

"I am not so much worried about interference but I think that there are a lot of mistakes one can make in these areas and I intend to avoid those." His thoughts wandered back to the days of his childhood. The days when every blue piece of cloth, be it an old blanked, unattended table linen or perhaps a large napkin turned into the blue cloak of the Oak Brothers. Legends of Selkie women who fought from horseback with bow and arrow had survived and evolved over the centuries. He and his comrades never ran out of enemies as every self-respecting girl in the neighbourhood would was more than willing to grab a stick or a wooden sword, apply historically rather incorrect face paint and prepare an ambush. The fights were hard and bloody and he often emerged scratched and bruised but it was nothing to what would happen to them if they were caught by one of the priests.
The reminder of the beautiful smell that had emerged from the tea pulled him back to the current time and place. "Do you fancy fireworks? " he asked. "These guns, they basically work like Roman candles. They are easy to shoot but the loading is somewhat difficult. You are right. If we find the time we will study them in detail. Now what about these wares you mentioned earlier? "

Tajir nodded, having just finished her own cup.
"Come along.", she asked of Robert, nodding to Aludra. The Handmaiden would leave the cups and everything standing for a bit and accompany her Lady, who led them out of her office and onto the vessel's deck again. It was still a beatiful day, fitting for a Spring Festival, and with only a few deck hands still on board, it became apparent, that many people used the graces to celebrate.
Something that was only reinforced by the sounds wafting over from the city.
The vessel itself was still as beautiful as ever, her lanteen masts and sails not unfolded, but the Ilkhanate's Banner on the main mast. A carpenter was working on something or the other, not looking up as they passed, his vigil made sweeter with a wooden figurine he was making.
Tajir let him be, but nodded to three other men waiting for her orders, giving a short order in Kyrenaian, then turning to Robert. "These men will get some samples up. The cargo holds are dark and gloomy and I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself, or myself for that matter, while getting down and inspecting the wares in the dark.", she explained. "You'll also best appreciate some of these wares when they're in the light of day."

[Kuronami]

Nora and Gabe.
The woman moved forward, instinctively guiding the girl to her bed.
"You should rest a bit.", she advised, a soft and sisterly smile on her lips, "And don't worry about your brothers. I told you already, we have standards, not good ideas."
She silently promised herself, that is the headache continued, that she would go and get their herbalist, he would have a cure... and as she softly guided Gabe, her dagger peaked out of her belt. It was a short blade, but easy to reach, and while Nora was distracted, it would be easy to reach out, grab it and ram the knife into her.
It would be easy, even for a beginner.
Nora was completely unaware of that possibility.

"Oh right, of course I should trust you. I guess I have to." She did grab an eye of Nora's blade. Don't even think about it, Gabe! Unless you want to end up dead. She laid back down content for now for being a hostage. All she could do was trust Nora was telling it to her straight, they just wanted money.

At the Stall.
Lilly smiled as Hiram went into what could only be described as Merchant Mode, telling the half dozen people, who were coming closer with great interest in their eyes, about their wares. The speaker from before was especially interested in the sailcloth, inspecting it with an appreciating nod, marvelling at its little weight, soon discussing a few technicalities with a man next to him in Selkie.
"Don't worry, they're wondering if lighter sailcloth still doesn't rip.", Lily whispered to Noah, translating, "Pros and Cons of the cloth and so on." She winked at him. "Can I see, whether or not I can help that Lady by the dresses?"
Indeed, there was a woman by the dresses, looking them up and down.

"An excellent question and go right ahead and help the fine lady. To that the answer the question, the answer is in the materials of the cloth. Our lighter cloth can handle decent strength winds but still caution is advised in stronger conditions. It's ideal for shorter trips. The heavier cloths can stand up to much more than the lighter cloth and is more ideal for long haul voyages. Personally for any long trips, we keep both, the heavy duty cloth as our primary with the light as a backup."

[Shwe Tu Colony]

SLASH

Luca made no further comments on the dress, but there was a delayed, brief sense of nostalgia towards it that monetarily flared to palpable amounts before being extinguished equally fast. It was the nostalgia one might have when remembering an untouchable past, one that could never be recreated & had been left far behind without the farewell that it should have been blessed with. With this sensation came a sense of resignation towards the dress — as much as he might want it as a gift for someone else, it was clear that delivering it would not be possible.

Still, that was only a past long gone, & Luca's mind quickly returned to the present. This was, after all, not a time for mourning, & he was perfectly aware that his life had changed dramatically; there was no time for tears, or maybe he was making sure that there was no time instead. Nonetheless, Luca climbed over the fence, quietly singing the first few verses to some sort of Italian ballad. While there was no instrumental backing to it, the mood of it was clear — a mournful sadness mixed in with a spectacular hope for the future, a hope that said to trek onward despite loss. Admittedly, he was singing a bit too quietly to really be heard well, & Celina or anyone else for that matter would need to lean in close to hear it.

[Keilersmoor]

Robert gave a slow nod. "Indeed," he said."The quality of silk is much better assessed in the broad daylight and those of spice under the fresh sea air." In an almost reflex like manner he grabbed his blade as he left the cabin and put it back in its place. He straightened his wardrobe and listened to the sounds the busy town was emitting. "Have you often been to Leuda? I have been around these lands only three or four times in my life. I must admit I came here to have a look at that spring festival. We have heard a lot about it in harbours and ports all over the region and even is some towns further away. It is interesting to see that the culture is in some ways very different from what I know from elsewhere but in other ways it is very similar to my own culture and it has a lot of aspects of things I have witnessed elsewhere. It might be that some things like joy and hospitality are celebrated in a very similar fashion by all human beings." He rubbed his chin as he took a longer look at the various vessels around him. Noticing that he could do with a shave he used his hand to shade his eyes to examine the ships more closely. "Judging by the amount of ships and their home ports Leuda is a very busy trading hub." He began. Opening a counting house, as you call it, here would immensely benefit all of us. I should have come up with the idea much earlier If you had not suggested exchanging goods I would never have thought of the possibility." Always quick with planes he added "We might be able to open a post station. So we can exchange letters between our nations."

[Lux Pulchrae]

Gabha Manufactories Stall.
The first person was a soldier, a guard in the livery of the Gabha Manufactories - who did not speak Baselio's language, looking to a woman in Geansai, in Carman Fea's Red and White, approaching the pair.
"Good morning, and welcome to the stall of Gabha Manufactories.", she greeted, bowing her head lightly with a chipper expression. Her accent let her language flow like a song, pleasant to the ears, like velvet... and she herself wasn't that bad to look at as well, a blonde of fine proportions, if a bit too slim around the hips, her legs seemingly endlessly long. Her eyes shone like deep blue sapphires, a spark of a person knowing very well what she was talking about and how. "We build the means to communicate your displeasure to a wide variety of people, from silly natives to opposing nations. Interested in our Tollpholl Guns, good Sir?"

Baselio was taken aback as a woman approached him. Taking in her appearance his eyes set on her blue eyes, but moved away after a moment as to not be caught mindlessly staring. It was a bad habit he had. Finally deciding to speak "Why yes, hello miss, your company was referred to by one of my customers. You see, I am Baselio Tejada, a weapons merchant myself. I work with the Marquet Family Arms Co. and we sell the high quality weapons but so far it's is only for melee. I saw the rifle my customer was carrying, a fine looking piece and I just wanted to see if I was able to attain one myself." he said confidently, attempting to describe himself as more experienced than he was. "Her name is Ida, in case you might've known her." he added. "Did you say Tollpholl gun?"

[The Selkie]

Nora and Gabe.
The woman moved forward, instinctively guiding the girl to her bed.
"You should rest a bit.", she advised, a soft and sisterly smile on her lips, "And don't worry about your brothers. I told you already, we have standards, not good ideas."
She silently promised herself, that is the headache continued, that she would go and get their herbalist, he would have a cure... and as she softly guided Gabe, her dagger peaked out of her belt. It was a short blade, but easy to reach, and while Nora was distracted, it would be easy to reach out, grab it and ram the knife into her.
It would be easy, even for a beginner.
Nora was completely unaware of that possibility.

"Oh right, of course I should trust you. I guess I have to." She did grab an eye of Nora's blade. Don't even think about it, Gabe! Unless you want to end up dead. She laid back down content for now for being a hostage. All she could do was trust Nora was telling it to her straight, they just wanted money.

At the Stall.
Lilly smiled as Hiram went into what could only be described as Merchant Mode, telling the half dozen people, who were coming closer with great interest in their eyes, about their wares. The speaker from before was especially interested in the sailcloth, inspecting it with an appreciating nod, marvelling at its little weight, soon discussing a few technicalities with a man next to him in Selkie.
"Don't worry, they're wondering if lighter sailcloth still doesn't rip.", Lily whispered to Noah, translating, "Pros and Cons of the cloth and so on." She winked at him. "Can I see, whether or not I can help that Lady by the dresses?"
Indeed, there was a woman by the dresses, looking them up and down.

"An excellent question and go right ahead and help the fine lady. To that the answer the question, the answer is in the materials of the cloth. Our lighter cloth can handle decent strength winds but still caution is advised in stronger conditions. It's ideal for shorter trips. The heavier cloths can stand up to much more than the lighter cloth and is more ideal for long haul voyages. Personally for any long trips, we keep both, the heavy duty cloth as our primary with the light as a backup."

At the stall.
As Lilly went to help the lady at the dresses, expertly talking about clothes she had no idea about (much like her conversation partner), she improvised... until she was handed two objects by someone rudely intruding, the face obscured: A bonnet and a letter.
The woman excused her without batting an eye, continuing to look at the wares, while Lilly opened the letter, her face souring.
While the gentlemen discussing sailcloth did so vigorously, including Noah, the Selkie thanked the woman and went to Hiram's side, handing him both with a worried look in her eyes.
"Don't cause a scene, Hiram. Just got that.", she whispered to him, "Someone thrusted it into my hands. Seems like it's supposed to be a delivery for this stall." It was Gabe's bonnet and a ransom note, politely demanding 3 Ór or 300 Gil for her safe return. "What now?"

SLASH

Luca made no further comments on the dress, but there was a delayed, brief sense of nostalgia towards it that monetarily flared to palpable amounts before being extinguished equally fast. It was the nostalgia one might have when remembering an untouchable past, one that could never be recreated & had been left far behind without the farewell that it should have been blessed with. With this sensation came a sense of resignation towards the dress — as much as he might want it as a gift for someone else, it was clear that delivering it would not be possible.

Still, that was only a past long gone, & Luca's mind quickly returned to the present. This was, after all, not a time for mourning, & he was perfectly aware that his life had changed dramatically; there was no time for tears, or maybe he was making sure that there was no time instead. Nonetheless, Luca climbed over the fence, quietly singing the first few verses to some sort of Italian ballad. While there was no instrumental backing to it, the mood of it was clear — a mournful sadness mixed in with a spectacular hope for the future, a hope that said to trek onward despite loss. Admittedly, he was singing a bit too quietly to really be heard well, & Celina or anyone else for that matter would need to lean in close to hear it.

Celina was long over the fence by the time Luca was, having climbed it with practiced ease and skill, grinning as she settled down.
She saw Luca's lips move slightly, but thought nothing of it, as she took one of the Tines, his fur soft, and placed him in Luca's arms before she scooped up another one, holding him with her arm around his stomach, softly pressing him against her breast. A hand on his head softly stroked the animal.
"You hold them like this, see?", she said as she demonstrated, the squirming of her demonstration subject soon ceasing. "Well, that's one of the methods, at least. It's similar to how Mommy-Tines hold their babies."
That was not entirely true, in fact it was absolutely not true, but Celina's mother had explained it to her like that, so for the girl, it had to be true.

Robert gave a slow nod. "Indeed," he said."The quality of silk is much better assessed in the broad daylight and those of spice under the fresh sea air." In an almost reflex like manner he grabbed his blade as he left the cabin and put it back in its place. He straightened his wardrobe and listened to the sounds the busy town was emitting. "Have you often been to Leuda? I have been around these lands only three or four times in my life. I must admit I came here to have a look at that spring festival. We have heard a lot about it in harbours and ports all over the region and even is some towns further away. It is interesting to see that the culture is in some ways very different from what I know from elsewhere but in other ways it is very similar to my own culture and it has a lot of aspects of things I have witnessed elsewhere. It might be that some things like joy and hospitality are celebrated in a very similar fashion by all human beings." He rubbed his chin as he took a longer look at the various vessels around him. Noticing that he could do with a shave he used his hand to shade his eyes to examine the ships more closely. "Judging by the amount of ships and their home ports Leuda is a very busy trading hub." He began. Opening a counting house, as you call it, here would immensely benefit all of us. I should have come up with the idea much earlier If you had not suggested exchanging goods I would never have thought of the possibility." Always quick with planes he added "We might be able to open a post station. So we can exchange letters between our nations."

"I've come here for every Spring Festival since I was of Sixteen Springs, which is... longer ago then I'd like to admit.", Tajir replied, "And I made many more trips to these lands inbetween... the Selkie never once ceased to amaze me. They are open and inviting to people from all over, who wish to trade, whether it be with them or amongst each other, using their ports as stopovers, a bit like we plan to, and as long as you stick to the rules, you'll never find more honest, friendly and upright people. Break their sacred Merchant's Honesty, though, and the MGoL willbreak you in ways you would have never thought possible."
She let a beat pass.
"But as for exchanging letters between our nations... the Selkie are not yet a nation, but more of an argument... a never-ceasing, bloody argument, sometimes interrupted by peace or foreign invaders.", she explained, "Foreign invaders, who usually find out, that these peaceful people of Song and Dance, as they love to call themselves, can make their swords sing just as easily. Makes them wonderful mercenaries, too."
She added with a smile.

Baselio was taken aback as a woman approached him. Taking in her appearance his eyes set on her blue eyes, but moved away after a moment as to not be caught mindlessly staring. It was a bad habit he had. Finally deciding to speak "Why yes, hello miss, your company was referred to by one of my customers. You see, I am Baselio Tejada, a weapons merchant myself. I work with the Marquet Family Arms Co. and we sell the high quality weapons but so far it's is only for melee. I saw the rifle my customer was carrying, a fine looking piece and I just wanted to see if I was able to attain one myself." he said confidently, attempting to describe himself as more experienced than he was. "Her name is Ida, in case you might've known her." he added. "Did you say Tollpholl gun?"

The woman smiled slightly - Ida was a common first name for girls, so she had no clue about who he was talking about. Still, this was a potential customer.
"Indeed, Mister Tejada.", she said, motioning to the artillery piece by her side, stroking its barrel softly, "This is a Tollpholl Gun. I'm not informed about the exact method of construction, but I know, that this allows for far more effective guns then usual pieces. The gunballs can be made for a perfect fit for every gun of the same size, the piece itself is lighter then pieces of compareable calibre while actually outperforming them, safer in usage and movement... in short, you are looking at the next generation of artillery."
She let a beat pass.
"My apologies for rambling. You mentioned, that you are more interested in our rifles.", she said and motioned for him to follow her, "Follow me, please."

[Kuronami]

At the stall.
As Lilly went to help the lady at the dresses, expertly talking about clothes she had no idea about (much like her conversation partner), she improvised... until she was handed two objects by someone rudely intruding, the face obscured: A bonnet and a letter.
The woman excused her without batting an eye, continuing to look at the wares, while Lilly opened the letter, her face souring.
While the gentlemen discussing sailcloth did so vigorously, including Noah, the Selkie thanked the woman and went to Hiram's side, handing him both with a worried look in her eyes.
"Don't cause a scene, Hiram. Just got that.", she whispered to him, "Someone thrusted it into my hands. Seems like it's supposed to be a delivery for this stall." It was Gabe's bonnet and a ransom note, politely demanding 3 Ór or 300 Gil for her safe return. "What now?"

Noah could instantly recognize it as Gabe's bonnet, it had her stitching patterns on it. Even though both Noah and Hiram were men who didn't know a great deal about ladies clothes, their sister certainly could drill in enough information to at least let them get by when it came to selling women's apparel. "This is Gabe's. I was afraid of this." he whispered keeping his voice low and keeping his cool. "Hiram."

"Just about done here, bro." Once Hiram finished up Noah filled him in. "it's her's all right. Sounds like someone's got her."

"If they want money let's get it paid and get her back."

"Well we could spring her ourselves, you're a pretty good shot..."

"Don't even think about it. We try something foolish they could easily kill her or disappear with her. Let's pay them and get her back."

"Right. How much do they want?"

"3 Or or 300 Gil. We've probably made about that haven't we?"

"I think so. Should have enough to get her."

"Lily it seems my sister has gotten herself into something rather terrible. If all they want is ransom we'll pay it in full and make no fuss about it. We just want our sister back."

"Where is she, how do we give these guys what they want?" Hiram asked. "You're a mercenary right, you must have an idea how to draw folks like this out."

[Ru-]

The old man nodded, slowly, a small smile on his lips.
He was aware, that she could buy many of the spices and olive oil, as well as the Star Weed, rather cheaply at home, but he was also aware, that she most likely would not part with it for a metaphorical egg and an apple, so he had to carefully negotiate.
The wines would not be his problem.
But the silk... he had not been joking, when he had called it Banríon na Síoda, the Queen of the Silks. It had a famous reputation in the Lands of the Selkie, the Silk from Ru being expensive to the point of merchants getting twice it's weight in gold at some points in the past.
So, now, he did not want to trade too aggressively, when she put the ball into his court.
"Now... I'm going to say, that we start negotiating at one Ór per ten metres.", he said and put one of the coins in question onto the table, a small golden coin of 31 grams of gold. Together with the information about a potential buyer of the wine, that would be a good starting offer (but even if they would not agree on that price, or Gods forbidding no price at all, he would still give her that merchant's name). Although he was unaware of it, it was also a substantially higher price then the one the Priestess had haggled for Arab silk with Jose, who sold for five Gils per two metres (one Ór being one hundred Gil, thus one metre of Ruvian Silk being ten Gil - and worth every Umha, every copper coin). "Of course, that would already include a bulk discount, for I plan to either buy all or a substantial amount of the Silk in question."

Juliana was unfamiliar with the Selkie currency, but upon being presented with the coin, she picked it up and was able to confirm straight away that it was gold, and like any Tarnookan trader worth their salt, was able to quickly determine it's value through feeling it's weight in her hand. She placed the coin back onto the table, spun it, and nodded. She was quite pleased with the figure he had given her, but she was careful not to make that too evident by her expression and body language. It seemed that the risk she took in guessing that this silk would be highly sought after in this market had paid off in a big way. She had read the old man and was sure that although he was very shrewd, he had little intention of trying to take advantage of her. This was the market price in Selkie lands, or perhaps just a little below it. It was what she was hoping for in any event. She'd tread carefully, she did not want to risk insulting him, since she still had alot more goods, that may prove to be much more difficult to sell elsewhere in these ports.

Figuring that a powerful and highly experienced merchant like this would be in no mood to spend the day haggling over it like it an old cod from a Dragonroost market stall, she nodded again and quickly presented a no nonsense counter offer: "Ah, yes I see. You are certainly aware of Ruvian silk. I'm happy to find someone who can appreciate it's true value. I will sell you all of my silk for...she picked up the coin again to re-confirm it's weight, and to do some quick calculations, ... 1.2 Ór per ten. Or about 8 more of these little coins. They are 30 grams of gold, correct? No, no, 31." She smiled "It's a good deal."

She fully expected him to counter again, though in truth she should probably be asking for more. The prospect of earning what was in truth, an actual fortune without leaving this room was quite exciting and well worth the bulk discount. She figured this sale would make this merchant by a massive margin the biggest owner of Ruvian silk in these ports, and could in turn have pretty much complete control of the entire market on it. A potentially massive opportunity. So perhaps he'd jump at her offer, he did seem to be the sort to not play games when the stakes were this high.

[Lux Pulchrae]

The woman smiled slightly - Ida was a common first name for girls, so she had no clue about who he was talking about. Still, this was a potential customer.
"Indeed, Mister Tejada.", she said, motioning to the artillery piece by her side, stroking its barrel softly, "This is a Tollpholl Gun. I'm not informed about the exact method of construction, but I know, that this allows for far more effective guns then usual pieces. The gunballs can be made for a perfect fit for every gun of the same size, the piece itself is lighter then pieces of compareable calibre while actually outperforming them, safer in usage and movement... in short, you are looking at the next generation of artillery."
She let a beat pass.
"My apologies for rambling. You mentioned, that you are more interested in our rifles.", she said and motioned for him to follow her, "Follow me, please."

Baselio looked around to see if there was anyone else in the area and followed the woman, looking at the artillery passed by it "You know, I would buy it but I already have one guarding my castle. Wouldn't want to indulge myself now, would I?" Looking around the factory he saw a few other people around, armored guards, other workers wearing the same clothing. As he followed the woman, he thought for a second and spoke "So, what exactly do you do around here? Are you always a saleswoman here?"

[Keilersmoor]

Robert looked to the sky and used his fingers to count with a serious face. "That must have been four years than!" He said with a triumphant nod to himself. Without a change to his facial expression he added. "I'm with the STC trust me I know most ways to physically or mentally brake a living creature. Some of with I could not even translate, but that's leading nowhere. Or at least nowhere I wish to venture now." He pauses for a while and takes a breath trying to push unpleasant memories away. "Have you been a captain since the age of 16 or did you come here in another position?" He asked with genuine interest. "I do not fancy the idea of nations. In my opinion this idea will vanish as fast as it came up. It works for places like the Reedmace Confederacy, a network of city states but organizing large empires in the same manner would not work. Too many religions, too many estates and so on. Not that I care much but I think this hype about nations will soon be over. But then again, I don't really care. The sea is my home and the sea will be my grave." Again he turned towards the open sea and watched its waves. "I don't oppose the idea of nations instead of a feudal system but I think it will not work. The STC hires all sorts of local contractors. We would not mind hiring Selkie I guess, especially since they have a particularly good reputation as fighters."

[The Selkie]

At the stall.
As Lilly went to help the lady at the dresses, expertly talking about clothes she had no idea about (much like her conversation partner), she improvised... until she was handed two objects by someone rudely intruding, the face obscured: A bonnet and a letter.
The woman excused her without batting an eye, continuing to look at the wares, while Lilly opened the letter, her face souring.
While the gentlemen discussing sailcloth did so vigorously, including Noah, the Selkie thanked the woman and went to Hiram's side, handing him both with a worried look in her eyes.
"Don't cause a scene, Hiram. Just got that.", she whispered to him, "Someone thrusted it into my hands. Seems like it's supposed to be a delivery for this stall." It was Gabe's bonnet and a ransom note, politely demanding 3 Ór or 300 Gil for her safe return. "What now?"

Noah could instantly recognize it as Gabe's bonnet, it had her stitching patterns on it. Even though both Noah and Hiram were men who didn't know a great deal about ladies clothes, their sister certainly could drill in enough information to at least let them get by when it came to selling women's apparel. "This is Gabe's. I was afraid of this." he whispered keeping his voice low and keeping his cool. "Hiram."

"Just about done here, bro." Once Hiram finished up Noah filled him in. "it's her's all right. Sounds like someone's got her."

"If they want money let's get it paid and get her back."

"Well we could spring her ourselves, you're a pretty good shot..."

"Don't even think about it. We try something foolish they could easily kill her or disappear with her. Let's pay them and get her back."

"Right. How much do they want?"

"3 Or or 300 Gil. We've probably made about that haven't we?"

"I think so. Should have enough to get her."

"Lily it seems my sister has gotten herself into something rather terrible. If all they want is ransom we'll pay it in full and make no fuss about it. We just want our sister back."

"Where is she, how do we give these guys what they want?" Hiram asked. "You're a mercenary right, you must have an idea how to draw folks like this out."

An uncomfortable part about Liliane's life was, that knew both sides of the problem: She had aided in rescues twice and had been the hostage taker thrice. She was a mercenary, after all, one, who followed her orders.
At least the two brothers were calm about it.
She pointed to the bottom of the letter.
"See the singature? Faoileán Scadán, Herring Gull. That's a ship name. And I can already guarantee you, that we won't find a vessel of that name in Leuda.", she said and looked from one to the other, "The usual procedure is to take the money and to deposit it at the Ladra-Shrine next to the harbour. There should be a priest..." She sighed, all the friendliness vanishing out of her posture and voice, a cold and hard voice coming from her mouth, the voice of a veteran mercenary in business mode. "...and the sad part is, that he will be used to it. Noah, you come with me, Hiram, you watch the stall. Seanbhóc will stay with you. Further questions?"
The Grey Wolf looked to the young man and settled down again.

The old man nodded, slowly, a small smile on his lips.
He was aware, that she could buy many of the spices and olive oil, as well as the Star Weed, rather cheaply at home, but he was also aware, that she most likely would not part with it for a metaphorical egg and an apple, so he had to carefully negotiate.
The wines would not be his problem.
But the silk... he had not been joking, when he had called it Banríon na Síoda, the Queen of the Silks. It had a famous reputation in the Lands of the Selkie, the Silk from Ru being expensive to the point of merchants getting twice it's weight in gold at some points in the past.
So, now, he did not want to trade too aggressively, when she put the ball into his court.
"Now... I'm going to say, that we start negotiating at one Ór per ten metres.", he said and put one of the coins in question onto the table, a small golden coin of 31 grams of gold. Together with the information about a potential buyer of the wine, that would be a good starting offer (but even if they would not agree on that price, or Gods forbidding no price at all, he would still give her that merchant's name). Although he was unaware of it, it was also a substantially higher price then the one the Priestess had haggled for Arab silk with Jose, who sold for five Gils per two metres (one Ór being one hundred Gil, thus one metre of Ruvian Silk being ten Gil - and worth every Umha, every copper coin). "Of course, that would already include a bulk discount, for I plan to either buy all or a substantial amount of the Silk in question."

Juliana was unfamiliar with the Selkie currency, but upon being presented with the coin, she picked it up and was able to confirm straight away that it was gold, and like any Tarnookan trader worth their salt, was able to quickly determine it's value through feeling it's weight in her hand. She placed the coin back onto the table, spun it, and nodded. She was quite pleased with the figure he had given her, but she was careful not to make that too evident by her expression and body language. It seemed that the risk she took in guessing that this silk would be highly sought after in this market had paid off in a big way. She had read the old man and was sure that although he was very shrewd, he had little intention of trying to take advantage of her. This was the market price in Selkie lands, or perhaps just a little below it. It was what she was hoping for in any event. She'd tread carefully, she did not want to risk insulting him, since she still had alot more goods, that may prove to be much more difficult to sell elsewhere in these ports.

Figuring that a powerful and highly experienced merchant like this would be in no mood to spend the day haggling over it like it an old cod from a Dragonroost market stall, she nodded again and quickly presented a no nonsense counter offer: "Ah, yes I see. You are certainly aware of Ruvian silk. I'm happy to find someone who can appreciate it's true value. I will sell you all of my silk for...she picked up the coin again to re-confirm it's weight, and to do some quick calculations, ... 1.2 Ór per ten. Or about 8 more of these little coins. They are 30 grams of gold, correct? No, no, 31." She smiled "It's a good deal."

She fully expected him to counter again, though in truth she should probably be asking for more. The prospect of earning what was in truth, an actual fortune without leaving this room was quite exciting and well worth the bulk discount. She figured this sale would make this merchant by a massive margin the biggest owner of Ruvian silk in these ports, and could in turn have pretty much complete control of the entire market on it. A potentially massive opportunity. So perhaps he'd jump at her offer, he did seem to be the sort to not play games when the stakes were this high.

The old merchant hummed in thought.
Truth was, he could go up to up to 1.4 Ór per ten metres, but that would only leave a very small profit margin. Banríon na Síoda, Ruvian Silk, was a pricey commodity, sought after by the merchant elite and religious elite, less so by the political elite (which didn't have the money), and also sought after in other ports. 1.2 was a bargain more then worthy of any good merchant.
His prayers to Ladra and Carman Fea this morning turned out well.
He could haggle, meeting in the middle, but with this, he wanted to play it safe. She seemed rather comfortable with her offer as well and if Selkie-Merchants prided themselves in one thing, it was that they wanted both sides of a deal to be happy with it, for that made better returning customers.
"Well, you have a deal, then. 1.2 Ór per ten metres, payment upon delivery.", he said, nodded, "Plus, a tip of who to turn to with your wines. Still sounds good?" There was a bit of a youthful inflection in the old man's voice, he seeming a bit more lively. "Of course, I'll send both a wagon and guards with you, as well as my apprentice."

Baselio looked around to see if there was anyone else in the area and followed the woman, looking at the artillery passed by it "You know, I would buy it but I already have one guarding my castle. Wouldn't want to indulge myself now, would I?" Looking around the factory he saw a few other people around, armored guards, other workers wearing the same clothing. As he followed the woman, he thought for a second and spoke "So, what exactly do you do around here? Are you always a saleswoman here?"

Many people were around the Gabha Stall, many of them interested in rifles and artillery, but there was also a small section selling toys for children, small tin figures cast in a side-shop with the material left over from other ventures.
Salespersons, men and women, talked with prospective customers, only a small number of which were dressed in armour, quite a few of them actually wearing civilian clothes and inspecting the newest products.
One would note the complete lack of melee weapons, discounting bayonets and rifle butts.
"I'm a saleswoman here, full time.", she said and turned, bowing her head lightly with a smile, "Ida Díoltóir of the Tribe of Monaghan, a proud employee of the Gabha Manufactories and Arcane Servant to Carman Fea." She smiled a bit dangerously. "And of course trained in using many of these for demonstration purposes."
One could hear, from the back of the stall, short bangs as customers used the chance to test the merchandise.

Robert looked to the sky and used his fingers to count with a serious face. "That must have been four years than!" He said with a triumphant nod to himself. Without a change to his facial expression he added. "I'm with the STC trust me I know most ways to physically or mentally brake a living creature. Some of with I could not even translate, but that's leading nowhere. Or at least nowhere I wish to venture now." He pauses for a while and takes a breath trying to push unpleasant memories away. "Have you been a captain since the age of 16 or did you come here in another position?" He asked with genuine interest. "I do not fancy the idea of nations. In my opinion this idea will vanish as fast as it came up. It works for places like the Reedmace Confederacy, a network of city states but organizing large empires in the same manner would not work. Too many religions, too many estates and so on. Not that I care much but I think this hype about nations will soon be over. But then again, I don't really care. The sea is my home and the sea will be my grave." Again he turned towards the open sea and watched its waves. "I don't oppose the idea of nations instead of a feudal system but I think it will not work. The STC hires all sorts of local contractors. We would not mind hiring Selkie I guess, especially since they have a particularly good reputation as fighters."

"And every bit of it is justified, believe me.", Tajir said with a small nod, "My Ilkhan and his predecessors secured more then one victory with their help and many of them settled in Kyrenaia as well. But those are stories for another day."
She smiled as her men came up again, carrying between them the first of the wares she wanted Robert to inspect.
Spices and silk, just as promised, three crates, one carried by each of the men. Tahir knew, that one of them held the silk, two others the spices, the sample boxes, filled to the brim with small glass jars having small smelling samples of her spices and herbs in them.
It was a beautiful arrangement, not too distracting from the wares while still keeping them safe - in and of itself, the three men carried a small fortune between them, out of a cargo hold, that held a huge fortune.
Tajir nodded as the three men set the boxes down, speaking a short phrase of gratitude to the three in Kyrenaian, then turned to Robert.
"Now then... we'll start with the silks, if you don't mind?", she said and proceeded, opening one of the boxes and taking out a shimmering length of cloth, shimmering in the light, this one being white and not in the lest translucent. "I usually prefer to buy and sell white silk, but I do have coloured silk and in different transparacies as well. The reason is simply, that my customers usually like it more, thanks to the possibilities it offers. They sell dyes here in Leuda as well, but that's another story. Anyway..."
She offered the finely crafted length of silk to Robert, for him to inspect. It was finely crafted, it was the real deal, fine and soft to the touch, shimmering in the light. It was of a good quality, not perfect, but above average for certain, fit to clothe kings and emperors.
"...what do you think?"

[Kuronami]

An uncomfortable part about Liliane's life was, that knew both sides of the problem: She had aided in rescues twice and had been the hostage taker thrice. She was a mercenary, after all, one, who followed her orders.
At least the two brothers were calm about it.
She pointed to the bottom of the letter.
"See the singature? Faoileán Scadán, Herring Gull. That's a ship name. And I can already guarantee you, that we won't find a vessel of that name in Leuda.", she said and looked from one to the other, "The usual procedure is to take the money and to deposit it at the Ladra-Shrine next to the harbour. There should be a priest..." She sighed, all the friendliness vanishing out of her posture and voice, a cold and hard voice coming from her mouth, the voice of a veteran mercenary in business mode. "...and the sad part is, that he will be used to it. Noah, you come with me, Hiram, you watch the stall. Seanbhóc will stay with you. Further questions?"
The Grey Wolf looked to the young man and settled down again.

"No trouble at all." Hiram didn't want to get mixed up with a band of thieves and Noah also felt it was for the best, he might try to negotiate with them. "All right, Hiram take the asking for and we'll be along."

Hiram pulled out all the money they had earned so far and what was left from their trip out there. "hey you know chances are we can't make this up and you know what that means we'll have to release the ship crew..."

"I do, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, for now let's worry about getting Gabe back."

"All right, it's all here." He handed him everything they needed "All right, we'll get her back safe and sound. Just hold things down here."

"What if--" Hiram had to pose the question if things went terribly wrong but Noah wasn't going to let things go wrong.

"We'll be back, the three of us."

[Lux Pulchrae]

Many people were around the Gabha Stall, many of them interested in rifles and artillery, but there was also a small section selling toys for children, small tin figures cast in a side-shop with the material left over from other ventures.
Salespersons, men and women, talked with prospective customers, only a small number of which were dressed in armour, quite a few of them actually wearing civilian clothes and inspecting the newest products.
One would note the complete lack of melee weapons, discounting bayonets and rifle butts.
"I'm a saleswoman here, full time.", she said and turned, bowing her head lightly with a smile, "Ida Díoltóir of the Tribe of Monaghan, a proud employee of the Gabha Manufactories and Arcane Servant to Carman Fea." She smiled a bit dangerously. "And of course trained in using many of these for demonstration purposes."
One could hear, from the back of the stall, short bangs as customers used the chance to test the merchandise.

Hearing the shots from the back, Baselio focused his attention towards the firing. A smile appeared on his as a thought formed "So, Ida. You're a full time saleswoman here? Sell me a firearm." he proposed to the girl. "I already have pistol and a musket, they're back on the ship. Why should I buy one of your products when I have fine working armaments?"

[Ru-]

The old merchant hummed in thought.
Truth was, he could go up to up to 1.4 Ór per ten metres, but that would only leave a very small profit margin. Banríon na Síoda, Ruvian Silk, was a pricey commodity, sought after by the merchant elite and religious elite, less so by the political elite (which didn't have the money), and also sought after in other ports. 1.2 was a bargain more then worthy of any good merchant.
His prayers to Ladra and Carman Fea this morning turned out well.
He could haggle, meeting in the middle, but with this, he wanted to play it safe. She seemed rather comfortable with her offer as well and if Selkie-Merchants prided themselves in one thing, it was that they wanted both sides of a deal to be happy with it, for that made better returning customers.
"Well, you have a deal, then. 1.2 Ór per ten metres, payment upon delivery.", he said, nodded, "Plus, a tip of who to turn to with your wines. Still sounds good?" There was a bit of a youthful inflection in the old man's voice, he seeming a bit more lively. "Of course, I'll send both a wagon and guards with you, as well as my apprentice."

Julianna nodded smiled and offered her hand to shake on the deal. "Yes, I believe this is fair. You've got yourself a deal, my lord." The gold she had just negotiated was quite the fortune back in Ru. She had set herself up quite nicely, provided she made it back in one piece. But there were still goods to sell, and one of her costliest investments still needed to be sorted out. The wine had been an expensive gamble that had threatened to blow up in her face, she had badly miscalculated Selkie culture in regards to it and the market had been looking more and more grim since she arrived and learned more about it. She would be most grateful for this merchant's connection, the wine she had brought was the stuff typically consumed by royalty and the powerful nobility back home. If he could indeed bring her to someone who had an appreciation for fine wine, then it would seem that she could make up for her losses on it. At the very least the silk had carried more then enough of it's weight on it's own to consider the voyage a success.

"It is most generous of you to refer me to a buyer for my wine, and I'd be very interested in making the journey." She was glad of his offer to provide useful resources for the trip as well, and readily accepted, both to be polite and because she knew it would be useful. "I thank you for the help you are willing to provide, and I gladly accept." She played with her hair a bit as a matter of habit but kept her gaze and focus on his new business partner. "I can set out at anytime of course. Unless we have further business here. I have a great variety of other goods that you might perhaps be interested in..."