Piece for you a Piece for me
The Almeon Trading Company stands as the official mercantile branch of the Aradi Guild Federation. The Company works throughout the world, trading goods on behalf of the Federation and expanding the size of its treasury. It is massive company which has branches in most major cities, and is a powerful financial force. It is backed majorly by the Aradi Guild Federation, however it also has other financial backers, most of which remain secret from the general public. I will not stand for this company to grow any more than it has, we have the world at our grasp and these people would see it ruined.
-Chairman Pendrew, East Empire Trading company.
-Chairman Pendrew, East Empire Trading company.
The winds shifted softly over the ocean, casting its cloudy and rather dreary blanket of storm clouds in the direction of Ocran. The rain pattered down a symphony on the dirt and stone streets which pooled the water into small puddles which mucky boots and feet trampled through like a herd of beasts. Lanterns illuminated windows as the wicks of those outside were cast out and trembled coldly in wake of the stormy clouds. The sea was still relatively placid, its silver waves covered in thousands of ripples as the rain began to pick up pace and pour itself over the land. The waves began to form foamy crests and smashed themselves against the sandy shores casting up debris from other parts of the world and from beneath the bottomless oceans. With the emphases placed on trade and profit, as well as some nudging from the Aradi Guild Federation, the cities prospered and ports continually became flooded with cargo ships. Yet tonight the waves seemed restless and wooden decks smashed into stone piers, though they weren’t breaking the ships they cast loud smashes only adding to the thunder. Lightening flashed dipping the world into a bath of light before just as quickly disappearing casting the shadows back, all in all it was a terrible night to be at sea and a chilly one at that. Yet even so the markets were filled with peddlers too stubborn to close up shop even as their carpet like coverings drooped under the continual beating of the rain. Customers who searched for good deals due to the weather also covered themselves from the storm. Even though most dock workers had fled for the shelter of local taverns and pubs one group of people stood fast even against the storm lashing their ships to the docks which trembled in the winds laden with cargo.
The East Empire company had been around since the creation of the Empire of man, with that came a lot of prestige and power. With trade networks snaking across the globe they had acquired numerous wealth and soon became a household name. Though they weren’t politically powerful in some regions as they were in others they intended to be. With Mr. Pendrew at the lead they had created a vast trade empire moving wares from every nation to foreign lands which enjoyed the exotic luxuries. Yet it was just another place to buy wares for most, even if they did not notice the growing power of the company. Based in nearly every major city and trade posts in the barbaric lands the company prided itself on excellence and its magnificent trade fleets. With that said the company had warehouses scattered across Ocran, since the founding of the nation and its warm smile on free trade. This land had what the company looked for, near free trade to move goods easily and enough hustle and bustle to hide illegal wares to dabble in the black market. Though recently the Aradi Guild Federation had become restless and the company noticed and began to tread lightly unsure of what was happening. After some time it became clear that the Aradi Guild Federation had created its own company the Almeon Trading Company, named after her CEO William Almeon. Which was relatively new, well at least in East Empire standards, had begun growing rather quickly. This new upstart company had begun to attract the attention of the board of the East Empire and soon renewed effort was placed in asserting the company's dominance in a commerce war. The two companies glared each other in the eye and it seemed they sat on a powder keg waiting for an even the smallest spark to set off.
The East Empire company's banner waved violently in the gale like winds, monstrous waves crashed over the decks before jumping overboard again. A company trading fleet had arrived, comprised of six company fluyts their large white sails billowing in the wind. Their crews where drenched head to toe and their wet hands held tightly to ropes which held them to the docks. Shouts and calls could barely be made out against the screaming winds of the sea. Crew members ran around scattering to ensure cargo lines held tight and that their own lifeline was secure. Even amongst the seemingly organized chaos one man stood out amongst the common sailor. An officer wearing a rather refined captain’s uniform, stood on the aft deck hands gripping the railing, his tricorner hat trying to jump off his head in the wind. Though other officers surrounded him they seemed to desperately fight the wind and seemed less stoic. The man had sandy blond hair and a golden hue in his eye instead of the regular colors of man.
The ropes swung the ship into place at the docks even against the monstrous waves. A gang plank touched down on to the dock though it was muted by the wolf like howling of the winds. Suddenly the dock bustled again with life as heavy crates began to be removed from the ships and quickly sheltered under the cover of the dock side warehouses the company maintained. Small impoverished children grimy and feet covered in muck watched with glee as the men worked, the sheer intensity of the storm and the hard work of men always seemed to put glee in their hearts. With another thunder clap several crew men fell backwards on the drenched decks and a copper skinned horse broke out from one of the cargo ledges. It whined rearing up its back legs as others tried to calm it. The company officer who had stood stoically till now jumped over the hand railing and onto the back of the horse. It stopped bucking and the officer patted its mane affectionately.
"It’s alright my girl." The officer commented softly. "It’s your friend Pen Wendly" continuing to ruffle its black mane. The horse calmed and galloped down the gang plank into one of the warehouses which smelled of warm fresh hay. The horse contented itself to shake off the water regardless whether a man was astride her soaking Pen even more so. With a swing he dropped to the stone floor of the warehouse several men stood before him smiling.
"Ah you must be Pen Wendly." One man dressed nicely moved to shake his hand. "I am Wendleton leading executive of the branch stationed here."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Pendrew sends his regards." Pen flashed a smile his teeth clean and straight. "I have been assigned to be your company envoy for the time being. As well as to see to our...completion here."
"Indeed but you are weary I have made preparations for you to stay at the local inn, high-class." The man said with a chuckle.
"Thank you Il be seeing you in the morning." Pen swung back on to his horse which snorted before following an escort into the gale struck city.