Safari Tour (Sky with help from Menace)
Aug 11, 2019 9:47:09 GMT
Jonathan P, Ian (Menace), and 1 more like this
Post by Skylerian Morningdew on Aug 11, 2019 9:47:09 GMT
Making their way down a narrow, dank alleyway in the maze of Port Ffirst’s Old Town, and carefully stepping over discarded refuse and the odd animal carcass, Sky approaches the Emporium of Pre-Loved Wonders. The small, recently refurbished shopfront is wedged between two warehouses that have seen far better days.
Sky opens the freshly painted door and steps inside.
The shop is even smaller than it appeared from the street. Shelves line the walls, stacked to the ceiling with odds and ends that may all at some point have been treasures to someone, but now just tell the sad stories of personal misfortunes.
In between this menagerie of upended lives stands a hooded figure, carefully rearranging the selection of pawned wedding bands. At the sound of the shop bell, they speak without looking up.
"Welcome, welcome! What brings you here today? Just perusing, or do you find yourself in a difficult financial situation?" Turning to look, Menace eyes the newcomer from head to toe, then adjusts his smile ever so slightly. "No, I believe you came for neither… but everyone that comes to visit me here is looking for something… so tell me, " his eyes sparkling with mischief, "what can uncle Mace do for you today?"
“So you are Master Mace? A happy find, as I’ve been advised that you’re a person in the know. I wasn’t sure if you’d be working here or whether one of your employees would be on duty. My name is Skylerian Morningdew, but please do call me Sky.”
The figure bows slightly at the waist. Clearly Elven, it is difficult to pinpoint their heritage beyond that: skin pale, but not as ashen as a Drow; cheekbones prominent with none of a High Elf's haughty aloofness; deep brown eyes, yet not as mysterious or watchful as those of the forest Elves. At first glance, their gender, too, remains hard to gauge. What is plain to see, however, is that this creature's features are striking - not handsome nor pretty; but distinctive and bold. A high, straight - almost delicate - nose; angular, warm eyes; full lips always on the verge of breaking into a smile; skin like alabaster; and white-and-black hair swept back from the face. The figure is devoid of any markings or symbols or jewellery - except for the ears: each lobe is pierced with ten rings apiece in an arrangement that looks designed, almost ritualistic. Their garb is also odd: a single piece of red fabric - wide at the shoulders and knees, and cinched in tight at the waist with a black belt - covered in multicoloured squares of lacquered wood.
Menace continues to eye the mysterious stranger with guarded curiosity. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sky. You seem to have me at something of a disadvantage, but while some slanderous tongues may have called me a Menace, it is just Mace to my friends. And I can tell - we will be the very best of friends." He says with a toothy smile. "You did well to find me here. Usually I have my associates manage the store, but something told me that today it may need a more managerial touch. And here we are, fortuitous indeed!"
Menace rounds a shelf and comes face to face with the strange Elf. "But you didn't come here to take in the local mercantile scenery, I'm sure. So, how may I be of service today?"
“Yes, I had heard that unusual sobriquet… but to business! You’re clearly busy and I would hate to waste your time. Is there somewhere we could sit, however? I’ve been on my feet for the last few days.”
"Of course, my friend", Menace lazily waves toward the back of the shop. Behind a trestle table that serves as a counter is another low-set door. Menace makes his way over, opens the door and leads the way to an even smaller backroom; two worn chairs and a small desk are inside, a small oil lamp hanging from the ceiling. "Step into my humble office" Menace says with a showy, inviting gesture.
Sky follows after Mace and, tall for an elf, ducks through into the back room. Seating themselves across from the tiefling, they lean back in their chair and fold their arms into wide sleeves. “It was actually the local mercantile activity that I was hoping we could discuss - amongst other things. You see, I’ve recently arrived in Kantas and am setting up shop in Daring Heights, but a recent business trip of sorts brought me to Port First. I thought I’d take the time to explore and make some local connections while I am here. It was those same connections that lead me to you, actually.”
Menace raises an eyebrow, smiles and shows his palms in a gesture of humility. "You flatter me, my friend. I am but a humble businessman, albeit on the rise, if I do say so myself. I would be happy to make arrangements for us to further the Daring-Port Ffirst trade route together, but I sense there is more to your inquiries, isn't there?"
“I have no current business ventures myself,” Sky replies. “I dabble more in facilitating and brokering relationships. Information, more than coin, is my - aha - currency. As I say, I was recently accompanying a number of investors through the local countryside. They’d concluded their business meetings and were keen to see what... extracurricular... activities Kantas has to offer and, quite frankly, so was I. Joining some rather colourful local characters - Faye, Bubbles, Stedd, Leia, maybe you know them? - we acted as an escort of sorts and took them on a tour of the sites: The People, Angelbark Woods, a local Erina village, the gold mines and so on. Barring some close brushes with some fascinating prehistoric creatures, it was an otherwise uneventful journey. It struck me that such tours could be lucrative and diverting; and a good way to introduce potential investors to the sights, smells, and sounds of Kantas - as well as showing them the investment and trade opportunities in Daring and Port Ffirst.”
Sky rearranges the skirt of their robe, the overlapping squares of wood making no sound as they flex and shift to accommodate Sky’s movements.
“But all that is secondary, really.” Sky continues, making a languid, dismissive motion with the long, pale fingers of their right hand. “My new contacts in town have been frightfully helpful and very keen to share their local insight. I’ve heard some troubling reports about a number of recent break-ins to numerous business’ warehouses and depots - especially those dealing in curios and artefacts.” Sky’s gaze seems to drift around the room and take in the whole of the Emporium, the obvious question left unasked. “I’m sure the rumours of Drow and Zhentarim involvement is as the result of an hysterical overreaction, but it does give one pause for thought in terms of the safety and security of setting up a new business.” Sky raises a questioning eyebrow in Mace’s direction. “I wonder if a well-connect personage such as yourself knows anything about these troubles?”
Menace leans back in his worn chair, eliciting a soft creak from the tortured wood. "Ah yes, the recent troubles. As you, I deal in information as much as in physical goods, and so I can tell you that yes, I may have heard of these events and might be able to sprinkle the proverbial salt to this very enticing dish that every connoisseur in town is licking their lips for. But what is in it for me?" He shrugs lazily, "I do have to make a living after all…"
“Of course,” Sky says with a smile that doesn’t quite seem to reach their eyes. “Spoken like any true businessman. Nothing given or taken for free. But I was wondering if you could use an extra pair of eyes and ears on this. I’ll be in town for a while and will be personally investigating the matter further on behalf of some very interested parties. It seems to me that some cooperative arrangement between us would be mutually beneficial. For example, I could put my considerable talents to use in tracking down the escaped criminal or seeing if there’s any connection between the alleged Zhentarim involvement and an individual calling themselves Laeruna the Red. I’m sure this aid would be useful to you...and to your noble associate.”
Menace's ponders this for a few seconds. "That would be interesting indeed. I have heard of Laeruna, but not had the pleasure to cross her path quite yet. In fact, an introduction may be something you could help me with, if that is within your… considerable talents." He says with a wink. "What is it that you would need from me in turn?"
“An introduction is certainly something I can look to arrange; is there anything in particular you’d like to contact Laeruna for? That may help me in bringing them to the table. And I ask for nothing in exchange - just the establishing of a dialogue between us. And I’d appreciate it if you could bring word to me of your next endeavours to deal with the possible Zhentarim and Drow threat, and the artefact they both apparently seek. I can normally be found at the Guilded Mirror in Daring; I’d be obliged if you can recommend a suitable establishment for my time in Port Ffirst?”
Menace gives an easy shrug. "That sounds splendid, my friend, as you have no doubt heard, I am most keen on dialogue with all interested parties. And you may tell Laeruna that I have a business proposition for her - so much to do in Port Ffirst, yet so little time, eh?" He laughs heartily. "And fear not, I shall think of you if anything concerning what we discussed comes to my attention. As for accommodation, the Flourished Hook is Port Ffirst's premiere establishment, I highly recommend it. And if you ever have need to find me, you simply need to call my name - my little birds will bring that song to me on swift wings…"
He holds out a hand to Sky, while his eyes never leave theirs. "I believe this will be the beginning of a very profitable friendship. Let us shake on it."
Sky nods once and smiles softly. “Capital. I look forward to working with you.” And leans forward to shake Mace’s hand...
Sky opens the freshly painted door and steps inside.
The shop is even smaller than it appeared from the street. Shelves line the walls, stacked to the ceiling with odds and ends that may all at some point have been treasures to someone, but now just tell the sad stories of personal misfortunes.
In between this menagerie of upended lives stands a hooded figure, carefully rearranging the selection of pawned wedding bands. At the sound of the shop bell, they speak without looking up.
"Welcome, welcome! What brings you here today? Just perusing, or do you find yourself in a difficult financial situation?" Turning to look, Menace eyes the newcomer from head to toe, then adjusts his smile ever so slightly. "No, I believe you came for neither… but everyone that comes to visit me here is looking for something… so tell me, " his eyes sparkling with mischief, "what can uncle Mace do for you today?"
“So you are Master Mace? A happy find, as I’ve been advised that you’re a person in the know. I wasn’t sure if you’d be working here or whether one of your employees would be on duty. My name is Skylerian Morningdew, but please do call me Sky.”
The figure bows slightly at the waist. Clearly Elven, it is difficult to pinpoint their heritage beyond that: skin pale, but not as ashen as a Drow; cheekbones prominent with none of a High Elf's haughty aloofness; deep brown eyes, yet not as mysterious or watchful as those of the forest Elves. At first glance, their gender, too, remains hard to gauge. What is plain to see, however, is that this creature's features are striking - not handsome nor pretty; but distinctive and bold. A high, straight - almost delicate - nose; angular, warm eyes; full lips always on the verge of breaking into a smile; skin like alabaster; and white-and-black hair swept back from the face. The figure is devoid of any markings or symbols or jewellery - except for the ears: each lobe is pierced with ten rings apiece in an arrangement that looks designed, almost ritualistic. Their garb is also odd: a single piece of red fabric - wide at the shoulders and knees, and cinched in tight at the waist with a black belt - covered in multicoloured squares of lacquered wood.
Menace continues to eye the mysterious stranger with guarded curiosity. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sky. You seem to have me at something of a disadvantage, but while some slanderous tongues may have called me a Menace, it is just Mace to my friends. And I can tell - we will be the very best of friends." He says with a toothy smile. "You did well to find me here. Usually I have my associates manage the store, but something told me that today it may need a more managerial touch. And here we are, fortuitous indeed!"
Menace rounds a shelf and comes face to face with the strange Elf. "But you didn't come here to take in the local mercantile scenery, I'm sure. So, how may I be of service today?"
“Yes, I had heard that unusual sobriquet… but to business! You’re clearly busy and I would hate to waste your time. Is there somewhere we could sit, however? I’ve been on my feet for the last few days.”
"Of course, my friend", Menace lazily waves toward the back of the shop. Behind a trestle table that serves as a counter is another low-set door. Menace makes his way over, opens the door and leads the way to an even smaller backroom; two worn chairs and a small desk are inside, a small oil lamp hanging from the ceiling. "Step into my humble office" Menace says with a showy, inviting gesture.
Sky follows after Mace and, tall for an elf, ducks through into the back room. Seating themselves across from the tiefling, they lean back in their chair and fold their arms into wide sleeves. “It was actually the local mercantile activity that I was hoping we could discuss - amongst other things. You see, I’ve recently arrived in Kantas and am setting up shop in Daring Heights, but a recent business trip of sorts brought me to Port First. I thought I’d take the time to explore and make some local connections while I am here. It was those same connections that lead me to you, actually.”
Menace raises an eyebrow, smiles and shows his palms in a gesture of humility. "You flatter me, my friend. I am but a humble businessman, albeit on the rise, if I do say so myself. I would be happy to make arrangements for us to further the Daring-Port Ffirst trade route together, but I sense there is more to your inquiries, isn't there?"
“I have no current business ventures myself,” Sky replies. “I dabble more in facilitating and brokering relationships. Information, more than coin, is my - aha - currency. As I say, I was recently accompanying a number of investors through the local countryside. They’d concluded their business meetings and were keen to see what... extracurricular... activities Kantas has to offer and, quite frankly, so was I. Joining some rather colourful local characters - Faye, Bubbles, Stedd, Leia, maybe you know them? - we acted as an escort of sorts and took them on a tour of the sites: The People, Angelbark Woods, a local Erina village, the gold mines and so on. Barring some close brushes with some fascinating prehistoric creatures, it was an otherwise uneventful journey. It struck me that such tours could be lucrative and diverting; and a good way to introduce potential investors to the sights, smells, and sounds of Kantas - as well as showing them the investment and trade opportunities in Daring and Port Ffirst.”
Sky rearranges the skirt of their robe, the overlapping squares of wood making no sound as they flex and shift to accommodate Sky’s movements.
“But all that is secondary, really.” Sky continues, making a languid, dismissive motion with the long, pale fingers of their right hand. “My new contacts in town have been frightfully helpful and very keen to share their local insight. I’ve heard some troubling reports about a number of recent break-ins to numerous business’ warehouses and depots - especially those dealing in curios and artefacts.” Sky’s gaze seems to drift around the room and take in the whole of the Emporium, the obvious question left unasked. “I’m sure the rumours of Drow and Zhentarim involvement is as the result of an hysterical overreaction, but it does give one pause for thought in terms of the safety and security of setting up a new business.” Sky raises a questioning eyebrow in Mace’s direction. “I wonder if a well-connect personage such as yourself knows anything about these troubles?”
Menace leans back in his worn chair, eliciting a soft creak from the tortured wood. "Ah yes, the recent troubles. As you, I deal in information as much as in physical goods, and so I can tell you that yes, I may have heard of these events and might be able to sprinkle the proverbial salt to this very enticing dish that every connoisseur in town is licking their lips for. But what is in it for me?" He shrugs lazily, "I do have to make a living after all…"
“Of course,” Sky says with a smile that doesn’t quite seem to reach their eyes. “Spoken like any true businessman. Nothing given or taken for free. But I was wondering if you could use an extra pair of eyes and ears on this. I’ll be in town for a while and will be personally investigating the matter further on behalf of some very interested parties. It seems to me that some cooperative arrangement between us would be mutually beneficial. For example, I could put my considerable talents to use in tracking down the escaped criminal or seeing if there’s any connection between the alleged Zhentarim involvement and an individual calling themselves Laeruna the Red. I’m sure this aid would be useful to you...and to your noble associate.”
Menace's ponders this for a few seconds. "That would be interesting indeed. I have heard of Laeruna, but not had the pleasure to cross her path quite yet. In fact, an introduction may be something you could help me with, if that is within your… considerable talents." He says with a wink. "What is it that you would need from me in turn?"
“An introduction is certainly something I can look to arrange; is there anything in particular you’d like to contact Laeruna for? That may help me in bringing them to the table. And I ask for nothing in exchange - just the establishing of a dialogue between us. And I’d appreciate it if you could bring word to me of your next endeavours to deal with the possible Zhentarim and Drow threat, and the artefact they both apparently seek. I can normally be found at the Guilded Mirror in Daring; I’d be obliged if you can recommend a suitable establishment for my time in Port Ffirst?”
Menace gives an easy shrug. "That sounds splendid, my friend, as you have no doubt heard, I am most keen on dialogue with all interested parties. And you may tell Laeruna that I have a business proposition for her - so much to do in Port Ffirst, yet so little time, eh?" He laughs heartily. "And fear not, I shall think of you if anything concerning what we discussed comes to my attention. As for accommodation, the Flourished Hook is Port Ffirst's premiere establishment, I highly recommend it. And if you ever have need to find me, you simply need to call my name - my little birds will bring that song to me on swift wings…"
He holds out a hand to Sky, while his eyes never leave theirs. "I believe this will be the beginning of a very profitable friendship. Let us shake on it."
Sky nods once and smiles softly. “Capital. I look forward to working with you.” And leans forward to shake Mace’s hand...
