Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Apr 16, 2018 12:05:43 GMT -6
The Highwind, it was a fine enough ship to carry his lord on, of that Percival carried no doubts, but what of the men that manned the fine vessal. “If you will my lord, please allow me to handle the negotiations for our passage.” Carlisle looked uncomfortable about this.
“Forgive me Percival, I know you have more experience than I but if I am to lead I would rather you act as an advisor and allow me to handle negotiations.” Percival furrowed his brow to this response and seemed to fidget a moment. He wanted to tell his lord that he was the better negotiator and that he was not suited for this sort of low class discussion but he also did not wish to contradict and offend.
“I understand your wishes but are you certain you would not rather let me exert my strengths for you?”
“I am certain, those strengths of yours is something that I presently falter in. If I am to ascend to my rightful place I should be able to handle something this minute. If I can’t handle this, then that is surely a sign of issues that I MUST overcome with expedience.”
A sigh. “Yes my lord. Then allow me to take point. They may be pirates after all.”
“I somehow don’t think that is the case.”
“Even so!” And so Percival lead them to the man standing guard over the plank aboard the ship. “We have come with a recommendation from Belinda to see tge captain.”
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Apr 28, 2018 20:39:01 GMT -6
Belinda took a moment to collect herself. She stood in front of the captain's quarters, a semi-ornate wooden door stood between her and her captain. The young shaman wasn't quite sure what sort of mood the captain was in. She didn't know what he did the night prior, what sort of state he was in after the sandstorm. She raised her hand up to the door and gave it a few knocks. Three knocks in quick succession. Two slow one. And one thud. That was their secret knock. The shaman then took a slight step to the side. She knew the door opened onto the captain's side, but sometimes it swung both ways and would hit the guest on the nose.
There was a noise of shuffling papers and several footsteps. Those footsteps were followed by a hard thud to the door, then a slight peek through a notch in the curtains. The door opened and there was Cid. Her captian. Her unkempt, "I just rolled out of bed" looking captain. A small black and white creature darted in between his legs and rustled up against Bel's. Cid's large mane coon cat, Simon. Belinda greeted Cid with a simple "good morning" before kneeling down to pet Simon. The furry creature purred at her and rubbed its cheek into her hands.
"I.. was not expecting you Bel." Cid spoke. Belinda pulled herself off the floor.
"Well, I figured I should check in after last night's storm. Also, I have news. I've got a potential client who needs passage to Lycia. How soon are you able to sail?"
"Ah, straight to business. And so early in the mor-mor-" His sentence was cut off by a yawn.
"Morning." Belinda had to swat the air around her. Cid's terrible morning breath practically hit her in the face.
"Come on Cid. Show a little decency."
"Ya known me long enough. I'm not ashamed to be shameful around you."
The shaman sighed.
"Please. Cid. I'm serious. The client is desperate for a quick passage. They've got merchant goods and a trip in this season for fresh supplies would be a boon for your wealth."
"Provided if we survive the trip. Things are bad out there Bel. I'm not about to go risking the life and limb of my people on a single trip for one set of merchants. That won't break even. Gonna need at least half the ship full of merchants and goods to do that.."
"What do you mean?"
"Come on in I'll show you the paperwork. Fee's and repairs have been sky high since we hit port."
"I'll review the documents and crunch some numbers. But, while I do that, make yourself presentable, those clients could be arriving at any time." --
A few minutes later.
"These fees are insane. I know the city is desperate but seriously.. You could have done the pirate thing and illegally docked offshore. Unless there was a reason for the legality. I know I'm supposed to keep you on the straight and narrow but on this price.." Belinda spoke as she rummaged through the paperwork.
"We got hit pretty bad in the last trip. Had to do an extensive set of repairs on the hull. Supplies aren't cheap neither. Even with your connections. The crew's been sick too. They've all been suffering from malnutrition. Lost a few on the way here." The Captian spoke as he slowly dressed.
"What's your supply at now? And what of the crew? How many men?" Bel started to ask the important questions as her head ran through a bunch numbers. She didn't have all the information she needed. If she was going to convince Cid to take these guys on their journey she would need to know what was in their caravans. How much was their budget? And balance it out with what the ship's spending rate was? Not to mention collateral.. mercenaries... and whatever other dangers the crew faced upon the sea.
Oi! Captian! You've got some visitors! One of the crewmen shouted from deck.
Bel peeked through the curtains. She saw a familiar group of folks being led up onto the deck.
"Well.. those clients are here."
"Go greet em I still have to shave." He spoke in a calm manner. Bel rolled her eyes.
"Don't nick yourself." She commented before stepping back out into the sunlight to greet the group. Simon the cat already beat her to it and went out to inspect the group of newcomers.
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 1, 2018 8:33:25 GMT -6
“Oh! Hello there!” Carlisle smiled beemingly as he squat down to give the cat a bit of attention. His hand was large against the cats head before it shirked back and grabbed his arm, kicking it and biting at the meaty portion between his finger and thumb. Good thing for gloves!
Percival cleared his throat, “milord?” It was a soft but concerned voice caught up on appearance.
“Oh alright,” he let Simon go and stood straight and proud again. If you did not see it one might think he was always looking and acting proud and proper. “You should learn to have a little fun, we won’t get to live a simple life for much longer you know.”
“Our lives have never been simple, so try and remember that.”
“Yes sir!” The prince playfully teased Percival. Sure he meant well, but the old knight was going to strain himself into an early grave, shortly before rising again to torment Etrurian recruits with pt anyway. “Good morning Belinda!” Carlisle greeted cheerfully. “Just as you recommended we have come to meet with you and the captain about transport via your vessel!”
“Plain speech milord.” Eloquence and strong language went very little distance with those that did not understand the meanings, and sailors were among the least eloquent Percival knew, or rather, that was his preconceived judgment of them. Layla was not with them either. The two had set her up with a guard to take her back to her village. Hopefully she would stay there this time.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 3, 2018 19:59:10 GMT -6
"That accent and speech screams these folks are not your typical bumpkins. Bel, who are these guys?" Captian Cid asked as he continued to shave.
"I never said who they were. And to be honest I'm not a hundred percent sure. But, I know they are some high-class gentlemen. I feel it in my gut." The shamaness responded to him. She gave the two gentlemen a quick wave. She then raised her index finger up towards them and mouthed off in silence, "one moment please". Then she turned her back towards the guests for a moment. Half of her was in the sunshine, the other part of her in the shade of the room.
"I can't set sail on a feeling Bel. If they are loaded, were taking them and milking them dry."
"About that.. I was going to suggest the standard fare. With some supplementation. They have horses and they know their way around a fight. If they find our fee's too high and shop around for a competator.. and see their fees are higher. Then they might come back to us."
"I'm not charging them the standard price. This isn't a pleasure cruise. Plus, if we have to bring animals aboard that's extra feed, water, and waste. And if these guys are hoity-toity then they might have targets on their backs."
"Cid. Everyone has a target on their back. You included. I don't need to remind you about that little fiasco back in the Western Isles or that one guy in the Bernese waters.. And those are just the rival captains. Let's not even get started on the various women you've scorned throughout the years."
"Bel, that's not the point."
"You know what I mean." She sighed softly at the end of that one and turned back around towards her guests. She arrived in time to see Simon giving them some trouble.
"Come on Simon. Leave them alone." The black and white cat gave them a bit of a hiss before scampering off towards another portion of the deck.
"Good morning, gentlemen. Sorry, about Simon. He usually keeps to himself in the captain's quarters. The sandstorm last night has got everyone on edge. So I apologize if the crew and captain seem.. cranky." She smiled softly.
"I see you two weathered the storm just fine. So how was the night at the Tiger's eye?"
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 3, 2018 21:11:18 GMT -6
Jovially Carlisle returned the wave with a smile and wave of his own, he even did a sort of small bunny hop off his toes to be seen. At her sign language he lowered his hand and crossed his arms. "I see there are stall tactics at play here yes?"
"It would appear so, they likely mean to swindle us," Percival leaned into Carlisle's ear to keep the conversation between the two of them. "We can likely find a cheaper voyage elsewhere. If only Khalas had even a single vessel... you know I told that man he should invest!" Percival grumbled about old and irrelevant debates.
"Perhaps, but in truth this IS what the money he gave us is for, to get us to Bern, not to fight a war with. That's what everyone else should have been collecting."
"Be that as it may milord but we must all the same be conservative with our funding, while not cutting corners we must save all that we can."
Carlisle bobbed his head as though weighing his options and ultimately seemed to concur. "All the same, what good is money if not used, that is how you get a dragon's horde, and Elimine knows we don't want dragons." Percival's face looked tense. "Oh lighten up, its just a bit of humor. You could use a bit of that before you die young."
"Must you insist I will die young?"
"Only because you don't allow yourself time to live." Carlisle explained. Their conversation abruptly concluded as Belinda and others returned attention to them. "Oh, no, that is just how cats are. Not the first time one has played like that," He smiled and paused prompting Percival to speak up.
"The stay was fine. Forgive my curtness but how is the prospect of a voyage to Badon, or beyond looking?" Straight to the point as always.
"The bed was on the bristly side but the pillows were rather soft," Carlisle interjected for a bit of good will and humor. "But, yes, I SUPPOSE there is little time for pleasantries and idle chatter."
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 5, 2018 18:39:12 GMT -6
"Straight to business. Sir Percival, please. No harm comes from small talk. I promise I won't curse you or anything like that." Belinda couldn't actually do that, but she had a feeling the old man didn't know that.
"But, there's an innocent reason for my stalling. The captain is still making himself presentable." She spoke truthfully.
"Those pillows were imported from Eturia. Pre-Kraft. They cost Michael an arm and a leg but they were worth it. I will be sure to pass along the message that you at least enjoyed the night. The beds are due for an upgrade as it stands. He wants to place another order with a group of Eturian carpenters but with the way the country is now... it's probably for the best." She sighed. The sailors that did pass through the Nabatan ports only spoke of horrible things coming out of Eturia. Terrible laws. Bans. And an inquisition that are just assassins with a fancier name.
"I keep recommending him a suitable replacement based in Lycia. But, no. He wants the fancy Eturian mahogany and the goose down stuffing." She shook her head.
"Hey, Bel! I'm ready for them!" Cid poked his head out of his office as he shouted. Belinda nodded softly then addressed the two men.
"You heard the man. Follow me." Belinda guided the two men towards Cid's quarters. In the short time she had been out Cid made a decent attempt to clean up. The papers that were scattered about were collected and put into a pile. A paperweight was put on top of them to keep them on the desk. He opened his back window, the one that faced the sea to let in some natural light. The sea breeze provided them with a nice draft. This draft helped to alleviate the stuffy air. Cid's quarters were pretty standard for most captains. He had his own bed which was made. A map of Elibe on the wall. A desk. A comfortable looking chair. A shelf with books and star charts. He even had a telescope that was securely fastened to a wall. A family crest of a marlin hung above the doorway.
The captain himself looked to be in his late forties, going into fifties. He was a man on the thinner side of the sailor spectrum but that didn't mean he couldn't pull his own weight. He had a sword with an ornate golden hilt in his scabbard. And his attire consisted of a sturdy pair of black boots. Simple slacks. And along captain's trenchcoat that appeared to have a Sacean flare to it. He had a simple, black, captain's hat. On the table, there were cups as well as a pitcher of cool water. There were extra stools about meant for the guests. Belinda took her place standing alongside Cid's desk.
"Gentlemen. Welcome aboard, The Highwind. My name is Cid. And Bel, here tells me you need a ride."
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 5, 2018 20:05:28 GMT -6
At the mention of casting curses Percival had his eyes trained on Belinda with a glare that could burn a hole right through the woman and into the mast behind her. He had the good sense to keep his mouth shut though but his intense loathing of the woman was clear. Good thing he agreed to let Carlisle handle this one!
Percival kept his steely gaze all throughout Belinda's explanations but Carlisle responded to her words. He smiled or frowned as appropriately but when the negative words towards Etruria were cast his countenance looked downright distraught. "I have heard good things about the quality in Etruria... even if those lands have turned unsavory as of late." Over nine years of late really, the prophet was corrupting it like an infection of worms from the inside long before he was aware of it. "From what I hear of Lycia though things there are just as likely to carry high prices, every job out there is a risky one by virtue of the monsters." Monsters he had yet to actually see for himself, thank Elimine for that, even if their plans accounted for an inevitable clash with those things one day.
Carlisle absorbed the room's setup and Cid's state of apparel. It was a mismatch of regional clothing as well as a mismatch of quality, most notably was his blade. Pilfered off an unfortunate noble perhaps? Or maybe a pirate who pilfered it off a noble? Either way his appearance spoke volumes. "Thank you for meeting with us. My name is Carlisle and this is Percival. The two of us are looking to bring our cargo to Bern, but due to what Belinda has explained to us about long trips prior we are willing to settle for Badon and find a second ship to take us the rest of the way. We have ourselves, two horses and a cart full of weapons, staves, and medicinal supplies. With Bern recovering with a growing army we hope to cash in on the need for steel while we still can."
Now to hear their offer.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 6, 2018 20:30:52 GMT -6
"Must you take everything literally, Percival sir. For the gods' sake, I was kidding. Please stop looking at me like that." She said that just a little bit before they entered the captain's quarters. She hated it when people stared at her like that. Like if she was some sort of monster who just ate someone's mother.
"Please take a seat. And here, help yourselves to some water." Cid pointed towards the tray with the pitcher and mugs.
"Bel was right. This ship does not go to Bern. We follow a simple trade route to Badon and back. Sometimes we make a pit stop in a port town that lies halfway between the two territories. But, that's about it. But, you two have already been briefed about that. What Bel, probably hasn't told you, are, the current state of affairs. Can't blame her she only did just learn of it herself this morning." Cid cleared his throat.
"Now, I'm not sure if you gentlemen have noticed. But, the city is in a rather crappy state. Few resources to go around. And few ships coming into Khan Yunis. The whole trade industry has taken a terrible hit due to a variety of things. Eturia's war rampage and trade embargo has made it nearly impossible to travel northwards. Western Isle pirates routinely sail out of their territories to raid passerby ships. Lycia has its own fair share of pirates. Alleged monster sightings. Tempests. The list goes on. Few ships are willing to leave port as it is and as a result fees for even common travel are extravagant." He took a sip of water. He let his words sink in for a moment.
"If your bringing animals along for the ride, our fees must include their feed, water, and lodging. You will be responsible for your own animals. And we will not reimburse you should they die at sea. As well as the fees to process your cargo between borders. We will need to make the one pit stop at the port town in between to do that. This isn't a pleasure cruise either. You will be put to work. My crew is short-handed enough as it is, I cannot afford to set sail with loafers on board." He took a breath.
"That being said, I will take you to Badon for no less than three th--" Cid was cut off by Belinda.
"Ahem. We can give you a guesstimate. The trip will be anywhere from a thousand to two thousand gold coins. The captain and I need to work out the details."
"Excuse me? A job like this requires at least 3k of gold coins."
"Yes, you can Cid. Remember this meeting is not definite. I still need to sort through the ship's logs and these gentlemen need to do some window shopping. There are plenty of other ships at the port who can take them the full length of their intended trip."
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 6, 2018 22:29:59 GMT -6
Everything about Bel just made Percival like her less and less. To be fair though she was a shaman and so things he could forgive about others he would not relent in regards to her. Her comments towards him made him harumph and force his face to relax but not his sour attitude.
Carlisle listened to everything they had to say about the trip and the state of the trade. It was all in bad shape and once again the blame seemed to mostly be cast at Etruria. Meanwhile as Cid explained the affairs Carlisle helped himself to a mug of water. He cupped it in both hands keeping ever so quiet and respectful. When all was said and done Carlisle looked towards Belinda with a curious and appraising eye. She was basically telling them to look for a better deal while she talked her captain down on prices... that was an odd thing when surely she benefited from their coin as well.
"I understand the difficulties and if we do travel with you we are more than willing to do what we can to ease the burden of our transport." He set the now emptied mug down. "I am deeply grateful for your time and we will return to hear out your final offer before we decide on any ships. Due to your hospitality," he gestured to the water, "And the unending assistance from Belinda here I would like to give you and your crew the priority of choices," he finished with a large smile.
The two would wait for whatever else was to be addressed but overall it seemed the talks would be short and sweet.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 8, 2018 18:57:45 GMT -6
With nothing left to discuss, Cid politely dismissed the two gentlemen. He then sat Belinda down on their now empty stool. He glared at her. The pair of them waited until they were certain the two "merchants" were out of earshot. Of course, Bel knew what he was thinking. He was thinking, what the hell was that all about. And before he could answer the shamaness responded. She explained to her captain the terms of her contract. She was hired to be the captain's bookkeeper, accountant, and recruiter. Three skills that she excelled at doing. She also explained the terms of her pay as well as any other details that pertained to ship and crew. She also explained her other job of working within the Nabatan school of magic. Her role there was similar but upped to a grander scale.
As it stood Bel explained a way they could fund this trip. She'd trade away a year's worth of her contract with Cid to help fund the voyage. She'd also be the one to go through the dock market and shop around for supplies. People knew her. They knew her and her connections to Cid. At most they could be able to charge the duo for their journey with her contributions would be about a thousand five hundred. A price Cid was uncomfortable with, but after hearing her explain, he found it tolerable. After that, Bel dismissed herself from Cid's company for the day. She had work to do. And while these guys might not even consider Cid's ship, in the end, she wanted to make sure the captain could still rely on her. And when asked why she was willing to sacrifice so much for those two merchants, she simply told him, the feeling in her gut was too great.
"Something. Something is special about the younger one of those two. I can't figure it out. But, I know that he is more than he lets on. And if my intuition is right, it might lead to a bigger payout in the future. Plus, Cid. Khan Yunis needs the business. Amy's about to have a baby. There's no fresh medicine. People are desperate."
"I'm not comfortable losing you for a whole year."
"Neither am I. But, you know, karma. Anyway, let's see how this goes."
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 9, 2018 15:12:46 GMT -6
The prince and his knight searched the port for the better half of the day and evening for a captain willing to take them for a better price. The various captains echoed Cid's words to varying degrees. Times were hard and the surprise sandstorm from the night prior had only served to make everything harder on them. They did manage to find a captain willing to take them for 1400 gold, however it was a shabby vessel.
Carlisle never did agree to the transport of other ships yet since they never got a final offer from Belinda and Cid. "I urge you milord, let us take the 1400 deal and be off by the end of the day. Its not a fine vessel but it is low profile and cheap, two things we can do well with right now."
"I understand all of this, but, even if they ask us for more I think we should be willing to pay a little extra. I'm not talking about an extravagant amount of money, but I do think a couple hundred gold more is alright." Seeing Perceval's face of disapproval he added, "Shamaness of no, we were saved by Belinda and if I can use this to pay back my debts in even a small way than I would rather pay the extra fee."
"Or you could just leave them high and dry and call letting her keep her life repaying the favor."
"That's enough! I will not tolerate another ill word about Belinda until she has taken actions that warrant it!" Carlisle's good mood was fading.
"And wielding such evil arts is not par for it?"
"No. I... I do not believe the dark to be inherently evil Percival. Just as wicked men can use the light so too can the good use the dark. This does not excuse the risks of it mind you, but correlation does not equate to causation! Remember that, and speak of it no more!"
"... ... ..."
"Percival!?"
"Yes, milord."
There was a deep rift between the two when it came to matters of good and evil, and the lines each were willing to cross. It was easiest to pretend it did not exist but in the back of his mind Carlisle feared that one day they could come to blows.
Back at the Highwind...
"Good evening. We have scoured the port for our best voyage option and have come to hear your offer at last."
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 13, 2018 17:42:13 GMT -6
{Evening}
It was a busy day for Bel. She spent the better part of the day scouring the docks. She gathered prices for supplies, repairs, and manpower. She kept a detailed log of it all in her financial journal. She calculated deductions, fees, taxes, voyage length, feed, and a whole host of other things. She sighed softly and returned to the Highwind with her findings. The rest of the day was spent among Cid's sailors. Talking and catching up with them. Gathering intel on how their last journey went and what to expect. She also did an assessment of Cid's current supplies. She then locked herself in Cid's office and went through a series of discussions. Harsh discussions about her contract among other things. At the end of it all Cid found himself backed into a proverbial corner. He sat down and read her discussions and deductions and realized his defeat. This trip was feasible with what Bel had gathered. By the time the two gentlemen returned, Bel had already retired for the night. She was back in her flat with a small satchel of gold coins and a now missing set of gold earrings. The earrings belonged to her grandmother and weren't really to her liking, to begin with. But, they were a family heirloom, and she was certain her mother would give he flak for it in the future. She wouldn't donate it to Cid's trip yet. She needed to know if the two "merchants" would accept Cid's offer first. --
Highwind
"Welcome back! Not too often we get visitors this late. Give me a moment to drop the ramp." The same sailor that greeted them in the morning, greeted them again at night. He moved from his post and went about bringing up the ramp, so that the two merchants can come up.
"Let me get the captain for ya." He left them for a moment. Samuel the cat came back to investigate the two men once more. He seemed to be in better spirits now then he was earlier. The sailor spoke to Cid momentarily, then shouted at the two men.
"Gentlemen, come on in."
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on May 20, 2018 1:06:17 GMT -6
It was late and Carlisle's feet were admittedly sore at this point. No matter how flexible his boots' soles were it was hours of walking when he will admit, he was more accustomed to riding. As the watcher left to get the Captain he and Percival shared a silent acknowledgement that they were indeed ready to be done for the day, so much so Carlisle had hardly given Simon so much as a glance.
"Gentlemen, come on in."
Up the plank Carlisle held back a grimace as his feet rubbed against his boots. It seemed his wrappings had torn a hole and now it was rubbing his foot raw, another expense he would have to deal with. Though it was a small expense it bothered him to have such a reminder of the small expenses that could mount on their own.
"I hope we did not make you wait too long, and more so that you came to a decision?" Carlisle kept his positivity high and offered another smile as usual. Percival meanwhile was a few paces behind his lord and caught up shortly.
"Well, we found an offer for 1400 gold," Percival explained. "Despite my better business sense Carlisle has decided that depending on your offer he would like to travel with your crew so long as the offer is within reason." Percival caught Carlisle shooting him a sharp look; he did not want him to mention the cheap deal so as not to pressure the captain but he did it anyway.
"Yes. I have decided to offer you preferential treatment thanks to the aid Belinda has offered us." He offered the Shamaness a legitimate smile then. "We wouldn't be able to travel without her after all."
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on May 20, 2018 11:48:11 GMT -6
"Afraid it's just me tonight gentlemen. Bel has already retired to her flat for the night."
"You sir's look like hell. Please sit down and help yourselves to the drink. I can only imagine how exhausting it was for the two of you have gone up and down the docks." He gestured towards the two stool and the pitcher of water near them. Cid took a moment to sit at his desk. He listened to the two men.
"Aye 1400 is a reasonable price. Hmm, and I'm oddly curious as to who's offering it. Considering how desperate the situation has been but, I digress. Bel has managed to work out a few deals with the locals. She can get us sailing at the price of 1500g's. It's a tentative price. It can go down depending on the suppliers and whatever other magic Bel can work." He caught the ire in Percival's glance.
"Figurative magic sir." He clarified.
"That woman has a gift for mathematics and markets. Gift is not the right word, that would imply she was given that talent at birth. She studied hard to learn the trade. She seems determined to make sure you guys get to Lycia. She even wagered up part of her contract to help make ends meet on my end. But, I digress. If you choose to go with my ship and her crew we will be ready to depart in four days. It gives the suppliers enough time to gather their wares, stock the ship, and complete any needed repairs. It also gives me enough time to secure the proper documentation needed to make the journey. The decision is up to you." Cid explained.
"If the winds agree with us and there be no hiccups at sea the trip should take about a month mayhaps a month and a half. We do make one pitstop to a tiny port town in between the two territories of Nabata and Lycia. It gives my crew and your animals a bit of room to breathe."
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Jul 24, 2018 3:28:46 GMT -6
Carlisle readily took the offer to sit, meanwhile Percival continued to stand like a stalwart and humorless guardian. Carlisle poured himself a cup of water and another for the captain himself if he should take it. If not he would offer it to Percival. Water was no tea but it was more than he would have asked for.
"So Belinda not only saves us and our cargo but continues on to extend her aid to here. she is certainly generous." Carlisle smiled adding, "Meeting her has been a true blessing."
Percival did not show any disapproval of Carlisle's words but deep in his mind he despised her charity. Further he felt a sting of frustration when the man clarified that her work was not truly magic but a talent. So much was clear to him already and it felt more akin to someone teasing him over his beliefs. He bit his tongue and remained silent.
"Four days, and a month and a half." Carlisle repeated the time frame to himself. It would certainly be a longer trip than he had realized, and the proposed expense could only put them in the red, no matter how many strings Belinda pulled. He was grateful to them for lowering it so, but he could not accept it in good conscious.
Carlisle lowered his head and intertwined his fingers in silence. He already knew Percival would likely be enraged by his decision but it WAS his decision to make all the same. "I'm sorry but we cannot accept travel with you for any less than 2,000 gold." This was his conclusion. He did not look toward Percival, not wanting to see his disapproval. Instead he only focused his attention on the captain. "If Belinda would argue against this then tell her it was a life saving surcharge."
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