He had barely had time to get his thoughts together from his and Thoen’s time in Jade Forest when Kurel had called him. The Captain was going on a family vacation, he had been told, and he’d had a box placed in his hand...a ring box. Give it to her, he’d been told, and the feeling had soured deep in his stomach. Mav did not like these types of magic, and when Kurel revealed his entire plot, Mav had become riled...his Captain was playing with something that had far too much potential to become a giant mess, yet he had his orders...and he would follow them.
Entering the Registry, Mav had sought his intended out, Riesse always busy and buried in paperwork, he felt for the poor elf, she just looked tired. He had greeted her and done everything in his power to look unassuming and non-threatening, after all this was his job now...he had to do it well. He had lead the conversation jovially, joking about proposals, holding out the ring box, watching her face. Such wonder, such hope and such longing...it made his skin crawl to think this powerful woman wanted such an item all to herself, she didn’t need it...no one needed it. It made him worry.
"This ring...rather, 'the' ring, is companion to a time-piece I carry. Together, the two fit perfectly. In fact, they were made by the same crafts person for that purpose. To fit together. In doing so, they allow...certain things to happen, shall we say. Now, this crafts person knew that such artifacts would be not only highly prized but, highly coveted and perhaps, might be used for shall we say, other purposes than for what they were created for. So, this crafts person created a bit of a fail safe, if you will. Should the ring and the time-piece be fit together, and one is not truly what it should be....well, let's just say, I wouldn't care for the results. They were created to work together, you see, as one. Each must have the other to be whole and complete."
Riesse had spoken to him then, watching his reaction carefully. Mav had played his own longing, turning the box to stare at it, thankfully she couldn’t read heart beats or pulses from that distance because his heart had stopped and then started to race...an explosion maybe? What if she tried it right there?
Captain what did you get me into...
He had managed to play it off, though he suspected she knew of the falsity. Still he had carefully asked of what kind of curse might be afflicted if they were wrongly suited, making sure to modulate his tone so that it was only curiosity and not worry that leaked through.
"Now, let me see if I can recall the tale. I was so young when it was told to me. Nothing but a slip of a girl." Her hand lifted, finger tapping at her chin in thought as her gaze turned upward as if the ceiling above held the secret. "Something along the lines of a curse. Oh it's so hard to remember and I did lose the ring a very, very long time ago." Her eyes fell to his face once more.
"Supposedly, the craftsperson put some sort of spell within the ring. Each person who touches it leaves a finger print, of sorts, upon it. So, if it is lost and returned, nothing happens of course. All is well and as intended. Should the true owner find they have been played false, she has but to think of the person, whisper a single word and unleash the horrid curse." Riesse shuddered, her eyes closing as if she conjured up a dreaded vision.
Mav had listened silently as she spoke, nodding along as she continued, growing more and more unnerved by the second.
"It was all told to me by riddle, you know. I was never good with riddles. Something about the crafts person thinking that those with false hearts and foul intent were like stone. Cold and unfeeling. Oh what was that riddle...?" Again the finger at her chin tapped. "Something like...'Returned with pure intent, pure intent returned. Returned with foul intent, foul intent returned'. Oh I just don't recall. It's just a story after all. One made up to scare children."
At that he had laughed, but it certainly hadn’t reached his eyes...Gods above he was going to die, and he hadn’t been the only one had he? The Captain had handled the ring as well, he’d placed it in the elf’s hand himself back when he’d stolen it and then returned it. He’d mechanically accepted her offer of payment, requesting it ‘now’ rather than ‘later’, that hadn’t even anything to do with Riesse’s discovery of the charade they were playing, as Quartermaster he was going to be prudent and get payment upfront of anything they did from now on. If they survived this...
Mav had been curious though, asking her the reason she needed this chance to look into the past...it was a mirror she had explained, nothing more. That had soothed his frayed nerves slightly, at least nothing too terrible could be done with a simple view portal into the past. She wanted to know where she was from, she had explained. That she and her brother had been abandoned, she wanted to soothe his soul, and her own...she wanted to know who she was.
Mav had felt the icy clench in his chest and he had to finish quickly, standing to place the ring on her desk. “I will hope for you then.” he had said quietly, because he understood her...more than he was willing to admit. “I will hope that you find what you are looking for, and that it will bring you the comfort you desire.”
As he’d left the room, offering her a friendly smile of parting, he’d sneered as he hurried out of the Registry. He was going to kill his Captain, he really was. Not even waiting to get out of the city he was immediately snapping into the coms, voice sharp like a dagger.
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Mavas and Jackary had been dispatched upon Kurel’s command, both moving to shore without question of what had been spoken within the Captain’s Quarters. They knew their mission and the first time they’d finally communicated to each other about it was upon a sandy dune, staring down into Gadgetzan.
‘Are you ready?’
‘Do we have a choice?’
‘Cap made himself clear, anyone goes f’er th’ ship, we kill them.’
Both nervous in their own right, Kurel had given them a task that would either end in their own deaths, the torture and death of Captain and Crew, the burning of The Vengeance, or in some small glimmer of hope, a well-versed plan.
They were to meet the mystical “Bookkeeper” in stead of Kurel. The man wanted to ditch the meeting, fronting his First Mate and Master Poisoner to do the job for him. The Captain had plans, big ones that at and he had entrusted the serpent to use his silvery tongue in his wake. His intentions were to anger her, forcing her to come to him to put the situation in his own favour and own corner to lay out his own terms and conditions.
Mavas and Jackary had been fully expecting a raging beast of a woman, snarled and ready to gut them open for showing up instead of Kurel. Instead, they were shocked to find a polite woman full of smiles and beautiful charm.
Introductions.
“I prefer to be open and up front but, a girl can never be safe. I am sure you understand. But, speaking of such, I was under the impression the Captain requested my presence. Is he running late?”
Already, Jack had called out the spy of the Shadows that danced around the three once they finally met the woman, the assassin from within the shadows appeared at her side. He was polite about it, stating that honesty was going to be the best way for everyone to work together.
The Lady Bookkeeper, the Sly Cricket.
The Naga, the Spider.
“I must apologize first and foremost, unfortunately our Captain has had something come up but this was a highly important meeting to him, so he sent us in his stead. If you don’t mind, I would like to ask a few questions? We can move someplace more private, if you so desire.”
Jack’s lazy accent had vanished, giving his tongue perfect annunciation and clarity to be professional for a professional woman.The tone was sweet, respective, not some filth that would have served under Kurel An’diel so loyally and while Jack’s mouth spit acid, it also polished the silver lining around it. It was his previous job, dealing with relations of tense situations.
“I understand. Things happen and he is a busy man.” Amariesse had agreed that a private setting was far more comfortable, everyone understood that the situation may have been a touchy topic, or perhaps something that others shouldn't hear.
Jackary Chaoti had been spotted in Tanaris in shady company.
Once they moved down into the cool arena surrounded by bruisers, the place was normally a haven for parties at Club Trixx but for the moment, it rendered them into a closed location. When Mavas and Jack turned back to the two women, there was a calm air and gaze -- the tension higher between the Cricket and Spider than the two exchanging words. It was an elegant dance of speaking, almost a ravishing display to see who would will the other to break first.
Jack dove in straight to the point, the air didn't feel right and he dared not linger. “Our questions have a large variety, but I will start with the order in which our Captain informed us of. He stated in a private meeting that you are leaving and that if you were to vanish without a trace, we were to honour the favour. We would like to know where and why, as well as the favour you had in mind.”
“In our original bargain, there was a caveat, if you will, that a favour would be asked. By me and of your Captain.” She affirmed, “he countered by offering me a month to ask it, after the ship’s price was paid. Yes, I am leaving on a private journey... As to the where and why? Are you asking me about my private matters?”
“I don’t mean to intrude or insult...” Jack began, his tone balanced and unswayed as a hand raised upwards in a calm, neutral display.”But it has to do with our ship and thus a private matter when it comes to the safety of The Vengeance is also our high concern. My obligations asreto serve and assure the safety of my Captain and his Crew. We need to know where we can find you and what troubles there may be if, for some reason, we must come to you. We do need to know why to honour the deal.”
To break the silent tension, the rogue known as Cricket had offered some sort of sweettart candy, however much to her dismay, the rest had declined for the moment.
Pondering over such information for a long moment, Amariesse, or ‘Riesse’ as she had introduced herself, chuckled softly from the sweeties offered. “Sir, if I may call you....” she hesitated, having been given no name. “I mean no offense in this truly, but, the ship is not totally yours yet. It is still mine. However, I don’t mean to insult or make light of your concerns... You show honour in being open and in the words you speak for your Captain as well as admitting you would protect him. Loyalty is a rare treasure these days. Because of that, I will speak the truth. I am seeking an item... I will do what it takes to obtain it. That alone brings dangers as I am sure you can imagine. Thus, if I don’t return... The favour would be called in--”
Riesse paused a moment when a third member made his way in, slipping to the Bookkeeper’s open side. Such made Mavas even more on edge, it clearly outnumbered them by the simple arrival.
“And this is Rook, Rook Dracone, my brother. He is late, forgive him.” She remarked then, making a motion to the dark-haired man. A soft breath allowed her to continue on in he answer to the blond’s question. “The favour is simple... Find out why I didn’t make it back. If there was any person that had a hand in it. Deal with them.”
“I prefer Naga, if you don’t mind.” he answered, giving a name to be referred by. “I’m fully aware that the ship still technically belongs to you, which is why we are gathered here. You seek something of a trinket. A ring, if I heard correctly, in the shape of a Sundial. It was to be in my next slew of questions, so I am glad we’re moving in the same direction together. What does it do? Clearly it’s of high importance if you are willing to call off Captain An’diel’s debt in order to obtain it...”
The conversation and news was startling as it continued, both Amariesse and Jackary locked in a battle of wits and honesty while their companions eyed one another up and down, chiming in their opinions when the times called for it.
The more they spoke of their dealings, especially with Goblin references and such names being spoken straight forward as Shade Greasepalm, eyes and ears began to turn their direction, rendering the private conversation much more interesting to onlookers than it should have been. The group paused their shared information, moving locations, much to Mavas’ dismay.
Being put into the home of the Dracone via a portal, it gave Mavas and Jackary the underhand of the situation. They were no longer within the safety of a town or in the watchful eyes that could be considered witnesses. Both had signed their own death certificates, yet the Naga remained as calm as ever.
There was still a trust barrier, an issue that could not be overlooked, but as they spoke of trinkets of Time and outworldy things that Jack had first hand experience in, he felt himself slipping into a more emotionally involved state of mind than he should have been. She was aiming to do the same thing he and his cousin had done for almost the exact same reason.
It hadn’t turned out well, it never did.
Instead, Jackary opted to make his Captain’s job easier, as well as assure they had been given the upperhand when the time came. Jackary put onto the notion table that a tracking rune be placed on the ship that Riesse was to take in her adventures.
In her questioning, The Bookkeeper had clearly wanted to know what else the rune would hold in store for her ship should she have allowed it. She had wanted to know who would place it on the ship, as well.She had stood there, trying to pin-point just what Jackary truly was.
The sweet-tongued Naga had been building up trust just enough for the lie that was to follow.
“I am may things, Miss Bookkeeper,” he gave a nod as he spoke. “You, yourself, can place the rune, I can give you the enchanted scroll and allow you to do so... or for reassurance purposes, I can.” Without a single beat missed, there was no indication of false will in his sound voice. “I can promise that it will reveal to us nothing more than your location, a simple dot on the map that we can find you, if you vanish and Captain An’diel must keep his word to returning your favour. Saying no will be putting us at a great disadvantage to carrying out your request, I am merely trying to make this easier on all of us.”
The lie was in place and offered in an overlay of trustful fluff, sure the rune would tell The Vengeance and her crew exactly where the Bookkeeper was, but such a thing also came with a back-up plan, a security device in the form of a mana-bomb should it have been tampered with or ignited from the original source.
Not a single pirate could be too careful, anymore.
“If I may make a suggestion, sister...?” Rook finally spoke out, stepping forward to close the distance on what could have been viewed as a hostile situation if voices weren't so low and almost casual for such a topic. Once a small noise of allowance escaped Amariesse’s lips, Rook turned his attention between Jack and Mavas.
“If Captain An’diel is so concerned, let the rune be placed on my ship, The Nocturne, until we feel more comfortable, if that’s the case.”
Issues of such were brought up, Mavas finally stepped in with the logic of the rune’s placement. Was this man to be in her company? Was she to be on The Nocturne? He had even stated that it would cost extra to go looking for Rook if everything fell ill.
“Forgive me if I am confused...” Amariesse interjected to calm the situation from it’s slightly riled state. “My ships and his are the same, but, the question is... How do I gain your trust? All of yours... Including the Captain’s.” Her gaze soon fell directly onto Jackary, seeking the answer from the First Mate’s lips directly.
There was no other way. If they were to give out a secret so rich and precise, there had to be an equal secret revealed, putting them on even ground. Blackmail within the ranks so assure that both sides wouldn’t rat each other out. Jack’s hand lifted slowly to pluck the hat from his head, revealing the blond mess of hair striped with the emerald strands. Without his goggles from being removed earlier, the light surrounding them lit up his eyes, illuminating the serpentine vision to reveal his inner demon. Their secret -- Kurel had obtained a dragon on his crew, that alone was a frightful feat in itself.
“Captain An’diel does not know of what I am offering you, so please do not think the rune is in his best interest. It is in mine and mine alone. I’ve sought what you look for an I’ve delved into the magic that you desire for the same reasons... Family. If the Captain has entrusted us to come in his stead...? That man trusts no one and he put us here. If you trust no other creature in the world then, Emeralds are the least corrupted.”
“Family... Then you do understand,” she spoke in hope. “I will allow the Rune. If you wish to place it, that too I will allow. We will be with you, of course.” Her vision bored into his own, studying the way the pupils thinned and dilated in their vertical slits to adjust to the lighting. A soft smile touched her lips. “Emeralds... Always so beautiful.”
“I would have it no other way, after all, we are dealing with trust... Are we not?” At the compliment, the dragon dared to lightly bow his head in appreciation. “You are fully aware of my secret, I would appreciate if you reveal any others you keep for the sake of this quest, so that we may be able to work together in this... To not only pay off our debt and claim our ship as our own, but for you to finally find what you and your family desire.”
Mavas stayed quiet, although his attentions fell onto Rook who had been staring at the eyes, the expression unreadable. Even Cricket had stayed quiet, keeping to herself.
“That secret is guarded with my life. I, too, wish us to work together, now more than ever. For the sake of trust and family. Yes, perhaps more.” Amarisse finally spoke up, still careful on her words.
Jackary inhaled slowly, setting out the next line of business. “If we find this Sundial for you, will you consider anything that Captain An’diel owes you, favour included, pardoned, including the debt for The Vengeance?”
“Pardoned and the provision for the crew will be made despite the outcome. I will see to it immediately. No family should be left uncared for, should fate deal a wicked blow.”
“I am not supposed to strike deals without the Captain’s knowledge, but with three other witnesses here, I can trust that you will keep your word, Lady Bookkeeper. I do ask that it comes in writing, in case for some reason there is a lack of trust outside of this group. Captain An’diel does enjoy his paperwork.”
“My heart is Dracone. My soul is Dracone. My world, my bond and honour. I will put it to paper.”
The gloved hand of the Naga lifted to press it to his chest before he offered a simple, respective bow. “My heart and loyalties are to my Captain, Crew and the Ship. I am bound to honour and protect them at all costs. If this means finding this Sundial for you and your family, then I will inform the Captain of the information given this evening so that we may make preparations. Two groups looking are better than just one. I do hope you stay in contact with either myself, Mav or our Captain so that we may help one another.”
The last moments of their parting were spent with the woman issuing comms to both Mavas and Jackary for communications as well as the planned time to rune the ship for her safe travels. Confirmations of loose-ended details were cleared and soon, they had made a portal for Mavas and Jackary to return to Tanaris from the dark and dusky Hold.
It was almost far too much to take in, the very thought that someone else was about to try and make the same foolish mistake he and Lokitan had done ages ago. His first order of business however had been to assure his Captain received the ‘gift’ he purchased for the evening. Kurel was going to need to be calm for this sort of news.
It was nearly nightfall when Rook finally arrived at his destination.
His drake's claws fell hard into the fields of grass, labored breaths of air gulped down by the serpentine companion. Dragon's weren't known for their weakness but they did have their limits, and as the bronze companion bent his neck for Rook to slide off the monk gave his ally a pat to his scales.
"I'm sorry about such a long journey," he murmured genuinely up to the bronze. The drake tilted his head, regarding the rider thoughtfully with one slitted eye before answering with an inhuman chuckle.
"Something tells me your journey is just beginning, blood elf."
Rook managed a knowing nod and stepped back as the drake's great wings stretched out, and several beats later the bronze was making short work of the skies. As his mount turned left toward the mountain tops, he watched the new moon begin to rise high over the peaks. As picturesque as this was time was of the essence. It was long time to do what he had put off for so long.. though he wished the circumstances were so much different..
It was no coincidence that Rook had chosen the location he had to land. It was a small clearing amongst the tallest trees, and the flat field quickly gave rise to a line which lead to a creeping hilltop. He knew this place well, just as much as he knew what that path would eventually lead to should he follow. This was the precipice of her land after all - and it had once been shared. He put no claim to it, far from it in fact. The threshold was wholly hers and he had not dared to come here in ages. Perhaps it was fear for what the reaction would be, or guilt that kept his feet grounded where they were. This time however, there was no time for either. When the feelings began to grow that something was quite wrong at home he did not flee toward Northrend, or even Silvermoon as his emotions suggested. Quite the opposite; they screamed for him to run, or perhaps even to flee in the other direction. Something unmistakable - horrible - had happened, and it demanded that he seek out one in particular as soon as he could. This time he listened to his wailing instincts, for they had rarely failed him. As his boots barely whispered against the grass at the clearing's edge they proved once again that they could be trusted.
THWUNK!
Rook froze in place, glancing aside at an arrow that had buried itself violently to the neck into the trunk of the nearest tree. Ornate markings shone around the shaft and announced without a doubt its owner and wielder, and he knew that it was no accident it had come to strike where it did. If they had meant to kill him he'd have been dead before hitting the earth. It was the purest form of warning and its message unmistakable, so the monk looked in the direction it had come sailing from. Ears perked and twitching, it was all he could do to calm his nerves - and those of the known assailant - by finally calling out into the cool night air.
"I'm alone, Ameriya," Rook called out, his voice echoing lightly across the field and between the trees. " -and I need to speak to you. Please. I haven't much time, you know that."
The monk took a slow breath and searched the treeline, knowing - feeling - that from just out of sight she was watching him. Rook realized suddenly that the same sense of dread that had driven him here could have taken hold of her, and against his nature shifted his weight abit. He brought his hands from under his overloack, spreading fingers wide not to show them empty, but to show that she would have the upper hand should he make any sudden moves. The gesture eventually bore fruit. Two specks in the distance appeared, glowing bright in the otherwise inpenetrable darkness, and to little surprise on his part the moonlight revealed the huntress as she stepped forward - albeit a cautious one.
Ameriya's eyes glowed hot with a mix of uncertainty and ferocity. Lines of missed emotions were stretched over her face but Rook took none of these lightly. The huntress was duty bound and if she suspected something sinister she would put him down without much hesitation. She was much as he remembered, dark hair spilling down one side of her face in a waterfall braid. The curve of her cheek and her pursed lips kissed the curve of a longbow and from it another arrow waited to make its mark should that be her decision. He made no effort to urge her toward an attack, instead letting her advance toward in him painstakingly slow steps. Rook could only close his eyes and speak his mind as his own heartbeat pounded in his ears.
"Something happened to Carro'wyn," he breathed out with some effort, as though fear was still clutching his heart and squeezing it. His voice sounded impossibly frightened despite its level tone. "And I couldn't go back. Not yet. Something horrible is here and I KNOW it's close. I had to see.. I mean I had to tell you ab- "
He blinked as his eyes fluttered open.
She was right there, not two steps away, her pointer finger rested on his lips and allowing nothing more to be said. Everything he meant to say built up behind it, and regard for himself was thrown aside in favor of all that she needed to know in that instant. But rather than find his voice, all malice in her face disappeared when four unexpected words left her own lips.
"You felt it too?"
Silence then hung between them, heavy and foreboding. For now he supposed it was enough to hear confirmation of his screaming senses coming from her - another Guardian if only in spirit - and Rook's lungs took in the first breath of relief he'd known in hours. It was short lived of course, and he whispered to her as though he thought the entire world might somehow hear.
"I think it's here somewhere," Rook finally allowed. The admittance felt like he had chalk in his throat. "I think it's back. ...and I think ..it has my sister.."
I have reviewed your amendment to my proposals and I can agree to those terms. I believe that once an appraisal of the ship is complete, we can have a final contract drafted so that we might sign it and get this partnership underway. I would like to propose that when the time comes to sign, we do so aboard the Stargazer herself, with wine and food and close friends around us. This is an occasion for celebration, after all.
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Raivenn managed to find some time in between entertaining an overactive toddler and his Magistry duties to sit in the calm of his office, cup of tea close near one hand and a pen in the other. This was his sanctuary, the walls lined with shelving which housed not only his steadily growing collection of books, but an assortment of stone tablets, figurines, and other relics of little monetary value. To him, their value lie in their age, the words chiseled into them--any one of a myriad of ways they might have caught his eye before landing in the shop as inventory.
Kuerani had managed to arrange for his mother to watch the children that evening, and Raivenn was looking forward to having a night to celebrate the good fortune they'd had the last couple days. Of course, their continued good fortune depended on hammering out an agreement that was not simply verbal--so here he sat, notes close at hand, prepared to take the first steps to making that happen. He set pen to paper and began to write swiftly in his elegantly slanted script.
Lady Starsinger,
First of all, I wanted to state again my pleasure at this partnership. I believe there is much to be gained for all of us involved, both at a financial level and at a personal one. In the interest of working towards a final contract, I have come up with some proposals for your review, as follows:
1. That repayment of the cost of the ship shall be in goods, to be counted at the wholesale cost listed on the shipping manifest plus twenty percent to allow for the costs involved in shipping them.
2. That no more than fifteen percent of any shipment (in gold value, not in weight or number of pieces) may be claimed as payment toward the debt.
3. That you shall have the privilege of claiming your share before the goods are put up for sale.
4. That you shall have the privilege of selecting goods for purchase before they are put up for sale to the general public, should you wish to acquire more of a shipment than is allowed for the payment of the debt, at the rate of the retail price minus twenty percent.
5. That once the debt is repaid, you will forever after retain the right to purchase goods before they are put up for sale before the general public at the same rate of retail minus twenty percent.
6. That the value of the ship (and therefore the value of the debt to be repaid) be settled by an independent appraiser in good standing. I will cover the cost of the appraisal in its entirety, as a gesture of good faith.
I look forward to your reply, and any other additions you may wish to put forward.
Magister Raivenn Sol'arian
He thought the terms reasonable...though he had, of course, left some room for negotiation. He sealed the letter, and after one last sip of tea, headed upstairs. "I've got something to send in the mail," he said to Kuerani with a smile, tugging on his soft boots. "And then I'm all yours, I promise."
"I know 'digging in the dirt' isn't exactly a typical profession for a nobleman, but I enjoy it," Raivenn said. "Though I do very little these days."
Amariesse shook her head, "Oh no, it is amazing the relics you can unea--" Lest she give away too much, she caught her words before they could spill further. Offering a sweet smile instead, she nodded.
Kuerani says: An unfortunate thing that I shall fix shortly.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] Oh?
Raivenn glances at Kuerani and smiles, before turning back to the woman. "My apologies...I haven't introduced myself. Magister Raivenn Sol'arian. And this is my husband, Kuerani."
Kuerani nods. "I am just not quite sure how to just yet," he says. "My friends call me Kuer."
Amariesse's mouth formed a little 'O' as they gave their introductions, "Oh my..are you the gentleman from last night who visited the Registry?"
Raivenn tugs at one of his gloves, never knowing what to do with his hands when there was no tea. "I am, actually. We're looking to acquire a ship, so I stopped by for a business permit. We've grown enough to make it more cost effective to do our own shipping--or at least that's the hope."
Amariesse shifts her eyes again as her hands clasp in glee in front of her, "Oh this is such luck and good fortune. I am Riesse...from the Registry, I can help you with that. And, I have ships!" She almost whirled around in her excitement. Soft giggles kept slipping from her as was too pleased to remember to keep her 'mask' in place.
Kuerani smiles, leaning forward against the counter. He crosses his arms comfortably. "That is rather good fortune."
Raivenn finds himself smiling wider at her enthusiasm, despite his usual reserved nature. "Indeed..."
Kuerani offers his husband a little wink when he smiles.
Amariesse bit down on her lip as she considered and then let her words tumble out, "I would be happy to give you one of my smaller vessels for a chance to partner with you. If you are interested? Oh I have to tell Azi. I just have to!"
Raivenn blinks. "Give us..." He turns to Kuerani, his eyebrows lifting.
Kuerani frowns, his fingers drumming over his plate armor where they rest. "That's... quite an offer."
Raivenn purses his lips. "I must admit, part of the appeal of buying our own ship was not answering to anyone. What sort of partnership did you have in mind?"
Amariesse waved her hand aside in the air as she again moved to a display cabinet. Her eyes gazed in wonder as she tried to find the perfect creation. "It is nothing compared to the potential. You must consider the bigger picture. A joint venture would bring us all not only profit but, the gift of friendship as well." She let her eyes turn back to them, "The only part I want is first dibs on the beautiful things you find. Well, those you don't keep for yourself." She grinned, "You would have full control of the ship and your business. I just want to encourage you is all."
Kuerani laughs softly. "That's Magister Sol'arian's biggest problem." Keeping so many lovely things... But he smiles, rising back up.
Raivenn arches a brow. "That is an enticing offer, then. We could settle on a value for the ship, and grant you first pick of what we find until the debt is paid..."
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] But, on the shelves of the Registry along with other treasures...in my manor...as gifts..oh please, I won't take no for an answer. Well, I would but, I would pout mightily first.
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] We could not make such a lovely lady pout.
Amariesse-WyrmrestAccord claps softly, "Yes, that would work. By then I will have won you both over as my dear friends and you won't want to end the partnership." Amariesse raised a finger to tap along her lower lip as she thought for a moment, "I can file the paperwork and I think that..." She looked to the men, "Fast and sleek or heavy cargo bearing?"
Kuerani nearly purrs, spreading his hands out over the counter top. "Fast and sleek..." Yes.
Raivenn laughs softly. It's hard not to be won over by her enthusiasm. "Fast and sleek. I deal in luxury goods, not in vast quantities. And yes, we'll have to hammer out the details--such as how much you could claim of any one shipment. I do need to stock the store, as well," he adds with a smile.
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] Perhaps as a gesture of good faith we could begin by letting her pick something she likes from the shop as... 'down payment', when the paperwork is drawn up.
Raivenn nods. "I could agree to that."
Amariesse wiggled her brows, "The Stargazer. She's a looker and hauls light sails that dance over the waves like there's no tomorrow. She's one of my favorites." Amariesse smiled as once more her eyes wandered, her feet following as she took in all the lovely creations.
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] The Stargazer.
Raivenn glances to Kuerani. "Is she currently at sea?" he asks, turning back to Amariesse. "Or is it possible to arrange to see her?"
Kuerani grins. He likes the sound of his new toy.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] She is berthed at one of my offices. The offices of Dracone Holdings. At least she was last I knew. As long as Rook has not moved her, she should still be there. If Rook is around, we could go see her, if you are free?
Kuerani chuckles. "I would love to go see her."
Raivenn nods. "We are, actually."
Tangram hummed as his ears perked up, stretching a bit. "Lucky for you, he is around."
Kuerani steps out from behind the counter.
Amariesse frowned a moment, "I'll have to tell him of our partnersh--" She paused, blinking as soft laughter peeled from her. Turning her head to look over her shoulder, "Brother. I just made the most wonderful arrangement." She proceeded to bat her lashes at him.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] Gentlemen, this is Lord Rook Evenstar Dracone, my brother and partner in business.
Tangram leaned and pressed masked lips to the crown of his sisters hair before letting violet eyes move between the two strangers. "Is that so? Evening."
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] Good evening.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] Mhm. I did.
Tangram tipped a hand to his brow in salute. "Guilty as charged."
Raivenn nods at Rook. "Pleased to meet you."
Amariesse smiled sweetly at her brother, "I am giving them the Stargazer in return for a small partnership. She is still birthed at Dracone Holdings, is she not?"
Tangram eyed the colors Kuerani wore, as well as the robed one, before speaking up. "That she is. ...and that's quite the trade."
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] I thought so.
Raivenn nods. "I believe we have an agreement to pay the value of the boat in goods. Exact details still need to be sorted out."
Amariesse waved a hand in front of her. "But Rook look at all these lovely treasures. I asked to buy them all."
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] Yes, as he said.
Amariesse leaned against her brothers side, her eyes sparkling up at him in rare joy. 'Please, Rook, can we?"
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] I want to gift Azi with something special as well. Last night's tea was...amazing.
Tangram chuckled a moment a nodded, eyes to his beloved sibling. "Carro'wyn is the ultimate voice in all things. Though I have a large stake in things, she's the voice here." He glanced again between the two men. "She counts on me to make sure the terms are met, and I will. So I suppose it's to be. I would like to know all the details at some point, though."
Raivenn nods. "Of course. I'm certain we can negotiate something that everyone will agree on."
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] I would like to see the ship first, though.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] We can go now. I can't wait to show you. She's very lovely.
Raivenn says: Now works for us--I'll have the clerks close up shop later.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Moving carefully up the plank, she took in the sleek ship. Her hand lovingly ran along the polished rails, "Welcome aboard, gentlemen. Welcome to The Stargazer."
Tangram nodded and let Amariesse make introductions, letting everyone talk for now.
Kuerani whistles lowly, running his hand down the banister of the stairs. There is lust and love in his eyes for this lovely vessel. "Buy it for me, baby," he purrs, flopping his cheek down near his hands. The rail is sanded so smooth it nearly shines.
Raivenn follows with a briefly anxious glance at the water. Once aboard, he smooths out his robes and tries to act more at ease. "She's a lovely ship," he says, smiling at Kuerani's words.
Amariesse giggled, "If you'll note, looking carefully at the deck...the teak is fashioned after long seasoning and the glittering stars, gold laced marble from Pandaria. Her sails were hand stitched, the brass molded at the hands of the finest smithy."
Tangram chuckled softly and nodded. "She's one of the few ships that's made mostly of her original wood from pre-Scar days. And fast. One of my sister's favorites."
Kuerani scuffs his boot over the floor, but not to purposefully mar it. He wants to see if it can stand up to a little abuse for such a beautiful thing.
Amariesse says: [Thalassian] You'll not scuff the wax that has been applied time and time again. My husband was very stern when it came to the ships he had built for me.
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] If she was built for you, why are you so willing to give her up?
Amariesse turned her eyes to Rook's face, a bit of a haunted look entering her gaze.
Raivenn looks down at the deck. "It's most generous of you to offer such a fine ship," he says. "And it looks perfectly suitable for our needs."
Tangram says: [Thalassian] If I may explain..?
Kuerani nods. "Unless it isn't something to talk about openly."
Amariesse's tone softened, her head turned once more to the men, "My husband was lost at sea. His life was a gift to me, as well as meeting my brother, his true blood brother. He would consider it an honor if one of his creations was--" She turned to her brother nodding as her voice hitched in sadness.
Tangram nodded slowly and looked between them. "We're of two times and two lives, my sister and I. We love and value everything we have, but we're also not ones to dwell too long on the past."
Tangram says: [Thalassian] It's as much about moving on from bad memories as knowing you'll value and make proper use to something that was important to us.
Kuerani nods, and he offers a gentle smile.
Tangram says: [Thalassian] Call it a hunch. Just as valued weapons and treasures are passed on, the ship shouldn't just idle here like something on a shelf. Understand?
Kuerani nods.
Raivenn nods, his expression serious. "I assure you, we would treasure it, and put it to good use. A ship this fine shouldn't be sitting at dock..."
Tangram smiled under his mask and even bowed his head a bit. "Then I think you understand it, yes. And thank you."
Kuerani says: [Thalassian] If it will make the lovely lady happy, and fill her home with pretty things, I see no wrong.
Tangram chuckled softly and crossed his arms with gleaming eyes on Riesse.
Tangram says: [Thalassian] Nor do I. ...but then, I hate to be the one to say it. But the forums are fast approaching.
Raivenn nods and smiles. "We will work out terms that we will all be happy with...and yes. We should be going, then."
