(1875-07-26) Meeting At The Market
Meeting At The Market
Summary: A series of chance encounters at the 4C market. Questions are asked and aspirations offered.
Date: 2019-07-26
Related: The Battle of Rogers and Where Be Cats
NPCs: None
Players:
Alia  Ivo  Ofrider  Philippa  

Four Corners - Marketplace

To say that the city of Four Corners 'sprawls' would be an understatement. Four Corners does not sprawl; it spreads wildly, like mercury spilled over the tablecloth of the land on which it was built, thwarting all attempts at sensible city planning.

It is a maze of cobblestone streets and squares in the higher neighborhoods and canals and tunnels in the lower. The canals are full of gondolas of every description, some of which serve as floating shops overflowing with produce and flowers and fresh delicacies to tempt the lovers, wealthy nobles and merchants as they pass through the watered parts of the city where boats and bridges between buildings are the only means of travel. In the upper the marketplace streets are absolutely crammed with canopied booths year round in a glut of colour and noise where anything can be bought and sold. Higher still are the galleries of artists and the famous Baths, private mansions, gardens, ballrooms and theaters and every kind of gluttonous entertainment craved by the rich and powerful.

This madness is kept under control by the Council of Four Corners, a democratic body which governs the city as a parliament with regular meetings, variously respected, feared, loved and reviled. Their guards dress in grey and serve as a police force to keep the peace, showing up unexpectedly and sometimes inopportunely. It is not enough though, especially at the docks, where ships from all over the known world come and go freely, bringing commerce and cultures that do not always get along. Fights break out, but are quickly contained and the jails kept cycling and the coffers of government full.

1875-07-26

BAM! 4 corners market, busy as usual, a young grim looking man is drinking a pitcher of water while reading something. He's sitting on a bench on the nicer part of the market as he looks through a scrollish type of paper that has various diagrams and maps. He has a pile of said things near him as he interchangeably switches from drinking water to reading. His face expressionless.

-

Alia drifted through the market as Alia always drifted through the market…unless she was running off to almost die and be carried out for her own sanity by a certain ship's captain from the ruins on Ryalta. That is to say, she's wandering with her usual half-dozen imperial guard behind her. Dressed, as ever, in her leather and armor, she seems particularly interested in the fresh fruit offerings. And also poking about in the shops that offer more questionable wares. Odd woman.

-

Heading up from the docks Ivo is not full on trying to hide his identity, but he is doing what he can to blend into the crowds. He's dressed down, wearing a wide brimmed hat that is pulled low over his forehead, and keeping his head down. He spots Ofrider first, and starts to make towards the Galentian before Aria, well Aria's guards, catch his eye and he diverts. Approaching with his hands clearly visible so as not to gain a gladius to his gut he says quietly, "Princepsa, do you have a moment for a quick word? Yourself and the young Lord Reine over there perhaps?"

-

Ofrider frowns as he puts the scroll down to sip some paper, the look of a man mentally grumbling about something obnoxious. His head looks up as he sips from his bug to look about his brow twitches as he sees Vis Sidus armor. His eyes slowly look over to the man with a familiar looking hat walk over to the guards to chat with someone. He takes a moment to rub his chin in thought he stretches his back a moment to pay attention, perhaps opportunity is afoot. He cross's a leg over the other to rest an arm on it, particularly the one holding the mug which he sips again, eyes showing interest.

-

Alia glanced around, at a noise from one of her guards, turning to take in the look of the man who was totally and completely not trying to blend in. Right? That alone was enough to peak her interest. But even if he had been gadding about in his usual garb, she would have stopped doing what she was doing, which was, incidentally, poking at pickled things in jars, and nodded, "Of course, Master." She could certainly play along. And follow where he intended to lead. Her guards expanded their scope in almost casual fashion, so that they could guard both Alia and her companion.

-

With Alia and her entourage with him, Ivo makes his way over to Ofrider and finds himself a seat next to the Galenthian. Giving the Imperials time to settle themselves as well, he ten starts, "I had a question to ask, about Rogers. I," he glances around a moment but keeps his voice low, "I don't think you'll have seen what I'm about to mention, but I figure as you're both here it won't hurt to ask." With that disclaimer done he takes a quick sip from the wineskin on his belt, then looks to the pair of them, "at any point in the fight, on any of Teleko's mob, did any of you see any pink gemstones? They're quite distinctive and I suspect," he looks particularly to Alia, "that they'd've made your skin crawl a little if you got close to them."

-

Ofrider blinks as the group suddenly starts making a bee line to him. He does his best to stuff scrolls like some unfortunate scholar into a bag near him when he suddenly finds himself surrounded. He frowns slightly, obviously not expected to be in this scenario before shaking his head "I don't recall Sir….there may have been one the vampyr that he was fighting with, but I don't trust my memory, it was paying more attention to staying alive then to what gemstones there may, or may not have been." he says seriously to Ivo as he does a deep nod towards Alia "Thank you once again for the balm, it was quite effective." he says with a rather decent sized portion of gratitude to go with it as he looks towards Ivo again with interest with vampires and gemstones.

-

Alia frowned, at the question posed to her, before she shook her head, "I felt no such disquiet, nor say anything of the sort. Nothing came in the reports that I received afterwards, and we were quite thorough, in the wake of the unexpected attack. But I will admit that I did not engage the vampires directly, and we destroyed the undead from a distance." Her guard did not take seats, though they did fan themselves out around the small table the three were now settled at. Alia shook her head, refusing the wine that was offered. "Is this something that we need to be on the look out for?"

-

"Entirely understandable," Ivo notes with a nod to Ofrider, "I suspect I'd've been doing exactly the same myself had I faced such a monster." He hasn't had to, thankfully, and is entirely happy to keep it that way all told. Turning his head to Alia he considers her question for a moment the licks his lips to clear the remains of the wine. "I'll be honest and say that I don't know. They've' popped up a couple of times now, both in relation to elements that we suspect or linked to Teleko, but their origin is unknown to me. I was told once that they have been seen before, around the time of Mathis, but I don't know any details regarding that other than that they are not a new occurrence. I don't know where they come from, I don't know what their purpose is, but if you see anything you suspect I'm told it's best not to touch them. Gloves seem to be okay, but not bare skin."

-

Another group makes it's presence known, this one small. A few guards to follow Philippa as she makes her way along the marketplace. She curiously studies an item here or there, speaking with a vendor before moving on further. Pausing nearby, she turns to the vendor, this one selling tanned furs, flipping through a few of the most unusual ones.

-

Ofrider listens intently "Do you know what happens when you touch these vampyr gems then?" he asks bluntly as he rests his arms on his legs, leaving the mug on the table, eyes flicking as another small group appears to moving in the market before looking back "Forgive me Sir Ivo, the information seems valuable, but yet not enough to be told in full, is there more to go with these gems?" he asks once again in his blunt matter before looking towards Alia "That was you with the fire's then? Did you also make the ground buckle?" he asks curiously with eyes that widen momentarily.

-

"Yes, any information you can offer on how we can spot the effects of them, even if we are not close enough to feel them would be helpful." Alia glanced aside as Ofrider did, dipping her head in the groups direction, "One of your countrywomen, of a sort. That is the Lady Philippa Aseno, heir of her House." Alia had a fantastic memory, and she had seen the woman, if not met her at the Senate of the West. "The imperial cohort of sorcerers assisted in the battle, yes."

-

"I believe," Ivo starts to Ofrider with a note of caution in his voice, "and let me stress believe here, for we're now into the realms of what I think rather than what I know. I believe they allow some form of link, or control, but if that goes to Teleko, or someone else working with him," he shrugs, "well, you're guess is as good as mine." With Alia effectively outing herself to Ofrider he is a touch more forthcoming, adding, "it definitely seems that those with the power over an element can sense some form of wrongness about them. It is also not known yet if there is a safe way to destroy them, or remove the effect upon any who have touched them, but I believe that those with a far greater knowledge of such things than I are looking into that. If you do see any though, or hear reports, be on your guard." That warning given he takes another sip of wine then looks to see if he can spot the Aseno. He's seen her at formal events, but isn't sure they've ever been formally introduced.

-

Talking with the vendor for a moment, Philippa is seen to smile, nodding her head as a few are pointed towards. Some agreement is met, money to exchange hands, and a promise of delivery made before she turns away and continues on her way. Eyes look about, perhaps spying Alia, someone likewise recognized if the name alludes her at that moment. Hand lifts in a wave, head dipped in a polite nod before she glances to those the other lady speaks with. When they look to her, they gain a nod of her head as well.

-

Ofrider listens quite carefully as he nods his head "Hmmm, control…I'll do well to keep an eye out then." he says before lookings towards Philippa again as Alia tells him of who she is "Aseno….don't believe I've heard of them." he says as looks at her then towards her guards with an appraising eye before sighing with a grunt before nodding as he does a small wave in politeness towards Phil before looking back towards Ivo with a nod "Hrmmmm, Thank you for your knowledge then Sir Ivo, you've helped me much, I'll be sure to return the knowledge if I come across any of use." he says honestly as he bites his thumb in thought before taking a long draught of his water, obviously thinking of the information before looking towards the table, a rumble in his throat like stone as he thinks.

-

Alia glanced at Ofrider, as he spoke, "They are vassals of House Daltre, a county beholden to Tarris. You would do well to engage her in conversation if you can. Her House also guards Tarris' borders, though they are so placed that their lands abut Sokar and Arkanin. It pays well to know your allies as well as your enemies. As well, her House is renowned for their wool, which is of a fine quality. My own House often competed at the markets for buyers with Aseno." Alia lifted a hand returning Philippa's greeting, a dip of her head offered in invitation, though she spoke quietly to Ivo, "I will take your warning and your advice, and send word to you, if I can, should any such items be seen in my lands."

-

Noting Philippa's nod Ivo returns it with one of his own, then turns back to his two companions. "Thank you, both of you. I do not expect them to be a common sight, but given what occured at Rogers it seemed prudent to check." That said he takes another swig of his wine as he listens, Galentian geography is not his strong point, but it's always good to learn. As Alia finishes her explanation he turns to Ofrider and teases, "now you're a Lord you should think about marrying someone from a family like that, strengthen ties along the border and all that."

-

Does she realize that they're talking about her? Likely not. Philippa does pass by close enough, however, to offer verbal greetings, "A good day to all of you. I hope it has been pleasant?" Her voice is quiet, yet strong, her smile warm and personable. Her gaze passes over the men before returning to Alia, "I know I have seen you, but I do not think we were introduced, so please forgive me?"

-

Ofrider nods before looking towards Ivo "Sir Ivo, I currently find myself hirable as a mercenary with some of my forces." he says before looking towards Alia as she tells him more relevant information as he rubs his chin before jolting at the sound of marriage as his eyes widen at him, betraying his weakness and perhaps a small fear of dealing with woman kind as he looks towards Philippa and simply stares wide eyed like some loon for a good 20 seconds before saying something "Indeed it has been m'lady, I hope your day has also been as such?" he asks finally after his brain cogs start working as he quickly puts his face to his mug to drink before he does something weird. He takes his chance to glare at Ivo.

-

Alia frowned, though what it was that made her so she did not comment on. Instead, she simply offered Philippa a smile, "A fine day with fair friends, Lady Aseno. And you are right, we met, but I think were not introduced. I am Princepsa Alia d'Meloni." If the title, not used save for within the Empire did not give away her allegiance, the cord at her shoulder and the guard around the table certainly did. She indicated Ivo, "Sir Ivo," and then Ofrider, "And one of your fellow countrymen, Ofrider Reine, newly knighted and the new Lord of Reine of Wyrmheim."

-

Ivo covers his amusement at Ofrider's proverbial flapping by turning away slightly to have a sip of his wine. His eyes say that his is however, highly amused. Once he's composed himself he smiles broadly to Philippa and offers a polite but warm, "good day Lady Aseno, I trust The One keeps you well?" Then, back to Ofrider he gives the man a more serious nod and notes, "should I find myself in need of men in the near future I will send word. There might be things afoot, but it's too early to say just now. I will keep you in mind though."

-

Another dip of her head is given to both Ivo and Ofrider as they are introduced to her by Alia. "A good day to both of you, gentlemen." Philippa does seem amused by something, attention turned to Ofrider, "I had heard someone had taken over. Congratulations. If ever you need any help, feel free to send word?" As for Alia's own introduction, there's a curious light within her gaze, "Ah.. I have heard your name spoken by Ludovic d'Korbina. It is good to put the name to the face."

-

Ofrider glares ever harder at Ivo's amusement, sadly his glare is not as deadly as actual dragons. He eventually sighs as he puts the mug down as he deeply nods his head in reply to her "Of course Lady Aseno, I thank you for your offer of generous assistance if I'm in need of it, and thank you." he says with his usual stoic like attitude and voice. He takes this chance to turn towards Ivo with a grunt "Very well, but remember, others may reach out before you, I also have need to get rid of any bends in my own land, I had to deal with a group of bandits raiding on my of my small towns, the patherians seem to need a kick as well. I thought about perhaps hiring a boat soon to go raiding there per-chance." he says before his eyes flick to Philippa's and Alia's conversation. He does flick over to make sure that Philippa has a spot to sit if she wants to, moving his bag for her as a gentlemen should.

-

Alia laughed, in answer to Philippa's expression, "From the look on your face, he was either praising me too highly, or cursing my name. It really depends on the day and how recently it's been since we have had an argument." In truth, Alia did not seem terribly put out by either possibility, "Please, join us. Something to drink, perhaps?" Alia turned to catch the attention of one of the servers, "If it is raiding you are interested in, you would not go amiss in reaching out to the White Hall Jarl. They say his longboats are fearsome, and they ply the waters of the Great Salt."

-

Ivo flashes the briefest of smirks to Ofrider as Philippa offers her aid, but lets it drop after that, there's only so far you can stretch that sort of joke. Taking more wine he looks mildly surprised as Dovi is mentioned and asks, "does the d'Korbina keep well? It has been a long time since I've seen him in the flesh." Then, back to Ofrider, "be careful with the Parthians. My uncles trades with some of them, and would be upset were his interests harmed in such a manner, but I'm sure there are others. I could probably get you a few names if that'd help?" As Alis mentions the White Hallers he adds a note of his own, "or, you could prove yourself against the White Hallers. They ply the seas not far to the north of here and would provide you with both a fight and likely loot."

-

Ah, how the amusement grows at Alia's own comment, "A bit of both, yes." She affirms before she sighs, nodding as Ivo asks after Dovi, "I have wondered the same. I.. haven't heard from him in some time." But she also understand the issues going on up north, and keeps her distance. Invited to join, she ohs, nodding, "If you do not mind another?" That said, she will accept the chair soon cleared, smiling to Ofrider before taking it. "I am actually hoping to head south.. I have a few things I wish to test.. but first I need to get my hands on some felines."

-

Alia glanced to Ivo, and nodded, "Or that. But I meant more the White Hallers of Dorling. Their lands are not far from Duval," she glanced to Ofrider once again, "Duval are the lands of the Baron Brennart Tarris and his Lady Wife Bethany." The server came over readily enough, smiling a greeting to Alia, clearly familiar with the woman, and taking he time to take orders, before she slipped away, "So far as I know, Dovi is well enough. I had hoped to visit with him sometime within the week. I will send him word that his health is being asked after." Her interest was clearly perked, "Cats? Not the domestic sort?"

-

Ofrider rubs his chin as people give advice as he raises a brow "I know of Iron hold, but I would have to march through Sokar lands …" he says as he frowns slightly, obviously he doesn't wanna do that. He does shudder at the sound of Ludovic "He as fine last time I saw him…a treacherous man though." he says as he closes his eyes, like Ludovic put him through some sort of horror before opening them "Good wine though." he says before looking towards Ivo "I don't think my men would fare well on the sea, the Partherians are need of vengeance for what they did to my country men, though I'm open to other options if you know some place Sir Ivo." he says before looking towards Alia "I was not aware of these white hallers, I'll have to check." he says with interest before his eyes flick towards Philippa, then away, then back, but not at her eyes, but at her forehead. He does a rather small smile in return "What is it that you seek to test?" he asks before closing his eyes as he blurts it out to fast, to late to stop the blunder as he coughs "Forgive me, I'm not using to having conversations with people outside of those that I know." he says much more calmly before he makes eye contact for a moment at the word of felines "Cats?" he micro raises an eye brow after he says the word.

-

"Cats?" Ivo says, raising an eyebrow at Philippa for a moment, "how many and whyfor? I might be able to help you, provided they'd be well looked after that is." It's a river thing, cats are good luck, so there are hundreds of them in the d'Armaz settlements upstream. He's got several on his ship for that matter, some of whom get on better with his elementi than others. He looks to Ofrider as the man describes Dovi, making a note of that to ask about later as now doesn't seem like the time, then nods to Alia's remark, "thank you, do tell him that he still has a lot to learn about gin. He'll understand.""

-

"Do, please." Philippa does murmur to Alia as to passing on the query to Dovi. With wine ordered and the questions coming as to the felines she seeks, there is another smile that tilts her lips upwards, "Indeed, no your normal domestic sort." That is a given to Alia as she then says, "I have heard of the.. jaguars.. that some of the Partharians fight with, much like the Elementi? After the last push they made into our lands, I have wondered if some of the felines might have been left behind without their.. hunters? And if they might have bred wild. I wish to capture some of them, see if we can't breed them here…"

-

Alia accepted a glass of something chilled and none alcoholic, as the party settled into their discussions, the look of interest only growing as Philippa explained, "I had not heard of such creatures, but they sound entirely fascinating. Are they the same size as elementi, do you know?" Elementi, were, by and large, well, huge.

-

Ofrider finishes his mug as he spots one of his men that salutes him "Forgive me Sir Ivo, Lady Alia and Lady Aseno, but I must be on my way, I have business to attend to." he says as he stands up, grabbing his bag as his other hand goes to rest on Dragon's Hearts hilt as he nods to all those there "Take care." he says, actually having to look down on Aseno as he nods to those there, making his way towards his soldier, the walk of a man who's faced war evident as he marches to the sound of a noiseless drum.

-

'ohs' silently as the exact nature of cat is revealed, that he can't help with, but his is mildly intrigued. "Should you find any that are not suitable for your, tests, or even should you find too many and have some spare as it were, do let me know. I can think of a few people who would pay highly for such a thing." That and it sounds like one would make an amazing gift for his Uncles, after all, what do you buy a man who has everything? As Ofrider departs he gives the man a brief nod in parting, then returns to his wine, waiting to hear more from Philippa.

-

Glancing up at Ofrider as the man speaks his goodbyes, Philippa offers another smile to him before he heads off, soon turning back to Alia and Ivo, "From what I understand, they are large, yes." The words given with a nod of her head. "And quite lethal as fighters…" She worries her bottom lip with her teeth, "The stories are rather fantastical that I have heard… but.. if they could be bred.." Quite the nice source of revenue for her family coffers! As to Ivo's words, she flashes him a grin, "Of course. But first I have to find them."

-

Alia nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "That would certainly be a boon for those who wished to fight alongside an animal companion. The sheer exotic nature of them would be quite the draw, I have no doubt. I wonder if you could not post an announcement of sorts at the mercenaries guilds and companies here, and send to those working within Galenthia. We have seen that there is much interest in various sorts of adventuring, such as has been done in Ryalta. You might strike the interest of those who might wish to test their luck against such beasts."

-

"I'd offer to help you search," Ivo notes, "but I am unfortunately busy with other matters. I wish you luck though, and if I can help in anyway, do let me know. I may be working ashore for a while, so there's a chance my ship might be free if transport is needed." He nods to Alias suggestions as well, "not a bad thought, but then you'd have to share whatever profits you got. I think there'd definitely be appetite for it though, ot, worst case, young Ofrider there was talking of raids, perhaps you could commissioned him to bring you one back?"

-

Alia quirked a brow, at Ivo's comment on being busy, "Not too busy to visit me, should you feel the need I hope, Ivo? You know that you and yours are always welcome. We cannot offer the fairest seas, but there is much to be said for the rivers regardless." She nodded in agreement, "If one cannot be found within the lands, perhaps a few can be brought. But come, let us have a small meal, if you would be so inclined, and you can tell us a bit more about what you know of these beasts."

-

Philippa considers the suggestions, pondering them all. The thought of sharing profits not something that she likes if her expression is anything to go by. "I may… see if I could talk to him, yes." Ofrider, that is. "I know of at least one other that mentioned he might like the idea of tracking them down with me, but we shall see." With a clearing of her guard's throat, she's reminded of another meeting, and sighs, "But, if you both will excuse me, I'm being reminded of a meeting with a few people to talk about wool.. it was a pleasure to speak with both of you, if however brief. Perhaps we might catch a meal another time?" Rising, she dips her head to both before heading off, her guards closing about her.

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