Elendor
Talk in an Easterling Tavern
The dwarves of the Lonely Mountain meet an Easterling trade broker and his...wife.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Rhun: Buhr Mahrling
Game Date: May 9, 3045
IC Time: Noon
Weather: Indoors
Description: [Rhun Weather Object(#23131)->Ceredir]
=========================== Rhun Time and Weather ============================
Current time: Dawn on Trewsday, May 9 of 3045
Weather forecast: Clear on this Spring day
Real life time: Mon Nov 03 11:19:34 2008 MDT
==============================================================================
Red Water Tavern
The most striking feature of this tavern is the almost morbid lack of color. The tables are small and round, all made of hardwood. The walls have wooden panelling but without anything to dress them up. The floor is also wooden. The only piece of color in the whole establishment (apart from the flickering lanterns that hang discretely from beams) is a tattered banner hung behind the bar. It is the banner of the Dorwinrim, for the innkeeper is himself a Dorwinadan. Wooden barrels are racked together behind the bar, many of the bungs leaking slightly, but the drops are collected in waiting decanters. The windows are all shuttered and let in very little light from outside.
There are not many patrons here, but those here look sullen and silent. It is obvious that the locals do not particularly like outsiders here.
It is the noon hour, and as such, this dump of a tavern is busy. Customers are crowded onto the benches here, hunched over bowls of some thin stew accompanied by ale that is even more watery. There is some quiet conversation going on, but all in all, the atmosphere is about as colorful as the tavern itself, which is to say that the locals eat their meal and mind their own business.
It appears the only seat is at a small table with a black-haired Easterling man--a rather tall fellow, at least among the Easterlings, thin, with a jagged scar down his right cheek.
[Warven(#26511)]
Pushing the door open to the Tavern is the Dwarven Stonewright Warven, He is dressed in brown leathers and still wears his RingMail armor, upon his back is a simple shield and tucked in the bend of his left arm is his helm and resting upon his right shoulder is a WarHammer. Shutting the door behind him the stout Dwarf begins to make his way across the room looking for an open seat in the somewhat crowded Tavern
Spoting the open chair beside the Tall Easterling Warven shouts over the noise of the room to the Barkeep for a Pint of ale and begins to make his way towards the open seat, approaching the table Warven looks to the Easterling and says with a small grin as he bows his head "Warven HeavyHammer, Son of Warlen. Mind if I join you at your table?"
"Jater of Buhr Mahrling," the man grunts, stuffing a piece of coarse black bread into his mouth as he speaks. He looks the dwarf up and down, arching a brow. "You expecting a fight to break out at lunch? Don't think the proprietor would stand for that," he grins, showing a set of fine white teeth. "WHere ya from?" he continues, in Westron, though the local language seems to be spoken here mainly.
[Warven(#26511)]
Setting the Head of his WarHammer upon the ground Warven says "Well met Jater of Buhr Mahrling" Pausing for a moment to take his seat he continues with "I am from Erebor, and no I do not come expecting or looking for a fight, this is my traveling attire." Looking over towards the barkeep and then back to Jater warven raises one eyebrow and says "Dose he speak the Westorn tongue?"
"Him?" Jater turns in his seat to stare at the barkeep for a moment. "Aye, he speaks Westron, but more so, he speaks the language of gold and coin," he grins. "Flash some money at him and you'll get fast service, sir. So..." Jater takes a long drink of the watery ale, "what brings you all the way here, then?"
[Warven(#26511)]
Reaching into his pocket and retrieving a few coins Warven looks to the barkeep one more and shows him the pieces and then with his other hand signals him two. Looking back to Jater he leans back and says "Trade and the prospect of working on repairing some of the battered sections of the stone walls, perhaps even building, but for most of my brethren it is trade, we have brought a great deal of goods to trade with your people"
Seeing the Barkeep approaching Warven looks to him as he sets the two pints of ale and then hands him one of the coins, looking back to Jater he slides one of the pints over and says "My thanks for allowing me the seat"
"Building?' Jater leans forward, interested in this. "There are many sections of the city that need repair, yes, but you'll need the approval of the Guild for that. And to get them to open their purses. But yes, yes, there is great need for that." His eyes gleam as the dwarf buys him an ale. "Thank you. Poor stuff it is, I'm afraid. Not at all like your fine dwarven brews."
[Warven(#26511)]
Taking a long drink of the ale Warven sets his pint down and wipes the foam off of his beard with his sleeve and says "Yes, I have spoken with the guild and they hold onto that purse of theirs tightly..." Pulling out a small pipe and a pouch of pipeweed he sets it upon the table and begins filling it as he continues with "Well we have brought quite a bit of our ale with us, perhaps the barkeep will purchase some and sell it here, though I'm sure he'll charge a large sum for it." Putting his pipe into his mouth he lights it and takes a few puffs. Looking back to Jater "What is it you do for a living?"
"Me?" Jater says, some amusement in his eyes as he takes a long drink of ale first. "I'm a trade broker. I find places for outsiders like you to sell their goods here in Buhr Mahrling. For a fee of course, but also at a nice profit for you. As for the Guild, I could possibly help there. Ties, you know."
[Warven(#26511)]
With a skeptical look on his bearded face Warven says "A trade broker...hmmm" Taking another drink of his ale and a few more puffs off of his pipe "We seem to be doing pretty good, but perhaps some could use your services... as for help with the guild, I don't think the guild masters own wife could loosen his grip on his purse"
"Ahh," Jater smiles. "Not if you know the right people, my good friend. Thus the usefulness of a trade broker." He pulls the second ale, which Warven had bought, closer to him. "Now, my fee is quite low. Only ten percent of your profits, if I can arrange the proper...permits for you."
[Braldor(#30149)] "I'll charge ye eight per cent, and shall get yer rights soon enough!", comes a gruff voice from a nearby table. And there sits Thane Bundazanul, garbed in his susual blue lcoak, open now and revealing a gleam of mail. The dwarf ha sa lit pipe on his lips, and he winks at Jater and Warven.
[Warven(#26511)]
With a loud laugh Warven stands and looks to the Thane of Bundazanul and says with a wide smile "Would you care to join us Master Braldor? The first ale is on me." Taking another puff upon his pipe he looks to Jater and continues with "As I'm sure you've heard Jater says he can help us find those willing to trade and buy our good."
"A colleague of yours?" Jater says, carefully disguising the sour look that Braldor's words have brought to his face. "By all means, have him join us."
[Braldor(#30149)] The Thane stands, and grabbing a half-filled mug of ale from his table, moves to a chair beside Jater and Warven. "Well met!", he calls as he nears. "I am Braldor, son of Braldon, at yer service". This is followed by a slight bow to the Easterling, followed by the Thane grabbing a chair and sitting.
"Jater. Of Burh Mahrling," the man replies--his dark hair and facial features, especially his angled eyes and sallow skin marking him as one of teh Easterlings. "What sort of trade are you interested in here? I'm curious, but if you'll excuse me for a moment--I need to settle my bill." With that he stands, walking over to the proprietor to pay.
[Warven(#26511)]
Looking to the Barkeep and signaling him for to bring another two pints Warven Looks to the Thane and says with a sly grin "Always good to hear the words of advice from anyone willing to offer I always say" Taking a long drink draining it completely and then setting it back down Warven looks to Jater and says "Well met" Waiting until he has moved over to the bar and then looking back to the Thane he says with a shrug "I needed a place to sit."
[Warven(#26511)]
Leaning back in his chair Warven signals to the Barkeep for another pint and then drains what is left in his present one setting it back onto the table with a hallow "thud". Returning his pipe to his mouth and taking a few long slow puffs the Dwarven Stonewright's right hand fondles the handle of his WarHammer as he looks about the crowded tavern.
Having paid his bill, Jater now makes his way back to the table, third mug of the watery ale in hand. "So, I suppose you'll have your kin help you said up trade for 8 percent, hey?" He speaks Westron, dark eyes greedily taking in Warven's armor and weapons.
[Frarin(#31050)] From the street enters a dwarf with a grim look and a brown beard reaching just past his belt. Clad simply with the sleeves of his tunic rolled up against the spring heat, Frarin comes into the tavern with his head bowed, eyes wary but also perhaps simply tired. He pauses at the door, lips pursing as he looks about rhe colourless place, and he soon spots several of his kin. He nods from afar at Braldor and Warven, watching the stranger that approaches them, then himself begins to weave atwixt the tables towards them.
[Warven(#26511)]
Noticing the dwarf enter the crowded Tavern Warven sits upright, putting his chair back down on all four legs and waves for Frarin to come join them, Looking to Jater the Stonewright nods and says "There are still many who may need your services, perhaps you can speak with them later tonight." Waving to the Barkeep Warven yells over the crowd "Make it 2", Taking a few more puffs upon his pipe Warven leans his Warhammer against his hip and sets his helm atop the handle.
[Mara(#22296)] A slim woman in a carefully arranged dress enters the tavern and looks around, frowning. Her face is lined with age and her dark black hair shows hints of grey. She walks over towards Jater.
[Thari(#31038)]
Soon after the slim woman enters another dwarf. Thari's grey eyes rove suspiciously through the crowd before picking out other figures who are not abnormally tall. The healer moves toward the table of dwarves, warily studying the faces of the natives while doing so.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin comes to the table at which Braldor and Warven are seated and gives another nod to the other dwarves. Jater receives a frown, but other than the curious glance, the newest-arrived dwarf gives no formal greeting. Indeed, after a glance at Braldor, Frarin seats himself with even so much as a if-you-please. He settles into a chair with a grunt and a sigh, then speaks at last. "Afternoon Warven," says the silversmith simply before looking again to the man standing next to the table. Thari's entrance is not noticed.
[Warven(#26511)]
With a smile Warven says "Aye, Afternoon Frarin how goes your trading?" Taking another puff off of his pipe he continues with "I took the liberty of ordering you a pint, you look as if you could use one my friend." Looking to the Barkeep Warven flashes him a few coins and shouts "My friend and I are parched" Spotting Thari enter the Tavern then adds "and make it 3"
Jater's sharply angled face lights up as the local woman enters, and instead of sitting back down at the table, he stands. "Ah, my dear, come here and let me introduce you to my new friends and business partners," he gestures to her.
[Mara(#22296)] The slim woman undulates her way over to Jater, a small smile on her face as she approaches the man and dwarves. "It is a pleasure, as always," she says softly, demurely, holding her hand out towards Jeter.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari stops at the table with the other dwarves and stands still for a little while. The grey eyes focus for a time on Jater, and then the dwarf bows. Silent this short one is while climbing into a chair.
A thin hand reaches to clasp the woman's, and Jater smiles, though it seems more like stretching thin the skin on his face than a friendly expression. "This..." he says, giving the woman a long, adoring look, "is my wife." Oh yes, wife, though there is lust in his eyes. "Zarah. She well knows the ins and outs of trade in this region and can be very ....persuasive. When the need arises."
[Frarin(#31050)] "Good," Frarin says gruffly, nodding towards Warven with some apparent satisfaction. "Tis been good, overall. Ah good, thank you, cousin," he adds once the ale arrives. He looks up when Thari comes to the edge of their table and he gives the newest-arrived dwarf a nod. For a moment his eyes narrow in thought, but then he is looking back to Jater and the woman recently arrived at his side.
Still, for a time longer, he says nothing directly to the man, apparently assuming he is not himself one of the man's 'business partners'. The man continues speaking, introducing his...wife, and finally Frarin cocks his head at an angle. "Sorry, who are you?" he says bluntly of a sudden.
[Warven(#26511)]
As the Slim Woman arrives and greets Jater Warven bows his head to her and then looks to Thari who has also joined the group at the table and says with a smile "I already got you a pint my friend" Seeing the barkeep arrive with the 3 pints Warven hands them out to his fellow dwarves. Hearing Jater's introduction of his wife Warven stands and bows his head to her saying "Good afternoon ma'm" Looking about the gathering Warven looks to his fellow dwarves and says "Frarin, Thari, this here is my new friend Jater, and he is going to help us find those willing to buy our goods for a fair and -honest- price" Pausing to look at Zarah, "and this is his wife"
[Warven(#26511)]
Eyeing Jater Warven says "He was saying something about 5 percent."
[Mara(#22296)] Her small hand finds a place within the man's larger one and her smile seems, perhaps, a bit warmer than Jater's. "It is a pleasure to meet any business associates of my husband," the slim woman says. Her voice is soft, warm, with a delicate accenr.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Jater?" Thari makes the name a question and while speaking it glances over to Frarin. "Thank you Warven," the smaller dwarf says while gripping the pint.
"And Zarah." There is a hesitance. Thari's eyes focus on both of the humans, and a small nod of the head is given to them at last.
[<#22296>] " 5 percent, my love?" The woman leans down, as if to whisper soft nothings into the man's ear. " Perhaps the senses of these creatures have taken their leave with their height."
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin does give a nod of acknowledgement to Warven when the stonewright introduces the two humans, but he is silent thereafter as he looks back to them. They might perhaps notice a quiet, sharp breath when Zarah speaks to her husband in a language unknown to the dwarves at the table. It is not perhaps of surprise, but thoughtful nonetheless. Pursing his lips, he grunts to himself, glances at Thari, and suddenly becomes very absorbed in his mug of ale.
Jater's lips curl in a smile as Zarah whispers to him. " I had said 10 percent, dearest, but that scum of a dwarf," a tilt of his head indicates Braldor, " said 8 percent." He turns, then, to the dwarves. 'I'm afraid noone in the city will work for 5 percent, except perhaps your kin. Seven?'
[Warven(#26511)]
Hearing the slim woman speak to her Jater and not understanding a word of it Warven shakes his head and says "Like I was saying, Jater here says he can find buyers for all of our goods at good prices, and something about five percent." Picking up his pint of ale he takes a long drink and says "isn't that right Jater." Picking up his helm and setting it upon the table he sets his WarHammer upon his lap and begins wiping it off with a soft cloth.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari studies Zarah and Jater as they whisper among themselves. Another glance at Frarin. The dwarf's frown deepens. "Five percent for what?" A small sip of ale is taken, and right after that Thari inspects the cup closely.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Buyers for all our goods?" Frarin says abruptly, looking up from his rapt attention to his drink. "That's generous," he says, straightening now in his chair. "Though I'd say I've turned a tidy profit on my own already. How much better can you do, Master Jater?" As he speaks, he eyes the man and his wife with a keen look and his fingers drum absently on the table top.
"Seven percent," Jater reiterates, "though your kin said 8 percent. You'll find noone in the city who will broker your goods for 5 percent, unless you want to rob your cousin," he grins quickly toward Braldor. "And yes, you might sell your goods at first, but if you want long-term trade, then you need a trade broker. Someone who will smooth things with the guild and ensure that local merchants stock your items and not a competitor's. And by paying me 7 percent of the profits, you are certain that your goods will continue to sell here." Jater returns the dwarf's look with one of his own, but his expression is pleasant.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari sets the mug down and leans back with arms folded over the beard. Jater is treated with a firm frown. "There isn't a competitor for dwarf-made goods. They wouldn't stock a man's wares over a dwarf's. Folk will always seek out the goods made by our people."
[Warven(#26511)]
Looking to Jater Warven takes another drink of his ale, and smiles as he hears Thari's words and adds in "No goods are better than ours" Pulling his pipe out of his mouth he sets it upon the table and begins tapping it a bit before letting it rest and going back to wiping down his WarHammer.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Aye," Frarin nods, now leaning forward as if growing more interested in the conversation. "But to set up a regular trade between the Lonely Mountain and here would involve more than finding the appropriate markets, aye?" He pauses to take a sip from his ale. "The roads aren't growing any safer in these recent years. Is there incentive enough? If the best deal we can find is seven percent?"
"Well..." Jater grins again, and the skin on his face stretches thin once more. He pulls over a chair and sits, patting his leg for Zarah to join him if she will. "Now that's a whole different matter, setting up regular trading caravans. We would need to arrange some sort of agreement to make sure the goods traveled safely. And of course, the longer term the agreement, the more...mutually beneficial the terms of the arrangement."
[Thari(#31038)]
"How... mutually beneficial?" Thari asks, speaking directly to Jater. "In terms of numbers?"
[Mara(#22296)] Moving carefully and gracefully, Zarah settles herself on Jater's leg where he patted and leans in towards him, a smile on her face. She watches the dwarves, a careful expression on her face.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Well in any case, Master Jater," Frarin says, sighing and almost amused as he leans back into his chair, "I wouldn't waste your time trying to win me over. I was merely curious for the sake of curiosity, but I have no plans to form a trade route here into the east." He glances at Thari when the other dwarf speaks.
Jater leans forward, kissing the back of Zarah's neck and murmuring to her. " What say you, dearest? Should I lure them with money and then just have them all killed on their way home? Or would the guild be too upset? Blasted guild. Makes it hard to do our work, but perhaps we can ply these dwarves for information instead. And kill them later." That said, he smiles, switchign to Westron. 'I am sorry to hear that then, sir,' he nods to Frarin. A puzzled glance is then given to Thari. 'Is something wrong? Perhaps I can assist?'
[Warven(#26511)]
Hearing the words of Jater Warven picks up his pint of ale and drains it completely once more then says "He is right, even if we wanted to set up a trade route. It is too far, and the roads are not safe enough..."
[<#22296>] The slim woman purrs softly and them smiles apologetically, her whispered voice taking on the tone of the sort of secrets lovers share in bed. " Perhaps you can just kill the annoying one, my love. I do not think he appreciates my beauty." She smiles and then, her voice lightly accented again. 'Making the roads safe is my brother's specialty.'
Jater laughs lightly, nodding his head to Zarah's words and then explainign to the dwarves, "my wife says that if you are not willing to set up regular trade, she would be glad to work with you to find the highest bidder for your goods while you are here. As a sign of our commitment to improving trade in Buhr Mahrling."
[Thari(#31038)]
"I was only asking about the terms for this hypothetical trade route," Thari answers Jater briskly, arms tightening over the beard.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin is leaning comfortably back into his chair now, the mildly amused look still lingering on his face, as if he thinks himself cleverer than the two humans before them. He shakes his head and a keen smile. "No no, I am doing well enough on my own. Though my thanks, m'lady," he adds, nodding to the woman, though his appreciative nod is not necessarily kind. Thari, on the other hand, receives a sharp look from Frarin before he looks back to his ale again.
"Ah.." Jater licks his lips and stares at Thari. "Well, it wouldn't be 7 percent, obviously, but we would have to sit down and negotiate better terms. Since it would be a longer-term and riskier arrangement. But, say, a year, for 1 percent. If you provided protection for your own wagons. Still, the road from the Lonely MOuntain to Dale can't be that dangerous, aye? So half of the trip, at least, is easy."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Mm," Thari says in a noncommital manner. "Of course we would provide our own protection." The shorter dwarf meets Frarin's sharp gaze. "I will take that under consideration."
"It's all highly theoretical, of course," Jater nods. "And it would have to be approved by the Trade Guild, obviously. But there is no harm in discussing these things, no?" The man smiles thinly. "Is that what brought you to Buhr Mahrling, then? trade?"
[Frarin(#31050)] "No harm," Frarin adds gruffly, looking up again. "No harm at all. Aye, we are here for trade mostly. What do you do for a living, Master Jater? Or do you live solely by arranging trade routes with foreigners?"
"Trade broker," Jater answers. "As I told Master Warven. Why do you ask?" He looks between the dwarves here.
--scene faded due to RL killing us all--
=========================== Rhun Time and Weather ============================
Current time: Dawn on Trewsday, May 9 of 3045
Weather forecast: Clear on this Spring day
Real life time: Mon Nov 03 11:19:34 2008 MDT
==============================================================================
Red Water Tavern
The most striking feature of this tavern is the almost morbid lack of color. The tables are small and round, all made of hardwood. The walls have wooden panelling but without anything to dress them up. The floor is also wooden. The only piece of color in the whole establishment (apart from the flickering lanterns that hang discretely from beams) is a tattered banner hung behind the bar. It is the banner of the Dorwinrim, for the innkeeper is himself a Dorwinadan. Wooden barrels are racked together behind the bar, many of the bungs leaking slightly, but the drops are collected in waiting decanters. The windows are all shuttered and let in very little light from outside.
There are not many patrons here, but those here look sullen and silent. It is obvious that the locals do not particularly like outsiders here.
It is the noon hour, and as such, this dump of a tavern is busy. Customers are crowded onto the benches here, hunched over bowls of some thin stew accompanied by ale that is even more watery. There is some quiet conversation going on, but all in all, the atmosphere is about as colorful as the tavern itself, which is to say that the locals eat their meal and mind their own business.
It appears the only seat is at a small table with a black-haired Easterling man--a rather tall fellow, at least among the Easterlings, thin, with a jagged scar down his right cheek.
[Warven(#26511)]
Pushing the door open to the Tavern is the Dwarven Stonewright Warven, He is dressed in brown leathers and still wears his RingMail armor, upon his back is a simple shield and tucked in the bend of his left arm is his helm and resting upon his right shoulder is a WarHammer. Shutting the door behind him the stout Dwarf begins to make his way across the room looking for an open seat in the somewhat crowded Tavern
Spoting the open chair beside the Tall Easterling Warven shouts over the noise of the room to the Barkeep for a Pint of ale and begins to make his way towards the open seat, approaching the table Warven looks to the Easterling and says with a small grin as he bows his head "Warven HeavyHammer, Son of Warlen. Mind if I join you at your table?"
"Jater of Buhr Mahrling," the man grunts, stuffing a piece of coarse black bread into his mouth as he speaks. He looks the dwarf up and down, arching a brow. "You expecting a fight to break out at lunch? Don't think the proprietor would stand for that," he grins, showing a set of fine white teeth. "WHere ya from?" he continues, in Westron, though the local language seems to be spoken here mainly.
[Warven(#26511)]
Setting the Head of his WarHammer upon the ground Warven says "Well met Jater of Buhr Mahrling" Pausing for a moment to take his seat he continues with "I am from Erebor, and no I do not come expecting or looking for a fight, this is my traveling attire." Looking over towards the barkeep and then back to Jater warven raises one eyebrow and says "Dose he speak the Westorn tongue?"
"Him?" Jater turns in his seat to stare at the barkeep for a moment. "Aye, he speaks Westron, but more so, he speaks the language of gold and coin," he grins. "Flash some money at him and you'll get fast service, sir. So..." Jater takes a long drink of the watery ale, "what brings you all the way here, then?"
[Warven(#26511)]
Reaching into his pocket and retrieving a few coins Warven looks to the barkeep one more and shows him the pieces and then with his other hand signals him two. Looking back to Jater he leans back and says "Trade and the prospect of working on repairing some of the battered sections of the stone walls, perhaps even building, but for most of my brethren it is trade, we have brought a great deal of goods to trade with your people"
Seeing the Barkeep approaching Warven looks to him as he sets the two pints of ale and then hands him one of the coins, looking back to Jater he slides one of the pints over and says "My thanks for allowing me the seat"
"Building?' Jater leans forward, interested in this. "There are many sections of the city that need repair, yes, but you'll need the approval of the Guild for that. And to get them to open their purses. But yes, yes, there is great need for that." His eyes gleam as the dwarf buys him an ale. "Thank you. Poor stuff it is, I'm afraid. Not at all like your fine dwarven brews."
[Warven(#26511)]
Taking a long drink of the ale Warven sets his pint down and wipes the foam off of his beard with his sleeve and says "Yes, I have spoken with the guild and they hold onto that purse of theirs tightly..." Pulling out a small pipe and a pouch of pipeweed he sets it upon the table and begins filling it as he continues with "Well we have brought quite a bit of our ale with us, perhaps the barkeep will purchase some and sell it here, though I'm sure he'll charge a large sum for it." Putting his pipe into his mouth he lights it and takes a few puffs. Looking back to Jater "What is it you do for a living?"
"Me?" Jater says, some amusement in his eyes as he takes a long drink of ale first. "I'm a trade broker. I find places for outsiders like you to sell their goods here in Buhr Mahrling. For a fee of course, but also at a nice profit for you. As for the Guild, I could possibly help there. Ties, you know."
[Warven(#26511)]
With a skeptical look on his bearded face Warven says "A trade broker...hmmm" Taking another drink of his ale and a few more puffs off of his pipe "We seem to be doing pretty good, but perhaps some could use your services... as for help with the guild, I don't think the guild masters own wife could loosen his grip on his purse"
"Ahh," Jater smiles. "Not if you know the right people, my good friend. Thus the usefulness of a trade broker." He pulls the second ale, which Warven had bought, closer to him. "Now, my fee is quite low. Only ten percent of your profits, if I can arrange the proper...permits for you."
[Braldor(#30149)] "I'll charge ye eight per cent, and shall get yer rights soon enough!", comes a gruff voice from a nearby table. And there sits Thane Bundazanul, garbed in his susual blue lcoak, open now and revealing a gleam of mail. The dwarf ha sa lit pipe on his lips, and he winks at Jater and Warven.
[Warven(#26511)]
With a loud laugh Warven stands and looks to the Thane of Bundazanul and says with a wide smile "Would you care to join us Master Braldor? The first ale is on me." Taking another puff upon his pipe he looks to Jater and continues with "As I'm sure you've heard Jater says he can help us find those willing to trade and buy our good."
"A colleague of yours?" Jater says, carefully disguising the sour look that Braldor's words have brought to his face. "By all means, have him join us."
[Braldor(#30149)] The Thane stands, and grabbing a half-filled mug of ale from his table, moves to a chair beside Jater and Warven. "Well met!", he calls as he nears. "I am Braldor, son of Braldon, at yer service". This is followed by a slight bow to the Easterling, followed by the Thane grabbing a chair and sitting.
"Jater. Of Burh Mahrling," the man replies--his dark hair and facial features, especially his angled eyes and sallow skin marking him as one of teh Easterlings. "What sort of trade are you interested in here? I'm curious, but if you'll excuse me for a moment--I need to settle my bill." With that he stands, walking over to the proprietor to pay.
[Warven(#26511)]
Looking to the Barkeep and signaling him for to bring another two pints Warven Looks to the Thane and says with a sly grin "Always good to hear the words of advice from anyone willing to offer I always say" Taking a long drink draining it completely and then setting it back down Warven looks to Jater and says "Well met" Waiting until he has moved over to the bar and then looking back to the Thane he says with a shrug "I needed a place to sit."
[Warven(#26511)]
Leaning back in his chair Warven signals to the Barkeep for another pint and then drains what is left in his present one setting it back onto the table with a hallow "thud". Returning his pipe to his mouth and taking a few long slow puffs the Dwarven Stonewright's right hand fondles the handle of his WarHammer as he looks about the crowded tavern.
Having paid his bill, Jater now makes his way back to the table, third mug of the watery ale in hand. "So, I suppose you'll have your kin help you said up trade for 8 percent, hey?" He speaks Westron, dark eyes greedily taking in Warven's armor and weapons.
[Frarin(#31050)] From the street enters a dwarf with a grim look and a brown beard reaching just past his belt. Clad simply with the sleeves of his tunic rolled up against the spring heat, Frarin comes into the tavern with his head bowed, eyes wary but also perhaps simply tired. He pauses at the door, lips pursing as he looks about rhe colourless place, and he soon spots several of his kin. He nods from afar at Braldor and Warven, watching the stranger that approaches them, then himself begins to weave atwixt the tables towards them.
[Warven(#26511)]
Noticing the dwarf enter the crowded Tavern Warven sits upright, putting his chair back down on all four legs and waves for Frarin to come join them, Looking to Jater the Stonewright nods and says "There are still many who may need your services, perhaps you can speak with them later tonight." Waving to the Barkeep Warven yells over the crowd "Make it 2", Taking a few more puffs upon his pipe Warven leans his Warhammer against his hip and sets his helm atop the handle.
[Mara(#22296)] A slim woman in a carefully arranged dress enters the tavern and looks around, frowning. Her face is lined with age and her dark black hair shows hints of grey. She walks over towards Jater.
[Thari(#31038)]
Soon after the slim woman enters another dwarf. Thari's grey eyes rove suspiciously through the crowd before picking out other figures who are not abnormally tall. The healer moves toward the table of dwarves, warily studying the faces of the natives while doing so.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin comes to the table at which Braldor and Warven are seated and gives another nod to the other dwarves. Jater receives a frown, but other than the curious glance, the newest-arrived dwarf gives no formal greeting. Indeed, after a glance at Braldor, Frarin seats himself with even so much as a if-you-please. He settles into a chair with a grunt and a sigh, then speaks at last. "Afternoon Warven," says the silversmith simply before looking again to the man standing next to the table. Thari's entrance is not noticed.
[Warven(#26511)]
With a smile Warven says "Aye, Afternoon Frarin how goes your trading?" Taking another puff off of his pipe he continues with "I took the liberty of ordering you a pint, you look as if you could use one my friend." Looking to the Barkeep Warven flashes him a few coins and shouts "My friend and I are parched" Spotting Thari enter the Tavern then adds "and make it 3"
Jater's sharply angled face lights up as the local woman enters, and instead of sitting back down at the table, he stands. "Ah, my dear, come here and let me introduce you to my new friends and business partners," he gestures to her.
[Mara(#22296)] The slim woman undulates her way over to Jater, a small smile on her face as she approaches the man and dwarves. "It is a pleasure, as always," she says softly, demurely, holding her hand out towards Jeter.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari stops at the table with the other dwarves and stands still for a little while. The grey eyes focus for a time on Jater, and then the dwarf bows. Silent this short one is while climbing into a chair.
A thin hand reaches to clasp the woman's, and Jater smiles, though it seems more like stretching thin the skin on his face than a friendly expression. "This..." he says, giving the woman a long, adoring look, "is my wife." Oh yes, wife, though there is lust in his eyes. "Zarah. She well knows the ins and outs of trade in this region and can be very ....persuasive. When the need arises."
[Frarin(#31050)] "Good," Frarin says gruffly, nodding towards Warven with some apparent satisfaction. "Tis been good, overall. Ah good, thank you, cousin," he adds once the ale arrives. He looks up when Thari comes to the edge of their table and he gives the newest-arrived dwarf a nod. For a moment his eyes narrow in thought, but then he is looking back to Jater and the woman recently arrived at his side.
Still, for a time longer, he says nothing directly to the man, apparently assuming he is not himself one of the man's 'business partners'. The man continues speaking, introducing his...wife, and finally Frarin cocks his head at an angle. "Sorry, who are you?" he says bluntly of a sudden.
[Warven(#26511)]
As the Slim Woman arrives and greets Jater Warven bows his head to her and then looks to Thari who has also joined the group at the table and says with a smile "I already got you a pint my friend" Seeing the barkeep arrive with the 3 pints Warven hands them out to his fellow dwarves. Hearing Jater's introduction of his wife Warven stands and bows his head to her saying "Good afternoon ma'm" Looking about the gathering Warven looks to his fellow dwarves and says "Frarin, Thari, this here is my new friend Jater, and he is going to help us find those willing to buy our goods for a fair and -honest- price" Pausing to look at Zarah, "and this is his wife"
[Warven(#26511)]
Eyeing Jater Warven says "He was saying something about 5 percent."
[Mara(#22296)] Her small hand finds a place within the man's larger one and her smile seems, perhaps, a bit warmer than Jater's. "It is a pleasure to meet any business associates of my husband," the slim woman says. Her voice is soft, warm, with a delicate accenr.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Jater?" Thari makes the name a question and while speaking it glances over to Frarin. "Thank you Warven," the smaller dwarf says while gripping the pint.
"And Zarah." There is a hesitance. Thari's eyes focus on both of the humans, and a small nod of the head is given to them at last.
[<#22296>] "
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin does give a nod of acknowledgement to Warven when the stonewright introduces the two humans, but he is silent thereafter as he looks back to them. They might perhaps notice a quiet, sharp breath when Zarah speaks to her husband in a language unknown to the dwarves at the table. It is not perhaps of surprise, but thoughtful nonetheless. Pursing his lips, he grunts to himself, glances at Thari, and suddenly becomes very absorbed in his mug of ale.
Jater's lips curl in a smile as Zarah whispers to him. "
[Warven(#26511)]
Hearing the slim woman speak to her Jater and not understanding a word of it Warven shakes his head and says "Like I was saying, Jater here says he can find buyers for all of our goods at good prices, and something about five percent." Picking up his pint of ale he takes a long drink and says "isn't that right Jater." Picking up his helm and setting it upon the table he sets his WarHammer upon his lap and begins wiping it off with a soft cloth.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari studies Zarah and Jater as they whisper among themselves. Another glance at Frarin. The dwarf's frown deepens. "Five percent for what?" A small sip of ale is taken, and right after that Thari inspects the cup closely.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Buyers for all our goods?" Frarin says abruptly, looking up from his rapt attention to his drink. "That's generous," he says, straightening now in his chair. "Though I'd say I've turned a tidy profit on my own already. How much better can you do, Master Jater?" As he speaks, he eyes the man and his wife with a keen look and his fingers drum absently on the table top.
"Seven percent," Jater reiterates, "though your kin said 8 percent. You'll find noone in the city who will broker your goods for 5 percent, unless you want to rob your cousin," he grins quickly toward Braldor. "And yes, you might sell your goods at first, but if you want long-term trade, then you need a trade broker. Someone who will smooth things with the guild and ensure that local merchants stock your items and not a competitor's. And by paying me 7 percent of the profits, you are certain that your goods will continue to sell here." Jater returns the dwarf's look with one of his own, but his expression is pleasant.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari sets the mug down and leans back with arms folded over the beard. Jater is treated with a firm frown. "There isn't a competitor for dwarf-made goods. They wouldn't stock a man's wares over a dwarf's. Folk will always seek out the goods made by our people."
[Warven(#26511)]
Looking to Jater Warven takes another drink of his ale, and smiles as he hears Thari's words and adds in "No goods are better than ours" Pulling his pipe out of his mouth he sets it upon the table and begins tapping it a bit before letting it rest and going back to wiping down his WarHammer.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Aye," Frarin nods, now leaning forward as if growing more interested in the conversation. "But to set up a regular trade between the Lonely Mountain and here would involve more than finding the appropriate markets, aye?" He pauses to take a sip from his ale. "The roads aren't growing any safer in these recent years. Is there incentive enough? If the best deal we can find is seven percent?"
"Well..." Jater grins again, and the skin on his face stretches thin once more. He pulls over a chair and sits, patting his leg for Zarah to join him if she will. "Now that's a whole different matter, setting up regular trading caravans. We would need to arrange some sort of agreement to make sure the goods traveled safely. And of course, the longer term the agreement, the more...mutually beneficial the terms of the arrangement."
[Thari(#31038)]
"How... mutually beneficial?" Thari asks, speaking directly to Jater. "In terms of numbers?"
[Mara(#22296)] Moving carefully and gracefully, Zarah settles herself on Jater's leg where he patted and leans in towards him, a smile on her face. She watches the dwarves, a careful expression on her face.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Well in any case, Master Jater," Frarin says, sighing and almost amused as he leans back into his chair, "I wouldn't waste your time trying to win me over. I was merely curious for the sake of curiosity, but I have no plans to form a trade route here into the east." He glances at Thari when the other dwarf speaks.
Jater leans forward, kissing the back of Zarah's neck and murmuring to her. "
[Warven(#26511)]
Hearing the words of Jater Warven picks up his pint of ale and drains it completely once more then says "He is right, even if we wanted to set up a trade route. It is too far, and the roads are not safe enough..."
[<#22296>] The slim woman purrs softly and them smiles apologetically, her whispered voice taking on the tone of the sort of secrets lovers share in bed. "
Jater laughs lightly, nodding his head to Zarah's words and then explainign to the dwarves, "my wife says that if you are not willing to set up regular trade, she would be glad to work with you to find the highest bidder for your goods while you are here. As a sign of our commitment to improving trade in Buhr Mahrling."
[Thari(#31038)]
"I was only asking about the terms for this hypothetical trade route," Thari answers Jater briskly, arms tightening over the beard.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin is leaning comfortably back into his chair now, the mildly amused look still lingering on his face, as if he thinks himself cleverer than the two humans before them. He shakes his head and a keen smile. "No no, I am doing well enough on my own. Though my thanks, m'lady," he adds, nodding to the woman, though his appreciative nod is not necessarily kind. Thari, on the other hand, receives a sharp look from Frarin before he looks back to his ale again.
"Ah.." Jater licks his lips and stares at Thari. "Well, it wouldn't be 7 percent, obviously, but we would have to sit down and negotiate better terms. Since it would be a longer-term and riskier arrangement. But, say, a year, for 1 percent. If you provided protection for your own wagons. Still, the road from the Lonely MOuntain to Dale can't be that dangerous, aye? So half of the trip, at least, is easy."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Mm," Thari says in a noncommital manner. "Of course we would provide our own protection." The shorter dwarf meets Frarin's sharp gaze. "I will take that under consideration."
"It's all highly theoretical, of course," Jater nods. "And it would have to be approved by the Trade Guild, obviously. But there is no harm in discussing these things, no?" The man smiles thinly. "Is that what brought you to Buhr Mahrling, then? trade?"
[Frarin(#31050)] "No harm," Frarin adds gruffly, looking up again. "No harm at all. Aye, we are here for trade mostly. What do you do for a living, Master Jater? Or do you live solely by arranging trade routes with foreigners?"
"Trade broker," Jater answers. "As I told Master Warven. Why do you ask?" He looks between the dwarves here.
--scene faded due to RL killing us all--
Players: Warven,Braldor,Frarin,Thari,Zarah,Mara,Jater,Co
