A Ship is Secured for the Expedition

[Amanita Vernia]

The Pirate, Brinlar, gives his oath to help the Merchant

~ The light of Tor-tu-Gor beats down upon the tall muscular pirate as he traverses the busy Schendian streets, heading in the direction of the dwelling of the woman he has found out leads this jungle expedition he was recruited for. passing kajirae smile shyly as the incredibly handsome Cosian gives them a cursory glance and a brief smile. The Street leading outside the city thins of traffic as he nears his destination. Pausing he eyes the impressive building, then he steps to the entryway and grins at the guardsmen stationed on either side~ Inform the Mistress of the house Lugo of Bazi is here..

Silenti... it's once white shell wore a light green hue as the rays of Tor-tu-Gor shone down upon her walls. It was on the outer rim of Schendi, near the staked fence that kept whatever dangers on the other side at bay, but not completely out. It was a boarder between civilized and un... or at least that is how those on the inside viewed it. The merchant herself might of fit in better on the other side of the stakes. Outside the house two men met eyes with the traveler. A number of additions had come to the house after Thaddaus spread word through the rooming houses and taverns that Silenti was in search of hiring muscle. Brinlar looked to fit that bill being of large stature, but few were told the house was lead by a woman. Most believed Arculeius to be the owner for good reasons. "You are here for the guardsman position, Sir?" one of the two men asked. They were guards after all, not submissive.

I am here at the request of one called Arculeius, and will address my business with the one in charge..not hired swords..~ A gleam in those silver grays along with a rakish smile flashing teeth white and even, his insult deliberate to gauge their initial reactions, one way to judge an employer is to test the mettle of their hirelings~


The guardsman glanced from the corner of his eye to the other, then back to the pirate. He was not quick to answer, acting as if he might refuse him, but the mention of the dark one's name did grant the man some leeway. "You may address him, but you will need to leave your weapons with us. You will not need them to converse and shall have them returned to you when you depart or on orders from Arculeius himself." The man's shoulders were stiff, spine straight as a board and hand ready at the end of his sword. There had already been two attacks on the house which kept the guards on their toes even if they were merely hired hands. Loyalty was one thing, not wanting to be slaughtered by men who apparently thought the merchant possessed something worth dying or killing for... it made even hirelings strict. "Have you any problem with that, Sir?"

~ chuckling , he grins as the mans hand rests upon his weapon and nods, having expected no less, his scabbard handed over, along with his brace of daggers and his snake whip~ See that they are returned as given...I am particular about my weapons being handled by underlings.. of course..many passings have taught him one thing....where weapons may not be carried, it is well to carry weapons, so..he does not relinquish the thin dagger residing inside his left boot~

The second man reached to take the weapons while the first remained on guard giving the man a nod. "As you request, Sir." The gates would then be opened for him to pass through with a clear shot through to the front door of the house. A kajira inside would receive the man guiding him through the first hall and a room designed for waiting guests just as Brinlar was. Deeper in the house one could find the merchant taking her tea in what was a rare moment of silence. Arculeius had not joined her as a silent protest to her choice of keeping the man beside her alive. He thought she had been bit by madness, but that was no longer a rare occurrence for her. The girl who left Lugo of Bazi in the front room had come swiftly into the room making no parade about it in front of the free woman and told of the guest. Just as swiftly she would move back out after being ordered to retrieve the man.

~ Brinlar's keen eyes miss little as he peruses his surroundings, noting the plush tapestries hanging on the walls and the well placed furniture in the waiting parlor, a bit dated are some pieces but in pristine condition. He looks up as the kajira reenters and respectfully bids him to follow her , which he does , his gaze casually moving about , assessing the expensive trappings that are tastefully placed along their route~


Within the walls of that ante-chamber off the hall, one man was having a time with a small matter of clothing...or the lack there-of, really. The sparse garments of rough white did cover the necessities, though the man within them had to fight tooth and nail with one of the Kajir' for even that much...The result, was a simple white vest with a tail fore' and back that touched down to the ankles, bound tight to him by the wrap of rough strips of that cloth 'round the waist...The problem, was that was all it was. And it left quite a bit open to interpretation at that. Knelt at the foot of a dais, bound by the thick ring of Turian collar-steel and heavy chainlink to the floor, he was left to just do his damnedest at tucking the fore'cloth to keep himself discreet. The pulling-back of his hair for the tie was hardly an issue anymore, thankfully, but still, he looked at the woman whose feet he'd be knelt at for...some time to come, now. And while the urge to use some choice words struck, then were as-swiftly swallowed with an eye of the rows of 'hirelings' that ran the walls to either side. Taking a breath, he blanked that visage, murmuring to himself as the doors opened. What, exactly, was for him alone...But with a tuck of bound wrists to his lap, he waited, staring blankly ahead for the time-being, with a take-all-in gaze.

Receiving a stranger with no guards in sight was far from proper etiquette for a free woman, but discussing her business maters in front of a dozen ears did not suit the woman either. With the slave girl's departure she also signaled for the men to leave as well. Venor would stay, but she hardly trusted him to act as a guard for her. Arculeius would more than likely be close enough and acting as a shadow. Even if he was too angry at the woman for her stubborn nature, he didn't wish to see her harmed. The girl had opened the two doors long enough for Brinlar, or Lugo of Bazi as he was going by, to enter. A small bow gave, then closing the door with herself on the other side. This left the male slave in the position to serve if the man required. Amanita didn't rise from her seat, the thick robes covering her figure stayed perfectly still as she tilted her head towards the pirate taking him in with a short spell of silence before breaking it. "Lugo of Bazi.... that is the name you prefer?" She paused to hear his answer, then continued. "I am Amanita Silenti, welcome to my home. Come sit, we have matters to discuss."

~ boots echo off the polished floors as he follows the sweetly curved kajira, stepping past her once the doors are opened , he pauses once inside the spacious antechamber, those piercing silver-flecked gray eyes of his turning in the direction of the robed woman and the kneeling kajirus, a flicker of distaste passing for the briefest of ihns in his eyes. Three long strides brings him abreast of her, and he turns to her, sweeping his arm low and bowing, a charming smile gifted her, and he replies to her greeting in kind~ Tal, Lady Merchant..I am he known here as Lugo of Bazi, aye..and am here for exactly that..to discuss further the speakings of your man Arculeius...

Arculeius...Where was the man, anyway? That far-and-away peer, came to a slight stutter as those blues flicked about the walls of the room they resided in, trying to figure where that shadow might lay...Fruitless, really, since he couldn't move for a glance behind, but soon-enough that curious browse of the eyes rested on the pirate, soaking the man in under a knit of brows that seemed constant, as he set his shoulders back into the dais to ease the tension on his back.

A pirate with a charming smile... that was enough to put the woman on alert, though her defenses were never visible enough to catch. She was reserved in her own expressions, at least for the moment, giving a gentle nod when the man announced himself. She my of been suspect that it was a fake, but she wouldn't blurt such nonsense out without proof. "Tal to you, Lugo... and yes, it seems Arculeius spoke enough to spike your curiosity and bring you to my doorstep. Shall I have the boy bring you something to drink or eat... or would you rather skip straight to the point of discussion?" She kept her eyes on the pirate though that simple word, boy, would be driven like a nail through the ears of man beside her. Even the concealed Arculeius had no idea how cruel she was being keeping this man in the place she had chosen, at her delicate feet.

[Amanita Vernia]

~ unobtrusively he critiques her, noting her unaltering expression, although a subtle yet evident change in her posture is caught ,it seems his fabled charm will not work with this woman, akin to TaSheera in that respect.~ Aye..your mans introduction did pique my curiosity. and no..I do not accept service from kajirus..but thank you for asking. ~ his eyes narrow just a bit, and he continues~ I appreciate your bisque manner regarding business..so..aye..let us get down to brass tacks. ~ the coin pouch Arculeius left him is removed from his side and tossed at her feet, narrowly missing the kneeling male slave~ I do not accept bribes, you might inform Arculeius of that when next you speak to him ~ of course..he is almost certain her guard is within earshot, but..he will feign ignorance for the ehn~

Casting an eye aside to the pouch that rattled to the steps, he almost grunted at the accusation...But, far be it from him to make judgements as-such. Still, relieved to hear that he wouldn't indeed be getting up and wandering about in services, he exhaled, shutting his eyes for the time-being as his chin tipped to the fore', and he took to resting his shoulders from that wide set. Maybe he'd afford a nap...

Again she offered him a seat, though it was a silent gesture with her hand instead of mouth, pointing to the place across from her. The heavy pouch dropped near her feet was not picked up, but she did glance down towards it stealing a glimpse of Venor at the same time. She could feel the angst in his exhale, but saw that he was doing better to behave himself than even she had predicted. Time was allowed for Lugo to settle himself, she wasn't going to turn this into a tea time chat, but she wouldn't crane her neck through the conversation no matter how brief. "Then I will expect you not to take bribes from any other once you are hired. Arculeius has told you that I require your ship, crew and services to go up the Nyoka River.... yes? Canoes will be needed once we get further into the swamps and at least one man who can read a map and guide us through."

~not wanting to appear confrontational, he moves to the offered seat and sinks to sit cross-legged, resting forearms on his knees he shifts into a comfortable position and eyes her, any pretense of charm, wether genuine or feigned absent from his countenance, he is all business~ My ship is still in Dry dock, undergoing repairs..my crew? gone..shipped out on other vessels, other than my 1st and 2nd mates and my ships carpenter, who are loyal. I do not accept bribes..Period, Lady..so that is not a matter of further concern. Now...I am assuming what we speak of within these walls will be kept in confidence, aye?


Turning his eye somewhat to perk a dark brow at the pirate in that curiously...pigment query, he simply tucked his tongue out lightly to set his teeth to, and lightly bite at it before he pulled it away, and settled his head back along the edge of the dais. "This one only resides in the company of his Mistress, Master Lugo. He knows better than to tempt disobedience." Perhaps it was out-of-place, but he'd speak for himself on that matter at the very least.

An eye would go to Venor before she could exchange her own words with the man, perhaps he was acting a part for both their benefit, because she could hardly believe that Venor Silenti... even if he had forgotten that to be his name, could ever be so obedient a beast. Her tongue stroked over the inside of her lips with a pause, then adjusting her gaze back to the pirate. "These walls do not talk to any outside of them... they do listen, as do I. Speak to me if you can provide what is needed.... I don't care to hear the details that your ship is being repaired or that most your men have gone to others, those are matters to discuss with Arculeius. What I wish to know is if you will be able to provide me with a vessel that floats and enough men to get me where I want to go. I wouldn't think you would of come here today if those were not within your reach.... Sir."

~ Casting a cold eye upon the kajirus,he bites back his comment and then reveals to her his true identity~ I am not Lugo of Bazi..I am Brinlar Sevarii, sleen of Cos..Reaver of Thassa...wether you know of me or no..many others do. so..while in Schendi..I go by Lugo of the Merchant Caste. As for providing a ship? I would have to acquire a river galley, as my ramship could not traverse the shallows of the river. That..will not be a problem..what I want to know is if I provide all you require..and more..what will be my cut of this treasure spoken of around the taverns in hushed whispers? It seems you are embarking on a quest fraught with unknown dangers... ~ his smile one of confidence and arrogance~ I thrive on such danger..but.. I am no hired lackey..if a bargain can be struck to our mutual satisfaction, I will swear my sword to your endeavor..and..the word of Brinlar of cos is without reproach..~ he eyes her to decipher her reaction to his admission of identity~

Perking a brow somewhat in his languor, he chuckled...Low and quiet, before he explained his slight mirth. "An honorable Pirate...If a boy may speak in his Mistress' interest, what guarantee can the Master make that would hold him from simply killing this-one's Mistress when the bounty is found? Or that the Master has not turned down Her generous payment of coin for His cooperation, because another has paid more handsomely? Forgive this boy for his rudeness, but knowing the pride Pirates take in their vassals, perhaps an Oath on the Woman of the Thassa would be more binding to His honor?" And he cracked an eye, keeping that faint smile just that, while he watched the man's knee.

For the first time since his arrival the woman appeared to be smiling, facade or not, it came to her lips as she heard the name. She may not of known it first hand, but any man revealed as a sleen would have her appreciation. She dipped her lips into her mouth once again to wet them in thought, perhaps dividing the amounts equally between the larger parties or just pretending to do so. It was likely that Arculeius had already decided just how much of a cut this man would have... but leave it to the merchant to be the more greedy one. At the opening of her lips she heard sound, but it wasn't her voice, she did not speak so deeply, but that of the boy beside her. Rather than cut him off she allowed his point to be made, perhaps shocked that Venor could recall a pirate over his own sister.... that memory of his was crueler than a thousand betrayals, but she held back her own feelings and established eye contact with the newest man in the room, Brinlar Sevarii, the sleen of Cos. "My slave is not dim-witted even if he isn't benign enough to request to speak. Still.... I would like to know how you answer to that before I decide what share you would be worth."

~ a mocha-hued brow is raised as the kajirus questions him like a freeman, his voice like steel~ Boy..have a care...~then he looks at Amanita, ~ I do not dismiss the abilities of any woman..Sheera has seen to that.......but when one allows her slave to question me without reprimand, it does not in still confidence. Besides..what guarantees do I have that myself, my woman and men will not be "expendable" once you achieve your goals? ~ a dangerous flash in those sliver grays as he slants a brief look at the kajirus then back to Amanita~ I am no Rarius..but my honor is mine..however skewered it may be. I propose an oath of fellowship , all parties agreeing to terms, or..I will simply will take my leave, and you will be hard pressed to find one of my abilities. and...~he smiles without humor` trust me..I have made it my living to avert death..

He shut his eye as he pondered wether to interject again...But, this time, he found no cause to speak. And no cause to rile the man further, either. So he kept his silence, biting his tongue.

She remained calm, not applying any discipline to the slave, nor showing him any favor. Her expression was quite blank compared to the riled pirate. "If you are displeased with the slave you may discipline as you like, Sir... but I not ordered him mute. He raised a good point that should not intimidate a pirate with enough honor to swear by his ship on agreeable terms." She swallowed in a deep breath, still remaining quite easy going and even letting a brief smile come to her mouth. "As for my own guarantees... I am a woman who has no boundaries of honor to fall under, but I am also a merchant and within my caste we obey our contracts. I'll offer you a fifth of whatever we find to share among yourself and crew. I have other investors.... but if we discover what I believe to be in the jungles, I doubt any will need to worry about the size of their share being too little." Her chin titled down, but her eyes remained high and focused on the man waiting to see if he would accept the bait. It was no trap, but any who knew of the merchant would wonder if she was keeping more hidden. "As for your ability to avert death.... there are going to be enough dangers to worry about without us at each other's throats."

[Amanita Vernia]

~ Taking a deep breath, he exhales slowly, calming himself, his next words spoken in even tones~ I have already agreed to swear , be it by sword or by my ship, if you like. You claim your caste contracts as binding..shall I consider all others under your scope to uphold that as my men would my oath? ~ he pauses, searching her eyes for any sign of dishonesty, then continues~ I seek this for more than treasure..the thrill of danger and exploration of the unknown are also prevailing factors in my interests here. I can easily garner treasures on Thassa, with much more security than this venture you embark upon.

He was skating thin ice, but her grunted, shortly, to himself. "A woman, her guard, and a slave, under the care of Master's men and means. Much more secure than even a serpent-ship manned by a half-wit, if a Boy may point out, Master. My Mistress' trust would rest more on you than Master's on Her, if the bounty is found."

When searched her eyes did not reveal any trait of dishonesty, at least not as far as an oath to share the profits was concerned. Amanita was a merchant with her share of greed trait, but she was just as much of a thrill seeker as the pirate. Venor on the other hand, he not only sought thrills in the jungle, but wished to change death right in the antechamber by calling the pirate a half-wit. Her eyes were on him, but she would not show her feathers to be ruffled. "It seems I was wrong about the slave's wit, he has lost brain with memory if he believes it is place to taunt my business partner. Excuse his lacking, he will be beaten tonight and perhaps gagged until he learns better." It was not swift discipline, but the problem was addressed and the more important matter of the treasure was again brought to the forefront.

~again he eyes the kajirus with disdain and controlled fury, he must be new to his collar to speak without permission without fear of his own well being, and he pointedly ignores him and addresses Amanita once again~ A fifth, if the treasure is as you say, is acceptable to me. I will offer you my oath before I depart then. ~ his fist clenched tightly and pressed over his heart~ I, Brinlar Sevari, of Cos, swear to honor my commitment to this quest by the sails of the quietus, her oars..her planking and masts...may she founder on Thassa if I break this oath made here today, to you and yours My men will heed my oath as well, or they will die..~ he looks down at the kajirus and adds one more statement the flickering of dangerous fires revealed in his piercing eyes~ Boy..if you ever disrespect me again..I will cut out your tongue and eat it with a goblet of ta wine while you watch...

He stiffened somewhat...And...eased, yet again, rocking higher in his kneel, to bow his head over further. "This boy has only spoken in his Mistress' interest, Master. This boy...apologizes, for any slights he may have made." And he settled for that peer at the far wall.

It did not matter that a pirates oath meant little to a merchant, it was the fact that it meant something to him that carried weight with her. She gave what could be a respectable smile and nod to his words. Venor's were a little late to get him out of the beating, delivered by stronger hands than hers, but perhaps they would subtract a few licks. "I will have papers drawn to guarantee your fifth.... and expect you to be ready in a hands time. I wish to get moving, we have a long and dangerous route ahead and need to move while the weather cooperates. It was well meeting you Binlar Sevarri."


~ rising to his feet, he nods to her~ I am residing at the Schendian Inn..and I will procure a river galley with the shipwright that repairs the Quietus, and as for maps? I can read them without effort..~ he bows to her~ I wish you well, Lady amanita~with that, he turns to the exit, long strides carry him out , down the corridor and to the entryway, where he retrieves his weapons from the guards and heads off down the street towards the inner city~

Once the pirate left the room the woman's attention veered towards the slave. Alone with him, mostly, she leaned back a little further no longer keeping her shoulders as rigid and letting her head tilt to the side. "Tell me Venor...does it help you feel less weak to taunt a man of less sharp mind than you or do you do so simply to remind me that you are in the room?"

He settled back into that relaxed pose, as he slid his legs out from beneath him, sighing. "Neither, woman, since I'm neither weak nor easily ignored...But I had my own questions of the man, and you never would have asked them." He turned his head somewhat, frowning. "You know, I still feel he'll try gutting you before I figure out all you have to tell."

There was a light gasp of air extinguished from her lungs, pressed through her nostrils in a snort. She was less guarded with him, but that did not mean she was at ease. "It's not the questions that you have lashings to come for... it's calling him a half-wit. We both know you did it to irritate him and call more attention to yourself." She saw his frown, but did not believe for a second that he would mourn her in any way, only the information she had locked away. "You will figure out what I know in time.... it seems you remembered the name of Brinlar the sleen of Cos... but not mine?"

Grunting yet-again, he shook his head with a sigh. "This...Cosian, I know nothing of, Woman. I only know pirates as a general thing. Honor isn't something you come across in them. But if it makes you jealous, then by all means." And he turned an upturned brow to her, frowning darkly. "And, I didn't call him a half-wit...I mocked him. The jest was, that he thought we were more dangerous to take on, than his Thassan ventures. Even a half-wit in command of a serpent-ship is more dangerous than a woman, her guard, and a 'slave'," he sneered, shaking his head.

"You think so... hm?" Now she was the one speaking in a mocking tone knowing it's bite would be much more effective than arguing with the slave over whom was jealous. His efforts at clarifying the lack of danger the pirate had to worry about showed either great deal of foresight or his own ignorance. "You've not changed, even when you were no taller than you are kneeling now, you had enough ego to fill four full grown men." Now she was telling him something he might be able to fit together with all the other pieces... she knew him as a child. "Your pride and ego have no more room to grow, not in the body of a slave. Clear the table and wait in the kitchen for the guards to fetch you. I have heard all I wish from you today." She left her cup on the table and moved towards the same door the pirate had gone through. There was still enough day left to head to the markets if she actually decided to leave the house for a change.