Ely edit 6 Nov 2021:
1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.
Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : o
Length bonus +1-2 qps : o
Summary: +1 qps : x
Total: 4 qps, Divya also awarded
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A log where Callesa finally gets promising eyes and ears against her former captor.
Point of view: Callesa
Main characters: Callesa and Divya
....................
The Tremalking Splice
The room is dim and filled with pungent tabac smoke. Off in the dark
corners, a group of people can be seen squatting down on the ground.
Only muttering and repeated clattering of dice emanate out from the
corner, otherwise everyone in here seems to keep to themselves. Those
sitting at tables in the center and others at the bar seem intent on
drinking as much as possible.
A small sign hangs from the wall.
[ obvious exits: N ]
A long wooden table offers room for patrons.
A woman wearing a drawn hood walks by here.
Mistress Divya Arionos is standing here.
A gleeman is here, playing a lute.
A young Ogier wanders here, eyes alert.
A sullen man is hunched over a tankard, sipping his ale.
A bartender serves customers with a greedy smile.
A merchant guard eyes you warily, intent on keeping order.
A merchant guard eyes you warily, intent on keeping order.
Divya lowers herself with a creak of armor.
Divya looks at you.
Callesa sips her wine.
You say 'Good evening, Mistress Divya, thank you for coming.'
Divya smiles thinly.
Divya says 'Hello, Aes Sedai.'
Divya sets her mug down on the table before you.
You say 'I'm very impressed with the recent growth and activities of your Guild, and have had the pleasure to deal with various of its members.'
Divya says 'What can I do for you?'
You say 'I have a .... business proposition for you.'
Divya nods along.
Callesa watches you carefully, as if judging your reactions
Divya says 'I do love a good business proposition, what do you have to offer?'
You say 'All of your colleagues are indeed solid merchants, some of them rather adventurous. But I am looking for someone a bit more apt for this trade.'
You say 'Well, gold, tar valon marks, and as an added value another tie with the White Tower.'
You say 'You use your influence and money to help Kandor in the battle against the Shadow, and we have that goal in common.'
The Woodendoor closes quietly.
Divya looks over her shoulder.
You say 'I am willing to discuss the price and make it well worth your while, if the service provided is really of the expected quality.'
Divya says 'And what is it you're looking for from me?'
You say 'Information.'
You say 'I need information about a certain noble, who runs various businesses. Some legal, some more suspicious, some including smuggling.'
You say 'I suspect that merchants may be better informed about a competitor or partner, than the tax collectors or servants. And would be less bribeable.'
Divya clicks her tongue and nods.
Divya says 'What business do Aes Sedai have in that?'
You say 'What I am looking for are the trades, and above all the business partners of this person. Who supplies them, who buys from them.'
You nod at her.
You say 'The person has commited crimes against the White Tower. I am looking for proves and for ties to their associates.'
You say 'We are talking about a very possible darkfriend, whose activities may put many in danger.'
Divya stares at the wall above your head for a moment, considering.
You say 'I would ask more specifically about some kinds of trade, but I suspect some of the shady business may be covered by something innocent too, like Cairhienin Wine.'
Callesa sips white wine from her glass
Divya picks up her mug and takes a sip.
Divya says 'So you want to know what Lord Meneril is up to?'
You say 'No, not lord Meneril'
Callesa laughs quietly.
You say 'Her name is Gevarha Velandi, she is a minor noble with a huge mansion near the village of Tremonsien.'
Divya chuckles politely.
You say 'And I am already showing a lot of trust by naming her.'
Divya smiles briefly.
Divya says 'Aye, Gev. Throws a pretty raucous dinner party.'
You nod in agreement.
You smile at her.
You say 'Yes, she has quite a lot of friends.'
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
You say 'Have you attended many of her parties?'
Divya says 'And you have reason to believe that she's the center of some anti-Tower sentiment...interesting.'
Divya lifts her fingers one at a time until she is out of fingers.
Divya says 'You could say that.'
Callesa frowns. "I have serious reasons, otherwise I would ask this of you"
Divya says 'I hear you. Hm.'
Divya rolls her fingertips on the table.
Divya says 'I've no animosity with the Tower, would be bad for business.'
You say 'Some of the people digging in her affairs have disappeared. Including a tax collector that refused a bribe.'
Divya says 'How Cairhienian.'
You nod in agreement.
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Callesa shows you a portrait of a handsome man
You say 'Would you happen to have seen this man around her?'
You say 'The portrait was made based on the memory of a few witnesses, so it may not be exact.'
Divya regards the small resemblance.
You say 'This is the kind of information I am looking for.'
You say 'Business ties, acquitances, friends. Enemies.'
Divya says 'That man does look familiar, yes.'
Divya says 'Though I'm not sure that I can say I've seen him in her proximity.'
You nod in agreement.
Divya leans back in her chair, you can hear coins jingle in her pouch.
You say 'How about 200 crowns as an advance payment, and the rest based on quality of information?'
Divya shrugs slightly.
You say 'Do you accept my proposition?'
Divya nods in agreement.
You give her 200 crowns.
Divya bites a crown.
You nod at her.
A bartender puts some coins in a small purse.
A hooded woman leaves north.
You say 'Then I am glad we understand each other.'
A hooded woman has arrived from the north.
Divya stops resting, and clambers on her feet.
Divya closes the Woodendoor.
Divya nods in agreement.
You say 'Just remember, this person is dangerous.'
Divya says 'Indeed. I'll need your assurance that this matter stays private.'
You say 'She must not suspect you of being a threat.'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'I expect the same from you.'
You say 'I realize that this information getting out may put both your health and your reputation in danger.'
You say 'We might need a cover for meeting and communication.'
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Divya says 'Indeed...what do you propose?'
You say 'Kandori jewelry is popular among the Sisters, and a good present. I think we can claim you to be my supplier.'
You say 'And after all, if you've got pieces to sell, I may really be interested.'
You smile at her.
You say 'Not a single word that wouldn't be true.'
Divya says 'It need not be, no. That seems like a fair cover.'
You say 'Then it is settled.'
Divya nods once and offers her hand to you.
Callesa accepts and shakes your hand
You say 'I am looking forward to your reports.'
Callesa stands up
You say 'May the Light protect you on your journey.'