A Meeting of Minds

Elára, Quimellë of the the White Hart Tavern, decides to pay a visit to the Goose

Fellsgard is the foundation of Khy'eras' history and through reconstruction, it is now a vibrant and lively city. People reside here due to mild climate, opportunities, and safety and stability. Adventures often start from Fellsgard. Read more...
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Elára Vëa
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A Meeting of Minds

Post by Elára Vëa »

It was wise to dress unremarkable, in a city like Fellsgard; she might be Lady of the Hart, but there was no need to bring that to the guards' attention.

Flanked by two young Elves, both dressed in simple shirts and boots, Quimellë Elára stepped inside the Goose.

She had never been here before; the old elf woman had never seen any reason to; she was not their standard clientele, and her duties kept her busy. But today she had to perform one of those duties; protect her own.

As a server passed her, giving her and her companions a quizzical look, Elára inclined her head. "Excuse me. I am here to speak to ... the Cook." she wasn't sure how his title should be used. "If you would be so kind as to tell me him that Lady Elára of the White Hart wishes to converse, I would be most grateful."

As the girl moved off, Elára stood and looked over the patrons. She was so used to seeing only Elves that she raised a brow in interest. Beside her, the men were tense. "Oh, behave." She said, irritably. "In places like this, etiquette is important. Neither of you are likely to get stabbed ... probably." She turned her eyes back to the room with some amusement. They might all die today! But she wouldn't go out without a sense of humour, despite what people might say about her.
Word count: 242
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"What is it? I am very busy and important."
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by The Unreliable Narrator »

The staff noticed the Elves shortly after they had entered. Not because Elves were strange in the Goose, it takes all kinds to fill the tables, but because they seemed to be acting like an envoy and stood around oddly. Charlotte was the first to pass close enough to get a request and she offered a nod to the tall woman who clearly led her small band. The mousey woman dipped into the butchery and informed Robert before moving upstairs to collect Cook and Deborah. In short order she returned downstairs and informed the Elven woman.

“If you’ll follow me please, we have a private area,” she said, offering her usual smile and turning to lead them upstairs to the secluded meeting tables. The space was plush with heavy carpet and separated by additional walls from the remainder of the common and semi-private areas. Inside, four smaller partitions divided larger round tables with comfortable chairs.

Once they were seated she looked around the table before locking eyes with the clear leader. “Can I get you folks anything, we have all sorts of wine, even stocks from Ajteire that won’t tear the coin purse,” Charlotte said with a small smile.

As she waited for a reply Deborah appeared with Robert in tow. The stocky woman moved to take a chair opposite one of the companion Elves and Robert did much the same. They left the middle seat open between them and offered polite nods to their table company. A breath later and Cook came around the corner. He was a large and intimidating man. Appearing more at home working the docks than running an inn. His muscled skin was swarthy and his bald head gleamed with a light sheen of sweat. Beneath a heavily stained chef's linens his body was covered in tattoos.

His features were somewhat muted, though there was a faint smile on his face as he moved up to the edge of the table and offered a small bow. “Good day to you, Quimellë. I’ve heard much about you from many people. I promise all of it was impressive,” he said before settling into the open chair. His voice was soft but powerful, with a scratchy undertone like rocks sat in his throat that could likely be the scar tissue on the right of his neck. “As I’m certain you’ve surmised, I am The Cook, and members of the Hart are always welcome. Know that if you are here on official business I extend my protections until you leave. What can I do for you and yours today?”
Word count: 435
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Elára Vëa
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by Elára Vëa »

Elára requested a small cup of brandy; the two men said nothing, nor did she even give them leave to have anything. It was clear that she held absolute authority over her escorts.

The old Elf took a seat gratefully, and at the Cook's words, her mouth quirked in a small smile. "And you have quite the tongue of silver, to compliment an old woman so." She nodded her head. "But since I get so few, I will gladly take it."

As the small cup of liquid was set in front of her, Elára took a sip and cocked her head to the Cook. "This is good! I might have to poach your supplier!" Her demeanour was still severe; she had lived this was for hundreds of years, but she spoke to him as an equal. There was no hint in superiority in her voice.

"I come because I must," she said, putting her cup back down. Her eyes looked up to him; there was a respect there ... one that might have surprised many people at the Kelbé! "It seems those that work for us, or under us ... however you might describe it ... have quarrelled. I am led to believe your own man; a former affiliate of the Hart; Artemis Black, has invoked the Goose as part of his grevience. Predictably, Katarya Frost has done the same; asking for - and being granted - the full protection of the White Hart of Fellsguard." She sighed. "This puts us at odds, I'm afraid. And I was hoping that we - not as children given to such wilful passions - can arrange the mange with peace and dignity ... something I feel is lost on the youth of today. We both represent prominent institutions - I have nothing but respect for your position. I hope you can afford me the same, Mister Cook."
Word count: 312
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by The Unreliable Narrator »

The large man gave Elára a knowing nod. “Good luck, she’s a particularly testy dwarf,” he said to her appreciation for the brandy. When she spoke of Artemis and Katarya Cook frowned, the expression severe on his broad stony face.

“Artemis Black is no employee of mine, though he is under my protection. I know of Katarya Frost, and did receive the banishment. A very serious matter that, not something done lightly, particularly not for the boy,” he said after a thought, letting his features fade back into neutral. Beside him Deborah narrowed her eyes and snapped them from elf to elf, though her mouth stayed perfectly neutral. Robert seemed tensed to act, but remained largely impassive.

“The Menagerie has no quarrel with the Hart, but I take it from your words he is no longer welcome to your establishment. Did you speak to him before this?” Cook said, placing his arms onto the table spread just apart. It was a recognized sign of the lack of weapons. “You must understand, he claims he was directly attacked, that the woman now under your protection destroyed an irreplaceable heirloom. The only piece I know the boy has like that is his mother’s earring. Do you know anything at all about this?” Cook shook his head slightly. "I only ask because Katarya Frost swore an oath of her own volition to not do anything to me or my family, or to anyone who is under my protection, or in my care. Oaths are very serious things to us, as I am sure they are to you."
Word count: 267
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Elára Vëa
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by Elára Vëa »

The older woman listened gravely, nodding as Cook spoke.

"Katarya has very forthright - most unbecoming oh her - she explained she tried to reverse the spell ..." the older woman hled up her hand in a placating manner. "I know this does little do placate Mr. Black."

The Elf took another sip of the burning liquid, setting it down, then folding her hands. "What I hope to gain, from this meeting, Mr. Cook, is that we can let children be children. You are right; Katarya holds a rank ... contested by many, but granted nonetheless, that entitles her to the full protection of the Hart. Should she come afoul of anything ... anything directed towards her would be seen as an attack on the Kelbá and the Elves of Fellsgard as they stand. Mr Black has invoked the name of your own establishment, so we can only respond in kind, provided that we two ... older and maybe wiser ... cannot come to an understanding; to let the children irk out their strife without pitting one place against another. Jilted lovers should not take precedent over the care and protection we provide to those who need us. I so very much hope you will agree." She took another sip, and tipped her glass to him after she has spoken.

All she could do now was wait for his response.
Word count: 225
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by The Unreliable Narrator »

Cook sighed softly. “You must know yourself that all magic is not the same. Were I to take that brandy from you and fill the cup with water would you find satisfaction?” he asked her, a tilt to his mouth. “As for action against Katarya Frost a third party will seek the damages. A pittance really, a mere two gold for the failure of contract on violation of sworn terms. There will be no other action against her, the Menagerie is not in the business of seeking vengeance when coin is acceptable.”

Deborah pulled out a notebook and jotted down information quickly. “She also owes,” Cook thought for a moment, “three favors I believe, that cannot be completed. She promised a Terrance Khadar two favors for combat assistance, and Robert Jenn an unspecified favor for magical services rendered.” Deborah looked up and shook her head angrily before scribbling again.

“As these can never be repaid with counter favors they must also be collected in coin or flesh. An additional four gold will be levied. You, as a protector of her, are welcome to make these payments on her behalf. The collector is a professional man if nothing else.” Deborah made more marks in her book. “Please understand, if action is taken against this professional, or anyone related to the Menagerie, by Katarya, it will be considered an act by you. As you say, we must protect those who need us.”

Cook leaned back and smiled mutedly, moving his arms off the table. “We continue to hold no quarrel with the White Hart, and believe our relations could be closer. Perhaps we could discuss a trade of suppliers, or their goods, to show our commitment to remaining above petty squabbles.”
Word count: 289
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Elára Vëa
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Quimellë,
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by Elára Vëa »

Elára nodded as the man spoke, listening politely and intently. When he had finished speaking, she reached into her purse and fished out some coins. Dropping 6 gold pieces on the table. She looked up. "That should cover the monetary debt. The Kelbá isn't as poor as some would think." She said, with a half smile.

"As for the favours ... anything that Almá Katarya cannot reasonably complete on her own, then we will step in to make sure those promises are kept ... I am sure you would do the same for your own."

She took another sip of her drink then pushed it aside. Her dark eyes went to the man before her. "We will protect our own just as much as you will. But, I think we can call this meeting a success. It's long past since our time has been to sit across from the table from one another. The Kelbé dedicate itself to helping those less fortunate; that is why we have more healers than warriors. But, we also have bows in the hands of men and woman who have lived hundreds of years, so we do not worry too much about our enemies." She dipped her head. "Which I am sure you are not to be counted among. It has been a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cook. I have heard tales, and now we have met. May what has transpired from this only bring our establishments closer." She took the cup again and dipped it in his direction. "To your good health and long life." She took another modest sip. "Is there anything you would like to discuss, since we are both here and so rarely have a chance to meet?"
Word count: 286
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by The Unreliable Narrator »

Cook looked to the gold before Deborah nodded her head and swept it off the table. There was a series of soft clinks as the coins settled into a pouch and she quickly marked through several, but not all, of her notes. Cook offered out his hand to Elára. “I appreciate this more than you can know,” he said.

“May I inform my associates?” he asked, removing a scroll case not dissimilar to the one Artemis had used the night prior. When she assented he opened the scroll to reveal a fine parchment covered in gilded enchanted writing. The rune work around the edges was joined by a ring of seven stylized renditions of animals. There was a hawk, goose, boar, rabbit, bear, fish, and horse, with the goose centered at the top of the ring.

Cook tapped his palm on the edge of the scroll case, making a small prick that he let well into a droplet of blood. Then he pressed his palm into the scrolls center. “I Arcturus Cook, Crown of the Goose, invoke thee,” he said in a ritualistic and measured tone.

The runes began to glow and a soft warmth suffused the table. “I do find Katarya Frost to have paid her debts. No collection shall be required. Her banishment unfortunately cannot be revoked and so shall remain. All kindness rescinded, all protections removed, all access revoked. She is no enemy of ours, merely stricken from the record.” The runes glowed a soft greenish white as his words came out in even measure.

“So do I, Arcturus Cook, Crown of the Goose, declare to all.” At his final word the scroll burst into a soft flame and became seven clouds of ash. Six flew towards the nearest opening, the final seemed to drift down a nearby hallway and further into the Velvet Goose.

Cook nodded solemnly and wiped the faint ash from the table. “It is done, and we may return to more friendly matters,” he said, letting his features relax. “I would be glad to trade you a bottle of that brandy if could verify the authenticity of at least the taste for a new shipment of Elven wine. We are beginning to carry more, given the sweetness and aroma does well to ward off the winter chills.”
Word count: 385
User avatar
Elára Vëa
Character
Quimellë,
Level
01
24 / 24 HP
16 / 16 MP
0p / 0g / 0s / 50c
Race: Kerasoka
Class: Monk and Rogue
Posts: 15
Joined: October 17th, 2019, 1:59 am
Has thanked: 2 times
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Re: A Meeting of Minds

Post by Elára Vëa »

Elára watched the smoke dissipate, and nodded her head. "Thus it is done." She intoned.

Her eyes eyes want back to the man in on front of her. "Likewise, Artemis Black is no longer welcome as a guest at the hart; escort or no, but that is how things must be."

She glanced at the brandy. "Alas, I am no drinker, so my taste may not be so refined. But we do have shipments of Elven sweet wine that we could easily trade, if you so desire it ." " I will have one of my staff bring it through for your consideration"

The Elf rose to her feet. "I am glad we could come to an understanding. Let not the trials and tribulations of the young disturb the peace between our two establishments.". She nodded her head. "I don't know when we will meet in person; hopefully it will not be because of the quarrels and arguments of those who work underneath us.." She dipped her head to the half fiished cup of drink. "A most excellent drink; I thank you. Good day to you, Mister Cook. May our respective establishments flower, and not be brought down by a few bad seeds."

With that the woman swept from the table, flanked by her guards and left the Goose.
Word count: 218
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"What is it? I am very busy and important."
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