Simple Pleasures (jyg 31, TT, Elvin & Gerrard)

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Gerrard MacKaree
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Simple Pleasures (jyg 31, TT, Elvin & Gerrard)

Post by Gerrard MacKaree »

This modest establishment is situated on a corner not far from Audrey's Other Wear in the Inner Ring of the Citadel. The main entrance is located on a busy street on the northern side of the building. Another bustling street runs along the eastern wall and on the western side, a narrow gated alley leads south towards the rear entrance.

Topped by a roof of mossy grey slate, the two-story building is constructed in weathered stone and freshly painted wood. Creepers of ivy climb around the windows and in the spring, a veritable rainbow of tea roses bloom from planter boxes along the sheltered front porch, and from the pots dangling from the overhanging balcony. During times of dry weather, chairs and tables can be set onto the porch and balcony for patrons who wish to enjoy their socialising semi-alfresco.

The main doors open into a spacious hall with polished wooden floorboards covered here and there by plush carpets. Bright sunshine floods the room throughout the day, but after the sun has set, the cafe is transformed - puddles of soft lantern light mottle the building, illuminating some regions with their warm yellow glow, rendering others shadowy and intimate by their abscence.

Dominating the southern wall is a raised stage where both professional and amateur acts are frequently invited to perform. In the southwestern corner, a green door leads to an enclosed stairwell which is also accessible via the back entrance of the establishment. The stone fireplace set into the southeastern corner warms the cafe during the cold seasons.

A series of wooden booths padded with red cushions lines the eastern side of the room. On wall next to each booth, square windows alternate with paintings and sketches commissioned by local artists. Chairs, sofas and high and low tables clutter the rest of the floor space; these furnishings are tasteful and elegant, in warm wooden and earthern tones enlivened by the occasional splash of pale lemon yellow.

A counter located to the west side of the entrance encloses a small open kitchen, tiled with terracotta, where hot beverages and sweet snacks are freshly prepared each day. From the beginning of morningtide to the end of eveningtide, the rich aroma of brewing coffee and baked goods fills the shop and wafts forth from any open doors or windows.

A sign at the entrance says
One week only - free biscuit when you bring your own mug to take away! Please place your orders at the counter then relax, make yourself at home and treat yourself to a few of life’s simple pleasures.


[hr][/hr]

Gerrard was waiting for Elvin at one of the tables close to the counter. The Adhiel would probably stand out, and if not, Gerrard had told the Gracie he where he was waiting for Master Motricé and if she could send him to his table when he entered the premises. The Adhiel was enough of a celebrity due to the daemon hunt for all to know something about him. He'd trust on her for that matter.
Last edited by Gerrard MacKaree on Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:22 am, edited 2 times in total.
Elvin Motricé
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Post by Elvin Motricé »

Even though his name might be somewhat know in the Citadel, the person that bore the name certainly wasn't known very well in the Citadel, except in certain circles... And since he had never visited the Simple Pleasures before the staff might not know him as well.

But it was easily to discern that the person who entered the Simple Pleasures was a mage. A black robe flowed around the tall Adhiel that entered. The Professor was exceptionally tall for an Adhiel with his 6 feet. His long hair was also exceptional for his long looks had a strange silver colour that is almost never seen. Green eyes took in the common room, looking for a staff member to ask after Gerard Mackaree...
"- and so's Mister Motricé." Becca smiled wryly. "He's probably going to go - he's not set anything on fire for a few months, so he's got to be going through withdrawal by now." ~ Becca Acerbi
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Gerrard MacKaree
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Post by Gerrard MacKaree »

Gerrard, dressed in Eastern clothing (loose black breeches, sandals and a tight fitting red shirt with black trim), rose as he saw the Mage walking in. He cleared his throat and raised his voice. "Master Motricé, I presume? I'm Gerrard Mackaree. Please join me at my table." he said and extended his arm towards the mage.

As both said down, he waved a waiter or waitress over to take their orders. "I'm glad you could make time in your schedule at such short notice, master Motricé. Now, would you like to come straight down to business, while were being served, or would you rather wait to order and for our meals to arrive?" Gerrard said, having learned this morning that not all businesspeople appreciate to talk business on an empty stomach. At least, the Baroness didn't seem very happy with it. It was stupid of him of course, but he thought her to be more to cut the case than she actually was.
Elvin Motricé
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Post by Elvin Motricé »

Elvin answered Gerard's first greeting with a nod and a smile, he was not the person to raise his voice and disturb others meals. As he walked over to Gerard he took the time to observe the man himself. "Foreign clothing that looks expensive, a common face, nothing remarkable. Well, well, this might actually be quite interesting." When he stood in front of the merchant he shook the man's hand. "Master MacKaree, a pleasure to meet you."

"I have always time to discuss profitable business agreements, Master MacKaree, and please, call me Elvin. Master Motricé makes me feel even older then I am," he smiled. When Gerard made his next remark the Adhiel laughed with genuine amusement: "I believe you're not often played this game, Master MacKaree? Some investors would be severely insulted if you put things to bluntly. Especially if you're dealing with nobility you might have more trouble smoothing that particular misunderstanding out then concluding your business with them," the Adhiel's eyes sparkled with laughter, "Luckily for you, I am not most investors and certainly no nobility. I like straightforward conversations. So please, Master MacKaree, go ahead."
"- and so's Mister Motricé." Becca smiled wryly. "He's probably going to go - he's not set anything on fire for a few months, so he's got to be going through withdrawal by now." ~ Becca Acerbi
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Gerrard MacKaree
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Post by Gerrard MacKaree »

"I'm sorry, Elvin. I haven't done this sort of thing before indeed. I'm but a mere Roquian from a poor family." he said as a poor excuse. After a short pause Gerrard continued. "Recently I returned from the Eastern Empire, as I've told you in the letter. I was washed ashore there after a shripwreck on the open seas. I've learned quite some about them and before I returned I was able to strike a business deal with them. I can export any goods I like and get a minimum funding. However, I've been thinking about getting most out of it and bringing their culture into our lives. Let the Westerners get acquainted with it."

His tongue flipped over his lips and he spoke again. "I am thinking about opening up a restaurant, completely in the Eastern style. I'd wish to get the money to make it a floating restaurant in complete Eastern style. Of course, I must say, this will need more than just one investor, but every little bit helps. Now, I got three people that came with me to help me. I can fund part of it myself with the profit I make from trades, but it won't cut it. The restaurant will serve Eastern food and beverages only. In that, it will be unique for Roque and any other city we know. I foresee that it will be the new hype for nobility, for it's something new and only few will be able and willing to try it in the beginning. Of course, it will expand eventually and make it more accessible to the lower classes too."

With that, he had summed up what he had done and was trying to accomplish, now it was only a wait for the doubts that Elvin would have. And the questions of course...
Craghley
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Post by Craghley »

Elvin and Gerrard were graced with Dawn's service, the same woman who'd served Gerrard and Rosalie Marcada at their shaky morning meeting. She moved with a strange eagerness over to their table and spoke in a bright, chipper voice.

"Good tide, sirs, what may I do for you today?" Spotting Gerrard she gave him another smile, presumably remembering him from earlier.
Elvin Motricé
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Post by Elvin Motricé »

Elvin listened with great interest to Gerard's story. The Westerner's ideas were solid but the Professor wasn't entirely satisfied with them. He folded his hands together and put his chin on top of them, staring pensively at Gerard: "While you still have the advantage of being the first to import such goods I suggest that you take the opportunity."

The Adhiel leaned back suddenly: "You might know that I have some shares in jewellery stores here in the Citadel. I'ld suggest you take a small quantity of your valuables and transport them by portal to the Citadel. I'll make sure these will be brought onto the market here. By introducing something rare will be of interest to the nobility. If we can manage it and other jewellers ask for these special Eastern Empire jewels we could let them sign an exclusive contract to accept you as their supplier," the silver-haired sorcerer smiled, "Do not worry about portal costs. I can operate them myself which means I don't have to pay the cost for activating them. Of course, my assistance in these matters does not come for free. I'ld say a 15 percent cut of the profits you make from the Citadel trade with a guarantee that 7 percent of those profits are invested in your restaurant for the coming three years. As for investing in your restaurant directly. If you have a plan of how much you need, and the expected returns, I'll see how much I can money I can invest."

When Dawn arrived to take their order the sorcerer smiled: "Good tide to you, mylady. A glass of Cliff White, if you have it, and something to eat," he pondered for a moment, "Nothing that's too heavy. Do you have something light? Bread and cheese perhaps?"
"- and so's Mister Motricé." Becca smiled wryly. "He's probably going to go - he's not set anything on fire for a few months, so he's got to be going through withdrawal by now." ~ Becca Acerbi
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Gerrard MacKaree
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Post by Gerrard MacKaree »

Gerrard seemed to ponder the possibilities for a moment, but knew that if he hesitated too much, he'd lose his possibility to bargain the way he wanted it. Having seen his former employers do business, he was quite quick to say "Sir, the idea of the jewels sounds just about perfect. I suggest we make it a 10 to 5 agreement and upgrade it to 15 to 7 if we notice that Eastern jewellery is in high demand. As for the plans on a restaurant, I can write out a diagram that shows the estimated costs and what I need. Of course, I will repay you with the profits and add a percentage of the total profits to make it more profitable for you."

"Ah dear, make that bread and cheese for master Motricé, a simple sandwich, preferably with ham, for me and two mugs of hot water." he said, changing Elvin's order. "Please, Elvin, allow me. I have a sample of an eastern drink that I would like to share with you." he explained to the Adhiel.

"And miss, could you ask your boss if you could have a break for say... five burns after my meeting has finished? I'd like you to sample something for me... it's sort of a... business research so to say." he added to the waitress before she left.
Craghley
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Post by Craghley »

Dawn smiled apologetically at Elvin when he mentioned the white. "Sorry, sir, we don't have alcohol on the premises. We can easily make you some plain bread and cheese, but the chef has just finished making a batch of lightly toasted rolls, topped with thin slices of brie and peppered smoked salmon."

Turning to Gerrard, she continued. "And a plain ham sandwich for you, sir - are there any salads or condiments you would prefer to have with it? Er, if you like, I can bring over a tea set if that would be easier - I assume you would like to make tea?"

Gerrard wrote:"And miss, could you ask your boss if you could have a break for say... five burns after my meeting has finished? I'd like you to sample something for me... it's sort of a... business research so to say." he added to the waitress before she left.


Dawn considered for a moment, then agreed. "Just a few burns. I can probably persuade Fabio to let me go for a bit - alright then."
Elvin Motricé
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Post by Elvin Motricé »

When Gerrard changed his order Elvin felt slightly insulted. Even though he was an easygoing person, changing another person's order without consent, especially when you had just met was just a bit rude. He adressed Dawn first: "Ah, the wine doesn't matter much, dear. Those toasted rolls sound delicious, I'll change my order. Could you bring some nice, relaxing tea in addition to the two hot mugs of water?" he shot a glance at Gerrard, "I have a feeling I might be needing it."

He turned to Gerrard and his eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded the man: "Master Mackaree, one usually asks before changing an order. Even though I am quite easygoing I find it a bit impolite. I most certainly hope you don't try anything like that if you're looking for investors among the nobility. The more hot-headed amongst them might even draw steel for the imagined insult to their name."

The mage leaned back and smiled slightly: "I am not a person who's easily offended or who dwells for a long time on such things. In that manner, I'm not as most of my long-living brethren. Just try to remember it in the near future, yes?" Another slight shift in position as he placed his hands on the table as he considered Gerrard's proposition, "Yes, what you suggest suits me just fine. After all, you'll be the one who'll be taking all the risks."
"- and so's Mister Motricé." Becca smiled wryly. "He's probably going to go - he's not set anything on fire for a few months, so he's got to be going through withdrawal by now." ~ Becca Acerbi
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Gerrard MacKaree
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Post by Gerrard MacKaree »

Gerrard looked at Dawn and smiled. "Yes miss, I indeed want to make tea. Brought my own, as a matter of fact." he said getting the tealeaves, kept in a very small wooden box, out of a pocket.

The Roquean dismissed Elvin's glance, not bothering his mind with a thought about it's meaning. "I am not raised as much by my mother, than by my father, who usually had a company none would like to share a table with. However, I shall keep your warning in mind."

"Well then, Elvin, that means we have a deal? I can write a contract with these specifics tomorrow, or maybe the day after. Arriving by mail soon." Gerrard said, thinking of what to invest the future gainings in.

"You are sure you don't mind the occasional visit to Roque for shipping goods? If trade hits off with other goods too, is it possible for you to take with you an employee of mine, carrying goods?" Gerrard asked, thinking about the silk trade he was trying to set up. Of course, he should also make a visit to King's Court if there was anything interesting there. "Of course, Elvin, anytime you visit, you'll have a table waiting for you and a few guests if you would like to. If you can announce your visit that is. Or we could make an arrangement about when you will come and I'll have a table ready for you at those days."
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Post by Elvin Motricé »

"Well my father wasn't exactly someone I'ld deem a good parent as well. But when dealing with people who are more rich than me, it's sometimes more important how you say something than what you say," Elvin replied.

The Professor smiled: "Yes, we have a deal, Gerrard, although I'll have to let someone check the legal affairs. We might want to establish what laws are applicable. Lets try to get an idea of taxes before we actually finalize everything, yes? I wouldn't want those taxes to be higher than our profit margin. Send me a draft of the contracts and I'll let them be checked here."

His green eyes twinkled: "A visit to Roque? No, I don't think I'ld mind. I've heard it's more hospitable then King's Court. And Portal connections can be established for extended periods of time, though the duration is proportional to the amount of energy necessary."

"Ah, that's much appreciated, Gerrard," the Professor smiled, "I'll be sure to notify you beforehand. And if I can't, well I can always wait. I'm not such a difficult person."
"- and so's Mister Motricé." Becca smiled wryly. "He's probably going to go - he's not set anything on fire for a few months, so he's got to be going through withdrawal by now." ~ Becca Acerbi
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