An Eventide in the Dortman - ET Chyril 22nd, open

[Darjan Cain]

The Flying Dortman
It was still quite early in the day, and what crowds might be expected for lunch had not yet filled the common room.

The inn and pub were well-known institutions within the Mouth, and only it's long history within the city itself accounted for it's oddly placed foundation. Nestled among the noble, towering spires of the great architectural achievements of the city's public center, the large inn seemed almost...squat and primitive. But the interior was anything but: dark mahogany wood lined the walls giving The Flying Dortman Tavern a dim but cozy atmosphere. The thick leaded glass filtered what sun made it past the heavy red brocaded curtains, now faded with age but not threadbare. A large ornately carved bar ran nearly the length of one wall, worn with handling but still kept highly polished. Behind the bar a soft colorful fresco depicting Pecunia and her followers had been painted, a sharp contrast with the deep rich wood that dominated the rest of the room.

Behind the bar stood a pair of men, both wearing fine buff coats with frilled, billowing sleeves and broad grins as they chatted and laughed with their patrons. And patrons there were: the taproom was large, and much of it was unoccupied at the moment, but that still left quite a few people milling about at tables, booths, or just standing near the hearth. The smell of pipe smoke and food filled the air, and the floor, different from most wayside inns, was of polished wood that, while well worn, was sturdy as ever.

A smart looking bartender wearing the same flamboyant, well designed clothes so common in the Mouth looked up and welcomed newcomers with a rather curious inspection. "Good day to you, traveller. How may I help?" He asked.
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Darjan was far from a newcomer in the Dortman. His first entry, some months ago now, had been a nervous occasion. Yes he had mixed with merchants before, but he had never socialised or drank with them before. Yet nerves were never really a problem for Darjan, for he was something of a social chameleon. In the Dortman he was a gregarious fellow, almost a bon vivant. In the Punt Den or any other Southbridge location, when he found himself in those detestable places, he was taciturn and dark. And neither felt like an act. And neither was, though if Darjan had been queried over it he would have asserted that the behaviour with the commoners was most certainly an act. However, anyone that had seen the cruel smile on his face as he pushed a knife into an unwitting thug's kidneys would find such a statement hard to believe.

He was in the Flying Dortman now, and that consequently meant there was a charming smile on his lips, and not a weapon in sight. Which was not to say there wasn't a weapon on his body, but there was no obvious sign. After all, who needed a weapon when you were amongst such fine company. That there might be some amongst this crowd that were involved in crime, Darjan knew, yet he was sure it was a better class of crime, and entirely necessary.

From tip to toe, Darjan was dressed in the finest clothes he had. And fine clothes they were. They were the physical manifestation of his Highton personality. They were the physical manifestation of his dreams - to be accepted amongst this class of people, and to leave his father to pickle his liver to death in his slum. His father, however, was far from Darjan's mind as he sauntered up to the gentlemen at the bar, and sought to catch one's attention.

"A glass of red wine, if you would be so kind." He said pleasantly, as he rested against he bar, his fine leather boots shining as he crossed his feet casually.

[Maeve]

Swiftly a glass of red wine, a full Red Roque, was brought to Darjan. The tavern was slowly filling for the evening, though it was still early. "How is life for you, signore," the bartender inquired cheerily as he dried a few glasses while he stood waiting for business to pick up "It has been some days since we've seen you last."

[Darjan Cain]

Darjan happily picked up the glass of wine that was poured for him. He raised the glass to his nose inhaled deeply, and the lifted the glass to his lips and imbibed the first taste, gently massaging the wine over the length and breadth of his tongue to spark off each and every area of it. The flavour was good - it was a good wine.

"Life treats me well." Darjan replied politely. "I must admit to having been rather busy with business recently. It has kept me absent, to my infinite regret. Still, you know how it is. As of yet money does not grow on trees, though I am led to believe there is a merchant not far from here already working on that." He said with a chuckle. Idle banter in a pub was exactly what an urbane gentleman such as Darjan did.

As he stood by the bar he observed the gradual filling up of the Dortman as people came for their evenings entertainment. No doubt they would be talking matters of high-finance, trading and such things. Admirable matters, but Darjan felt they lacked an immediacy that his work managed. Still, not everyone had the stomach for work such as his. Oh, he knew that there was more money to be made in trading - he had immersed himself in such things from an early age - they provided quite the relief from spending time with his father. He frowned at the thought of that slovenly creature that had contributed to the birth of Darjan. How someone so... inadequate as his father could create a person of such talent as Darjan was beyond him. How he could secure the affections of an Adhiel even more so. Darjan was never sure that his father hadn't stolen him, or forced himself on his mother.

This was not the place for brooding, however. He could go to the Punt Den for that, and wallow in the filth and the grime there. That's where self-pity led.

"I trust business has been thriving in my absence - not that there would be any direct correlation in such an eventuality, I assure you." He said with a flash of his painstakingly cleaned white teeth as he leant gently on the bar, watching for some excitement, or any event of note.

He glanced away at the other occupants. No doubt they would all be worth robbing or mugging, their coin purses would be full. But Darjan felt no such compunction - they were good people, no doubt they had worked to get where they were. Even the human's here were deserving s respect - and it just went to show how low the scum of Southbridge were. Had they worked hard they could have been sat where Darjan was, sipping a nice glass of wine rather than drinking toxic ale.

[Maeve]

Nobody of important had entered yet, but the bartender smiled "Business has been booming for us. So many merchants who wish to discuss delicate matters. We've been doing well at breakfast, lunch and dinner not to mention late night drink outs."

As Darjan looked around he would note that not many people of Southbridge or the Seams entered, or they too would wear a disguise in the form of richer clothes. This was a posh establishment and it was the movers and the shakers of Highton that made this their home as well as their office.

[Darjan Cain]

Darjan took a delicate mouthful of the wine in his glass.

"A good wine." He observed with a smile to the barman. He didn't know too much about wine, but one could pick little things up, such as which wines were liked and which ones disliked, merely by eavesdropping conversations. An absence of knowledge didn't mean one need appear a fool.

"Yes, it seems to be a rather appropriate place for any such discussions. In fact, that reminds me." Darjan said, as if it had just come to him. "Have you heard anything about one Tristam Tormson? I have some business with him, but I must confess my knowledge of him is limited. I always like to know as much about the merchants I deal with - and I often find that barmen are in a unique position to pick up little snippets of information." He said pleasantly. He was led to believe that this Tristam was friendly to adhiel, and Darjan was keen to establish connections with a more respectable class of people. It was a sad fact of his life that he would continue to have to work for the scum of Southbridge, though if truth be told he enjoyed it. Not working for them, of course, but damaging the interests of them. By working for various sides he got a feeling of satisfaction that he was chipping away at the various human edifices of corruption, though what he did was minor enough.

How could one not enjoy gutting a vicious thug?

[Tristam]

It is said that if you speak a demon's name then he would appear. To those that hold this superstition, the arrival of Tristam Tormson at that moment would be a dark omen indeed. Still there was nothing dark about the Constanza merchant's entrance. He was garbed in a well tailored suit of dark blue with a matching cloak and a smile was on his face as he entered the Dortman. "A glass of Kahlani Red, barman." Noting the bar was still rather empty Tristam decided to share his good fortune. "And freshen everyone's glass with my compliments!"

Tristam was in a fine mood this morning. The samples of Gulanadurian wares shown to the Avarita forum had drummed up much excitement and Tristam was looking forward to the tidy profits that would bring himself and the family. Besides, after crossing the Aveas Export Company, the name of the Constanza needed all the goodwill it could muster.

As he was on his own, Tristam decided on a seat at the bar. He had been living this life for half a yahren but sitting here in Highton's finest bar still felt like a treat to him. Tristam settled in to the padded chair and awaited his drink.

[Darjan Cain]

Before the barman could offer any information on that subject a man arrived upon the scene. Darjan gave him a quick glance, up and down as he observed him. He was very much 'human' which generally was something that inspired distaste in, but the man was well-dressed and Darjan found it difficult to dislike anyone that frequented this inn, especially when it seemed clear that they deserved to be here.

As the man offered to fill everyones glasses, Darjan nodded his appreciation to him, then turned to the barman and silently gestured at his wine glass. Hearing the man's choice of wine he was pleasantly surprised. It was a popular Elven drink that was beginning to become popular outside the Elven quarter, yet still had connections to the Elves. As he took up his seat at the bar, Darjan collected his drink and moved closer to him.

"A very kind gesture." He said appreciatively with a smile. "You are celebrating?" He enquired, taking a sip from his wine glass.

[Maeve]

"If you speak of the demon," the bartender chuckled, the whispered "A sharp man who brought much profit to the House Constanza." He then went about his business, making sure all current patrons heard about who was buying the drinks this eveningtide.

OOC: excellent, do continue and feel free to assume further drinks etc.

[Tristam]

"I am." Tristam confirmed. "Prematurely perhaps, but my latest trip to the Avarita Forum has promised great profits for my next shipment and I simply could not restrain myself from sharing." Tristam beamed and took a sip of his wine. "I'll take this over bravaldi any night." He said with a satisfied sigh.

"I do make a point not to drink with strangers so I had better introduce myself." Tristam smiled. "Tristam Tormson, merchant of the Constanza family." Tristam offered his hand to shake. "And you are?"

[Darjan Cain]

Darjan was pleasantly surprised to discover this man was the on that he had been told about. The man immediately rose in his estimation, for he as reputed to be friendly with elves. That put him a notch above many humans.

"I am glad on both accounts." Darjan said, referring to his profits and his preference for Adhiel drink over the more flamboyant traders drink.

"A pleasure to meet you Master Tormson. I have heard a lot about you." He said pleasantly, taking his hand and shaking it. "I am Darjan Cain, as of yet affiliated to no-one." He said with a polite smile. He supposed it was probably not best to mention that his particular skills lay in activities that were less than legal.

"It is a pleasant coincidence that I should come across you, for your name has been mentioned to me as a man of promise, and one who has an interest in the affairs of the Adhiel." Darjan said. "I would like to think in both those respects we are similar."

"I trust the House of Constanza fares well too?" Darjan asked. He knew that they had had some trying times in the last few months.

[Maeve]

OOC: Due to real life issues this thread is unlikely to continue for some weeks. Please let me know if you want me to write you an out or if you are content to wait for it. It will no longer count against your "three threads"

[Tristam]

OOC: No need to worry. I am up to playing once more.

"House Constanza does quite well thank you." Tristam nodded. "Our successes are largely the same these days though I am currently branching out into my own ventures." Tristam took a sip of his wine and considered the man before him. Signor Cain seemed unlikely to have heard of Tristam through merchant connections. Thus this achadhiel likely sought him about for his pro-adhiel leanings. Yet he claims no connection to Black Heart. That made Darjan a puzzle.

"However, I will confess that your interest in me has my attention for the moment." Tristam confessed. "Are you seeking a business opportunity, Signor Cain or do you perhaps have one to offer me?" Tristam smiled.

[Darjan Cain]

Darjan listened intently as the man spoke on the fortunes of the House Constanza, and then mentioned that he was branching out into his own ventures. That could be even more beneficial - after all, if he was seeking a degree of independence from his own house, he might also be seeking someone from outside that houses sphere of influence and, for the moment Darjan was. Indeed he was intent on remaining as independent as possible.

Darjan smiled as Tristam asked about Darjan's interest in him. The man was clearly astute, and it seemed keen on getting down to business.

"I should say that I am seeking both." He said with a grin, such pleasantries coming as easily to him as did all the other contradictory elements of his character. "I believe it to be an oft-used maxim that it is not what you know, but who you know. I don't deal in absolutes such as that, but I do believe that to make one's name it helps to have contacts. And I am intent on doing just that." Darjan said, pausing to take a sip of the wine and let what he had said settle before he continued. "Now, you said that you are branching out into your own ventures - perhaps I might be able to assist you in those. I shall make no pretence of knowing much about markets and the like, however I am rather good at getting things done. I find things, I persuade people - as I said, I get things done." Darjan said euphemistically. "I suspect that our talents might complement each other."

Of course he believed the euphemism. He didn't steal - he recovered, he didn't kidnap or assault - he persuaded. He was eager to work with the man, but he was also eager to try and ascend from the freelance work he had been doing. It was all one off acts of violence or criminality, and whilst it was simple enough work Darjan found it mentally unstimulating, and he never saw the bigger picture that it was part of. His aspirations went further than thuggery, they went high, very high. Perhaps the man he was now sat with might help launch that ascent.

[Tristam]

"A man who gets things done, eh?" Tristam echoed. "A fine qualification in any employee." Tristam sipped his wine thoughtfully. "How much risk are you prepared to accept in a job, Signor Cain?" Tristam asked at last. "I have many places in my plans where another pair of hands would be most useful but the places of greatest opportunity come paired with difficulties. I need a man that won't back down from a difficult task." Tristam said nothing more but his eyes clearly asked if Darjan was that man.

[Darjan Cain]

OOC: I am thoroughly sorry for the delay in this reply. I could have sworn I'd already done it!

Darjan smiled at Tristam. It was not a pleasant smile, nor was it a malevolent one it was perhaps ambiguous. Of course Darjan was quite capable of changing his smile to match the occasion, it was just that now he decided to make it an ambiguous one. Or perhaps it was not entirely his intention to make it ambiguous, but that was what appeared on his lips.

"The most rewarding tasks are those that come with the most difficulty." Darjan said. "If I wished an easy life I would not have sought out an ambitious man as yourself. I have never backed down from a challenge in my life, and I do not intend to do so in the near future. Risk does not concern me." He said pleasantly, indeed perhaps the almost jovial tone of voice was somewhat incongruous given what he was announcing, but it did not seem so to Darjan. He raised his wine to his lips and took a draft from it.

"Though I would also point out that I have made it a point of honour to never be anyone's 'man'." He said. "I am sure that you can understand that." That was why he wasn't working for a big merchant house, or for any of the crime gangs in the city. He didn't want to be owned by anyone, he wanted to work himself up in social standing, and one hardly did that by being a servant.

"As long as that is understood, I should be entirely glad to take on whatever risk is required." Darjan said smoothly.

[Tristam]

"There may come a time when you will rethink that position." Tristam said knowingly. "But I quite understand wanting to remain your own man. We shall deal with things on a contractual basis." Tristam agreed.

"Though what I have in mind may turn into something long term depending on how things run." Tristam admitted. "Are you familiar with the Order of the Lillies?" Tristam asked.

[Darjan Cain]

"If that time comes, then I shall indeed rethink it." Darjan said smoothly. He knew for a fact that he would always be rethinking it - he was always reassessing his position to determine what would be the best path for him. After all the politics and economic situation of the Mouth were shifting sands. Darjan did not want to stand around waiting for opportunity to come to him - which was in fact why he was here in the first place.

"As for the long-term, do not worry - I am quite happy to commit myself to a long-term project." He said. "But as for this Order, no, I am not aware of them, nor what they do. I imagine you are to enlighten me?" He said with a slight raise of an eyebrow. Whilst Darjan had lived in the Mouth for all of his life, most of that had been spent in the slums. Admittedly he had spent as much time as possible in the more salubrious areas, but not knowing anyone made it far more difficult to pick up information. Still, now that he was operating in these areas he anticipated swiftly picking up the information that was necessary.

[Tristam]

Tristam nodded in agreement. "The Lilllies are a collection of high class courtesans." Tristam began. "They are women of both beauty and intellect, capable of stimulating both mind and body." Tristam let a pleasant smile of remembrance slide over his features. "I was helpful to them in getting established here and have an interest in seeing them succeed." Tristam took a sip of his wine.

"They have recently been approached by Hart for protection money," Tristam went on, "and while they could pay it I honestly don't see why they should." Tristam said firmly. "You see, while Hart undeniably has a right to 'protect' the Seams, no one has yet taken a firm grip on the homes and businesses springing up in the Marchlands where the Lillies are located. I was thinking that an enterprising person might be able to take things in hand before Hart or any other could. Interested?"

[Darjan Cain]

Darjan looked impassively at Tristam as he spoke. The Lillies, then, were high-class hookers. No doubt a human organisation, trading in immorality. By the sounds of it they were perhaps not quite so bad as the whores that plied their filty wares in the Punt Den and its like. Darjan did not connect the smile on Tristam's face with any connection other than businesslike with the organisation for his mind was turning over possibilities. It was a rare slip for the Achadhiel.

"I am quite certain an enterprising person might well do that." Darjan said calmly, raising his glass to his lips. He had no love for Hart - he had encountered the man's 'men' before - a couple of thuggish brutes who he had dispatched with negligible assistance from some other human who frequented the Punt Den. If that was the calibre of the rest of his staff, or whatever he called them, then Darjan had nothing to worry about. Of course he doubted that such a thing could be true. Arrogant Darjan might be, but not stupid. One didn't seize control of somewhere like the Seams without a degree of talent.

"You say they have approached the Lillies? Who is in charge of this order?" He enquired. His first course of action would be to speak with them, learn if there was to be a return from Hart's men - which seemed likely - and then find out how many other businesses had been approached. If there was a power vacuum it would be reasonable to assume that more than one gang would be poking their noses around. A smart man might be able to play one side off against the other.

[Tristam]

"Guildmistress Rasine Sabatini." Tristam replied. "She's a shrewd one but dealing with violence beyond a drunken customer is not her strongpoint." He admitted. "She had hoped to convice some of the councilors to use their influence to deflect Hart but even they pay protection money. It is the price of doing business," Tristam smirked, "but I don't believe in paying when I don't have to. So, scout out the area. See what you think you will need and then we can truly do business."

[Arnholt]

Arnholt pounded into the Dortman whistling cheerfully to the tune of some lilting pirate shanty he had heard on board the Scaliwag. He was feeling pretty good about life, actually. The Prodesse Dominicus had certainly been a sight to see. In some small way it had very nearly been enough to make up for the hassle and confusion that had brought him to this city in the first place. He'd even secured a priest's blessing, though truth be told, walking in the Light was often a bit of a tall order for the big man.

The traveler didn't really doubt the kind priest's recommendation. Still, old habits being what they were, even in his good humor Arnholt paused for a moment or so to scan the room for any sign of danger. None was in evidence, in so far as he could see. The atmosphere of the place seemed quite pleasant in fact. It looked like a likely enough place to stay, especially for his first night in this unfamiliar city. No one wanted to sleep in a place where they thought they might wake up with their throat slit... not even a man who, under other circumstances, might be the one doing the slitting.

"Good day, indeed," Arnholt greeted the man at the bar. "How much for a room for the night, sir?"

[Morg]

"Two lance for a simple room, signore," replied the buff-coated barman cheerfully. It was still early in the eveningtide, and the establishment was relatively empty. Those who were present were mostly finely dressed, if not richly. The Dortman was an inn for the well-to-do, but the prices were not exorbitant. "And something to drink, maybe? We have a beautiful barrel of Abbey Dark Ale in," he recommended. Meanwhile, with a practised motion, he swept his gaze from one end of the taproom to the other, passing from a trio of dark-haired ladies who were entering the tavern to focus for a flicker on Darjan and Tristam, in conversation at the bar next to Arnholt.

[Arnholt]

"Taken," the traveler said, pawing two lance from his purse.

It was easily done. Arnholt knew he wouldn't be running short on cash in the immediate future, and there was definitely something to be said for a stay in a nice inn... especially when it came hard on the heels of an unpleasant stint on the lam. All the same, the big man didn't suppose that he'd be staying at the Flying Dortman for more than a day or so. Two lance a day for the room alone would add up to a pretty pile fairly quickly. Anyway, just glancing around, Arnholt could pretty much see that this place was intended for a higher class of clientèle than his own good self. So he figured he might as well enjoy it while he could afford it.

"Ale sounds good to me," Arnholt agreed readily enough. "And a meal, perhaps? I heard tell the food here was above par."

Unconsciously, the big man followed the bartender's gaze as it swept the room. His own eyes settled on Darjan and Tristam for a little longer than the barman's had, if only because the former appeared to be... An adhiel? Fancy that. Somehow Arnholt hadn't figured on running into any elves until he had a chance to visit the Lost Elf, tomorrow. But he supposed there was nothing to stop an adhiel visiting an inn like the Dortman if he wanted to. The traveler shifted slightly, his gaze idling over toward the women that had entered the tavern not long after him. As if incidently, he kept an ear turned toward the two men as he did so.

[Darjan Cain]

Had Darjan not been an observant man, he still would have noticed the loud entrance made by Arnholt. Whistling and stamping around the room, he certainly made his presence known. Darjan wrinkled his nose slightly - an act that revealed a distaste at the song the man whistled, his general appearance and the fact that he was a human. Darjan had hoped that the Dortman would be a refuge from the hoi polloi, but it seemed he had been wrong.

Refocusing his attention on Tristam he addressed him again, his voice lower than before.

"I will see the Guildmistress first thing tomorrow." Darjan confirmed. "If I am right in my thinking I shall need only the inadvertent complicity of the intruders, and items I possess already." By which he meant his blades, and his skill. "If anything further is needed, and I can not readily get it, I shall let you know." Darjan confirmed, lifting his glass to Tristam. "To the Lillies." He proposed.

[Tristam]

"Long may they bloom." Tristam agreed and raised his glass for the toast. After a healthy drink, Tristam placed his glass on the bar and fished a square of parchment, quill and inkwell out of the pouch at his belt. "You never knows when you'll need to write something down." He commented as he wrote. "Here, this will let Rasine know I sent you." Tristam offered the folded note to Darjan.