Closed A Message (Kelmar)

[Valerius Nitrozian]

„I cannot help myself“, the Nitrozian apologized as Kelmar commented on his curiosity. „I had to at least give it a try and see if you would reveal some of your secrets. I accept that you would rather keep them to yourself though. It is only understandable. If everybody learned how you go about your work, it would be comparatively harder for you to be successful at what you do. We all need our secrets.“ The hint of a smile was visible on his face. Despite his refusal, he enjoyed this meeting, all that plotting and planning, all the preparation for a move that might eventually increase his influence in Ravok. „The job might be slightly bigger“, Valerius agreed. „But the reward will likewise be proportionally bigger. I’m glad that you are still willing to help me. Your cover story sounds reasonable. I would of course like to get updates on your progress. You will deliver your messages to one of my slaves though and not directly to me. It wouldn’t be good for us to be seen together too frequently.“ „I have a slave that is very reliable.“ As Kelmar said that money was merely nice Valerius arched an eyebrow. He looked vaguely unhappy, but that was over quickly. „I see“, he replied. „We can talk about that once your job for me is complete. Rest assured that I’m quite willing to pay you with something other than money should you be successful.“

[Kelmar Hedos]

"Your curiosity is understandable as well, and I'm glad you realize the necessity of my particular secrets," Kelmar replied, appreciative. "What good is an agent whose plans and thoughts are common knowledge?" At the mention of the go-between, Kelmar nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it would be unwise and risky for us to meet face-to-face until you have enough information to use against those involved. Whether you want to extort something from them or you want in on their plans is our decision, but until you have what's necessary to make the play we should avoid contact. Who were you planning on using?" "Tell your slave to wait in Nitrozian Plaza whenever you want an update. You'll need to tell me how to recognize him or her, but once I know who to give my reports to I'll do so whenever I see your slave. He or she should wait during the day preferably, less conspicuous and easier to blend in that way." When Kelmar had told the noble of his lack of interest in money, he noticed that Valerius' eyebrow had risen slightly and his face momentarily appeared deeper set. The surprise was expected, though there was something more than simple shock in the look. Disappointment? "I know that my refusal of your coin may come as a surprise, but believe me you will not be doing me any disservice. Once we have more time to talk freely on the subject, I'll explain then." Thinking ahead on tomorrow's operation, Kelmar tried to think if he'd need anything. The slave market staff generally had loose tongues, a result of their superiority over so many lives and the power of them. Still, if he were to sell his role as a slave buyer, he might need something to back him up and show some legitimacy. "I'm reluctant to ask, sir," the agent began, "but it may help a great deal. Would you mind if I borrow one of your slaves, perhaps the same slave that will report to you? My cover as a slave buyer will be more believable if it appears that I - or my supposed master - is already in possession of a slave. I have no intention of using him or her for anything besides for the sake of my cover, and whoever you send won't be required to do anything except look presentable, perhaps carry out a few orders to sell the act. I will likely succeed even without the help, but having a slave to create a credible facade won't be detrimental."

[Valerius Nitrozian]

„No good at all“, Valerius replied as Kelmar asked him what good an agent whose plans and thoughts were common knowledge was. „I realize that. As for the slave I was planning on using, a young woman named Tuuli. She mostly takes care of my suite here and my other slaves and thus shouldn’t be particularly well known by the people outside this house. She is who I trust the most. Unless you think a male slave, a slave who is a little stronger would be more appropriate?“ He looked at Kelmar questioningly. „I can ask her to come here so that you can take a look at her and see if she is to your liking.“ „It is a little surprising, yes“, he then admitted. „Many in your trade crave money, but I’m interested in what you want instead. We can talk about it the next time we meet though. There’s no need to discuss that particular detail right now.“ „As for borrowing one of my slaves, I don’t mind, as long as you bring her back in good condition. She’s valuable, and I still have need of her. Your plan makes sense. I think we should dress her in different clothes though and change her hairstyle, just in case.“ „Shall I send for her now?“

[Kelmar Hedos]

"No, Tuuli sounds fine," Kelmar confirmed. "Trust and anonymity are more important in this business than physical strength. The lack of knowledge of who she is will further disconnect us if I am caught, though it would help if she could tell a convincing lie, just in case. Whether she's to my liking or not isn't really my concern, but I'd like to meet her anyway so that we are not strangers when asked to perform as task together." The agent nodded at his employer's suggestions. "Could do. People don't pay much attention to individual slaves anyway, so a change of clothes and hairstyle might be enough to disguise her. Don't worry, she won't need to do anything risky or dangerous, just keep quiet and follow orders. Worst comes to worst, I'll see to it she makes it out okay at the very least. I want to let you know in advance that I also plan to use one of my associates to help with this, someone with a little actual skill in acting so that the facade is even more believable, but if you'd rather I keep the circle who is privy to this task minimal then I can make do without." "If that is convenient, then please do. The sooner the better."

[Valerius Nitrozian]

As Kelmar said that Tuuli sounded fine, the hint of a smile could be seen on Valerius‘ face. „She will lie when I tell her so“, he assured him. „You will find that she is a very pleasant woman and easy to work with, quite unlike a few other people in this house. I’m pleased to hear that you will not make her do anything risky though, and I don’t mind that you intend to ask one of your associates for help. You are free to involve whatever people you need, as long as you can be sure of their trust.“ „I will send for my slave now. Please excuse me for a moment.“ With that the Nitrozian rose and disappeared through the door, to talk to somebody that was waiting outside, and then he returned to Kelmar. „I think we should move to a private room as it would be unwise for all three of us to be seen together. Please follow me. The tavern has a small private room for guests. Tuuli will enter through the backdoor, just like I did.“ He gestured for the agent to follow him, and a few moments later they were in a small room that contained a bed, two chairs and a small table. Valerius sat down on one of the chairs, and then he waited. After a while there was a knock on the door. A young woman stepped inside. She was not more than seventeen or eighteen years of age, slender as a willow, with skin the color of coffee. Brown eyes and long ebony locks. She wore a white linen dress that was plain, but of fine quality. She curtsied, and as Valerius gestured for her to come closer, she approached and stood in front of the table. „Tuuli“, Valerius spoke. „I have a job for you, a job that will require your utmost dedication. You will be working with this man here.“ He gestured towards Kelmar. Tuuli turned to face him and studied him. She seemed to be quite curious about what kind of job her master had for him. It was obvious that she had a lot of questions, but she didn’t speak, but patiently waited for her master to say more. Valerius didn’t reveal what it was that he wanted from her though. Instead he turned to Kelmar and asked, „What do you think? Will my Tuuli do?“

[Kelmar Hedos]

As the Nitrozian rose and left his place, Kelmar took the opportunity to glance around the tavern and see if anyone was taking too much interested. A few slow and casual glances, but none that seemed too intent on what the noble was doing. When Valerius left the Sliver, Kelmar shook his head. Did this man bring an entourage with him wherever he went? Although having a guard or servant nearby even on outings was not uncommon for people of the relevant status and wealth, and honestly the agent had begun to wonder why the Valerius had come on his own when he could just as easily have done something to the noble. Upon the Nitrozian's return and insistence that they move to a private room, Kelmar nodded in agreement. "I don't think anyone here will be suspicious if we move, and it would be best that we are not all seen right beside each other." Standing up, he followed Valerius into the room, casting glances to the various other customers and even the patron, keeping an eye on anyone who followed their movement a bit too long. Not so much a result of paranoia as at his self-insistence that he remain active at all times. Once they were in the room, the agent sat down in the chair opposite Valerius. "While we're waiting, Kelmar said, "tell me of your slave. Where is she from?" When Tuuli entered the room, her youth came as a bit of a surprise to Kelmar, though he was careful not to let it show. Young servants weren't all that rare, but the agent's experience with them was small to say the least. Her complexion was that of someone who spent a lot of time outside, or at least descended from such a person, and her eyes seemed intelligent if a touch withdrawn. Valerius informed her of his wish, and when Tuuli turned to face him, studying him, he too was studying her. Not just her appearance, but her clothes and skin what they told him about the owner - in this case the Nitrozian. The simple white linen dress suggested someone who wanted their slaves to be visually distinct and inferior from their masters, yet clean white linen that was of good quality, spotless, and well-crafted indicated someone who wanted to show wealth and subtle power and care to even their servants, probably to make a statement. Her combed ebony locks insinuated someone who wanted their slaves to look visually appealing, though he could tell that by looking at her slender form. He couldn't tell any more from what he could see, but right now it looked as if Valerius was the kind of man Kelmar would like to work for. "Your master wants me to find some information," Kelmar explained to the girl. It registered that she was his age, and though she was a slave he seemed interested to learn more about her - not her past, her self. "To do that, I'm going to the slave market tomorrow posing as an interested buyer. I'm going to try to get started on finding the information, but you don't need to worry about that. All you need to do is be there to help sell the act. Just act like I'm your master, or at least a servant of your master. Is that okay?" Addressing his employer, Kelmar kept his eyes fixed on Tuuli. "I'll leave the change of clothes and hair up to you, as long as she looks different enough to not arouse suspicion that will be fine. People hardly noticed the faces of slaves, so facepaint is probably unnecessary, though that is your decision as well. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

[Valerius Nitrozian]

„Tuuli is from Ravok“, Valerius replied just as Tuuli stepped into the room. „She was born here to two slaves of House Nitrozian. I’ve however been told that her ancestors come from somewhere in Eyktol, hence the color of her skin. She even speaks a bit of ... what is it called?“ He turned to his slave, but remembered the answer himself. „Shiber, and I’ve begun to teach her a few words of Arumenic as I don’t like the idea of a slave with her looks that speaks nothing but Common, like any normal Ravokian.“ Tuuli smiled slightly at the mention of her meagre language skills, but still didn’t speak. She hardly ever spoke unless it was necessary or her master told her so. As Kelmar mentioned that her master wanted him to find some information though, her eyes widened a fraction. She looked at Valerius and then back at Kelmar, and then she answered, „I will pretend to be your slave if that’s what you desire. Do you want me to pretend a particular kind of slave? Is there anything you want or don’t want me to do?“ Tuuli had a very gentle voice, musical, polite, and having been born in Ravok she spoke Common without an accent. She had good manners, was comparatively well educated for a slave and quite lovely. From the look on his face it was obvious that Valerius was quite pleased with his slave’s behaviour and her reply, and he hoped that Kelmar was just as impressed. „There is nothing else I want to discuss right now“, he informed the agent. „My Tuuli will be there when you visit the slave market tomorrow. I look forward to hearing what you find out.“

[Kelmar Hedos]

"Born to your household? All the better. Since she wasn't sold to you by any of the Larks or the slavers, there's a much lower chance of recognition. Of course, her Eyktoli roots will help as well, and her pleasing physical appearance will probably benefit to a more self-serving hypothetical master. She's perfect for this job." So many languages, it was clear that Valerius wanted even the slaves of his house to be higher than the average Ravokian. That kind of desire for familial superiority wasn't uncommon among the wealthy households in Ravok, but Valerius was the first Kelmar had met that insisted on teaching his slaves Arumenic. Though as a Nitrozian, he had good reason to make even his slaves presentable and intelligent, and in part the agent admired this noble for being so dedicated. Her self-control was admirable, not speaking unless being spoken to, reacting to the conversation but not partaking or commenting. As he explained his task and her role in his plan, he saw her eyes widen with surprise, but instead of remarking she simply asked more of what she was supposed to do. Impressive restraint and obedience for a slave, Valerius and his family must treat her relatively well. Or maybe they trained her. Probably a bit, but Kelmar doubted that they used overly abusive disciplinary techniques. Despite her subservience, Tuuli still held herself with grace and a touch of pride, unlike the many slaves the agent had seen who slumped their shoulders with defeat in their eyes. Her natural beauty was unmarred and perhaps even enhanced by the simple grace of her clothing. When she spoke, her voice was mellifluous and melodic, befitting one of wealthy personage rather than a slave. It was no wonder why Valerius was so proud of her. "No particular kind of slave I don't think," he replied, answering her question. "Whatever is appropriate for what we decide on. Just act as if I am a servant of your master, that's all. Can you do that?" Turning back to face his employer, Kelmar nodded at the Nitrozian's ending of the meeting. "I'll send Tuuli back to you with our progress by the end of the day. We may need to spend a couple days searching, so if it is possible I would like her to be there for the coming days, if that is alright with both of you." The agent faced Tuuli again. "There will be someone else with me when we arrive, a woman by the name of Heldora. She will likely be acting as your superior, a servant, and since she is an actual actor it will help us even more. I tell you this so you are not caught unawares when I show up with someone else." The last part he addressed to Valerius. "She's also a skilled larcenist should that be needed. I think everything is prepared for our first move tomorrow, sir."

[Valerius Nitrozian]

„Yes, of course I can do that“, Tuuli replied as Kelmar told her to just act as if he were a servant of her master. „I will give my best. You will be pleased with my behaviour, Sir.“ Valerius nodded as Kelmar informed him that he would send his slave back by the end of the day. „She will be available to you as long as you have need of her“, he assured him. He didn’t ask Tuuli if she was okay with that. The young woman was a slave and had to do whatever he said. Tuuli didn’t mind anyway. She was glad that she could serve her master on such an important mission. As Kelmar spoke of Heldora’s involvement, she replied, „I thank you for telling me, Sir. I’m looking forward to meeting her and working together with her.“ Valerius likewise approved of the actress‘ involvement, and as Kelmar remarked that everything was prepared, he replied, „Let’s conclude this meeting then.“

[Kelmar Hedos]

Such eager confidence was refreshing to Kelmar, and it would likely prove helpful in providing a convincing facade. "Good," he conceded, "then everything should go smoothly." With permission received from Valerius that she would be available should she ever be needed, Kelmar nodded gratefully. "I doubt I will have need for her after tomorrow, but if I do I'll ask for her assistance." It hadn't escaped the agent's attention that Valerius had not asked Tuuli whether she was okay with him volunteering her, but that was to be expected. As for whether she was really okay with it, both helping him and being Being completely under Valerius' control, that wasn't Kelmar's business. That was Ravok, and so long as her power was his to use for the time being that was all that mattered at the moment. Not that Tuuli seemed to mind very much. She'd been wearing a soft smile ever since she'd entered the small room, and it appeared genuine enough, unlike the forced smiles Kelmar had so often seen on comely slaves of other houses. She must be really happy - well, content - under the Nitrozian house. Her reply was polite and concise, in keeping with the rest of what Kelmar had taken from her. It would be interesting to see how Heldora reacted to this slave, being a woman of poor origins herself and still brushing along the line of poverty, not to mention her outspoken (comparatively) attitude. "Indeed, let's," Kelmar replied, standing. "I would offer to shake your hand sir, but I'm sure such a business-like gesture is unnecessary for a deal of this nature. Regardless, I look forward to working with you Mr Nitrozian." He walked over to the door, taking the handle and turning back to the two of them. "I look forward to working with you as well, Tuuli," he told the slave. "I will be counting on your help." With that, Kelmar opened the door and walked into the main room of the Silver Sliver. His eyes scanned the surrounding customers for anyone paying too close attention to his exit, but none seemed to be. Mugs were drained and tankards emptied as the night continued, with few of the patronage paying any attention to the agent. Satisfied that there was no cause fo suspicion, Kelmar left the tavern and began his brisk walk back to his loft, hugging the shadows and softening his footsteps just in case. ~~~~ Fall 21st, 512 AV The Slave Market Long strides carrying him into the open pavilion, Kelmar looked around at the unfamiliar area to try to gather his bearings. Various metal poles rose from the very floor itself, shackles and manacles hanging from them and keeping dozens of slaves chained in place, some struggling against their bonds futilely and others simply hanging limply in their chains, defeated. Broken wills and those that needed to be broken were scattered around the location, their clothes varying from decent to rags. In the center of the pavilion was an elevated stage, a select slave being showcased for everyone visiting. All over, people were bartering and perusing the specimens available, most with utter indifference towards the situations of the slaves themselves. This was one of those places the Kelmar had never been to as a kid, and his parents had taken him all over the city to acquaint him with the various aspects of life he'd need when he matured. For some reason, they never saw fit to bring him to the market, despite being regular customers there themselves. The agent never questioned why, it was not important, though he wished he'd at least done some research on the place so that he would know who to talk to. "These slaves aren't treated right." Heldora's voice caught Kelmar's attention, and he turned to face his old associate. Her brown hair had been combed straight and she did her best to clean herself up for today's operation. The clothes she wore were pressed - quickly - and as straight as could be, and she'd scrubbed her face particularly hard that morning to clear away all the dirt, leaving behind a slight pinkish hue. It was all of her own volition mind, Kelmar didn't say a thing, such was her dedication to a job well done. She'd never pass as a slave owner, but as a servant to a slave owner she fit the bill just fine. "How do you mean?" Kelmar asked. "Their masters can treat them however they see fit." The young woman shook her head. "I'm not arguing that," she denied, "I'm simply stating that these slaves aren't in the best condition. A downtrodden slave is unenthusiastic and lacks energy, and an unhealthy slave is weak. Just glad that I'm not chained up here." Nodding, Kelmar's eyes wandered around the pavilion, looking for Tuuli. She should be here, and though she wasn't essential the plan her presence would help enormously.