A chill flowed down Tydus' spine as the immense satisfaction pulled at the chords of his thoughts. To play the game of Hypnotism was akin to a musician playing their instrument. One must be cautious and vigilant. To press the incorrect button, or to step out of line could send the entire facade crumbling about. The power of the magic was in the meter. The strength of each note was expounded upon the last, building and weaving, guiding and pushing conversation, slowly and steadily growing in strength as layer upon layer of Hypnotic influence was stacked within the subject's mind. It could turn the hardiest, most stubborn of enemies into an ally. And it could turn a prejudice into a lucrative possibility.
A smirk materialized upon the man's face when Adrienna stated her opinion about rum. Yes, Tydus had a taste for wine, and could agree with the notion of tasting some of it. But in his heart, it was rum that stole away his consciousness. A single bottle of the liquor lay in his ship and he would return to it when he desired it, but for the moment, the woman's company and the possibility that lingered with her now far more receptive presence was an intoxicant that pulled far deeper than the sway of alcohol. Possibility, business, perhaps romance, or if not that then intimacy, those were what lay before him should he continue to play his cards right. Some of the options were more important than others, priorities set into place by the Tempest's sobered mind, which in the moment clung to neither pleasure or attraction, but to his benefit for the future. When Adrienna referred to what could turn him a profit, the mention of slaves abound, Tydus considered it. Kel and Tydus could easily, together, traffick slaves should the need arise.
And perhaps they would.
But, for the moment, Tydus remained content with what he was doing. When he had the greater resources needed to be efficient in traficking of any kind, perhaps it would come to light. The Tempest scion struggled to keep up when the pair hastened their approach, but when they slowed, Tydus did as well, gratitude welling in his mind for but a moment until the Svefra laid eyes upon the shop that they were settling into.
The place was astounding, to say the least. Serpents and amphibians of all manner of being were visible in sealed environments, the young Svefra quite astounded at the nature of his new 'friend's' business, but he kept the astonishment to himself. The Tempest scion should have expected it, in truth. Adrienna Lynint did not look the type to own a flower stand or some other, feminine location. Her posture, her words and the nature of her being seemed to exude an independence and a strike from the nature of her fellows that the Svefra found almost intoxicating to be around. It was a rather intriguing notion, but the Tempest cast it aside. If the moment arose to surrender to such feeling, then he would gladly do so. But, for now, Tydus parted his lips to speak.
"I agree. T'is the reason why I came to Kenash in teh first place. To check out teh rum, to find those willing to take upon my services. Can't stay with one employer forever, right? Especially if, as you say, I wish to live with wealth. Contacts are the most important bit."
The man stalled for a moment, purposely so as he once again reached into the reservoir of his djed. It would perhaps be his final, safe spell. The Tempest was beginning to feel a taste in his mouth, a sound, present desire to do more, cast more, invoke greater feeling, but he felt the energy in him beginning to wane, the present capacity waning. He inwardly shook his head, casting aside the desire to keep going, keep casting. But, he surrendered to the pull once more in order to cast his final point. He wanted the Lynint to be a means to an end. A partnership of sorts that could be relied upon should she find the need for him. And this would be vocalized as for the last time, djed lined his throat.
The Tempest cast his ocean's blue gaze as the woman and took a step forward. Confidence was abound in the Svefra, his eyes ablaze with it. His tone was metered once again, carefully articulated words enunciated and layered with djed at key participles in order to accentuate their meaning,
"Adrienna, you speak as if you desire such a contact. I could be your business partner. A boat dedicated to your causes and desires. I could bring you Rivarian wine straight from the city, if that is what you want. A kindling relationship that could grow over time and yield greater pastures. An investment, if you would. But more than that."
The man extended his hand to the woman, an offer present for the woman to take, though he was not quite done speaking with her just yet. The young man set within the woman a final reinforcement of trust. An emotional response for both it, and he would implant within her one final suggestion, the last of his reserves depleted with the execution of it.
He's right. An avenue into Riverfall would be beneficial to me.
There was more to arrange, and another proposal to be had, though Hypnotism would no longer be involved. Yet, anyway,
"We could, if you find it to be agreeable, discuss such an agreement over the wine that we both love so? I've not had the chance to try Kenashian wine or ale. My employer, unfortunately, has only ever given me access to a sample of your rum."
At the execution, Tydus felt an itch in his throat, equivalent to an immediate, present need for water. A discomfort that he kept to himself, a slow swallow soothing the sensation, but it was not enough. A desire welled in him, a want. Perhaps, if Adrienna accepted his offer, the wine would help soothe it, but Tydus could not be sure.
Keep calm, Tempest... Suck it up. You need to remain calm.
But why? What you're doing feels good. Keep at it. You know you want to.
But did he, really?
Fratava | Hypnotic Fratava | Common | Hypnotic Common | Vani