Closed Out of Order

[Estrellir Konrath]

Summer 48, 514 AV


Estrellir didn’t mind the mess that tended to clatter her desk at any time of the season. Sometimes, however, chaos threatened to triumph over order. When her personal system started to fail, it was time to clean up. Such days of organization happened once or twice a season, mainly because that particular Konrath detested cleaning up.

Mell helped her as it was really work for slaves, but Estrellir needed to judge which notes were important and which would be destroyed later. She was standing at the desk working through the parchment piles that had formed, labeling them as important or trash before handing them to the slave girl at her side. Mell collected them in two stacks, one in the nearest armchair and one in the kitchen next to the stove as burning material. The one in the kitchen was growing faster.

Estrellir sighed and paused for a moment to tie her white locks into a high ponytail. Already a thin layer of sweat was forming on her forehead, although the sun was still rising! Cleaning up took almost as much effort as field investigation, but it lacked the thrill that made her forget the exhaustion.

“Should I brew some coffee, mistress?” Mell’s voice, although timid, broke the silence like a scream. To Estrellir, it sounded like a call to discipline. The girl could be implicating a lot of things… that the stack in the kitchen took up too much space, that she needed a break or that her mistress looked exhausted.

“No. We’ll finish this, then have coffee and snacks before organizing the important stack.” Mell nodded as the Konti continued browsing through the loose sheets. Most were scribbled notes to herself, thoughts and ideas with question marks, reminders to investigate this detail, interrogate that person, look up things in certain books. Near the bottom she found a sheet covered in illegible letters, neither Common nor Kontinese. Squinting, she suddenly remembered.

At the beginning of the season Estrellir had tried to devise a system of codes in order to encrypt her notes and reports. They included sensitive information, after all. Should the Rujaro or really anyone else get ideas to search her little bureau, they’d find a hidden treasure. Her case reports would do too much damage in enemy hands. After several bells of trying, visitors had distracted her though.

Lips curled in amusement, Estrellir tossed the sheet at Mell. “Trash.” She’d have to get a better grasp on the theory of encryption before putting it into practice anyway. Even so, devising a new system would probably take a good deal of trial and error. She’d have to rely on other systems for a start. It all came down to time she didn’t have.

The slave girl wandered off to prepare coffee and a sandwich while her pale webbed fingers sorted through the last sheets. Nothing of interest. Yawning, Estrellir dumped them on the stack in the kitchen. Back in the office, she stretched and fell into her chair. Whimsy was curled up in the shelf between a book on the history of Kenashian Dynasties and an empty metal bowl. The tiger-striped cat opened an eye to look at her. Her gaze seemed to express her disdain for the big people’s activities.

Estrellir shrugged at her. “Can’t help it. It’s a necessary evil, you see.” Just as the echo of her voice died and she listened to Mell handling dishes in the kitchen, a knock on the door disturbed her earned break. With another sigh, Estrellir straightened in her chair and waited for the visitor to enter.

Boxcode by Lenz

[Tydus Tempest]

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Three days. The passing of Syna had transpired twice, that of Leth thrice since Tydus Tempest had been subjected to the burn of the Freeborn brand. He despised the mark upon his hand. Yet, already he could feel the benefits of it. He had used the torn fragments of a shirt to cover the wound as it healed. Underneath the cloth and above the brand was an application of burn salvededuct 30GM, add two doses to CS. that he had been convinced by a local merchant to purchase. He had been promised it would soothe the pain without tampering with the wound, and it was doing the first thing rather well, though the expense was steep for such a remedy.

The Tempest wondered to himself for a moment as he cast his gaze upon his surroundings, ocean's blue orbs cast about in search of a purpose in this day. He had the mark upon his wrist, albeit covered for healing, and his rights were, as such, guaranteed. He needed to utilize them.

I need to learn about this city so that my inevitable return is more productive than my first visit, and equally as productive as this one.

Four encounters, one branding, and a wealth of information. This was what Tydus had gathered. Names were the most important thing, a smattering of them from differing families. Each served a purpose in itself, each a wind in the sails that ascended Tydus to a greater range of utility, both to them and to his own employer, but primarily to himself. That was what mattered, that Tydus benefited from the exchange. For what purposes did an alliance have if not mutual gain? It was a laughable concept to do something and work so diligently only to see the benefit rise only on the side of the other.

It was the mark of the incompetent to only benefit others.

The Tempest had crossed the bridge leading from the West Bank and where his ship was tied off at, to Blade Island. His gaze cast upon the private residences in the area, but if his recollection was correct... it was the adjacent island that was of interest. Fire Island. The Tempest was by no means a native to the city, but rumours were the driving force behind patronage in the city of Kenash. He found that a number of them had circulated about regarding a certain 'detective' in the city, a strange, small bureau in which she worked... it was worth investigating. At the very least. If the owner struck his fancy, perhaps he would even solicit her patronage. The mizas that Caelum that invested in him, of course, required re-investment.

It was only with the circulation of coin that Tydus would find his solace. Only in the earning of compensation and the solicitation of information would Tydus acquire his place. His 'job' demanded of it, but more so, he did. When the Tempest cast through the unlocked doors of the bureau, he found that he was unimpressed. One would think that the offices of a 'detective' would be much grander than a small space resting amidst untended shrubbery. At the very least, it was hospitable.

Perhaps it is a better idea to go to the Gazette after this.

Tydus shrugged for a moment, deciding to give the place a chance as he stepped forward. Lips parted for a moment until he noted the presence of the so-called detective before him. Already in waiting.

She uses her senses at the very least. Let's see if she earns her title.

No, all of his titles were self-bestowed and never left the confines of his mind in the Common Tongue. Only in drunken ramblings in Fratava did Tydus Tempest title himself as anything but.

"Good day, Lady Detective. I might inquire as to hire your services. I have questions that require addressing and I believe that both of us can benefit greatly if you have the answers."

The tone that Tydus spoke in befit a confidence that his straight posture accentuated. Vibrant blue eyes cast to meet the Konti's own, unfaltering. There was no fear in his gaze. And he reveled in it. The confidence that Tydus enjoyed as a result of his encounter with the Lynint heiress was indomitable. Tydus knew himself to be capable, and it showed.

Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Estrellir Konrath]

The fact that visitors found their way into her bureau didn’t come as a surprise, but the nature of that particular visitor the detective hadn’t expected. His blue eyes and the way he entered suggested no small amount of confidence and determination. As his words stated, he wanted something and was certain he’d get it in the end.

The vibrant eye color reminded her of the Draer Dynasty, although her sixth sense didn’t give any such vibes. The bandaged hand spoke its own language. A Freeborn, huh? Estrellir couldn’t help but sigh. Compared to Dynasty politics, the cases Freeborn approached her with typically lacked that last spark. Few succeeded in eliciting anything but fleeting fancy from her. At first glance, he didn’t look like one of those, although his confidence was almost annoying. If anything, he wouldn’t take no for an answer…

Straightening, Estrellir folded her hands on the desk that was currently empty except for a used ink bottle and a ruffled quill. The title attached to her person didn’t seem to bother her, although in fact she had to resist the urge to flinch. Most visitors at least did their homework and learned her name in advance. Then again, the way he entered and looked about suggested ignorance of Kenashian society and etiquette.

“Good day to you as well. Sadly it’s not my business what you believe, but you’re free to convince me otherwise. If you do, I’d appreciate a name to go with the face too.” Spreading her arms with a tight-lipped smile, she beckoned him to sit in one of the armchairs. As a matter of fact, one was covered in parchment, leaving only one in front of the desk and one near the shelf to the right. “Would you like some coffee? Words flow more easily if the tongue is oiled with some form of liquid.”

As if on cue, the kitchen door opened silently and Mell slid out to bring her mistress a cup of steaming liquid. The scent filling the room was unmistakable. The human slave would step back and wait for the visitor’s answer before retreating without a word. Having grown up in slavery, she knew her place well.

Estrellir took her cup to inhale the delicious aroma before setting it down. A gesture with one hand revealed the webbing between her fingers. “Your request has been very vague so far. Would you care to elaborate?”

Boxcode by Lenz

[Tydus Tempest]

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Obviously.

It was the mark of an idiot to barge into a place that he had not the proper faith in and file his request. And the woman's words, how she treated a potential customer, was deplorable. The Tempest scion marked a smile upon his features as he took the available seat. The Tempest allowed a marked gaze to fall upon the Konti, taking in her features with a focused gaze. He sought to see in her what would appeal to him, and as of yet, he saw very little. Her vernacular, the tone, was unacceptable. Her treatment and assessment was poor. One who put themselves at the service of another person, whose income depended upon their business, required a much different method of speaking.

As of yet, though Estrellir Konrath obviously befit the mark of a Dynasty member, she had proven herself, like others, to be nothing more or less than a brat. Stuck up and unwilling to reserve judgement, the Dynasty members that he had met so far were a mixture between polite and brash. Rude, but conniving. They thought themselves better than the rest but showed nothing of the sort. Caged in the walls of their business, tending to the lovely (he could admit that much) buildings but from what he saw, there was little else to prove them as worthy of their name. Although, this would not stop the Tempest. One had proven herself worthy of his investment, for she had matched it with her own. This one, however, proved nothing.

However, Tydus Tempest required information, and he demanded it. Whether or not it through legitimate conversation or the extension of his influence was yet to be seen. Though, Tydus decided to extend a compromise. To make her more suited to hearing him out was his intention as he welled djed within his throat. The Svefra wanted not to overextend the influence he would supplement, for she had not yet proven herself as a meal worthy of being devoured. Simply bearing a name was not enough to satisfy him now. Words emerged from his lips, inflecting a measured, friendly tone in his voice.

Confidence did not fade from his face. However, a far different spark was cast upon his eyes as he spoke with the Konrath. The Tempest scion was obviously looking to the horizon with his intentions, and perhaps the Konrath would notice it.

"M'name's Tydus Tempest. What I require, Detective, is information. In two days, I leave to return to Riverfall. My business in tis city is that of trade. What I need, now or before I leave is teh product information on teh table. Not only that, but trade lines. I can see that Kenash is extremely busy and and industrious city.

This city lacks a dock, and it seems teh survive by land trade, but how much and more importantly, what goes out? That's what I want to know. But, first and foremost, I want information about three people in particular. Adelaide Sitai. Adrienna Lynint. And Edmund Morealis."

Tydus emphasized the second point, because he suspected that it would intrigue her far, far more. With his request, he wove an emotional response. Estrellir would find curiosity drive into her thoughts, along with a question, a nudge. A suggestion that entailed:

How does he know them?

Trade information and data was one thing, because it would be useful for the Tempest to bring back to Caelum and negotiate that he begin to spread his wings. Ambition was the Tempest's driving force. More and more, he found a desire to further this want. The Tempest name was one that was once known for piracy in the Suvan Sea, but with the true pirates lost and gone with the fall of the Waverunner's Fist, Tydus intended to resurrect the name. Not with the violence that Kel craved, but with intelligence. The violence, the notoriety, and the fear could come once they were wealthy enough to support it.

Tydus smiled at the Konrath as he leaned slightly forward, intent on hearing her response.

Fratava | Common | Vani | Hypnotism.
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[Estrellir Konrath]

His name told her nothing, not even a distant relation to the Draer as suspected. As he started to elaborate, his gaze became distant. Behind his precise words ideas she couldn't guess were hidden. Despite her reserved outlook, Estrellir found herself just a little bit intrigued. As a Freeborn, one who lived and worked beyond the borders of Kenash, what had he set his sights on? Unlike many Dynasts, Estrellir understood Kenash as a bubble with its own rules that certainly didn't apply to the rest of Mizahar.

She took a sip of hot coffee as she mulled over his words. Mell returned to the office, her steps barely audible, to slide a steaming cup in front of Tydus before retreating into the kitchen. Whether he'd requested it or not, hospitality was deeply ingrained in the slave girl's mind.

As three names were dropped, he had her beyond intrigued. Pale lips curled in amusement. The puzzle was beginning to tug and tear at her and his silky voice full of suggestion only increased the effect. Taking another sip, she tried to see the connection between the three, the reason why he'd selected them among a variety of Dynasty members. Both Adelaide and Edmund had grown into positions crucial to their respective families, but Adrienna didn't fit. Just another business owner, the Lynint would hardly provide anything of interest to an outsider... until he sought goods the Lynints were famous for providing.

Eventually she gave a smile full of subtle sarcasm. "My my, you know all the important people already. If you wish me to investigate those three, I need to know what exactly it is you want from them. Were you looking for a basic summary of their backgrounds, reputation and position or something more specific?" Tydus would notice her tone had grown softer and more silky, ready to discuss business. With his words he'd proven himself to be not only polite, but also promising.

Incredulous, on the one hand, to venture into Dynasty politics right after entering the city. On the other hand, he didn't seem quite like a madman. The names spoke some knowledge. He'd been in contact with those three or at least heard of them prior to coming to her. "It's also crucial for me to know if you've had any prior experiences with those and how much you know about them." Licking her lips, she folded her hands on the desk and gave him full attention. Of course, Estrellir wouldn't jump to any conclusions yet, but it might be worthwhile to delve deeper into his motivations by satisfying his wishes.

Boxcode by Lenz

[Tydus Tempest]

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Nonsense.

That was what the woman drew from her mouth. Shallow excuses likely drawn from the very curiosity that he had instilled into her. It was an unfortunate thing to be so invasive of other people's affairs and Tydus Tempest had no intention of revealing his information to her without reason. The Tempest managed a smile before taking the drink that he was offered, wary of the steaming rise from the mug. Tydus' first experience in Riverfall with hot water was one that he cared not to elaborate upon nor reflect on. The hot springs were suffocating, cloaking Tydus with its heat for several moments before finally relinquishing its infernal grasp upon his body.

It was, even after the heat dulled and began to feel nice, something that Tydus did not want to do again. This, however, was a smaller basin from which to draw liquid, and it looked to be something to drink rather than to immerse oneself in. Rather than be impolite and obviously so, Tydus lifted the mug to his lips and nearly cringed at the frothy, heated malady that had the unfortunate destiny of meeting with his lips. The Tempest nearly began to dry heave, but he maintained his composure, placing the cup on the wooden surface in front of him and keeping it there.

He then leaned back in his chair to distance himself from the accursed concoction. Once Tydus finished with his small episode, a momentary lapse of concentration, he looked towards Estrellir and processed what she was saying once again. Her words flowed through his thoughts and the phobia quickly stirred from his mind. The Tempest scion cast bright blue eyes at his mark, this Konti, before his lips parted.

Djed welled from the deeps of his soul as he wove it within his throat, layering it within his larynx. Vibrations pulled as sound was produce, Tydus taking a very even, soothing tone to his voice. The Svefra did not need to maintain eye contact. And thus he blinked normally as he spoke, pleasure welling as chills down his spine,

"I disagree with the need to know basis of your conditions. You can very well investigate a query without being entirely aware as to what my intentions with this information are. It is foolish to presume that you are so dependent upon your client as to insist upon knowing their reasoning for their actions. So, I'll tell you again. I request that you investigate these three people because they have, individually, struck a chord with me and sparked my interest."

The Tempest was not about to be pushed around by a Dynast who had proven herself to be overly presumptuous of her own position in this scenario. Tydus was utilizing her. He by no means depended upon her services and was by no means obliged to divulge information of such value for no reason. As the Tempest spoke, he wove two distinct and related emotional responses into her, as well as infusing a suggestion, the Tempest intent on completing his point. Further curiosity was woven into his words, with the distinct air of respect.

The suggestion was then spun to be,

Maybe I can find out his intentions while I'm investigating for him...

Tydus had every intention of making himself be in control of the situation, whether by ordinary means, or magical. There was no intent to manipulate her feelings towards him, but rather, simply move forward with this task. Tydus had other things to do before he set out of Kenash.

"Will you take the job?"

Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Estrellir Konrath]

The guest's dislike of coffee didn't go unnoticed. Even though she couldn't discern any change of expression, Estrellir took note of how the cup was placed on the desk and not picked up again.

When he spoke, the tone didn't match the words. He presented a strong argument, but his voice was flowing around her like silk, inviting and suggesting. As she took another sip of coffee, Estrellir contemplated that curious way of leading a conversation. Despite being just a Freeborn, this one had a clearer idea of what he required and how it was to be obtained than most that came to her. Doubtlessly he was a businessman as well. His skill with words came rather unexpected.

That didn't mean his words would scare the Konrath away though. If he wished to challenge her, see how much she could do, by calling her a fool and criticizing her style of work, she simply had to prove how good she was. If she investigated his relationship with those people, she was bound to find out more about his intentions too. Thus she'd satisfy her own curiosity by tending to his needs. Eventually she smiled and didn't bother to keep the tension that hang in the air out of her features. "I see. You're right, I do not depend upon you to provide that kind of information prior to the investigation. I will gather information and compile it according to your wishes."

She hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "It will be a pleasure to do business with you, Mr. Tempest." Still smiling, she offered a webbed hand to shake and seal their agreement. Then she spread her arms in a questioning gesture. "When will you require the information to be ready?" Oh, she wouldn't make the same mistake again! It seemed best to let him determine everything, including the time allotted to his case. If Estrellir suggested a date herself, he'd possibly mock her, no matter how much or how little time she gave herself.

Tydus Tempest seemed to be that kind of person: decisive, overbearing to a fault, yet effective in his own way. All those were qualities the Konti could respect in a businessman. Had he been born a Dynast, he'd doubtlessly stand at the top of his family. As a Konrath, she was glad of his status.

Boxcode by Lenz

[Tydus Tempest]

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There was never a need for someone to like him. If Tydus desired for someone to like him personally, they would see a far different side of him. If he wished to take the Konrath to bed, she'd have seen a different face that the Tempest could wear. But, this was not one of those times. Perhaps in the beginning, the Tempest might have seen a chance, but treatment as severe as what he had received was deplorable. it left a taste in his mouth that he could not quite bear. It left a desire to twist and turn others so that they could learn what it was to show respect to the Tempest.

And it was what he had done.

The Konrath's response immediately hinted at a greater curiosity, just the sort that he had inflected into her. They spoke of a desire to investigate him, perhaps? The Tempest could look into the eyes of a person and hope to see their intentions, but in this particular person it was more difficult to tell. While the eyes served as portals into the hearts of men, the Konrath kept her emotions under a lid. Tydus could not hope to accurately divine them.

But then again, why would he want to?

It was not his place or his desire to try to see past the unnecessary web of lies and emotions that a Dynast wore. It was his place to do the job that he was assigned. To gather intelligence was a mere follow-up, a thoroughness that the Tydus had never known in himself until he elected to part with the drink known as beloved rum for more than a day and allow his mind to work in gears and spur forward. It was wonderful to see it in action.

The heart of a person can be guided and twisted. Turned to one's intention by mere words and enticing promises. It is no different with Hypnotic inflection. In fact, Hypnotism merely opens the mind to a possibility that perhaps would otherwise be ignored. I cannot command someone to do something outright, but why would I possibly want to? It is better for Estrellir to follow my indications and believe that she was the progenitor of her own design.

Her affirmation was merely the confirmation of his influence. The stretching forward of her hand to meet his was akin to a signature that he extended as well. He took her hand in his then raised it to his lips before offering the woman a smile,

"And also with you, Ms. Konrath. It was, indeed, a pleasure. I wish for the information to be ready on the morning of the 50th. It is when I cast off to return to my employer. I trust that you will have it ready in time."

When Tydus released her hand, he began to rise, waiting to see if she had anything to add before making his way out of her business. Tydus had other things to do this day, as well.

NoteFeel free to take several posts to do the job if you want to
Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Estrellir Konrath]

There was something in his handshake, some hidden meaning, that Estrellir couldn't decipher, no matter how hard she tried. She had ideas, of course, but none seemed particularly likely and all were entirely unfounded. At this point, she could only meet his dry hand with equal pressure and a glance as steady as she dared.

After all, this particular client seemed to take too much self-confidence badly... or perhaps it was something else akin to self-confidence, but not quite. Ironically, he managed to hold her curiosity suspended in mid-air with everything he did and said. She couldn't help but feel like a puppet moving to every glance of those ocean eyes and flick of his fingers. Of course, as an investigator she always worked to meet desires that weren't her own, but with this one that feeling burned stronger in her stomach. He completely eclipsed her agenda as a Konrath and she ached to know whether he did it knowingly or accidentally.

All those vague impressions and ideas only strengthened her resolve to live up to his challenge though. If nothing else, this could be said with considerable certainty. There was nothing else to be added to his words. Any reply, no matter how affirmative, would only imply that doubt had preceded it. So she gave a sharp nod. "Until the morning of the 50th."

*

After Tydus had left, Estrellir retreated into the kitchen and sat cross-legged on the couch. Without a word or a question, Mell poured her another cup of coffee that she twisted and turned in both hands until a bit of the warmth stuck between her palms.

Two days. Three people. Albeit far from impossible, it'd be a thing of great effort to compile reports on those three in so little time. Most importantly, he seemed to expect more than the usual records, birth dates, early education, family trees. She'd send Mell to get those from the library. No, she had to go herself... for the Dynasty records only opened their locks to visitors whose blood allowed them to know.

After that? Divination could only do so much good, especially as she was limited to truths of the past. The client, however, wished foundations rooted in the present to work with in the future. Tapping into each Chavi would certainly provide some revelations, but Estrellir doubted he had the financial resources or desperate need to warrant that step. She would, however, dig a little into his past to satisfy her burning curiosity. That point was certain, although it still left the question as to when she should do it. Before investigating the others or after?

Shaking her head, she tried to clear her thoughts. For a few moments she focused on her breathing, using a bit of meditation lessons she'd received years ago. Slowly and lightly as a feather, ideas and arguments drowned out the quiet sound of her lungs pumping air. Like that, Estrellir returned to her usual way of thinking... and the answer stood before her bright and clear as an early summer morning.

When she followed that train of thought, everything else fell into place. There was a plan. With a quiet smirk, Estrellir took a sip of hot black coffee before getting down to work.

Boxcode by Lenz

[Estrellir Konrath]

OOCDue to Tydus' retirement, I'm self-modding the rest of this thread in order for it to qualify as a job thread.


Downing the rest of her coffee, Estrellir headed for the library first of all. With a notebook and ink stick, copying birth dates, descriptions and sketches of their position in the family tree was an easy feat and didn’t take long. Still, she was surprised to learn that Adrienna was actually niece to Kaljia Lynint as she hadn’t expected the third person in her triad to be of such high standing.

When she got back to the bureau, Mell had already left to gossip with any Sitai, Morealis and Lynint slaves she could get her fingers on. Hitting every plantation one after another would be too much of an effort and take too much time for one slave girl, but due to her status she had means and ways to get information that Estrellir couldn’t ever dream of. Mell could act inconspicuous and disappear in the background where the Konti would only draw attention to her pale form and scales.

In the meantime, Estrellir brushed up her appearance in front of the mirror and left again, this time for Adrienna Lynint’s reptile shop. Walking all the way to the southern tip of Sun Island, she entered the shop without hesitation. Lucian, the clerk, greeted her with a respectful nod. Having met him before on several occasions, Estrellir knew he wouldn’t open up to her about his mistress.

As she strolled between cages and terrariums, she silently hoped for the shop owner herself to appear – and her wish was granted. A low, yet sensual voice greeted her from behind. Turning around, she saw herself eye in eye with the tattooed dark-haired Lynint. With a smile, Estrellir started the story she’d come up with on the way. She was looking for a present for an acquaintance and had heard they liked reptiles. A snake or lizard would do, exotic, yet small and easy to tend to. While Adrienna showed her around and suggested different specimens, Estrellir was watching her out of the corner of violet eyes. The woman was the one person she hadn’t associated with before, neither in an official nor casual way. Thus she posed the most work, but Estrellir was determined not to disappoint her customer.

First impressions: Adrienna genuinely enjoyed working with her reptiles and also possessed vast knowledge of different varieties and how to care for them. Her demeanor could only be called professional as she failed to provide relaxing small talk to make the customer feel at ease. She didn’t employ any of the little tricks other merchants used, simply let her knowledge and the animals speak for themselves.

The experience left Estrellir slightly confused as to what Tydus had planned with her. Nevertheless, she kept up her façade by showing interest in a pretty orange fire salamander and then excusing herself politely. Yes, she’d think about her options and return in a few days.

Returning to her bureau, she whipped out a piece of parchment and began scribbling down her observations and thoughts from the visit. By the time she was finished and copying everything she’d found out so far, the door opened and Mell returned. Slightly disheveled, the girl left her mistress to her work and began brewing fresh coffee in the kitchen. As dusk fell upon the swamp after a long day of work, they sat together to share and analyze their insights.

Boxcode by Lenz