[Merchant] Horse Breeder: Steeds & Yves

[Tribal]

Steeds & Yves



Territory:

On display in the front of the shop are rows of exhibit stables, exposed to the discriminatory eyes of experienced buyers who carefully examine the horses for disease, deformity, or poor skeletal structures. Logs of past successful sales are strewn open on tables as proof for the validity of the products, and scrolls of various sizes hang on the posts beside each stall for buyers to identify specific breeds.

This pavilion is the largest of all the horse tenders in Endrykas and it is Atticus Rin and his crew of stable hands that traffic horses from all around Endrykas to this stable. Striders are also available from an entire network of horse breeders and riders. Atticus has first hand knowledge of all the Strider breeders in Cyphrus, their locations and their prices.


Purpose:

All horses are organized first by trait (strong, heavy, swift) and then by breed, and then by colour as some breed types have different hide patterns. On average the entire stable houses up to a maximum of 100 horses and the availability of the each breed differs with every season and source.

Each category of horse (strong, heavy, pony, etc) was a way of generically grouping different region breeds by a single common trait. For example, a group of swift horses would normally be comprised of breeds that were in more demand - Ekytolian desertbreds, Cyphrus striders, and rare Nightwalkers.

Heavy and strong horses are advertised as being ideal for those who travel outdoors in colder temperatures for long periods of time and carry large packs and tents. They also serve as an excellent tow for wagon tents and even larger structures. In fact majority of the public pavilions in Endrykas count on Strong horses to move them across the perilous terrain. With Endrykas settled comfortably in the belly of Cyphrus at the border with Ekytol, a steady stream of Swift desert and Yoke horses are delivered to Atticus via a traveling Benshira trades clan. Lighter horses are a popular selection in the grasslands as they are built for speed and harsh desert conditions, making them perfectly adaptable to the tolerable heat of southern Cyphrus.

The pregnant horses and colts are kept separate from the hectic noise of the storefront and are only allowed to be viewed by appointment or during low volume times. A special stable for them stands behind the main pavilion, shaded yet warm in their group stalls. In the melting chimes of the sun's evening descent, colts who were ready were encouraged to walk and training sessions were rarely missed by any of the stable workers.

Wares:



Yves Prices Coming Soon


Advisors:

Dreaded orange hair with beads and rings, seldom wears a shirt, and two sandals with tethers are strapped to his feet with thin light coloured trousers that hang loose from his hips to his knees. Two ties on the bottoms of his pants are wrapped multiple times around his calf to secure the pant in place.

Atticus is sharp as a tack and jovial, and is known for his humour as well as his tender approach to treating the horses he trades. He is fluent in Pavi, Common, Tawna, and Shiber, as he often does trading with all who speak those languages.

Skills
70 Animal Husbandry
65 Riding
45 Webbing

[Kavala]

Timestamp: 50th of Winter
Purpose: Purchasing Horses
Location: Horsebreeders?


She rode into the city with a yvas bag filled with enough mizas to purchase ten to sixteen horses to start a stable in Riverfall with. All she needed to do was to find out which horse breeder was in the city this time of year and what stock they had available. Kavala wanted a mixed group of horses, anywhere from Zavians to Striders to Seme's... mostly mares. She just needed to find the correct location. Horses shouldn't be that hard to find in quantity, especially this time of year when most of them should be in the city in shelter verses out on the grasses themselves growing fat and having babies. Pregnant mares would be even better and create a more diverse group of animals for her stable after spring foaling as well. So the Konti pulled her cloak more tightly about her, nudged Wind into a trot, and began to search the city to see what she could find.

[Tundris]

50th of Winter 509

A striated landscape of infinite tents and boisterous voices painted the early morning scene outside Atticus Rin's tent. He was a high ground lover and always migrated earlier than the city to secure his spot atop the talon like hill that curled towards the city below. Boiled water sat waiting in a mug, their companion tea leaves anxiously fluttering in fear of being burned by the licking flames of the fire outside of his tent. No matter how hot southern Cyphrus was, the tea Atticus drank cooled him down with a stinging icy flavour.

Chalky dirt and sand sprinkled into the air as Atticus balanced on his shoes to support him as he slid over the rocks that jutted out from the hill wall.
To handle all the horses, he used the hill under his tent to exercise the agility, strength, and stamina needed to effectively manage his merchant tent. However, if it weren't for the numerous stable boys, the shop just wouldn't operate as well. Especially without the loving attention, hard work, and creativity that the young boy brings to the stables.

The chill in the early morning began to dissipate, causing the night's mist to flee from the sun that roared through the horizon like a lion in pursuit of its feeble prey. When the oldest stable boys Awsten and Lucas showed up first, each horse had its coat brushed, ears scratched, and was showered with affection to brighten the mood of the entire shop. Bringing up horses in loving environments was a signature method Atticus used, as happy horses trusted and bonded more easily with their companions.

Scrolls with prices were set out and supply crates were cracked open to show saddles, feed grain, and various bardings with pack attachments. As life poured into the cavities between merchant tents, the final touches were put out by Atticus including a small sign made of bark that read 'OPEN', which he turned to face the crowd that ensued around him.

A stable boy with good selling tact had been recently employed to do supply transactions while Awsten attended the stables with cleaning and organizing of inventory and Lucas attended to general stable maintenance. Atticus was the shop front face who happily engaged with patrons who came by to ask specific questions or purchase goods. The morning was in full bloom by the time the sun had made a quarter of the way it needed to reign high above the canvas web shaped tent tops that protectively shaded the city shops from the blazing rays of the midday sun. At a more quiet period just before lunch Atticus took a moment to lean against one of the stall doors to gently pat the neck of an ice white mare...

[Kavala]

Kavala brought Wind to a halt in front of the pavilion that housed what appeared to be the biggest horse operation in Endrykas. She slid from the stallions back and then turned to retrieve the yvas pack to shoulder it. The gold was heavy and weighed her down, but the konti said nothing. Kavala simply let the stallion be, knowing he wouldn't wander far, and turned to find someone to speak too. The pavilions were located on the top of a hill which offered a lovely view of Endrykas and allowed plenty of space around them for grazing which the buckskin strider took advantage of. The konti, however, proceeded past where all the saddles and gear were stored, and wandered out into the stable area itself. She looked around carefully, noting that the stables themselves had a large amount of horses brought in, and her eyebrow raised with interest.

She walked with purpose down the line of horses, carefully snooping in the arrogant fashion of all Drykas when it came to selecting their horse flesh. She wouldn't even bother talking to the merchant if any of the animals were in ill health, looked sickly, or weren't kept well-groomed.

But, not surprising in Endrykas, Kavala found what she was looking for. The animals were friendly, very well cared for, with hooves trimmed, manes groomed, and all of them seemed to have a bright and friendly manner. She was quite satisfied she'd find what she was looking for and so she turned to the man patting the neck of the ice white mare.

"Greetings." She said carefully in Pavi. "I am opening a stable in Riverfall for both training and boarding abilities and I would like to purchase some foundation stock and a good scattering of saddle horses I can then resell in Riverfall as they are needed. I have funds for up to 15 horses. I'd like four of them to be riding horses of any sex, then perhaps the rest good breeding stock mares - preferably pregnant with purebred foals - and at least one stallion preferably Seme. Is there somewhere here I can talk to about that? I'd also like to purchase tack sets for the riding horses, and perhaps hire someone to help me take them back across the plain to Riverfall with an employment opportunity full time as a groom once we arrive." She said, laying out her needs carefully. She hoped for the stallion, four riding horses (mares or geldings it did not matter) and ten pregnant mares... it was a tall order, but she was willing to pay good gold-rimmed mizas for them.

[Tundris]

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Into the cresting rays of the approaching midday sun, Atticus lead the woman to the first stable closest to the doorway that lead out to the fenced off grassy field. The drier southern grasses appeared parched and inedible, but the desert horses preferred them, gaining a rich supply of vitamins and fiber, and a surprisingly adequate portion of water where the grass met the earth.

They both stepped aside as one of the stable boys led a handsome stallion into the stall. The towering dark stallion stomped playfully around in the roomy stable, its glossy hair sweeping across its neck like a paintbrush. Out in the field where dozens of growing belly mares dancing in the breezy desert air. A smile relentlessly tickled Atticus's face, curling both the corners of this mouth and his cheeks up through his face as he watched the stable boys trot the horses into the main stable and out of the blazing heat. He had been fortunate to celebrate his 15th winter season there and took the time to breathe in all that had unfolded in his years of caring and loving for the beautiful animals. The energy of their happiness was the atmospheric fountain of health that flowed through the stable tents.

"We have had an over expectancy of pregnancies this season, you have certainly come at a fruitful time." He patted and touched each mare who flowed through the tent back entrance, appreciating their very existence and soon departure from the safety of his stable.

"As you can see," he chuckled with his hands folded outwards when referring to the line of horses, "we are in full supply of pregnant mares. I will walk you through their medical and breed information, and I have just the person for your journey back to Riverfall. He's a strong lad with as much experience as a grand place like this has to offer. He is more than capable and has a real spark with them", he thrust his chin towards Awsten who stood with his forehead pressed against the lightning white striped snout of a hazelnut brown Seme. "That one just came in five days ago and already he's quite taken with him." Awsten's smile seemed to be shared between the two as he affectionately stroked the stallion's mane.

"That Seme is strong but rambunctious. Awsten has been working on him all this time, he's much calmer than when he came in!" he bellowed with theatrical nervous laughter in the remembrance of the uncontrollable steed's behaviour. Wiping the moisture from his eyes, he began to scribble an invoice of the purchases on a small scroll with a thin piece of charcoal.

"There is no charge for Awsten, he is a free man and if he wishes to be employed by you he will accept. If he declines I know other men and women who would be pleased to relocate. What do you think, should I tell them about the winters in Riverfall?" He nudged the air in her direction with his elbow and let out a belly laugh. He often enjoyed making jokes about the weather conditions in Nothern Cyphrus since he rarely if ever experienced the cold when he didn't have to.

"I'm including two Desertbreds and two Sungold (with females and males), and the one Seme over there with Awsten." He clearly printed the words on the scroll which he had pinned with his hand against a flat stable column.

"For the mares with foal, they will be fifteen gold mizas extra each. Two of the mares will be Zavians, they are just so versatile. Four Sungolds too and I am recommending you take two of the Frostmarches, they are hearty beasts and adaptive in colder temperatures." He clicked his tongue thoughtfully as he pondered the last couple horses. "Ah of course! I had a whole whack of Gildlings come through here recently, very healthy horses, beautiful, and surprisingly fast! I will throw in two of those as well", he beamed at the Konti woman.

"The supplies you requested, the grain and tack sets are free of charge with such a large order of horses. You'll find they're each incredibly unique and a pleasure to take care of. As far as mizas are concerned, it's more important to me that I give a discount to and send them off with someone who will treat them kindly. In doing so I can only hope you will spread the word about my wares" he smiled.

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled. She enjoyed the man's openness. And more importantly, she loved the way he was with his horses. None of the individual animals he pointed out had weak confirmation or bad breeding. They had clean strong lines, shiny coats that glowed with good health, and wise calm eyes that told Kavala that she'd come to the right dealer. The Konti was meticulous however, in her examination of the animals Atticus showed her. She had no qualms about picking up feet, running her hands down flanks, or across smooth gently swelling bellies. And she liked everything she saw. A few of the breeds, like the frostmarches and gildlings she'd never worked with, but the animals he'd pointed out to her were friendly and curious so she knew she'd have no trouble with them.

With the Seme stallion standing with Awsten, Kavala approached more cautiously. She spoke low to him and offered the flat of her palm before she touched his great cheek and ran a hand appreciatively down his neck. Her sight fell towards animals, and at her gentle touch she reached deep looking for an inclination of his personality. Proud. Strong. Defensive and high spirited without being mean, she nodded her approval. Kavala offered Awsten her hand, wondering how old he was and if he was Drykas. He looked Drykas, so she felt comfortable assuming he was.

"Hello Awsten. I'm Kavala of the Danusk Pavilion of the Sapphire Clan. I am opening a new stable in Riverfall that is also a wild animal sanctuary. I need to take a number of horses across the grass back to the city, and I cannot do it alone with so many animals. Atticus here suggested you might like the opportunity to help out. And there'd be a good paying groom or trainers position waiting for you on the other side of the grass depending upon your skills if your interested. I'd pay 100 gold mizas though, for the escort service back to Riverfall and the wrangling. Two of us, especially both Drykas, should be able to manage that many that distance. I do not know if your interested, but you wouldn't need to commit to staying in Riverfall unless you enjoyed it. As Atticus here can tell you, the winters can be brutal, but you'd have your own quarters and a warm hearth." She said, smiling. Her expression was open, welcoming his questions if he had any.

She'd talk with Awsten for a whileIf he wants to bargain for a specific salary or ask questions or refuse, I'll answer/respond/address them in my next post as if they had the conversation before Kavala finishes haggling with Atticus, then when handed her invoice, she'd look it over and get down to the business of negotiations with Atticus.

At the final tally and the offer of throwing in the tack for free, Kavala was thrilled. The cost came in under her budget of 2500 gold rimmed mizas and so she looked thoughtful. "The group you've assembled for me is perfect, Atticus. I knew I came to the right place. There are some truly fine animals here. But my budget was 2500 for everything. So I'm wondering since I have coin left over and I might not get the chance to return anytime soon, if there's a possibility of throwing in two strider mares as well and making the figure a solid 2500? Wind, my little stallion, might like the company of his own kind to run with if we ever need to go somewhere swiftly." Kavala knew striders were common in Endrykas, but she also knew sometimes they were reluctantly parted with. "I can promise as well to give them a good home and not sell them to outsiders. I could use the extra breeding stock anyhow. I dislike non-Drykas owning striders especially not knowing what incredible animals they are." She said, slipping the heavy coin bag off her shoulder and

[Tundris]

Awsten's ears perked up when his name was mentioned and watched the white haired lady approach the stallion he was attending to. A sense of ease fell over him as he watched her regard the animal with respect, he was especially protective of the steeds they raised. After patiently hearing out her request, Awsten drew a quick breath in before responding with a gentle bow in her direction.

"The grasses are fierce but we will travel trouble free to Riverfall in fair time. Being the senior stable boy, my learning here is coming to an end now. I would be pleased to not only join you in the transport but continue to watch over the mares as they grow. I have much experience with breeding and can assist you in whatever else you need. The 100 gm is fine with me, thank you".

He gently nudged Kavala so that he could swing the stable door that contained the large dark Seme inside. Enthusiastic hooves pestled the ground, billowing clouds of dust that curled out of the stall. With a firm hold, Awsten led the grand beast out of his chamber and walked him to the
tent. He turned his head to Kavala, "time for a run!" he exclaimed before he disappeared past mares that were being led through the back entrance from the fields.

"Energetic boy, no?" Atticus hobbled towards Kavala with a strider mare in tow. A snort and huff escaped from the mare as she shifted on her feet, enjoying the cool soft sand of the shaded tent. "I added the two mares to your invoice and settled even at 2500 gm. How long do you intend to stay before you depart? Preparation for travel will take about a day and the best time to start out would be right after midday. You know how torturous the sun's heat can be without proper shade."

Before continuing down the long tent to the mare's stable, Atticus handed Kavala the final invoice. "You are welcome to stay around and if there are anything else you require do not hesitate to ask." He extended his hand in acceptance of their offer.

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled. "That looks perfect." She said looking over the invoice. She finished sliding the very heavy yvais bag off her shoulder and handed it to Atticus. It contained 2500 gold rimmed Miza's with Riverfalls mark on them. It was the last of her start up money that the leader of Riverfall had given her to stock the stables. "I think I'll take the rest of the day to carefully look over each mare, learn a little about them and the stallion, and then be ready to leave tomorrow or as soon as Awsten is ready to go. If you don't mind, I'll pitch my travel tent beside your business just for the night, and be gone out of your hair tomorrow. Thank you very much for the transaction, and helping me find some help. I'll really be able to use Awsten back at Riverfall." The Konti said, smiling slightly.

Then she did as she said, settling in and spending the rest of the afternoon talking to the new helper and getting to know each individual mare. She learned their names, went over them with her careful healing hands, and admired their condition, monitoring the pregnancies of the ones who were already heavy with foal. One thing was for certain, with the animals in The Sanctuary, spring and even perhaps late winter would be interesting with all the births around the facility.

Midmorning, right around noon, Kavala rode out for Riverfall along with Awsten, both riders mounted on the stallions, driving the small herd of mares at a sedate pace along with them.

(Thank you very much for the thread!)



NoteI think you added two Seme's to the bottom of the invoice instead of the striders Kav requested, but the amount is what they agreed on... so don't worry redoing it!

[Aleksi]

1 of the Winter, 510 AV

Aleksi smiled warmly and walked in. Her eyes wandered all over the place before noticing a strong looking man with long hair. That was probably Atticus, the one she has heard of.

She walked closer and nodded in a greeting manner before her lips parted "Hello... um I am Aleksi of the Diamond Clan and I am here to buy myself a first horse.... something light... not too big I guess.. and not too expensive either". This was odd for a Drykas, but oh well, she had Luc all her life so she wasn't needing the horse too much. In the end, she seemed to have more Drykas blood in her then she thought. She wanted a horse pretty bad lately.

It was almost incredible for Aleksi to feel her heart beating madly. For some reason, the horses reminded her of the night she has spent with Tebridiar and it made her smile. She will finally have one more thing in her life she could enjoy spending time around.

OOC: oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that, and I hope this one works better =) ty for letting me know

[Kavala]

Placeholder.