Trader wars?

by **Ronan Dugal** on March 25th, 2013, 3:31 am

Ronan smiled at the ebony haired woman in front of him. She handled her part of the spotlight pretty well, although in a totally different way as Ronan. For Ronan it was just a set of motions he learned and used when appropriate. For the woman it looked like spontaneous, 'real' motions and reactions. To a certain point, Ronan envied her simple and uncomplicated way of interacting with the crowd. Throughout his own life, Ronan's simple and pure ideas and interactions had been dulled down to this... this trader who would do anything within the law to get what he wanted. He would even bend or abuse the law when it suited him.

Without a hint of embarrassment or of being uncomfortable, Ronan met the eyes of the woman, staring straight into them as he smiled at her. His usual practiced smile. "I don't believe in luck. I simply credit it all to your exceptional skill." The smile turned up slightly, adding a little mischievous tint to it. For a moment, his eyes actually twinkled with something more than the calculating, analytical sight he had carried from the start. "Alright then, miss miss. Nice to meet you." The lack of handshake didn't go by Ronan unnoticed but he credited it to the difference in culture and the somewhat rival air the two had about them. Besides the lack of handshake, the winking did also not go unnoticed to the young man. As she spoke again about the request, Ronan turned around to look at the crowd. "Ah yes. Sadly, business before pleasure. I will be sure to thank you later, after you've rested, miss miss.

And with that, Ronan stepped over to the crowd of people, and by crowd he meant the three couples and the two single people, totaling eight customers, that were looking into his wares and inspecting them. "A wise choice, sir. This knife will not let you down and requires only minimal maintenance to keep its sharp edge." Ronan smiled at the man who was holding one of the knives, inspecting it in the light with what looked like an experienced eye to Ronan. "It's light and well balanced. How much?" Ronan smiled. "I see you know your knives, sir. For you, only 1 Golden Miza." Ronan wasn't quite sure what happened next. The man seemed to puff up and his cheeks turned red. If he didn't know any better it looked to Ronan like the man was about to explode. "1 golden Miza for a knife? Listen son! I can get a knife here for 5 silver Mizas! Don't you think this is a little outrageous?" Ronan, although shocked by the sudden outburst, kept his smile and did his best not to yell back at the man. This was an...odd way of doing business. Normal people, by that he meant Syliran people, would haggle down, rather than yell and accuse. "You're absolutely right, sir. You could get a knife for 5 silver Mizas. But, will your knife of 5 silver Mizas be the same quality steel as this one? Will the hilt be crafted so expertly like this one? I'll tell you what, sir. As I'm new and you're my first customer today. 8 silver Mizas for the knife. That's a good deal if I ever made any." Ronan smiled at the man, holding both his hands in front of his chest, his palms open to the sky, a naturally nonthreatening stance. "I'll let you think it over, sir."

Sometimes, people just need time to think about things. So while the man was thinking about the deal and, hopefully, thinking of a way to be less loud in the process, Ronan shifted his attention to two of the women in the crowd, who were inspecting the roll of fine fabric Ronan had brought with him. "Ladies, I see that you have an excellent taste in fabrics. These fine fabrics were made by some of the best tailors in Syliras. They're well known because of their ties to the noble class and knights, who wear nothing but these fabrics. Only the best for the Syliran knights." With just a few words, Ronan attempted to sway the ladies into buying the fabric. He didn't carry a lot of it, making it all the more expensive and rare to the people of Avanthal. "Only 12 Golden Mizas per yard." A little steep in Syliras but here, in Avanthal, the price would be more acceptable, considering that the items were considered exotic. The ladies got on to talking in their Vani tongue, which Ronan had trouble following due to his limited understanding of it.

Leaving the ladies to their discussion, Ronan saw that most of the people had wandered off. Some stood near the ebony haired lady called miss, for now, while others had walked off. The man with that was holding Ronan's axe was talking to his wife, hopefully about buying the axe. Ronan's attention got drawn by his neighbor as she called out to him. "Profit, of course. What other reason would a trader have to travel so far?" He said as he walked closer to her, making sure to keep an eye on his wagon at the same time. He positioned himself in such a way that he could see both the archer lady and his goods, in case someone wanted to talk to him. "Nothing is a long way for 'just trading', miss. Trust me." Ronan finished, a slightly cool tone to his words. He looked at the woman and her crafts intrigued by the simplicity of it, combined with the necessary need of experience in order to be able to practice it. "There are no slow days, miss. Just days where you have more time for yourself. And thanks. It's not mine but it suits you. Perhaps you should hold onto it." A natural reaction, perhaps, as Ronan slipped in yet another compliment towards the woman. Sometimes it was difficult for Ronan to alternate between 'normal' talk and 'trader' talk.

"What about yourself? You make arrows for a living or is there more to the mystery known as miss?" Ronan returned the question to her, interested to see if the woman posed perhaps a threat to his business interests. From what he could tell, however, it looked more like she did the arrow making for a hobby, making some money on the side. With archery skills like hers, Ronan figured she was a huntress or a guard, perhaps an adventurer. But then again, he had a severe lack of knowledge about the Avanthalians and their customs so maybe the woman was simply an arrow maker. He couldn't say for sure. "Forgive my prying, miss, but you are from Avanthal, am I correct? It's the eyes, you see." Ronan smiled as he pointed to his own eyes, explaining, sort of, what his question was based on. Except for the one line earlier, Ronan had been speaking in the common tongue, afraid to make a fool of himself with his limited Vani speech.

by **Miria** on March 25th, 2013, 6:55 am

Profit? Such a word was rarely used in Avanthal. "Is that so?" The vantha kept her personal views to herself in this discussion. "That is quite the view on trading you have there Ronan." Such words made Miria wonder what people the man has met in his travels. Trading alone meant that he would only go to places that were deemed somewhat safe. Miria supposed that the question would eventually come around. Have you traded at Ravok yet then? It's not too far off for 'just trading.' The question forming on her lips Miria quickly brought them together in an easy smile. "Then whose is it then?" Beckoning a young vantha all by his lonesome Miria snugly fitted the head covering on the lad before sending him on his way. "Careful now! If someone asks you to give it please do. I'm not sure whose that is."

Covering up a nervous laugh she looked back to Ronan with a confused look. "You know I've been wondering about that. Everyone in our city contributes in their own way. Though as of late I've been wondering if I should perhaps contribute more." Staring outwards her composure hardened slightly at her small dilemma. Raising an eyebrow Miria tried alternating between with each brow before finally giving an answer. "Of course. If not known for our outlandish beauty then perhaps it is due in part to the ever changing colors we get from the Aurora." Compliments and being desired occasioned the Vantha who in turn dismissed such ploys. Trying to not get a big head Miria drew back from her animated expression before pointing straight up at the sky. "Over there in the distance. Do you see that?"

Not easily seen at first the 'northern lights' blanketed the sky near a hold raised high off the ground. If you ever need to find them you just have to look for Skyglow hold. "The artists there are usually inspired from the sight and go on to make masterpieces worth more then any amount of Mizas one man can covet." Already the day seemed to wane over the course of their discussion as Miria quietly started packing up for the day. "Things are different in this city of mine. Though you have to stay awhile to truly understand what I mean by that." It looked like she would have to see the excess of her supplies at Snow-Stained Bows again. "Come along. You can accompany me to sell what remains of my stock. Who knows? Maybe I'll humor whatever idea you can come up with after. What do they do for fun in your Syliras?"

by **Ronan Dugal** on March 25th, 2013, 8:17 am

Ronan listened to the woman as she spoke and watched her careless interaction with the boy as she put the hat on his head. The boy seemed happy at least. To Ronan it was somewhat difficult to understand how a child could spend time just standing around. He had to keep reminding himself that Avanthal was far from Syliras. What was even more difficult to understand was how people just gave to the city. Why would they do that? Just give away things... Such a curious notion. If you could sell something why give it away? Ronan mentally shook his head at the strange people of Avanthal.

Ronan stifled a chuckle as the woman mentioned outlandish beauty. When she pointed up, his eyes followed the length of her arm, over her supple and thing wrist and hands, up to the sky where, after a short look, the northern lights started to become visible. It was truly a sight to behold and, thanks to it being early spring when Ronan had arrived, Ronan had been observing and admiring it for the few days before his arrival. "Worth more than any amount of Mizas one man can covet? Are you sure? Because I can covet quite a large amount of Mizas..." Ronan shrugged with a smile to the woman. '...you have to stay awhile to truly understand...' Ronan's mind kept repeating those few words from her sentence. A silent hint perhaps? Or a careless remark that he mistook for a hint. Or a hint on purpose disguised as a careless remark that he would mistake for a hint and dismiss to be fake. Ronan stopped his trail of thoughts right there.

"I plan on staying for quite some time, if possible. I heard tales of the beauty and elegance of Avanthal..." Ronan trailed off for a moment. "And its women." Added with a smug smile on his face as he focused on the eyes of the woman in front of him. With a slight bow towards her, Ronan listened to her directive. "I'd love to come along. With a beautiful guide such as yourself the city will only be more interesting to someone like me. But excuse me, I'm called." Ronan motioned towards the guy with the battle axe in his hand who was trying to get Ronan's attention. After excusing himself, Ronan quickly moved through the snow towards the man. Because of the many people coming and going through it, the snow was pressured together on the ground, barely hindering the young Syliran's steps. "Yes, sir? How can I help you and your wife?" Ronan listened to the man as he spoke about the axe and how his wife really wanted to buy the fabric Ronan had brought. She realized that it was only barely enough to make a full gown out of it but was interested in it anyway. She wanted to have to show to her friends and make them jealous. The woman kept listing good reasons why she wanted the fabric. Ronan and the woman's husband exchanged a look of understanding and Ronan attempted to break of her endless stream of reasons.

"Of course, ma'am. It's a pity that I couldn't procure more of these fabrics when I left from Syliras but, as you so well observed, the amount of fabric should be enough for a decent set of clothing, although not enough for a long gown. And the axe for you, sir?" The man nodded and agreed with Ronan in his Vani tongue. Realizing the difference in language between them, Ronan switched to his less proficient Vani language skill. " For the axe, it will be 13 Golden Mizas while one yard of fabric comes down to 13 Golden Mizas as well, times two for the entire length, totaling to 39 Golden Mizas. But as you are my first customers in the fair city of Avanthal, I'm willing to sell you the items for a... for only 37 Golden Mizas." Not knowing the word, Ronan switched to one with the same meaning that he did know. At least this Avanthalian didn't explode in shouting and accusations but had the decency to haggle the price down by another 2 golden Mizas. Both parties agreed at the price of 35 Golden Mizas, giving Ronan a price two Mizas above his target.

With the money adding to his purse, Ronan listened to the sound of the Golden Mizas hitting each other and tinkling. With the other potential customers losing their interest in his wares or finding his prices a little too high for their tastes, Ronan started to pack up his items, covering them from the potential snow. You never knew in Avanthal. With his goods secured and covered, Ronan turned to see if the woman was still around. If she was he would approach her with a smile and heavier purse. "If we could make a stop at the Savintar Warrens to drop of my wagon and horse, I'd love to accompany you." He didn't mention that it would also give him extra time to think about something to do afterwards. Something that didn't involve buying or selling things. What do they do in Syliras for fun? Ronan didn't really know as his entire life had revolved around earning more money, flirting with women and making even more money.

by **Miria** on March 25th, 2013, 11:16 am

"I would not lie to a person I just met." Miria answered in turn before nodding slightly at his declaration. It was true Avanthal had was eye candy compared to some parts of the world. "Flattery will get you everything you want with some of us Vantha." Shaking her head as her cheeks reddened from the compliment. "But nowhere with me Ronan." Looking over her stock she was mostly done with the all the arrows from home. It was just the inspection of each individual arrow that needed to be done. Looking closer Miria could already tell it would take another season or two to really get down arrow making down. Those Sylirans know how to make their arrows. Even if most of them just use crossbows. Miria tried to learn a bit of Ronan's selling technique. It was such an odd sight for the archer who normally went out of her way to give a performance with each market day. Perhaps I would make a better entertainer then a fletcher. I'm starting to think that I'd be a lot better at other things then making arrows.

Readjusting her shoes Miria grimaced slightly hearing that he would have to stop by the Warrens before heading out. It made sense now that she thought of it. "Ah that might not be good. I'll take awhile to actually talk things through with the owner. Though if you wait I suppose I can make my way over. I love meeting new people!" It was their fresh new perspectives that really interested her. In some ways it was the only thing that made Miria believe she was truly alive. All her life the archer was led around and at times it felt as if her story was already over. "Well in any case I'll see you when I see you."

Starting off Miria made her way out of the market taking almost ten chimes to reach the archery store. Looking on the makeshift cabin/house Miria wondered why exactly she turned out like this. It wasn't like she needed Morello to make herself a grand salesman like the trader from before. What was stopping her from opening up her own independent shop with her own brand? Miria's hands faltered as she touched the metal of the door. What was this odd feeling she could not put her finger on? The sensation Miria felt was saddening yet vitalizing as if she learned something amazing.

Whatever it was that feeling told her not to sell her stock today. Perhaps another time when hers was just a memory to fade away. However that was not the time. Miria still had to find her happy ending, a life of servitude to Avanthal did not spell the end for her chance of happiness. Perhaps the first step was to talk to that trader from before, perhaps get his opinion on a few things. "Too much to dwell on all at once" Looking up Miria found she had been wandering aimlessly for quite awhile. It only took a small reflection to figure our where she was and where she had to go to find her way again. "Wonder if that fellow is still waiting."

oocWe can end it here if you want. Perhaps make a new thread with us doing something you are more used to.

by **Ronan Dugal** on March 26th, 2013, 10:00 am

Ronan had actually just planned to drop off his stuff at the Savintar Warrens but the woman had misunderstood him and thought he still needed to get a room there. Or at least, that's how Ronan understood it. Attentive, Ronan listened as the woman spoke about needing time and how she could perhaps visit later on. Ronan as quick to interject. "How about dinner? That would give me some time to rest and settle in a little more. And then later we could go out for something to eat somewhere?" Ronan casually mentioned it, or at least tried to appear casual as he did. Just dinner, of course, nothing more. Ronan wasn't quite sure if the woman had accepted his invitation. Her 'see you when I see you' answer didn't quite give him a decisive enough answer.

Figuring he had perhaps pushed it a little too much, Ronan mentally shrugged and moved over to his wagon and goods. With the one battleaxe and the two yards of fine fabric sold, Ronan had started of good but also slow. Then again, he had been tired and distracted by the woman, who still hadn't told him her name, he realized. Miss miss. Fascinating creature. Beautiful and, to Ronan at least, Exotic. Smirking at nobody in particular, Ronan started to prepare the wagon and horse to have the latter transport the first to the place they were staying at. Perhaps he should look into finding himself a warehouse somewhere in Avanthal. That was for later, after he had sold his stuff around here. As he started to (very) slowly drive home, the horse pulling the cart through the snow, which made it only happen slower, Ronan's mind drifted off to some of the things the woman had said. Some more specific than others.

With his mind being occupied by a certain ebony haired woman, Ronan maneuvered his way back to the Savintar Warrens, where a warm stable awaited the two animals and a warm room awaited Ronan. He had to have a chat with the owner about a potentially more secure place to keep his goods at. The dog was of course a well trained guard but to Ronan nothing beat a sturdy door with a strong lock on it. Well, except for a good lockpicker or a sturdier piece of wood used as a battering ram... And termites. And a lack of walls or windows. Or no roof. Ronan shook his head as he focused himself on parking the wagon in the designated spot in the stables.

OOCSure. This is the point where we contact the mod, right? My first grade *excited* PM me if you feel like continuing in another thread?

by **Noblesse** on April 1st, 2013, 4:19 pm

Ronan Dugal :

Miria Coolwater :

True nobility lies in being superior to your former self

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out. Heehee.

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