Closed Another Man's Poison (Inoadar)

[Verin Rush]

3rd Day of Winter, 513AV It wasn't the first time that Verin had entered Ino Vations, but the few times he had come in, he had always dealt with the shop assistant and apprentice, an opinionated man who was only a few years younger than Verin. Despite a small number of meetings, Verin had yet to learn the boy's name. He also had not met the owner. The shop assistant glanced up as the door opened, and Verin nodded in greeting. He was surprised, however, not to find the boy, but to find a young blonde woman, who offers him a polite smile. His mind didn't linger on the new employee, however; Verin was hardly interested in the administration behind Ino Vations. “Good morning,” he said softly before he turned away, towards the selection of poisons that were on display. Most of them, Verin had heard or read the names of, but he didn't know what they did, or how they were made. This was why he kept returning; he could easily buy a sample of the poison and use it on a small mammal, to see what would happen. But the reaction to a mammal, though possibly more accurate than using it on, say, a fish, would not be as accurate as using it on a human. But even if it did have the same reaction as it would for humans, it would take much work for him to extract each individual ingredient. To learn a poison backwards, to break it down to its origins, Verin knew, was difficult, expensive and time consuming. Verin had done much of his own research, and a few experiments. His main interest had long been in plants and trees, how parts of them could be exploited by him to create deadly elixirs. Or, more fascinating, were the parts that didn't even have to be mixed. Berries, roots and leaves which could alone be used to poison, or injure, a man. Verin found that Arboreal poisons were easy to find in the vast wilds of Syliras and, no doubt, the rest of Mizahar. Some were inexpensive, and some he could forage for himself, when he traveled to the lakeshore. Aquatic poisons also were easy to find in and around Ravok, given its situation. The water left ample growth of the plants he needed for his experiments. He also knew of Serpente poisons, but almost all of they knowledge was from his readings. The elder Rush twin craved more knowledge, however, and he had heard tale of a poisoner in the city, one who might help him. Verin had little doubt that the man could be able to teach him, but he internally questioned whether or not he actually would. He had shared with no one his desire to join the ranks of the Black Sun, and would not lightly impart that information upon this stranger. There already was one assistant, and Verin had no intention of becoming a second. Instead, he planned to become his brother for the day, as he had for many occasions previous. Often, in the past, Verin had impersonated Venser in order to protect his brother. This time, he was doing it for selfish reasons, and the benefit would be entirely his own. The younger brother did not know of his plan, but Verin doubted that Venser would mind. Venser was, after all, known as being the more reckless of the twins, the one who was more driven by a thirst for knowledge. Here's hoping the poisoner has never met Venser... Verin finally spoke again, though he continued to stare at the vials of poisons on display, instead of turning back to look at the apprentice. “Is your master in today?”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

The slight increase in city noise went unnoticed as Inoadar repeated his instruction to Vera, the little girl serving as an apprentice. The two were in the back while Ariella, the older girl, monitored the common room on the other side of the counter. Ariella was Kelvic and had been taken on more as a bodyguard than an assistant. Inoadar wasn't sure if she was developing some sort of jealousy, or melancholy, regarding Vera's arrival. Then again, it may be homesickness for the wildlands beyond the shore.

The two had saved each others' lives and Inoadar had been glad to recruit her, with pay, to guard both himself and the shop. She was technically his slave, but that status had only been to bypass a number of city ordinances. She was about to be enslaved or killed anyway, due to the violent circumstances he'd found her in within the city limits. He'd done a fine job of fabricating a scenario whereby he was able to claim her as a yet unbranded slave belonging to him.

But though she'd seemed grateful at first. She now moped about more and more, sometimes not even showing up in the mornings. He'd hoped Vera's presence would spark some sort of girlish bond, but that had failed. She was not unfriendly to the child, but neither was she friendly. As was so often the case with females, Inoadar didn't have a clue what her problem was. He'd assured her that Vera was not here to replace her and that if she wanted to learn his craft, he'd make the effort. But he reminded her that Vera's training was in place of pay, and that he'd have to apply that same condition to her.

In truth, he never thought Ariella wanted to learn poison craft, and her unenthusiastic response seemed to confirm this. Nor did he truly believe she had the subtle mind to learn more than just enough to end up poisoning herself. He thought she simply wanted out, but did not know how to broach the subject without seeming ungrateful. He'd have had no problem with initiating such a discussion with her once he solved the problem of who would watch the shop while he was gone on his occasional excursions into the wild for sources of toxins, both living and dead.

But for now, it could wait. She was here today and doing her job. A part of his mind registered the arrival of someone, and Ariella gave some routine answer to some question posed to her in the front room. She came back and informed him of the arrival of a man that wished to see him. She described him as very close in age and appearance, though a little smaller,with lighter hair and blue eyes.

Inoadar was going to ask if by "smaller" she meant shorter, or thinner, or both, but he was already out of his frock and near the door to the outer room. He found the latter appraisal to be reasonably accurate, but not by any degree that was significant. The young man was simply dressed, in clothes that sat his frame in evidence of frequent use. 'So he's not a rich man, dressing down to try to trick me into giving him a price break...Good thing.' he thought without sympathy.

He did not offer his hand. He'd found that if a customer did not take it, he thought them rude. But if they did, he thought them a fool for taking the hand of a man that deals in poisons all day long. But his smile was genuine enough, if not based on anything more than the hope of profit. "Yes, sir. You asked to see me? You have question beyond simple prices?"

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[Verin Rush]

The girl murmured something to him before she slipped away, but Verin did not hear it, having returned his attention back to the vials and containers in front of him. He was a customer in a shop, and, as the girl had now disappeared, he assumed that the owner was present somewhere, and the assistant had gone to fetch him, rather than assuming that she had simply decided to leave him alone with all of these wares for no good purpose. His hands were clasped loosely behind his back as he inspected the names of the poisons more closely. Verin was by not an expert in the art of poison making, not by any stretch of the imagination. But, conversely, he could hardly be described as a beginner in the art. With his knowledge, he hoped to maybe work out if some of the poison names might give away their bases, but so far he had no such luck. Some were familiar to him in terms of what they might do to a man, if does with them, but he could not decipher their bases or ingredients. The man turned as he heard a voice speak behind him. Pale blue eyes meet green, which match the other’s complexion. A quick once over and Verin vaguely recognises the man; though the two had never spoken, Verin had seen him a few times around the city, and he wasn’t surprised to find out that this man was the revered poison maker that he had been pointed in the direction of. The blond smiled at the question from the man, and inclined his head slightly. “Quite.” He said, the smile growing in amusement as he jested, “I find myself lacking for someone whom I wish to poison. Today I am not here to buy any such items for that purpose.” Pausing, he wondered how to continue. Without knowing the man, Verin had no idea how he would react to his request. Quickly, however, he decided. Verin was by no means wealthy, but he had some money, and know that many Ravokians would accept such a payment for teachings. “I would, perhaps, inquire after how much you might charge for more… personalised services.” He spoke softly, eyes trained on the man, trying to gauge his reaction as he uttered the words. Obviously, it would not do to have a poisoner – a man with so many different weapons at his disposal - mistrust and dislike him. “You see, I have some experience in poison making. A personal interest, you understand,” he added the last bit as an aside, as he knew that he was treading a fine line between coming off as competition, and having the man discover why he had an interest, neither situation Verin wanted to occur. “But, looking at the poisons you have on display, I only know a few. I think they must be sourced from families I have not yet been introduced to and, naturally, my curiosity is piqued. Might you tell me their bases. Most are not names that I have come across in my own, modest, studies.”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

When the young man said he wished "personalized services", it stood at odds with the impression Inoadar had gotten from his previous comment of "lacking for someone whom I wish to poison." To him, 'personalized services' were assassinations, or 'preemptive self-defense' as he liked to call them. It added up to a request to commit an assassination without use of poison.

Then again, it could be that he wanted an antitoxin. He supposed that could be called a "service". But if he was going to become that liberal with definitions, it could be anything in the shop. Or anything he might get in the shop. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm unclear on your request. Was there a...target...of this special service? And a reason why you would not want poison involved? I'm sure there are mercenary swordsmen around that would be able to force a duel to eliminate someone for you. Or simply attack him in a back alley. This is not really my strength, though."

As the customer continued, Inoadar realized that he was not here to make a business deal at all. It seemed he wanted free information. Inoadar raised one eyebrow in a skeptical look. "Well, I'll tell you what. I will go so far as to tell you I make products from vines, roots, aquatic sources, fungus and spiders. Not all of the stock on the shelves are made from these sources, however. Some I simply ship in in at cost and mark them up. Or do some processes to alter their delivery method. I don't exactly feel inclined to go into much detail without knowing what I stand to gain by improving your knowledge. I already have both an assistant and a protege. Were you offering me something in return?"

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[Verin Rush]

Verin’s expression remained schooled and impassive, though the smile remained in an attempt to appear friendly, to an extent. He had expected some form of resistance, and he well knew that he would not be receiving any such education for free. Nothing is free in Ravok, son. This city is filled with malefactors, liars, betrayers and men who will take you for all you’ve got and give nothing back. The words from his father rang though his mind and, though Verin did not share his father’s beliefs that the entire city was rank with diseased people, he agreed that he would have to offer some form of payment in order to receive the knowledge he wanted. This poisoner, however, was still likely to offer him nothing – no doubt he saw Verin as a rival, a threat to his establishment. That much was clear from his mention of an assistant and protogé. The stick was that Verin was not a rich man. His father had been a merchant, but had long since fallen from grace, leaving Verin and his brother with little. He said as much to the man, “I do not have much money, but of what I do have, I am willing to offer some in exchange for your knowledge.” The poisoner was, after all, a businessman, and hopefully Verin’s offer would leave the other a little more inclined to teach. He was not sure, however, and at the man’s listing of the poison families he knew, an idea sparked in his mind, something that would make both parties comfortable at such a transaction. “I, too, know of Aquatic based poisons. Given Ravok’s situation, it is easy enough to come by a number of sources. Not all, but enough to begin a decent learning.” Verin turned away from the man to once again look at the poisons on the shelves, “I assume that many of these are from other bases, then? I am not familiar with pricings, but I would imagine it would be more cost effective for you to make them yourself? I have only studied two other poison families: Arboreal and Serpente. Again, Arboreal sources are easier to find, but the latter is arguably more… interesting.” The blond turned and stepped back to face the man as an internal struggle took place in his mind. . How much information about my reasoning for learning do I haveto give? I will not have this jeopardise my chances of being accepted into the Black Sun... “You must understand, my desire to learn is not one made out of making a career solely from poison making. But my learning is vital.”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar did not bother to hide the fact that he weighed every word out of the stranger's mouth before responding.

He weighed them for indications of gullibility, 'Did he make a claim clearly based on something he'd only heard? Something Inoadar knew to be wrong, but the man before him believed to be correct?' No, so far the fellow had said nothing inaccurate. He as much as admitted that aquatic poisons were not ALL found here as well as on the coast. It was Inoadar's belief that the very salt in the coastal waters was responsible for the solvent affinity those toxins enjoyed with the human body.

He weighed them for signs of empty boasting, 'Does he try to put one over on me, thinking ME to be gullible?' No, the young man made no outlandish claims of knowledge. He even seemed to concede his lack thereof. And Inoadar felt THAT admission, if false, would be a tactic more likely to be used by the one in his OWN position, as a test of a potential rival. Nor did the fellow try to ply him with flattery, to provoke Inoadar's own boasting of knowledge, given without return.

He weighed them for signs of ambition, 'Is he trying to gauge what I know? Trying to worm clues out of me without seeming to?' Of course he was. Inoadar would have dismissed him as a fool if he wasn't. But that didn't mean he was going to give anything up for nothing. Inoadar had listed several families, it was true. But he had not said they were the only families he'd made strides in. But now he worried that he may have been too subtle for his own good. By being so vague, he'd left the man with an impression that was, unfortunately, accurate.

But most important, he weighed the words for hints of desperation. 'Oh yes! His last comment is very suggestive of pressure to learn. NEED to learn. A path in life completely hinging on it.' The phrases "You must understand..." and "...making a career..." and most of all, "...my learning is vital" all stood in evidence of his weak bargaining position. 'Let him think what he wants about which families I know and which I don't.' Inoadar sneered to himself confidently, 'It will do him no good.'

But the thought kept creeping back to the front. 'It will do ME no good either.' Inoadar was not averse to generosity, when there would be good returns on it. He often offered unnecessary and unexpected gratuities to secure good relations with those that could aid him down the road. Many would call them 'bribes', but that was a term best meant to indicate buying oneself free of a deserved punishment. His was more of the 'securing future favors' variety. Perhaps this situation called for the same approach. But first, he needed to show reluctance to make the ultimate offering seem to be that much more of a favor.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Okay, friend. It would seem that you don't wish to tell me what you want this information for. If it WAS to make a career in this craft, it would make sense that you'd come to me. But then, you'd find out quickly that I do not care to contribute to a likely competitor's success. So it would next stand to reason that you wish to learn something to...shall we say..."surprise"...someone with. Yet you state quite clearly otherwise."

Inoadar shrugged, "Now it could certainly be that you're lying. But then, why mention it in the first place, I wonder? Ravok does not prosecute me for what customers do with my products. Perhaps you're new in town and don't know this. But I think it takes no great knowledge to figure that a poison crafter's shop would not be allowed if such craft was illegal."

He leaned back, his right hand cupping his chin, his left arm across his chest in support of his right, his look assessing. "So, you are familiar with this town, desire knowledge of a dark nature, but don't intend to make a living off of it. In fact, you supposedly don't even have an immediate use for it. Yet you DO desire it, greatly even, judging by your words and behavior."

Inoadar paced slightly, looking back frequently at the young man. "You don't have much money, so I would think you would be looking for a job. But, by your own words, you want a career, not solely in poison, but clearly aided by such knowledge, but by more than you currently possess. In fact..." he grinned with understanding, "...it's vital!"

He stopped pacing and walked up to the not-quite-customer. "I think we understand each other. And I wish you luck. Let me tell you, insight and deductive reasoning are also important to...the career you choose. I will help you. I will trade knowledge with you. I have done such things before. But I want one thing clear. I have far less reason to do this than you. So, in acknowledgement of this, given that you succeed in your goal, I ask only that you remember that I did this for you."

He left the suggestion that the man return the favor someday unspoken. The exchange of knowledge would be fair trade enough, but the concept that even doing that constituted a favor, would be more reinforced by NOT stating it. By leaving it as a universal understanding, not requiring words. "So, what would you like to know?"

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[Verin Rush]

The impassive expression remained on Verin’s face; he hadn’t expected it to be easy, if anything, he had expected the poisoner to turn him away, or take longer to agree to what Verin was suggesting. Here he was standing – a man with limited knowledge in another’s livelihood, asking for information with little to offer in return. Without any formal schooling in the art, it was difficult to actually be sure of his abilities. Which was another reason for his approach of the man; it would not be viewed positively to be seen as incompetent in something which might save his life. Even if the information that the poisoner offered him turned out to be false, Verin would at least be able to watch the man’s habits when it came to crafting poisons. With just simple observation, he could become more efficient and effective. If there was one thing that he had learnt alone, it was that the technique of the crafter was just as important as the ingredients used in the poisons. “I was born in this city,” he stated softly, quite disgruntled at the fact that he was assumed to be an outsider. He believed that his father stayed in Ravok out of the memory of his deceased mother, but that hadn’t stopped him from trying to force Syliran beliefs down Verin’s throat. The blond’s motives were credit to the fact that the man had failed in indoctrinating his son. “My father, regrettably, was a native Syliran, but my mother was a citizen of Ravok, as am I. I know the ways of the city all too well, and am fully aware of what the Black Sun and Ebonstryfe endorse and allow.” Verin’s features did harden, however, did harden slightly as he listened to the monologue about Verin’s motives. Honesty was not necessarily something that he offered freely to complete strangers. Whilst it was clear that the man in front of him was clever, and not easily mislead, Verin had the virtue of knowing he had not yet actually lied to the man, even going as far as to be honest about withholding the truth. There were no deceptions, and no hidden motives. And he was slowly veering away from the idea that he might offer his brother’s name as substitute for his own. The other man’s final utterances caught him by surprise, and he blinked, he wishes me… luck? He wondered if the poisoner had worked it out, Quite possible, maybe others had come to him seeking similar knowledge, for the same purposes… Stowing that idea at the back of his mind to digest later, he pushed the topic forward, to leave the subject of his career choices. “Such assistance isn’t something I would likely forget,” he assured the man, though he left it unsaid that he would also not forget any deception on his new instructor’s part, assuming that, if the man had deduced so much already, he would be smart enough to conclude that too. Foolishly, perhaps, Verin offered his hand to the other, as a gesture of goodwill, as well as to finally seal the deal. “What knowledge I can offer you I will, in exchange for equal knowledge from yourself.” He smiled; he could see this becoming a functional working relationship, if even only for a short while at least. “Might I inquire after a name to call you by… friend?”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar was not really looking for details of the man's background. It was nothing strange for members of a Ravokian family to have relatives that did not support its political or religious leanings. 'They will learn the magnitude of their foolishness someday.' he thought with absolute conviction. He wished for the day that all of Nyka fell to Rhysol's glory, his own parents along with the rest.

He thought he'd made his deductions pretty plain, but the young man had betrayed no sign, save a blink. 'Not bad, but you'll learn to betray nothing if you wish to make it into those ranks.' The impromptu spoken contract was simple and direct. Inoadar could not deny, he wished to learn more of both families the man had listed. Arboreal perhaps even more than Serpente. He still felt there was knowledge in THAT family to be gleaned from the Dhani, Iskessah.

But Arboreal was all around. At least the fruitless varieties. There were not many of those in this climate, even with Rhysol's benevolent influence on the weather. But the kinds that were made from bark and leaves and sap and cones were thick in the wild beyond the lake. He just needed to know which species, which components, which seasons, which processes and which method of delivery were pertinent.

The fellow held out his hand and Inoadar raised one eyebrow. But this was not the same as a customer coming in making himself too familiar. This was an actual business deal, and the handshake was appropriate. He made a point of taking off his work glove first. When he asked inoadar what name he should call him by, Inoadar thought there was one more thing that was appropriate.

He'd been doing this for a long time now, and was well known as an expert, not a trainee. All this young man was offering him really was a time saver course. He had all the experience in discovery and research he needed to learn these things for himself. So he answered, "Master. Master Nolan or Master Parnell, I don't care. But I have earned the deference. And it will be good practice for you. And what of you? What shall I call you?"

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[Verin Rush]

The deal was simple, one made in honour, and Verin ignored the other’s eyebrow raise, as he wanted to make a point of finalising the deal in the traditional manner. “ A pleasure.” He grasped the man’s now gloveless hand firmly, hiding the grimace at the concept of calling another ‘Master’. It was the honorific that many of the slaves around the city gave to their owners and Verin’s pride left him wanting to appear in no way inferior to this man. He could, however, acquiesce to the fact that the poisoner was far more experienced and he had earned the right to be titled as such. Titles, but not named. Verin had had many tutors in his time growing up, each with the prefix of Master or some such similar title; he could easily extend the same courtesy to this gentleman. “Master Parnell it is, then.” He released the hand and took a step back, “Verin will do, I should think.” He said, making the final, last minute decision to be honest with the man about his name, on order to continue the streak of honesty he had going. Now that the pair had agreed to exchange information, however, he wondered the best way to go about it. Many Arboreal bases were effective in their own right as poisons, without having to mix them with others. They required only a little preparation to make them their most potent. The difficulty was the sheer number of plants available for study, knowing which were poisonous, and which were not. Moreover, of those that were poisonous, it was a painstaking task to discover which parts of the plants were poisonous, as it often varied from plant to plant and tree to tree. Possibly the most efficient way for Verin to pass on information was for the pair of them to head to the lakeshore and teach that way. Book learning was useful, but not as easy as being able to show Parnell the plants and what to look for. He supposed that one could be saved for another day. And he said as much to the man, “I propose a trip to the lakeshore in order to gain fullest knowledge about our local plants. Others, more exotic specimens, can be bought in, but you’d be surprised what local wonders Sylira had to offer.”

[Inoadar]

INOADAR

Inoadar stifled a grin of approval that the young man chose "Master Parnell". He'd been curious which the fellow would take. His own opinion was that "Master Nolan" suggested an almost slave status, where the other had more of a student feel to it. Apparently "Verin" felt the same way.

Inoadar retrieved his apron and made to return to the back room, where vera awaited his instruction. "I will tell you right now, I am more interested in the 'Arboreal' branch than the 'Serpente'. As you say, our local plants offer much. And I am familiar with many of them. But I have little knowledge of tree toxins, save for the fact that many of the vines I work with can be found aloft in their branches. And a number of fungi that I find quite lucrative grow on them. Snake venom seems pretty easy to understand. I mean, you know what part of the snake yields the venom. And more exotic snakes can also be shipped in."

He paused at the door to the lab. "I am interested in snakes as well, mind you. But I think there is far less variety in how things are processed. Though it would be good to get a specimen right away and begin working on antitoxins. I am only familiar with the Ravokian Water Mocassin right now. A local species, of course. Oh, you...you weren't looking to go off on some excursion right NOW, were you? I'm afraid I'm in the middle of something right now. I wouldn't be able to leave for a good bell or more."

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