Laying Plans (Cooper)

[Allyria Allenmorde]

Allyria wasn't aware of what the social protocols were when calling on a governor of a Province of Cruinthe. She assumed that one would go to them, as their station was quite high in the social hierarchy. Allyria wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the governor as a person either. She figured he'd be a middle aged man who was used to being in charge and having things his way.

Then there was the matter of herself. She was sure he did not expect a Half-Drokagr was the Countess Allenmorde. Nevermind that she was not a very tall person and happened to be young by comparison to most that would hold her station and status.

Allyria did dress the part however. A beautiful Drokagr design from Telle-Korasus. Long flowing silk robes dyed red. A more conservative dress than her usual summer clothing.

Vekkia was with her. Dressed in a scholarly set of robes. She was no-nonsense to the max.

The pair had approached the castle where they be lived the governor lived. Allyria spoke to the guard at the gate, as between the two of them she was the only one that spoke Cruic.

"Could you please inform the governor that Countess Allenmorde is here to see him if he's available. Thank you."

-"What are we going to do with the Tavern you registered. The Serpent's Head Inn is not far from that location at all. We will be hard pressed to get customers."- Vekkia said, looking down her nose at her friend.

-"We will cater to a different crowd. Membership only. Like Ne'Serah Tinka."-

-"Don't tell me. You're considering hiring Kalimbra. Telle'Korasus will never license you. Sorath will never license you."-

-"That is why we are meeting with the Governor. For that purpose and one more. I hope to have him be our first member. And I hope he will at least legalize academic pursuits in his city. I hear the King is no longer in control of the country. This is a great opportunity for the Cruinthians to improve their lives."-

-"Education is important..."-

-"I pray that Azuloth helps the governor see it that way."-

Vekkia growled then turned to look through the portcullis. She thought she saw someone coming. A guard, herald, butler... it could have been anyone.

[Deleted]

Féderic was in his office reading through some letters and documents just checking that everything is in order, he was merely killing time as he was meeting with a new business woman who wants to come set-up up in the ring market, Féderic couldn't believe how fast she reacted to his advertising for businesses to come to Sorath.  

Féderic wasn't sure what to expect but guessing by her name she wasn't human, but that didn't really bother him as long as she has a legal business that doesn't do anything shady he will be happy.  Just then a guard walked into the office " Féderic you have a visitor Miss Allenmorde.  Thank you I shall go meet with her."   Féderic got up and brushed himself off and tidied himself up to look respectable for his guest.

After a few minutes walk Féderic could see the lady and what appears to be a companion of some sort next to her, very well dressed as well and he was right she wasn't human she was in fact Half-Drokagr,  Féderic approached the pair "Good day ladies, how may I help you today?" Féderic putting a smile on his face as he greeted them.

Allyria Allenmorde

((Again I'm sorry for such a long wait for a reply))

[Allyria Allenmorde]

Allyria inclined her head at the man wishing them good day. For all she knew he was the governor. She had never seen him before. He was much younger than she imagined. Which led her to believe that if he was the governor he inherited his position. Allyria put her most cheerful face on.

"Good day! I'm Countess Allyria Allenmorde. This is my business associate and advisor Vekkia Av'Keran. We're from Korasus. We have a meeting with Governor Cooper." Allyria said.

-"You talk too much, Allyria."- Vekkia said.

[Deleted]

He looked the two over as they respond a countess, didn't expect that at all and she doesn't even look the part but ya know you can't judge on face value.  " Countess  Allyria Allenmorde, I'm governor Cooper, I believe you wanted to discuss something with me? would you like to go somewhere more private or is it fine here?"  He looked around making sure there wasn't any suspicious looking people around, I mean it could be a trap for all he knows.

[Allyria Allenmorde]

Oh Azuloth, Allyria, you're not doing well at all.

Allyria wasn't sure she heard the man right. Talk here, about business? She didn't know what to make of that. What would he prefer? What would be normal? She mulled it over for a moment.

"Oh... whichever is more comfortable for you, Governor. We can move along."

Vekkia remained silent. Simply watching the Governor and his demeanor. She wasn't quite sure about him herself. She didn't understand the exchange, but she could tell that the suggestion of whatever made Allyria uncomfortable.

[Deleted]

Féderic looked her over as he watched her reply to his question, she seemed confused or something but she wasn't right, did he unsettle her somehow? with a simple question, this is odd she wanted to meet me to talk business and now she acts like this.  " Well then please follow me to my office there, it's safer and no one can eavesdrop on our conversation, sorry this must seem strange to you but you can never be to sure what people do around here."   Féderic led the way back to his office where he asked for three classes of wine for the three of them as he approached he offered them both a seat " please sit down ladies and I hope you like wine."  With that a lady walked in with three glasses of wine and put them in the middle of the table,  Féderic sat down behind his desk " So have you settled in yet?  your business up and running yet? anything I can do for you ladies?"

[Allyria Allenmorde]

"Thank you."

Allyria and Vekkia followed the Governor to his office. There they made themselves comfortable. Allyria fixed the skirts of her dress as she sat, Vekkia did the same. At the offer of wine they both perked up. Allyria's ears visibly 'fluttered' once.

"Ah yes. I do enjoy wine." Allyria said taking up a glass. She swirled it, gave it a slight silent sniff, and then tasted it.

-"At least the governor is a gracious host. AND has good taste."-

"Vekkia compliments you on your hospitality and taste in wine, Governor. We find Sorath to be a lovely city, and are settling in just fine. Our first business here is open. A financial service in the Ring Market. We'll be dealing in small personal and business loans, investments, and grants."

Allyria took another sip of her wine.

"With your approval we'd like to issue academic grants to scholars. I know there was a ban on books when King Julgrava was still in power in Fordeth. Rumor says he's since retreated to some countryside palace. Education can only improve the lives of those who have it. You're the governor of Sorath, and we're in Sorath, why not lift the ban? We'll do the heavy lifting afterwards."

She paused for an answer. The "half-breed" wanted to hear his opinion on this before launching into the second proposal. Serious talk out of the way first, then the subject of the tavern. To her, that was pleasantries.

[Deleted]

Féderic couldn't help but grin at there reaction to the offer of wine. Féderic  taking a small sip of wine just to wet his throat.  "I'm glad you like the wine,  Ah tell her thanks I do try my best to be a great hosts especially to business men/women.  Ah yes I kind of forgot about the ban on books, really a silly ban to have been placed in the first place, yes I agree we will have the ban lifted immediately and if you need any help you know who to ask."  Taking another sip of wine.

[Allyria Allenmorde]

Wow... I thought the governor would resist that idea.

"That is most delightful of you. Perhaps now that business is out of the way we can discuss something more fun. I have purchased a building in the ring market that I mean to renovate into a tavern of sorts. More after the style of my people though. You already have The Serpents Head Inn. This new establishment would be members-only."

She paused to finish her glass. Vekkia shifted in her chair.

"Reason being that there are certain behavioural rules to follow in high caliber establishments in Drokagr society. We mean to have Kalimbra there practicing their art. Touching a Kalimbra without her consent carries the weight of death for the one that breaks the rule. We would like you to endorse the establishment, and for you to be it's first member. For free of course. With your endorsement the guild in Korasus would look favorably upon our application for a license."

Allyria let that sit for a minute. Vekkia had perked her head up when she heard the word Kalimbra. A word she knew well.

[Deleted]

The Governor would raise an eyebrow at the mention of a tavern for her people.  "Well I must say I wasn't expecting that and I won't lie and say that I'm not interested in this idea of yours, but I do have a few concerns so with what you want to do, please don't take this personally.  Would you be the sole owner f this establishment?  What kind of security will you have?  And what if some Touches a Kalimbra without her consent, what would you do in that instance because killing someone is serious.  I'm assuming you will be selling drinks and food?  I only ask these questions out of concern, I don't need racial tensions and fighting.   I would be honored to be a member but I need to brush up of some of your culture and believes then."

He would drink the last bit of wine as he waited for a reply, he hoped he didn't bombard her and confused her with all the questions if need be he can repeat them.

[Allyria Allenmorde]

Ah, here's the resistance.

He had some legitimate concerns, Allyria thought. But most of those could be solved by controlling who came in, and who did not. A few armed guards, maybe Skaldi, maybe a few former Korasuan Executioners. The types that would scare people from just walking in like they owned the place. Ownership wouldn't be a problem. She owned it through the company, not as an individual.

"The location is owned by A&F Ventures. The other partner is on some sort of... I guess it's a life quest? I'm not sure how to explain it. Anyway, I was thinking about Skaldi or former Korasuan Executioners for door guards. Simply to keep the people who don't belong there out. Membership of course would be open to all races. No one will get beyond the door without understanding that touching the Kalimbra means death. It would be unfortunate for a horrible incident such as that to deal twice the damage by not allowing Korasuan justice to take its course. Touching a Kalimbra, to us, without her permission is akin to murder. Racial tensions and fighting is not the goal. Experiencing another culture is."

Allyria let that sit for a moment before moving her thoughts back to the actual workings of the tavern. It would be good to have some local foods and drinks as well as Korasuan fare. That would widen the palette of those that had memberships.

"Selling food and drink will of course be a part of operations. I'm thinking both local and Korasuan fare. I can counsel you on Korasuan culture if you would feel more comfortable."

[Deleted]

Féderic sat and listened intently as she started answering his questions, hope this didn't make a bad impression on her. Hmm so it's part of her first business which isn't a problem as such but something strange about her partner.  "Glad to see you have thought this all through  Sounds like you got the security all sorted out and I'm sure this business will do well because different cultures are interesting. Hmm Korasuan fare now that would definitely be worth going to your tavern alone experience something different.  If you don't mind counselling me, I mean you don't have to do it."

[Allyria Allenmorde]

"Oh, it would be an honor to assist you with Korasuan Culture."

-"Can we leave yet?"-

"Ah, sorry. My associate here has numbers to work on. Purchases for the tavern. Renovations to be done. I had forgotten entirely. Perhaps we can reconvene at a later date, or work at your cultural lessons through letters."

Vekkia was getting testy, she did not like being around new people. Allyria was typically nervous as well, but since she had been down in the underground it had not been as much of a problem. She found her courage there. It was a terrifying place. Monsters were everywhere.

Allyria had enjoyed the conversation though. This governor was quite amenable. She had thought he would be a difficult person to deal with. She could get used to handling business with the man. The half-breed pulled her hair back over her shoulders and looked to her friend and nodded. Vekkia placed the glass of wine down on a short table and bowed slightly. Allyria did the same. If there was nothing else.

"It would be good to see you again, Governor."

If there was nothing else, Allyria and Vekkia would leave the castle with their business concluded.

[Deleted]

Féderic would nod " I would appreciate that you are willing to help me.  Sure not a problem I understand you are busy ladies, if letters are easier for you then I don't see why not.  I look forward to the opening of your new tavern.  I hope to see you ladies around hey and watch yourselves hey."   Féderic would stand up and see them out the door and gave them a small bow.  Now for a first business related meeting that didn't go off too badly I thought I was quite reasonable on my half just hope she doesn't think I'm a softy.