Carpe Fortuna: Blood Money
Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:38:05 GMT -8
Gold had a way of making every morning a little bit brighter. After a big payday Jack had always felt like that in his mercenary days. Working as a duelist for hire, working as a commander for coin, all of it lead to sunrises made brighter with coin. Today, he had awoken to two things. A bag supernaturally stuffed with gold, and a fair skinned dark haired beauty. To say he smiled at the sun would be an understatement. He practically beamed. The sun broke past curtains and blinds as it backed the east side of the building on the east side of town. He stirred in a bed that wasn’t his, and with the same stealthy approach he’d use in cutting a throat, he untangled his arm from underneath her head and neck despite the tingle of the limb nearly being asleep. The bag was right where he left it...thankfully. He was more lucky he realized that so was she. Jack couldn’t really ignore the fact that he wasn’t sure where he’d put his pants- but he had time to find them. The warmth from the sun even shaded took away the slight chill one felt when waking up. He sat up slowly and put feet to floor, trying hard not to wake her until he found coffee, tea...and gods damned thing to wipe the fog from his mind. After a night like last night, his mind was rather limited in available subjects of thought.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:40:13 GMT -8
He’d find the small kitchen to the left just outside the bedroom door. It was a simple thing, a small wood stove, a water basin, an enchanted ice box and perhaps best of all - a fully stocked pantry complete with both coffee and tea. The kettle sat on the mantle above the fireplace in the living room, the apartment even had a wash room with a clever pump system and a rune etched tub. As for the dark haired beauty, she was better at night than she was in the morning, and last night had been one of her best. Maybe -the- best but she likely wouldn’t admit that, not even to herself. She lay on her side, curls spilling over the pillow and her nude form, offering the only covering. His warmth had been plenty during the night, it was the absence of it that woke her. She stirred, rolling to her back, letting out a husky sound that was a mix between a moan and sensual feminine purr as she indulged in a languid, full body stretch. Oohh...she was sore in the best of ways. A little stiff. There were lovely bruises where his strong hands had gripped to both guide and demand. A satisfied smile curled her lips before she even opened her eyes and rolled herself out of the bed. Zenna gave in to another deep stretch, arching her back, lifting up on her toes, then padded naked and barefoot out of the bedroom into the wash room to tend to nature. To be honest, she wasn’t expecting him to still be there. She washed quick and came out with her hair still a mess, intent on finding coffee and food. She wasn’t worried about finding Jack, she’d find him eventually, or he’d find her.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:40:46 GMT -8
Went to work on coffee, having hearing her in the bathroom, he lit began to build the fire and set the kettle. He was impressed with the convienience she had seen to. He began to consider just what he needed to do with his own place. He’d need to keep those plans to another day. He set two cups aside when he found them, and left the kitchen just in time to run into her on his quest for pants.
Jack smiled easily, his own hair in disarray from the hard and restful slumber he had accomplished. She had given him his first truly good night’s sleep in sometime. Among other things of course. “Good morning, Feathers.” he said with a nod of his head to her direction as he went in the direction of his pack. He needed a few things if he was going to take advantage of her bathroom, and he’d need new clothes to change into instead of the night before’s considering the bloodshed.
“The Bank awaits...I thought you’d be a little more excited to meet the day. “ he teased as he stepped in against her and left a kiss to her temple as he passed, as comfortable naked as with clothes. It was the warrior ethos to have no body shame, to have no hangups with the human form. It could not be held sacred, lest you not do what is necessary. Besides, it looked as though she had the same ideal.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:41:39 GMT -8
He didn’t have a thing to be ashamed of, and she didn’t believe she did, either. Mornings her head was always slow to clear, but the reality of him still being there, making...coffee? Was that coffee? The tender little kiss and pleasant greeting… It rocked her. She gaped, her eyes falling straight to his bare bum as he walked by. She could get real used to waking up like this. Wow. After giving herself a shake, a slow smile curved her lips. “Mornin’, Hands. And shoulders. And ass,” she teased, giving him a playful wink as she walked over and curled up on a floor cushion near the fireplace, but still out of his way. No interrupting the making of coffee. She leaned on one hand, still a bit awed by him staying. “Coffee, food, and then bank? Well, after dressing, of course. I’ll put something quick together for breakfast once the coffee is done?” That sounded like a right thing to say to a guy who was still there the next morning.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:42:01 GMT -8
He looked marginally surprised that there would be cooking. Pleasantly surprised. “Yeah, sounds good.” he said as he knelt before his bag on the other side of the room. “You mind if I use that tub of yours?” he asked as he put his hand through his hair attempting to sort it from the mess it was. Jack would’ve never appeared so in any other time of day, but in the morning he was almost a little vain, a little preoccupied with recovering his appearance. It almost looked like something that was a force of habit instead of a conscious choice. After running his hands through his hair a few times until he felt less disarrayed, he continued digging into the haversack. He pulled out another pair of breeches, a shirt that looked fitted- more in line with aristocracy than adventurer. He turned it over as if to inspect the back then spread if on the bedrail with the trousers.
“Also...how’d you sleep?” he asked, curious to an extent. She looked like she had slept well, but he wasn't sure either one of them expected everything that happened the night before. It was evident that Jack if taunted might’ve blushed. He produced a shaving kit, some soap and stood heading towards the bath if not stopped.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:42:35 GMT -8
“Of course. Just touch the runes to adjust the temperature of the water, left is hot, right is cold. Yell when you’re done and I’ll pour your coffee for you.” She rolled to her feet, suddenly feeling giddy. He’d stayed. Her mind kept returning to that. Smile wide, she kissed his cheek and went back to the kitchen with a bit more bounce to her step, humming softly on her way to the pantry. She remembered what her mother used to make for breakfast; her father had loved it and hopefully Jack would, too. She fired up the wood stove and put the iron skillet on to heat up while she got the eggs, ham, and a hunk of yellow cheese out of the pantry. It was a simple dish, about all she could pull off before coffee, but she wanted to make it for him. The ham was cut up and tossed into the pan, the eggs came next, then she ran off to dress and do something with her hair before he got out of the bath.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:43:03 GMT -8
He had thought to invite her, but she had just went in there to tend to such things. He was meticulous in his preparation, but swift all the same. The water he used was hot, and realized he might just need to invest in one of these. The mechanism at the place he was looking at was most likely too complicated. He’d probably have to hire a gnome tinkerer. His thoughts wandered to and fro as he took his bath, removing the bandage and discarding it, his flesh whole and pristine as if the minor wound had not happened. Jonathan had been wise to meet with healers from the old healing houses. Odd that one of Shelzi’s legacies was used to prop up fight pits all over the city.
It had him thinking...what brought so many clubs to existence? The question faded as he heard her getting ready and realized he’d need to quickly do the same. He came out soon enough, dry for the most part and heading for his small clothes before he quickly put on his pants. He knew that if he remained naked too long he’d forget the point in putting on clothes. “The food smells delicious.” he said nearly salivating. The morning marked far too many hours since he’d taken the time to eat. “A shame I doubt I’ll savor it. I’m starving. Also- my attention keeps going to that gold.” he said with a jerk of his head in the direction of the unassuming magic bag. He sighed at the thought. Fights at the Rose’s Thorn would never be quite so profitable… the secret was out. He waited on his shirt, the bachelor in him thinking he’d ruin his shirt too early if he tried to eat with it on, and made his way closer and closer towards the food.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:43:46 GMT -8
It was almost magic. Zenna stood at the stove stirring the one-pan dish, dressed in casual Journi attire with her hair coiled up in numerous braids. It was the easiest thing to do with her mane of hair and would work until she had time to wash it properly that night. One thing she learned over the years was the art of dressing and undressing quickly. She turned at the sound of his footsteps and flashed a wide smile. “Oh, mine too.” Although not as often as it should be, she added privately. Between the events of last night and the present she was thinking more about him than gold. A couple plates were pulled down from a shelf and she loaded them with the contents of the skillet, piling his plate much higher than her own. “Here ya go, got the coffee in the living room. I haven’t got a dining table, not much room for one in here. Sorry.” Zenna led him into the living room and a small table where two steaming cups had already been laid out next to a couple of forks. There was only the one chair, the other covered in pillows, so she sank down on the floor on the opposite side and happily scooted up closer to use the table to hold her plate. “I hope you like ham, aren’t allergic to eggs, and don’t mind yellow cheese.”
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:47:57 GMT -8
“Yes, no, no. “ he said in quick succession to her taunt. “We had a lot of eggs growing up. Mother did a lot of work for the farmers, kept them clothed. In return, we got a lot of eggs. A lot of eggs. Oddly enough, I never got tired of them. Especially in a basket- like when you take the bread- and you fry the egg like in it?” So apparently despite the fit appearance, Jack liked his food. He seemed more sentimental about that memory than the actual memory of his mother.
He seated himself on the floor too, finding no reason to crowd the table where the floor could do. It had been awhile, but he had been used to far less hospitable locations. After taking one bite, two, three...he seemed pretty intent on eating but not so intent he couldn’t discuss logistics. “So, the East District has this bank for Merchants.. Is the security really safe? Magical support, that sort of thing? “ he asked with the kind of cynicism a rogue would possess. Mostly because he was one.
He followed up the question with another statement, “I mean, if you trust them I do. It’s better than keeping it at Jonathan’s. Who you need to officially meet you know… I think he’s the kind of man who’d want to partner with the Rose’s Thorn. I’ve put up some money to seed the investment. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve got going at the *other* establishment… but it’s another iron for your fire.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:48:39 GMT -8
She nodded at both questions, her mouth too full to immediately answer. He wasn’t the only one who was hungry. “I was given the name of a couple contacts before I came up here and told to use the Merchant Bank. It’s not only magically protected but they hire their own enforcers and have branches all over the north of Tyran.” She hesitated a moment, not wanting to explain but dishonesty - even that by omission - didn’t sit well with her. Besides, he knew Al-Ahara, likely none of this would come as a surprise. “My owner was a Warrior and his brother a wealthy Trader. It was the Trader who handled all his investments and he always said the Merchant Bank in the north was far more secure than anything they had down there.” It was hard to keep her voice casual. That she even felt worried about his reaction was a worry in and of itself. After clearing her throat and taking a sip of her coffee she went on. “I definitely want to meet your friend Jonathan. He understands how to make a profit, that’s for sure, so the Rose’s Thorn would be a great investment. Besides it seems fitting,” she grinned a little. “The White Rose investing in a place named the Rose’s Thorn? I’d rather spread my income out, not...put all my eggs in one basket.” That was terrible but she couldn’t help herself.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:50:43 GMT -8
It was terrible enough that it got a laugh out of him, one that wasn’t uncomfortable at the moment despite the revelation. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. He hadn’t told her much if any of his story, and at the moment he wasn’t sure he could. Didn’t seem important. Pity didn’t fit Jack Mercer, and it didn’t fit Zenna, The White Rose either. So it was void, absent in his features. Instead his features had a kind of appreciation on display. A kind of “thank you for telling me” kind of look, but words never came on it.
“Your owner, had wonderful taste. I have heard of slavery in the desert lands. Al-Ahara had no small amount of them, inspired by the efreet the masters could be very...cruel. It is good you did not, it is better than we meet like this.” he said, a tone that said she could revisit that as often or as little as she wished. It was her tale, and it would be kept secret. It was her tale, and it would be kept safe, even when it was just the two of them. Any query or question about it died and was swept away for now.
“It is good though, that he did not hear your puns.” Came the taunt before he took another bite of egg and cheese.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:51:14 GMT -8
She laughed softly and winked at him. “Oh, he did. He pretended to hate them but I caught him repeating them to himself and shaking his head when he thought I wasn’t looking.” Two more bites and then she pushed her plate towards him in offering. “Eat the rest if you want. I hate wasting food.” She rose and grabbed the coffee kettle, refilling her cup and then his without asking. It was a relief that he accepted her truth so well. There was no reason to hide anything from him, and knowing that removed all the pressure from filling him in sooner rather than later. She’d been right to be honest. Pity wasn’t anything she wanted part of, so she let the topic shift for now. If he was around long enough he’d eventually learn it, or not. It didn’t matter anymore. “I’d like a nifty bag like yours, too. If you get a line on one let me know?” She put the kettle on the mantle and then settled back down on the floor, content to sip at her coffee until he was finished eating.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:51:27 GMT -8
It didn’t take long for him to finish. While he loved a good meal, it was better for his body to eat small ones often, even on the adventuring trail he did the same. Hard to fight, hard to think with too much food in the belly. Perhaps that was why he felt compelled to keep those habits. Survivability.
“Well, I’m pretty sure I could find one. Plenty of wizards have came and went, and where I’m from that’s something the do rather quickly. Helps keep track of things, I swear the bag always knows what I want out of it.” He said with a shrug pushing the plate away after scraping her food onto his. He finished his but a bit, and he looked around for anything he could put it in. Remembering his haversack, he went for his mess kit and the hammered metal plate he kept on the road. He could afford another one. He took a bit of cheesecloth and wrapped the meal and plate. No doubt there was an alley just a bit away that’d consider it a gift from the gods. Jack hadn’t been on the streets for a very long time, not as an occupant or as anything else- but he remembered what an empty belly felt like. He also remembered what a man would do for someone remembered kindly.
“I’m glad you shared it with me.” it came suddenly, as if he decided he didn’t want to avoid that truth. “It makes it suddenly very okay for me to tell you my own stories...as they come up.” he said with a nod. “I’m struggling right now...and you’re the first pure thing I’ve came into contact. I lost everything. I was...forced to abdi- no… Abandon my old life. I can only press forward and build something new. You...make that..” His halting speech showed that he didn’t really want to just say words. He wanted to say something definitive, if not for her sake, for his. He settled on it, words expressed as more than a gesture.
“Better. “
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 9, 2017 21:52:25 GMT -8
She listened attentively, touched and honored that he gave back a bit of truth of his own. They’d shared physical intimacy first, now it was verbal, and she felt...impacted, somehow. He’d just become important. She refused to examine that too closely. Instead, she inclined her head towards him with the same grateful respect he’d shown her. “I’m glad. You’ve been...no. You -are- an unexpected discovery. I’m starting over, but it wasn’t exactly forced on me. I’ve been planning for this for years, but you… Life here suddenly seems a lot more fun, Jack. And I appreciate that.” She leaned forward and gently kissed him, because sometimes it was easier to show than it was to tell. Words failed her sometimes, physical expression came a lot smoother. So she kissed him, slowly, not too deep, but it was a kiss filled with promise. A little breathless, she leaned back with a small grin. “Shall we go play with gold and start making ourselves delightfully rich?” she asked with an impish waggle of her brows.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 9, 2017 21:53:15 GMT -8
“Yes. I suppose it’s about time for that. “ he said as he rose from the floor and went to gather his things. “Blood money...this kind of blood money, it’s always the best to spend. I mean, some people frown on earning money due to violence...and they are entitled to be like that. You know..” he chuckled as he looked over his shoulder.
“Stupid.” He finished as gathered the bag and his haversack, and headed to the door once his shirt was on, left half unbuttoned. The heat would be something- that was for sure. He’d button it up the rest of the way when they got there. He wore his sword as a matter of principle and when she was ready he was out the door first so she could lock her dwelling- observing any particular thing she needed to do before they left.
He became quite alert once they left the place, while no one should know just how much money they had made- or when they’d be moving it. Their discreet exit without the chests may of thrown most off, but it probably wouldn’t send off every would be thief even if they were ignorant of it.
“So- in other news, I think I’m going to start fighting at the Thorn on the regular. Jonathan thinks it’ll be good for business, create some level of interest.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 11, 2017 9:24:23 GMT -8
"You're good enough at it to turn a profit, and the crowd loved you. Besides," she flashed him a quick smile. "You seemed to enjoy fighting. And you shouldn't stop doing what you enjoy." It was the same reason she danced. And because performing was often the quickest way to get the owner to include you in the profit.
There were interesting parallels in their lives. It hadn't escaped her notice, and while she wasn't a religious woman - the Journi rarely were - she had a strong respect for the mystic and spiritual. She knocked on wood three times to avoid a jinx, didn't walk under ladders, and refused to get on a wagon that hadn't been whiskey-blessed.
In a land where gods and goddesses walked the same earth as humans, it was best to hedge your bets.
On the way towards the bank she kept up a steady stream of merry chatter, pointing out some of the best shops and vendor stands and sharing amusing bits of gossip she'd learned on her daily outings. The market district was a busy, bustling place with a constant flow of foot and carriage traffic during the day. It was loud, the mix of hawkers, cursing wagon drivers, creaking wheels, horseshoes, and the buzz of a thousand conversations gave the area a unique energy Zenna seemed to enjoy.
The heart of the eastern district was the Merchant Bank. The gray stone building rose a story higher than all its neighbors and took up a whole block on its own. It looked more like a fortress than a money house, hosting thick walls, expensive wards, and protective runes etched into every stone. No expense had been spared, which is why nearly every reputable merchant and wealthy noble chose to use their services. (Some said the thieves guild had a special "arrangement" with the bank - dirty money had to be stored somewhere, too.)
The inside may be surprising to the foolish or newly rich. Here, practicality reigned. Simple furniture arranged near a fireplace for customers to wait for agents, wood counter, hardwood floors that were clean but nothing special. Only minute effort had been put into decorating at all.
You didn't stay wealthy by frivolously spending.
Zenna led Jack inside and turned right, bypassing the tellers at the counter and walking down an aisle between two columns of desks towards a private office. She knocked twice before going in.
"Gregory!" she beamed at the pale, nearly colorless man behind the desk.
"Lady Whiterose, what a pleasure!" he greeted, smiling widely and fumbling to rise from his desk. His expression fell a bit when he noticed Jack. "You... You've brought us a friend?" You had to give the guy credit, he tried to hide his disappointment.
"I've brought you more than a friend. I've brought business," she winked. She gestured back and forth between the two. "Jack Mercer, this is Gregory Robins. Gregory, this is Jack." |
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 11:02:51 GMT -8
Jack couldn’t help but admire the similarities between this place and the Bank in Duinkirk, to say nothing of the location in Valmoria. Upon meeting Gregory he gave a subdued smile. “A pleasure, sir. Tell me is this bank in any way connected with the Valero holdings? You’ve similar taste in protection to say nothing of architecture. This fact, and Miss Whiterose’s recommendation has me interested in using your services. “
He placed down the bag casually on the desk, “I’ve most recently received dividends on investments across the sea in Arenia, Eastmarch, and Izmanth- and I often receive trade bars upon shipments. Could I somehow automate this? Keeping track of it personally has never been my strong suit… if I’m to open an account here, I’ll need to make sure you can support such movement of funds and work closely with a representative of mine.” His tone and demeanor changed. While he could be charming, disarming, and quite debonair, in business he took a tone of interest in only the service, any personal issue quickly dismissed. He was speaking services, not sentimentality. In fact, the banker would know that *he* should call this man Mr. Mercer, if anything.
“I’ve brought a sizeable deposit today- and I’d like to work out the details, rates, fees for exchange, and conservative investment.. After, Miss Whiterose, of course. “ with that he distanced himself from the business, stepping away so Zenna could deal with her own recently
won gains.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 17:20:49 GMT -8
To say that Jack made an impression on her financial admirer was an understatement. Gregory had obviously made the mistake of judging a book by its cover. Zenna was an amused observer admiring Jack's easy command of respect and obvious intelligence. She hadn't known about this side of him, but she wasn't surprised. It seemed like every day she was around him she discovered some new facet to make her heart thump.
Gregory, to his credit, quickly rose to the occasion. He cleared his throat, adjusted his glasses, and set about impressing what was sure to become a valuable customer. "Not connected, sir, but we do consider them a dearly respected affiliate. They tend to specialize in military and governmental finances while our own leans more towards commerce and investing."
He gestured towards the two chairs across from the desk in invitation and then seated himself behind the desk. "We have a variety of services to offer and the cheapest rates you'll find in Tyran. We can do that because of who and what we are. The more wealthy we make you, the more wealthy the bank grows, too. It's just good business to do our best on your behalf." His eyes slid towards Zenna for a moment and she gave him a subtle nod.
The agent leaned down and fished a couple of forms from the bottom drawer of his desk. "This is our fee chart - as you can see our rates are very fair. We don't profit unless you do. This one is list of our affiliated businesses both here and over seas. " Gregory smiled. "We have a long reach because --"
"Because they're owned and backed by a council of demons," Zenna finished, drawing a detailed ledger out of her own bag. "Sorry, Greg-darling, but I've heard this spiel and both Mr. Mercer and I have more important things to do today. It's a terribly kept secret," she told Jack. "One of those everybody-knows-but-nobody-talks-about it things." She flipped through her ledger in search of something in particular and continued talking. "Merchant Bank keeps a select few certified wizards and sorcerers on staff along with close ties not just across the seas but across planes, as well. Transportation of funds isn't a problem because their demons can practically poof them instantaneously and really, is there anybody better than a demon to handle your contracts? Ah...here it is."
Zenna leaned forward and dropped the ledger in front of Gregory. "This is an accounting of the funds the Skirt should have prepared for transfer to me along with a nice profit Jack has stashed away in that nifty bag of his. I need the usual amount sent to Al-Ahara and a contract drawn up for one Billy Dawson - transfer of real estate property, I think you already know where." She smiled warmly. "That's all for me, the rest is all Mr. Mercer." |
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 18:09:23 GMT -8
He chuckled at the idea. "Devils, I think they prefer to be called. They love contracts... really just thrive on this. Oh, and barristers." he said offhandedly. He approached the bag and opened it, dumping out just the amount that was his, then the remainder in a separate pile, perfectly stacked along the nearby deposit table. No doubt others would come to get it after business was concluded.
“I have to admit, I didn’t know the Merchant Bank was one of those banks. But...I suppose I underestimated the truth of ‘the love of money.’ Gregory...I simply admire the way you all do business. And the loyalty- the adherence to contract. It’s a simply wonderful way to do business in such a world that insists upon gray, and here you are dealing in absolutes.” He said as he regarded the man and his office.
“ You can on my behalf purge all accounts from Valmorian Trust, the Eastmarch Union, and the Duinkirk Capital Bank. You’ll find them under the name John Mercer in Valmoria, John Raines in Duinkirk, and Eastmarch you’ll need this..” he reached into his pocket and removed a ring of mythril silver, looking to be an elaborate signet with a decidedly simple emblem. It was unique in it’s specific sizings, but it looked to be the stylized head of wolf, perhaps a dog. He helped himself to wax-
“I hope you do not mind…” and impressed the seal upon the hot wax at the bottom of a blank sheet of parchment before writing a short note declaring intent before signing it above the wax seal. Jack’s voice had a clip that wasn’t unfriendly, but instead a shade more permissive of jest. He did not imagine such frivolity would matter much to a man who was to care first about his money, and his feelings a distant .. fifth, maybe?
“Set the accounts in corresponding holdings. I won’t be spending it all tomorrow of course. “ He said with a smile. “Your fees are acceptable, and I’ll send a representative to you to manage my investments and acquisitions. I have my eye on a wonderful city block. If that is all- Gregory, The lady says we have more to do… I don’t want to disappoint.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 20:52:12 GMT -8
“Of course, Mr. Mercer,” Gregory said with a professional dip of his head. He didn’t bat an eye at the list of names or the use of the seal. “Lady Whiterose,” he included, his tone a bit warmer. Zenna either didn’t notice or pretended not to as she smiled and rose to her feet. She threaded her arm through Jack’s, letting him lead them back out of the office. She didn’t speak again until they were back outside. “Sorry if I rushed you back there,” she said with an apologetic smile. “I just know if you give any of those...devils,” she used his word, “too much time they tend to wind up with the better end of the deal. I don’t really have much else to do today. I was planning to just browse the market until dancing at the Skirt tonight. Do… Do you have somewhere else you need to be?” That didn’t sound clingy, did it? Why did she care if she did? Blah. Zenna kept her expression light and her smile playful, bracing herself for whatever response he might give. Last night had been wonderful, but of course they had their own lives to get back to. That list of aliases and accounts he’d given back there belonged to a man who did things. Accomplished things. That didn’t happen by lounging around in a bed with a pretty woman all day.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 20:54:30 GMT -8
She was wrong of course. Sometimes it totally happened by lounging around in a bed with a pretty woman. Sure it had to be the right bed, and the right pretty woman, but he’d been pretty lucky before. He nodded at her accusation against the bank’s people. He used the term people internally because he didn’t want to call them souless fleshy golems. He figured people had to make coin somehow.
In other sorts, in other times he would've quickly quit this game of tag along, not because he was busy, but because image often dictates such a response. In court he simply wasn’t allowed to have such continued dalliance. Here though? “No.. I don’t really have anything going on today. I’ll train, make sure no pulls or strains in the muscles. After I make sure the last fight didn’t take anything I need… I’ll probably go look at the apartment of sorts I’m interested in. I’m already thinking about the finished product. I promise that you’ll be the first person there, besides me.”
He shifted to face her a bit, turning them off the middle of the walkway and closer to the edge of the building. He didn’t want to wander as much as he wanted to plan then move. It was an interesting detail. “So, where in the market were you thinking? “ He said noncommittally. Perhaps shopping wouldn’t be the best activity, though it was sweet that he was open to it perhaps.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 20:55:31 GMT -8
It wasn’t often Zenna was rendered speechless. Was he offering to accompany her? Well, she’d practically asked him to, hadn’t she? Did he feel obligated? Bah. He was a grown man capable of handling himself. If he wanted to leave he could do so, it wasn’t her responsibility. Amused at her inner debate and capable of being objective enough to realize her own silliness, she grinned up at him without any of the uncertainty that had so briefly plagued her. “I never know until I find it,” she winked. She stepped a little closer, keeping the bare minimum of space between them to maintain public decency. Not that she was overly worried about that sort of thing. She wanted to be infamous, not reputable. Reputable was boring, entertainment was better business. She canted her head, stormy eyes dancing with impish delight and lips quirked into a coy, challenging grin. “Brave enough to adventure with me, -Mister- Mercer? Not many men have dared go where this female leads. The lands are dangerous and often frequented by the worst and scariest monsters imaginable. I cannot guarantee your safety.”
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 21:02:47 GMT -8
“Today, yes. I’ll take your challenge. As long as I’m to meet with the seller by the late afternoon, I’ll be quite fine.” He said as he shifted on his heel and gestured for her to lead the way. He didn’t know his way around the bazaars and markets. It wasn’t his place. But he had the feeling if he was serious about getting to know her, he’d need to get to know this city’s market. He figured it was also a good time to give some thought to his other predicaments.
“I admire the fact you don’t pry, but I can’t help but think I’m lying to you by omission. Let’s play a game as we walk. You can ask me three questions, three- in which I am bound to answer. You are not bound to those rules- I put myself entirely at your mercy.” he said after they had made a good deal down the street. Jack had a way of walking, of talking, that made him seem a bit larger than life on occasion, but usually he seemed the kind of man you’d have a drink with. Perhaps that was why on the few times they crossed an acquaintance there was such respect and camaraderie.
When a couple of people recognized him from his fight the night before, he seemed more or less oblivious to it but never rude. Instead he gave them a smile and a nod that said all it needed to in order to warn them away. “So-” he continued. “ Go right ahead. Unless it will distract you from shopping.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 21:07:11 GMT -8
“My dear, nothing distracts me from shopping. Well…,” she paused, letting her eyes travel up and down his form. “Some things might. Some -one-, to be more precise.” Zenna’s lips quirked into a flirty grin and then she retook his arm, leading him away from the bank towards the main market square. Silence fell between them for a short time. Companionable. Comfortable. Thoughtful, as she gave his offer due consideration. “I don’t much care if you answer. The past is the past, and you aren’t the only one of us who has one. But I’ll take your challenge, and know that you can ask me anything in turn. I’ll answer you honestly. I’ve nothing I’d hide from you, Jack. Maybe from others…,” she trailed off and shrugged. Her questions came immediately after. “Why did you abdicate your high position? Why did you have an alias? And why didn’t you take me up on my offer that first night?” She turned her face up to look at him, wanting to see his initial reaction to those questions before he had a chance to school his expression. It wasn’t that she expected him to lie, but that she thought perhaps he, like her, had once lived a life where survival sometimes depended on the ability to lie.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 21:09:54 GMT -8
In truth, while Jack was ‘skilled’ in deception, it was not something he employed as a general rule. Jack found deceit was best used as a last resort if at all. Perhaps that’s what made him formidable at detecting it. He pensively thought about how and in what order to answer. He decided the alias was the easiest. “ I was born to Ian and Mary Raines in Izmanth, in a small town wiped away by bandits about seventeen years ago. I joined a band of ‘revolutionaries’ at twelve. When I found myself out of their company, and in the company of Lord Garer of Gossberry, I decided I needed a new name. I had been John Raines, and would be so in Izmanth officially. Jack was the nickname. So if you want to be honest… the name I have right now is the lie. But...that’s not entirely true now. I picked Jack because I preferred it. I used the name Mercer because- well. I thought it was cool. I went by Anton for awhile in fact, before Jack stuck for real.”
He shrugged. “Names are funny things. Not half as important as people think. But, in Izmanth I’m John Raines. In Arenia and Eastmarch, I”m Jack or John Mercer. Truth be told, Izmanth knows the difference between the names, and know I’m one and the same. So does Arenia, but things are hard to change when changed frequently.” He said with a chuckle before moving to her other question.
“I abdicated my position because I was soundly beaten politically. I instituted a ruling parliament in Eastmarch. It was my job to lead them through that transition, not something a warrior should do. I founded Eastmarch about 9 years ago. Well...the roots of it. Seven years ago, I became it’s actual leader. Five, the parliament. Three came the revolt. Two came peace, and shortly after that came the shock that if I did not abandon that which I had built, then it would not long last past the season. It was the wise thing to do, to leave. Better to know it lives on- even if snakes slither in the grass.” He didn’t seem particularly depressed at this truth, or at least unwilling to acknowledge it. “My mercenary company the Iron Wolves, or Iron Hounds, or whatever. Really depends on the nation- had long since been disbanded, eventually becoming the cities’ official guard and military. Or the basis of it… That kind of military influence made those snakes unwilling to let me stick around.”
He shook his head. “That’s enough, I need a break before the last one. I feel like I’m telling far too long a story.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 21:13:31 GMT -8
She smiled and gave his arm a gentle squeeze, meant to be a gesture of gratitude and understanding. He was answering a lot more than just three questions and she appreciated that. It was touching, but she didn’t want to embarrass either of them by saying so out loud. Her people put a lot of stock in the sharing of stories, to the point that in some troupes stories were traded like currency and those with the highest social standing were the ones with the Gift of Gab. “You sound like a hero in one of my mother’s stories,” she chuckled. “I could weave a hundred tales or more just out of what you’ve said so far. Now I want to ask more questions than just three! I won’t...yet. But don’t be surprised if I try to get more out of you later on.” She affectionately bumped her shoulder into his arm and gently tugged him into taking a left at the next intersection. As silence fell between them for a time, she began humming under her breath, her stormy eyes scanning the carts at the end of the block for what she had in mind. Talking always made her thirsty and she figured Jack had to be parched. A wide grin curved her lips as she found it and she let go of his arm, her hand easily reaching down to take his as she quickened her pace. “I’m going to introduce you to a capital treasure, my dear. They use apples here instead of lemons but… Well, you’ll see!” The cart she indicated was small and lorded over by a wrinkled old Journi woman, easily recognizable by the colorful shawl and bright, jewel-toned clothes. “Two apple-ices, please!” Zenna said, fishing a couple coins out and handing them over, nearly bouncing in anticipation as she waited for her treat. She passed one over to Jack, letting go of his hand, and took the next with a sort of two-handed reverence usually saved for religious relics. The drinks themselves were simple enough, literally just smashed ice and crushed red apples sweetened with a bit of honey and sugar. “Try it! Go ahead!” she prodded, watching with a child-like expression, excited to see if he’d enjoy the treat as much as she did.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 21:14:23 GMT -8
He smiled and took it, taking her enthusiasm as indication that he had better enjoy it. In fact, it was pretty delicious, though Jack didn’t really indulge in sweets. It was hard to stay in fighting shape if he was that into sweets. In fact, he didn’t really like apples except when they were stewed and cooked, and covered in cinnamon and caramel. But… he didn’t like sweets much.
He nodded at her offering, the whole treat and offered a smile. He couldn’t fake it too horribly much. “Thanks but...uh. I’m not a big sweet fan. It tastes delicious but the guilt is literally choking me with honey and apple.” he said with a shrug of his shoulders.
“It reminds me of an apple mead I used to drink… Only the ice isn’t so easy to get save in winter. Crushed snow- they’d add it to the mead on occasion. Pretty good. But drinking it when it’s cold out seems a little stupid.” he said with a slight frown at the thought. “I hadn’t really considered all the culinary delights there might be here. I uh… well, I don’t eat much save to keep going.” It was the first glimpse at Jack as what he obviously had to be on most occasions. He had to be a little full of denial, he had to have discipline to what he enjoyed. Knowing the roles he had filled in a relatively short life of nearly thirty, it was hard to imagine that Jack had too much fun.
It was one thing to be fun. Another thing to have it. “I..must seem very boring all the sudden. I don’t even like sweets.”
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 21:15:06 GMT -8
“Do you have any idea of what you’re missing?” she blurted. Realizing how she must sound, she blushed and gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry, it’s just… Hmm.” Looking around, she grabbed his elbow with her free hand and led him to a small table outside a modest boutique. The outfits in the window were a year out of style and their tailoring only so-so, but that’s not what she was here for. They had a table, and Jack needed someone to teach him how to cut loose. She sat right next to him, not across, with him on the outside nearest the street. “Look, that drink isn’t going to cost you the next fight or turn you into a blubbering, jiggling mass of ugly flaps and multiple chins. It’s apples, and sugar, and ice, and it’s hot out here. I’m pretty sure we’re born loving sweets,” she lied. “Give in a bit, Hands. Just drink a little. I’ll teach you about the wicked pleasures of eating at a later date.” Zenna went to take a drink and a bit of sticky slush “accidentally” escaped her lips, leaving a drop at the corner of her mouth and a bigger one on the generous shelf of her bosom. Tsking, pure mischief in her eyes, she kept her gaze on his as she licked her lips - very slowly - and then used a forefinger to sweep up the bit on her chest. It was a wicked game she played, but if even half of Jack’s history was true he was a man who had avoided indulgences and guilty pleasures - while she was a woman who refused to deny herself much of anything at all. She knew exactly what she was doing as she let the heat fill her gaze and sucked her forefinger into her mouth.
He had to know what she was imagining. Had to remember the night before...if not then she’d have to work a lot harder next time.
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Initiate
gender: Male
status: offline
Alias: John Raines, John Mercer
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 29
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Post by Jack Mercer on Jun 12, 2017 21:15:34 GMT -8
He sighed exasperated or frustrated, but probably both. “I hear you.” he said as he leaned in and enjoyed the drink. He still thought he’d rather have meats, seared, grilled, broiled, whatever. All the same, she was right for the most part. There was no Rafe here. There was no constant vigilance, nor was there the namesake of his territory. The constant expansion East had seemed like a divine mandate in his youth, but a few years responsible for such, and he was utterly spent. In the last few months alone he’d found his youth return without such constant strain.
He gulped it down easily enough. It was cooling when he found himself staring at things he felt he shouldn’t be staring at. Things had been wanton with a woman once before. It had ended...badly. “You’re quite possibly the most ‘free’ person I’ve met. Pretty sure that makes sense considering, but it’s a little...interesting to witness compared to the people in my life before…” he could of been more specific and admitted it was the women in his life, but it would only make his answer even more odd.
“I turned away the offer- because I didn’t really want you to get tangled up in what I left behind. I was married. Angelique Lascellas. My...well, wife she isn’t my wife any longer. She was more or less disgraced. I’ve no idea what’s happened to her since our split. I believe she returned to Casmiro. I didn’t check before I hopped on the ship to Tyran. While there is- nothing between us. There is no small amount of things behind us.” he said a bit suddenly. As if to get it out the way. It was a perfect way to attempt and foil a mood.
Then it seemed kind of obvious really. Jack delivered all that news to see if this was going to last the afternoon. He was scanning her face as he answered just as she had scanned his. He was careful not to look too obvious in it, but there it was. He was giving her the truth, measuring if it ended this before it began. It was shrewd and in a way, considerate.
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Initiate
gender: Female
status: offline
Alias: White Rose
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22
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Post by Zenna on Jun 12, 2017 21:16:54 GMT -8
She canted her head, quiet for a beat as she absorbed his truth. Then she just nodded and took another drink of her apple slush. This time she closed her eyes, let the sweet coldness spread out over her tongue, cool her cheeks, swallowed slowly to savor the chill gradually settling in her belly. It was a way to ground herself, to bring herself back to the present. To remind herself that she lived in the here and now and the past was done and gone. Maybe she needed it, or maybe she hoped he’d watch and learn a bit of something for himself. When she was done she opened her eyes and spread her lips in a smile full of accepting warmth - despite the recent icy chill. “I don’t care about your past, Hands. It’s part of you, I’m interested in it, but it all just helped make you who you are now. I know not everyone can cut ties with the past. I have scars like anyone else, but I stopped letting what they came from dictate how much I get to enjoy the time I have left. I’m glad you waited until you could enjoy what happened between us. So thank you...for the truth, and for waiting.” Her wink said a lot, as did the small smile. It was going to take a lot more than some apple flavored ice and a taste of the past to dampen this one’s fire. “Now come along. I need a new corset. Some witch at the Skirt cut the strings on my favorite one.”
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welcome
Tyrannights is a free-form play by post RPG with a medieval fantasy setting. It was formed in 1997 by Shawn and Doreen with many different owners and versions over the years. Its current version is Tyran: Tales of Legends owned by Sinead and Laelia.
Tales of Legends is world and character building focused with and original setting. There are no forced character aps or registration, so come stay in Wendy's Tavern for a drink. Have you character serve one of two Tyran gods. Rule a city of your own, or serve Tyran's Queen. There are limitless possibilities for your character's story... so what are you waiting for?
Tyran is PG 13 and LGBT friendly.
site updates (dd/mm/yy)
13/11/18 - THERE ARE NEW GODS! please check out the temple folders for more details!
29/11/18 - Both temples have staff positions open for those interested in joining the temples
29/11/18 - We are currently editing our achievements and adding more! Please be patient as we fix this.
current events
TBA
Time: Ongoing
Where: TBA
Host: TBA
staff
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Amika
x_Tempest_D
SW_Hotaru_SD
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(Username may varry)
Joshua
Shelzi
Storyteller/Trent
Wulv
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credits
Tyrannights/VampPub was originally created by Shawn and Doreen. Tyran: Tales of Legends remake is currently owned by Sinead and Laelia Content is copyrighted to Tyran unless otherwise stated. The skin is created by Wolf of Gangnam Style. The board and thread remodel is by Kagney.
Banner Image was created by Karnage82.
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