Sealing the deal

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I cursed. For all my inward pride, I'd not realized we'd closed the gap. I came to look at the new contract being signed. "Of course it does." the words came out like an admittance to defeat.

"At least you do well for yourself, and your bargaining is excellent." I commented.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Thank you, on both fronts," I replied, smiling. I handed him the quill.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I signed my name. "So, this gives me a few more days in the city still." I paused. "Perhaps you can give me some advice. I'd actually like to acquire a town home in the city with the funds from this little endeavor. Would you have any recommendations?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

Taking a scrap of foolscap, I wrote the name and address of a property agent I trusted on it and handed it to Tabien.

"He's very good and won't cheat you," I said. "He knows a lot of good places for rent as well as to purchase." I handed Tabien the difference in the coins I'd already paid him and what we'd agreed upon.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Oh?!" I exclaimed. "A name and address. You do indeed import a lot of things." I took the remaining money placing it in my vest, though I left one out, and toyed with it in my hands. I'd learned a little slight of hand during my travels, so I often did it absentlmindly.

"My thanks. I'll take a look at this at my best opportunity. When should I bring back the remainder of my merchandise? Or should I wait for another letter?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Does tomorrow morning not work for you?" I asked, thinking that we had settled on that already. "If you prefer another time just let me know when you're free and I will have my man here then."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Did we. I must have forgot. "Did I...no, no, tomorrow morning will be just fine. I was just thinking about other things." I said the words, I realized that they might come out a number of ways. But I held my mouth shut, for fear of making the situation more awkward.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"It was all the haggling, it's very distracting," I said with a smile. "I will see you in the morning then."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Very well, in the morning." I flipped the coin in the air, and caught it as a sign of finale.

With another day's business done, time to find something to do. Still much of the city to explore.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I chuckled slightly after he left, he was amusing. I straightened up and took the scroll into the back to keep it safe until I went home.

--------------------

The next morning dawned cloudy and the air hinted of rain.

I made tea for Carson as he sat at the counter inspecting some items. He was older than I could even guess and had been to places so distant they had no names. Now, he was a consultant and a friend and very dear to me.

I brought him his tea and we chatted about an inlaid jade bowl I'd received recently.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I woke to a cold chill that morning. After finding the park once more, and preforming my morning exercises, I made my way to Azenka's shop. I must have looked larger that day, carrying one heavily laden satchel, with about a good half of the scrolls I'd received. Strung over my Mantled hood cloak, and sword, I must have looked a little dower in the air. Probably a good thing, not wanting to get mugged.

I strode into the shop, calm and pleasant as ever. "Good Morning."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Good morning," I said, looking up as Tabien entered and smiling.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I walked over to the smaller group, it looked to be an older man, most likely her assistant. I slung my satchel over my shoulder, and let it rest with a heavy thud. "Any pleasantries before we begin?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

Carson's fingers twitched as he gazed at the satchel.

"You and I can chat while Carson looks over the scrolls," I replied, smiling. "If that is alright with you."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Suits me just find." I nodded to Carson, he seemed a respectable man, I had no misgivings. I strode over, and laid the satchel on the table gently. Removing my cape, I wrapped it around the chair, and took a seat. I felt a lot lighter suddenly.

"I'm afraid I don't know much gossip or news, so you'll have to fill me in." I smirked a little, thought it was true.

[Mirsada Anezka]

Carson immersed himself immediately in the scrolls, we could have left for all he knew now.

"Would you care for some tea first?" I asked Tabien.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I blinked. "Tea, yes of course, I would be most grateful." I inclined. I'd actually come to enjoy it since my travels, and I'd finally gotten sated of wine for the time being.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I left long enough to retrieve him a cup and brought along a plate that had all the possible additions he might want on it.

Setting them both in front of him, I took my seat again and a sip of my own tea.

"How are you finding life in the city?" I asked Tabien.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Quite well actually." I started, taking the tea with a little lemon. I thought of my first night spent at the Night Court with a little grin, probably too much information though.

"I took your advice with that address, If all goes well today, I should be able to find a good living house, as you said. Other than that, I've spent most my time just combing through the city, visiting various shops and places. Any place you might recommend I visit?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

"That would depend on what you are interested in, the City holds shops of every kind," I replied, a list of stores coming to mind. "Are you looking for places to sell things or to buy things?"

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I chuckled slightly, starting to get the feeling that this women was all business.

"Please Mirsada, I'm not an entrepreneur . This is just some house cleaning," Indicating the scrolls. "I'm merely looking for things to keep myself entertained while I get settled in." I finished, sipping my tea. "Ah, very good by the way."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I'm glad you like it," I told him. "Was there anything in particular you've been looking for yet unable to find?"

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Not really. There's a lot to take in." I said smiling. "Tavern's are alright. I wonder, are there any major theaters around?" I glanced over at the appraiser, he seemed to be lost in his own world. A true scholar if I ever saw one.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"There are theaters of all kinds, from The Laughing Parrot to Eglantine to the stage at the Palace and everything in between. There is always several performances going on," I replied.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Well, I've gleamed that you've been in the city for awhile I imagine." I started. "And you seem to have very good taste in many things, so what might you recommend for that avenue. I'm at your disposal." I said, taking another sip. I found myself relaxing more, mayhap because I was finally able to put aside my bartering personality.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I've lived in the City my whole life, though I have traveled extensively," I told him. "Personally, I prefer attending performances at Eglantine. I find them fresh and engaging."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Oh, I've no doubt about that." I said wryly. Truth be told, I'd gotten a very personal introduction to Eglatine house. Then again, that was several years ago, perhaps it wouldn't be bad to watch them for there other activities.

"What's your favorite show, if I may ask?" I continued the conversation between drinks.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"In truth, I like the tumblers. Though for sheer performances I tend towards epic sagas. You?" I asked.

Carson was moving through the scrolls quickly. I could tell by his actions he was pleased by what he was finding.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"I love a good story myself, so sagas, satires, tragedies. What variety of music is played, it's been awhile, though I can remember a wide variety last time I was here."

This was a good morning it seems. Pleasant company, tea, and waiting on a successful sale.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Oh, there's still an extensive variety. It all depends on where you are, what day it is and what time of day," I said with a laugh. "What have you enjoyed the most since you've been in the City?"