Seeking quiet

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I laughed heartily. "Well, I would say that you shouldn't expect the more proper elements of D'Angeline society to show up here. But overall, you will be safe there," I replied, not adding that it was a place where I did enjoy my ale, mostly because I knew I might meet my favorite Mandrake adepts there.

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Hmmm" I grinned widely. "Now -that- is very important information. One can learn more and accomplish more while dealing with the salt of the earth types than in spending forever with the nobility for the most part."

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I laughed a little, finding his innocence delightful. "Yes, yes, that is correct, my dear friend," I replied. The next shop was about, and I pointed. "Shahrizai and Sons - you will find on occasion Molasses Sauce from home there, should you have a craving for it. They have a wide exportation range."

[Pièter Kolcei]

I studied the shop and my eyes focused more intently "Shahrizai that was one of the Houses you warned me about yes?" I spoke openly since well we were speaking our native tongue and odds of being understood were slim. "The chance at the sauce is intriguing. The chance of some trade arrangements is more so." Yes, I am all business I suppose but I so did not want to fail in my uncle's assignment. Though I am no fool, I am well aware what he really wants is for me to marry some royal daughter from one country or another.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Yes, it is, though it is rumored this one may not be pure-blooded," I explained. "He's been known to draw a hard bargain, though, so keep your eyes open, should you make an attempt," I added calmly.

How did I know such things? But of course, I had my people, keeping their eyes and ears out for such things. After all, the moment a rumored circulated about me, I needed to know about it, and to circumvent any ill effects it may have.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I bobbed my head "You are quite the good source of information." I turned and looked at Yvan "Tell me do you broker information for profit?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I shook my head. "I do not, but only because the idea never came to mind. Are you suggesting something?" and my eyebrow was up and about, for a new source of income would not be unwelcomed. I did have supplies to buy, and I was loath to sell another sculpture. The orchards were doing well, but not quite well enough.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I inclined my head and got more serious "For a fee the rumors come to me first. I might also on occasion make a suggestion on which ones stop with me for an additional fee of course." An idealist I was, a fool I was not.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Sounds good to me," I told him. Of course, there were some that I would keep to myself, but they would be of no interest to him, I expected. I am not a dunce.

"What fees are you suggesting?" I asked, my interest highly piqued.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I eyed the shop in front of us and scratched my chin. I would have to shave soon and oddly that turned my mind to the fact D'Angelines did not have to. "Depends on the information. I would suggest a system much like the traders use. The more valuable the information the higher the fee." I then looked to him "Of course often the value is in the eyes of the beholder there will probably be some horse trading involved."

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Horse trading?" I asked, curious. The rest of his suggestion was rather acceptable - and it made it all the more fascinating, that I had some informations that he would one day need. Yet, it would come at a price so dear, it wasn't even close to the moment we would discuss it.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I grinned "Yes horse trading. Watch two haggle over the sale of a horse at some point. The subject of its value is open to a lot of debate between the two."

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I nodded, smiling wryly. "Of course, what was I thinking?"

Our course was resumed, and next to the Shahrizai's shop, a medical clinic was setting. "That's the Deleuze and Strasbourg clinic," I indicated. "Not much to say about, take my word for it - but they are good practitioners, should you need mending of sorts." I knew something about it - the Skaldi doctor had sown me a few times after hard play.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I nodded "Well I am seriously hoping I shall not be in need of medical care, but it is good to know all the same. Are there any other places of healing about the city?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Balm House, on Mont-Nuit," I replied. "It is the House of the Night Court whose adepts are specialized in healing. They will mend your muscular pains, relax your body and such. But for medical conditions, stitches, and the like, the clinic is more suitable."

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Hold it!" I stopped in my tracks. "Are you serious? I mean that kind of House for healing?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I nodded sympathetically. "Yes, that kind of House for Healing," I replied, adding an explanation, "You can get healing, plus benefits," and I winked, struggling not to laugh more.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I just stood with my mouth open. Yes I had read and now I was well going to need to read some more. A lot more.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I could not help it. My laughter left me whole-heartedly. If anything, Pieter was refreshing.

"Now now, better you do this with me, than with the D'Angelines," I told him, patting him on the back in a big-brotherly way.

The stride was taken again, and we were standing in front of another shop. "Salon Kachine," I indicated. "This one is a marquist - you know what that is, yes?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

I fell in step with him and shook my head. "Well in this country be careful on how you use the expression 'better I do it with you' it takes on whole new meanings" I then looked at the shop and smiled. "Yes, I understand what a marque is and I also now understand that apparently here having such a debt is not looked down on."

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Not looked down on, but it is servitude, still. Most adepts work hard, very hard, to get their marque completed as soon as they can. Until then, they are not free of their affections, if you know what I mean," I commented.

The steps were taking us again, up to the hill, and we passed a couple of giggling girls. "Orchis," I noted absently, to Pieter's benefit.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I nodded "That makes sense." And my gaze followed his to the giggling girls. "What is the um specialty of Orchis?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Laughter," I replied, suppressing a shudder of disgust. I did not like Orchis adepts - too pinkish and flowery for me. I indulged in the darker arts.

Our steps took us to the front of another Tavern, and I pointed it out, "The Generous Patron," I indicated. "The owner, I'm told, is of Illyrian descent, but I have never met him. It is a good place to meet adepts in a more relaxed setting," I indicated.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I inclined my head in understanding. "All good things to know. Though why would Adepts be more relaxed there?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I shook my head. What had they been teaching him about the protocols of the City?

"Because they aren't kneeling abeyante in their Dowayne's chamber, waiting to meet a new patron, that's what. The fact that they get a free meal and two drinks on the house probably helps as well," I replied with a grin.

[Pièter Kolcei]

"I see" I simply stated there was not really much else to say.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Hmm, Desir," I indicated. "Best restaurant in town - also a place that has something special for adept, free lunches on wednesdays," I explained.

The shop was right by the right, and I eased us into the direction of it. It was a little musty, a little shadowy, but it had the best supplies for my needs. I opened the door with a soft clang, and after Pieter had come in, I smiled at the shop keeper.

Reverting to D'Angeline, I greeted him, "Hello Valentin."

The man stood from his stool, and I could not help but look up at him. He was huge, really. "Well met, Yvan, and who have we here?"

I looked at Pieter. He was able to introduce himself on his own.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I looked up at the big man and inclined my head. “Pièter Kolcei recently arrived in this fair city from Illyrian.” Was my simple introduction. “Yvan is being kind enough to show me around the City.”

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

"Valentin Meunier," he replied, extending a paw at Pieter. "Nice meeting you, you and that scalawag related?"

I looked at Valentin with a silently raised eyebrow. He laughed, not caring much what I thought. He and I had done business for a long time - I was beyond damage.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I took his hand and shook then looked to Yvan. “No, we are not related but share some heritage.” I then gave Yvan a smile “And he is working on curing me of my ignorance.”