Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Why do you think I asked for company?” Quipped Ephrym, his expression light despite their current predicament. Unfortunately as much as the captain preferred to try running an open business the merchant ship had some patrons who preferred to do business in the lower areas of town. Not that Ephrym enjoyed dealing with certain aspects of the black market, but a wealthy patron who was willing to put coin forward was still a patron. As long as they acknowledged that the hybrid would not cross certain lines with his dealings everything continued going forward smoothly. Mostly his meeting was set up here to avoid the eyes of any competition, his patron wanting in on the first shipments from the new islands.

[Ephrym 1]

“It should be soon enough.” Ephrym shook his head at the server’s offer before placing a strange coin on the table. It was of bronze quality but the most important part was the strange figurehead on it. A siren of sorts with closed eyes and tears streaking down her cheeks. Nothing else needed to be said as the server nodded her head and briskly tucked the coin into her skirts. “This way.”

[Ephrym 2]

And they were already on the secret path. Ephrym couldn’t help peeking over at Chrysanthe to try and get a read on her reaction. Ever since the golden hybrid had been scouted by his friend the captain found himself fascinated by her despite her prickly attitude. She was unique even for someone from overseas and he couldn’t help teasing her even with the dangers of getting shot by the sniper. It did at least look like she was doing her job as she continuously kept an eye out for danger and Ephrym deeply appreciated the attention. “Telios doesn’t like wandering eyes so he set this up for any meetings.” The captain explained with a slight shrug as they followed the server. “He gives the coin to those that are supposed to meet with them and that opens the passage.”

[Ephrym 3]

“Ah, Telios.” Ephrym grinned as he walked up to the imposing mahogany desk where the lightning man sat. The tidy piles of parchment, the flickering flames of the fireplace behind him and the very sturdy pair of geian men standing along the other entrance to the room didn’t seem to disturb Ephrym as he simply sat down in a chair across from his patron. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought a friend. She’s been helping me with errands today.”

[Ephrym 4]

“I see.” Telios had a rich voice but it sounded like he was rather amused by Ephrym instead of annoyed. “Since you are here to discuss our errand I suppose I should go ahead and listen. You were supposed to be leaving the city by the end of this week. Is that still on schedule? I would hate to move my investment elsewhere.”

“It is.” Ephrym seemed relaxed even though there were quite a few things to still prepare for their voyage. But it would do no good to this deal if he showed any signs of weakness. Despite Telios supporting him the captain was very well aware that the man did not tolerate disappointment. “I came to get the final shopping list for our Matori stop before we swing by the new islands. I’ve checked and none of the other ships are even remotely ready to sail in such waters. A young risk taker like me is simply laughed at because surely we should wait for actual reports from the mapping crews first.”

Surprisingly, or rather not surprisingly since Ephrym knew the man had a fondness for pretty things, Telios turned his attention to Chrysanthe. “And you? Does your captain speak truly?” He offered a wry smile towards the pair. “Not that I don’t trust dear Ephrym but it would be nice to hear confirmation from another party.”

[Ephrym 5]

It seemed Telios was amused by Chrysanthe. Ephrym wanted to get back up and take her hand since she seemed so rigid, he knew she was obviously nervous but was proud that she was standing her ground. “The only thing I’m missing is the final pieces from you, Telios.” Ephrym took the man’s attention back away from Chrysanthe as he leaned forward. “You were worried about competitors getting more on the market so it would help speed us up a bit more if we could easily gather supplies. What’s a few more coins from your plentiful store in the long run?”

[Ephrym 6]

“I suppose you have a fair point.” Telios chuckled as he crossed his fingers and leaned forward, his gaze gleaming as he studied Ephrym. “I could throw a few more coins in, even more if you let your companion argue for the cause and come back later.”

“Telios. We’re both businessmen and don’t need such bribes.” Ephrym stated casually though his words contained a warning. He was not about to allow Chrysanthe to be placed in such a predicament for a bit more money. “Wasting time playing around is not going to benefit our voyage. I need all of my crew to prepare and we need supplies which we can obtain even quicker if we can bribe some of the merchants to give over their stores instead of waiting for more shipments first.” He moved back and pulled out a paper, leaving it on the desk for Telios to inspect. “All joking aside, if we can obtain that sum then I can set sail a day earlier than planned. It’ll put us even further ahead of the other ships. That’s what you want, correct? A collector of the finest that can make profit from those who are eager for foreign goods not seen before in this country. It would be a shame if we wasted time and missed this rare opportunity.”

[Ephrym 7]