The Sound of Music [Dignitas please]

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Junctior 7

The Senior Aedile of Imperia lived for the most part a melancholy existence. The better part of his candlemarks each brightening were alloted to attending to the regular drudgery of his position, seeing to all those bureaucratic processes that were necessity to keep the city afloat while still trying to keep his sanity in the lunacy that was his tediously undersized and understaffed office. It had been mere cycles since he had returned from a rather unexpected absence and the elf was now back into his work as much as he ever had, but his approach towards it had taken a subtle curve away from how he had originally viewed it. Whereas he had once seen it as a marvelous opportunity, grand adventure and fun, that image was beginning to dull as the realities of Imperia were presenting themselves. It did not hinder his progresses or work ethic, that could be evidently discerned as he spent fourteen candlemarks a brightening at his desk usually silent, but nevertheless he found himself idle now and again, pondering.

Out of curiosity he had decided one brightening to opt to get right in there with his staff and haggle with the common folks, opposed to sifting through reams of reports and proposals for candlemarks on end, however he soon realized that he would rather listen to his own droning inner-monologue than an unhappy and whiny client that could not be satisfied. It irritated him that people in general could be so irritating, and it was partially for that reason that the Syl'rosian Aedile of Imperia had taken to reclusion at his desk more so than before with a determination to alight from it seldom. He was clearly of greater use when he was seated in his chair, quill in hand.

And that was precisely his position now. The obsidian haired Syl'rosian sat silently at his desk staring blankly a loose pile of parchments. The suns were making their usual nocturnal departure and the office lamps had already been lit in foresight by some of the staff who were now putting away their files and preparing to leave for the darkening. A few straggling citizens still lingered around exchanging last words with a pair of Aedile's who were putting in their last efforts to finish up a brightening of long work.

[Dignitas]

With the departure of the twin suns, so too did the various crowds and groups of citizens sneak away from the office here. Some days it was enough to make one's head spin; people always seeking to get something. Anything. And they would often cheat, lie, and steal to get it. After all, this was Imperia. As the candles and lanterns crackled to life providing a warm glow in the fleeting minutes of brightening the raven haired Aedile could have overheard the conversation not two desk before his. Had he been paying attention at all to his surroundings it would be obvious these people have been here most of the brightening, bickering, arguing and generally feeling very sorry for themselves.

There at the desk of a junior member of the office sat a husband and wife both peasants from their obviously ragged and dirty clothes. Humans both, the woman was middle aged but hard life had seen her look at least a decade past her prime. Gray hair tainted the soft brown hair that was now tied in a bun. She might have been very beautiful in her youth; but lines of sorrow and spots of worry had taken their toll on the lady. The man next to her didn't fair any better. His hands were rugged and lined with years of hard work. He looked a little pale; evidence of malnutrition creeping up and showing its face. Both held a visage of the world weary, of people who were both tired and saddened. For they were two who despite what little they had to give were now forced to give all. The world was a cruel place indeed.

The office member looked apologetic (or at least, appeared so) but shook his head in resolute adherence to what he believed was more then a fair deal. "Ma'am, I am sorry but there is simply nothing more I can do. The rules are the rules, and its policy after all. Your property has simply deprecating too much." Imperia's recovery came at a price. As new and bigger business came to the city attracted by the rebuilding and opportunity; the old businesses (who had not so much as it was) had to compete tooth and nail to stay afloat. And once they went under such as the two that were seated here did; the value of the business paled in comparison to those around them causing their value to significantly decline.And it is here now that tears could be seen silently caressing the lines on her face, tracing an outline of age and broken hopes.

The office member looked at them hoping they would leave. A young adult he had places to go and people (especially pretty girls) to see. He did not want to be here all night bickering with these people. After all, why couldn't they accept that it was over? He looked back to Eraisuithon and shook his head in annoyance giving a silent signal he had enough of these two. Of course, barring any intervention the humans would have to accept what had been offered. What else could they do?

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Tears were not truly uncommon in the Office of the Aedile, indeed, it would not be stretching the truth to say that the place induced them several times a brightening. It fell to the staff to run the day-to-day affairs of the city and it likewise fell to them to collect the debts of the people and hold them in line when it came to matters regarding finances and business. The Syl'rosian was a sentimental fellow, he had often felt pity in his first cycles observing similar sights, but he had outgrown it quickly. Some might consider a man who could turn his eyes away from a weeping woman and insist she part with her last crowns ruthless, but that was not the case, not the case at all. The Aedile was compassionate. Unlike those who preceded him he felt deeply about the people who he often thought of as his flock (himself the shepherd caring for the owners sheep), and it was often with a heavy heart that he conducted his duties, but he consoled himself with the knowledge it was for the greater good. He would not allow any of the sheep free range, none would receive care different from any other. Each would more or less be allowed the same privileges and opportunities as long as they remained inside the fold, but they would also fall subject to same rules and be forced to atone for their mishaps.

The elf's gaunt features were unmoving as his eyes carefully skimmed the latest memo that had found its way to his hands, the situation feet away transpiring without him parting with a glance. He sighed, replacing one paper for another and growing tired of the brightening's monotony. His scrutinizing eye rested apathetically upon the sobbing woman for a instant before his stare was intercepted by one of the staff. More hot breath escaped his lips as he suddenly understood what the other was longing he would do.

With exaggerated care he stood up from his stiff chair and waltzed over to the trio. He nodded and shone one of his practiced smiles before extending a hand towards the man and then his wife. "Serale." He said to them before quickly turning to the staff member and speaking low enough so that the couple might not hear. "Tell me the situation, perhaps I can be of assistance in rectifying it".

[Dignitas]

The two visitors continued to sit there, resolute in their belief they were getting the short end of the deal. They were honest people, simple people, and perhaps some would call rather plain people. But they were people, with emotions and feelings like any other. The man held a rugged and beaten sun cap in his hand, his sturdy hands fidgeting it as his mind wondered. How was he supposed to provide for his family on a mere 1,000 crowns? He looked to his wife and for not the first time felt very saddened. That they were in this situation was both shameful and despairing. They were being forced to sell their very lifes work.

She on the other hand was not sorry, but quietly angry. Angry with the offer, angry at the non-helpful staff member and angry at the world. Her soft tears held a fire which was both deep and silent. She only looked at the office member. Upon arrival and the offer of Eraisuithons hand she did not take it. She only looked at the elf, her eyes mudded with what had been tears only seconds before. The man reached over somberly and took the elfs hand. His grip was loose, careless, and obviously lacked any self confidence.

The office member spoke quickly and to the point upon his superior asking for what had happened. "These two came to sell their business. A Luthiery outside the docks district. They seem to not be able to stay afloat after declining business. Since the default of their last loan from the Imperian Office of Commerce, they are forced to sell out to repay the loan sir. They do not believe what we are offering is fair. We've had the property appraised twice and the numbers confirm our offer is fair sir. 1,000 crowns." Here the junior member stopped looking at his superior and slipped a glance towards the peasants he saw, not caring for their plight as he had been dulled down after countless like cases. "They seem not to be able to come to terms sir."

For the young man who Eraisuithon was speaking to the situation was surprisingly clear. They could either sell, not sell, leave, or be taken away by the guards for loitering and causing a scene. Preferably a combination thereof. The ragged man leaned over from his chair to his left to check the black case he'd brought with him. Seeing it was secure, he looked back to the clerk and blatantly interrupted the two Aediles. (although his rudeness was more likely attributed to a lack of education then purposeful offensive) Seeing that perhaps the newcomer could help out he pleaded with the Senior Aedile. "Sirs....we ain't askin for nothin' but a fair deal. Please...my second grandfather built tis business wit his own hands. It's gotta be worth more then tis"

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The elf's scrutinous stare lingered upon the woman for a few seconds while his hand remained outstretched awaiting her grasp. When none came and he realized she would not engage in the usual civility he turned towards the man without a significant pause or shift of composure and shook his instead. He did not to allow himself to become perturbed over a small issue. He knew someone people could become irritated by the smallest displeasureable action against ones person but he was indifferent to her lack of respect. He could understand how an attitude such as hers inhibited the process that the Aedile's used with their clients however.

He had been unaware that Imperia harbored a luthier within it's walls. No doubt that was precisely the reason why the business was going under. The Aedile had often heard the sound of music during his many eras, despite his relative isolation from larger civilization during the vast majority of his life. Most elves could pluck away on an instrument or two though, it was a folly worthy of consuming time he judged.

"Ah, so if I am correct you mean our office will purchase their property to cover the loan that they are owing and defaulted on and then will give them one thousand crowns in compensation?" He didn't speak for a few moments to allow the clerk to clarify the situation, before he asked another question ignoring the outburst of the seated man. "Might I inquire into the actual value of the loan in question?" When it was answered and if the subordinate did not have any other valid information regarding the situation he would be dismissed. The elf would take the case for him, the human no doubt had places he would rather be after closing hours. He would depart the building with one of the last gaggles of persons, all that were left after the door closed was a pair of guards and the receptionist besides of course the remaining trio. Eraisuithon was not one to take pity or become sentimental but he thought that he might be able to rectify the situation better than the brash young bureaucrat.

He seated himself noiselessly and took in the couple before making any other gestures or movements. "I imagine you would not part with your business if you did not have to?" It had the framework of a question although the answer was already evident. He leaned back comfortably and crossed one leg over the other as he always did when seated and in a discussion. "I noticed your case. Do you have one of your instruments with you, would you play a moment for me?"

[Dignitas]

The young office member verified is superiors guess at the nature of this business transaction. "Yes sir. They owe the Imperian Office of Commerce a sum of 5,000 crowns in total. This is of course, over era's of unpaid loans and then borrowing more." he sneaked a look to the two before him sizing them up as if they were nothing more then common riff-raff. More rabble for the masses it seemed. The young aide (who neither truly had the courage to start a business, nor the responsibility of providing a family with needs) simply couldn't figure it out. Why couldn't they just do as they were supposed to? Why couldn't they keep their end of the bargain concerning the loans?

Of course, someday the young man would find out why. Life had a habit of changing your plans. Of adding color and struggle to an otherwise boring and gray existence of ease. Yes, assuredly someday the young man would know the struggle in raising a family and if he had the inclination, of running a business.

But alas he continued this time in softer tones so as to not be overheard. "Our office estimates that the business can in fact, produce over 5000 crowns eventually. Thus covering the 1000 crown compensation sir. But sadly" he said, checking to make sure the two humans could not hear them. "reports also indicate that this business is beyond recovery."

"It will in five to six months unavoidably be in the red and unable to meet its own expenses of doing business thus collapsing." he stroked his chin in thought. "I believe Master Aedile, that offering them 1,000 crowns is in everyones best interest. They have some compensation and will not be totally with nothing. The profit from the luthier (which will be in our name after we compensate them) in the meantime will go to covering their loan at the Imperian Office of Commerce, thus freeing them of debt. After the loan is paid off, the Aediles office then receives the profits until the business is under. It is a win win situation for all sir." And the young man meant that, for this was the best possible plan for everyones interest.

The two stayed quiet during the Aediles exchange. They too, were whispering back and forth between themselves. although what they were saying was likewise hidden from the opposite party. When the clerk they were dealing with left and only the guards and secretary remained besides themselves they only looked to each other. The look they gave each other (unknown to anyone but themselves-after all when you've been married for 22 years you don't really need words to communicate) was sheer surprise. For better or worse they knew they were making some progress now.

At Eraisuitons question of not having to sell if they didn't have to he got mixed reactions. The man, who seemed much more co-operative then the women did, nodded earnestly and sincerly. The women however looked like she was just insulted. For her it was a stupid question but she was not one for such subtle nuances. And when the Aedile spoke about the case and hopefully a quick demonstration there was mixed reactions here too.

This time the wife was nodding at her husband to play and demonstrate. The man however, seemed uneasy and unsure. The woman nudged her husbands arm off the chair rest in an attempt for him to pick up the case and play. The man for his part only looked at the Aedile and shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry sir.....tis my second grandfathers violin. Made by 'is own hands it is. I'm not sure if it wou-"

"He's not sure if you would mind." his wife interrupted with a devious smile on her face. Now she was not so mad as something....else. It was hard to put a finger on, but she was both angry and eager for the playing of the violin. The man with the rugged hands turned to his wife and shot her a look of anger and anguish. It appeared fully now he was a very sad man. Very, very sad. "So be it." he said softly. Leaning over. Picking up the case. Opening it.

And there it was; a twisted and knotted thing if there ever was. The violin was stained with a myriad of different polishes and wood it seemed. It had dings, scratches, and notches in it. How anyone could play this old thing was anyones guess. Truly it was the most raggedy and unplayable instrument ever created. But then the man took his bow and gave it test across the rosined waxed strings.

And then it happened. It seemed almost unreal but there it was. A beautiful sound, perhaps THE most beautiful sound. That single test note across the bow. So graceful was the single movement, and the sound was pure and free. The lady grinned devilishly and the man with a face of sadness and regret then played on. A slow solo piece, one that spoke both of folly and remorse. The song itself was eerily beautiful in its playing, and the man who played it (if he could be called a man at all, for surely this was supernatural) moved as if he was water. Gently swaying back and forth and to and fro he conjured colors of sadness from the twisted instrument. And it peirced Eraisuithons heart. So very, very sad was this music.

And then the sound was joined by crying. Both gaurds near the doorway fell to their knees in tears, unable to protect themselves from the sheer feeling of it all. The receptionist too was now transfixed on the item, watching with teary eyes as the man preformed a virtuoso piece of mythical proportions. And here, depending on the willpower and love of music Eraisuithon possessed he would either too find himself with eyes brimming with tears or worse. The spell of the violin effected everyone who listened to it profoundly. The only ones who were not affected were the lady and the peasant man themselves. And now the song had ended and its effects still lagging but wearing thinner. She sat there grinning, watching the people who remained in the office. The man however held his eyes toward the floor, he did not move but for a heavy sigh.

It appeared, some things never changed for some people.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

How fate chose who to look favorably upon and those not to, Eraisuithon did not know. But it did seem as if it struck it's blows mercilessly and without any hesitation. All people were susceptible to its random attacks and none would be spared of them completely, all would suffer atleast once in their lives. This couple was no exception it was clear. They had fallen on hard times like so many others in the city had before.

The Aedile offered a polite smile and nod to the man as he took up his timeworn instrument in ragged hands, although he felt wearied after glancing at the almost demonic grin that the woman was supporting. Strange how her composure would shift so rapidly for no apparent purpose, how she seemed to revel in sinister delight that her husband was going to preform for the elf. All these thoughts ceased at once, as bow met string and the performance began to resonate throughout the office. Each note's entry into existence captivated the Syl'rosian, left him stricken by their beauty. As he watched the flowing movements of the violinist tears began to form in the corners of his eyes, and gently one by one they rolled down his cheek and fell to the floor and into nonexistence. He made no effort to conceal them but instead he lost himself in it all.

Quiet sobs echoed out from the Aedile's lips as too did those of the guards by the time the song reached it's ending. For a time he simply remained motionless in his seat regaining himself, and then he withdrew a white handkerchief from his pocked and wiped his eyes and face before blowing his nose. With some difficulty he managed to sit up straight in his chair again and then only did sapphire orbs connect this the eyes of the luthiers. "Beautiful.. Beautiful" He remarked softly, again wiping at his eyes. It was like an arcanic spell had been cast over him with the playing of that song. He doubted it though. The luthier seemed like a mere peasant, and surely that was all he was. Surely he was not one in one thousand and a mage, and able to enrapture and entire room full of people...

Eraisuithon felt an inexplicable connection growing between himself and the couple. Perhaps it was indeed the work of a spell, or maybe it was simply because the passionate song had hit his soul in such an indescribable way. "Where did you learn to do that, to play? And to make things that can make such a beautiful sound?" He asked with sincerity forgetting the purpose of the meeting, and then adding a little more darkly "And where will you go and what will you do when your business is taken and closed?"

[Dignitas]

It almost appeared the man was regretful for playing. He hung his head low and stared at the floor holding the twisted and nicked violin in his right hand and his bow in his left. He could be seen furrowing his brow in thought for a moment, but as a simple man it soon left his visage. Giving the answers he had been asked for he replied slowly with a serious gravity; almost out of place for the image of the man. "I taught myself how to play when I was a young boy Spent the better part o' 34 eras playin'." he shook his head and repeated that last part. "34 eras.." His thoughts were his own, but it was obvious he was not a cheerful man. And why would he be? Here selling the only thing beside his family he had ever loved.

Cruel vicissitudes of fate indeed.

His wife sat in silence, still angry but somehow displaying a false superiority. A defiance to the situation perhaps. And perhaps not. The man spoke up and answered the Senior Aediles other question; after much hesitation and honest thought. "I suppose well haf to go an' work for ol Tommory." he replied quietly. At this point the wifes thin pale lips turned down-ward as she gasped in disgust and shock. "No, you cant be seriou-"

"Its the only way Priscilla!" her husband yelled cutting her off quickly slamming his sturdy but abused hands down on the Aediles desk in anger. Not anger at her, as was apparent by his very quickly followed look of regret and sorry for slipping out of control. "Its the only way Pris." he said gently as he reverently put the violin back in the case and stored it away safely. Tommory, Imperia's only other luthier was of course the only place these two could work at. They had almost no other skills to rely on, and based on what Eraisuithon could tell of them they certainly had no schola.

They would do it. They had to; no matter how painful the thought was.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The Aedile had a little rule that he tried to keep. Don't get involved. Do not become attached, keep yourself separate from the people and situation and only regard the numbers. The ledgers, not the living beings, because if he did he would then have to show unnatural mercy to everyone. And The city could not survive like that, it would not be propelled forward but dragged backward into a pit. Of late his natural compassion towards others had dried and he had been able to do this with ease. He had not needed to check himself from making a sympathetic offer towards the hard-done. Since he returned he seemed to feel strangely apathetic. Indifferent to the plights of the people as individuals, but still conscious of them collectively.

His Thane would know the feeling, surely, but perhaps not to a depth that he was beginning to.

He couldn't seem to do that now. As callous as he tried to be, as hard he made his heart, when he tried to bring himself to speaking monotonously the couple's last chance at closure, he couldn't. The syllables would not form words on his tongue, the words would not fit together into sentences and leave his mouth. The music had struck him, punctured his heart. The solo song of sadness had presented something more than he had ever known sound vibrating from a metallic string could be. It was art, pure beauty traveling waves of sound. That must be preserved. That talent must be nurtured further, and allowed to reach it's full potential. He was a middle aged peasant man that didn't look like he knew how to write yet he possessed a hidden talent greater than any paper-pusher he knew.

"Taught yourself? Yes.. Yes, I would not doubt that you did." His chin rest in his fingers and silence enveloped the trio for a time after the couple exchanged words. He mulled over the information that he had managed to gather by putting together the pieces of their situation that he could figure out by listening. His eyelids fluttered a few times as he retreated into deeper thought. It was evident that he felt a compulsion to do something. To preserve the great talent the man had for music, for making it and making the things that made it, but he knew very well the city could offer them nothing else. The business would just keep going under even if it continued going on the same path.

The only thing that could be done would be to personally invest in the situation. And it would have to be to large extent. It would most likely be risky, too. There was a possibility the business would go under, even with the efforts he could contribute.

"I am afraid, Sir, Madame, that there is nothing more that the city can do, no more than was stated before. Your only choice is sell and come out with something, however paltry, to show." His words were quiet. "That is indeed, the only option that I representing the city can offer you. However.." A pause for effect. "As a businessman, I wonder if you would be open to something else. I am interested in your plight, and I would help you. Not just to help you of course- but because there is surely money to be made. I'll buy your company privately if you should consent. Three thousand crowns is all I will give you, your company is going under and soon shall have a negative value, however I will employ you. Salary, a fair one. Perhaps a set amount of the profit from every instrument too. I will admit, this is not an exorbitant offer that I am offering, but it is better than what the city offers" Yet another pause to allow the words to sink in. He was truthful. The sum he offered upfront was not great, but there was much that would have to be done. Much, much to be done. A failing business was not turned around in a brightening, not one with a debt and one with declining profits that would most likely take a great personal investment. Of money he didn't have, but that could be arranged. There were many places for an elf to get a loan.

"You can take 1000 crowns and walk away in a few cycles from your business and work for, this Tommory you speak of.. Or you can take 3000 crowns and a consistent salary, with much room for your own coffers to grow as I would hope to expand the business your grandfather wrought with his hands and not see it fade."

[Dignitas]

The two listened to the Aedile with a marked and rapt attention. He man had went back to fidgeting with the small worn sun cap that lay in his lap. The very fabric of the headpiece was tough and stiff, but still quite colorful with the reds and blues swirling in a interesting pattern around the clothing item. He, like the sun cap, was worn and rundown. He would absently brush an errant hair back into its place as he listened to the Aediles words. The woman only looked at the Aedile with her eyes fixed. Priscilla's crows feet showed themselves as she squinted at the Aedile; a seemingly common human expression when one was looking for something or trying to understand a situation.

Both however were downtrodden at Eraisuithons first sentece of business where he proclaimed he was sorry and there was nothing more the city could offer them. A sigh came from the man as he wrung his hands. But then..something unexpected. Did they hear right? They didn't know so they both turned to each other an silent question. This official (an Imperian Offical no less) seemed like he wanted to help. That he would invest in the business, pay them a salary, offer them three times as much as the city had, and let them continue their families business?

Taken aback they were at a loss for words. Priscilla leaned over to her husband and started whispering. The conversation between them was too quiet for even the elfin ears of Eraisuithon to pick up on. However had he known they were wondering if they could trust him. "Maybe it's a trap or trick?" Priscilla offered." No, no. I think he actu'ly means it" said the still despairing but now slightly hopeful husband.

Of course they would accept. They could not work for Tommory, no. They would never work for him. So with that the two humans held a slight glimmer of hope and turned back to the Aedile. Unsure of this new development Priscilla spoke up first.

"What do we have to do?"

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

That the luthiers accepted was no great surprise to the Syl'rosyan. They would be extremely foolish not to, and if they hadn't he wouldn't of wanted that foolish of people to work for him in the first place. The Aedile stood up and moved towards his own desk, ushering the others over aswell. He sat in his own chair and drew open a drawer removing a bound book of fresh paper and a quill with an inkwell, setting them upon the clear portion of his desktop. A fresh ledger for a fresh business. He looked up towards the couple with the makings of a small smile. "I suppose, sir, and ma'am, that we should properly introduce ourselves then. I'm not even sure whether I actually know your names. Priscilla, isn't it? My name of course is Eraisuithon, Nan'tathren." He offered his hand to both, curios as to whether the woman might indulge him the second time around.

He gestured towards the two chairs close to his own. "Well then, there are as you can imagine a fair number of things to do now.. How much is that debt you have again, anyway?" He asked as he uncorked the inkwell and dipped the pen into the murky fluid. "There are a number of things I must learn and we must uncover. How large is the building that you currently own, and what is it's value? And even more importantly, what is it's condition and what section of the city is it in? Does it have property enough to significantly expand?" As he asked these questions he swiftly penned the information down.

"To other matters.. Many things to inquire about and quickly, do you have any employees or apprentices, and given the amount of tools you have how many luthiers could you employ- and while your at it do you make any other instruments? Cellos, lyres, mandolins, drums?" He had begun to speak so fast that he paused for a few moments to recollect his thoughts. "Yes, yes, good" he encouraged. "Now.. to the competition." He said darkly. "Tell me about these... other.. luthiers. Do you know anything about them, how many people they employ, how big their facility is, how much they sell their product for, where they are located?"

[Dignitas]

As the conversation continued the shadows in the room stretched longer. The brightening had gave away to the darkening, and only the lamps kept the light here as the flames danced to a tune only they heard. The guard at the doors had entered into a conversation about the strange music they had heard, still in awe of the virtuoso performance. The strength of music was strong, perhaps only the emotions of love and hate being rivals here. But who was to say? For there was another emotion here and that was uncertainty and it played on the two humans faces as if an open chapter.

They looked to each other in silence as the Aedile gestured for them to retreat to his desk proper. Like animals they did not know what to make of the situation, of exactly what this Eraisuithon Nan'tathren had planned. However with heavy shrug of his soul the man with the violin stood up and grabbed ever so carefully the case to his profession and offered a hand to help his wife up. They came over slowly with short steps, their souls having been drained earlier but now offered some glint of hope at keeping their life.

"Oulinam Ceindiim, and tis here is my wife Priscilla" he offered back to the Aedile, wringing his hands in his lap as he fidgeted idly. The man again shook his hand but the wife was very (and blatantly) hesitant about it. She eventually gave in to the offer and it was obvious to the Senior Aedile her frail hands were just as scarred and worn as her husband.

A curious difference perhaps, for even as Eraisuithon worked hard he might notice there were those who had it worse yet. Or perhaps not, but it was clear these were hard working people, salt of Telath some would say. And they knew it, because upon seeing the clear ledger that had not seen use as of yet they both looked to each other. Although their thoughts would likely escape the Aedile they both held the same thought and knew the other did too. This was an elf who knew nothing of the hard work of the craftsmen of the city. For Diana's sake the ledger hadn't even been used once!

Sitting down the two humans listened very carefully to what Eraisuithon say next. Upon the first question the spirit of the couple broke again. Surely the aide had told Eraisuithon how much they owed? Did the elf before them think there was no shame or great disappointment in repeating what information had already been likely given? All the same they did not hold it against the Aedile, for they knew it was only his job (and if he invested, his livelihood) that hung on making sure everything was correct. "Owe 5,000 we do to the city. The imperian office o' Commerce. And we uh....." he trailed off unsure of how to proceed. Priscilla took care of the sentence, finishing it for him. "owe a little to some other individuals too." She did not elaborate however, for shame or whatever reason. Upon moving to the Senior Aediles desk the light hit her figure differently. It was now very apparent that she was likely very beautiful in her youth, but sadly now she was nothing more then a middle aged crone, trapped within the toll of hard work that affected her once beautiful body.

The skin leathered man with such a pale visage continued, answering the barrage of questions as much as he was able. "The shop isn't so large" he said as he looked around the office for something comparable "'bout as large as a small house I 'imagine. As fer the value, I don' know." he said with a shrug. And he didn't rightly know, but if the office was offering only 1,000 crowns the real estate was likely about 50% more then that. "The condition isn't very bad, just needs some work here and there is all. Its over in the temple district, only a block down from the temple 'itself." Priscilla said. They didn't offer an answer for the question of the possibility to expand. This was Imperia, and the city wasn't known for the sprawling open land inside its walls so they left that question alone unsure weather it was rhetorical or not.

"Just myself and my three sons sirs. 'Bout all the room we have too. Supposin we had different tools we could make 'bout any stringed instrument. Not too sure 'bout drums tough..." he said contemplatively. It would be obvious to the elfin Aedile that his speech increased in speed and enthusiasm when he spoke of his sons and his work. However on the subject of Tommory he stalled and became completly silent, his brow furrowing in anger.

Priscilla looked to him in empathy and concern and then answered the Aediles question. "Tommory is my husbands.....um well..." She bit her lip in concern for what she was about to say, but pressed on "Tommory is my husbands father." Immediately Oulinam spoke up, as loudly as Eraisuithon had heard so far. "I ain't got no father! Ya dun know that Pris! Ya know that!" he said as he waved a finger in the air to exclaimate his point. Patting her husband on the back she looked to him and tried to comfort. "I know, but the Aediles got to know sweetheart."

She leaned over and whispered quickly to the Aedile. "They run a big operation over there. Stole most of our old apprentices. Tommory has likely around 5 apprentices and three luthiers. Plus himself, of course. He's located in the old Ak'dar district near the fort. Sell their product so cheap its impossible to sell for less." With a sneer she added; "He's not a good man, nor a good competitor." Whatever that meant.After answering the question and turning her attention back to her husband it was more then obvious somehow, someway, the bond of father and son had broken here.

It could have dawned on the Senior Aedile, these two would likely do whatever they could to see ol Tommory and his shop close down, or at least shrink a little.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The Aedile was pleased that the woman did not deny him the pleasure of a handshake the second time around. She resembled a fading star in his eyes, a once shimmering and beautiful spectacle that had dimmed as the eras passed and the hardships came. He could admire such people as the luthiers, craftsmen that toiled all their lives and produced marvelous things, almost their own kind of artwork, but all too often fell upon hard times. But as he sat with the opened ledger in front of him he could not help but ponder the opportunity that had presented itself to him in the couple's misfortune. Perhaps the young elf was miscalculating the gains that were to be made, and maybe he overestimated his abilities too, but he certainly did not not think so. He knew deep within himself there was a profit to be made on the misfortune of others if he could turn the circumstances around. He had seen it before.

A frown settled over the Aedile's face. What was the amount of this "little other"? He knew the tactics of disreputable loan sharks in the city well and this loan could become a liability if not tended to. He spoke grimly. "I do not need to know the details, but how much do you owe on the second loan"? It was something that would have to be settled, but he would not dwell on it because he sensed the issue caused pain for the again pair.

His mind was like a set of gears in motion, clockwork, as he pondered all that was being said and devised solutions that he would expand on later. It was evident that the current location would not do. Also that more tools were required. More staff too. He did not reveal his thoughts yet, instead deciding to listen further. His own brow furrowed at word that the competition was the man's own father although he accepted it without question. Competition was competition and it was clear that family sentiments would not hinder Eraisuithon's efforts. There seemed no love between the man and his father. Strangely, despite the fact that he had found that he had a family himself that seemed to care for him, this story of estrangement did not conflict him. This man was not him, business was business.

"How proficient are your sons at crafting instruments? It is clear to me that you- we, require more workers. You say he has stolen most of your apprentices, and employs many luthiers, but their must be more in the city than what he has taken. We need more apprentices, and more trained luthiers.. if that is possible. We will employ them at a good wage, as good as Tommory I'm sure." If they could sell so cheap, they could not afford to pay exorbitant wages, and he had doubts as to whether they're products were of great quality either. That however, could be irrelevant in the greater scheme of things.