Silver-Haired, Gray-Moralled Elf seeks Black Dealings. Pets OK. [Mod Please]

[Motito Gil'dae]

Early Darkening, 32nd Darkening in the Month of Pontius, Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XV Post Fractum

The elf known by the name Eresse Romen wandered the streets without fear. Stupidly, perhaps, but with purpose. His mind had long ago sunk into Clara and he could summon his staff on a whim if necessary, but the only concrete form of defense he currently bore was his longknife, because Ere wasn't the kind to wear many weapons. His arrogance was his shield, his tongue--equal parts scathing and silver--his weapon.

Ere was bedecked from head to toe. A large-brimmed purple velvet hat rest atop his head with a stylish peacock feather sticking out of it, to match the purple silk shirt that covered his chest. Atop that was a silver silk vest, belted in place by a silver leather belt. That belt also served to hold up his black leather trousers, and black hard-soled traveling boots were perhaps the most modest item he wore. To add to the ridiculousness of his outfit, he had a black velvet cape to give him cover and warmth. Tito found the entire getup neigh-laughable, but he had to admit, it was by far among the most comfortable outfits he'd ever worn.

His swagger bespoke of privilege and wealth, and given the amount of funds he'd stockpiled for use, it was no surprise...somewhere between one and two million crowns were currently at his disposal--though clearly not on him--as he strolled through the city. He was willing to put a helpful heft of those crowns behind an organization in exchange for free access to their information network, access to their black market contacts and goods, and most specifically, any information they might receive at any point about shady groups that span cities or provinces.

But such a thing started with a contact...with getting to know the right people...and that's what he was trying to do now. He was walking down the streets, intentionally looking bored with the various shops and intentionally showing interest in the seedier locales, trying to make obvious his desire for contact with someone more...questionable in nature.

Hopefully he'd garner some attention as such as he tried to let himself drift towards the darker part of the city. With any luck he'd be approached by someone shady relatively soon.

[Gossamer]

Zinn'Sunn was one of those cities that had an aire about it of being a living thing. Statues lined the streets, some at ground level, and some indeed smaller on rooftops. They weren't exactly gargoyles, but rather they seemed to be an odd chimera of dog, lion and dragon. They watched him curiously, if indeed stone eyes could do such a thing, for while purple was a common color in the city, the hat and its outrageous feather was a bit extreme.

Ladies of good breeding adverted their eyes, while children stared. Motito found himself lost in a sea of dark hair and peaceful eyes. But he would notice something unique. Every male was armed. Some wore only a katana, though others still wore their swords parred with tanto's.. .though some still had a hybrid length between the two. Arms were carried casually, with a great deal of grace. The Kemites were a proud people, and each took pride in their weapons; both use and craftsmanship. Another thing he'd notice was the horseflesh. It was one of the finest kept secrets of Zinn'Sunn. Most of their really good quality animals wore only saddles. The city was filled with extremely expensive animals wandering loose insofar as they stood stoic waiting for their riders outside of businesses, many of which employed a 'horse boy' to stand near the mounts, seeing to water and comfort.

The streets were also clean. He witnessed not a single person dropping refuse or throwing slop buckets into the street as he strolled. Though he wouldn't know it, he was in the Pheonix District. In many ways, the District was the heart of Zinn'Sunn's businesses, though it too was lined with park blocks and small meeting areas.

Some children stared, one or two of the younger ones laughed at his feathered hat and pointed. Scandalized women gently knocked pointing fingers down, got a tighter grip on the children, and steered them away from the spectacle. A lamplighter chuckled. He was standing on stilts and his obvious blond hair gave him away as an Outlander. "Nice work, that outfit is scaring the children. Are you new in town? Because you look like your on the wrong side of the river to be wearing that." He asked, perching happily on his stilts, his flaming oil wick posed to light the next lamp down the street.

[Motito Gil'dae]

Tito knew he was a spectacle and truth be told felt a fair-bit silly about it all, but Ere wore his outfit with confidence, and thus so did Tito. As his cover persona strutted around rather confidently, he ignored the people who would point and stare and laugh. They were not his concern. No...his concern was with another matter entirely.

He was meant to look the part of the mark.

Zinn'Sunn was really a beautiful city. He'd been here once before, but nothing had really come of the trip. The place was absolutely pristine, and he really enjoyed the respect and care the citizens took with both themselves and their city. Perhaps this would be a prime place to focus his energies...perhaps invest in a front store. When he heard the words of the Ountlander lamplighter, he gazed up at the figure, one hand resting easily on his crown pouch, the other on the hilt of his longknife.

"Why, yes," he began, a self-important swagger clearly evident, "But truth be told, I'm looking for someone from the wrong side of the river." He offered a telltale smirk and shrugged. "I'm interested in learning some of the...less publicized business of Zinn'Sunn." Go too into detail and he could give himself away, especially to the wrong person listening in. He wanted to leave just enough to tantalize the lamplighter and quite possibly any other hungry ears into wanting to know more about this swaggering businessman who's very outfit screams 'money to burn'.

"Any particular direction you can point me? ...perhaps someone to look out for?" Enough vagueness to claim ignorant innocence to someone looking to arrest him, but enough implication for someone from the Zinn'Sunn underworld--or with ties to it--to have an idea of what he was after. He wondered, idly, where this would go, or if there would be anyone aside from the lamplighter that would be good to talk to about it.

In a very, very strange way, for what he was trying to accomplish, it was quite possible that Zinn'Sunn, might be more difficult to get a foot in the door because everyone was so polite and courteous here. Hopefully he wouldn't have to get any more direct than he was, otherwise he'd see too suspicious.

...well, more suspicious then he already was in that godsaweful outfit that Ere thought would be 'classy'. Really, the cover persona had such horrific taste.

[Gossamer]

The lamplighter laughed. "Sure. I'm always one for advice. Delson is my name... and I'm in charge of all the lights throughout the city so I know the place quite well. Normally I'm not lighting, but directing the others. We have quite a few out sick though, some sort of swine flu. Its spawning a rule to move swine out of the city, believe it or not. But thats not important. Anyhow... lets go through a few rules. First, you need to change, because no one is going to believe your seriousness with that outfit on. Fluffs don't go about by themselves here dressed like that, even here in this district. You aren't trailing a small army of servants and companions, so its not going to work well. Secondly, if you want to remotely gain someone's respect and notice, you need to be on the other side of the river, dressed in tailored elegance, wearing your confidence like you wear your blades. You have none, and no self respecting idiot would go about here without them. Not only are swords a protection, but they are sign of dedication to an artform that Kemites respect above all else." He added with a grin from his lofty height.

Delson continued. "Now, its all about respect, not about how many 'vaisal' you attract." The wording was unfamiliar, but it was obvious he was talking about men who appreciated other men perhaps more than they should, and flamboyant dress. "I guarantee you won't find any of the kind of folks your looking for in that getup. They must take you seriously. Here in Zinn'Sunn, honor is everything, and a man in velvet has none. Go stop by Madame Minsy's Finery pick up a pair of black or light grey hakama pants, and a layered Zhiju or Michiyuki... understated with really good embroidery work... something lacking dragons, gryphons, phoenix... go for a tiger, forest, or water themed.. something in silvers and blues or greens. Avoid vibrant colors." The lamplighter advised, steering the newcommer away from clan colorations and symbols. "Then, once you've done that, head across the Laroo and take a seat in a small tea house called "The Graceland Pearl and tap your fingers three times impatiently when your waitress takes your tea order. Then ask her for almond drop cookies with your tea. Someone will be along shortly to see you. They will think you want to order a dog or a slave. We have some big dogfights going on in the Kitsume later this week and everyone wants in on the action. Right now some of the finest fighting dogs are up for the highest bidders. So make contact that way and ask about whichever you prefer. Stay calm, and then the rest is up to you." The lamplighter said, smiling to himself. "And if you do end up making a nice contact, don't forget your local lamplighter." He said, grinning and finishing lighting the lamp. He grinned, pointed the way out to Minsy's and headed off down the street.

[Motito Gil'dae]

Ere nodded at the lamplighter, appreciating the man's candor.

"I appreciate the help," he smiled, his quicksilver orbs narrowing slightly. He'd listen, as Delson likely had a far better grasp than he of what was acceptable in Zinn'Sunn. He only hoped he wasn't being made the fool...then again it was awfully hard to be made even more the fool in that getup. Luckily, Ere was the type who'd take advantage of advice to get a better business deal. He couldn't help but wonder how Delson knew so much, but odds were one could pick up a lot when one's job made them seem neigh invisible so common a sight were they. And so he turned, curiously, to go for his outfit change.


It was about a candlemark later when he found himself heading towards the Graceland Pearl. He had gotten lost and asked for directions, but finally the place was within sight. the persona of Ere was dressed completely differently now. Dark gray silk hakama pants and a simple silver haori were his under-outfit, and he had an embroidered navy blue michiyuki that depicted a flowing river. A pair of wooden geta adorned his bare feet, and a black obi completed his outfit, in which was tucked a brand new katana and wakizashi, side by side, in similar fashion to common kemite wear.

The katana seemed similar enough to the elven longsword that he was confident he could wield it with similar effectiveness as his usual weapon if necessary...which would make him seem all the more competent of a businesself. Besides, he just felt more comfortable with a weapon at his hip, even if it was a bit different from his usual choice.

A satchel was slung over his shoulder containing his previously worn, overly gaudy outfit, along with his elven longknife, the wooden stand for his daisho, and the tanto that completed the trio of kemite weapons. As he approached the building, he unslung his satchel and preapred tot ake his weapons into his hands by the sheathes for courtesy and comfortability of seating's sake. If everything went according to plan, he'd tap and order just as the lamplighter had suggested...hopefully it wasn't a prank, and hopefully following the advice wouldn't get him killed.

Getting killed would absolutely ruin the elf's brightening.

[Gossamer]

The Graceland Pearl was located on the wrong side of The River Laroo, in a deceptively orderly street that turned vicious after dark. Its front was painted like a typical Zinn'Sunnese teahouse, with a small brick courtyard and a small staircase that lead up to a main set of windows that offered a double-door entrance. Seating was provided for on small roll pillows that flanked long oak tables that were low to the ground. The interior was peaceful, carefully constructed with understated elegance, and rich with Zinn'Sunnese culture. He let himself in, and would be required to slip off his shoes for small silk slippers in the small entryway.

Once he'd selected a seat, a server walked up, bowed humbly and took a seat opposite of him. Rather than offer him a folded menu like other restaurants would, she sweetly started running down the list of food, beverages, and teas available. Golden skin and oval eyes met his as she maintained perfect posture and converstation. He would notice other patrons had a 'server' assigned to them as well. She was dressed as a Keme'dral, though no true Zinn'Sunnese would think her anything close to one. She was a hired servant, nothing more, kept to entertain with converstation and games, the guests who frequented the place.

"What do you desire, Sir?" She asked, with carefully painted lips and perfectly coiffed hair. Hairpins hung with flying cranes seemed to sore above her locks as she sat without a sound in her silk kimono and slippered feet. His dress was perfect, no one looked twice at his arms, and she treated him with the utmost respect even though his hair was silvery and his skin much much to pale.

Quietly, diligent, he could take as much time as he liked.

[Motito Gil'dae]

Once he'd exchanged the geta for the slippers, he entered and debated where for a moment before making his decision. The elf took a corner seat with his back to the wall, placing the satchel on his right and the swords side by side on his left, both within easy reaching distance. In the corner, no one could sneak up on you, so the theory went, and was the common practice for those involved in shady dealings. It was a toss up, really...guarded posture or arrogant posture...on this one occasion the elf decided guarded was a better approach, regardless of what Ere might have chosen.

As the server arrived he smiled congenially, though with an edge of superiority as was Ere's way, and as she seated herself opposite him and began to go through the list he waited until she was done before appearing to debate for a long moment. During that debating he tapped three times 'neverously' before speaking.

"Give me your most expensive local tea," he eventually decided, and then after a second of pause he spoke again, as though remembering something.

Now or never...hope I'm not betrayed here...

"Oh, also, I'd like almond drop cookies with my tea." He tried to look as casual as possible, but his body, despite its posture, was coiled tight like a spring, ready to grab his sword and leap to his feet at the slightest sign of provocation.

Please work...

[Gossamer]

The server was a young kemite woman by the name of Lukami. There was a typical reserved attitude towards the stranger, though it was one she showed all non-clanned men, kemite or outlander. Lukami nodded once, then paused when he wrapped his knuckles slightly. "The finest tea it is. And cookies as well." She said, rising and bowing to him.

Lukami disappeared behind a rice paper screen and returned in the span of ten breaths carrying an elaborate tray. She set it down to the side, then without speaking began to serve him tea. The ritual was elaborate and involved every piece of an expensive set of kemite porcelain. A saucer was laid out, then a cup rested gently within it. Tea was poured carefully, though not a drop was spilled. It was sweetened with just a tad of honey and lemon, with a tiny splash of goats milk and another clearer liquid that smelled like almond. There was almost a meditative quality to the whole process, and somewhere along the way the girl made the man feel somewhat like royalty.

Finally, closing out the ceremony, she laid a plate of almond drop cookies next to his tea. The cookies were oddly shaped. Some resembled people's faces, some the faces of dogs, and others the fierce faces of roosters and a more rarer creature that looked like a small dragon.

Lukami smiled when all was done and bowed her head again. Motito may or may not realize it, but her presence was for converstation, if he wanted to perhaps play a game, or to be otherwise served in a polite capacity of his choice. She waited, wondering if he would find the tea tasting like the mythical ambrosia, and what selections on the plate of cookies he would find interesting.

[Motito Gil'dae]

Motito smiled pleasantly as he awaited the woman server to do her work. When she arrived with the plate of cookies and the tea, he eyed them. The cookies were oddly shaped, and he studied them in more detail as he picked up his tea and sipped it slowly. Slaves were not particularly his style--especially given that he had a wife--and roosters held no true appeal for him. So then it was the dogs.

...or so he thought. It was then that another cookie caught his interest. One that looked almost like a dragon. Instantly the elf was piqued. Even if it was a spendier purchase, Eresse had already proven he had that kind of flare, it wouldn't be a hard sell for the cover ID and it certainly was better than owning a slave.

"This tea is delicious, you did a fine job making this selection for me," he responded, maintining a mild aire of pompous superiority as was the character he was to play, "feel free to pour yourself some as well, on me of course." He reached down and, with thin, nimble fingers, gingerly picked up the dragon-faced cookie by its edges. He gazed at it curiously before picking up a napkin delicately placing the cookie upon it. He slid it forward towards her and offered with a magnanimous smile,

"It goes best with a cookie, I'm sure." Really he was stabbing in the dark at what they might want him to do here. Maybe he was choosing correctly, or maybe he was getting himself in line for a hanging, or maybe they had no meaning at all and he was just a silly elven man dressed like a local offering a teahouse girl tea and a cookie shaped like a dragon face. Only one way to find out.

He smiled charmingly and waited to hear her reply, all the while waiting tensely for something to happen, ready to spring into action himself, though his body and face looked calmly relaxed. He was slowly learning how to play this spy game, and hopefully he would learn well enough. Maybe he'd see if he could get the Imperial Shields to give him some intelligence training.

[Gossamer]

Lukami bowed her head and indeed poured herself some tea. It was part of her job to humor the client and provide for his needs. If the gentleman preferred she take tea with him, she'd gladly comply. The kemite woman though, was a bit startled when he passed the Talwaskia shaped cookie over to her. She lowered her lashes and pondered it for a moment. "There are all sorts of cookies." She started off delicately, picking up the cookie he offered her and smiling slightly at him. "Some are best consumed young, barely out of the oven while they are still warm. Others are best tackled after they have aged somewhat. Their flavor is fiercer. These cookies represent the Talwaskia, a creature found in the Forest of Dreams near here. They are fierce fighters and can be raised to guard or fight. I wonder, Sir, what sort of variety you would enjoy more. A fresh cookie is always takes less coin, for there is no storage or maintenance." Training... obviously she meant training. "Aged cookies are far more lucrative. So tell me, which do you prefer?" She said, smiling slightly. Depending on how he answered, she'd make arrangements for him to purchase what she thought he was looking for... either a baby Talwaskia or an aged proven fighter.

[Motito Gil'dae]

At her words the elf's smile turned slightly more genuine. It seemed she understood after all. While a baby seemed interesting--it might make an interesting pet if trained gently enough--a fighter could serve just as well. He hoped Shishiro would get along with such a thing. The large cat was getting old. He'd been bought as a cub, but had a lifespan of somewhere between fifteen to twenty eras...and he'd been bought shortly after the aetherfracture. By Tito's estimate, once one included the alteration of the suns, the large white cat was about eight or nine...he was starting to get up there in years. He was tame as a housecat now, truth be told, and Aralla had on a frequent basis ridden him around. At the cheb the two had been inseperable; so much so that he'd left the large cat there...and he was now stuck behind the veil.

Shishiro had been trained to fight a bit, but Talwaskia were probably extraordinarily predatory. A decent traveling companion and protector, perhaps. An idea hatched into his head.

"I am an elf of varied tastes and much income...what if I preferred one of each kind of cookie? A more aged and fierce one for my personal enjoyment, and a freshly baked cookie--perhaps properly prepared--so as to make a fine treat for a little boy I know?" He smiled congenially and picked up one of the female-faced cookies, biting into it gently and chewing before swallowing, then taking a sip of tea before speaking again. "I'd most definitely enjoy an older cookie, but as for the fresh cookie...I'd only want it if I knew it was properly prepared for the boy. Were the cookie troublesome--say, as if to cause an allergic reaction--then I could never forgive myself if harm came to the boy from the cookie I bought him." It should be relatively clear. An older Talwaskia for himself, and a younger one--still properly trained not to harm--for a child.

"Also, I'd be interested in meeting the bakers and sellers of the cookies...can't be too careful. Besides, if I get to know them and like what I see, I might be interested in expanding their baking operation with some of my funds, assuming I found the situation mutually beneficial." The code here too seemed obvious. He was interested in meeting those responsible for the illegal dealings, with the possibility of him ever so delicately sliding his fingers into the operations, so long as doing so was worth his while.