An Exchange

Writers: Suzee, Yvonne
Date Posted: 12th September 2014

Characters: Bryvin, Taril
Description: Taril has a gift for Bryvin, and Bryvin has a request for Taril
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 8, day 5 of Turn 7

Bryvin

The remaining two firelizard eggs had been removed from his apartment and were now waiting for their new owner in Taril's public office, nearer to the docks. Although he'd taken a few days off for the wedding and its aftermath, Taril found himself unable to stay away from work for much longer than that. He settled into his chair with with a small sigh, poured himself a cup of klah, and stared at the small pile of hides on his desk.

Shipping reports, sent daily from the five ships he ran up and down the Southern coast. Four, since the Blue Shipfish was currently docked in Sunstone's harbor, her captain enjoying whatever he could scam off the Hold and its inhabitants in the name of a 'wedding'. They were boring and a bit unnecessary, but Taril had found that keeping a close eye on where his ships were and their latest news meant that he was better able to take advantage of any bits of news that came his way.

But they'd waited two days already; they could wait a little while longer. Taril summoned Dodger with a thought, and the little brown firelizard waited patiently while his owner scrawled a short note a scrap of hide. "Here," he said, offering the rolled-up message to the flit. "Take this to Bryvin. Bryvin." He sent an image of the new Lord as the firelizard daintily accepted the hide. "Go."

Dodger chirped his understanding, then leapt into the air and disappeared /between/. Taril set to work transcribing the daily reports.

Bryvin smiled as he strolled down toward the harbor. He was aware that even with Captain at his heels as always there were far more eyes on him than had ever followed him in the past. But he walked down every day as had been his habit before becoming Lord of Sunstone. So it wasn't all that surprising when he stopped by one of the dock's offices.

"Good day," he called as he entered.

"Good day." Taril put his pen down. "Did Dodger find you?"

"He did indeed," Bryvin smiled. "How are you today Taril?"

"Very fine." Oddly so, given that he was now married. It still surprised him every time he thought about it, or when he saw evidence that Humari now shared his apartment-- a scarf left over a chair, things re-arranged from where he'd left them. "I am beginning to suspect that marriage will suit me. Please," he gestured at the chair across from his desk. "Join me for a moment?"

Bryvin smiled at the declaration from the merchant. "Well then, I hope you find happiness with your wife." The sentiment was genuine for Bryvin and he continued to smile as he sat. Captain simply laid down next to his chair.

"As I hope you find happiness with yours," Taril replied. "In the mean time, I have a little-- gift, to express my thanks." He rose from his desk and crossed the room to the fireplace, which was banked with red coals to chase off the damp and chill of Sunstone's winter. He bent and picked up a woven basket with a lid and a handle, which he passed to Bryvin.

Bryvin smiled and took the offered basket "Is this what I think it is?" But then he answered his own question. "Very nice Taril my friend," he nodded. "And I shall also fulfill my side of the bargain," he laid a finger on the side of his nose and then pointed at the other man.

"Now," he said. "I have need of a ship for a short voyage up the coast."

"A ship? Perhaps. When?" Taril reclaimed his chair behind his desk and pulled a large, leather-bound book toward himself.

"At the end of the month just after the last 'Fall." He smiled at the other man. "I'm going to Turquoise Bay to bring my new bride home to Sunstone." Looking down at the gift in his lap he asked, "When are they due to hatch?"

Taril made a face as he opened the book. "Who knows, with flit eggs. Maybe in a sevenday or two? Not much longer than that."

"Alright," Bryvin nodded setting the eggs aside for a moment. He'd find a way to make it all work out. He always did.

"I'll need room for the wedding party and any servitors who will need to return with us from Turquoise bay. Of course, If it's possible, I'd like my Lady roomed with me and the others in another part of the ship."

"So, an estimate would be... ten to fifteen passengers, including servitors and whoever you're bringing in your wedding party?" Taril stared at the ceiling for a moment, evaluating his ships. They were built for cargo, not luxury, although perhaps the Blue Shipfish's cargo hold could be quickly renovated into enough rooms for everyone. The Shipfish had a large, wood-paneled mess hall that could be converted into a proper dining room room. His father, first mate and navigator would have to give up their cabins for the duration of the voyage, and the servitors could bunk on hammocks with the rest of the crew. They could build a few temporary rooms with bunks in the Hold for the rest of the guests with status, and perhaps even a small sitting room mid-ship for the ladies to knit or whatever they did at sea. "I could accommodate that on the Blue Shipfish, but I will warn you that she's more of a working girl than a pretty Lady. I could gussy her up for you though, make her good enough for your bride. Alternately I could find out what passenger ships are in the area and broker a deal. Either way, it'll cost."

Bryvin wasn't one to throw money away any more than his predecessor had been but in this case the funds would be worth the reward. His bride would bring with her title to the land that held the secret gem and silver mine he coveted.

"Perhaps the Seacrafter Hall will have something suitable. But if that is the case I want the word out to all concerns that the ship or ships flying Sunstone colors those days have safe passage both ways." He might consciously look the other direction regarding piracy in the surrounding area but there were conditions to his tolerance.

Taril arched an eyebrow. "I can't quite grasp what you are implying," he said mildly, although both men knew that the message had been received loud and clear. As if he'd do any less-- he'd worked to put Bryvin in place, and wasn't about to lose the rewards for that work.

Bryvin's bland look didn't even register a reaction as their relationship, such as it was, was based upon mutual profit. They both understood that fact very clearly.

"Well," he said as he stood and picked up the basket. "I should get these back up to the main Hold. Thank you for your generosity Taril." Bryvin smiled thought they both knew he'd fulfill his part of the bargain and their partnership would blossom. "I trust you to make all the arrangements."

"Consider it done," Taril told the Lord Holder. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Bryvin."

Last updated on the September 21st 2014

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An Exchange