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[adwarf]

Ramus stood back and watched the nobles arguing amongst each other, throwing in veiled threats here, promises there, it was as if they owned every damned scrap of grain and air in the kingdom and thought they could do as they pleased. He was well built, and muscular even when compared to dwarves who spent their entire lives working in the mines, for the day's ceremonies he wore rather fine clothes made from black silk and gold thread in a rather simple pattern forming wolf's heads on either shoulder. It was a 'gift' from a former employer that had been all to glad to see him, and his men go.

He sighed slightly as he watched the meeting continue,  he'd seen how that had turned out in his homeland, but of course it didn't matter to him anymore, he'd stopped caring about most things when he'd led his people to become mercenaries what felt like an eon ago. Now all he cared about was money, and he'd just heard an opportunity to obtain some, steeping forward he spoke up,

"If you might forgive me Prince I believe I could help you with your bandit problem, I'm Ramus No-son the leader the mercenary group the Stone Hounds, we'd be more then willing to hunt them all down assuming the pay is good.

I have a proposal that would be beneficial to the both of us I believe, me and my men will work for you clearing out these bandits, pirates, and tribesmen for six seasons time all the while also acting as part of your personal military forces should the need arise. All I want in return is four pounds, and rights to claim lands north of your borders without interference or threat of annexation. Of course I'd be willing to extend the service to eight seasons or more if you wish to work out a more reliable payment schedule."

[Shootandrun]

Anders' smile broadened further (sometimes which had looked all but impossible a few moments ago) and he followed the man - whose name he couldn't summon from his memories, remembering only that it sounded vaguely similar to carcass. Once they were sufficiently away from inquisitive ears, he faced the lordling and start speaking once again, trying to look this time as if he was gossiping, with the side glances at groups of courtiers and the complicit smiles and all.

"I am what we call in the business a 'problem solver', my lord - what those of your rank may name a killer, though that does not cover the fullness of my talents. I happen to already have a contractor at this time, but I believe we can still reach an agreement. Name one task you wish to be done - against the prince's interests if need be, though let me first tell you you cannot afford the price of an assassination of that size. If I believe it can be done without getting in the way of my current contract, I will do it - and the price I shall ask for it will be, comparatively, ridiculously small and not even monetary."

He opened his arms, as an old friend who was making a proposal would.

"What do you say to that, my lord?"

[filiusenox]

If Anders can tell, Karac's smile becomes falser and falser as the man goes on with his proposal. But the clincher is the frown that forms after the man finished. Half a sigh puffs out the young man's cheeks, and he reaches out to snatch up a glass of spiced wine. Lifting it to his nose, inhaling the smell before practically inhaling the drink. After a harsh gasp for breath, he eyed the 'problem-solver'.

"First of all, a word of advice? If you don't know who you're talking to, don't imply the assassination of a man who's standing half a room away. I would call the guards if you hadn't interposed yourself."

Setting the glass upon the tray of the waiter who, at this point, found it easier to stand around one of the few actually drinking then move through the room proper, the young man continues, tone low after another swallow and a moment's thought.

"Secondly, you could very well ask the Prince for such a job," Gesturing over the dwarf that just spoke up, Ramus No-Son, not speaking loud enough for the stunted creature to hear, of course, as Karac was drunk, not stupid, "Like that fine Dwarven eunuch just did."

"Barring that, you could walk me home, later." A wolfish grin settles itself upon Karac's lips, his eyes upon the mercenary in front of him.

[Shootandrun]

Anders inclined his head, his smile fading with a disappointed sigh. He looked slowly, with a sigh of boredom, and he turned back to the lordling.

"A minor noble and a drunk is stopped from insulting the prince by a gallant gentleman - a few minutes afterwards, the drunk calls the gallant an assassin and expects to see him in chains. It would be an interesting experiment to say the least. Whatever the case, I'm disappointed with you - I thought you might show some more imagination than that. As for walking you home, although I'm sure the task would indeed be quick with you on board, I prefer not to spar with amateurs. Besides, are you sure you could even put up a sword, after so much wine?"

He started walking away, a look of distaste on him.

"I expected more, sir, but I suppose standards must, by definition, be too high for some."

He returned amidst the nobles, leaving the lordling alone.

[filiusenox]

"I can respect a man who doesn't whip his blade out for every noble that crosses his path. Farewell." The sarcasm was quite apparent in his voice, the smile curving higher.

Picking up a nearby drink, making as if to drink it, Karac watched the mercenary leave. Turning off, depositing the drink back upon its tray, he moved off, stumbling through the double doors. Making his way through the hallways, he turns into a water closet. Moments later he emerges, wiping at his mouth with a bit of silk.

After a quick trip to the looted kitchen and harried chiefs, and a quicker meal of bread, plain meat and water, he made his way back to the meeting room. Still munching on some fine white bread, washing it down with a skin of water, he stuck to the back of the room. Sobering would take a while, he knew, but he could function. Hopefully.

Karac watches the Mercenary Anders from the back of the room to see who else he speaks to, or leaves with. Stealthily, of course. He also tries to sober up.

[Iituem]

The Prince regarded the dwarf from his seat and motioned for a servant to bring the dwarf a drink.

"Four pounds is a dear sum, No-Son.  On the other hand, I am witnessing more dwarves than I have ever had the privilege to see up close in my entire life.  When the Iron Prince sought to slay the elves, it was dwarven steel he turned to, with the blessings of the gods.  I have no issues with your business north of the border, and might encourage it under the right circumstances.  If you wished protection, a title could be forthcoming, but I garner you are an independent sort.

"Specifics, carven one.  What forces do you captain, and what their equipment?  I can get a band of peasants anywhere, though I would prefer not to."

[adwarf]

Ramus took the drink gladly, taking a deep draft before setting it aside.

"My men are armed mostly with axes, and swords while they have only the most basic for armor, but they are steadfastly loyal and damn good at what they do. In total my forces number up to an entire regiment's worth of dwarves from the far north, they've never let me down since we started our work a few years back, and they aren't going to start anytime soon. You give us a task and we'll accomplish it even if we gotta kill every bandit from here to the sea by ourselves."

[Digital Hellhound]

'That is... one reading of the laws, Prince,' the Magos said, his smile fading. 'Interpretations of the sacred texts are best left to those who have dedicated their lives to that purpose, my Liege. The uninitiated are prone to mistakes, and risk offending the heavens through them. I will, of course, always be available for council should some matter arise.'

Blewyn considered the other matters. The Prince's offer was generous enough, and he would look foolish if he objected to funding the rebuilding. It was something that would please the gods, in any case - he just wished he'd come up with it first. He ignored the Prince's barbed words and did not rise to the bait.

'The Temples would be glad to aid in reconstruction, until the city of Ciall has been rebuilt to the grandness it once had. Our clergy will be ideally suited to guide this reconstruction and determine its' progress, as well, given their position in the hearts of the city's communities. They will tell us what and how much needs to be done, I am certain. And for the gift of this Barony, we are most grateful to Your Highness, and shall consecrate it to our use at the earliest convenience.'

[vagel7]

Franz nodded slowly and silently before moving into the crowd again. Like the Lord he too had glimpsed the possible mercenary captain or some such looking for business. Since contacts are always necessary sooner or later he approached the man.

"Good day! I would say that what a joy it is that peace might finally restored to the realm, but we both know that war is more beneficial to both of us."

Franz reached out his hand to shake the mercenary's.

"Franz Sebastian Langton! Merchant of all wares and services. I believe that we might work together on some contracts in the future!"

[Iituem]

The Prince gave Blewyn a long look, then a smile crept into his features.

"I am told a wise Prince should have reliable advisors in those matters he is less experienced in.  I will listen more closely to your counsel in future - when I call for it.  And I will call often, as I shall on your counterpart."

He turned to address the dwarven mercenary.

"I can get a regiment of axemen from any of my vassals for a quarter the price you ask, and I am sure they would be loyal and true as well.  Two pounds, a year's contract, and you will not get a better deal anywhere else in this or any neighbouring kingdom today.  Additional bonuses at my discretion; serve me well, and your men may profit further, but that is my offer on the table."

[adwarf]

Ramus shrugs as the Prince gives the counter offer, he had expected as much, but of course most people didn't know what the might of good hardy northern dwarves from the Frozen Wastes was like. He had to accept of course, the money was crucial for expanding his power, and well it was money and easy money at that for bandits would stand no chance against his men when it came down to it.

"Fair enough, we'll just have to show you we're worth the extra pay then, I'll start the bandit hunting the moment I receive at least the first half of the payment to better equip my men for the task. If there's nothing else I think I'll take my leave, check out the area a bit, and maybe get a head start of the job."

Ramus waits to see if the Prince has anymore he wishes to say before leaving.

[Hanslanda]

Daelin noticed that the merchant had left, and waved at a courtier, an ancient, wizened old man who delicately sipped at a glass of wine. Daelin's vizier came forward, and Daelin leaned in to whisper, "I want a report of everything you know on the Turman, that mercenary fellow wandering about, the arrogant drunken fop, and the merchant I spoke with. His name was Franz Sebastian Langford. Rumors, tidbits, whatever you can gather will be appreciated, Dalton. We have too long languished in our halls, ignorant of the going's-on of the kingdom proper. It is time to pay closer attention."

The ancient man nodded silently and withdrew from the Council chambers.

(Don't mind me, just a little bit of self-directed RP. )

[Beneviento]

Yorvus, slightly late to the proceedings, rushes up to the Prince and bows deeply.

"Your Highness, I am Sealord Yorvus Ivarling, General of the Free band. Perhaps I can interest you in a different arrangement. I could offer you both my forces, a regiment in strength, of much the same composition of my colleague's, and his, for the total of three pounds per annum. This is, of course, provided our mutual friend the dwarf is willing to cooperate with me. I would ask that the entirety of this payment go to General Ramus, after my men have been paid, of course. "
"You see, my lord, I may bear the title of Sealord, but I hold no lands. To pay my men, I need either to engage in mercenary work, or hold land, and I am done with mercenary work. When my regiment and I came back across the sea, we anchored at the mouth of the River Beren, in lands belonging to the Duchess Cairn. I see much potential, especially for trade, in that land. In return for your saving money in this arrangement, I would very much like your support in negotiations with her for a grant for me of barony over the two parcels of land at either side of the river mouth. Finally, I have many contacts across the sea, and they control a good deal of the trade in those lands. I think I could persuade some of them to make trading voyages to this realm, which would be profitable for all of us. However, I need land for for my invitations to be credible."

He looks to Ramus.

"My friend, I am not interested in the money made from this arrangement. I would be very willing to attach my forces to yours for the term of a year at no cost, giving you all three pounds, provided you make sure my men are paid, fed and clothed."

[Azthor]

After the coronation (...).

The Duke of Stormport stands, turning to leave the royal throne room, though the festivities are far from over; he stops by the grand hall's entrance, commanding a servant to send for Mr. Banegem, for which he waits patiently outside, already escorted by two guards.

[Shootandrun]

Also after the coronation...

Anders walked out of the throne room, following a servant with a vaguely annoyed look. He stopped before the Duke and bowed deeply, smiling.

"My lord. I assume that you are well aware of my line of work and my capacities, and so I will not bore you with any of the details. I believed a deal between us could be profitable, and you seemed to agree. If it pleases your grace, shall we talk business?"