The Morning After with a Venora (Tristan)

[Tristan Venora]

Tristan was not looking forward to the meeting with Soren. When he had first met him, he had actually liked the tavern owner, but Soren had played a part in the death of his brother, and it seemed as if he might have lied to him. He didn’t appreciate being lied to, especially after what Ilaren and Syroa had done to him. He had decided to not kill the man even though a part of him wanted to – because he didn’t want to lower himself to their level – but he still wanted answers. And he would get answers, one way or another.

Since he had no interest in ending up like poor Hart (or Eihr) he didn’t come to Soren’s tavern alone. Lianne accompanied him again, and this time she was showing everybody that she was armed and dangerous. Tristan himself appeared to be unarmed though. He had just brought his cane that looked completely harmless, like some sort of fashion accessory, and he was of course dressed in his most elegant outfit. He didn’t normally care about such things, but he wanted Soren to know that he was powerful and influential, at least where he came from.

He was a duke. He was one of the most powerful men in all of Rynmere, and what more, he was friends with King Cassander and the world-famous Doctor Faith Augustin.

In spite of the fact that he was tense and rather angry, he smiled at whoever greeted him upon entering the tavern and politely told them that he had a meeting with the proprietor. Once they were being led to Soren’s quarters, Lianne would position herself behind Tristan – she would refuse to leave – while the young duke approached the tavern owner.

“Mister Kvistson”, he spoke. He inclined his head in a greeting, and the tone of his voice was utterly polite. He believed that a certain amount of good behaviour was useful, even when dealing with people that you weren’t sure about. It might make them more inclined to cooperate. “As I told you in the bakery, I’d like to have a word with you. I talked to Hart – except that he insisted that he wasn’t Hart. He calls himself Eihr now. He told me his version of the story. He told me that you would involve the guards if Hart didn’t cooperate. According to him, there were no guards involved when he was being tortured though.”

“Why did you not involve the guards even though you said so, and did you know that Hart is dead and has been replaced by Eihr?” he wanted to know. Was the man really as clueless as he had claimed that he was?

“You said that you didn’t know what your associate would do. Is this true?” he continued, no matter what Soren said. “You said that you were helping him. The man that I met needs more than an apartment above a bakery though. He is in bad shape. I might be able to help him though. First of all, I need information on the substance your associate used, if you have any”, he told Soren. He knew what he needed to do now. Killing Soren and his associate wouldn’t help Eihr. It wouldn’t help anybody. There was only one thing that might possibly help Eihr. He didn’t like it as it would require that he associated with Hart’s murderers further, but it might be the only way.

“Secondly”, he spoke. “We talked about a business partnership. I need resources in order to help Eihr – resources that I do not currently have, having only arrived here recently.”

“What kind of partnership did you have in mind?” he wanted to know.

[Soren Kvistson]

"You are free to choose,"

Soren had made sure to inform his staff of his meeting. He told them that Tristan Venora was coming, and would most likely be bringing his bodyguard Lianne. The staff were to, of course, treat them both with the utmost respect and they were to be shown to his private quarters. And once the meeting began, they were not to be interrupted, by anyone, for any reason. Soren was not a micromanager. He trusted his staff to be able to handle anything without his presence or input. Good delegation was an important skill to learn for a leader.

And so Soren, sat there on his couch, a table in front of him, and two chairs opposite him. Upon the table, two pads of paper, quills, and ink, one for him, one for Tristan. He did not bother providing refreshments or snacks. He suspected that they would not be desired or taken. And he was not a man to waste anything. He kept the room well lit, and he waited, keeping his eyes shut, planning and thinking, thinking and planning. This was quite possibly the second most important meeting of his life, the first having been with Navyri.

At least this time he was wearing clothes.

It wasn't long until Harold brought Tristan and Lianne into his quarters. "Thank you Harold."

"Welcome to my home, Lord Venora, Lianne." It was polite to use the man's title here, he felt. He did not bother to ask Lianne to sit seeing her position herself protectively. Ever the good soldier. Tristan was just as safe here as he was anywhere else in Raelia. Soren had no booby traps, no weapons hidden, no inclination to cause any harm to either of them.

He gestured to the seats, "Thank you for suggesting this meeting, Tristan." But now Soren wanted the man to realize that in these lands, he was just another man, even if he had plenty to offer. Soren simply wanted the man to know that it was his own merits that mattered. Nothing more.

Then he listened, fingers interlocked across his lap, his eyes and attention fully on Tristan, his posture straight. He made no attempt to seem higher born than Tristan, no attempt to bow to Tristan's good graces. This was a man who believed them equal, and would treat and expect to be treated as such. At the first question, Soren answered easily, for he was speaking the truth.

"I had intended to involve the guards. After all, Hart was a mere thief. I had intended to teach him a lesson in how things work here, as a message to any others who might try to steal, not simply from me, but from anyone of Raelia. However, after seeing Hart's reaction to the... needle he was stabbed with by my associate, it was evident to me that the guards would simply make a bigger mess than cleaning up a small one I'd intended to leave. The unexpected forced a change of plans."

He took a breath, "No, I did not know that Hart had died or.. whatever that is. I knew something had happened, but I was not aware of the full extent. I visited him, to see if he was improving, to see what other damage may had been done. He told me a very dangerous piece of information about himself. Something that could potentially get burned at the stake in this country. I have no intention of seeing the man killed, I have no qualms with those who follow, or are born from, divinity, even if I myself choose not to do so."

He gave Tristan time to process this, before addressing the man's next question. "I did not know what my associate would do. I put faith in those I work with, and those that work for me. I do not believe my associate expected what happened to happen either."

He leaned back at the next bit, showing true strain in his face, the mulling over what had happened. "Eihr does need more care or help. I am out of my depth with this, and I know not about his kind, nor do I know what was used against him. I have none, and I cannot give you my associate. However, I will pass word to my associate what was discussed here, and they can decide if they wish to reveal themselves, and information as to the object, to you. I do not control my business partners. But I will try to convey the desire for information."

Then came what Soren truly wished to discuss. Business.

"I do not like not knowing things. I like to think that I am a controlled man. I take measured risks. I stay to this as best I can. Having met the man that was Hart, and all that followed, I see there is far too much I am unaware. But I am a businessman, first and foremost. And I do genuinely wish to help you to help Eihr. So my offer is this. I will fund the creation of a research center, one that you will design and build and manage. You may research whatever you wish, you may research Eihr, and if my associate allows, the object that inflicted his state upon. You may research whatever you want, so long as when I occasionally come around, seeking help on something, you help with that. I will buy what you need for this facility. I will expect to profit from any information you discover, from anything you create. I will expect you to maintain a positive, public influence with this facility, and for us to appear together publicly, in unity. We will be equal partners in this venture. I'll run the coins, you run the research."

He gave Tristan a long moment to mull over this, "If you have any further terms to discuss on this, please state them now. If this is agreeable as stated, we can discuss this further at another time. But for now, I would also like to know if there's anything else you might need in regards to Eihr. As I said, I will contact my associate about the object used, but I make no promises there. However, I am willing to help, however I can. I am not a man who cannot admit when a mistake was made. And what happened to Eihr was a mistake. One I will regret for the rest of my days, and one I hope I can help make better."

Another long moment, "What say you, Tristan Venora?"

"But you are not free from the consequences."

[Tristan Venora]

While Tristan wasn’t sure if he still liked Soren due to his involvement in Hart’s death, he appreciated the fact that the man didn’t grovel at his feet like some sort of annoying lickspittle, but treated him mor or less like a normal person and an equal. He listened to the man attentively, occasionally furrowing his brow a little or nodding his head when he agreed with something. The expression on his face remained polite throughout Soren’s speech for two reasons: Eihr had insisted that Soren was dangerous; besides, he needed him if he wanted to have a chance at resolving this exceedingly complicated and messy situation.

Lianne’s gaze was firmly focused on Soren as well, but for a different reason. The redhead didn’t trust him, and she wasn’t sure about the duke’s decision to do business with him at all. She didn’t criticize Tristan though, of course. She was, mostly, his bodyguard, and definitely not his political advisor, and she would be with him, no matter what he did. If the tavern owner tried anything, she would definitely intervene though!

“That … makes sense”, Tristan remarked as Soren explained why he had decided to not involve the guards after all. The man was without a doubt wording things a certain way and occasionally withholding a bit of information, but he didn’t seem to actually be lying. He reminded Tristan of the politicians he had regularly had to deal with, back before the plague had pretty much ruined Rynmere and forced him to go into exile again.

When Soren spoke of those born from divinity, his blue eyes widened. He couldn’t hide his surprise completely. He had just never expected to hear that. “You know?” he asked and raised an eyebrow. “How did you find out, Mister Kvistson?” he wanted to know.

He didn’t mention that he had only found out about Eihr’s divine heritage himself very recently, of course. That was none of the tavern owner’s business. When Eihr had still been Hart and lived with him in Oakleigh, Tristan had thought that he simply had some bizarre kind of magic though. Had Eihr simply told him? He seemed to be an unusually honest man!

“Thank you, Mister Kvistson”, the duke spoke as Soren assured him that he would pass word to his associate. The man was much more cooperative than he had thought that he would be. He had expected him to offer him a bit of money and perhaps tell him the names of certain people, but to actually fund the creation of a research center and pretty much allow him to research whatever he wished? He had never even considered that.

For a moment, Tristan smiled.

This was like a dream come true … or it would be, if Hart hadn’t been murdered.

Could it be that Soren was actually genuinely sorry for what had happened to Hart – or was he simply playing some sort of game? Was there a catch when it come to the future research center? He pondered those questions for a few moments, but ultimately decided that none of those things really mattered, as long as he received the resources that he needed to try and help Eihr.

When the conversation finally turned to the matter of business and Soren stated that he expected to profit, Tristan laughed before he agreed, “Of course. I didn’t expect to hear anything else. I assure you that my research will be very profitable, Mister Kvistson. You saw one of my statues, and I gave you a vial of my anti-winter potion. Those were rather simple creations, but even they have been selling exceptionally well so far. As for the matter of appearing with you in public”, he continued and inclined his head. “Of course. I have no problem with that either. I have just one question. Which percentage of the profits will go to you?” he wanted to know.

Tristan didn’t really care about money – at this point, he already had more money than he’d ever be able to spend – but he was interested in hearing Soren’s answer, nevertheless.

“As for further terms, if Eihr is not interested in moving in with me, will he be able to stay in the apartment above Greta’s bakery in the long run? He’ll need a home. Furthermore, if this venture turns out to be as profitable as I think, I might eventually need an assistant or two, but we can discuss that – and everything else – when the time comes”, he continued. “Of course, our business also needs a name”, he added, smirking and almost enjoying himself, until he thought about what had happened again.

Truth to be told, was surprised that Soren admitted that he had made a mistake so readily and that he spoke of regret. Had he been wrong about him? Had Eihr been wrong about him when he had warned him about doing business with Soren? Perhaps. He wouldn’t make the mistake of ever underestimating the man though. There was more to him than met the eye!

“Either way”, he decided. “We will be partners from now on, Mister Kvistson. I appreciate your willingness to help Eihr - and I assure you that you won’t regret your offer”, he added.

[Soren Kvistson]

"You are free to choose,"

Soren answered flatly to the man's question. "Eihr told me. He gives that information a bit too freely, and I fear he may end up burned for it. He should be more cautious about what he says." Soren knew all too well the danger of a few words, particularly after the situation that Alora had put him and many others earlier. A reckless tongue becomes snipped real quick.

It did sound as Tristan was quite amenable to this proposal. That was good, Soren could only imagine the opportunities this all could potentially bring. "Percentage wise, I am always a fair man with my business partners, and in this you are, in fact, a partner. So I present you two options. The first option is that you and I invest in this venture equally, and with that, we split it evenly, fifty fifty. The second option is that I invest in this fully. I will take seventy-five percent of the profit, and you will get twenty-five percent. However, I will give you the option to buy out your half later if so desired, however, this will come with an interest and will be more expensive. I am happy with either option."

Soren intentionally left out that half of anything he made would go to Navyri, but that was the point of silent partners. And he knew her curious nature. He strongly suspected she'd want some first hand experience in this venture as well. "If Eihr will accept it, I will make arrangements with Greta on his behalf to make that his permanent home. I do suspect that he has zero desire to maintain any home that has been soiled by my touch, due to the nature of our... relationship. But I can still make the arrangements easily nonetheless."

Soren then had to smirk a bit at the small thinking that Tristan was showing now. "One or two assistants? If this is as successful as I believe it could be, you'll be asking for assistants by the dozen. And as for the name, that should most certainly be yours. You are the face of this venture."

Soren then leaned forward across the table, confidently extending a hand. He has a teasing smirk on his face, wondering if such a maneuver would raise Lianne's heckles just a bit. "With a shake of the hand, we will be partners. We won't break ground until after Cylus but we can spend time finding a location to purchase."

Soren was prepared to show them out once this was wrapped up. After all, this was his home and it was rare that he allowed people to stay long within it, especially when business was concluded. He was already considering a new, larger business venture. One that invested into businesses. A consortium of some sorta. In the business of making money and expanding influence. One that was ruled by him and his silent partner.

S & N Consortium had a nice enough sounding name to it, and he had a few ideas for other investments to eventually make. He smiled smugly to himself. He would own this city before long.

"But you are not free from the consequences."

[Tristan Venora]

“He really should be”, Tristan agreed as Soren stated that Eihr should be more cautious about what he said. “I need to have a word with him later on”, he decided, frowning a little. Eihr was too honest for his own good. He looked like his brother Hart, and he also had his memories, but his personality seemed to be quite different from Hart’s. He wasn’t sure if his brother – his other brother (because Eihr was related to him as well) would have told questionable Melrathi businessmen that he was a Mortalborn!

When Soren turned to answer his question about percentages, the young noble didn’t reply immediately, but looked at the other man thoughtfully as he considered the two options that he had presented to him before he took a deep breath and replied, “I find the first option more appealing.” While he wanted to make Soren pay as much as possible for what had happened to Hart – the man was definitely not entirely innocent – he’d just be an employee if he picked the second option.

Employees were easier to get rid of.

What if Soren changed his mind and threw him out?!

“I assume that you have no problem noting the things that we agreed on down in a contract, Mister Kvistson?” he proceeded to ask and raised an eyebrow questioningly. He didn’t really care if Soren took more money than he should; he was mostly worried about how things might affect Eihr. He wanted to be sure that he would really be allowed to help him, and that Soren wouldn’t go back on his word.

Soren smirked at the mention of his maybe needing one or two assistants, and Tristan laughed. “I just didn’t want to demand too much from you, Mister Kvistson, as we still barely know each other. The Venora Research Institute, maybe?” he mused as Soren told him that their new business should be named after him before he shook his head.

“That doesn’t sound impressive enough”, he muttered. He felt quite peculiar again, absolutely excited and kind of somber at the same time – and guilty, because he was almost enjoying himself even though Eihr was sitting in his tiny apartment above the bakery, blind and in generally poor shape. But then again, he was doing everything for him!

When Soren mentioned shaking hands, Lianne who had just been standing there so far, watching the two men, tensed visibly, and her gaze darkened. She didn’t like this. She didn’t like this at all. What if Soren had some sort of poison in his hand? What if he tried to hurt the duke? She didn’t trust him at all, but before she could do anything, Tristan already extended his hand. He was not worried about Soren’s hurting him – because he was more valuable to him alive.

Why should he hurt someone who would make him a lot of money?

The duke shook Soren’s hand without hesitation before he remarked, “I don’t really have a preference as far as the location is concerned. I just need a garden as I grow some of my reagents myself.” He didn’t mention that some of those reagents were fat orange slugs that he scraped with a spatula in order to harvest their slime – a potent binder. The people of Melrath could be a bit weird when it came to such things, and he needed Soren to not have a single doubt that their cooperation would be a good idea.

He would only reveal the slugs when it was too late for Soren to change his mind.

[Rakvald]

Pygmalion

Soren

Experience: 15 No magic.

Knowledge:

Negotiation x10
Leadership x3

Renown: 10 Meeting with a foreign noble.

Skill Usage: Appropriate to level. Detection was a bit overplayed with regard to figuring out that Tristan was a good man, but not too much and could be written off as an assumption. If you want Soren to be more socially perceptive, do consider investing some points into that skill (or possibly psychology) soon.

Loot/Losses: + Business partnership

Injuries/Conditions: none

Consequences: Tristan knows what you did. Consider it a first strike, I suppose.

Eihr

Experience: 15 No magic

Knowledge:

Meditation x4
Politics x4
Detection x2

Renown: none

Skill Usage: Overplayed discipline a bit imo.

Loot/Losses: none

Injuries/Conditions: none

Consequences: none

Tristan

Experience: 15 No magic

Knowledge:

Intimidation x4
Interrogation x3
Persuasion x10

Non-Skill Knowledges:
Eihr: Not Hart
Eihr: Told me what happened to Hart
Eihr: Blind
Eihr: A Mortalborn of Edasha
Eihr: Has fractures
Eihr: Has not been blessed by any Immortals
Eihr: Told me that Hart was blessed by several Immortals
Eihr: Told me that Hart can fulfill wishes

Soren Kvistson: Wronged Hart greatly
Soren Kvistson: Had no idea what his associate would do
Soren Kvistson: Might be sorry for what he did to Hart
Soren Kvistson: My new business partner

Renown: none

Skill Usage: Appropriate to level.

Loot/Losses: + business partnership and Hart's Crystal Heart.

Injuries/Conditions: none

Consequences: You know what Soren did, Tristan now goes into the business partnership well informed.

Comments: This was a very well written thread, with a lot of baggage from past threads that carried forward. It's always interesting when threads sequence from one to the other, and this turned out to be a rather serendipitous meeting between the three, although less of Soren during Tristan's visit with Eihr.

I find the transformation of Hart very interesting, the way the fracture has affected his mind as well as his body and turned him into someone else entirely, so it seems. It was very poignant to see that Eihr still has some lingering nostalgia for his days as Hart, in the form of tears shed initially.

I'm surprised Tristan decided to go through with a business partnership with a man that by Eihr's admission tortured his brother. I was almost sort of horrified that he was willing to do so, and blithely shrugged it off as his not being capable of revenge. Nevertheless, Tristan I suppose is a patient man, and there will be an opportunity perhaps later to achieve vengeance on the man and woman that killed his brother.


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