House Mercator - a walk along the coast
Gondioque waters her wine.
"Probably busy. And if it please you, my lord, how about "Gondioque" and "Titus" when we're alone? Quite a lot has happened. She fills Titus in on events. [All: Feel free to tell me about omissions or inaccuracies.]
"I've established my embassy on the entire third floor Of the Cabreus House Inn—father leased it. Maid service is by Persilla Cabreus and their servant Donna. Valentia, my personal maid, is in charge.
"Two people you should know attached to the Inn: Bryon, a hostess, and Druk, an ook. Bryon is quite the characgter: Voluptuous, actively so; scatterbrained, amusingly so. But she gets things done; there's more to her, I think...hidden. Still, she's goodhearted, I believe; and she attracts patrons. Druk is efficient, honest, and humble—and he has connections. From what I gather, he won't go looking for a fight, but would be formidable if fight comes to him. I trust him, as you will hear.
"I was at the breakwater last night and bought enough holy symbol wind chimes to put at every door and window of the suite. I told the vendor, 'These will remind us of the most essential of all goods: The air we breathe. And I shall dedicate at least some to Njoror.'"Gondioque leans forward and whispers, '.'
"Some young men with the lanterns were present. A helpful puppeteer said, 'The one with the curly red hair is Gallus. His younger brother has been schooled for years now, and knows the writing and the numbers as well as any clerk. Gallus... well Gallus had the chance, but thought it was his duty to look out for people along the water. It's a thing, these Lantern Boys, they are... well they are like the constables we would have if there weren't Orcs. They try to keep people safe. Good kids.'
"One of the Lantern Boy mentioned a teacher from the old temple of Minerva. She's not supposed to teach; the Visigoths don't want her to; they closed the temple. But she teaches... young ones. Reading, writing, numbers, history, poetry.
"A woman selling baked goods mentioned that the orcs had a muster yesterday. 'Sometimes, the Orcs gather to get instructions from their chiefs. Not usually Harridog himself.. he's like the Over Chief. But under him, there are the war-bands, and each war-band has a chief. Things have been quiet but sometimes, when they have a muster, it's because they are planning something, and that can be bad.'
"I met a shell-and coral ornament woman. She does good work. I also heard that there's a nearby beach littered with shells and such. this gave me an idea. I'll say about that in a bit.
"Yesterday I sent off two letters using a messenger service, which maybe will do portering too, I helped create...the idea and the funding. Each read:
To His Majesty Amaric, of the Visigoths, King:
also
To the Esteemed Harridog, Tyrant of Massilia:
[Two separate letters with the same text.]
Greetings!
My father, King Gundobad, has posted me to Massillia to promote continued good relations between our two kingdoms, to further peace in Gaul, and to help with any problems related to trade from the Inland Sea to Burgundy without interfering with Visigoth control. To these ends, I am authorized to receive and to respond to any communications regarding these matters or such matters as you think best to share.
A favor: Please inform me of any customs or laws—besides those which are common to any well-controlled realm—which, were I to violate them, would create problems which other wise would not arise. In particular...I am residing on the third floor of the Cabreus House Inn. I ask permission to display my Burgundian colors on an outside wall of that floor to make my presence better known. If it is desirable, the Visigoth standard could be shown, say, on the roof so misunderstanding would not arise.
Sincerely,
Princess Gondioque Bourgogne, Ambassador
I expect an answer in a few days...not prompt...you know Visigoths think delay shows their superiority. Foolish; delay sows distrust. Anyway, the letter gives me an argument if I step on any toes.
"I set up the messenger through Druk. It's called Nuntius Partum Celeri (or rapid message delivery) called NPC for short. He has worked with people named Talacos and Simzic and a few others to set up the runners in a small stall behind Simzic's own business near the Inn. Talacos himself, dressed in finery, delivered the first messages. They worked together to create a fee system and begin getting their name out. I'm, say, an advisor and silent partner. I've put money in and expect to get some money back. I also expect to be told of rumors and any news that may be learned incidentally, not by spying. Talacos, Druk, and Simzic put together a list of merchants and houses that might use their service.
"Druk also obtained paper and contacted a small scribe named Gorni, who runs a simple shop with painted signs and a few of his Orcish friends such as Nuvrog and Rhum, a young couple who met as stone workers who are trying to make some cash on the side. Gorni completed my Burgundian letterhead. He also created several flyers for Nuvrog, Rhum, Druk and Talacos to deliver to potential customers to get their name and services out.
"I set out some principles:
Operating without disturbing Visigoth governance.
Meetings allow subordinates to speak if thkey've a mind to. If opinions are called for, the junior person present opines first.
Impartiality: Visigoth, German, Latin. Fair and square service for all.
Messages delivered without snooping into contents; oral messages not blabbed.
All members of the business are to trust and help each other on business matters. Therefore, each member of the business should have identification or personal knowledge of each other.
"If you think what such an organization might amount to, keep on thinking.
"I've noticed that a lot of people are not well employed, so I have an idea: Collect shells; and, under instruction, make earrings, circlets, necklaces, bracelets, waist belts, and even anklets. With luck, Bryon and I can invent a dance that will show them off. Have some people make them and pack them for export. They won't take up much room in ships and could bring in good profit...novelty items.
"Finally, a faun named Florian and I were guests at House Palantus. Members of the house decamped. If they made it safely, they sailed far, far away.They deeded everything to us, but we two have not accepted. This evening, we'll go there to hear the house steward submit an accounting. If we accept, Florian and I will have to make arrangements and record the transaction. I expect there are entanglements, so I'm wary. I'd appreciate it if you'd accompany me."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Wed 27 Feb 2019.