Flash Back Sola 25th Afternoon Ravenwood Warehouse [hider=The Meeting] The afternoon light filtered through a few small windows. The air was rich with the scents of incense and burning herbs, wisps of smoke flittered around them. The warehouse was organized chaos, with assortments of boxes, paths, and beds scattered about the sides of the large building. The center stage of the building was open with tables and workstations for both paperwork and tinkering. Towards the back of the facility was a small alcove partitioned from some larger stacked boxes. Set up in a way that couldn't be seen from the front and in a pinch was a strong defensible position. This place was where the managers and leaders of this marketing venture slept and conducted their business. Currently two members of the management sat around a simple table with the Ravenwood house symbol, two ravens with a crown above them, etched into its wooden surface. Whispers came from the smaller frame of a women clad in long robes and red hair braided over her shoulders. They were hunched over the left arm of the larger man sitting at the table, lathering his arm with healing salves and whispering small healing words into his skin to rejuvenate it. Roman for his part seemed unbothered by it, the occasional flinch reminding him she was taking care of it at all. Several letters and reports were spread out in front of him while he sipped on a small glass of rum. Aside from Astri's chanting, a comfortable silence filled the building. Its only disruptions being some of the other workers and artisans scribbling on paper or tinkering with jewelry nearby. The silence was broken by several familiar faces entering through one of the side doors. Guards snapped to attention at the doors while some of the tinkerers and merchants looked up to address those that entered with a respectful nod. The five other individuals made their way into the alcove and proceeded to get comfortable in the chairs around the table. All five of Romans advisors were now here as requested given the recent events and the news of the impending trial. The only other person not part of the advisors was Erik's assistant who without prompt began to set up a type writer at a small desk nearby to record the minutes of their meeting. Once everyone was settled and Astri began bandaging up Roman’s arm, Erik pulled a small device out of his coat pocket. It looked like a simple compass with a sharp point in the middle. Flipping up the lid with his thumb he brought the compass up to his lips whispering, [color=007236][i]"Þögn er tónlist lífsins."[/i][/color] sinking his thumb onto the point to pay the blood price to activate the magic device. Placing it into the middle of the table. A sharp ring invaded and consumed the ability to hear for all those in the alcove, when it eventually stopped, they were left in complete silence. Almost maddening as the only sound, they could hear was what they made themselves. The device cast a small sphere that blocks all sound from leaving and entering its small radius. [color=82ca9d]"Must you persist in brandishing that blasted relic at every council of minds?"[/color] the oldest man of the group spoke up, an average sized man with long grey hair, he was adorned in simple clothes like the rest of them but were made with very fine materials and silks, each finger ordained with an extravagant ring. Glóin Akselson, the master haggler, a title bestowed upon the individual responsible for all things trade and finance while out on expeditions. [color=f9ad81]"We don’t know who is listening, our enemy is well prepared and well supplied."[/color] a gruff, tall, and muscular young man with slicked back blonde hair wearing a heavier version of the guard’s uniform and armor. Adorned with simple and spartan weapons of fine craftsmanship. Sven Ekstrom, the captain of the guard, responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all of their supplies, manpower, and hosted events. [color=bc8dbf]"Cannae we juist burn thaim an' oot o' thare holes wi' th' rest o' th' toon."[/color] the heavy accent of the Shaman Astri Lund shown true with her fiery perspective. Twirling her red hair in one hand with her feet curled up under her in her chair, her other hand holding a helping of cooked pork. Her short temper and lack of tact was a result of the spell casting and the strain it puts on her. [color=7ea7d8]"We are here to slow or stop the black market and criminal underground from continuing its march into Varian, not start a war, as well as our other duties."[/color] The mono tone strictly logical voice of a women who looked to be from noble birth with the way she held herself and her posture. She looked to be in her mid-thirties with straight black hair and a neat simple appearance. Sylvi Holmgren the Master of scrolls, her duty was communication, correspondence, and categorizing information. She was the best at it, rarely letting her emotions show and maintained a practiced stoic presence. Astri looked like she was going to argue when Erik spoke up, "[color=007236]I be callin' this Thing to order on Sola 25, 1739, with all present. The minutes from the last meetin' are documented an' stored. First topic, Current Business. [/color]" Another accent but a tad lighter. In each other’s company they didn't have to worry about pronouncing their words correctly, it was just what was comfortable. [i]Nock... Nock... Nock...[/i] Erik rocked his ring against the table to signal the start of a new topic. Roman spoke up first, [color=f26522]"The runes have been sealed, there have been others out to the site since our ritual but I did not see any disturbances to the circle we laid. The Ace of Sapphires has been acquired we should be getting semi regular reports from them within the next few days."[/color] "[color=bc8dbf] nay’tin tae report. [/color]" Came Astri's reply between bites of her food. Sven was next, [color=f9ad81]"Recent detentions have occurred among our newer members at the Tough Tavern. Numerous inquisitive observers have been dissuaded from entering this establishment. In one noteworthy instance, a pair of affluent inhabitants sought to board our vessel moored in the bay under the guise of..."[/color] He cleared his throat, [color=f9ad81]"Believing it to be a vessel of leisure and adultery, they were ultimately enlightened regarding their error."[/color] Glóin put on his reading spectacles and began to read off from the paper he held, "[color=a2d39c]Profit blossoms like a wilting flower in a sunlit dystopia; soup kitchens hum along like clockwork, the little theft we have skittles away like a frightened rat. A few commissions have been requested for jewelry. The furnishings for the tough tavern, marked with their insignia of unyielding grandeur, shall gracefully embark upon their journey by day's end to supplant the broken remnants of lesser quality.[/color]" Sylvi just shrugged, "[color=7ea7d8]There is no evidence of tampering with any of our encoded messages sent or received by paper or wire. Willow and Oak recognize our situation and advise us to proceed carefully. Chariot instructs us to continue gathering information and evidence regarding the main criminal organization. Additionally, we are to investigate the Seven of Emeralds' claim regarding the potential involvement of the Black Rose trading company.[/color]" Erik straightened in his chair, "[color=00a651]Wid no more current or auld business...[/color]" He paused to make sure everyone was in agreement. He continued, "[color=00a651]onto new biznus, so it is. The announcement 'bout the trial agin' of our own leader just a few hours back, them diplomats from some bleedin' mystery island, that personal letter ya got from the King o' Sapphires, the news o' the attack on the Ten o' Emeralds this mornin', and the charity event comin' up, hosted by..."[/color] a short pause as he looked over his notes, "[color=00a651]an' the charity shindig hosted by the Jack of Diamonds an' the Six of Sapphires, so it is.[/color]" [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] The red glow of Romans cigar glowed while Erik read off the topics of their next discussion, "[color=f26522]The trial... we knew it was inevitable... we’re being pushed, tested, I suggest a modest approach. Enough to clear our name but not show our hand just yet.[/color]" Pondering how to continue, "We need to seem at the very least a little incompetent but not entirely." Astri was nodding along to the conversation, it was hard to tell if she was even paying attention. Sven was, "[color=f7976a]Indeed, it is advantageous that our true capabilities remain obscured. The less knowledge they possess, the greater the probability of their miscalculation.[/color]" "[color=a2d39c]what if the cosmos itself conspired to mask our proofs? We shall allow not the shackles of imprisonment or the threat of exile from these lands befall you.[/color]" Glóin asked. "[color=7ea7d8]There are several options available based on my understanding of the kingdom's constitution. However, some of these options may not be effective without properly encouraging the King of Diamonds, who is expected to be present.[/color]" That statement from Sylvi silenced the room, each of the leaders pondering what they could use. "[color=7ea7d8]The Guard breached the agreement associated with our permit to use that space, which has the royal seal affixed.[/color]" "[color=bc8dbf]Och, ah new.[/color]" pipped up Astri, "[color=bc8dbf]Th' uhh...[/color]" she began to snap her fingers as if the answer was right in front of her, "[color=bc8dbf]Uhh th' nine? aye nine o' diamonds run in wi' they doctors at th' ritual. Claiming responsibility fur that wull surely shake tehm in thair boots.[/color]" a myriad of raised eyebrows and nods came from the others at the table. "[color=00a651]Aye that could work.[/color]" Erik spoke up, "[color=00a651]We'll 'ave to pass this on ta the Ten of Emeralds somehow, get our tales straight before the feast. We shouldn't spill all the info on it 'til the trial.[/color]" a small laugh came from Sven, "[color=f7976a]I possess the knowledge to market this situation effectively. We shall attire our miscreants in restraints, presenting them as medical professionals. They will be dispatched on our forthcoming export; the vessel is scheduled to depart in a mere two days, I believe.[/color]" Roman nodded his acknowledgement, "[color=f26522]It does and that is an interesting idea, as long as they are seen but not questioned. Then claim they got a little excited. We should also look at starting to spread rumors from 'disgruntled' employees on the docks. something about my competency, fighting ability, and just going off about how I’m just a spoiled brat behind closed doors that sort of thing. Maybe even a rumor sent to that newspaper as well.[/color]" Another nod from Sven, "[color=f7976a]I shall ensure that my most capable individuals are assigned to this task.[/color]" "[color=00a651]Ye should also be checkin' into gettin' the Queen of Diamonds on our side, now. Their help, or at the very least, knowin' we ain't lookin' to stir up a war, would be mighty useful, so it would.[/color]" Erik stated. "[color=f26522]I agree.[/color]” Roman stated, “[color=f26522]I’m aware our list of treasonous nobles could be better used for leverage in other places, but we should give it to them as a gift. Try to show them good faith, getting them on our side should be a priority.[/color]" After a moment of thought he spoke again this time regarding Sylvi, “[color=f26522]could you send them a missive requesting a private audience? I suggest the message be sent quietly to the Ten of Diamonds.[/color]” Sylvi Nodded, “[color=7ea7d8]The task will be completed after this meeting[/color].” Another series of nods from around the table signaled their approval. "[color=00a651]Is there anything else before we be movin’ on, then?[/color]" Erik asked. "[color=7ea7d8]Sven.[/color]" Sylvi spoke up, "[color=7ea7d8]Is it feasible to provide a few of our undercover personnel residing here with a camera to capture an image of the injured guard in a compromised scenario?[/color]" a good idea, something they could use to show the man's injuries are fake or misleading. “[color=f7976a]Indeed, it is a possibility. We may need to utilize one of your Camera's Glóin.[/color]” The man in question nodding while making a note. "[color=00a651]Anythin' else on th' topic? No? Thin let’s keep goin', shall we?... Th' foreign diplomats from th' Commonwealth?[/color]" Erik spoke the last part as if he was unsure of what he had said. [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] Sylvi was quick to respond yet again, "[color=7ea7d8]Willow, Oak, and Chariot express interest in the diplomats and seek a meeting with them. A formal invitation will be prepared and dispatched to them, accompanied by a selected gift. Chariot has specified that Erik should deliver the letter.[/color]" "[color=00a651]Sure, they did, aye.[/color]" Erik grumbled, "[color=00a651]I’ll make sure th' letter's penned an’ handed over by tonight, along with th' gift. Maybe a jade raven, eh?[/color]" "[color=bc8dbf]Och, a'm waantin' tae goh.[/color]" Astri's hand shot up from where she was lounging across her seat, "[color=bc8dbf]Ah lik' meetin freish fowk.[/color]" Roman gave Erik a shrug, "[color=f26522]Might as well take her, see if you can figure out their language and customs.[/color]" out of all of them Astri was the best suited for that task given her standing in their Culture and her knowledge of all of their languages. They could even have some sort of cultural exchange and build relations or at the very least give Willow and Oak a heads up. "[color=00a651]Any other wee suggestions or notes, like?[/color]" No one spoke up, "[color=00a651]Next topic now... That personal letter from the King o' Sapphires, it is.[/color]" The looks Roman received from the others were mostly of worry, suspicion, or questioning if it is worth it to continue the song and dance with them. Astri was the only one that giggled like a schoolgirl at his expense. [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] He seemed to shrink under their gazes for a moment, caught off guard as he was. He finished his drink then continued, "[color=f26522]I’ll take care of it and try to find more information on whoever else is involved. I’ll get it written approved and sent out tonight after Sylvi copies it. I believe they may be useful still as an informant but their eligibility to be a possible marriage opportunity is still in debate.[/color]" his answer satisfied the group, but Astri continued to giggle to herself, the glare from Roman told her to stop laughing but almost like siblings it didn't work until she fell off her chair. Everyone else either smiled or rolled their eyes at the young woman who could still be heard giggling under the table. "[color=00a651]Alright, back on topic.[/color]" Erik spoke while the red head climbed back onto her throne. "[color=00a651]So, movin' on, ye heard about tha' attack on the King o' Sapphires this mornin', by some unknown assailant, huh?[/color]" [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] The energy in the room shifted almost immediately, the King of Sapphires was still their charge to a lesser extent compared to the other nobles but still their responsibility. Roman’s fist clenched, Sven and Erik scowled, as the others gave their full attention to Erik and Roman. "[color=7ea7d8]Chariot has not replied to the message sent immediately after receiving the news. It is too early to obtain any definitive answers beyond the information provided by the staff in the guest houses.[/color]" Sylvi stated. "[color=f7976a]Information from the guards and traders remains absent. Our inquiries continue, yet no responses have surfaced. I suggest we augment our shadow personnel, to encompass the Varian nobility and citizenry, as well as ourselves.[/color]" The military tone from Sven coming out in force as he spoke. "[color=f26522]Do we have the manpower for it without increasing suspicion?[/color]" Roman asked, rolling his cigar between his fingers. "[color=f7976a]Affirmative. However, we may ascertain additional personnel on the forthcoming vessel's arrival.[/color]" Sven answered. Roman mulled over the information, with anger in his voice he made his decision. "[color=f26522]Do it and send a summons to the draugr. I’ll need at least 3 squads they can stay on the ship anchored out in port until we need them.[/color]" Erik locked eyes with roman, the others shifting uneasily in their seats, with eyes looking between the two leaders. The mere mention of the name made them uneasy as tension filled the room. They were part of Romans personally trained regiment. To be used in instances where peace is all but an afterthought. More importantly they were trained to fight with and against Romans alter ego, The Red Wake. These teams were not the most subtle and had a proclivity to extreme violence and collateral damage. The training those men and women had been subjected to was brutal and left many even in their own ranks to fear them. "[color=00a651]I see yer anger an' the smudge on our record so far, Roman. But I don’t reckon the situation's gone so far downhill that we need t'call for 'em.[/color]" Erik responded, he knew the lord was upset but typically those men, if they can even be called that, were only for the direst of circumstances or war. "[color=00a651]I'll be sendin' a message to Chariot t'get 'em ready, just in case we need 'em.[/color]" Roman broke his cigar in half. His frustration and anger with what we’re going on was getting to him. As quickly as his anger flared, he let it go, Erik was right. He couldn't let his anger cloud his judgment even if all he wanted to do now was what Astri mentioned earlier and burn them out. No, they needed a definitive target and not just a mention as to the likely culprit. After a few more moments of silent brooding, he spoke up, "[color=f26522]Agreed, I will refrain from summoning my strike teams until after we have found more information on our enemy.[/color]" The room collectively relaxed. The others knew they were not in any danger but those men unnerved even the most stoic veterans just by being around them. Their presence always made you feel as if death was just around the corner, at the slightest infraction, mistake, or perceived insult. "[color=00a651]We'll be continuin' our investigations and sendin' fer more reinforcements to take on these assassins. In the meantime, all the members o' our guild will be carryin' at least two concealed weapons at all times, so they will, and they'll be travellin' in pairs.[/color]" Erik Stated "[color=00a651]Anythin’ else?[/color]" another pause but no one spoke up, "[color=00a651]So, movin' on then, the charity shindig hosted by The Jack o' Diamonds an' the Six o' Sapphires.[/color]" [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] Glóin cleared his throat, “[color=a2d39c]In the interest of hearts and minds, one must concede that Roman is uniquely ordained for this spectacle. Fear not the encroaching tribunal, your innate brilliance shines, even amidst the shadows of your plight.[/color]" Sylvi nodded and added, “[color=7ea7d8]You will have the chance to interact with other participants of the event. Collect information regarding their affiliations and potential motivations.[/color]” A grunt came from Roman, one of disinterest, “[color=f26522]If I must… I suppose it would give us more information.[/color]” His voice carrying the slight hint of irritation. Erik took this time walk around the table to offer those seated some water as he spoke, “[color=00a651]Is ev'ryone in agreement wit' this step, aye?[/color]” Aye’s resounded around the table, “[color=00a651]The Aye’s got it, Glóin's gonna send a note to the charity folks that Roman Ravenwood’ll be showin’ up.[/color]” Stopping to fill Roman’s glass. “[color=00a651]Ye'll be there, no matter how much ye hate it, won't ye?.[/color]” it wasn't a question, Erik although a good friend and advisor still held authority over him through Chariot. Roman responded with a sneer but did not disagree. Erik returned to his spot at the table then continued. “[color=00a651]Next ordher o' business.[/color]” another look at his notes, “[color=00a651]the Ace o' Sapphires an' their recruitin'[/color].” [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] the table turned their gazes to Roman, who was silent for just a moment. “[color=f26522]The Ace of Sapphires has agreed to hand off some information of the goings on of the inner castle for payment of gold and other regents.[/color]” “[color=7ea7d8]What information did you provide to obtain this?[/color]” Sylvie was quick to ask with her pen resting on her note book. Again, Roman had all eyes on him but this time he felt like he was owning up to a mistake in front of his father. A thought that made him take in a deep breath before continuing. “[color=f26522]I shared very brief information mostly on that we are trying to find the criminal underground, the Rebel forces, and we are worried about who may have hired the Vampires in this city. That I represent an organization that is meant to protect the Varian nobility and citizenry. I’m sure they will be able to deduce that we are not a direct enemy to the crown, but they have already figured out we are aware of the cursed beings of this world.[/color]” Sylvi scribbled down a few notes as roman spoke, “[color=f26522]What sealed the deal was me showing them some of our magic when I sealed the runes left in the trees. We will see if they come through with the information requested and how useful it is sometime within the week.[/color]” Eric furrowed his brow his eyes moving back and forth in thought, “[color=00a651]What was her reaction, like, t'what ye tol' 'em then?[/color]” A short pause before roman spoke up again, “[color=f26522]They seemed to be hung up on the information of the Vampires in the city and the magic I used. The reaction I perceived from the knowledge regarding the criminal underground and rebel faction was not as pronounced.[/color]” “[color=f7976a]Might one postulate that the response to the revelations regarding these factions stems from their potential awareness of, or perhaps even participation in, such organizations?[/color]” Sven chimed in. “[color=f26522]Given the current tensions and atmosphere in the city? I believe most commoners here are aware in some capacity.[/color]” “[color=00a651]Chariot'll be wantin' a full report on th' matter.[/color]” Erik spoke plainly, “[color=00a651]Anythin' else ta add, is it?[/color]” No one spoke up prompting him to nod, “[color=00a651]Onto new bizzness then, eh?[/color]” [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] Sylvi stood from her chair, “[color=7ea7d8]I propose to modify our intelligence trees by including the Black Rose Trading Company in the Suit of Spades and assigning all members associated with the organization to its rankings.[/color]” a short pause while she flipped through her notes, “[color=7ea7d8]Based on the information from the Seven of Emeralds and existing circumstantial evidence, there is a high likelihood that this entity acts as a front for a criminal syndicate.[/color]” Sven raised his arm, “[color=f7976a]I second that motion. Until evidence suggests otherwise, the increasing volume of information we amass indicates the likelihood of their association as our enigmatic organization.[/color]” Erick nodded, “[color=00a651]All in faver?[/color]” Ayes of some sort came from both Astri and Roman while Glóin remained silent, “[color=00a651]All opposed?[/color]” this time Glóin responded with a nay. “[color=00a651]The aye’s have it. Until we learn o’therwise, the Black Rose company’ll be holdin' the Suit o’ Spades. This information’ll be sent to command, so they can kick off their operations on their end.[/color]” “[color=7ea7d8]I will start gathering pertinent information at the end of this meeting.[/color]” Sylvi responded with no fanfare or any kind of celebration as to the passing of her motion. “[color=00a651]Anythin' further?[/color]” Erik asked before moving them along, “[color=00a651]Grand. So, in conclusion.[/color]” Again, glancing to his notes. [i]Knock... Knock... Knock.[/i] “[color=00a651]We'll be a-startin' to plan our defense fer the trial, while the rest o' ye spread the word to our lads. Sven'll be sendin' off the troublesome ones and stirrin' up rumors while the rest o' us gather the info.[/color]” Glancing across the table for a moment waiting on each individual at the table to acknowledge before continuing. “[color=00a651]Astri an’ meself will be makin’ our way t’ the Diplomats from over the sea, bringin’ a royal invite an’ a simple map of our kingdom, wit’ the jade raven as a wee gift.[/color]” Again, nods of acknowledgement were seen. “[color=00a651]Roman will be reachin' out to the King o' Sapphires and keepin' on with his peculiar way o' romancin' 'em.[/color]” Astri snickered quietly at Romans expense. “[color=00a651]As we look int' these assassins, more lads an' lasses should be comin' in on the next boat with supplies an' funds fer more watchin' an' protectin' the good folk of Varian. The draugr’ll be stirred from their sleep, but they won’t be needed just yet, mind ye. An’ all Ravenwood crew are asked t’ have at least two hidden weapons on 'em at all times.[/color]” Another pause and scan of the present members. “[color=00a651]Roman'll be puttin' himself into the Charity shindig hosted by The Jack o' Diamonds an' the Six o' Sapphires. Don’t be pushin' it, just take on that character ye’ve built up over the years an' give a wee smile. Sylvi'll be waitin' fer a full debrief once ye've wrapped up yer business with 'em.[/color]” A gruff sigh came from Roman but he nodded his acknowledgment all the same as did the others. “[color=00a651]We’ve tentatively snagged the Ace o’ Sapphires as a spy, fer a bit o’ coin an’ a few lessons on the runes.[/color]” This time he didn’t look up from his notes but waited all the same. “[color=00a651]So, at long last, we be updatin' our tracker to make the Black Rose Tradin' Company our criminal syndicate, the ones holdin' the suit of spades. Until proven otherwise, of course.[/color]” “[color=00a651]Does anyone have anythin' else t'add before we wrap up our meetin', eh?[/color]” No one said anything. With a confirming nod from Erik and one last Knock of the table they stood and brought themselves to attention, speaking in unison. “[b]For the Crown, we all lift together, Strong, united, working till we fall.[/b]” A short rendition of their motto but one that worked for the closing of the meeting. “[color=00a651]With that, I’ll be closin’ this meetin’. Ye all know yer jobs, now get to it. Roman, ye’ve got a carriage to catch.[/color]” only after that did everyone began to go about their business for the day and Erik closed the small compass in the middle of the table. It was jarring having the sounds of the warehouse rush back into their area. Roman was about to leave as well when Sylvi promptly returned with a few paper documents, a few to sign and one to write. Sylvi for her part was waiting patiently watching him write over his shoulder. [/hider]