trans_9 | You drive a hard bargain [Closed]

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You drive a hard bargain [Closed]

With Howard's slightly unconventional means of information-gathering, the mission was now set to move forward. They knew where the artifact was and who could give them access to it. Now all there was left to do was bargain for it. And try not to lose the shirts off their backs while doing so.

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"Yes," the Countess preens. "We are very beautiful. May I introduce my beloved sister, the Demicountess, and my advisors the Maidens of Voluptuousness."

She gestures to the five women around her, all wearing an identical expression of disdain mixed with apathy. One of the Maidens speaks up. "We hear you've some interest in the Orb. You must know that even if we did have it..."

It's obvious from her tone that she isn't even trying to fool them.

"...we'd be forced to ask an incredibly commanding price. Or have some luxury, however fleeting, that can't be replicated." She glances meaningfully at Zouichi.

"I am unimaginably flattered to be in the presence of such pulchritude," she smiled in reply. "To think that your planet has so much to offer, so much beauty, so many delights, and that I was fortunate enough to come here...surely this will be the highlight of my tour." She stiffened for an instant, her hand going to the ruffles over her chest as though some fleeting pain had touched her, and then regained her composure.

She stared at the Maiden with wide guileless eyes, apparently hypnotized by her beauty. "Simply to know that the Orb is in a setting that befits it - this magnificent planet - sets my heart at ease." She sighed, and again her hand crept to her chest.

Zouichi stood immediately at the first sign of his mistress's discomfort, kneeling attentively at her side. "Lady Anwei," he murmured softly, hands hovering just the barest distance from the hand she'd placed over the luxuriant ruffles of her chest.

"Forgive me for my impudence, but you seem ill at ease. If there is anything I can do to ease your discomfort, please, allow me to do so."

There's a collective gasp from all the Glimmering Prosperity clan; the nobles are just a little better at hiding it. The Countess fans herself; the Demicountess leans forward, trying to see a peek of Zouichi's derriere.

The Countess clears her throat. "But as for the Orb, if you have no interest...perhaps there is only spectacle in this meeting."

She smiled a smile that quivered with just a hint of weakness. "No, Zouichi, I am fine. I think it is only," she looked deep into his eyes for an instant, a little deeper than was quite seemly, "the effects of...overexertion."

She sat a little straighter, and looked at the Countess and her fellow clan members. "My species is not long-lived, you see; and the endless pressure to sample all the delights that the universe has to offer can be a terrible burden. Often I have dreamed of finding a resting place, somewhere tasteful and refined where I could spend out the rest of my days in peace, surrounded by objects of beauty." Another glance at Zouichi. "Of course, if I ever did find such a place, I would have to make certain that I would still be able to manufacture the delicacies I am used to."

A sweet bait, to be certain: what could be better than two hundred gallons of slop, except a slop factory?

Zouichi nodded solemnly, moving off slightly -- but not too far, lest his lady need him.

Nice move, Anwei.

There's a titter throughout the chamber, both at the idea of Zouichi and Anwei's 'exertion' and the mention of such an incredibly enticing offer. The Countess fans herself a bit more quickly.

"Well, of course Epicurea would be the place, and the district our clan rules over is the finest in Rotunda. There are, of course, certain..." she motions with her hands, "blessings we could bestow upon the place, if, of course, it would be worth our time."

Anwei kept her smile just a little bit weak. She was keenly aware of the clock counting down in her head: if they handed over the Orb now, there would be plenty of time to get back to Stacy, even do a little sight-seeing along the way. But eventually Stacy would leave, with or without them. She had to push the negotiations, but carefully.

"Considering the superlative quality of your clan members, Countess, I have no doubt that your district is equally as remarkable." Perhaps they grew glitter-grass there in glitter-fields, and rhinestone cows mooed between the tinsel trees. "And your blessings would be a sign of the unity between your clan and myself. Surely it would be an arrangement that would lead to immense mutual satisfaction."

The Countess continues to make vague gestures towards an offer, with a hint of desiring exclusivity, but as is the culture of nobles on Epicurea, always stops short of ever confirming that she has the Orb. Quite often, it seems she's merely directing the conversation in the direction of whatever earns her the most flattery, or the most opportunities to compliment Zouichi's physique and reputation.

This goes on for many, many hours of the morning.

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You drive a hard bargain [Closed]

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