You drive a hard bargain [Closed]

[cityship]

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.

[Go ahead and paste your intro text into the headings when you're ready]

Comments

Re: COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS

[8wings.livejournal.com]

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?

Re: COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

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

Nice move, Anwei.

Re: COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS

[cityship]

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."

Re: COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS

[8wings.livejournal.com]

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."

Re: COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS

[cityship]

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.