crystal | an advertisement.

[gonoph]

-you're here, they certainly can't lean on high standards- oh, wh- shhh-

Riftwatch! [The faint, dull sound of something thumping, maybe a pillow being thrown at someone's head.] Riftwatch. As you are a war effort, and this is a war, shortages abound. I've heard of the troubles you've seen with quality tea and coffees.

I wonder what else have you been missing?

I know I've seen little of the fine tapestries that come out of Ferelden. I like the little doggies. And the silks, very fair, the kind that feel like dry water in one's hand, I miss those from Val Royeaux.

What of you? I suppose less luxurious things are missed here. War flails and shining armor, perhaps.

Comments

[venenifer]

If you've the time, we might discuss potion reagents. I've noticed a scarcity in some that I prefer.

[gonoph]

I've plenty of time. [Three weeks is basically an eternity.] I'm not much for potion craft, but I know the best of certain ingredients can only be found in their homelands. Is that so?

[venenifer]

I imagine so.

Do you read? I can bring you a list, and we can take it from there.

[gonoph]

I have my letters, yes. I'm a small trades merchant; I'd be useless without them.

[venenifer]

Good.

[TO BE CONTINUED]

[deceivingly]

[eyes emoji]

Very pretty rings are what I have been missing.

[gonoph]

Oh? Did you lose yours?

[deceivingly]

I did. So many were lost. But you can help me recover them, yes?

[gonoph]

[Indulgently (and warily),] I'll see what I can do. I don't come across much jewelry, or I'd dress different.

[deceivingly]

But then this is good for us both. We can both begin to wear rings and jewelry. If you have not had the chance to wear such things, you should. There is nothing like it.

[gonoph]

Ah, how kind of you. This is a philanthropic effort, I see.

[deceivingly]

Of course. I have gotten to be very philanthropic, here in Riftwatch. I am very different. You will see, if you stay long enough.

[gonoph]

I doubt it, if only for the the sake of my... sanity. [Marriage. Whatever. A little laugh.] I have one of these crystals, you'll be able to reach me any time.

[deceivingly]

Ah? Good. I will make record of when I am being philanthropic. I hope it will not be annoying to you, to have this little voice of mine always with you. You will remember that you asked for this.

[gonoph]

As I know you far, far better than to perceive that as a veiled threat, I'll simply thank you, eh? After all, you would have to be philanthropic very often to become grating. Almost constantly.

[deceivingly]

I would not threaten you.

[ :) ]

You really will not be staying?

[gonoph]

Of course not. Not physically. But I'll return when I'm needed.

[deceivingly]

That is lucky for you. I will ask you for things when you leave, so you can bring them back to me.

[gonoph]

[Tired yet indulgent sigh...]

Why don't you ask me now, so I've more time to prepare?

[deceivingly]

Oh, no, sister, I would not be trouble.

private;

[wythersake]

Are you exclusively an importer?

private forever.

[gonoph]

Working with me does guarantee exclusivity, but I work in other fields as well. What are you looking for?

[wythersake]

Exports. I've an interest in what the Imperium misses — how they might be made to miss more of it.

[gonoph]

I may be able to aid you in that. We'll have to discuss details, Messire...?

[wythersake]

Isaac. And you, Madame?

[gonoph]

Svetlana Urqhart. Thank you for the kindly welcome.

[wythersake]

Oh, we try not to run anyone off for a week, at least.

Should you ever wish to discuss matters, Acquisitions keeps a room in the central tower. Climb until you spy the haunted elven doll - and then get out of his office, it's the other one.

[gonoph]

Ever so helpful.

I think I will discuss these matters. I'm not afraid of dolls, elven or otherwise. I hope you do not mind my giving your name.

[wythersake]

Oh, don't, the Head is a terrible bore.

[gonoph]

Of course it is. The mouth is where the personality lies.

[hornswoggle]

[ casually makes note of this arrival. ]

What a welcome addition to our company. I hope you're prepared. I'm sure you'll have a number of odd requests before the week is out.

[gonoph]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm happy to know any way I can help.

[hornswoggle]

For a price.

[ just an observation ]

What kind of shining armor, out of curiosity?

[gonoph]

So sorry every time someone confuses me with a Chantry charity.

The kind that doesn't bend when it's hit. I am no fighter, but I know fighters. That is how this works.