Tiv interrupts his small talk about how good Aesgirr clothing looks on Yumi to allow Ummimiir to make his introduction. He was away when this meeting was arranged, so he offers his hand in greeting to announce;
Tivali Thingvallir, Technical Commander. Please call me Tiv. Impressive station you have here. I spend much time here, as I’m sure you know.
Very well, Tiv it is. The Oghman with the computer fixation. It makes sense you would be in company with robot building Oghmen.
Medusa takes a drink and looks over the carousing warriors: School field-trip?
Changing the topic:
It is, indeed, an impressive installation, but it is not, in point of fact, in any way mine. I do a little business here, but from premises that are rented. I am prosperous, but I do not have the scratch to buy such a facility at the present time.
Medusa listens to Raven with interest, empties her glass and holds it out. The server immediately fills it, and she smiles. Good boy. I might keep you around.Raven replies “We might seem unusual Oghmen, but we are in fact the most simple and true to our type for we are the Heirs of the Dragon – and we rise. Therefore, what you can see might prove to be different than what it seems”. Raven glances casually at her carousing war band then continues, “For we also seek alliances and allies for our clan along the Sindalian Main – maybe even as far away as distant Theev. We are Oghmen and as we spread our dragon wings we will raid but where and when would be influenced by negotiations with our new allies. As it is the "spices" that we seek would be instrumental in setting down a marker or boundary so that some will know, despite the “Glory” which they attribute to themselves, that when in others' territory they should not... overreach”.
Raven confidently quaffs ale and then adds “Lady, I spoke of seeing and seeming. This must already seem like a compact you can afford to take on - there would be no risk to you if we fail. Indeed, based on that seeming, you could simply choose to wait. However, what you can see before you is Raven Sorrow, her warband and the crew of the Cunning Serpent - and so there simply is no "seeming". Take my hand and that of Clan Ásgeirr in alliance now and I swear that I will bring you another fine pelt to wear about your shoulders”.
Well, Raven Sorrow, you make a fine speech, in which are words I had not suspected to exist in Oghman. Allies and alliances. Perhaps this is an error of translation?
No matter. That, we can park, for now, because such matters I do not deal in here. I am, after all, only a simple broker of commodities.
As you see, my hand is gloved, and to shake it at present would not signify anything much. Such arrangements I make here are sealed with the exchange of cash. Perhaps, later, if we find business mutually profitable, we will find ourselves in a place where I do not wear gloves, and in that place I will exchange a handshake that will matter more than somewhat.
Looking down at her coat:
This? It is a fine fur. Uisuikaa’s husband killed it for her. She gave me it when he died, as a memento.
I think you are not alone in your regard for boundaries, and which side of them certain parties belong on.
As Uisuikaa might say “Hoieyol oeatra oayulr au yosearui kaisealei hkalahtoah eaiy ereikh farle.”
The Serpent whispers Trokh detected. Tread carefully in strange fields, reptiles may be hidden there.
No, the parties I do business with would not be saddened or surprised if a new, and to some unwelcome, guest here found themselves in trouble, being unfamiliar with our customs.
And if I get a new coat, I will be inclined to warm feelings for the party that gifts it to me.
She pauses to assess the Oghmen in front of her, then announces:
Well, I am persuaded that you are serious people. You intend to go somewhere, and I think you will. I shall open an account with you. Then, you will be disinclined to think of rising by stepping in my direction, I am thinking. Which will be less trouble for both of us. She smiles, before continuing:
Ummiimir tells me something of what you look for, and it is something I do not find prudent to discuss in public places.
Ummiimir smiles, and offers: There is an office attached to this place, if you care to follow me…
Medusa grins back: I know it. Thank you. In return for your hospitality, I will drink this glass before we go there. To give Soraia a chance to tidy up. I would not want to damage any of her delicate equipment.
Ummiimir looks pained: Very considerate, I’m sure, but unnecessary.
He leads everyone to a door near the bar, picking a careful path through the groups of celebrating youths. Entering a code, he opens it, revealing a short corridor. Passing a door on either side, he enters a code again and opens a door to an office. Medusa walks in and produces an egg-shaped device from an inside pocket of her coat. Setting it on the table, she advises: I am about to shut down any comms in this room. If you expect an important call, or your tech is sensitive, wait outside.
She presses the top of the device, and all comms signals drop out.
Now we have some privacy, we can talk freely.
Ummiimir tells me you ask about Dust-Spice. I have some of this. Genuine Romar, 1-a, from Mora, than which there is no better. I am expecting to sell to Uisuikaa's agent, who will be more than somewhat happy to buy it, but I will accept fifteen K for a Kg from you.
If you have other needs, I will hear them. I am a compounding chemist, and I trade in unusual and niche commodities, it is likely I find things other brokers do not.
EDITED
Mildly. Two missing phrases added.
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