Swift smiles at Gondioque "I can scout anywhere. So that is not a problem. So the dress can hide daggers but the sword will be worn openly if an all. I can either be with her my lady as a scout or a lady as needed. And yes I am going to Cabreus House Inn. I am will just be glad to be on land again"

Haakon sighs and moves his axe from its hiding place.  "Hardly looks appropriate on a tailor though does it?" he asks with a sigh.

He shrugs.  "But I'd feel naked without it."

Titus smiles, "If Sir Felix has earned a treat what sort of proper Lord am I to deny that?"

When Gondioque makes her suggestion he answers without pause once again putting out his hand, "I agree. My business on this trip is somewhat complicated by my obvious connections, but my primary mission is on behalf of Belgica. I have worked hard for many years to build the alliances we have made and consider their expansion to be the only way forward into this new age."

When she mentions her plans for Massilia Titus says, "I too have sent word ahead to my family and expect arrangements to be settled for me. I am happy to also offer assistance once we are in the city from which I came north so many years ago."

House Mercator has a villa in the wealthy Carinade district, on the extreme southwest of the city.  This neighborhood is actually outside the walls, on the rugged hill overlooking the ocean, west of the Pharo.  Because of its beautiful views, and remoteness yet accessibility from the bustle of the city, it became the most popular neighborhood for the richest families in Massilia.  The Mercator property overlooks the sea, and is built around a wide terrace with a pool.

Not many Mercators actually live here.  They have their property here mostly for business purposes, and as a result it has lots of room.  Currently it is home to Filana Mercator, who was married to a cousin of Titus before his untimely disappearance at sea.  Their son, Milo Mercator, is only eighteen but a math and business prodigy, and manages everything they Mercators do here singlehandedly, at least from the administrative point of view- they have dozens of servants and workers, and a warehouse and dock in the New Docks district.

Titus, and anyone going with him, would start out going here.

Gondioque and anyone going with her have lodgings arranged at the Old Forum's Cabreus House Inn.  Cabreus House is a merchant/noble family that lost just about everything but the house they live in during the wars of the past few decades.  Now they maintain their house by keeping it as boutique tavern and lodgings for other wealthy families.  The national treasury of Burgundy has leased an entire floor, with services to be provided by House Cabreus as needed.  This is a very quiet, refined place that deals with a very wealthy clientele that does not wish to endure the common riff raff of ordinary taverns and guest houses.  It is commonly used by visiting official emissaries, rich merchants, nobles, and other high status travelers.

The properties of House Palantus are also available, since filling in for House Palantus was arranged as official “cover” for characters.  This includes a warehouse with offices and servants’ quarters in the New Docks area, and  the townhouse in the Old Town area.   The last members of the household to remain are simply biding their time now, enjoying some leisure before it is time to sail east to Alexandria.  They all live in the townhouse, but intend to move out soon, and there are a couple of newly freed slaves who have permission to reside on House Palantus property as well.

Finally, characters can seek to make their own arrangements.

Separate threads will be established as characters split up for different places, doing different things.  Please let the GM know where your character intends to go to settle in.

[Almost arrived. Swift, assuming this is OK.]

Swift speaks softly to Gondioque who replies loudly enough so others can hear.

Thank you. Please hold out your hands clasped together. ...

Gondioque clasps Swift's hands in hers. I hear your words. Let the lady Eostre and the Valkyries witness that I shall repay service with care, loyalty with loyalty, valor with honor. She releases the hands. and adds. You doubtless noticed that I did not say what might happen if you betrayed your fealty. I felt no need. Here is your badge coat of arms. When we arrive, please see to the unloading along with Venitia. You may confer freely with her regarding all things. She will keep confidences.

Gondioque turns to Haakon. How much is the dress? ... She pays the fee he names without haggling; Haakon can judge that the Princess will weigh whether the fee is reasonable.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Sat 18 Aug 2018.

Haakon smiles and names a very reasonable price.  "Any particular colour?"  If he has that colour, he will begin as soon as he has finished Swift's.  "Do tell people who ask that it's a Haakon original.  I intend to set up a stall in the Women's Market and the advertising will be helpful."

As he is about to leave he says, "I shall be staying at House Palantus but will be happy to make house calls for the fitting of dresses," he winks, "or perhaps for the sharing of 'gossip'."  He knows that Haakon the Dressmaker will be a much better part to play in this city than Haakon the Dragonslayer or even Haakon the Hunter and suddenly he takes on the role something in the way he walks and the way he talks seems to identify him as one to speak to the Ladies.

Gondioque pays over the money for Swift's dress. Haakon, I'll probably call on you after I see the fashion in Massillia. It will do us good to be out and around. In public, I shall call you Goodman Pedlar.

Haakon grins and lisps, "As you wish, Highness," and winks, "And I must try to remember not to call myself Freiherr Pedlar either."

Gondioque looks Haakon up and down. Nooo...now that you mention it...Freiherr Pedlar sounds better. The exotic, a tinge of the forbidden...good for your business.

Swift will hold her hands together while Gondioque says what she has to say . "Yes, I will server you loyally. Now let us do what we need too"

She will look at Haakon "Yes, I might need another dress also but as a servant, it might not matter as much" she says with a smile.

It matters just the same, even more, perhaps, Consul Swift. By the way, is Swift your entire name?

"Oh, it is just Swift, its all I have ever gone by. I could have a cover name if it helps" she says

How about de Wildnis? "From the Wilderness" blends languages and should ad eve more interest as you meet people.

Secure in her vantage point Mystal avoided the long legged folk observing them as they scurried about doing strange and bizarre things.

"Wildnis is fine. I suppose the orcs don't care for elves, do you happen to speak their language, elfish that is. It might be good to be able to communicate in something the orcs do not understand."

Mystal has a vantage point on the  mast of the boat they came in.  From here she can see all the odd things the humans do- mostly, carry things off boats, and put things on boats, or even drag boats out of the water for cleaning and repairing.   She can see the vendors on the breakwater, and in the nearby markets.  She can see the seagulls plotting to grab bits of unattended food, and she can see one watching her with a suspicious seagull stare, wondering why she is doing what they normally do.

She can see lots of Humans, and of course, they see her.

Right now, the Dock Gang... and everyone else on the docks there except the characters... assume she is a young human, in other words, one of them.  She's too small to be an adult human, and they don't expect Elves, or more exotic races to show up in boats.

One of the Dock Gang Boys calls out to her.

"Hey cutey, is that your family"  They're off the boat, are you just going to stay up there? Are you afraid to come ashore"

Remember the "de," it'll be important, perhaps, for you later on. I speak...something to be shared later. Anything we wish to keep confidential, we'll do in writing. If you happen not to know how to write, I'll teach you.

"Don't worry, I know how to write. I have done a little spying" she says softly.

She looks up at the crows nest to see what the men are looking at.

Good, and it's good to ask about things. In private, feel free to counsel me freely.

Haakon says to Swift, his body shielding their faces from prying eyes.  "I will bring your dress soon, after that, I imagine you will be needing underwear and some lovely fur slippers."  He lowers his voice to a whisper.  "^{_{I will liaise with you, most details of what I find.  Tawna's not here, and I have fewer excuses to visit Gondioque.}}"

Swift looks at Gondioque "Yes, we can talk more in private later" she says with a smile.

Swift looks at Haakon "But don't you need to make some measurement before you sew the dress? Maybe you can come by later to take the measurements."

Haakon smiles.  "Of course."

In reply to Ben (msg # 73):

Mystal waves to the boy then climbs onto a rope and slides down it to the deck, weaving her around cargo she disappears below deck. Occasionally peeking out to check if anyone is watching. Deciding to go ashore when its dark and reconnoitre the area to see what she can hear

There is a lot of "Did you see how tiny she was?" and "What's that, some kind of baby Elf?"  when Mystal climbs down.

This is followed by a lot of invitations shouted out when it's apparent she's not going to talk to them.

"Hey!"
"Come back!"
"We want to see you!"

Mystal is a very shy little Sprite, it seems.  But then, most are.  Probably for the best, no telling what this little band of urchins would do

Mystal waits until evening to fall.  Which is actually not too far away, as they spent most of the day traveling.  The others have gone to settle in, wherever they belong.

(AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET TOLD ME PLEASE DO SO)

Mystal stays with the boat until evening, and then goes to a new THread:

Breakwater By Evening

Swift will go when Gondioque does.