"Oh no no, I just feel all . . . strange, being waited on."

Minia drew out the necessary coins

"See? I've got the money"

Seeing one of her old colleagues enter the bar, Tansy leaves her place by the serving hatch and makes her way across to Vik's table, waving a waiter away as she does so.

"Lady Viktoria." Tansy greets her old adventuring colleague with a slight bow.  "I hear you have a child now?  Congratulations." Then she waves the waiter back and instructs him to brings a bottle of the good wine as she takes a seat.  "I hope everything is well with you and the child?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

Maggie smiles with relief when Minia declares that she can pay for her meals, and goes back to the serious business of taking the woman's order.  "Make the most of it, we are all entitled to a bit of good living occasionally.  Now, it was one Mutton Stew, one Fish Stew, a tankard of Mead and some wine?  A carafe of the local wine, or a bottle of the better stuff?"

Marik walked into Tansy's Roadhouse with a warm smile and sense of nostalgia. He'd arrived in Midmarch with Tansy and shared a few adventures with her before she'd retired to open her tavern. He still remembered the day she'd opened. Seeing his former travelling companion, he waved at her across the room, not wanting to interrupt her conversation with Lady Lodovka-Sud.

He glanced around the tavern briefly and noticed Minia sitting at a table near the back. He'd never met the woman or her sister, but the description Darius had given him matched her well enough that he felt comfortable making his way to her table. As he approached he offered her a friendly smile, "Minia? Good evening, I'm Marik Aeris, may I join you?"

Viktoria took a seat, feeling small and childlike next to the woman opposite though the two were fairly close in age.

"Yes, and she a lovely and spirited handful! Luckily the noble title brings with it a chance to pursue a life of adventuring now."

The lady Lodovka looked around, considering the rafters and walls

"I will admit I've been lax in my coming to see you though. It makes me happy to see a good honest establishment like this flourishing in the region."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Fri 01 Jan 2021.

"I am glad to hear that." The tavern owner responds with a smile, "And I bet you have Lolli running around after her ...  I heard that she move back from Ringbridge, and into your big house in the country.  I might pop out there and visit her some tome ...." she muses.

"We were one of the first taverns  in tusk," Tansy muses, "But there are others opening up now.  The Roths are making beer and I have been hearing rumours of more breweries and wineries opening up.  So I decided to invest in a cooper.  They are all going to need barrels."

Then she grins  "Maybe a potter next, if they break ale mugs at the same rate as we do ..."

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Fri 01 Jan 2021.

"Oh, the house wine will be fine by me. Thank you!"

Minia sat waiting, watching Viktoria speak with the large, striking woman across the way. When the wine arrived she reached for it and a cup blind, pouring a measure of the wine and drinking. The tall woman seemed to know Viktoria, yes, she would be a good method to learn more...

Then the tall woman waved to her(?) and Minia sat upright again, only to notice she was acknowledging Marik.

"Yes! I'm-"

She steeled herself

"Evening, yes I am Marik, nice to meet you Minia, an acquaintance to make your pleasure! That is, I am Minia yes, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My sister will be joining us shortly, have you tried the mutton I'm told it and the fish stew are lovely. Though they apparently do not use eels, so my reservations are cautious."

Maple adjusted her straw hat and smoothed out her dress. Today was an important day. She entered the tavern hearing the gentle chime of the bell announcing her entry. She took a minute to observe the people around her. She waved at Vik and nodded at the woman she was talking to before heading towards her sister. She held out her hand for Marik to shake it. "Marik? I'm Maple and this here's my sister Minia. It'sa pleasure tah make yer acquaintence"
The blue half-elf took a seat then politely gestured that Marik do the same.

Marik gave a friendly smile as Minia tripped over her works, but graciously allowed her to compose herself before responding. "Minia, it is a pleasure," he said just as Maple joined them. He accepted her hand and nodded to her with a warm smile, "Maple, it's a pleasure and thank you, Minia and I just met."

He takes a seat when Maple gestures and turns back to Minia, "Yes, I am partial to the mutton myself. I actually arrived in Midmarch at the same time Tansy did and we shared a few adventures before she settled down and opened this establishment. In fact, if memory serves, this was the first tavern opened in Tusk when it was still a small little town."

"It's . . . very attractive. Well built, sturdy."

Minia waited for the wine to arrive and poured herself a cup.

"So, forgive me for being *ahem* direct, but there were terms to discuss?"

Marik raised a questioning eyebrow at the directness of Minia's comment, "I had hoped to enjoy a bit of the wine and company first, but I suppose we can get down to things if that's your preference." He shrugs and sits up a bit straighter in his chair, "But I don't think we're at a point to discuss terms yet. My man Darius has told me your general ideas, but I would like to hear from the the two of you what exactly your plans are, and how you think I might be able to help you."

Maple nodded placing her grasping her hands together, Marik was an attractive man, she was not expecting that"Well if that would make you more comfortable Mr.Marik then by all means we can do that. I reckon I have no problem giving more patronage to these hard workin folks"
Maple nodded " Yer a hard workin man Mr.Marik, I admire that. Self made with no noble background is very impressive. To summarize this whole crazy scheme of mine there are two things you could do for us. we're developing Bogside. I'm a farmer by trade though. We need tools and horseshoes and bits and bobs, smithing ain't something I know about." she paused to give him a second.
"We want to purchase those things from you and maybe you'd like to purchase some of our produce but we can talk about that part later."

"The second part of this whole thing is down the road we'll be opening up an orphanage. We wanna take those kids that are interested and teach them trades. We figure you can help with that? I'm sure you're smithies would appreciate ready and willing apprentices and this way we strengthen the next generations to come."

Marik listened quietly, nodding as Maple spoke. When she finished, he thought for a moment, and then spoke, "Is there a reason you've decided on Bogside? It seems quite far from the rest of Midmarch, and I would be concerned about bandits and other undesirables so far from a strong military presence. Moreover, there's not going to be as many children in need of an orphanage out there, I think."

He leans back into his chair. "Would you possibly be interested in building your farm and orphanage somewhere closer to the rest of Midmarch? Just last week I was touring the lands around New Dawn with my chancellor, Alanna, and came across a site that I think would be perfect for a large farm. I had considered developing it myself, but I would be willing to offer the land to you for development if you desire."

He reached over to pour himself a glass of wine and took a slow drink. "The advantages to this would be that my garrison at New Dawn could provide military protection of your hamlet, and any supplies you might need would be less than a day's travel away. In addition, given New Dawn's location on one of the major roads leading into and out of Midmarch, you will have a better chance of reaching more children in need. You could build the orphanage in the hamlet, or I would even allow you to build within New Dawn proper."

He takes another sip of wine, "Of course, I do have something to gain as well," he says with a smirk. "You see, we are currently building out a ranch outside of New Dawn, and it would be a boon to have an accomplished druid nearby if we have need. But also of interest is that we intend to add a military school to the ranch, training scouts for the militias throughout Midmarch; I would be happy to give an opportunity to members of your orphanage who might be interested in such a career."

He sets his glass down and leans forward slightly, "Of course if you still choose to build at Bogside I will support you as best I can, but the distance will make it a bit more difficult. I may have to request a serai and shop there to ensure a place for my teams to rest and resupply after such a trip."

OOC:
Basically Marik is offering to allow you to build a Hamlet in New Dawn's hex and an Orphanage in New Dawn. The advantage being that you wouldn't have to build any defensive buildings since New Dawn provides defense, the disadvantage being that hamlets are restricted in size (3 plots/building, max size of 4).

If you decide to stick with Bogside, he's establishing that he would need to build a Serai and Shop there in order to support your efforts. He would still entertain you building an Orphanage at New Dawn as well.

"We are developing Bogside precisely because it isn't near the rest of Midmarch."

Minia looked at Marik over her wine cup

"Would you be interested in ceding land to a farming community away from the direct control of the local lord? Or helping us secure that within Midmarch? There are, after all, all those bandits your friends have slain who've left quite a few orphans behind. Wouldn't want them turning bandit in turn."

She thought for a moment, "Bogside is an experiment. We are starting there because we are trying a new type of community. The people there have suffered and have not been able to take care of their crops they will die during the winter if not helped. "
"We can start up a second farm once we've got the funding near your ranch. We could help grow your animal feed even. I would be happy to help around when I can even, enrich your land, increasing plant growth. Building the orphanage in new dawn does have advantages though I will give you that. I think having you set up shop in Bogside is plenty fair"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Tue 05 Jan 2021.

Marik's eyebrow raised as Minia spoke; he wondered if she was just bitter naturally, or if she perceived some slight from him. "I believe I just offered you land to develop as you see fit, with the only requirement being to provide taxes to help pay for the troops that would be defending your hamlet. I am the lord of New Dawn, so that is within my purview. You do realize that I am here because you asked me, yes?"

He shook his head and turned to Maple, "Well I wish you well on your experiment. It is quite bold to take on running an entire village so isolated by yourself, with what I assume is little experience and capital. As I said, once you are established and have your defenses in place, I would be happy to begin a regular trade route to Bogside from New Dawn to ensure you have all of the supplies you will need out there. And that would allow the older children from the orphanage to have safe passage back to New Dawn for apprenticeships should they desire."

"It's true, Lolli works the job of two women. I'd say I pay her for it but I can't recall right now what I pay her. Another thing she's in charge of. If you do come by I'd say Adoven and Lolli would love to see you, and you'd make an entertaining new sight for my daughter too."

Vik looked up at Tansy. Even sitting she looked up noticeably to meet the taverner's eyes and smile widely.

"I've been in a number of taverns, inns and winesinks in my time Tansy and you've run the tightest ship I've seen in a long time. I can't believe people are so willing to abuse your crockery and mugs."

"They only break the mugs once ..."  Tansy says rolling her shoulders, "before I throw them out on their ear."  She looks around the room at the collection of stevedores and dock hands filling the tables, "And every single one of these guys will come out on my side if we need it.  They like having a well managed pub in the docks.  Sure, we get a few 'problem' sailors, but there are other bars where they can drink grog and party all night, if they want to."

After a pause she continues  "Yeah.  I might pop round and see Lolli and the baby some time.  That would be good.  That would make a nice break from this lot."   She adds waving an arm affectionately at her beefy customers.

OOC:  While there aren't any other named Pubs/Taverns/Etc in  Port Henry -  there is a selection of small unnamed cheap dive-bars suitable for roistering, carousing and similar activities.
This message was last updated by the GM at 09:03, Wed 06 Jan 2021.

In reply to Marik Aeris (msg # 22):

Maple lifted her hand, "I am sorry Lord Marik, my sister and I come from nothing and I think you can understand that those who come from nothing are very protective once we have something."

She looked towards the fishing nets and the rafters trying to figure a way to explain this. She wasn't great with words, animals and plants were so much easier.

 "DId you know that birch and maple trees are the first types of trees to grow in a new forest? They live very short lives but when they die the nutrients they create in the soil allows much greater trees to grow in their stead. Oaks and rowan, great pines and redwood! Nature tends them and helps them and other plants to spring up and this gies sustanence to the animals who die and feed the trees." she looked at Marik "All of us are birch and maples and what we do, how we plant our roots will dictate where the oaks and ash and willow go. I want to see them in a future where banditry is not something thats needed. We can make that happen by giving the disenfranchised people like Minia and I and maybe even like you were, a purpose."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Wed 06 Jan 2021.

Marik nods to Maple, "See, I didn't realize you 'had' Bogside, I was under the impression it was an idea, and I merely wanted to present you with another alternative that might be less risky for your initial endeavor. But if you are set on Bogside, as I said, I wish you success. And while I know very little about forestry and the like, I do know people. And while I truly do understand your purpose and support your cause, I think it's a bit naïve to believe that giving people food, a place to work, and a comfortable bed will end all of the evils of the world. It will certainly end some; there is no doubt that many people take up banditry because they see no other way to put food on their table. But some do so out of greed, some because they're not interested in doing an honest day's labor, and some because they're just plain evil. And those people will always be there."

He shrugged as he leaned back into his chair, "And on the flip side, there will be those among your orphans who are stronger, or more intelligent, or just plain more driven and want to make something better of themselves. And some of them might think they are owed more than others, because they contribute more than others. That those that do more, deserve more. It is our nature," he said, and then considered Maple, "At least most of us anyway. And there is nothing wrong with that, unless it is left to fester, and those same hard workers begin to feel disenfranchised and either become lazy because they realize how much they work doesn't matter, or they lash out and contribute to the evils in the world."

He sighs, "But as I said, I support your goals of providing a place for orphans like myself to grow and learn, safe from the evils of the world, if even for a short time. And I will endeavor to help you as much as I can, and provide a place for those who do wish for more to come to, so as not to poison the rest of the well."

In reply to Marik Aeris (msg # 26):

"Our mistake in misleading you then. I am sure my sister meant no offense in confusing you. I wasn't a part of this until I was told we were meeting with you, so my intention is hopefully understood."

Minia considered Marik's words

"Yes, that is a tricky part of this. My sister and I will look awful foolish when we turn a bunch of would-be bandits into lazy shirkers! Woe to all who are beset by our work-avoiding layabouts! But foolishness will have to be our yoke to bear."

Folding her hands on the table she leaned in

"As it went unanswered when you proposed your plan of us living as crofters on your land, I'll return to the remaining question. Tools, materials for shoeing horses, other assorted things. Are you able to sell them, trade them, whatever your proposition is, or can you recommend someone who is able to if you are not up to the task?"

Tansy looks up for a moment as voices are raised at the far end of the bar, but settles back to her conversation, as everything returns to normal.

Marik strongly considers just standing up and walking out, but instead simply sighs and shakes his head. "Does your utter contempt and hatred at the world make it difficult for you to hear? Or perhaps you hear, but don't actually listen? Not five minutes ago I said that once you have suitable defenses in place at Bogside I would be willing to build a serai and shop there and establish a trade route to help deliver supplies to you. I further noted that the orphans who are older and interested in apprenticeships could return with the caravans."

He sighs deeply again, and turns to Maple, "Look, if you're not interested in my help, I'll leave. But I definitely do not deserve the vitriol your sister is aiming at me."

OOC: Messages 19 and 22 for reference

Maple took a deep breath, this had not gone as she'd hoped, "Lord Marik, you are making a lot of talk about what might happen, a lot of assumptions on the nature of folks. Perhaps you do not see what's happening now, perhaps you do not see the suffering and that is why you are focused on the few rotten folks that might turn up later. Maybe that is why we are being lectured like ma and pa would lecture us when we stole from the bakery."

She blew the hair out of her eyes, "I ain't no fancy lord so maybe it's different when you are one but I don't control what my sister does or says. She speaks her mind and she's saved our lives more then once doing just that" smiling the blue skinned woman dusted off her broad brimmed straw hat. "I thank ya kindly for yer well wishes and the future business opportunity, I look forward to us workin together. I'm sorry if first impressions of us weren't great but let me know if yer still looking fer a druid on that new fancy ranch of yers and I'll be happy ta help there"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:38, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

Marik sighed, "Well as I said, I wish you good luck in your endeavor, anything to improve the lives of those suffering is a good thing. When you are ready for me to begin shipping supplies to Bogside, feel free to reach out to my man Darius here in Tusk, or my chancellor Alanna in New Dawn, they are generally easier to find than I am."

With that he stood up and pushed his chair in, "Enjoy the rest of your evening." Nodding to both, he heads out and back to his town house.