After all of the accounting work and a good rest at the inn, Qitris was ready to start on some new projects. One of the first needed a rather costly component. Hopefully Gemeye could provide what she needed. "Greetings, Master Jeweler, I am in need of a lovely gem of sufficient size for a special occasion. Someone's birthday is coming up and I want something special. At least 100 gold in value."

Seeing as how another was there with a request, she acknowledged the big guy who had helped haul the goods to be sold. "Ah, thank you for your help in hauling all of that treasure from the fort. Your assistance was quite appreciated."

"You were the one who divided the spoils."

Verbannt answered automatically.

"That was well done, such things could have come to blows, with the blood of hearts still beating the song of battle. You are a fine peacemaker."

He added, looking the elf up and down.

"You move easily, for so much steel. I am twice your size, and I do not think I could step half so lightly as you in such."

"Well... A little bit of guidance goes a long way. Keep them distracted long enough and it will all settle down." Seeing as how she was noticeably being examined by someone more than twice her size in all directions it was hard to NOT notice how big the bugbear was and how much he looked like he lived solely in the wilds.

"Ah, it is a bit of many things. A well-made, fitted suit of armor will distribute its weight across the body so you don't feel weighed down. I've also spent a lot of time at the forge, so having some musculature really helps. But stepping lightly? I think you're far softer in your steps and even less clanky than I am. And every bit more muscled." The new suit of half-plate was easy to refit for her size, but it still had overlapping plates that clinked and clanked if she wasn't careful. But she was rarely careful.

   A stocky and muscular Dwarf, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest walks into Gemeye's Jewelry.  His jet black hair cut short, with a a tight, ringed beard capped in a bronze boar head.  His features weatherbeaten, and his hands scarred from heavy work.  Dressed in dark greens and earthen browns, with heavy black boots and a stout black leather belt.  Over this, a heavy, black, bearskin cloak with the bears' head as a hood.  A sturdy battleaxe hangs from his right hip, and a saex rests in its' sheath on the left front of his waist, behind his pouch.  Across his chest rest two long daggers, one a rondelle of recent aquisition, the other a curved kindjal dagger.  To those that have heard mention of him, there can be little doubt that this is Brohm.  On seeing Lukas, his face creases briefly with irritable disapproval, but his gaze does not linger on the bugbear.  Though never unaware of his surrounding, his eyes wander the shop as he waits his turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Wed 15 June 2022.

"There will be need for such Lore, when it is time to unify the tribes."

Verbannt said, nodding along as he listened to explanation.

"I am a Hunter, Woodslore is what I know. I have no tongue for speaking clever words...."

His Amber eyes had spotted Brohm enter as he spoke, his words hardening. The anger of Dwarves was something he had long known of, but this was the first time he had felt its long and slow burn. He had tried to be clever with his words, and all he had done was earn himself a blood enemy.  He was tired of trying to correct for that mistake though, tired of the grudges of Dwarves. He did not shrink away this time, did not cease just because the blood of Stonehelm stood before him. Neither did he offer challenge, merely held his ground.

"I will hunt, and I will kill what needs to be killed. It is my hope that those with a gift for words will ensure that my prey is not numerous. I am tired of the taste of blood."

He certainly didn't look it, standing there. He had changed his appearance somewhat, since Brohm had last seen him. The boots were of course new, having been gifted in the wreckage of the Burning Stag. The Bugbear's shortbow, which had looked like a child's toy in his paws, had been replaced by a large bow of yew. It was not nearly as tall as he was, but he needed to carry it on his back rather than within the quiver at his side.

  Long, slow, and hot burns the anger of Dwarves.  Often moving like a mountain with glacial speedy, grinding beneath it the object of its' ire.  Others tiring of it had no impact upon it, their feelings in the anger of Dwarves we're as futile and meaningless as their resistance.  Such was Brohms' anger.  But he was neither fool, nor rash.  And whatever Lucas may have thought, or conveyed by his presence, did not elicit a reaction from Brohm.  Nor did he waste the time of the other customer.  He waited his turn, and browsed the shop.  But ever were his senses alert, borne of long practice in desolate and wild places.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:57, Wed 15 June 2022.

While the air in the shop was far from calming and peaceful, it certainly became thick with tension when the quiet dwarf from the siege had walked in. There was a clear issue between the big bugbear and this new dwarf, but the exact details were lost on Qitris. An elf. Quite the triad that was choosing this time to go to the same shop. But she was always one for throwing out traditions and conventions when they got in the way of progress and change; including a number of elvish traditions.

"So long as others are willing to speak and also listen, then we can avoid conflict that leads to blood being spilled. But greed and selfish ambition is ever-present and will cast a shadow over such peaceful interactions. It's not something easily changed, but so long as people are willing to change it will come." Quite the general statement, but also part of the reason she was in Smith's Gambit.

Making a nod towards Brohm, Qitris couldn't help but note. "You wear that roundel dagger well. Quite the enchantment on it as well. I'd hate to think of what those hobgoblins would have done with it."

"Thank you.". He rumbled to Qitris, in a voice like a distant landslide.  A bit short in its' response.  "Likely the same purpose I will use it for, if on different victims.  The more interesting question is where did they get it from.  It is a different make than I have seen among them.". His calloused thumb runs over the pommel of the rondelle as he speaks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Thu 16 June 2022.

Horace Gemeye greeted each customer as they entered. He said to Lukas, "Aye, I can do that, sure enough. I've never worked in acorn before. By any chance, do you know at what temperature they catch flame? Its important to know that, when wrapping something in metal, to avoid destroying it."

To Qitris, he said, "I've got a fine selection of cut and uncut gems of all sizes and qualities. What kind of stone would you like?"

Brohm could instantly tell that this dwarf had been born and raised amongst the other races in a city, rather than in a clan hold. Nonetheless, the jeweler seemed to know his work, and take pride in it. "Brohm, of Clan Stonehelm," he said, respectfully, "I am Horace, called 'Gemeye,' of Alemekia. How may I serve you?"

It was clear to all that there was a distinct difference in status between the clanless city dwarf and Brohm.

   To the perceptive, many differences were present, the cut of the clothes, the way they carried themselves, the nuances of adornment, even the inflections of accent gave away that these were not the same type of Dwarf.
   He had suspected the Dwarf was one of the Lost, by their clothing alone, and the subtle differences in the way they carried themselves.  He had hoped otherwise.  With not even a Dwarven name to place upon themselves, they were little more than human.  Carrying the name of the empire instead of a Clan name.  There were some among the People who would see the List wiped out, the stain of their fall nothing but a memory on the name of Dwarves.  Many though, would rather they came back to the Clanholds, and the old ways.  Brohm was both disgusted by, and pitied them.  A friend creases his face for a moment, before it fixes itself into a firm set, neutral expression.  [Language unknown: "Lesdin'ovedin Thlari on red tinal Werouneau.  P in Arepreers, Comlesncerea, es Earredpre, Ncestaavevor ne Nesti Ngomtina."].  He would give Horace the Lost a proper Dwarven introduction.  A matter of respect, and also, perhaps hope.  Other might have shortened it to their Clan name, as would be used when introducing themselves to any non-Dwarf, or used the appellation "no name worth mentioning" for Horace, instead of Gemeye.  For what was a name without the history of generations behind it?    I seek to have some gems set into the hilts of two daggers.  specifically deep red rubies, and ice blue diamonds.". He rules, in a voice like a distant landslide.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Tue 21 June 2022.

"Have you spoken with the Goblins, of the other Tribes?"

He asked Qitris, evidently with something in mind.

"We will need to spread word of what we have done, and unify them under the banner of Smith. We have shown strength at the Burning Stagg, but next we will need wisdom."

He found himself wishing, for the thousandth time, that there was a true Matriarch here, someone to say what he was trying to say. The words felt awkward and clumsy on his tongue, and with Brohm just on the other side of the shop, he felt as if at any moment he might misspeak.

---

Verbannt knew a thing or two of acorns, and strangely enough could answer the Dwarf's question.

"They hold much water, so if you dipped them in melted gold I would think they would explode. It is not my place to speak of your craft. Perhaps would dry one, so as to hollow it out to contain its treasure. Then wrap it in gold leaf. Are you able to pound out gold that fine?"

He understood the basics, but not if it was a feasible request.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Sun 19 June 2022.

"Hmm, interesting question..." she pondered. There were almost no limitations on what color the precious gem could have, but aesthetics were still a thing. Then again, just about everything went with metallics. "Why break with theming, do you have anything in the blue tourmaline group?"

Lukas's words were implying something that Qitris wasn't fully ready to even consider taking on. She could bash heads and shape metal, but a diplomat was something that took more charm and courage than she had. Metal armor protected more than her body, after all. "I have barely had time to settle into the colony let alone talk to anyone outside of it. I know a few languages, too, but Goblin is not one of them."

"When I tried to speak of what we are building here, under the banner of Smith, all I earned was the blood rage of Brohm of Clan Stoneheim. I tried to be clever, and clever words are not Lore that I know. We have brought the Broken Sky Goblin Tribe under our banner, and will need others. The Redfoot have many more villages, many more banners to call. We will need to bring Elves, Dwarves, Humans, Goblins, and others we can find beneath ours."

He did not care of Brohm heard him, should the Dwarf demand more blood, he would find it on Verbannt's terms.

"We will need those who can speak as you do, find common cause. I am a Hunter, when I speak, it brings only blood."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Sun 19 June 2022.

That Brohm heard Lukas would be obvious to anyone.  For everyone in the store could hear Lukas.  Brohm snorted in derisive dismissal of Lukas' words, but otherwise did not speak, while waiting for Horace to respond.

To Lukas, he says, "Ah, well if goldleaf. is acceptable, I can indeed pound gold that fine. Without any other adornments, I can do the job for five gold. (OOC: If you need it to be worth more for any reason, let me know OOC. I can think of a few things just off the top of my head to increase the value, before even considering adding jewels to it.)

For Qitris, he opens one of many small, silk-lined drawers, and carefully draws the silk up by the corners, carrying it over to the counter, and laying it out to display all the gems. There are blue tourmalines of many sizes. The largest of the gems, about a half-inch on a side, are a bit cloudy, and the light reveals several flaws. The smaller the gem, the clearer or less flawed it is. "Any of these would be worth 100 gold."

For Brohm he says, [Language unknown: The manus ti ingthicon ieseng i montmo, Icitar, Hatstithiave, t Iveorther, Terionwitshe t Arestalat Enthouundore. Ingbutave on ha te moble allughout ro ng usilpe Conomente bealmosiio. O Encconort itain be ek romwitive daydayouttio a] Boneport, [Language unknown: ha tind Fingof urme prna hever un estbleone n sheressta] Boneport. [Language unknown: Mole saitte He terrutany nce tho n esrolepl sheecthou io thnt sissmi ma ardli fosiss. Ol meines tiivneuron at n stitncnd lewer aissec tha setconwhe u earectkor the toesho inenev eeica unpa ngevio ni laol etpees encek ilcaal. Evie out inmieesick, Pa ac of lengsa all at onwhacnope e elelie, e prti werredine stio nc dayoulhas n arbest wa manproardere art urehisoun. Illeravor Ro houredthi sethasith ll ainsetrutfor unore sista il, hoel ie hiitwe hasectoul leere of eionetan atofan.]

OOC: Boneport is the largest and oldest port in Northeast Amelakia. It is famed for its trade in dinosaur bones from Farrad, and occasionally, live dinosaurs. It is one of the oldest cities in Amelakia.
This message was last updated by the player at 21:54, Sat 25 June 2022.

When presented with the tray of blue stones, Qitris carefully perused the precious gems while idly muttering to herself. Too small. Too cloudy. Not blue enough. Weird shape. All the descriptors that ultimately said 'not this one'. Eventually she did come across a stone about the size of her thumbnail that had a squared shape and good translucence. "I think this piece will be suitable for a good gift. I will take this and, if you have anything less precious, I could also use two or three small stones for enchantment practice. Quartz would be sufficient, but I will gladly take about anything under 25 gold a piece. I have one more project in mind and need to safe a good portion for the time being."

Verbannt had continued with his ideals that had earned a loud snort from the tense dwarf. For being as woodsy as he seemed, he certainly kept a stubbornness his kind were known for. ""Like all well made plans, we'll see how things hold up when the situation arises. Bear in mind I make the weapons that draw the blood as well as the armor that repels those blows."

"As I said". He continues smoothly in the common tongue.  I seek two ice blue diamonds, and several small deep red rubies.  The gems should be small, suitable for decorating a item of regular use.  As well as your services for setting them.". What his thoughts, or cares, if any, are about how others perceive his honor for speaking in his native tongue, is unknown.  His face remain a gruff, neutral mask as he conducts his business with Horace.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Wed 22 June 2022.

Verbannt nodded, the Dwarf forgotten as he considered.

"Do you know any with a golden tongue who might want such a roll? I look for one skilled in peace Lore."

Gemeye waited patiently for Verbannt to continue his purchase.

For Qitris, he placed each chosen stone in its own tiny pouch, then after putting away the remaining stones, he pulled another drawer, and similarly displayed a selection of quartz.

For Brohm, he displayed from other drawers small, ice blue diamonds and deep red rubies, of varying qualities. (OOC: You have to tell us the value of gem you're looking for ooc. The same value will be added to the resale value of the weapons, should you decide to sell them later, so please keep track.)

Brohm carefully looks over them, then selects two small (60 gp each), but perfect ice blue diamonds, perfect for setting into the eyes of the wolfs' head on the Kindjar.  I will have these set into the eyes of this wolf's head." he states to Horace.
 Then, selects 8 deep red rubies, each perfect, but equally small (50 gp each), to be set into the guard of the Rondelle. "These you will set aside.  I will return to pay for them.". He says.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:45, Tue 05 July 2022.

"Very good," says Horace to Brohm as he sets aside the rubies, "That will be 120 gold for the gems, and 12 for the work." He writes down two copies of the agreement, including the agreement to set aside the rubies until Brohm pays for them. He signs both, and hands one to Brohm. Amelakians and their contracts...
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:28, Tue 28 June 2022.

   Brohm reads over the contracts.  There were several details missing from a Dwarven perspective, and they were not written in proper Dwarven, only the Amelakian tongue, common to the humans and trade with them.  He snorted in irritation as he read through.  It was no proper way for a Dwarf to run a business.  There was only so much he could expect from Gemeye though.  Perhaps with time, Brohm could return him to the Dwarven people.


  Assuming there is nothing hidden in the contract, and it is clear that it only covers holding the rubies, and the purchase of the diamonds and the work, Brohm will sign it.  if there is anything else, please let me know, as he might not sign it.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Sun 26 June 2022.

"No such people, yet. But if I come across any I will direct them your way." It wasn't dismissive, but Qitris didn't have much more to add as she selected three pieces of quartz that looked like they wouldn't be selected for anything normally. She had all manner of ways to make use of anything physical and inanimate. These three would be a good start for practice for bigger things. "Master Gemeye, I'll take these three and the tourmaline, if you please. No additional work need be done."

OOC: Picking 3 10gp Quartz and the 100gp Tourmaline

There were no hidden terms in the contract. Much like the contracts Smith had had Brohm sign, they were clear, in plain Common, and meant to be read and understood by both parties signing, with as little wiggle room for interpretation as possible. It also clearly stated when the work could expect to be picked up: In 6 days. There was no end date for how long the rubies would be set aside, nor any fee to do so. OOC: You may spend 6 DTU, or 6 days worth of lifestyle expenses, or a combination of the two.

Gemeye made the deal with Qitris, and took the money from Brohm, giving him one copy of the contract, and taking the other, along with the rubies, the diamonds, and the sword, into a large dwarven-made vault, which he closed on the way out.

He waited for the other dwarf to leave before returning his attention to Verbannt.

Having signed the contract, Brohm hands Horace the Gold, and his Kindjar.  "I'll return for it in a few days.". He rumbles out in his deep bass voice.