The merchant's eyes widen slightly at your revelation, a mix of surprise and interest flashing across his face. "Illicit trades, you say? I had heard whispers of such dealings but never imagined a Chateau would be involved." He leans forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Tell me more of these exotic goods and drugs. I might be interested in...investing."
He glances around furtively, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before continuing. "You see, my own dealings have run into a snag of late. A shipment of rare spices and silks went missing, and the local guild master is demanding a steep penalty." He shakes his head, disgust and frustration plain on his face. Sanjuro says, "I could help you out, I have made some friends down here, one named Elara she's an elf mage."
The merchant's face becomes more animated at the mention of the elf mage. "Elara? I've heard tales of her. It's said she can make things disappear and reappear at will." He rubs his chin thoughtfully, the coin purse dangling forgotten in his other hand. "Perhaps she could help me recover my lost goods after all."
"Perhaps she could, but that's not what we would hire her for." Sanjuro eyed the merchant with stern regard.
His eyes narrow as he studies you more closely. "But tell me, why should I trust you? What guarantee do I have that you're not setting me up for a robbery?" He glances nervously at the dark alley around them, clearly weighing his options in his drunken state.
I notice his hand unconsciously moving to his belt, where a small dagger is concealed.
"I have plenty of money myself. I don't need your coin purse."
The merchant's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at your declaration, his hand freezing on the hilt of his dagger. "You have your own fortune? Then why are you skulking about in the dark, propositioning merchants?" His voice is tinged with disbelief and a hint of wariness.
You take a step closer, keeping your hands visible and open. "I told you, I'm here to make illicit trades. I have certain...skills that allow me to acquire rare and valuable items." You flash him a quick smile, all teeth and no warmth. "And I have the coin to back up any promises I make."
The merchant's gaze darts between you and the coin purse in his hand, his expression conflicted.
"I'm in need of a merchant to sell my illicit goods. Could you do it? Can I trust you?"
The merchant straightens up, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Now that's a proposition I can appreciate." He taps the coin purse thoughtfully against his palm. "I've done my share of...creative trading in my time. And as for trust, well, I suppose we're both taking a risk here."
He chuckles darkly. "Though I suspect yours is greater than mine, given the nature of your goods." He extends his hand, swaying slightly as he does so. "I'm Gareth. Gareth Blackwood. And I think we can do business, my noble friend. Just be mindful that if you cross me, I have...connections in the guild that can make life very difficult. Understood?"
"Of course, we both have connections. There's no need to worry."
Gareth nods, his grin widening. "Wise words. Very wise." He tucks the coin purse back into his belt, then steadies himself against the wall again. "So, tell me about these goods of yours. And how exactly Elara fits into this."
He moves closer, his words becoming a low, excited murmur. "I hear she has ways of...acquiring items that can't be found through normal means. Is that true?" His eyes dart around the alley, as if expecting the elf mage to materialize at any moment.
You notice a slight tremor in his hands, and he keeps glancing at the wine still clutched in his other hand.
"These Goods come from the far east of Indria."
Gareth's eyes gleam with interest, his drunken state momentarily forgotten. "The Far East? Truly? I've heard tales of the exotic wares that come from those lands." He leans in closer, speaking in a hushed manner. "Tell me more. What manner of goods you have in mind?"
His fingers drum against the wall, betraying his eagerness despite his attempt to maintain a calm demeanor. "And how do you intend to get them here? The eastern routes are treacherous, I've heard." He pauses, then adds with a sly smile, "Though I suppose you have your ways, given your...acquaintance with the elf mage."
"She can create teleportation circles to and from anywhere,"
Gareth's face lights up with wonder and greed. "A teleportation circle? By the gods, that's..." He trails off, shaking his head in disbelief. "No wonder you're so confident in your operations." His eyes narrow slightly as he studies you. "Though I wonder...how exactly did you come by such a powerful ally?"
He takes a long swig from his wine bottle, emptying it. "Ah, forgive me. I'm a bit...tipsy." He tosses the empty bottle aside, which shatters against the wall with a sharp crack. "But tell me, these goods from the Far East...how do you plan to get them to me? Surely, the authorities would notice such a large shipment appearing out of nowhere."
"I will pay for a large storehouse in your name. We will store them there,"
Gareth's eyebrows shoot up, his face a picture of astonishment and growing excitement. "A storehouse? In my name?" He chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really are rolling in coin, aren't you?" He taps his chin thoughtfully, clearly weighing the risks and benefits.
"Though I must say, this sounds far more...permanent than I expected. Are you planning long-term operations here?" He leans closer, speaking in a near-whisper. "Because if so, I could be very useful. I have connections throughout the merchant guilds that could..." He trails off, his face growing pale as he suddenly staggers, clearly hit by the full force of his intoxication.
"I have something for you." I pull out a vial of clear liquid with just a ting of carbonation.
Gareth takes the offered remedy, downing it without hesitation. As the potion takes effect, his face takes on a healthier color, and his movements become steadier. "By the gods, what was in that?" He straightens up, running a hand through his hair.
"That was far more effective than any hangover cure I've ever had." He regards you with newfound respect, his demeanor more alert now. "Now then, let's discuss this arrangement more seriously, shall we? I'm intrigued by your proposal, but I need to know more details before we move forward." He glances around the alley, his earlier nervousness resurfacing. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere more private. My office isn't far from here."
"Yes, that would be for the best."
Gareth nods, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes at Sanjuro's agreement. He turns and weaves his way out of the alley, his steps now surprisingly steady for someone who had been so intoxicated moments ago.
