ninth bull ( video )

[pontificus]

[She looks a bit rushed, but gentle nonetheless, pleased to address the shardbarers. Hands folded gently in front of her, Lucrezia speaks.]

As some may know, I've lived in Treun for a time, even being adopted into the Fortuna family. Many have spoken about the concerns of anti-shardbearer sentiments, and I, too, have had them on my mind for some time. A dear girl has come to me here in this city. With our two minds we have come to a conclusion, to give back to the community to show our goodwill.

[She seems all too eager for it, having talked to some about the subject.]

At the end of the month, we are to have a fair in this great city where any shardbarer can come to offer his wares or services. It will take place in the market.

I hope to see many there.

[With a bow of her head, she shuts the locket.]

Comments

[herotypical]

[ a FAIR you say? ]

Will there be a ferris wheel? [ most important question. ]

[pontificus]

I am unsure what that is, but if I can find one, perhaps. [She is eager to please, hoping to make this a success.]

[herotypical]

It kinda sounds exactly like it says on the can: a wheel. But big. And with -- y'know -- seats and stuff.

[ so helpful. ]

[pontificus]

[The image she pictures is more like a cart's wheel with some sort of seat.]

Like a carriage?

[herotypical]

-- Kinda like ten carriages, spinning on a great big wheel.

[pontificus]

And you wish for one to be here? [She's not sure how she could even go about finding one in truth.]

[herotypical]

Well -- I mean, it's not like my number one blow all the candles out kinda wish. I wouldn't waste a shooting star on it.

[pontificus]

I can try then, for you. [She is not sure if one can be constructed on so soon a notice, but she can still try.]

[herotypical]

[ incredulous silence.

and then laughter. ] Oh my God! No. Please. Don't trouble yourself. It was just a...

It's no biggie.

[pontificus]

Oh... [She smiles back, not entirely embarrassed, but more amused at the misunderstanding.]

Perhaps I have much to learn about fairs then.

[herotypical]

You're probably right on point for whatever this place's definition of a fair turns out to be.

[pontificus]

I hope it to be a success by anyone's standards.

[herotypical]

Well -- then you'd better start researching deep-fried food items. The wackier, the better.

[pontificus]

I could at the very least tell the chefs to arrange such an item. [She smiles back, even if she's not entirely sure what one could actually deep fry. But if the girl insists, it must be common enough in her world.]

[herotypical]

Your fair's gonna have chefs?

[pontificus]

Vendors, but I have chefs.

[herotypical]

What. Like -- private chefs? All to your lonesome?

[pontificus]

Oh, no. I live in a large manor. It isn't mine though-- just my family's. My adopted family. [Though she does have Cesare here now, she must distinguish.]

[dragonring]

[Now this has Dave's attention, considering the ideas he's been having for his little project.]

That's it, is that easy? We just-- show up with our ah, "wares"?

[pontificus]

Indeed. If you are in need of a table or booth, I can arrange it. [They have a large enough space, and she's expecting some people may need it.]

[dragonring]

Oh, that's-- very nice of you, yeah. [He thinks about for a second, then shakes his head.] I don't think I'd need much space, but you can count me in.

[pontificus]

Can I have a name then? To know where to place you.

[dragonring]

Ah, yeah, sorry-- I'm David Stutler. Thanks for the opportunity, madam.

[pontificus]

No need for the thanks. And please, it's Lucrezia.

[dragonring]

Lucrezia. You can call me Dave. Are people in Treun gonna be ok with magic? I heard some stuff...

[pontificus]

It will be finely guarded, I can assure you.

[wolvering]

Oh thank you for announcing it, Lady Lucrezia!

I'm very excited for the fair and I hope it improves relations.

[pontificus]

I think it shall greatly. I am only too glad to help.

[wolvering]

Is there anything else that needs doing? I hope we haven’t forgotten anything!

[pontificus]

I don't think so, Pod. I am finalizing lists if you wish to finish confirming who is to show.

[wolvering]

I will look to that, but it might be best to make sure there is a little extra space, in case someone decides in the last moment that they might join us.

[pontificus]

There'll be space a plenty in the market.

[wolvering]

I am glad to hear it. I’ll start working on the list.

[muscovy]

How safe will it be to come?

[He has wares to offer, so it wouldn't be a bad thing at all, but at the same time he doesn't want to have bad things happening to shardbearers while he is there. He doesn't like getting hurt or losing things to violence. Even with her earlier offer...]

[pontificus]

I will have the city's guards there and mine own.

[She knows safety is too much of a concern. It is likely her own brother will be scouting the place as well.]

[muscovy]

Will that be enough?

[It could be, and it could not be; he cannot judge it, nor trust that she'll answer truthfully, but he can hope that she will.]

[pontificus]

Indeed it will. [Her brother is a ruthless man, the head of an assassin group-- though she doesn't know the details about that. She does know he will do what it takes for her safety though.]

[muscovy]

[He tilts his head at her in thought and then nods.]

How high is the fee for a license to sell goods at the market?

[pontificus]

That day it is for free, but if you would like to set up something more permanent, I can help you.

[muscovy]

But the protection would not remain, yes?

[Plus he doubts that they will really let a child sell things at the market on its own. On the other hand it would be nice to have a license to sell goods once a week or something similar, that would make it less stressful to find venues for it.]

[pontificus]

I could see to something if it worries you.

[muscovy]

Will it be very expensive?

[It sounds a bit like she would hire a guard and with the money that he makes he could definitely not pay for one. Not even partly. His sales make enough for him to buy what he needs in addition to the food that he can find in the woods, and he can always go to what remains of the station for shelter, but...]

[pontificus]

[She smiles very wide. He reminds her much of Geoffrey, her little brother, and the thought makes her miss him.]

Mm, not very. How about you come to lunch once a month with me?

[muscovy]

I would like that, if nobody minds.

[Maybe they can even become friends in the long run! He would like (more) friends...]

[pontificus]

I can assure you no one would. [And she would have words to say if anyone did.]

Are you in the city now?