piratejournal | [written/voice] - backdated to December 11th

[Elissa's handwriting is far less neat than normal due to the fact that she's balancing the journal in an odd way with the same hand that's doing the writing with a ballpoint pen.]

Good news would be marvelous about now. What have you?

Good news: I have the herbs you asked for. Only a small amount of each, but it should be enough for at least one batch of whatever it is you need to make.

Better news: I have each one in plant form, ready to be grown and harvested for whoever is willing to negotiate a reasonable price.

I must discourage you from selling them to just anyone as they can be used to make a very powerful poison. We do not wish such a thing to fall into the hands of the Navy. If I am unable to meet the price that you seek, I suggest you make contact with one Garrett Hawke from Ferelden as he can likely make use of them as well.

It is very good news that we may be able to grow more of what is needed. Some of that poison on a blade is incredibly useful in combat.

It's good that you recognize their importance! I'd hate to sell them to someone who would squander such a precious commodity because of ignorance.

[Read: herself. How is she expected to know how to take care of these dumb plants? She'd better get her money's worth out of these things.]

Of course, that means you also recognize how valuable they are--I hope. We agreed that a split of costs and product would be optimal as payment last time, and this theme still sounds reasonable. However, knowing that I'll be giving you an infinite supply of these herbs, I think it only fair to scale the agreement accordingly.

I ask for a third of your personal wealth as down-payment, for the already prepared herbs and the plants. This can be in cash or treasure. Starting at the beginning of next month, I want half of your finished products that you produced for this month--and continuing for each month thereafter. If one of the plants dies or you run into any other complications, I'll see about getting you replacements, and if that is impossible, then we can end the deal at that time. I am not unreasonable.

This is all well and good but for the fact that I do have shipboard duties that shall keep me from being the potion-making madwoman you seem to desire. Also, while I am able to recognize and harvest the plants, I have little knowledge of tending or growing them. In order for this venture to succeed, it will be necessary to find someone who is good with tending plants.

Secondly, asking for a third of my personal wealth as well as half of my finished poisons is quite a lot. What say you to a fourth of my wealth and a fourth of what I manage to craft within a month's time?

I do recognize that you don't have the time to make large amounts of herbal mixtures, which is why I haven't specified an amount. A portion of whatever you manage to produce--I won't press you for something that you don't have, if you are unable to make anything during a particular month. With that said--and with how little of the finished product you suggest will be made due to limited time--I will accept no less than half of what you are able to make per month. However, I am willing to scale down the initial payment to a fourth of your wealth.

I will leave you to find someone who can take care of the plants. I'm just here to provide you with the raw goods and receive my payment. It's your job to produce the finished product.

No. I shall not agree to giving you half of what I am able to craft within a month. You are unfamiliar with the use of it and could easily endanger yourself or others.

I am willing to part with a sixth of my personal wealth and only that. Considering that I only know of two here who have the knowledge to make anything from these plants, I doubt that you shall find anyone else interested in procuring them from you. If you are not interested in a one-time payment for what you have obtained, then I wish you luck in finding another buyer.

What makes you think that I don't know how to handle these poisons? Or that I can find others who could take advantage of them even better than myself? I've come into contact with several trained ninjas since I arrived here--I'm sure they would know how to nurture and cultivate these herbs, and would be ecstatic to find a reliable source of deadly elixirs for their paid assassination jobs. They would definitely pay better, too--say, a fifth of their wealth, with samples of the product they developed and more ingredients delivered when requested.

But what do I know, right?

The word 'ninjas' is unfamiliar to me. As those not of my world do not know the proper techniques or combination of needed ingredients to make the potions, then they could very well harm themselves in the attempt.

However, if they will offer more than I am willing to pay, then I shall gladly bow out of the exchange.

[Ah...maybe she can use this to her advantage and elaborate further on her bluff.]

Ninjas are extremely well-trained mercenaries, specializing in stealth assassinations. Working with poisons is nothing new to them--even ones that they're not familiar with. I'm certain they could figure out how to synthesize their own potions from these herbs, if not the ones that you know how to make. As for what they do with them...well, that's not my concern.

Although, if you'll match an exchange of a fifth of your wealth and I can have your word that, should I require a quantity of this product, I can call on you to make some for me in exchange for more raw materials, I could be persuaded to keep these plants out of their hands.

[The ninjas really had no bearing on any of this to Elissa. The price, however, was now much more acceptable.]

This offer is far more agreeable to me. We have reached an accord. When can you make delivery of your goods? I shall have your payment ready.

[It's always so nice when a negotiation comes together! It's not as much of a bargain as Codi was hoping for, but at least the connection is in place; sometimes a person's word is more valuable than the services they provide.]

As soon as possible. I'm currently on Empieza and can meet you at the docks, if you're around, but if your ship's Nav is operational, I could come to you instead.

We are currently moored at Dock Three. Due to certain unpleasant circumstances, I would greatly appreciate it, if you could bring the items aboard. I am not certain who is on watch, but if you tell him that you need to speak to Elissa, he can direct you to me.

[Elissa has so often been the only female crew member that she automatically defaults to referring to the unknown sailor on deck as male. Lenalee is likely in the galley, anyway.]

I'll trust your word and be there in a few minutes.

[Let's hope that whoever is on watch is not put off by a ginger woman in a mask and cape trying to hail them...]

Edited 2014-01-05 20:33 (UTC)

[By the time that Codi arrives at the brig sloop named Triton's Mistress, Elissa has actually, carefully made her way up to the deck. She is sitting on a small crate near to the stairs that lead below deck and a fluffy, sassy, pink-and-striped cat is lazing in the sun nearer to the gangplank. The woman on the crate looks fatigued and very pale, but her posture is quite good.]

I am here. My name is Elissa.

[The woman that approaches is probably one of the odder sights around, save those of them who aren't actually human. By all accounts the "costume" she's wearing should not do anything to disguise her identity, but unless Elissa has some way to see through perception filters, she'll find that Codi's appearance just escapes description. She is only another faceless, average human being, who happens to call herself the Tyrant and has a bag full of goodies slung over her shoulder.]

[The cat is the most distracting thing there at the moment; if she wasn't on a mission, Codi would be shamelessly cooing over the creature the second she saw it. Instead, she keeps a hand limp at her side and rubs her fingers together with the promise of food, should the feline look in her direction.]

So I understand. [She nods, official and quietly confident.] I'm the Tyrant; nice to meet you in person, Elissa. Now, to business.

[No time wasted here; Codi reaches in the pocket of her jeans and procures four vials, each one containing a small amount of each ingredient requested. She holds them out for Elissa to examine.]

I have more, of course, as well as the plants; these are just so you can verify the quality. [A beat.] ...You look uncomfortable. Is something wrong?

Edited 2014-01-05 21:35 (UTC)

[Compared to Codi, Elissa looks positively normal for the area as far as sailors are concerned. She is barefoot and wearing brown linen pants with a simple drawstring beneath an undyed linen tunic that hangs loosely over her torso. Rather than being coiled into buns, her hair has been pulled forward over one shoulder and worked into a long braid that is tied with a blue satin hair ribbon.

The mask intrigues her and the color of Codi's hair reminds her a bit of some of her old friends in Ferelden. The pale woman extends a hand as if to take the vials for a closer look.]

I was shot two days ago when helping to take back the island. I believe that is the term for it. Twas my first time facing pistols and muskets. I do not recommend the experience.

[Oh, that cat is definitely watching the newcomer. Not so much because of the food motions, but because she is a woman and that has piqued his interest. That pink tail ringed with darker stripes flips back and forth as bright yellow eyes watch the exchange.

Another cat, this one smaller and female, pads up from below decks to pause by Elissa and stretch. Mi-Kun is a tan-colored feline with darker brown tiger stripes. When she spies Codi, she immediately goes to curl about the woman's ankles while purring.]

[Oh no, it's cute. Codi very nearly bends down to stroke the cat at her feet, but she needs to be professional here, and as cordial as Elissa is being she knows how quickly these transactions can go south. Her arm remains at her side in case the cat becomes more persistent, though.]

Ah. Guns will do that. [The vials are placed in Elissa's outstretched hand. For all of their casual smalltalk, Codi's eyes are active, gauging her client's reaction carefully.] A bit late for that suggestion, but I appreciate the thought. At least they can only get one round off at a time before having to reload.

Where did they get you?

[Mi-Kun tries to flop down over one of Codi's feet, still purring. The pink cat nearer to the gangplank turns his attention to the docks and shifts in his spot on the railing.]

Left shoulder. [The Grey Warden's response is quiet since she is focused more upon the vials in her hand. She takes the one containing the venom and vigorously shakes it with her right hand before holding it up to check its viscosity. Oddly, she does not appear to be sporting any bulky bandages around the shoulder that was injured.] Tis been healed, but I still have need of rest due to the loss of blood. This venom seems adequate. Tis not too thick, anyway.

Edited 2014-01-06 02:32 (UTC)

[Codi's foot is successfully flopped on. The slightest giggle escapes her throat, but otherwise she can't react. Rest assured, kitty, if she visits here in her civvies you will not be disappointed...]

Good to know you have a healer around. [So quickly, too...whoever it is must be skilled in something more than just general medicine. Abilities or the ever-present "magic" are likely at play, here.] A good one can be hard to come by.

[A beat, as she examines the venom.]

And I hope the rest are also up to your specifications. If they are, I'll need to see your side of the bargain before I give you the rest. You understand, of course.

[Elissa took her time to examine the other vials just as the first. There were the thick leaves of the deathroot that looked similar to bay leaves. The heatherum and foxite vials were opened and sniffed to verify their contents. Finally, the Warden nodded, and her serious expression eased.]

Everything seems to be in order. As for what I have to offer...

[She reached back to collect a small pouch that had been hidden behind her on the crate.]

One ruby, twenty-seven silvers and four gold sovereigns from my homeland of Ferelden, ...and seventy-two pieces of the currency of this realm.

[Codi reaches out to accept the pouch, straight-faced but unable to hide the small sniff at the description of its contents. Not as much as she was hoping...perhaps the metals in her home's currency could be melted down and sold, or at least made into something else. She's been tempted to do that with her own change at this point.]

And your word that I can ask you for some of the poisons should I need them.

[Important detail, that one.]

[Having arrived in blood-splattered armor and its requisite underpinnings, Elissa had spent quite a lot of what she had on several sets of new clothing. Codi is actually lucky enough treasure has since been collected to make this much of an offer - it is one reason that Elissa has been trying to drive the price lower.]

Of course - so long as any needed ingredients are presented along with the request. Admittedly, it will take some time to distill the concentrating agent in a pure enough state for use in making the poison, but I intend to get started on that right away. I usually bought the concentrating agent in an already prepared form back home, but I was taught how to make it, nonetheless. My tutor was very thorough.

[In many ways. Ah, Zevran. Just the thought of that incorrigible elven assassin nearly brought a grin to the woman's face.

Mi-Kun, still on Codi's foot, rolls over on to her back and paws at the masked woman's ankle while purrrrrrrrrrring up at her. Her belly is lighter than the rest of her, but just as fluffy.]

[Such gossip is tempting--again, if they meet in less formal circumstances and that comes up, there will be lots of cackling from both of them, surely. As it is, Codi's face breaks into a wide smile for different reasons.]

[...Yes, the cat is one of them, but apart from a gentle rub with her free foot she goes unattended.]

Don't worry--what you're getting should hold you for quite a while, if you can take care of them.

[Codi reaches around and, carefully, keeping the bag level, brings it around and reveals its contents. There are more vials tucked in the side pockets, but the three small potted plants resting at the bottom will probably get Elissa's attention faster.]

Can you carry these somewhere safe, or do I need to drop them off?

[The Tyrant's kind question actually brings a small smile to Elissa's lips as well as to her eyes.]

Thank you for offering to do so. That is quite thoughtful of you. However, I shall manage and, if I cannot, there are others here who can do it for me. Besides...

[The woman relaxes enough to warmly chuckle, though her posture atop the crate remains stiff. Mi-Kun sounds a plaintive meow in disappointment up at Codi and rolls over twice to streeeeeeeeeeeeetch out in the sunlight away from the masked woman's foot.]

Sunshine is good for growth. I do know that much about gardening.

[Well she can't be too much of a hard businesswoman, can she? Person gets shot in the shoulder and is in obvious discomfort, maybe she could use a hand carrying a bunch of pots or something? It's common decency in Codi's mind.]

Hopefully we'll be getting more of it through the winter. [She steps forward--now free of the cat--and hands Elissa the three pots, so that she can gather the vials in a smaller bag that's easier to keep track of.] Best of luck with these. Try not to die, other well-wishes...

[The smirk tugging at her cheeks says that Codi's being facetious on purpose, but given her previous demeanor this might be hard to pick up on.]

[The masked woman's words bring another laugh to Elissa and this time her smile is warmer. She carefully bends just enough to place each pot upon the deck around her. Mi-Kun immediately hops up to approach the bending Elissa, twining around one pot as she tries to get the Warden to scritch her ears. Elissa absently obliges before sitting up.]

I shall do my best, but rumour has it that death is not permanent in this world. Someone I know died and returned in only a few days. Keep that in mind, should you face a dire situation.

Thank you for your excellent work, Tyrant.

[Codi raises a skeptical eyebrow over her grin while she collects the vials. Someone coming back from the dead...about on the same level as calling Davy Jones a ghost, as far as she's concerned, and possibly where that tale is coming from. Still, something to consider, seeing as it's come from one of their own.]

You are very welcome, Elissa. [She ties up the small pouch of remaining herbs and venom, reaches out to transfer it along with a firm handshake--which, if it's accepted, will give her a noticeable shock if she's not wearing insulated gloves or something.] Looking forward to doing business with you in the future. Stay safe.

[No gloves of any kind are on Elissa's hands today, but she reaches out to accept the vials as well as the offered hand. The small smile upon her face fades when she feels the uncomfortable *zot* of the shock and her features take on a scowl.

Elissa tries to yank her hand back as she darkly eyes the Tyrant. Damn lightning spells.]

Get off my ship.

[Codi is surprised by Elissa's extreme reaction--but then again, she hadn't expected to build up enough of a charge during their conversation to be noticeable. Either way, she plays dumb for now.]

--Oh? Must have rubbed my socks on a carpet somewhere. [She smirks, shrugs and performs a melodramatic bow.] I'll take my leave.

[As directed, the strange woman turns heel and leaves--and as soon as she's out of sight, Elissa should find it peculiarly difficult to remember what she looks like.]

She's not on the ship.

Hmm. Are you sure she hasn't stowed away somewhere when you weren't looking? I mean, she is a ninja and everything. [And they've already had one ninja sneak on-board before, can't blame her for being suspicious!]

Unless she ran across the water and didn't take the Nav, yeah, I'm sure.

All the way from Empieza? Well, I guess it's possible.

Anyway, Hachiken is looking very thoroughly around Port Chance, so if he finds her then we'll hear about it.

I haven't seen her, sorry. I can go look for her!

That would be good, yes. Ihrie says she's looking on-ship, so maybe you can see if she's somewhere in Port Chance? You know, for a bit of night-shopping?

I'm on my way now. I'll let you know if I find her.

Good. Be quick but thorough--she's good at finding places to hide. [Because ninja, right? Ninjas do that kind of stuff.] Do you have a map of the place? I don't want to come looking for you, too.

...

[It's not long before he's back.]

I'm kind of lost. I can't see the ship anymore.

Oh for...

[The facepalm is audible.]

Hachiken, did I not just tell you to grab a map before you left? You couldn't have waited two minutes to hear back from me before getting yourself lost?

You'd better have some money on you for an inn--I'm not coming over there.

I have a map, it's just...I'm not sure which way it goes. Or where we are on it, for that matter.

[Super directionally challenged, this one.]

I do have money on me. I just have to find an inn.

...You don't know how to read a map.

[She cannot actually facepalm any harder if she tried, which she is desperately trying to do.]

When you manage to wander your way back to the ship we are going to have a long talk about how maps work. Just a nice, calm conversation...

...Well, keep walking! Ask someone if you have to!

[Hachiken is grimacing and he knows that tone, he knows it very well. His own reply is muted.]

Okay. I'll figure something out. I'll see you on the ship.

[...Oh no, now she feels kind of bad. He is just a kid, after all.]

...Be careful, alright? We don't need to lose two people in one day.

I'll be careful. Really.

Yes, I am.

Great! I'll meet you at the docks in thirty minutes. If you can, bring the perception filter that you've already built; I want to see what I'm getting.

I haven't had the time to work on it yet, but I'll be there.

Bring what you have, then, if you haven't already left.

[...As said on her way to the harbor as mentioned. It's evening now, dark enough that the mask-wearing ginger can easily find a dimly-lit, empty dock to wait by without standing out too much. Her makeshift cape has been repurposed back into the cloak it was made as, since her black t-shirt doesn't give much in the way of warmth when she's not moving around as much. But the costume must be maintained!]

[At her side is a rather stuffed messenger bag, contents indecipherable save the head of a crowbar poking out the top.]

[written/voice] - backdated to December 11th

Handwritten - locked

text, etc.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[text/action]

[Action]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

no subject

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[voice]

[Text]

[Text]

[Text]

[Text/Action]