Merchant meeting: 1 Everin

Jeenie stood up and immediately had everyone’s attention. “Welcome, everyone, and thank you all for attending our Everin* meeting of merchants. On the agenda for today is the updated cost for trade with our eastern neighbors, given the current state of our eastern border, as well as updates on the refugee crisis outside our eastern wall and their immediate needs. Ashura, would you like to speak to that?”

Ashura, the grizzled tabaxi fighter representing the Sether refugees, stood and made his way toward the front of the room where Jeenie waited. Those gathered regarded him with a mix of respect and caution. He had attended the last four monthly meetings to ask for aid and supplies for those who trusted their well-being to his care.

“First of all,” he began, “I would like to speak to the members of H.A.L.O. On behalf of those residing in the camp, I would like to thank you all for sending your healers out when you can. This service has been invaluable and has saved many lives. Secondly, I would like to thank Jeenie and Maximus for keeping us fed. Many who made the trek here from Sether came with only the clothes on their backs, and it is because of your efforts that bellies have been filled and morale lifted. Finally, as I mentioned last month at this meeting, those of us who fled this disastrous and pointless war are seeking citizenship in Gusken, and we wish to become useful members of this society. I have spoken with the Conclave numerous times to this end, and while there is progress, it has been slow. I come before you today to ask, on behalf of the refugees, to help us find a place here. Most of you have welcomed us with open arms, and we would like the opportunity to reciprocate your kindness. For this reason, Lord Pompeux has generously allowed those with appropriate skills to apply for temporary work permits. Among our number are skilled craftsmen and laborers, alike, and many are eager to begin earning their keep. Today, I would like to ask for your consideration for future endeavors and projects needing a few extra hands. I will gladly give my recommendations for whatever job you need doing, and we ask only that you report these efforts to the Conclave to hopefully advance our desire to become members of this wonderful community. Our people are ready, willing, and eager to begin repaying the kindness that none of you had to show us, but did anyway.”

Without any fanfare, Ashura stepped down and returned to his seat. The people of Cololly had learned that he was the type to say his peace and be done.

“Thank you for that, Ashura,” Jeenie said. “On the note of the refugees, the shopkeepers and craftsmen have all been given a list of ‘appropriate jobs’ that can be given to non-citizens of Gusken. These jobs include intercity deliveries & transport, assisting in the day-to-day running of shops and workspaces, and limited apprenticeships. I’m told this list will expand over time, and I will be hosting an event at Lock ‘n’ Stock on 9 Everin to facilitate meetings between groups. I encourage all of you to attend and join us in welcoming our neighbors…”

“I think we need to think of the citizens who need work before the refugees.” A collective groan made its way through the crowd as Mortimer, again, stood up to make another case for ignoring the refugees. “I don’t understand how we can be so quick to bring in these outsiders! Pretty words don’t change a brigand to an upstanding citizen, and I for one…”

“ABSOLUTELY NO ONE CARES, YOU ARROGANT TOOL!” All eyes, and a few muffled giggles, turned toward the new speaker standing tall on her chair. Jovin locked eyes with Mortimer and he seemed to visibly shrink under her fiery gaze. “Every meeting you do this. Every time we try to help others, you stick your arrogant nose in like we would ever send them to darken the doors of your gaudy establishment. Well, I won’t let you speak for me, you pompous prick.” She looked back to Jeenie at the front of the now silent room. “Rise with the Dawn will gladly take an extra set of hands, or two. Some of us remember what it’s like to be down on our luck, and we remember those who reached out to help us stand on our own.”

“Here, here!” came a voice from the back. Bartimus stood up to speak next, “Cololly University is set to open on 7 Byelyn, and according to enrollment records, we still have plenty of space available in the dorms. I have spoken with Lord Orren about relocating refugees into unoccupied dormitories, and he is presenting my proposal to the Conclave in the next tenday. I hope that we can offer this to prospective students, as well as any who can assist in the day-to-day upkeep of the grounds and buildings.”

“If I may add to that,” came another voice from the back of the room. Vince stood up, and as he did, Elouise, Paige, Rupert, and Sissy joined him. “we’re about to head into a dry season for the inns and taverns. Although we will be seeing our wonderful regulars, the chill in the air tells me we’ll see far fewer adventurers and travelers. In light of this, I, with the other inn and tavern keepers, have sent a proposal to the Conclave to allow us to offer accommodations for the refugees through the harsh winter months. Between us, we hope to offer a better option for the coming winter than tents and bedrolls.” Vince smiled at Ashura and gave a friendly bow. “Twilight Tryst stands ready to receive you and yours as soon as the Conclave approves our plan.”

“As does Rover’s Respite,” Elouise said.

“Clever Wanderer’s doors are open to you,” said Paige.

“The Thoughtless Damsel is always happy to help,” added Sissy with a glowing smile.

Rupert cleared his throat to speak, and the room fell into silence. Rupert didn’t speak often, and most had learned to listen when he did. His voice was still rough and raspy as he said, “Desperate Dalliance isn’t in the best condition. The roof leaks, the floors creak, and the patrons are rough on the best of days and deadly on the worst, but I figure having walls is better than sitting through those storms outside the city. I wouldn’t recommend picking my inn first, but the option is there if you need it.”

Cololly’s inn and tavern keepers sat back down and Jeenie swore she could see the ghost of a tear fall from Ashura’s golden eyes. Winter had been a driving force behind Ashura’s push to integrate the refugees into Cololly. Jeenie had been collecting blankets and winter clothes with the same concern, but this declaration from Vince and the others had certainly lifted a bit of that burden.

“Bent to Your Will can always use another set of hands, and I’ve been looking for an apprentice to help me keep up with my orders. What are the terms of this ‘limited apprenticeship’?” Bonnie asked.

“The limited apprenticeship,” Jeenie replied with a sigh that said she didn’t quite approve of the stipulations but continued, “will allow craftsmen to teach their trade to the refugees, though you are restricted from allowing them to inherit land or businesses in Gusken, and they are not permitted to work on projects unsupervised until further notice.” She winced a bit as she continued, “Furthermore, you are not to give them unfettered access to certain chemicals or alchemical components, and you must keep vigilant records of their comings and goings for Lord Pompeux to review. While the refugees can be hired as messengers and delivery personnel, they are not to have access to any sensitive materials that could endanger the city or citizens, even if that information is sealed.”

Silence met her words as those gathered processed the limitations they were required to follow. Jeenie’s eyes met Ashura’s as if to say, I’m sorry, this wasn’t my call, but Ashura replied with a smile and stood to address the group once more.

“I thank you all for your consideration, and while these limitations are not ideal, I understand why the Conclave has put them into place. It is my hope that our people will show the Conclave the baselessness of their concerns, and we gratefully accept the conditions that allow us to begin that process. Thank you to the innkeepers of Cololly, Headmaster Bartimus, and to all who have been so kind and welcoming to us. You all have my undying gratitude, and I shall forever be in your debt.” Cheers broke out in the room as he bowed to each in turn before sitting back down. The tension that was so heavy a moment before was lifted, and Jeenie gave a grateful smile to Ashura for his understanding and kind response. She felt the parameters set by Lord Pompeux were too narrow, but from the expression on Ashura’s face, she could tell he expected that and more. There was nothing but gratitude and hope in those eyes, and she could feel some of her own worries lessen at the sight.

Once the applause had died down, Jeenie addressed the group, “Now, if there’s nothing else on this topic, we’ll move on to the updated export costs. As you’ve all no doubt heard, there will be an increase in cost for the guard services needed to transport and deliver goods. With the war continuing to the east, travel has become more dangerous for caravans, and escort prices have increased by 7% to reflect this. We will be subsidizing any who need assistance with this transition from our community funds. I have spoken with Lady Atianiza, and she has assured me that our budget should be able to handle six months of subsidies without strain. You can speak with me once the meeting has concluded for more information. Now, does anyone else have any pressing business to present before we adjourn?” Jeenie looked around the room. Mortimer looked like he wanted to speak, but Jovin kept him pinned to his chair with a look that could curdle milk. Ashura was writing notes, likely on the new job parameters for his people, but no one seemed to have anything pressing to say.

“Very well. I thank you for making time for this meeting, and we will reconvene in one month, on 1 Byelyn. Please make a note on your calendars, and I look forward to seeing all of you then. This meeting is adjourned.”

A slow din rose as people stood to leave. Some stopped to chat with colleagues, but many approached Ashura. It seemed like they had a path forward, and Jeenie couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Mortimer and Peety were in a heated discussion in one corner, and Jeenie made a mental note to keep an eye on them. The two of them were usually more bark than bite, but they had powerful friends with means, so they were far from toothless. She wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to sabotage these plans, but she knew neither had the stones to court disaster openly so she had time to thwart their plans. She already had a few eyes on them after Mortimer’s hateful rhetoric in previous meetings, but maybe she should add a few more, just to be safe. She gathered her things and began picking up chairs. This meeting was a roaring success in her estimation. The next one was with the guild leaders tomorrow, and she hoped to gain their support before returning to the Conclave with her report. She had to make sure this plan would go off without a hitch.

Lord Pompeux had been expressly clear: 

One problem and this stops. You better hope you’re right about this, Jeenie. If these refugees endanger our citizens, they will all be thrown out, and your feelings be damned. I won’t let that bleeding heart of yours stain this city on my watch. One shot is all you get, and your aim better be true.

Guild Master Meeting: 2 Everin

Jeenie arranged the tea and pastries on the table as Ashura watched her fidget.

“Everything looks fine, Jeenie,” he said in an attempt to be reassuring. This was the third time she’d moved those candies Before he could ask her to sit for a moment, a knock at the door told them their guests had arrived. Ashura had met the guild leaders before, and they weren’t a bad sort. Rolly had a penchant for pranks (he had learned quickly to keep his wits about him around her) and Jeremiah might look intimidating, but he worries about his charges with a heart even bigger than all those muscles.

Jeenie opened the door greeted the pair and led them to the small table she had set up in the stock room. As they sat down, three of the four made a silent note of the small blue candy that sat next to the sugar dish. This was the third guild leader saying hello. Ghost was an odd sort and the leader of the Order of the Black Rose, as much as anyone is. He, or she, only communicates using candy. Green for yes, red for no, yellow for goodbye, and blue for hello. Jeenie had put out other candies, but none in those colors, and none were molded into stars. No one ever saw them being placed, and it was only after she couldn’t find them sold anywhere that the guild leaders filled her in. Ashura gave no indication he noticed the sweet, and the other three made no mention of it.

“Thank you for agreeing to this meeting,” Jeenie said. “I’d like to begin…”

Ashura watched as Jeenie repeated the stipulations for beginning the integration of his people. He should have been paying attention, but he found himself a bit lost in his admiration of Jeenie.

She had organized all of this, and although he helped where he could, this meeting wouldn’t even be a fleeting thought without her. He could labor by her side for eternity and still barely begin to repay her kindness. He had led a group of frightened and desperate people fleeing a senseless war and being hunted for our desertion. He had feared he was leading them deeper into hell by chancing the mercy of another nation but instead had found an angel.

Taking one look at the bedraggled group, she alerted NEWS and tasked them with organizing the merchants for supplies, as well as the healers from HALO to tend to any wounded. He had spent most of his life on one battlefield or another, but never had he seen a general move with more efficiency and competence in his life. When he heard that sniveling elven bastard trying to intimidate her at the gate, he had run to her aid and still not made it before she had him set to rights and running off with his tail between his legs. He could barely suppress a smile at the memory.

“... and I think we can always use an extra set of hands,” Jeremiah said, bringing Ashura back to the conversation. “So, we’ll hold aside half of our intercity jobs and allow the refugees a probationary period until the Conclave allows us to make them official members. I bet this mess is Bolstry’s work,” he grumbled. “It’s never been so difficult to let in new prospective adventurers, but something’s got him spooked.”

“It’s this war,” Rolly interjected. “There aren’t many in the city that remember the last time fighting was so close to our borders. It doesn’t help that no one can get any real information about why they’re at war, either. Bolstry and Traguna see spies everywhere in the best of circumstances, and especially in those they consider beneath them.”

“Ashura, were you able to make lists of prospective adventurers?” Jeenie asked. “Yes, three lists, as you requested.” Ashura handed a list to each guild leader and a third to Jeenie. “I can personally vouch for every name on those lists. I think you’ll find each to be capable and eager to be of use.”

Rolly read the names with a mischievous grin. “I’m always glad for new recruits,” she giggled. “Let me get some jobs together and I’ll come by the camp to meet them. Day after next at midday?” she asked, looking to Jeremiah for confirmation. Travel through the gates was getting more difficult by the day, so it was best to reduce trips where possible. He nodded and she turned to Ashura who smiled. “We look forward to hosting you then,” he said as he stood to shake their hands in turn.

“Jeenie, it’s always a pleasure,” Jeremiah said as he grabbed two cookies for the road and gave her a big bear hug before making his way out the door.

“So, about the names on this list…” Rolly asked. Ashura laughed, “None of them are easily upset, and all have a great sense of humor.” She grinned and gave him a playful punch in the shoulder, “You learn fast, kiddo. See you soon!” She also grabbed a pastry or two for the road. They were from Jovin’s, so only a fool would do otherwise. He still wasn’t sure how to feel about someone who looked half his age calling him “kiddo,” but according to Jeenie Rolly was 96, so he supposed it was fair enough.

Once it was just the two of them, Ashura helped Jeenie clean up and close down the shop. His escort was waiting outside to take him back to the gate and his camp, and he bid farewell to Jeenie. He stood at the door for a moment after she closed the door and then made his way down the road with a heavy sigh, guard in tow.

Jeenie sat back down at the table after seeing Ashura out to find a small green candy where the blue one once rested. “Good to see you’re on board,” she said to the darkness. She closed her eyes as though communing with a spirit. “Were you able to find anything about the backers?” A red candy had replaced the green when she opened her eyes. She sighed, “And the other matter?” she asked the shadows. This time, she looked down to find a green candy sitting atop a small stack of reports. How do they do that?

She took a quick look at the papers and smiled. “This will buy us some time, at least. Thank you, Ghost. You may have saved us again.” She nodded to the yellow candy on the table before tucking the papers away in a locked drawer of her desk. It wasn’t long before exhaustion took her to bed. Her last thought was of Ashura, wondering if his fur was as beautifully soft as his soul.

*The months of the year are named in honor of this world’s pantheon. Starting at the beginning of the year (January), the months are recognized as follows:

Ozlin, Salaris, Dudaleighdu, Alyn, Guellon, Idon, Rossette, Tulon, Everin, Byelyn, Dutrisk, and Vosin.