Dodgy Dealings

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

The city of Camelot. Much could be said for such a place, but Vaughn was not here for the pure interest of it. No. For once, he had purpose here. At first, it had been to just casually attend the five day festivity, his seal granting him entrance in the castle. But it had been who he'd met, and what plans they had come up with, that kept him here. Just for the time being. Who would have though that Alistair would have come to him, with a plot, initiated by anger. The druid was certainly learning. For usually it was Vaughn who came up with the 'evil' plots to wreak havoc. But this time, it was the other way around. And that was what would make it rather interesting. They had a goal, to kidnap the princess of Gwent. A random person, but they had their reasons. Alistair had selected her and Vaughn had agreed to make the preparations.

While searching for imbeciles to be part of this, more so as a diversion while Vaughn took the ransom money and ran, he had come across one who offered some information. Apparently, a man by the name of Richard. It was explained to him that he could find him whatever he needed. This would certainly be a time saver, for then Vaughn would not have to scour the city, searching for people and supplies. Maybe this one man could help him with it all. And give him a decent price for it. Hopefully. But of course, Vaughn would not rely on a person's generosity. Everyone had greed and selfishness in their hearts, even if they denied it. There was no such thing as a selfless good deed. But Vaughn did not require generosity; only necessities to get the job done. So, based on the information, Vaughn found himself in one of the main taverns in the city: the Rising Sun. To make himself look more inconspicuous, he wore a dark cloak over his black clothing and armor.

Though he seldom did so, he also removed his two swords from his back, and put them at his side, concealed under his cloak. He was not stupid enough to go anywhere unarmed. He just needed to get as little attention as possible right now. For once. He hoped to find this Richard person in here. As soon as he entered, his eyes searched the crowd for a man who fit the description. Unfortunately, the physical description given to Vaughn had been 'medium height, light hair, and nice clothing'. Everyone here looked as if they could fit this description. There looked to be some men here who could be nobles, some dressed in armor, others in better quality clothing than an average citizen. Yes. Certainly not easy to narrow down. That is, not until he saw someone of familiarity. It had been the man who had told him about Richard, who was sitting with someone else, who could very well be this infamous man.

Vaughn decided to inquire about it and approached the two men who were seated in a corner table. The man, who went by the name Boris apparently, looked at Vaughn when he was standing right near the table. "You! I was just telling Richard about you." Now most would not like being referred to as 'you'. But Vaughn had purposely withheld his name from Boris. Especially in the city where he was about to commit a grand crime. Vaughn's gaze went to Richard, barley acknowledging Boris' words. "I told Richard that I knew a man, who was looking for, things." 'Things' because Vaughn had also not told Boris what he needed. That information was only for Richard's ears. Vaughn looked at Boris very briefly so that he knew his next words would be meant for him. "Good bye," he said in a nonchalant, but serious tone. Boris seemed to take the hint. He awkwardly stood up, yet lingered.

"I'll just take me leave then," he said. There was an expectant tone in his voice. Vaughn understood. Had no one else been around, he would have just gotten rid of the idiot. But with so many people present, he needed to be smart. Vaughn took out a couple of coins from his pocket and tossed them to the man. With that done, Boris was gone and Vaughn took his seat across from Richard on the small circular table. "Seems everything has a price these days," Vaughn began, with a slight smirk. He was not surprised about having to pay the man for his information. Nor did he care. Nor did he like people enough to want to care. Awaiting any words Richard had to offer, Vaughn raised his hand to the bar maid to bring him a tankard of mead. Since he was here, my as well have a drink. Or look like he was having one.

[[ Tag Richard ]]

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[Richard de Calys]

The news of a job was always good news, and this one sounded particularly interesting, mainly because he didn't actually know anything about it. He'd been approached by a man, Boris, who had informed him that he knew someone who could benefit from his services. Whoever the man was he liked mystery causing Richard to quickly decide he liked him, he liked people who were over dramatic. So he had gone to the Rising Sun to meet this mystery customer with plenty of expectation. He had gathered that it was probably something immoral, well, immoral by most people's standards. Richard usually didn't care for much frivolities - you could lose a good day's money from morals.

He was enjoying his first drink when a man approached them - Boris was also there, but not for long. Their mutual acquaintance was quickly gotten rid of and the man sat down opposite him. Richard was pleased - he looked as he'd expected: dark and interesting, which probably meant this job was going to be fun. He greeted the man warmly; although he'd lost his inheritance he'd retained his manners. "Good day to you sir. How may I be of assistance?"

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn just stared at the man. Even when the bar maid came to deliver his drink, the nomad's eyes were fixated on Richard. After an undetermined passage of time, a few moments perhaps, Vaughn chuckled. He did not answer his question, but rather, released a deep chuckle regarding it. The man seemed far too polite. Too polite to be a shady dealer of sorts. Could he actually ask him for random items, expecting that they would be given. With minimal inquisition as to why that is. There was just something about this Richard. He heard praise of him from Boris, yet Vaughn never trusted the words of others. He often had to assess the situation, or person, for himself.

"Now how is it a man like you, got into a business such as this." he did not know if Richard would answer his question. Or maybe it was a statement. His words of good nature, politeness, and proper phrasing had just, not been what Vaughn was expecting. He was expecting a shifty figure. To demand what he wanted, and sort out payment right away. Seems this Richard stood out a bit more than the general stereotype of men in his trade.

[Richard de Calys]

Richard was beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable by the man’s constant staring. It was slightly off-putting to say the least, but he kept smiling because letting someone know how uncomfortable you were was hardly a good idea - especially when said person would probably use it with great effect to their advantage. And now the man was laughing…was this a good thing? Richard was used to dealing with men of similar stature while still retaining his hold over the situation, he liked to think that he could handle anything, but he was definitely put on edge at the moment. He didn’t much care for it. Still, he kept composed, and he kept smiling and reminded himself that this job was likely to be a good one.

At the man’s words Richard allowed himself a small laugh. This was not the first time someone had been surprised when putting his reputation and character together and it always amused Richard. No doubt they were expecting someone older, thinner, paler, with dirty clothes and downcast eyes and the capacity for a maximum of three words per sentence. Well, Richard liked words and he liked flamboyant clothing and holding his head high and all manner of things that reflected his status, and, what’s more, he liked being the opposite of people’s expectations. It was always more fun that way.

He leaned backwards into his chair and said, “We have not been properly introduced. I am Richard de Calys, Duke of Cantia-” he managed to give a slight bow whilst sitting down, an action he had perfected over the years. “And as for ‘business such as this’ (which, incidentally was a phrase Richard loathed - it made him feel less unique) I have my father and his debts to thank for that. So,” he leaned forward again, propping one elbow on the table, “what is it you wanted, Mr Mystery Man?”

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Duke? Did that man just say duke? Vaughn was going to murder Boris. The imbecile sent him to a Duke. Did he know? Probably not. The man was not the most perceptive person out there, but still. If Richard offered this information of position so easily to Vaughn; then surely he was not the only who knew. Though Vaughn was surprised to hear this most unexpected revelation, he kept an amused smile on his lips. It was a bit humorous. To think that a duke, managed to obtain such a reputation. As a dealer. And now, he was sitting in a tavern dealing with a stranger to acquire what he needed. It was almost as humorous as a knight sitting in a tavern, trying to gather items for the kidnapping of a princess. The world was a funny place.

So the man had debt. Interesting. Did he actually find that his, business helped relieve those debts? At least put a dent in them? Family truly was a nuisance. Only causing more harm than good. Vaughn did not bother asking any of these particular questions. Nor was he as willing to explain what he needed. The items of necessity were ones that could lead one to think that something, illegal was to take place. Vaughn could not compromise this plan by asking a Duke for these things. "A Duke," Vaughn said, chuckling as he shook his head. "Do people actually trust your discretion?" He asked. The words were on the verge of an insult really, questioning his ability to be private in his dealings. He must have some level of discretion if he gained such a reputation. But regardless, Vaughn had to question it.

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[Richard de Calys]

Hmm…in Richard’s experience most people were impressed at his high status. The man in front of him was not. It was utterly absurd. And now his discretion was being questioned. Was the man insane? Richard had spent the last few years building up his reputation, was this new acquaintance really implying that this was done without his being discrete?

Richard, as the Duke of Cantia, had no ties or loyalty towards any land or peoples other than those of his homeland. He therefore didn’t take any sides in his dealings. People gave him money and favours, he got them what he wanted. It didn’t matter who they were or why they came to him, as long as he got paid. He never asked his customer’s purposes and, should they indulge him, he never spoke of them. In his line of work discretion was extremely important and something he prided himself on.

He tried to smile politely but his offence was probably shining through. “How else do you think I have built such a reputation? Not by running to the king, I assure you.”

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

It was indeed clear that Vaughn had offended this man. But if he had cared about doing such a thing, he would have asked his question in a very different way. With a different tone. And a different manner. And probably different words. But Vaughn did not care. "Depends on what sort of clientele you have." He was stilling smirking over this whole thing. A man of such, prestige, in these circumstances. "If people come to you for good priced jewelery and garments, then it makes sense." Again, he was mocking him. For Vaughn knew, or at least had been told, that Richard dealt with a great deal more than small little trinkets.

"Certainly a man with such status as duke, could have found more, desirable work than, this." Vaughn knew his life was none of his business, nor that he cared. But the nomad enjoyed annoying people. Provoking them. Even if he may still yet require his services. That was what the coin in Vaughn's pocket was for. But for the time being, he needed to find out more about this man. While he would never trust him, he needed to be at least some what assured that he would not go running and tell other people. Especially since the kidnapping of Princess Isadora de Caerleon would be big news in the city.

[Richard de Calys]

Insults disguised as banter was clearly the man’s first language, and Richard was happy to indulge him - after all, it paid to keep the customer happy. At his jewellery comment Richard smiled and inclined his head. He could easily attain such items, they were easy, and then he inquired innocently with raised eyebrows, “Is that what you are after? Jewellery and garments?”

His good mood was rather deflated by the man’s next words. While it was true that he took pride in his status there was certainly a derogatory tone in the man’s voice, or at least Richard thought there was. That irritated him - he was still the man’s better. In fact, in the whole tavern he was everyone’s better. How quickly people forgot when you did not have the money to show for it. But he still had the manners, the title, the mindset and certainly the pride to more than make up for his financial circumstances. He was also irritated by the man’s apparent mocking of his profession. Why had he sought Richard if only to judge and comment? He was the one who needed Richard, not the other way around.

It was not, by any stretch of the imagination ‘desirable’ work, but Richard liked to think he was making the best of a bad situation. He had been thrown into the world with nothing but his name - and now look at him. He had a name, a reputation across Albion. People came to him. People needed him and his expertise. And, most importantly, he had come to rather enjoy it and did not take kindly to those he wanted to comment about it. Especially when such commentators were those who wanted his help. Richard was in charge of the situation, not whoever sat opposite him. “It is certainly desirable to you, is it not?”

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn noticed the way he was decided to return the tease. It only made Vaughn smirk even more. So the duke had patience. Some would not stand for this. Many who held the same job as him, would have walked out by now. Well, if the man was a duke, he was raised with good manners and proper etiquette. Then again, Vaughn was raised as a 'knight' and he lacked all the traits associated with this supposedly honorable title. "Perhaps it is," he said casually. Obviously, it was not. "Is that is how you have built your reputation with though," he said, going back to understanding how the hell people trusted a duke to get what they needed. "Or am I one of the few privy to the knowledge of your true status." He doubted he was, as the information had come so swiftly. But, he was still trying to determine the man's discretion. So far, he gathered he was a man of few words. Yet, held good manners.

Which meant so far, he knew nothing of the man's discretion. When he questioned that it was desirable or him, Vaughn leaned back a bit, as if inspecting the man in front of him, a gleam of amusement still in his eyes. "Nothing about you is desirable," he said jokingly, purposely phrasing it in such a way to suggest he took his comment in an inappropriate way. At least this time, the joke was not made to insult him. Well, sort of. "There are many men who are in your field of work. What is it about you, a duke that makes others trust you." Had no one else found a problem with this? Were they caught for their shady actions because of it? Or, had Richard just never had a customer who was a criminal.

[Richard de Calys]

At the man's comment Richard let out a laugh. Anyone who knew Richard would know it was completely impossible for him to not tell everyone his status. For a while it was the only thing he had to his name, and now, although he had his reputation, he still liked people to know just how much their better he was. "Of course you are not." He replied with a tone that almost suggested the man was an idiot for thinking differently. "What is the point in having a title if you don't use it?" He suspected that his prospective customer did not care for nobility in the slightest, so he then added, "But surely it is my reputation you should be most interested in? That is how you found me, after all."

He was under scrutiny, which, alright, was understandable, but it didn't mean Richard was comfortable with it. Most of his customers were happy to rely on Richard's reputation alone. The fact that this man was different, was so much more careful, suggested his was after something special, something important and most likely, something fun. So Richard was going to just have to put up with the interrogation if he wanted to enjoy himself later.

Hmm. That was a good question and something Richard didn't usually give much thought to. People trusted him, end of. Why? Because he got the job done. He hadn't actually realised how much he relied on his name and reputation until it was being taken away from him. He was having to think on his feet, normally he would enjoy the challenge, but today it was just irritating. "Perhaps it is because I have no loyalty to Camelot. Arthur, Morgana, they're the same to me. As long as I make money I don't care who's in charge. And, as I'm sure you'll agree, being a duke certainly gives me higher quality contacts."

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Ah. At long last the man was opening up. Relaxing some. Interesting question. What was the point of having a title if one did not use it. Vaughn surely was not the only exception. He had a title, well, he could should he choose. But he made a point not to use it. Why was a title the source of pride? What did it matter. It did not make a person better than another. But of course, pride was something many people were the victims of. It was quite pathetic really. "Discretion," Vaughn said, going back to that point. "I am merely surprised that others trust you in spite of your title. Especially since, from what I heard, you deal with less, high class citizens." Now, Vaughn was trying to get back to the point. Trying to find out how accurate Boris' recommendation was.

But Richard's next words began to answer Vaughn's somewhat unspoken questions. Interesting. Richard mentioned Arthur and Morgana, but not the king himself? Now why was that? "I don't care about your high quality contacts," he said smirking, finding that irrelevant. It made sense that higher quality contacts who needed something done, would go to a duke. It was more the, lower quality contacts that Vaughn was curious about. The bums off the street, such as himself, who needed items that would cause suspicion. "I care about making sure I get what I need. And that you can collect them with no questions asked. And no answers given."

When this plan was executed, there would undoubtedly be a reward for any information pertaining to the princess. Would Richard try to offer some possibly helpful information to help get the reward? Or to become closer to the royal family of either Camelot or Gwent? These were the questions Vaughn had. And he would have to see how Richard took to his words before telling him precisely what he needed to get his job done.

[Richard de Calys]

Ah, yes, they were back to discretion. Clearly - as Richard's new acquaintance seemed so fond of implying - the aristocracy were incapable of such feats. Discretion should be left to the lower classes. Well, Richard was very discrete, and feeling insulted again that it should be questioned. Did the man not understand how reputations were built? They were not just conjured from thin air. It took hard work, and Richard had done just that. He deserved what he had and was taking offence at the man's attitude towards it.

"I deal with whoever needs my help." Richard replied casually and honestly. In his personal life, Richard was vain and arrogant and held nobility and royalty above all other forms of life, in his work however he was not lucky enough to be that picky. While it was true he was incredibly good at his...field, he would not be in the position he was now if he ignored half of his market.

The man certainly had no manners, and if Richard was not the gentleman that he was he would have said so much. But he was a gentleman, and in need of the man's money so he just smiled politely and waited for him to finish before explaining in his "business" tone: "That is what I'm here for, sir. No questions, no problems, just what you want. I'm here to help you, not question or judge you." It was a line that he often used, and with an almost one hundred per cent success rate. Hopefully it would pursued the man to open his purse.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

It was practically impossible to ignore the discretion in the man's voice. He seemed fairly confident in his abilities to attain what Vaughn would need. And equally confident in being able to keep business between only them. While Vaughn trusted no one, he was slowly leaning towards the possibility of actually using this man. It was just a shame that no more other than Boris could vouch for him. But perhaps it was a good thing. For it meant that while the man had a great reputation, he was also discreet in his dealings. Vaughn smirked staying quiet for a few moments, a rarity for him, as he mentally debated what to do. This would indeed be the easiest, quickest and most efficient way to get the required supplies. "I am indifferent to judgment. Judge me as much as you like." Vaughn knew people judged him all the time.

In fact, he was often amused by it. Finding it more reason to leave a rather negative impression, for his own entertainment of course. No. It was not the judgment he cared about, it was his silence he needed; his ability to not pry. And Vaughn would find out soon enough if it was something well within Richard's capacity. "It is your silence I require. As well as a list of supplies." Now, he was getting to the root of this conversation; the purpose of it. But, he would have to somewhat test the man before him. Not with the first thing he needed though. "Rope." The first and most important thing. "I need a very strong and sturdy rope. One that is by no means easy to cut through." He needed it strong for when they kidnapped the princess. So that she could not wiggle free from it.

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[Richard de Calys]

A rope? Was he serious? All this sizing him up and questioning is discretion and all he wanted was a rope? Brilliant. Richard had been expecting something fun, something exciting, something that would take a lot more hardwork and effort. A rope was one of the simplest things in the world to procure, could the man not find one himself?

He would have sighed, only that would have been unprofessional. Oh this was going to be boring, and that was such a shame. This man had the potential to be such a good customer. But no, he wanted a rope. It better be for a damned good reason.

Hmm. 'Strong and not easy to cut through'. That did sound promising, perhaps the excitement would come, at least he hoped it would. It was true that Richard worked to live, but also to amuse himself. That was why he enjoyed his job so much, why he strove to find the most interesting clients. He would be rather put out if this man let him down.

But, still, a job was a job and he was not at liberty to voice his opinions so he simply inclined his head and replied, "A rope? That should be simple enough. What else will you be requiring?"

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Good. The rope part seemed to go smoothly. He asked no questions; just simply complied with the order. Then again, it was just rope. Nothing too exciting. But Vaughn was just getting started. "I also need one dozen daggers." His words were blunt and extremely casual for ordering such an abundance of weapons. He really did not need that many. He had only about half that many men, but he wanted to see Richard's reaction. Watching him carefully, Vaughn wanted to see if he detected any sort of uncertainty about fulfilling such an order. An order that could arm a small army. Well, very small army. And they were just daggers after all. "And probably one dozen swords as well." There we go. Two different weapons. It would be far more than he needed, but it could never hurt to have extras.

Vaughn smirked, as if he had no problem ordering these things. He had already interrogated the duke and there was nothing else he could really say to him in terms of trusting a duke with this kind of order. Or perhaps trust was the incorrect term. There was no alternative. He heard that Richard was the best and would now put this theory to the test. "Should you not be writing these things down? I am only just getting started." Was his memory any good? If he messed up Vaughn's order, then that would create a whole entire issue that the nomad would have with the duke of Cantia.

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[Richard de Calys]

Richard simply nodded at the man's next request, managing to shield his disappointment and adding the new items to his mental list. He was good with lists. Daggers and swords would not be any problem whatsoever, or any fun for that matter. This man was quickly becoming a least favourite customer of Richard's. He had all the makings of a great one, so it was even more disappointing when he asked for such mundane things. "Anything specific?" He asked in the hopes that there would be some hard work to do rather than just a quick stroll to a blacksmiths. "Or will any swords and daggers do?"


"Ah yes, I'll write it down and then we will have some lovely written proof this conversation took place." Richard replied sarcastically. He shouldn't be using such a tone in front of a customer, and certainly not in front of a customer such as this man, but he was becoming increasingly irritated by the man's constant doubt in his abilities. Lists were hardly difficult to remember and everything the man asked for was easy and dull. Twelve daggers, twelve swords and rope...marvellous. Not a hint of imagination there. Well, at least it would be a quick job and then he would be free to find himself a proper customer.

He would have become more hopeful at the "just getting started" comment, but the man had already let him down with a rope and simple weapons. He'd probably ask for something like a new shirt, he could definitely do with one. Richard would never be seen in such a state as this man. "What else can I get you then?" And please can it be something fun?

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[Vaughn Adeney]

Good. So far, so good. The numerous amount of swords and daggers did not cause him any sort of alarm, nor did they raise the slightest hint of curiosity. That was what Vaughn was looking for; detachment. In fact, his 'order' thus far seemed to have the opposite effect on Richard. Instead of being curious, he seemed rather casual about it. Perhaps Vaughn would get more from him that he initially needed. "Whatever you find that is most durable." So that idiots could use it. Because the men he hired were not at all skilled. He only needed them as leverage to take the money and run.

But if there were any survivors, then he would have to dispose of them. Richard's sarcastic remark only made Vaughn chuckle. Insulting the man certainly was fun. Now, it was time to move on to the next required item. "Have you ever heard of the morteous flower?" One of the strongest poisons. Dwelling in an extremely dangerous location. And also, highly difficult to cure. And when conjured by magic, it was even more difficult. "I am going to need a handful of those." Was this too impossible for the Duke of Cantia? Is this where his reputation betrayed him or did him justice? It would not be the most obscure item Vaughn asked for but it was a start.

"And while you are at it, find someone who can place an enchantment on it to make it act quicker. Unless you yourself possess some skills in sorcery?" His question was a bit sarcastic, but it could indeed be the case. It was not as if all sorcerer's stuck out like a store thumb. Vaughn had traveled enough of the world to know this. As well as have his own fair share of encounters with sorcerers and witches. But this was where it also got a bit more dangerous...sort of. As magic was outlawed. Which raised the question of whether the man would risk his life in obtaining these things, or if he felt it not worth the risk. "Will that cost extra?" He asked casually, and a bit sarcastically, since money was not the issue.

[Richard de Calys]

Durable swords, well, that wasn't the most informative description to work with, but Richard knew more than enough blacksmiths to see to that. It still wasn't very interesting though. It couldn't possibly be a sword that has shed the blood of a thousand men, or a sword that once belonged to a great king. No, it was durable sword.

The next item, however, provided Richard with much more interested. A morteous flower? He had not, in fact, heard of such a thing yet he was not going to admit to that. It did no good in his line of work to admit to not knowing something. Reputations could easily be broken by a moment's ignorance. "Yes, I have heard of it." He lied, he was a rather good liar, which was how he managed to build such a reputation in the first place. "It may take a while to find you such an item, though." Mainly because he had to find out exactly what that was, but he knew people who would so it would not be a hard task, just a lengthy one. With any luck he'd find a supplier, he'd tried to find a specific plant once before and ended up with a broken leg and temporary blindness. Needless to say, he wasn't terribly enthusiastic about doing that again. If he couldn't find a supplier he would simply have to find someone to obtain said flower for him, there were plenty of people who owed him favours after all.

A please would be nice, Richard thought, but he'd seen enough of this man to not be surprised at his rudeness. And where in Camelot was he going to find a sorceror? This was definitely going to cost extra. To find one he would be risking his own life, but to turn down such a job he'd be risking his reputation and his only source of income. He took his time in considering what exactly this would mean before answering. Eventually he leant forward, forearms resting on the table and spoke in a quieter tone, if anyone overheard this both men could be executed for sorcery. "I can find someone easily enough." Another lie. "But yes, it will cost you extra, how much are you willing to pay?"