Thanatyr
Member
4,429 words
Thana as Fiora
Valero as Vaferis
“I’m telling you darling, that’s just a story. Check the children’s section,” the elderly woman peered past her half-moon glasses. Below her wrinkled nose sat an open book, with several more stacked around the desk she stood at. Behind the desk stood row upon row of bookshelves, covered with a wide assortment of publications.
Numerous people flitted about, enough that a bored velen conexus officer was stationed to keep watch near the door to the facility. His post, as providence would have it, was stationed close enough to a staircase so that the man could lean on the railing, yawning at nearly regular intervals.
“Fine, fine,” Fiora waved her hands in front of the book, disrupting the woman from reading for what was obviously not the first time. Annoyance flickered across the old librarian’s eyes, and she raised a questioning eyebrow to the young woman. Fiora pulled her hands back, and smiled, “if you don’t have anything on the Fæstrines for my report, where can I find historical readings on vistra through the centuries? I’ll try my luck, and I’ll be out of your hair. Promise.”
“Second floor, Section A-Eight, look between rows six and eight,” the woman finally answered, pointing to the stairs near the guard, “good luck finding your make belief exploding vistra, girl.”
“Thank you,” Fiora forced herself to smile, hiding a scowl, and she turned to search for more information.
The ears of another reader perked up at the mention of vistra. Although the robust laicar man had stopped reading his book, he kept his eyes on the pages. He did enjoy mulling over historical texts, but that was not the primary reason he congregated at such a place. No, the reason he truly waited there was for people like her.
He placed one hand flat on the table. His brown eyes fixed on the demvir opposite him. The demvir received his signal, as subtle as it was, and lifted himself out of his seat. The laicar closed his book and did the same. After patting down his loose purple shirt to iron out any creases, he turned and followed the woman as if he was intending on heading to the same section. His metal cohort remained close, but kept stopping to analyse a book here and there. He was used to fading into the background to avoid suspicion.
They climbed the stairs to the second floor lackadaisically, as if they had all the time in the world. After all, the man in purple knew exactly where the intriguing woman was going.
Leave it to the arcanum to keep every book in the strangest location. Fiora strolled down the main marble walkway, glancing at the placards for section one. Basic studies of magic, one larger volume titled “Serpens spells and self-defense. ARE YOU PREPARED?” lay on the ground, she ignored it and laughed to herself, adjusting her jacket.
Three rows of tables separated the sections, sparsely filled with what appeared to be students reading for their spring final exams. One Demvir, she noticed, had installed a rotating plate on his forearm, and was etching notes into one side. If the professors at his academy were any good, they would catch that cheat before he got to the second question.
Coming to the history section, the spurii counted off rows. Basic history of Terminus filled the first and second rows, written accounts since the cataclysm. Beyond that were accounts of explorers that travelled beyond the great city. Then, row six. Beast sightings, tall tales which were accounted as hearsay, of no consequence but still something to be filled. Fiora’s leather gloved hand brushed across the embossed metal. This would do as a place to start, she hummed quietly and began perusing the titles.
The plump laicar and his demvir companion meandered slowly along the rows of books. When they arrived at the aisle where Fiora was browsing, the demvir ceased his actions, picked up a book and feigned interest. He ensured that his master remained in his peripheral vision as the man wandered down the row, glancing at all of the history books and their eye-catching titles. There was one book in particular that he recognised, one that he had read previously. The state of the world was the way it was because of what happened in the past. A lot could be learned from history, that was why the man was so interested in the content of books.
The knowledgeable man tucked his current book under his arm so that he could grasp the book he recognised off the shelf. He opened it and scanned through some of its contents briefly. After closing it almost as quick as he opened it, he finally turned to address the woman with a warm smile.
“Excuse me, Miss,” he said. He was very well-spoken and precise with his pronunciation of words, that much was clear from the first words he spoke. “I do apologise for interrupting your search, but I could not help overhearing your discussion regarding vistra. I was wondering, is there any way that I could be of assistance?”
“I’m just writing a report on the airship explosion a few months ago,” Fiora lied, not focusing her attention up right away. She finished reading the passage she was on, one that detailed a farmer running into a wild animal that she could only assume was a wild felvar. Closing the book she peered up, smiling politely.
“Really I’m just curious if these things could really exist,” she let out a few words of truth, not everyone had to know her motives. Her eyes checked over the man and his metallic companion.
“I’ve heard of eyewitness accounts that say the way the explosion appeared is eerily similar to the story of the fæstrines,” she neglected saying she was the one who saw both. Fiora knew, not just thought, that the vistra was to blame. “So, if you happen to be an exceptionally well dressed scholar on children’s stories come to life, by all means, I’m all ears.”
“Ahh, yes, I heard about that airship disaster,” the merchant said. He rubbed his chin for a moment and arched his eyebrows as he tried to place the story that Fiora spoke of.
“If something was behind that tragic event, then a great panic could ensue. If it was truly a vistra, then that could make matters even worse. Fæstrines, you say?”
He shrugged his shoulders lightly.
“The name rings familiar but I cannot place the story.”
The red-faced man glanced around the current aisle of books briefly. They were the only two in sight.
“I have been researching into the mystic powers across the world. The sort that someone may bump into if they went wandering into ancient ruins. Perhaps I could help you with that report of yours.”
Taken aback, Fiora let his comment hang in the air for several seconds as she pondered. She started to speak, stopped abruptly, and inhaled sharply.
“One problem with that, beyond that fact that we just met,” Fiora finally spoke. Her knuckles rested on her cheek and she tried to analyze the man.
“The mountain the creature is from, if there was anything on it, was reportedly reduced to rubble. That and the location of the mountain is completely unknown, to everything but this miraculously homing monster that’s been spotted only once since the airship. Are you offering to have me as part of an airship crew surveying a mountain range so rife with danger, it’s mostly uninhabited?”
She laughed quietly, “Sorry. I tend to focus at the bad side of things. Do over? You can call me Fiora. And you are?”
The man remained quiet at the woman’s skeptical comments. He even seemed humble while Fiora spoke her mind. His patience obviously paid off when she decided to give her name. A warm smile lifted itself onto his round face.
“My name is Vaferis,” he said and bowed his head lightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fiora.”
The merchant had always been a good listener, even as a child. He was used to picking faults in the words of others, trying to puzzle out ulterior motives. Though he would never admit it, he enjoyed trying to solve the mysteries of other people's minds.
“If it were down to me, I would not send an airship after a creature that is causing uproar by destroying an airship. Besides, sending someone to such a place seems quite drastic for a reporter.”
Vaferis chuckled heartily.
“Look at me, already assuming it was the creature you spoke of that did this. To an average citizen it would seem unjustified to draw such a conclusion so quickly.”
A smile remained on the laicar’s face as an aftermath of his laugh.
“Then again, most average citizens have not seen a vistra in person, and thus are ignorant of the impact they can have on the world.”
“You could say that again,” Fiora whispered, barely audible. She coughed, realizing she said that aloud, and spoke more clearly, “I wouldn’t say that the airship is a problem with the creature, after all the explosion came from within the lower structure. As if it was being carried like common cargo.”
She set the book she had been reading back upon the shelf, ensuring she did not get it in the wrong place. Satisfied, she began to scan across the spines for any other titles that caught her eye, and she continued almost absentmindedly.
“However, the strange thing is that section of the airship was reported empty. We...” shit, did she say that out loud? Fiora prayed to Serpens that the word was garbled.
“... the crew was fairly certain that the central cargo bay was empty on their voyage. On the particular model of airship they had, it was used more for overhead loading and unloading, yet none of the documented ports of call beforehand quite fit the bill.”
She found a smaller book, the leather faded with age, titled ‘Knights of Excelsa’, and drew the volume out, tucking it under her arm.
“Add to that, this was thought to be sabotage, but the engine room where anything volatile of the nature was further up between the pontoons, and there’s nothing where the dancing flames could have originated from. At least, nothing normal on a cargo vessel.”
“Ahh,” Vaferis breathed after she had finished speaking. His expression had not shifted at all while she explained the current details of her report to him, a stranger. It seemed as though she was more desperate for help than she was letting on. Then there was the verbal faux pas...
“It seems as though you've gathered quite a lot of detail for this report of yours.”
The merchant stroked the top of his forehead, where his dark hair was beginning to recede.
“Could the explosion have been from an incendiary concoction meant to down the flight?”
“Depending on which conexus Captain you ask, yes,” Fiora had to admit grudgingly, the official story was making rounds amazingly fast. To the point of even here in the Arcanum libraries she had to say she was writing a report and not investigating the accident. Telling a librarian that closer to her apartment led to a week wasted searching through the wrong archives.
“Still, the way the flames moved,” she shuddered involuntarily, the ghosts of those fires haunted her vision, “they just had to be alive. Also, they were outside of the superstructure before the explosion. If the airship wasn’t moved away from the more public areas of the docks before it all happened, we might have more eye witnesses. More people that believe in this creature, or were willing to take on the bounty.”
Vaferis straightened his back. His friendly smile suddenly deepened.
“I’ve learned to recognise when somebody is speaking from experience, Fiora,” the merchant said in a matter-of-factly tone. His voice lowered as he leaned closer to her. “To see what you have seen and have nobody believe you, nobody stand with you in your corner. How infuriating it must be to fight against the system alone, to receive no answers to all of your questions.”
The laicar looked down to the books folded under his arm. It had been a while since something exciting had crossed his path. He’d been looking for an unfamiliar face to add to his contact list. Many in the money-driven world would have perked up after hearing the word ‘bounty’, but Vaferis often looked past the gains that were placed right in front of him. Someone owing him a favour was much more valuable than exa.
“Fortunately for you, I’m not discouraged. I’m sure there’s a way that we can come to an arrangement, so I can help you with your current investigation.”
“An arrangement?” Fiora questioned, her brow furrowed, “is this going to be something I should have my lawyer check over? Not that he’ll be impressed, I mean my legal budget was pretty much spent for the next few years as is.”
She sighed, and collected her thoughts. Other than Diana and her brother, this man was one of the first people that seemed willing to help her. She resolved to at least hear the man out, “you know what, never mind. Sure, let’s hear about this help you’re offering Mr. Vaferis.”
“I can assure you, I’m not offering anything untoward,” the merchant said with a short laugh. “I realise how it must have sounded, but I am a legitimate member of the Commercium, and I pride myself on my reputation. Alas, I cannot commit resources out of goodwill, and nothing is free in this world.”
Vaferis turned away and glanced at the demvir stood at the end of the aisle.
“Let us at least find a table,” the pleasant man suggested, but the demvir was already making his way towards one. Vaferis turned back to Fiora.
“Oh, don't worry about him. He's just my assistant.”
He gestured towards the table.
“Now, shall we?”
“Certainly, lets,” Fiora followed suit, taking a seat opposite from Vaferis. She set the book she found to the side, and wove her gloved fingers together in front of her, and coughed to clear her throat. The demvir he had mentioned didn’t faze the spurii, she focused instead on not accidentally revealing any more information.
“You may have heard of my father, as he is a member of the Commercium and head of his own company in Prenditus. He taught me a few things about negotiations, and never working for free,” she aimed to speak clearly, hiding the stress in her voice, “so the resources you spoke of, what would sort of deal are we talking about?”
The merchant sat down at the table and his demvir companion remained a few paces away, studying more books. Vaferis straightened his purple shirt as soon as he was comfortable. He seemed amused by the fact that Fiora had relations in the Commercium, especially since he used to operate in Prenditus.
“Since you already seem to have some experience with the Commercium, I’m sure you understand how we rely on our contacts,” Vaferis began. He laid his arms flat on the desk and leaned his head forward. “I’ve been organising an expedition. The funding is in order, as is transportation and equipment. I am only lacking a few hands-on individuals.”
The plump laicar paused for a moment, and then explained his intentions as simply as he could.
“Help me on this short expedition and I’ll fund your investigation of the Fæstrines.”
Fiora’s face went slack, she forced herself to show a stern contemplative facade. Internally she was screaming yes, and jumping for joy. Thoughts of seeing, nay, saving Ventus from the creature she believed infected him. All of that, for an expedition? Did it even matter where he wanted to send her? Short must mean they knew what they were after. Maybe he wanted her for her experience working on an airship.
“There has to be a bit more to it than that,” she acknowledged after what must have been minutes, she leaned back and ran her hands through the hair on the back of her head.
“I may need to clear a few things off my schedule,” she lied, other than practice sparring and cleaning up the shop after hours, her days were currently free, “what sort of people are you looking to bring onto this expedition of yours? I’m curious where I would fit in.”
Though questions came out of her mouth instead of a definitive answer, Vaferis was convinced that she could be swayed. If she was not interested in his offer, she would have left. She would not have started asking for more details.
“I seek the sort of people who hold a strong will and determination,” the merchant said in his well-spoken accent. “I can see that you fall under that category, simply from overhearing your conversation with the librarian. The determination you have to seek this creature is truly admirable.”
Vaferis shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. He couldn't seem to get comfortable. He was, after all, used to chairs crafted by some of the most renowned men and women of their trade. Regardless, finding an interesting contact was worth having a stiff back for a day.
“There are a few others who I am presently in the process of recruiting. One in particular is in immediate need of my help. I believe he will be most cooperative.”
A strong will and determined? Fiora was glad he didn’t see her shut down because a car backfired, retreating into her mind and curling up on the ground. Then again, her last episode was weeks ago. Talking things over helped, at least a little.
The chance that Lorenzo would let her traipse off while a supremacist gang wanted her head was amazingly slim. Maybe if her brother met Vaferis, asked his own questions. That or if Diana came along, but then she would need a leave of absence. Couldn’t hurt to ask, either way.
Smiling she held out her right hand, “sounds like we have a deal, shake on it? Or would you prefer to go over paperwork at a later time?”
Vaferis smiled and took her hand, grasping firmly.
“I’m assuming you’ll want all of the details I have on this expedition, so I’ll begin with the basics.”
The merchant released her hand and as if he was called upon, the demvir pulled some papers out of a bag resting at his side. The silent assistant placed the papers on the table and Vaferis analysed the documents to ensure they were what he needed.
“First of all, the expedition is taking place at a site further north, in Arctoa. The locals call it Ásvaskur. In case you’ve never heard of it, it appears to be some sort of ruined city, buried in the ice and snow. It was believed to be a velen city since there used to be a lake there, but the scholars can only speculate. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please ask.”
“Buried under who knows how much ice and snow sounds ominous. This isn’t going to be a heavy lifting job, where we’re glorified miners, I hope.”
The fact that it was a velen city made her heart skip a beat. That was one aspect of herself she had not explored quite so fully.
“No, nothing like that,” Vaferis assured her. He maintained his friendly smile as he pushed the documents to the centre of the table. “The mining crew has already been organised.”
The words left the merchant‘s mouth, but the woman sitting opposite didn't seem to acknowledge them.
Did this man somehow guess at her parentage? No, couldn’t be that. She shuffled in her seat, fidgeting with her jacket to ensure it was in place. Sweeping back her a loose lock of hair from her face, Fiora reached out to take the small stack of papers.
“So if this is to the far north, how are you getting your team that’s so well selected and whatever may be needed up there? Boat, airship? Or are we sledding it?”
The tall demvir man silently walked around to the other side of the table and flipped over the first few documents in front of Fiora, until a map was revealed. Terminus was highlighted in a yellow marker, along with a bunch of other areas ranging from the Sea of Occidens, Elata Spiritus and several paths drawn through Arctoa. Some were marked yellow, others green and some were red.
“Aerial transport would have been the easiest, but it is not feasible due to the unpredictability of the northern weather, paired with a lack of area to land. It is also the most expensive.”
Vaferis’ assistant returned to his side and placed his hands behind his back, content with listening to the laicar explain his plan.
“We looked at the selection of ships willing to sail to Arctoa, but disembarking at the closest shore would land us about as far away from the site as Terminus is. We’d be almost doubling the length of the journey unnecessarily. Travelling by land is the easiest and safest option. I’ve even hired some experts on the area to guide us so that we don’t stray.”
Fiora’s fingers strayed over some of the markers, she nodded in agreement as the man spoke. His plan did make sense, and certainly it appeared that he had a good grasp on what he was after. Whatever the old frozen wasteland hadn’t permanently buried, that is.
“I suppose preparation is key in a venture like this,” she offhandedly congratulated the man and thumbed through the papers, trying to understand the legalese of the contract. Her eyes felt like they were going to cross from the subsections, and she instantly wished Amatus was there to go through it with a fine toothed comb. Although if he did find an issue that was even a little questionable, her deal about getting funding on the vistra would also likely be shot.
Fiora spun the papers, smiling awkwardly, “could you point out anything important I should know? I didn’t see the words ‘slave’ or ‘brothel’ in it, which is a plus!”
She laughed off her bad joke, “really though, I got a bit tangled in the wording. I think it’s alright. Give me a run down and I’ll sign right up!”
Vaferis was taken aback by Fiora’s reaction. The sole reason he handed her the papers was for her to read through them herself to ensure that there was nothing in there that she disagreed with. Those sorts of contracts usually took time but if she was so willing to throw herself into the expedition to receive the funding she needed, she must have been desperate indeed. The plump laicar rubbed under his bare chin.
“Well, there is a section detailing your rights to alleviate yourself of any task during the expedition, with the understanding that you will not be properly paid for that particular task,” the merchant explained awkwardly. “In relation to that, there is a subsection that explains that legally, I will not be held responsible for any damages to your person, since you are freely allowed to choose which tasks you wish to complete, but they are standard terms for a freelancer like yourself.”
A quick signal with his hand, and the demvir grasped a sheet of paper in front of Fiora and placed it in front of Vaferis. The merchant pulled a pen out of his pocket and scribbled something onto the end of the form.
“Just a little reassurance that you will get your money once the job is complete.”
Vaferis’ assistant took the pen and document from his master and placed them in front of Fiora once more.
Fiora read over the addendum, and having seen her father do similar things with contracts in the past, initialed next to the lines to show she was aware of their presence on the document. With that she glanced over the paragraphs one last time, trying to make sense of it, wishing she had paid more attention to her legal studies. With a final sigh of defeat, she signed her name in a flourish.
“Well Mr. Vaferis, we’re in business. Would it be possible to get a copy of this sent to...” she paused, fishing around her pockets for one of her brother’s spare business cards. Feeling the cardboard edge she produced the slightly mangled card with a smile, sliding the card along the table, “here would do, if at all possible. Addressed to myself, so I can break the news to my brother at my own pace, please.”
She gathered up the papers, tapping the ends on the table to line them up, and handed the pile to the demvir whose name she entirely missed. If it was said at all, Fiora could hardly remember. Her focus was so entirely on the promise of sorting out this whole mess, a few details must have slipped past.
“But of course,” Vaferis nodded courteously, taking the little slip from the woman. “The copy I send will likely contain the date that we will be leaving Terminus. I've set it for a few months in advance, just to allow everyone to make themselves available.”
The merchant stood out of his chair and patted down the robes that curved around his belly. The demvir grasped the papers from in front of Fiora.
“Is there anything else you'd like to know before I leave?”
Her mind was running through too many ideas to come up with a concrete question, or even a proper answer. Fiora pursed her lips and shook her head. Bowing awkwardly she stood, and made her way with her found book back to the fr desk. She desperately need to lay down, collect her thoughts, and hopefully not focus too much on the potential downsides.
Vaferis shook his head and smiled lightly. He noticed his demvir friend staring after the woman as she left the two without so much as another word.
“I’m sure she just requires some time to process all of the information,” the wealthy laicar said. The demvir averted his gaze and collected the rest of the papers from the table.
“Well, that was a trip to the library well spent,” Vaferis laughed as he headed for the stairs. “Now all we need to do is pay Mr. Perfide a little visit and we will be right on track.”
Numerous people flitted about, enough that a bored velen conexus officer was stationed to keep watch near the door to the facility. His post, as providence would have it, was stationed close enough to a staircase so that the man could lean on the railing, yawning at nearly regular intervals.
“Fine, fine,” Fiora waved her hands in front of the book, disrupting the woman from reading for what was obviously not the first time. Annoyance flickered across the old librarian’s eyes, and she raised a questioning eyebrow to the young woman. Fiora pulled her hands back, and smiled, “if you don’t have anything on the Fæstrines for my report, where can I find historical readings on vistra through the centuries? I’ll try my luck, and I’ll be out of your hair. Promise.”
“Second floor, Section A-Eight, look between rows six and eight,” the woman finally answered, pointing to the stairs near the guard, “good luck finding your make belief exploding vistra, girl.”
“Thank you,” Fiora forced herself to smile, hiding a scowl, and she turned to search for more information.
The ears of another reader perked up at the mention of vistra. Although the robust laicar man had stopped reading his book, he kept his eyes on the pages. He did enjoy mulling over historical texts, but that was not the primary reason he congregated at such a place. No, the reason he truly waited there was for people like her.
He placed one hand flat on the table. His brown eyes fixed on the demvir opposite him. The demvir received his signal, as subtle as it was, and lifted himself out of his seat. The laicar closed his book and did the same. After patting down his loose purple shirt to iron out any creases, he turned and followed the woman as if he was intending on heading to the same section. His metal cohort remained close, but kept stopping to analyse a book here and there. He was used to fading into the background to avoid suspicion.
They climbed the stairs to the second floor lackadaisically, as if they had all the time in the world. After all, the man in purple knew exactly where the intriguing woman was going.
Leave it to the arcanum to keep every book in the strangest location. Fiora strolled down the main marble walkway, glancing at the placards for section one. Basic studies of magic, one larger volume titled “Serpens spells and self-defense. ARE YOU PREPARED?” lay on the ground, she ignored it and laughed to herself, adjusting her jacket.
Three rows of tables separated the sections, sparsely filled with what appeared to be students reading for their spring final exams. One Demvir, she noticed, had installed a rotating plate on his forearm, and was etching notes into one side. If the professors at his academy were any good, they would catch that cheat before he got to the second question.
Coming to the history section, the spurii counted off rows. Basic history of Terminus filled the first and second rows, written accounts since the cataclysm. Beyond that were accounts of explorers that travelled beyond the great city. Then, row six. Beast sightings, tall tales which were accounted as hearsay, of no consequence but still something to be filled. Fiora’s leather gloved hand brushed across the embossed metal. This would do as a place to start, she hummed quietly and began perusing the titles.
The plump laicar and his demvir companion meandered slowly along the rows of books. When they arrived at the aisle where Fiora was browsing, the demvir ceased his actions, picked up a book and feigned interest. He ensured that his master remained in his peripheral vision as the man wandered down the row, glancing at all of the history books and their eye-catching titles. There was one book in particular that he recognised, one that he had read previously. The state of the world was the way it was because of what happened in the past. A lot could be learned from history, that was why the man was so interested in the content of books.
The knowledgeable man tucked his current book under his arm so that he could grasp the book he recognised off the shelf. He opened it and scanned through some of its contents briefly. After closing it almost as quick as he opened it, he finally turned to address the woman with a warm smile.
“Excuse me, Miss,” he said. He was very well-spoken and precise with his pronunciation of words, that much was clear from the first words he spoke. “I do apologise for interrupting your search, but I could not help overhearing your discussion regarding vistra. I was wondering, is there any way that I could be of assistance?”
“I’m just writing a report on the airship explosion a few months ago,” Fiora lied, not focusing her attention up right away. She finished reading the passage she was on, one that detailed a farmer running into a wild animal that she could only assume was a wild felvar. Closing the book she peered up, smiling politely.
“Really I’m just curious if these things could really exist,” she let out a few words of truth, not everyone had to know her motives. Her eyes checked over the man and his metallic companion.
“I’ve heard of eyewitness accounts that say the way the explosion appeared is eerily similar to the story of the fæstrines,” she neglected saying she was the one who saw both. Fiora knew, not just thought, that the vistra was to blame. “So, if you happen to be an exceptionally well dressed scholar on children’s stories come to life, by all means, I’m all ears.”
“Ahh, yes, I heard about that airship disaster,” the merchant said. He rubbed his chin for a moment and arched his eyebrows as he tried to place the story that Fiora spoke of.
“If something was behind that tragic event, then a great panic could ensue. If it was truly a vistra, then that could make matters even worse. Fæstrines, you say?”
He shrugged his shoulders lightly.
“The name rings familiar but I cannot place the story.”
The red-faced man glanced around the current aisle of books briefly. They were the only two in sight.
“I have been researching into the mystic powers across the world. The sort that someone may bump into if they went wandering into ancient ruins. Perhaps I could help you with that report of yours.”
Taken aback, Fiora let his comment hang in the air for several seconds as she pondered. She started to speak, stopped abruptly, and inhaled sharply.
“One problem with that, beyond that fact that we just met,” Fiora finally spoke. Her knuckles rested on her cheek and she tried to analyze the man.
“The mountain the creature is from, if there was anything on it, was reportedly reduced to rubble. That and the location of the mountain is completely unknown, to everything but this miraculously homing monster that’s been spotted only once since the airship. Are you offering to have me as part of an airship crew surveying a mountain range so rife with danger, it’s mostly uninhabited?”
She laughed quietly, “Sorry. I tend to focus at the bad side of things. Do over? You can call me Fiora. And you are?”
The man remained quiet at the woman’s skeptical comments. He even seemed humble while Fiora spoke her mind. His patience obviously paid off when she decided to give her name. A warm smile lifted itself onto his round face.
“My name is Vaferis,” he said and bowed his head lightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fiora.”
The merchant had always been a good listener, even as a child. He was used to picking faults in the words of others, trying to puzzle out ulterior motives. Though he would never admit it, he enjoyed trying to solve the mysteries of other people's minds.
“If it were down to me, I would not send an airship after a creature that is causing uproar by destroying an airship. Besides, sending someone to such a place seems quite drastic for a reporter.”
Vaferis chuckled heartily.
“Look at me, already assuming it was the creature you spoke of that did this. To an average citizen it would seem unjustified to draw such a conclusion so quickly.”
A smile remained on the laicar’s face as an aftermath of his laugh.
“Then again, most average citizens have not seen a vistra in person, and thus are ignorant of the impact they can have on the world.”
“You could say that again,” Fiora whispered, barely audible. She coughed, realizing she said that aloud, and spoke more clearly, “I wouldn’t say that the airship is a problem with the creature, after all the explosion came from within the lower structure. As if it was being carried like common cargo.”
She set the book she had been reading back upon the shelf, ensuring she did not get it in the wrong place. Satisfied, she began to scan across the spines for any other titles that caught her eye, and she continued almost absentmindedly.
“However, the strange thing is that section of the airship was reported empty. We...” shit, did she say that out loud? Fiora prayed to Serpens that the word was garbled.
“... the crew was fairly certain that the central cargo bay was empty on their voyage. On the particular model of airship they had, it was used more for overhead loading and unloading, yet none of the documented ports of call beforehand quite fit the bill.”
She found a smaller book, the leather faded with age, titled ‘Knights of Excelsa’, and drew the volume out, tucking it under her arm.
“Add to that, this was thought to be sabotage, but the engine room where anything volatile of the nature was further up between the pontoons, and there’s nothing where the dancing flames could have originated from. At least, nothing normal on a cargo vessel.”
“Ahh,” Vaferis breathed after she had finished speaking. His expression had not shifted at all while she explained the current details of her report to him, a stranger. It seemed as though she was more desperate for help than she was letting on. Then there was the verbal faux pas...
“It seems as though you've gathered quite a lot of detail for this report of yours.”
The merchant stroked the top of his forehead, where his dark hair was beginning to recede.
“Could the explosion have been from an incendiary concoction meant to down the flight?”
“Depending on which conexus Captain you ask, yes,” Fiora had to admit grudgingly, the official story was making rounds amazingly fast. To the point of even here in the Arcanum libraries she had to say she was writing a report and not investigating the accident. Telling a librarian that closer to her apartment led to a week wasted searching through the wrong archives.
“Still, the way the flames moved,” she shuddered involuntarily, the ghosts of those fires haunted her vision, “they just had to be alive. Also, they were outside of the superstructure before the explosion. If the airship wasn’t moved away from the more public areas of the docks before it all happened, we might have more eye witnesses. More people that believe in this creature, or were willing to take on the bounty.”
Vaferis straightened his back. His friendly smile suddenly deepened.
“I’ve learned to recognise when somebody is speaking from experience, Fiora,” the merchant said in a matter-of-factly tone. His voice lowered as he leaned closer to her. “To see what you have seen and have nobody believe you, nobody stand with you in your corner. How infuriating it must be to fight against the system alone, to receive no answers to all of your questions.”
The laicar looked down to the books folded under his arm. It had been a while since something exciting had crossed his path. He’d been looking for an unfamiliar face to add to his contact list. Many in the money-driven world would have perked up after hearing the word ‘bounty’, but Vaferis often looked past the gains that were placed right in front of him. Someone owing him a favour was much more valuable than exa.
“Fortunately for you, I’m not discouraged. I’m sure there’s a way that we can come to an arrangement, so I can help you with your current investigation.”
“An arrangement?” Fiora questioned, her brow furrowed, “is this going to be something I should have my lawyer check over? Not that he’ll be impressed, I mean my legal budget was pretty much spent for the next few years as is.”
She sighed, and collected her thoughts. Other than Diana and her brother, this man was one of the first people that seemed willing to help her. She resolved to at least hear the man out, “you know what, never mind. Sure, let’s hear about this help you’re offering Mr. Vaferis.”
“I can assure you, I’m not offering anything untoward,” the merchant said with a short laugh. “I realise how it must have sounded, but I am a legitimate member of the Commercium, and I pride myself on my reputation. Alas, I cannot commit resources out of goodwill, and nothing is free in this world.”
Vaferis turned away and glanced at the demvir stood at the end of the aisle.
“Let us at least find a table,” the pleasant man suggested, but the demvir was already making his way towards one. Vaferis turned back to Fiora.
“Oh, don't worry about him. He's just my assistant.”
He gestured towards the table.
“Now, shall we?”
“Certainly, lets,” Fiora followed suit, taking a seat opposite from Vaferis. She set the book she found to the side, and wove her gloved fingers together in front of her, and coughed to clear her throat. The demvir he had mentioned didn’t faze the spurii, she focused instead on not accidentally revealing any more information.
“You may have heard of my father, as he is a member of the Commercium and head of his own company in Prenditus. He taught me a few things about negotiations, and never working for free,” she aimed to speak clearly, hiding the stress in her voice, “so the resources you spoke of, what would sort of deal are we talking about?”
The merchant sat down at the table and his demvir companion remained a few paces away, studying more books. Vaferis straightened his purple shirt as soon as he was comfortable. He seemed amused by the fact that Fiora had relations in the Commercium, especially since he used to operate in Prenditus.
“Since you already seem to have some experience with the Commercium, I’m sure you understand how we rely on our contacts,” Vaferis began. He laid his arms flat on the desk and leaned his head forward. “I’ve been organising an expedition. The funding is in order, as is transportation and equipment. I am only lacking a few hands-on individuals.”
The plump laicar paused for a moment, and then explained his intentions as simply as he could.
“Help me on this short expedition and I’ll fund your investigation of the Fæstrines.”
Fiora’s face went slack, she forced herself to show a stern contemplative facade. Internally she was screaming yes, and jumping for joy. Thoughts of seeing, nay, saving Ventus from the creature she believed infected him. All of that, for an expedition? Did it even matter where he wanted to send her? Short must mean they knew what they were after. Maybe he wanted her for her experience working on an airship.
“There has to be a bit more to it than that,” she acknowledged after what must have been minutes, she leaned back and ran her hands through the hair on the back of her head.
“I may need to clear a few things off my schedule,” she lied, other than practice sparring and cleaning up the shop after hours, her days were currently free, “what sort of people are you looking to bring onto this expedition of yours? I’m curious where I would fit in.”
Though questions came out of her mouth instead of a definitive answer, Vaferis was convinced that she could be swayed. If she was not interested in his offer, she would have left. She would not have started asking for more details.
“I seek the sort of people who hold a strong will and determination,” the merchant said in his well-spoken accent. “I can see that you fall under that category, simply from overhearing your conversation with the librarian. The determination you have to seek this creature is truly admirable.”
Vaferis shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. He couldn't seem to get comfortable. He was, after all, used to chairs crafted by some of the most renowned men and women of their trade. Regardless, finding an interesting contact was worth having a stiff back for a day.
“There are a few others who I am presently in the process of recruiting. One in particular is in immediate need of my help. I believe he will be most cooperative.”
A strong will and determined? Fiora was glad he didn’t see her shut down because a car backfired, retreating into her mind and curling up on the ground. Then again, her last episode was weeks ago. Talking things over helped, at least a little.
The chance that Lorenzo would let her traipse off while a supremacist gang wanted her head was amazingly slim. Maybe if her brother met Vaferis, asked his own questions. That or if Diana came along, but then she would need a leave of absence. Couldn’t hurt to ask, either way.
Smiling she held out her right hand, “sounds like we have a deal, shake on it? Or would you prefer to go over paperwork at a later time?”
Vaferis smiled and took her hand, grasping firmly.
“I’m assuming you’ll want all of the details I have on this expedition, so I’ll begin with the basics.”
The merchant released her hand and as if he was called upon, the demvir pulled some papers out of a bag resting at his side. The silent assistant placed the papers on the table and Vaferis analysed the documents to ensure they were what he needed.
“First of all, the expedition is taking place at a site further north, in Arctoa. The locals call it Ásvaskur. In case you’ve never heard of it, it appears to be some sort of ruined city, buried in the ice and snow. It was believed to be a velen city since there used to be a lake there, but the scholars can only speculate. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please ask.”
“Buried under who knows how much ice and snow sounds ominous. This isn’t going to be a heavy lifting job, where we’re glorified miners, I hope.”
The fact that it was a velen city made her heart skip a beat. That was one aspect of herself she had not explored quite so fully.
“No, nothing like that,” Vaferis assured her. He maintained his friendly smile as he pushed the documents to the centre of the table. “The mining crew has already been organised.”
The words left the merchant‘s mouth, but the woman sitting opposite didn't seem to acknowledge them.
Did this man somehow guess at her parentage? No, couldn’t be that. She shuffled in her seat, fidgeting with her jacket to ensure it was in place. Sweeping back her a loose lock of hair from her face, Fiora reached out to take the small stack of papers.
“So if this is to the far north, how are you getting your team that’s so well selected and whatever may be needed up there? Boat, airship? Or are we sledding it?”
The tall demvir man silently walked around to the other side of the table and flipped over the first few documents in front of Fiora, until a map was revealed. Terminus was highlighted in a yellow marker, along with a bunch of other areas ranging from the Sea of Occidens, Elata Spiritus and several paths drawn through Arctoa. Some were marked yellow, others green and some were red.
“Aerial transport would have been the easiest, but it is not feasible due to the unpredictability of the northern weather, paired with a lack of area to land. It is also the most expensive.”
Vaferis’ assistant returned to his side and placed his hands behind his back, content with listening to the laicar explain his plan.
“We looked at the selection of ships willing to sail to Arctoa, but disembarking at the closest shore would land us about as far away from the site as Terminus is. We’d be almost doubling the length of the journey unnecessarily. Travelling by land is the easiest and safest option. I’ve even hired some experts on the area to guide us so that we don’t stray.”
Fiora’s fingers strayed over some of the markers, she nodded in agreement as the man spoke. His plan did make sense, and certainly it appeared that he had a good grasp on what he was after. Whatever the old frozen wasteland hadn’t permanently buried, that is.
“I suppose preparation is key in a venture like this,” she offhandedly congratulated the man and thumbed through the papers, trying to understand the legalese of the contract. Her eyes felt like they were going to cross from the subsections, and she instantly wished Amatus was there to go through it with a fine toothed comb. Although if he did find an issue that was even a little questionable, her deal about getting funding on the vistra would also likely be shot.
Fiora spun the papers, smiling awkwardly, “could you point out anything important I should know? I didn’t see the words ‘slave’ or ‘brothel’ in it, which is a plus!”
She laughed off her bad joke, “really though, I got a bit tangled in the wording. I think it’s alright. Give me a run down and I’ll sign right up!”
Vaferis was taken aback by Fiora’s reaction. The sole reason he handed her the papers was for her to read through them herself to ensure that there was nothing in there that she disagreed with. Those sorts of contracts usually took time but if she was so willing to throw herself into the expedition to receive the funding she needed, she must have been desperate indeed. The plump laicar rubbed under his bare chin.
“Well, there is a section detailing your rights to alleviate yourself of any task during the expedition, with the understanding that you will not be properly paid for that particular task,” the merchant explained awkwardly. “In relation to that, there is a subsection that explains that legally, I will not be held responsible for any damages to your person, since you are freely allowed to choose which tasks you wish to complete, but they are standard terms for a freelancer like yourself.”
A quick signal with his hand, and the demvir grasped a sheet of paper in front of Fiora and placed it in front of Vaferis. The merchant pulled a pen out of his pocket and scribbled something onto the end of the form.
“Just a little reassurance that you will get your money once the job is complete.”
Vaferis’ assistant took the pen and document from his master and placed them in front of Fiora once more.
Fiora read over the addendum, and having seen her father do similar things with contracts in the past, initialed next to the lines to show she was aware of their presence on the document. With that she glanced over the paragraphs one last time, trying to make sense of it, wishing she had paid more attention to her legal studies. With a final sigh of defeat, she signed her name in a flourish.
“Well Mr. Vaferis, we’re in business. Would it be possible to get a copy of this sent to...” she paused, fishing around her pockets for one of her brother’s spare business cards. Feeling the cardboard edge she produced the slightly mangled card with a smile, sliding the card along the table, “here would do, if at all possible. Addressed to myself, so I can break the news to my brother at my own pace, please.”
She gathered up the papers, tapping the ends on the table to line them up, and handed the pile to the demvir whose name she entirely missed. If it was said at all, Fiora could hardly remember. Her focus was so entirely on the promise of sorting out this whole mess, a few details must have slipped past.
“But of course,” Vaferis nodded courteously, taking the little slip from the woman. “The copy I send will likely contain the date that we will be leaving Terminus. I've set it for a few months in advance, just to allow everyone to make themselves available.”
The merchant stood out of his chair and patted down the robes that curved around his belly. The demvir grasped the papers from in front of Fiora.
“Is there anything else you'd like to know before I leave?”
Her mind was running through too many ideas to come up with a concrete question, or even a proper answer. Fiora pursed her lips and shook her head. Bowing awkwardly she stood, and made her way with her found book back to the fr desk. She desperately need to lay down, collect her thoughts, and hopefully not focus too much on the potential downsides.
Vaferis shook his head and smiled lightly. He noticed his demvir friend staring after the woman as she left the two without so much as another word.
“I’m sure she just requires some time to process all of the information,” the wealthy laicar said. The demvir averted his gaze and collected the rest of the papers from the table.
“Well, that was a trip to the library well spent,” Vaferis laughed as he headed for the stairs. “Now all we need to do is pay Mr. Perfide a little visit and we will be right on track.”