Thread: Darkness Has Its Teachings (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

She met his gaze without flinching, without pause, with no hesitation. That, that was something that Goormr could find respect for. These Gauls were not cowards, that much was clear by the way they had fought to defend what was theirs. The volur was practical, she had done what she could to keep her people alive. Not what Goormr would have done, but he wasn't a Gaul. He gave a brief nod to her, acknowleging that he had noticed such, and turned back to the bow of hte ship, resuming his place. There would be a great deal to do once they reached the outpost to unload some of hte slaves. And then it was off for home. Njord was generous, sending swift winds to speed their passage, but not so much that the seas were broken. The ships angled for a dock that jut from a peninsula of land, one that seemed perpetually busy. Trade was swift here, and silver plentiful. Goormr walked amongst the ship, looking at hte slaves. He noted with a certain amount of enjoyment that he was not hosting any of the boy children. One less task he was required to personally oversee. Yrsa had command on the other ship, And fromt eh sound of protest, the solid thwack of a wooden haft hitting someone, and then the sobbing, the parting of child from family was not goign smoothly. No reason it should have. But Yrsa was a softer touch than himself. If he had to oversee it directly, then it was likely he'd have to kill someone, and that cost silver. His sails had been recognized, and the agent that he usually dealt with was waiting for him at the docks. The agent was a short man, heavy with the weight of easy living. He had close cropped black hair, and his skin was darkened by his homeland. Aayan bin Alahir, a flesh peddlar he called himself. A less generous man might call him a slaver. My northern friend! Have you brought me many great things this day? Aayan called. Goormr shrugged as he came close. Modest. Boyds for your lands. And should you make an appropriate offer, I can be persuaded to part with others. Goormr answered, glad that this man of foreign lands knew his tongue. Aayan looked over the side of the ship that Yrsa was on, noting hte young boys taht were being carried off by raiders, adn tossed onto the deck for the slavers men to take command. There was further noise from them, cries for a parent, reaching, but the men cared not, and bore the boys away. Aayan clucked as he saw the remaining people within, and shook his head. He turned his attention back to Goormr's ship, and his gaze settled on Rowena. That one. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. Aayan suggested, rocking back on his heels in contemplation. Goormr looked to Rowena, knowing that if he left her status as a foreign volur out, her price woudl likely be high enough, but not unreasonable. Perhaps...two full marks of silver? I've a khalif who would enjoy adding her to his harem. Does she speak your tongue? She's Gaulish. Goormr answered bluntly. Ah. Then she speaks more to the Roman tongue then? Aayan switched to a more fluidly accented version of the language Rowena had spoken, making himself very clearly understood by any from Gaul. Aye. Perhaps worth more then. Three Marks. It was a generous offer. Goormr knew that, but also knew if Aayan was leading with that, then her worth even without her status was higher than expected. She's a volur. Skilled. Ten marks. Aayan began to nod before Goormr finished. Of gold. Aayan sputtered a moment, the price was outrageous, incredible. But still, perhaps...? Nay old friend, I will be content with the boys. Such is richer than my blood allows. None save perhaps teh Grand Khalif himself would spend such on a single woman. Aayan answerd. Then send word to your Grand Khalif. And then perhaps come to my village. There will be reasonable odds that she will still be amongst my people. Though her price may spike by then. Aayan only nodded. Perhaps I shall! The usual payment for the boys, and it is as always, a pleasure old friend. Until next time. Goormr nodded, and gave the signal. The whoel exchange of money and prisoners had taken less than fifteen minutes, and teh ships were underway once more.