RP:A bit of business at the Butcher's shop
Background
Valentin tends the counter of his newly built Butcher's Shop and Charcuterie
Setting
The shop front is surprisingly clean and cold - the chill seeming to emanate from the stones of the floor. Its counters are separated into two sections, and there is a sturdy metallic door at the back which appears to have no lock or handle of any kind.
The first set of counters are lined with meats of all kinds and cuts: the usual lamb, beef, veal, venison in chops, steaks, and racks of ribs. Offal and tripe may also be purchased.
The second set of counters holds cured products: Bacon, Hams, Pâtés, Galantines and Sausages of all varieties - some of the latter which are not recognisable even to a sausage connoisseur. 'Valentin's Mystery Sausage' has been a solid seller over the years for its rich flavour and subtle hint of pork.
Selling meat of an unusual kind
Valentin is standing behind the counter, looking butcherly
Svilfon swaggers into the shop with a cheery whistle on his lips. He tips his hat to the vampire who looks most definitely butchery today, before looking through the various cuts of meat. "Question, butcher." He moves on over to stand before Valentin, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, just briefly showing his gaps and fangs, "You have anything in the... people variety?" His grin grows a little bigger, the fangs now shown rather clearly to share across the point he is making.
Valentin touches the brim of his bowler in greeting to the newcomer, but waits while the other patron leaves the shop to avoid the strange wizard in the pointed hat. Once alone, the muttonchopped butcher responds impassively "Aye guv. An' the not-so people variety. Shanks seem popular 'mong certain clientele, so I've got plenty o'them. What did y'have a need for, an' what quantity?"
Roytoc had been wandering around Cenril, of course he had, Aeonis still needed to be trained by the damned boy was nowhere to be found. The First Ranger was in his dark-blue leathers, Frostmaw's banner was sewn into his vest's heart, his silver-domed gloves were now repaired and fitting purposely, and his leather boots clacked loudly with each step. That was when Roy found the shop, truly he hadn't known the mutton-chopped man owned a shop, but of course he was a butcher, and that entitled a haunt. The Drow stepped in slowly, feeling the cold immediately, it didn't bother him though for he was the First Ranger of the coldest place in Hollow. The Drow didn't observe the wizard of sorts at the counter, instead he would look over the meat, thinking about how some of this could be human.
Valentin tips his hat to the ranger "Guv."
Svilfon looks around a touch conspiratorially before replying in hushed tones, so the man he barely glanced at surely couldn't overhear. "Well, butcher, it seems I am off to war." If the thought bothers the wizard at all, he doesn't show it. "And in truth, war means a lot of wasted meat." He tips his hat again, "and a lot of wasted.. red stuff, if ya get my meaning." He makes a show of looking over the cuts of meat again, though his attention is obviously elsewhere. "A steady source without me needing to hunt until it's done, war that is, is what I want. Fresher the better; still warm a good bonus. You supply me with it, say twice a week, and you'll have yourself a loyal customer." The wizard leans a touch closer then, so hs words barely reach even the butcher before him. "And I am of a certain coterie; if the supply is good, the meat high quality, you will have yourself a steady stream of customers." Perhaps that was the wizard trying to barter.
Roytoc looked over to the wizard for a bare second, a bit of recognition shining through his gray eyes, where had he seen the man before? Many memories flowed through the Ranger but no face could be placed on the strange man, maybe he knew a man similar before but this was not him. The Drow walked up to the counter next to the wizard, making sure not to invade his personal space, and he pulled down his cowl. His shimmering stark-white hair would be revealed as well as his purple-ebon skin, and the burn against the left side of his face that was very clear. "Butcher, I have many of the… things you required, they are all still perfectly preserved," The Ranger would say in a soft voice, glancing once more at the wizard. "Also, nice shop."
Valentin casts a dour glance at the wizard "So it's the blood you'd be wantin', more than th'meat, guv? Or were you thinkin' me a pimp what carries 'round breathers for kicks, innit?"
Valentin nods to Roytoc "Set the meetin' spot, as well as th'best time, an' I'll go on a bit of a business trip your way, guv."
Svilfon moves a touch away from the drow without really looking at him, "You are a butcher, are you not? I want the meat, I just don't want it strung out for days in this icy box you call a shop so all its... goodness... drips away to stain your floor." He looks down at the surprisingly clean floor, before glancing back up at the butcher. "Well, you know what I mean." He shrugs, "You can do it or you can't. Which is it?"
Roytoc listened closely to the wizard, though he didn't think anything malicious about what he was saying, after all the Drow himself was selling the butcher bodies. The First Ranger would look through the meat again, more wouldn't hurt anyone, as well as he was sure Valentin used the meat for more reasons then sustenance sales. "You know where I can always be found, I am the First Ranger after all/ The time can be anytime this week, I've been rather busy but I'm sure I can be free for a fellow comrade," Roy said with a smirk, crossing his arms.
Valentin growls at the wizard "Y'don't go to a baker's shop t'buy a field o'wheat, do you? No, y'don't." a slight pause, to let the notion sink in "Nor do y'come to a butcher's shop t'find livin' cows or still-breathin' carcasses-to-be. If you're in th'business of livin' meat, guv, you might want t'try findin' slavers. I hear Archmosia has lots of 'extra fresh meat' to supply what you're lookin' for, innit." The butcher takes a moment to glance at Roytoc "Frostmaw's a big place guv. I ain't tearin' all over the countryside t'find a wanderin' ranger. Set a time, an' a place, an' I'll be there with m'cart. Jus' write it down, slip me a note, an' we're on schedule, right?"
Svilfon slams his hands on the counter and leans a touch closer to the butcher. His air of joviality vanishes as he speaks words in harsh tones, "Are you an idiot? I want the meat ready for me, I just don't want it g'damn frozen and hung for days. If you buy your meat old and musty, that's your business." He leans back, his gaze dark, "If I want week old meat I'll go to the damn graveyard and dig up the freshies. Perhaps I heard wrong about you."
Roytoc nodded to the vampire, of course he was right, Frostmaw was huge and Roy hasn't even logged some of the locations yet, like the ruins. The Drow fumbled in his magical cloak for a few seconds and pulled out a piece of parchment and some charcoal, he scrawled a few things on the parchment and handed it off to the vampire. The wizard's outbreak though, that is what jogged Roy's memory, this was 'The Wizard' the one who had hassled Roy that long time ago. What a small world, Roy thought to himself, still bearing no ill will, though who knew if the wizard still remembered him? The First Ranger crossed his arms and simply looked back and forth between the two, hoping there was no violence.
Roytoc told Valentin "The Note Read: West of Frostmaw's western gate, near the hunting grounds, it's easy to find. In about two days time, I have at least twenty-five corpses."
Valentin narrows his eyes at the wizard "Bit of a temper on you, guv. I think maybe you should indeed look elsewhere. I only deal with clients what can keep a civil tongue and speak plain. I'll leave double-talk and fancy secrets for toffs and bankers." The burly butcher accepts Roytoc's note with a nod, then folds his arms across his broad chest as he examines Svilfon, the muttonchops punctuating his unimpressed expression.
Svilfon snorts a barking laugh, "If I had a bit of a temper, I'd have levelled this shop of yours already." He lets those words sink in for just a moment, before drawing in a short un-needed breath. "I spoke clearly. Meat, not old, maybe still warm - and I offered further business. The fact you speak in gibberish and cannot understand me is your own fault." The wizard nods once. "Perhaps I will seek out another, less..." He struggles for a word to describe Valentin; perhaps the man's punctuating muttonchops have stolen his tongue just briefly. You had to admire them after all. Before, with a shrug he speaks again, "A less sensitive dealer of meats. A strange contradiction, really. But to each their own."
Roytoc was admiring the butcher's mutton-chops as well, he rubbed a hand across his bare chin and sighed in a moment of melancholy, the Ranger couldn't even grow facial hair, much less wondrous muttonchops as those. Roy pushed the thought to the back of his mind however, for he needn't think of such things in times of business, and he would once again return to watching the confrontation between the two. He scratched at the banner on his heart for a second, making sure the stitching was still good, before observing the separate meats around him.
Valentin doesn't change expression, but the room darkens as shadows lengthen and the permeating chill grows more biting "I'm right glad you didn't try to level m'shop, guv. Only recently got the place cleaned up an' presentable. An' while you described all o'that, y'didn't tell me what cuts o'meat y'wanted, nor what quantity consisted 'a steady source'." The butcher's bodylanguage was reminiscent of mountains and other geological features "Y'don't go to a baker an' say 'Keep me supplied with bread.', innit, Y'say 'I need a hundred rye loaves each friday'. So try bein' a bit more specific, guv."
Svilfon shakes his head, "You do not go into a bakery and ask for a hundred rye loaves without first finding out whether or not the baker can make 'em. Do you?" A small smile forms on his lips, then; the chill didn't bother the wizard at all, though the lenghtening shadows were of interest. But they could wait. "Twice a week I will want..." He glances then at Roytoc and the light of recognition flashes across his eyes. He opens his mouth to speak, but decides against it. Insulting customers would be a touch too far. Instead he looks back at Valentin, "A sheep's weight in fresh human meat - cuts I care nothing for. Fresh. You can do it or not. I have other matters to attend to today."
Valentin mentally calculates a moment, then gives a quote "250 gold per delivery. That's 5 hundred a week. Y'want it deboned?" Apart from the movements required to speak, the butcher continues to put poker players to shame with his unshifting expression.
Roytoc quirked a brow as The Wizard looked to him, did he see recognition? Maybe just curiosity or some such other thing, but no, Roy though it had been recognition. Roy loved business, the deals, the bartering, though Roy had truly never been good at doing the business himself, only the supplying and/or the info. The cold didn't bother Roy, though the shadows, they seemed to move… they made him a little uneasy…
Svilfon nods, "Deboned, yes. I will return in two days for my first delivery - we will discuss further then, depending on its quality. Now, I have some banking to do." The wizard is oblivious of the double meaning in his words, before he drops a small purse on the counter. Though it looks like it could only hold a few gold coins, when Valentin opened it he would see it holds far more than that. With a tip of his hat, and a crooked smile, the wizard begins to leave, stopping only to say to Roytoc, "Perhaps I will see you in Frostmaw, false-drow." Before he can offer any reply the wizard's gone out into the streets and soon faded from sight.
Svilfon gave 250 gold to Valentin
Roytoc shook his head and smirked as The Wizard left, indeed the man had recognized him, and even remembered his title for the Ranger as well. Though it didn't affect Roy as it used to, "Maybe so, Wizard, maybe so," He would mumble to himself, seeing that the man hadn't waited for a response and had already left. Roy continued watching until the wizard disappeared, as the last traces of the strange man disappeared Roy would look back to the butcher.
Valentin grumbles in the wizard's absence "A sheep's weight. Blimmin' toff never heard o'weight measurements? Bloody banker, innit." The butcher reads the note then turns to Roytoc "Business has been good, guv?"
Roytoc would smirk at the butcher, "Indeed, he's a fiery one, doesn't really pay attention to most logistics, I'm sure he wants a fat sheep's weight in meat, though he should have explained more thoroughly. But enough about him, business has been good, both accidental deaths and deaths that needed to be done," The Drow would lean against the counter, his face stoic. "I have many humans, more than half of them had frozen to death in the cold, they traveled unprepared, though I did find one in the act and saved her, I'm no murderer, and I was happy to see her recover. I have a big minotaur as well, fool disrespected my queen, my kingdom, and I. I took care of him swiftly, and he's a big one as well. A couple of felines who killed each other, they strayed too close to the cliffs, and then I have a small amount of Lycan, I know they are Lycan, and it looked as if some vampire had killed them, could have been my queen, but I have no idea." Roy nodded as he explained all this, there had been many deaths recently, it saddened him actually. "There's lots of people getting sick and dying in Larket and Rynvale as well, though I wouldn't do anything with their corpses, they have some sort of odd disease, I think I know what it is though," Roy said in a stoic tone, standing up straight.
Valentin ponders logistics. "I'll take the Lycan, Feline, and Minotaur meat in preference - then load up the cart with whatever remains. I got one problem with your proposed meeting point, though: as far as I was aware, there ain't a wagonpath into Frostmaw. One can get as far as Xalious, and that's about it for road travel, 'less you're a goat." He thinks about the ranger's last comment "Bit o'plague goin' 'round, is there? What, 'ave they stopped washin' 'emselves or somethin'?"
Roytoc nodded, the butcher was right, Roy always flew up on wither Ronan or a dragon, how could the vampire possibly fly up in a wagon? "You're right, I forgot there for a second. How about this, my apprentice owns a dragon, big red one, I can get a wagon, knock off the wheels, place the bodies in the wagon, and tie the wagon off on the dragon's back. After all that's done, I can fly down say, near that wide rope bridge in Xalious, and we can do our business there. That way, the meat wont decay or anything, it'll still be fresh and cold," The First Ranger smirked at all this, it sounded like it was a fine plan, he would need Aeon to agree about using the dragon though. "Also, about that plague of sorts, I don't rightly know, I just know it makes you sick, and if you live through it, you become one of them wraiths, I saved a goddaughter of sorts from that fate a month or so back. If all them people turn into wraiths, well then, it would be bad news, I just hope that isn't what it is." Roy's tone was grim at this, seriousness evident.
Valentin scratches at a shaggy muttonchop. "That's more doable, by far. A'right guv, Xalious it is." Business concluded, the butcher indulges in more casual conversation "Wraiths, is it? Load o'bollocks, an' all. People gettin' turned into ghosties? Haven't seen much of that about. More folks die on account o'stupidity, I reckon, than any supernatural threat. What's so special about these wraiths, anyway?"
Roytoc nodded to the man, the business was indeed concluded for the night, and now onto different conversations. Roy listened, a smirk crossed his face, "Aye, more people do die of stupidity, I would have to agree with you on that one. But these wraiths, they are indeed real, I've seen many and fought more, it's horrible. What happens is you somehow contract the virus, it'll take seven days to spread, in that time you will forget your prior self, you will lose all free will, and I think you have to obey your 'master' and only him or some sorts. My goddaughter told me all this after we saved her, she didn't get fully turned, though it was truly horrible curing her, I didn't even know most of what was happening. But they're special in that they contract some sorts of different powers, all of them are different and powerful, my queen killed one, he had been stalking Frostmaw for a while and he was there when I stormed the time lord's castle, or rather, his fake castle. They are powerful entities, but who wants that much power, without the free will to use it as you please?" Roy questioned the man rhetorically. Roy leaned against the counter once again, looking up at the burly man, "Truly I have never killed one myself, but I have fought them, and I know of this dragon wraith. I've never seen her myself, but she poured acid all over the streets O'Cenril a few months back," Roy said with a grim nod.
Selling meat of a more legitimate variety
Raziel makes her way into the shop, her black raven sitting dutifully upon her shoulder. The blind elf had some business to do, what with her boyfriend and his brother eating like two starving beasties every day. She's never been into this particular butcher shop before, but she didn't feel like hunting today. The elf is wearing her shin-length white dress with long sleeves and trimmed with white wolf fur, though she happens to be barefoot. Should one look to her ankle they'd spy a spiral scar wrapping its way around her ankle and half way up her shin. However, she pauses when she hears the familiar heartbeat of her drow friend, and tilts her black fedora, with a raven's feather in the ribbon, over her eyes.
Valentin grunts "Sounds irritatin' enough, I 'spose. But then, can't be certain 'til I come across one, which might never happen, so it ain't worth the hassle worryin' about it 'til then." The butcher then notices the blind girl seen in Muraski's company enter "Shop's still open, mam'selle. Anythin' I can get you?"
Roytoc nodded, the man was very logical about things in a unique way, "True enough, comrade, true enough," The Drow chuckled, shaking his head a bit. Roytoc looked over his shoulder as Val addressed someone, at first he thought The Wizard had returned, but no it was Raziel. "Hello, Raz, what brings you here?" He asked softly, moving out of her way so she could approach the counter. "Prime cut meat here if you desire some food," The First Ranger would smirk, it was true enough though. Thinking on it as well, Roy would buy some meat before he left.
Raziel blinks when she hears the familiar voice of the butcher, a light blush appearing when she recalls what he thought upon their first meeting. Then she'd nod to Roytoc "Um... Yes, I need to buy some meat, my boyfriend and his brother are quite the meateaters." she'd chuckle softly, knowing Roy would understand. Nervously she'd tilt her hat over her left eye more, "Good evening, sir... Is there anything you'd suggest? I'm not used to shopping, usually go hunting myself... I can afford quite a bit, so whatever best sounds good." a kind, though nervous, smile to paint itself upon the elf's lips.
Valentin grunts "As y'say. Beef is easy t'come by: in beef I've got sausages and steaks, although I had a windfall of boar for th'roasting. Had some turkey come in - which I've smoked. Some venison, some chicken. I'm waiting on an order o'lambs, as I'm down to my last two roasts.
Roytoc knew what Raziel meant, when he had returned to his cabin after the week absence where Aeonis stayed there, nearly all his store had been gone, and all the bottles of blood had been drank. The Drow smiled at Raziel, "Aeon loves venison Raziel, I know he would cherish the boar, and he enjoys chicken. If you don't mind me telling you that is, after all, he is your lover, and that comes with knowledge that masters don't know of." The Ranger smirked and brushed a hand through his thick hair. "If you don't mind comrade," Roy spoke to the butcher, "I would like some boar as well, and two steaks O`Beef. I know I'll be hungry later." The Drow's head nodded before his eyes swiveled back to his apprentice's mate, he noticed that her scar was easily visible with the dress, and that brought back thoughts of that… whatever it was.
Raziel smiles to Roy, as she mentally agree "Yes, Roy, I do believe that's quite correct..." she'd turn back to Valentin, a slick cock of the head to be made. "I believe I'll buy some venison, sausages, and one lamb, if it's not too much trouble." as the woman talks she shifts gently, puttin more pressure on her left ankle, the scarred flesh always seemed to have a light twinge of pain now and then. As she does so her hat, which is a tad large for her being that it was once Muraski's, tilts enough so that a dark bruise can be seen about her left eye. But she merely keeps her pleasant smile upon her lips, for she was truly just fine.
Valentin asks Raziel "How much venison, and how many sausages, luv?" Something about her scar jogs a recent memory, and Valentin asks her "Question: you been puttin' up a notice about some regenerating beastie?" The butcher then nods to Roytoc "A'right guv. I'll gather your order now" Valentin selects two rump steaks of quality beef and wraps them in butcher's paper, before doing the same with the leg of boar. "fifteen gold'll settle you for the lot, guv."
Valentin gave 2 rare steak to Roytoc.
Valentin gave 1 Leg-of-Boar to Roytoc.
Valentin wraps up a leg of lamb in butcher's paper while waiting for Raziel to decide on quantity for her sausages and venison
Roytoc smiled at the man and fumbled with the coin purse about his waist, he counted out twenty gold and placed it on the counter, the man deserved a tip after all. "Thank ya, comrade." The Drow pushes his meat to the side a little, he would gather it up when he was planning on leaving. Roy's brow would arch suddenly, as Valentin spoke of a, how he said, "regenerating beastie," Was he talking about Nameless? "Raz?" Roy questioned, setting his meat together before turning to her, "Did you put up notices of that beast, of nameless?" He asked calmly. Roy really had no problem with it, it was just, Roy had been hunting it for a couple years now, some may seek it out for nefarious purposes, not that the thing would agree to them. But as Roy mulled over all this, it was then that he noticed her eye, Mura punched her again? The Ranger's face would flush a bit at that, "Also, what's with the eye, Raz?" He asked softly, though seriously.
Roytoc gave 20 gold to Valentin
Raziel ponders for a moment on the other pieces of meat and then, upon her decision, tells the butcher "I think 6 sausages, and 3 pieces of venison'll do me just fine for now." Then a light blush reappears on her face at the mention of her notes "Mhmm… That'd be me. Roytoc here's the one, what blew the creature up. I'd only assume you're the one who answered them, then?" the woman holds a smile, yet, however… Though she is certain Roytoc had not known about her notes upon the board, dealing with the creature she's taken to calling 'Nameless'. "Funny timing that we should all be together when that gets brought up." The woman adds with a slight laugh, as she removes a white glove and runs her fingers across three pouches, each having a different type of stone wrapped to it so she can tell which one holds what type of money within it. Then she'd face Roy a little ruefully, tipping her hat back and showing the great shiner she obtained. "Yeah, I've done that. I simply believe that, should anyone in Cenril who doesn't feel safe with it about, should all work together and try and destroy it…" then she'd shrug and say in a mumbled voice "Thought I'd make a good bait." Once he mentions the eye, however, a deep red comes to her face. "Eh… Funny story about that… Ranok was saying some rather harsh words to me yesterday, and rather than getting into a scrap with him a left in a huff… I went to Sage forest and wasn't paying attention to surroundings… So I errr… Sorta smashed my face into a low branch… Really, quite embarrassing considering how long I've been blind."
Valentin finishes wrapping the goods together as Raziel elaborates. Handing her purchases over, Valentin comments "Well, what I got in mind, I don't think regeneratin's goin' t'be an issue. I'll jus' need t'knock it senseless or otherwise immobilise it a bit first, is all. What is the beastie, anyway? Oh, and Twenty gold for the lot, luv"
Valentin gave 1 leg-of lamb to Raziel.
Valentin gave 3 venison to Raziel.
Valentin gave 6 beef sausage to Raziel.
Roytoc nodded, accept the woman's answer, "Ranok can be blunt at times, but he's still one of my good friends, and he has earned my respect. I hope it does not pain you too harshly," The Drow nodded to her. Switching his attention back to the butcher, "It is some sort of beast, it can regenerate slowly over time but it must go back to it's Grimoire, I haven't been able to find the keep that it is hidden in. I have 'killed' it at least six times now, each time it returns, and each time it seems unaffected by it's prior wounds. I don't think it can be knocked unconscious either, it doesn't have the mentality nor does it need sleep, and I'm not sure how we could immobilize it." Roy shook his head a bit after speaking, the beast wasn't his main concern at the moment, but he knew early planning could never hurt.
Raziel nods in thanks to Valentin, simply grabbing out 30 gold coins, though not by accident, for she is a very giving woman. Then she'd sigh at the thought of Nameless. "Yep... I even cut out his tongue and it simply stuck right back together... Then her wrapped it around my ankle before he tried to devour me whole... Odd little creature that one. Anyways, my thoughts on the matter were to seperated it into 7 pieces, burn the pieces, and then place the ashes into metal urns or boxes, melting them completely shut... After that it's just a matter of seperating them throughout Hollow... But, I am rather curious about your plans, as well." she had purposely dodged the conversation of Ranok for a moment, but would face Roy with a saddened face "Actually, his words hurt me greatly, dear... He said several things that I'd rather not repeat... And, in truth, he somewhat caused my angry side to return, and I almost was ready to attack him and cut out his tongue... That's why I left."
Raziel gave 30 gold to Valentin
You scratches a shaggy muttonchop "Well, I got these pets. Gravewyrms. Books tell me th'blighters were nearly wiped out on account o'folks findin' their eatin' habits a source o' concern. They'll eat pretty much anythin' which is made o' meat. I got myself a nice little swarm of 'em down in a deep pit. They're me rubbish disposal, you could say. I reckon something which can regenerate'll keep 'em fed for days or even weeks without me havin' to lift a finger."
Roytoc shuddered inventorially at the thought of the beasts, he had read about them once before, but had never encountered them or even seen them. A butcher having them could be helpful indeed with disposal, "Those are both grand plans, as for your's, comrade," Roy said, pointing to Valentin, "The thing would likely die getting eaten so much, it would be away from that ghastly book for too long, and couldn't regenerate enough because of it. That's the point though, and it would help you out." Roy smirked to him then looked back to Raziel, "Ranok is like that, he threw me to the ground once before, and he told me I would never make a good father. I was a drunk and a fool back then, he was right though, and that's why I shaped up, not that I am even a father now," Roy's face was stoic but his eyes spoke of pain. "I don't know why he insulted you, but I am sure he had his reasons."
Raziel grins at Valentin's idea "Brilliant." the woman says with a nod. "Now the problem becomes me being bait, with minimal damage... And, more importantly, restraining that thing long enough... Of course... Could just attract it right out front of your shop." then she'd cock her head and turn towards Roytoc "Hmmm. He certainly has a way with dealing with things, doesn't he? In any case, he called me a child, told me I don't know anything about life... And then called me a dog. As far as I'm concerned, living alone for over 50 years, and then being shown what Nameless shoved into my skull, is all the worse I need to know for life... Eh, but water under the bridge, as it were."
Muraski moved along his way towards the house, mind to think over a new shop he had heard existed. The door to the butcher shop swung open and his way inside quickly made. He approached the counter, eye to taken in the various meats that were to be sold. A finger pointed at several different products, "Butcher, I'll take ten pounds of bacon, each day, every day. Four pounds of sausage, three pounds of sausage, and six prime cut steaks." Lonely optic searched for Valentin, a quick brow to be raised, "You able to meet all day? All but the bacon is weekly. The minotaurs like it on a daily basis and they eat a fair amount. So, if you can keep that up, I'll provide you whatever you think is fair." Raziel and Roytoc completely ignored.
Valentin grunts to Roytoc "Food or dead, it's a permanent solution, an' one within my means, innit." The butcher then turns to Raziel "Any time y'want to, mam'selle. I'm pretty much equipped for the task any time y'need me to take on the critter."
Roytoc smirked as Muraski walked in, he would notice the one eye and shake his head a bit, Patron Kuzial was a fierce Drow, and Roy never wished to face him. Though with that being thought, Roy had more respect for Muraski now, he had stood against Kuzial, no matter if he lost, he had still stood against him. The Ranger looked to Valentin with a wide grin, "looks like you're making all sorts of deals this night, comrade!" Was all Roy would say, maybe a chuckle or two would follow after.
Mark told your clan, "just to let everyone know, at where the rope ends, Mark had installed a reinforced crisscross base and a platform where he last installed the second rope that reaches the ground floor"
Valentin turns to the new customer, touching hand to the brim of his bowler "Guv." As the orders are given, the butcher waits and then responds "Aye, that's within my means. So, seven pounds o'sausage in total, an' six steaks, t'be delivered weekly. An' ten pounds bacon daily. It'll be fifteen gold for the weekly order, an' five gold for the daily order. Bulk for the lot'll get you a weekly invoice o' fifty gold an' no delivery fee, innit"
Raziel hears Muraski and stands aside for him, so she'd not been in her father's way. Then she'd nod to Valentin "Aye, sounds like a plan. Only, Roytoc tells me it shouldn't be a long while until its return... Guess your gravewyrms'll have to wait a bit long for that. But I'll be prepared for when he returns, so I can help draw it out." soon, at Roytoc's words, the woman would give him a small smile, as she holds onto her own items that she bought. "Agreed, Roy."
Muraski nodded at the man, fifty gold a week was well within his range. "Sounds like a decent deal, have room for advance orders? Perhaps, three months ahead of time?" He looked once more, wanting something for tonight. "Hmm, anything you reccomend for finer dining?"
Roytoc would gather his own meat in his arms and step aside, leaving room for the man who hated him. The Drow smiled to Raziel, though she couldn't see it, so the man would step next to her and pat her shoulder. Roytoc whispered a few words to the woman, hoping the would cheer her up, before looking back at her father and his comrade, or rather, business partner.
Valentin nods to the elf and drow "Well, y'know where t'find me, mam'selle. You as well, Roytoc. I ain't hard t'get a hold of." The butcher then turns to Muraski "Sure thing, guv. I've got some upper-range venison steak for the discerning clientele with a decent chef. Or, if you were wantin' something lighter, there's the smoked turkey and mildly spiced sausages. I also have some goose liver pâté, though only a little. Still sourcing that stuff. Seems a lot o'places went out of business when the lizards an' pirates came through, or so folks tell me"
Raziel finishes whispering to Roytoc and then turns towards Valentin once more, with a smile "Of course. I'll be sure to do that if I find Nameless skulking about again." then she'd face her father-figure and say, though he may ignore, "Dad, don't forget to drink your 'medicine' more often... It's getting a bit sad that I have to keep forcing it down your throat." once this is said the elven woman would turn heel to begin making her way to the shop, so she can place the meat in the ice box. "Farewell, and goodnight, sir!" she'd add, saying so to the butcher.
Valentin touches hand to the brim of his bowler "Night, mam'selle. Travel safe, innit." The butcher nods to Roytoc "I'll be sure t'catch you soon in Frostmaw. Until then, guv, a pleasure t'do business."
Muraski shook his head at the butcher, "I'll take the venison, let me know a price." He reached into a pouch, a large pouch of coins placed onto the counter. "Count them, it's three hundred. Should cover the next month and a half. I will be sending by a man daily for the food." He turned to face Raziel, "I do believe, child, that the blood I drink isn't exactly forgotten. I drink enough, have no fear there. And, between you and others, I have been full for some time now." Eye finally turned to the drow, "And you, remember your shoulder blade if you decide to try something. Anyways, enjoy your night with my kid, hands off though." And with that he spun back to the butcher, "Price on the food then?" And as a last though kind of thing he added, "Raziel, after you and the dark skin are done, stop by the shop."
Roytoc nodded to the man with those extravagant Muttonchops, "You have a nice night now, Comrade, and I will be seeing you in two days. I'm sure you will remember," Roy smirked as he made his way to the door, Raziel already gone, "Farewell, Valentin." Roytoc swung open the door, though he would quickly look back to Muraski, "Muraski… have a nice night," The Drow would add, after all, a man who can stand up to Kuzial deserves a goodnight. The Ranger swiftly exited, waving once more to Valentin before swinging west, back towards Kelay.
Raziel pauses at Muraski's words and nods "True, true." she'd absentmindedly rub her wrist, as he speaks. "Just making sure, Pops." then she'd blush a deep red at Mura's words and say "Daaaad! Roy and I are friends, and he's practically like a father-figure to Aeonis... Can you, please, speak a bit nicer? Er.. But fine, I'll see you at the shop within an hour or so." then she'd nod to Valentin again "I'll be safe, dear, no worries about that."
A bit of 'church' business on the side
Valentin waits until the drow and elf have left the store. "For the downpayment, guv, I'll throw tonight's steak in, gratis-like." The butcher scratches a muttonchop "Also, I'm in the buyin' business too. Got money to give for those what can find me the addresses o'clergymen aligned with th'archbishop. A hundred flat for a name, address, an' description."
Muraski gave 300 gold to you.
Valentin gave 1 fine venison to Muraski.
Muraski nodded at Valentin, "Sounds good, I'll make sure to have my boy stop in daily for the food. It's a minotaur, decent sized man, has a large staff. " His brow raised at the next part however, as he leaned against the wall, "I see. I haven't heard much from the church in some time, would be nice to get word on whether they still think they'll stand in front of us or not. If I hear something, you'll get the information, free of charge. I won't charge a fellow Cenrilli who's helping remove a blockade."
Valentin grunts "Standin' or not, talkin' it up still or not, the church haven't said word t'the contrary. Now I got other business taken care of, I'm gettin back on track with the Bishop an' his choir of petty bureaucrats. Got some deliveries t'do." Valentin fingers his cleaver "Let folks know: there's someone'll pay decent coin for names, addresses, and descriptions. Hell, pay 'em a pittance and make a profit by tellin' me y'self - all that matters is I don't have to spend so much damn time huntin' the preachy bastards down, innit."
Muraski moved from his spot upon the wall, grabbed his goods and turned for the door. "You got it Valentin, I will make sure to send anyone who knows anything your way. Although, you sure they're going to be more concerned with your plight then the likes of Vuryal at the moment? That man is threatening world domination, not city fights." He opened the door to the shop, food held in hand and awaited Valentin's response before taking off.
Valentin shrugs, unworried "It ain't no 'plight'. Jus' somethin' I'm doing on account of it needing doin', innit. An' there's always folk who'd kill their own mother for another week on the booze." Not to mention, he'd received an order for fresh human meat twice a week, and Valentin felt the two articles of business might as well be incorporated together in a most convenient fashion. "It'll take out a lot o'the guesswork, speed things up a bit, but the information aint entirely necessary."
Muraski gave some thought to his words before he took his leave, "Be safe butcher, I'll send those I can your way. Hopefully we'll wipe out the church goers before Vuryal fails once again." And with that, he was gone off into the night to store his food.