RP:Negotiations

Part of the A Few Fox Tales Arc

This is a Mage's Guild RP.

This is a Rogue's Guild RP.

Summary: Ina and Langley hash things out, broker-style.

Delapitated Coral Castle, Cenril

Outside a ruined castle, there was a quaint little box wherein there dwelt a quaint little fox. And upon one quiet morning, while the fog still hung wispy in the air, life as normal was about to get just a little less normal. It started with just a few crows landing and hopping about, pecking at the ground for little morsels. But those numbers soon grew. First more crows, then ravens joined the mix and even the odd black bird. At first, they were quiet. They seemed content to merely poke and scratch around. One could shrug it off as odd but hardly anomalous. Then the screaming began. The birds all set about belting out a discordant chorus, screeching and warbling.

Langley approached, seemingly unperturbed by the noise, a few of the birds roosting upon her shoulders. It was perhaps unnecessary but Langley did love to make an entrance. And she was finding that this body lacked a bit of the gravitas that her old body had garnered over the years. So anything to make her seem more phenomenal was all the better.

Ina is in the midst of painting a new sign for her ramshackle booth- Several canisters of paint sitting alongside it as she gaudily draws out 'Trish' Untamed Treasures; Relics & Rarities, Made For the Moment' in large letters that would likely be reminiscent of Comic Sans, if someone had the savvy. Which is to say, it looks gaudy as hell.

But she seems satisfied with her work, enough so that she's more than happy to sit down That is, until the birds arrived. To say that she was comfortable with the development would be a lie, because her ears perked, and her tails twitched as the numbers grew. The display, oddly enough, wasn't unfamiliar to her- and each new addition had her glancing about for the first sign of something. If she was right, running would be pointless- family was ever so difficult to escape from when they were here.

And yet, whatever horrible climax she's waiting for never comes- unless one counts the ca-caw-phony of sounds that sets off. It's about that point that Ina slithers over the front of her own both in an almost serpentine motion, scoops up a can of paint- and hurls it willy nilly into the midst of the crows, sending a number of them scattering, alongside a singularily pointed, "Hey!" Given that the exclamation didn't come from her, it was a little weird, but okay.

Which leaves the foxkin huffing and heaving as an overdressed gal saunters over, looking every part the scarecrow with her shoulder perchers, "Those buzzards yers? If so, please tell 'em to soo. S'a bad fer' bidness."

Langley paused. She looked at the sign and then at the foxkin and then at the sign again. Her birds were fairly competent at making sure her information was correct but errors did happen. They certainly were not omniscient. Langley had not figured that particular trick out yet. The names did not match though and Langley was not overly fond of wasted time. She did lean her head ever so slightly to whisper to one of her shoulder birds. Something about the foxkin being sufficiently rattled. And as requested, the flock would depart. There were windows to peep through and conversations to eavesdrop upon.

"I'm looking for a Smith, child. I was told that I could find her here? It is my understanding that we could be of benefit to each other."

Ina may have flipped a bird at the flock as they depart, trampling through the wake of her own hurled paint can as she does, only to pause and check the multi- colored mess accruing on the bottom of her feet. "Oh. Are Ja'. Then hol' that thought. I gotcha. Jus'," She sidles back over to her stand, leaving a rainbow trail leading to the box, which is promptly given a few short kicks. The trick here being that, instead of humanoid footprints, there's a fresh set of fox prints decorating the booth. Which, in defiance of all reason, remains standing up. "Anyways, welcome ta' Trish Untamed Treasures. N' I'm, " There's an enthusiastic wiggle of her hands first to the left, then to the right, before she spreads her arms out in a theatric arc that ends with her balled fists on her hips, "Trish. Pleased ta' meet ya, maybe." In a surprisingly deft motion, the foxgirl dives backwards through the booth, neatly landing on the chair placed behind, so she can motion to the painted patch of grass in front of it. "Step right up, lay out yer comission- lesse if it's interestin'." There's a pause, and the fox very casually adds, "N' if this 'we can help each other, child' spooky speech thing is a lead up to extortion, I already pay my dues. Y'aint racketing me." This is a lie, really. But who actually wants to get on the bad side of Cenril's criminal element?

There was a brief moment where Langley had considered leaving, that perhaps her birds had been wrong about this one. It was not entirely unheard of but Langley also did not get to where she was by judging books by covers and denying the potential for opportunity.

"Well Trish…" Langley hummed thoughtfully. The name felt wrong, a dark tugging at the back of her mind. The thing that writhed within her rejected this name. "It is my understanding that you are adept at a great many things. Alchemy being one of them. Am I correct?"

Langley did not wait for an answer, pulling from her pocket three vials of a dark red liquid. She set all three down on this box that served as the foxgirl's storefront.

"I seem to be mildly stumped on my pet project. A replacement food source to help during times of shortage. It's nutritious but… there are undesirable side effects. I suspect that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement..."

Ina kicks her barefeet up and onto the front of her booth, her arms looping up behind her head, "Mmm. I see my reputation exceeeeeeds me." Her smile may have gotten uncannily broad for a moment, but it snaps back to what it was just as quickly, "Ja certainly have me at a disadvantage 'ere. But yes, Forgin', Alchemy, n' combat Cookin- At ja service." As those vials are plunked down onto the counter, her foot pops down, manages to catch hold of one of them between her toes- and then draws back and folds over her knee so she can stare at the substance.It looks familiar enough, but not quite- which has the foxkin staring at Langley as they emphasis it's use for nutrition and role in a current shortage. One that likely coincides with the more widely reported one. "Uh-huh. So, is it's contents a proprietary secret, or are ja gonna be forthcomin' about what I'd be workin' on so I didn't accidentally make it even worse." Her fingers wriggle, slip around the vial, and tug out from where she was holding it- leaving the cork clenched between toes, even as she sniffs at containers contents, "...Mmmhmm. I mean, ja got -options- pendin'. Maybe even complimentary ones, but-" There's a moment where she contemplates dipping a finger into the substance, but just as quickly her chair quakes- a subtle signal that her own fortune might interfere with a taste test, "Yeah. Okay. I mean, ja got me interested. But, what can ja offer." She pauses, before realizing the awkwardness of replacing the cork without contaminating the vials contents- something which sees her wriggling her toes to release the cork, and then catching it mid-air to restopper the thing, "N' don't lowball me. Ja tryna get a leg up in a crisis -before- the competition, n' I know my worth- so, what'd ja have insofar as offers, Ms. Nanashi~"

Langley extended an arm with her palm turned up towards the sky. There was a flash of green fire and then a tightly bound roll of velum clutched in that hand, tied up all pretty with a lovely red bow. This, too, was fox upon the foxkin's box.

"First and foremost, this is a standard non-disclosure agcreement. Before I show you anything further, I'll need you to agree to the terms." Langley explained in a tone that was all business and nothing more. "In short, you'll be agreeing to not disclose the composition of the serum nor produce your own version. Failure to abide by this agreement will cost you your tongue. I am being quite literal when I say tongue."

Langley crossed her arms and waited. On this, she would not budge and her stance said as much. Langley was fully capable of solving this serum on her own. The foxkin might just expedite the process. "In exchange for your agreement, I am willing to negotiate a business arrangement where you have proprietary rights to distribution in Cenril."

Ina isn't quite caught up in the glam of Langleys presentation skills. If anything, the expression she carries when she spots the sudden appearance of the scroll is one of tired familiarity, which only seems to resonate when she finally deigns to offer a murmured, "She woulda' loved you~." Still, she was hardly one to turn down business, even if one of the stipulations was, "Wow. Rude. Also- inefficient. Shoulda been fingers- s'not like I do chemistry with my tongue, Girly." Somewhere in the midst of this, her 'office' was kicked, setting the scroll into a roll that leaves it in her hand, at about which point she starts scrutinizing it for any sort of fine print. Not that there weren't already, "Some Fundamental problems here, though. Like, jus' a few- N' I can't tell if this is ja being a joik' or testin' me." The scrolls snapped closed, before she begins to twiddle it between her fingers as though it were a cheerleaders baton, "Suppose, Suuuuuppose- That I had to replicate tha' serum, n' than tweak it in order to test out what does n' doesn't work. That'd run me afoul of the agreement as is, n' leave me crippled fer doin' tha' job. That ain't really conducive ta doin' good work. Or healthy future business relationships." There's a pause here, the scroll pointed vigorously at the center of the spooky womans torso, as though it were a teachers pointer stick, "Which, ja seem to be slightly implying, given you were offering distribution rights- but not necessarily -production- rights."

She isn't quite certain at what point she'd started to lean forward, though if she had to guess, it was when she started gesturing about. In either case, she decides to draw a hand through her own hair, and slink back into the chair, "Also, given ja haven't given me any clear idea of tha' market share 'o' people tha' might be interested in this in -Cenril-, fer a Vailkrinese product." For what assumably would be a small slice of the population that would likely already be looking for a better place to go. "Care to toss me a better pitch~ N' this time try not ta' treat me like a rookie, savvy?" Sure, spooky here gives off a certain vibe- like there's dangerous hidden depths that probably shouldn't be provoked. But- when has that -ever- stopped Ina, or any of her kin for that matter. "So, Ms. Na. Na. Shi. Let's take this from tha' top? With somethin' that really appeals, yeah."

Langley felt a small twinge of excitement when the foxkin replied. While easy prey tended to be largely more.beneficial, it was boring when they played so readily into her hand. A challenge made life so much more interesting. So Langley just smiled at this… Trish. A smile that was too wide. A smile with too many teeth and far too jagged to boot. Those yellow eyes stared perhaps too closely, peering deeper and deeper with every passing moment as they drank in every little detail that could be gleaned from the colors that swirled around the Foxkin.

Then there was a sweep of the hand that called forth bones buried beneath the earth, cobbling themselves together into something that resembled a chair. It was not the most comfortable seating arrangement but if negotiations were to be prolonged, Langley certainly had no interest in spending the entire time standing.

"I'll be addressed as Langley, firstly." At least one of them should have the decency of a bit of honesty with monikers. The name Trish made the thing beneath her skin twitch and the letters tasted sour on her tongue. But it was the only name that Langley had to refer to the foxkin by so she would have to endure. Real names were not necessary for the signing of contracts where Langley was concerned, anyhow. Her deals ran a fair bit deeper than that.

"You may develop and modify. However production remains wholly my territory. Since distribution seems to offer you very little appeal, I am willing to offer access to House Markan's library for the duration of our arrangement. You will be monitored, of course and no books may be taken with you from the library. The duration of these visits will be scheduled in advance. I'm sure you can understand the prudence. All research documentation, alchemical methods, magical methods, formulas, tests, test results, materials used, and dark profane secrets not meant for mortal ears shall remain strictly confidential. And since you were so kind as to offer up the suggestion, breach of that non-disclosure agreement will indeed cost you your fingers. Until such a time as you find the terms of non-disclosure agreeable, however, no further business will be conducted." Langley spoke all that in a single breath and her voice did not even do that squeaky thing that tends to happen when people attempt such feats. Arms crossed again. This was the take it or leave it moment for Langley. "Compensation for work done may be discussed after."

Ina claps her hands, her fingers knitting together smoothly before her arms settle down into her lap. Again, it's not the theatrics- but rather, the fact that she gets to try her hand at a familiar trade of sorts, albeit one mostly outdated, as as the pactee. The recklessness of it all left her positively -elated-. "I'll allow 'Trish' ta' serve as tha' defining term for tha' individual with whom ja are signing this contract with" There were squirrelier ways to have phrased it, perhaps- but, if there was any benefit to be had, it would need to be binding.

Which meant, it was now time to quibble the finer details. In preparation for this grandiose act of stupidity, she actually bothers to make a small prayer- hoping for the guidance of her predecessors in doing -incredibly- stupid things. And then? Then she begins in earnest, looking over the changing text of the scroll with a truly uncanny bit of enthusiasm, "Proposed Amen-da-ment : Production- insofar as required for experimentation, is allowed. Perhaps while being overseen by either your person or..." Ina actually pauses to squint at Langley here, one tongue drawing over her canine, "Do ja have colleagues or peers who can oversee a lab?" Her hand lifts up, already poised to intercept the inevitable counter-point, "We can add a clause that any excess that is created n' not central ta experimentation needs ta' be disposed of, either by delivery to ya n' yers. That, or efforts made to destroy it, post-haste. Obviously, attempts at distribution, even for samples should be prohibited, if not within the confines of the experiment." She seems almost satisfied at addressing this first clause, but a few moments later, she's bolting upright and slamming her hands down into her booth, the whole of it shuddering, "Exclusionary Clause- Samples purchased from your person, or distributors -should- fall under normal terms of usage or re-distribution. Rather not get bitten in the keister if ja stuff winds up popular enough that I can snag some at a vendor, and pass it over ta' a friend."

If it were anyone else, they probably would have been concerned at the growing size of the scroll, but the foxkin simply marvelled at the curious intricacy of the matter. All of the lessons she'd gotten in this matter had been lengthy, and most of them had ended rather poorly- a prank in poor taste that forced the other party to sink or swim (with sharks). "Arright. Arright. Small amendment ta' research materials. Until the conclusion of tha' contract's terms, I would ask that I am ensured -timely- access to tha' library. I know how funny it can be fer folks ta' make ya wait, or how hubris might have ya thinkin' ja can give me tha' run around once my services are no longer needed. None 'a that." Was there anything else tha- AH, "Oh, and no books native- to Markan's libraries are ta' be taken from the premise. I would like tha' luxury of being able to take my own notes without running astray of our agreememnt. Obviously, those notes will remain my confidential possessions only to be used as personal resources, n' not as teachin' tools, or fer' barter."

To Ina's credit, she's got a set of lungs on her- as many an unfortunate fellow may know. A few mortal lifetimes worth of being a huckster has served her well, "N' all of that ta say that yes, tha' terms of willfully breaching tha' non disclosure arrangement n' losing my fingers is acceptable." Her head cocks abruptly to one side, "Shall we negotiate compensation, Langley~?"

"Mmmm, yes. But additionally, all research notes created in the library must be written in your own hand and your own words. No transcribing, no rubbings." Langley added as a further addendum, her eyes squinting just a bit. She was not born yesterday. "I have recently inherited a small team of… shall we say, interns. You will be assigned one as an assistant for such times as I am unavailable to oversee your work."

Langley nodded, glancing down to skim through the rows of legalese that had been steadily manifesting themselves on the velum scroll. The document was already significantly larger than it had once been. It was definitely longer now than most agreements Langley made. So much fine print. She smiled.

"Additionally, you will agree to a simple assumption of risk clause. You understand and accept that I will not be held accountable or responsible for any damages you or your property receives during our business arrangement. However, I am willing to negotiate terms at a later date for such assistance should you become, in some way, harmed during research." Langley had no interest in constantly playing doctor to the foxkin should she prove herself to be danger-prone, at least not without due compensation.

With that, Langley extended a hand once more to the foxkin and waited. If there was no further amendments then the initial agreements were done and it was time to seal this particular deal and move on to the matter of compensation.

Ina might have been nodding along with the most recent set of terms, but that doesn't mean shes's -done- with negotiations. Especially after the Assumption of Risk clause is brought up, "Well, here's tha thing. So, we've addressed things like were I ta' act in bad faith- but, given the importance of tha' research here. I feel we -ought- ta perhaps address tha' possibility of well- if ja decide ta' tie loose ends. " She casually draws her thumb across her neck during the spiel, before drawing her attention back to the contract- ascertaining whether or not her newest additions are going to show up in writing, "I -do- understand that there are certain risks that came with tha' research. Bits of harm that may crop up as a result of alchemy, or my own day ta' day life. N' I understand ja not wanting ta' be responsible for that. BUT. I'm not givin' ja carte blanche to bump me off. So, Les' make this fair~!" That's rich, coming from these two.

"While I'm working within the stipulations of this contract, ja will not, either through your own person, or through others,- "It's at this point that her fingers start to count up, wriggling in defiance of their potential terrible fate, even as she casually sings out,"1~ Attempt, directly or indirectly, to cause me ta' breach the contract. 2~ Attempt, directly or indirectly, ta' cause me harm or death. 3~ Attempt ta' limit my mobility in any fashion that would hinder my day to day happenings in a significant fashion. 4~ To be subject to one of your other arrangements, without my express awareness and the opportunity ta' present a counter-offer." Her hand shuts, and then drops to her lap, to be soon followed by the vellum scroll as ione end of it drops into her lap and begins to pile there, "I'd ask that these safety stipulations be carried forward by a period of 3 months after the lapse or cancellation of any ongoing contract (now known as a Grace Period). And should the contract be renewed within this period of time, the grace period will extend from whenever tha' new ending time is. Lastly, the renewal of this safety clauses is ta be an understood part of any ongoing bidness relationship, or contract, with -my- person, capiche?" Because it wasn't her problem what other people got themselves into. There's a pause, and the foxkin carefully adds, "n' given it's my livelihood we've put on tha' table- I feel the same should be fer you. Should you willfully breach our arrangement, no deals fer you, fer a length of time equal to tha full length of a foxkin's uninterrupted lifespan."

She whoofs- if only because that was a -doozy-. And potentially unnecessary, all given. But, better to have all your bases covered, no? And she does feel fairly satisfied at this particular spiel. Enough that she finally feels satisfied enough to offer her hand. There is a slight hesitance there- just in case Langley attempts to tweak one of the terms, but for the most part- this seems as intact as it will get.

"That clause shall hereby work both ways then. Mutual safety for you, for me, and for those who are contracted to me or otherwise in my employ in any fashion." Langley hummed, pulling her hand back just slightly for a moment as she added that final addendum. "Additionally, should you become aware of any others contracted to me, you are to treat that information as confidential as well and are not permitted to use that information in any way that causes me or my contractees harm, be it physical, emotional or financial. The terms of this non-disclosure agreement are to be treated as in perpetuity and are not rendered nullified upon the conclusion of our business. Death of the contractor or the Contractee, however, constitutes a cessation of contractual obligation, so long as that death is not caused by the contractor or Contractee." That meant that Ina was forever safe from Langley, which was mildly inconvenient but it also meant that Langley and her employees were equally forever safe from Ina.

Langley fully extended her hand once more, grasping Ina's firmly. Her brow furrowed. There was a strange feeling there, something that made the thing inside of her quiver. It did not like what was happening even if Langley herself could not quite put a finger on it. Something about the way that she interacted with the world shifted and changed ever so slightly in some fundamental cosmic way. But Langley could not quite put her finger on what had happened just yet….

Ina nods her assent to this amendment, though she does feel the need to clarify, "So long as the acceptable risk clause also applies to any of your contractors or employees who work alongside me. Gatherin' materials n' tha' like can be dangerous work." As is her proximity. In any case, the foxkin's handshake is firm yet fleeting - withdrawn before it could cross the threshold into an 'unnecessary risk'. "Ja -will- need ta provide me a means of recognizing your employees, 'n especially your contractors, however- given, accidents could happen 'n tha' wild, otherwise." The foxkin casually checks her hand, peering carefully to see if there was any discernible mark left by their agreement that might interfere with her habit of adopting other skins. Regardless, she then draws her attention back towards the contract sitting between them, "And obviously, I'd like a copy of this, n' tha' part where we talk shop about compensation."

Langley may have seemed a touch preoccupied as she stared at her own hand for a moment but she could definitely multi-task with great efficiency. Something just felt ever so slightly off, something that Langley needed to test. And so test she would by reaching down to pick up one of those vials. Langley was normally so careful, which was why it was certainly odd that the vial slipped right out of her fingers as soon as she picked it up. It shattered on the ground even, despite such a small drop and the glass being reinforced to handle aggressive reactions.

"Compensation indeed." Langley hummed, as she rubbed her fingers against her palm. The strange feeling had passed. "I assume that isn't something you do by choice? I would hope not, anyhow. It would be quite reckless to manipulate the luck of someone who just bound you in contract. And you don't strike me as reckless. So how about this, I can help you with your little… condition. I will provide you the means to impose some semblance of control over it. The effectiveness, mind you, is entirely dependent on how woven into you this magic is but… yes, I do believe I have just the thing for it."

What good humour Ina carried withered in that very instant, as Langley demonstrates the same sort of astuteness that Quintessa once had - marking her for what she was. A Jinx. A Hazard. "I'd think breathin' a word about that ta' anyone counts as indirect harm and influencin' my mobility." She tries to take a breath, to hold it tight and master the sense of anxiety that wells inside her chest. It helps, but it does little to dull the manic gleam that begins to well in her expression, and sets her tongue pressed firmly to the roof of her mouth. Gods damn broker. "I think ja know- since yer contract didn't snap shut on me, n' tha ones I'm familiar with dinnit require ya ta babysit 'em."

Really, the fact that a repercussion hadn't struck her down in the aftermath meant one of the various clauses they'd argued with had in fact served it's purposes- and if she had to bet she'd place a firm bet on the one covering acceptable risks. "That said, I'm a bit more well-adjusted to my condition than ya'd think. I'd rather hear the rest of your pitches before ya go tinkerin' with my very nature. I've had a century to figure the ups n' downs of it." And hells if she was going to give Langley more of a headstart on her. "So, let's lay out all tha' options, shall we? Because 'm certain that wasn't at the forefront of 'em til a moment ago."

Langley hoisted an eyebrow towards the sky and smirked just a bit. The anxiety was delicious. Not quite as tasty as real suffering but it would satisfy that little itch for the time being.

"I could make it optional. Something wearable, perhaps. A trinket, that when worn, holds it all back. It'd give you a semblance of normalcy but still allow you to make use of it. Or…" Langley paused as her yellow eyes narrowed, soaking in the foxkin's aura. There was something there, tucked away well enough that Langley could not quite put her finger on what it was. But that it was kept so thoroughly hidden meant that Trish did not want it known. And on the topic of Trish…

"Fake names imply that one does not want to be found. What if, perhaps, I could help you hide better?" It was calling a bluff to be sure. Langley had no actual way of knowing if Trish was a fake name aside from the squirming beneath her flesh when she spoke it and the oddities that twinkled in the foxkin's aura. "If I can see you for what you really are, I am certain that there are others who can as well… that isn't a threat, by the by. I am not suggesting that I intend to go telling on you."

Ina actually does take the idea into a consideration, the possibility of it being momentary muted without some dire tweaking of her very nature. It would simplify things, wouldn't it? Allow the plausibility of maintaining the masquerade a bit easier. Allow the possibility of something more than what she'd already scrabbled together, the apprenticeship she held so dear. Only, "Trinkets can get broken. Stolen. N' I dislike the idea of my nature being tweaked- so what about...settin' exceptions. Could you, with time, figure somethin' along that line?"

The fact that Langley is -aware- her name is fake isn't all that surprising, she'd alluded to as such during their contracting. That said, the fact that their theories are so general means she still has some advantages. She falls within the gaps of the brokers knowledge- perhaps in part due to her own mutability. Simply put, it seemed Langley didn't know about her own distinct sort of fluidity. "I'm adept at gettin' by on that front. So unless ja offering ta round out tha' number of my tails to a flush new number, without whiling away tha' years of my life- I think I can pass on that." That remark aside, the trickster -does-offer a suggestion of her own, "Provided this contract is worked to your arrangement, I want -exclusivity, at least as far as alchemy works. If ja need ta outsource, ja come to me. Or at the very least, involve me, if tha' project requires more hands on deck. Repeat business is tha' best business, yeah?"

Langley could feel the anxiety lessen. There was a twinge of disappointment that she could no longer feed on that discomfort but it also meant that Langley was making some degree of headway. However, it also meant that the foxkin had called her bluff just a little in regards to the hiding.

'Oh, you'll find there are a great many things that I can do. But for now, we shall focus on the matter of your… let's call it a gift. Condition feels a touch dismissive of its practical applications." Langley hummed as she held up a hand, palm towards the sky. Above that hand, there manifested the translucent image of a ringlet. It could be worn about the ankle, the wrist, perhaps even a tail. The options for accessorizing were certainly aplenty. "Something to hold it all back. You could take it on or off as needed. With some work, I could probably even make it so that it can be removed with a thought should you need your powers on the fly. But it would certainly make shaking hands more convenient. Oh, imagine you, having a meaningful relationship. No fear of harming those you care about, albeit indirectly…"

Langley had no doubt that she could make such an object. All told, it would likely be a matter of fairly simple runeology with some slight tweaking.

"I'd just need a piece of you to bind it to you, really. A bit of hair would do fine. Exclusivity is fine. With the caveat that I can outsource, should the task be beyond your capabilities."

Ina was able to take the majority of what Langley said in stride. In fact, a certain sense of cheer starts to creep back in, starting with their adoption of her own parlance insofar as her 'knack'- and only growing as the details of the hypothetical trinket are provided. Not being able to -lose- her prize certainly held an appeal.

That is, until they begin to speculate as to their relationship habits. Where before, the brokers words had settled within the foxkins chest, with their weighted implications- this time, Langley had set her blood boiling. It's a slap without the other woman even raising a hand, and Ina can't help but draw her face back for a moment, before she simply redirects her attention elsewhere. "Fer' someone talkin' bidness, ja awfully judgy n' rude." Those words had started up an unpleasent chain of memories, "When ja can live as long as me- when ja have- they're -all- mayflies. Dun' really think it's up ta either of us ta weigh the meaning of the choices they choose ta make." That made it easier, didn't it? Her resignation to the outcome. Her acceptance of good and bad, hand in hand. "N' here I thought ja woulda been a gentle-lady with that get up of yers, but yer practically as uncouth as me."

One arm loops over the back of the chair, helping to tilt her body to peer off at the coral castle that overlooked her quaint (yet crummy) stand, "Yer caveat is acceptable, but if that's the case- I also want an opportunity ta poke my nose inta any arrangement that might pertain ta forgin'. Provided ja can do that n' help ta put me in touch with people ta help me get tha' resources I need for tha' work that I do- we can, in tandem with this charm, consider these initial negotiations as outlined to my satisfaction." While she might be addressing the eldritch broker, her normally boundless well of cheer was beginning to reach a limit of sorts- one that actually made it a bit easy to brusquely draw a nail over her palm, and casually extend it over towards Langley. A motion that's completed as the first crimson beads begin to well up along the cut, "Figurin' that might make fer a nice shade of red, since ya accessorizin'."

The dark deed, it seemed, was done. The terms were acceptable and the parameters were set. A bit of green flame arced across Langley's palm, slicing it open and drawing forth black blood. With that hand, she grasped the foxkin's. Their blood mingled, with a fair bit of Ina's being absorbed to be used later, and the accord was sealed. That blood would be more than sufficient to make the trinket for Ina.

Langley withdrew her hand and smiled at Ina, a second scroll of velum manifesting itself in that hand with the usual show of green flame. "One for me and one for you. No time for regrets, child."

The necromancer had chosen to let Ina's little rant slide right off of her shoulders. Langley knew better than most what it was like to outlive the ones she loved. But that was Langley's private burden…

Ina does her best to maintain the air of a professional through this final moment, but the moment the handshake is done- she's withdrawn her hand, if only so she can make a shooing motion at Langley, "Tha' only regret I got right now, is that I'll have ta' go through a chunk a' this again when we next talk bid'ness. Now G'wan. Git. Shoo~" There's a pause, and then she adds, "Oh, n' drop off whateva' research bits I need so I can start workin' on this- I'll be sure to set up some bookings to check yer house, or whateva." Which, given she was supposed to have access so long as she was subject to the contracts terms, and certain elements were essentially in effect, in perpuity? She was looking forward to having access to a brand new library, lab, and potentially assistants.