RP:The Artifacts Delivered

Part of the Merfolk Tale Arc

Summary: Sadie delivers six of the seven Artifacts of Mercea to Finn, and confirms the financial arrangement for the division of profits.

Characters: Finn, Sadie.

Location: Port Rynvale; The Harbor. Berth of The Nautica.

Sadie finds herself sitting at the edge of the dock closest to her ship, legs swaying at an idle pace between the extended walk way and the side of The Nautica. While her left hand rests positioned back behind her to brace her in her reclined position, her right toys with the opal set jewel there suspended from the golden chain of her necklace. Majority of the crew is currently drinking away their senses in the Barrel while very few scuttle around the deck of the ship, storing away crates and boxes of unknown items: probably food and rum. Samson, the muscular blonde man who seemed to huddle around Sadie when she was absent from the ship is nowhere to be found right now. He, too, is probably at the Barrel. So leaving the blonde captain dressed as per the usual with her black pants with gold inlay and matching, buttoned waist coat to idle away her time with a wistful expression holding her delicate features.

Finn was beginning to feel quite the world traveler. Twice in as many weeks had the runner ventured inland, this second time deeper than the first in his quest to identify prospects for the artifacts that he had been commissioned to sell. This, despite the fact that prattling tongues and loose lips had seen to it that vague word of the pieces and what they might be capable of had made it to the market, and prospective buyers were beginning to find him. It was for this latter reason that the runner was to be found approaching the Nautica again tonight, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his trousers and coat falling open to reveal the wink of the dagger hilt that rode low on his hips and the work hardened body above it. The male was at one and the same time lost in thought and aware of the bustle that took place around him as he wove his way to the berth that was his objective. How much to tell the captain? Was she the sort for whome gold was a bottom line? Not many would turn down 100 thousand. And yet..if she were not the sort, speaking of the offer would only alert her to the danger of holding such a high value asset on her person. There remained of course, also the problem of figuring out how he would get the artifact from her, if it came to that. Such was not his objective tonight however. Tonight, he just needed to establish that the items were indeed retrieved and available for sale.and to get a sense of where her priorities might lay. Stride would slow as he approached the berth, noting immediately the absence of activity as opposed to his previous visit. A whisky gaze would come to rest on the female, and on that very item that he had come to covet, but little enough of that emotion would be revealed in his drawled greeting. “I’d figure a lass so keen on her wardrobe would know bettern’ to sit on a dock in port darlin’..” he said idly. “Reckon if those boards could talk they’d tell a pretty tale..” he added dryly. He’d leave it to her imagination the things a working dock might experience in any given day. He’d notice that wistful expression, but a man in his profession learned soon enough to ask no questions where uninvited.

Sadie is an aware woman; senses were heightened due to the magical -mythical- blood streaking through her veins, and while she seemed for the most part lost in thought, the approach being made by Finn was felt through the floor boards and the vibrations they sent. So before the Runner could speak, a knowing grin was already breaking through to her lips. "I bet they would have a load of gossip to share just about me alone." Turning her kaleidoscopic blue eyes on to Finn, complete with the lusty narrowed lids, she completes a slow assessment of his figure before settling her gaze on his own. "So what is it I can do for you darlin'? I don't figure you'd be out here for anything other than a business visit." Quirking a brow and tilting that smile into a smirk, she adds: "Coming by to pick up the jewelry?"

Finn canted his auburn head to toss a downward glance toward where she reclined, a lazy smile twitching the lips set in rugged face. “ Reckon they would at that captain..” he said idly in response to her assertion that she might be in fact newsworthy. An imp of mischief reared its head as his gaze slid over the overtly feminine package that she presented. “An I figure there’s reason enough I might have cause to take a midnight stroll your way..” he drawled with a widening grin before thoughts of business reigned it in. “ But you’ll be havin’ the right of it. If not to pick it up..least confirm its here. I’ve got at least two buyers makin’ bids in town, and more lined up inland.” he said casually. He recognized the ghost of that look in her eyes. The echo of want, and made mental note of it. It might come in useful at a later date. Gold flecked gaze dropped to the stone nestled at her throat. “Fond of that thing aren’t you?..Don’t reckon I’ve seen you out of it since our chat..” he murmured. Not that he’d seen her more than twice.

Sadie is aware of the powers of the necklace she currently wields, but the problem with keeping it from around her neck is that it's more inclined to be stolen from under her nose. She didn't trust her crew any farther than she could throw them. Unfortunately, the problem with -keeping- it around her neck is the fact that she's slowly already began to feel the hex the jewel inflicted. She's too cocky to believe that the infliction would grow any worse however. "I take it off when I swim." She mentions offhandedly, her blue eyes trailing from his figure to examine the opal. She swam a lot, and spent at least eleven to twelve hours a day in the water, but even then, the necklace wasn't far from her and was usually tucked into the hem of her swimming attire. That was the reason she had yet to experience any intense feelings of lust other than the occasion yearning or want brought from the back of her mind to the forefront so she was forced to think about it. "Shall we make a trip into my cabin so I can hand them over then?"

Finn only nodded, his gaze drifting lazily from her person to the quiet of the Nautica’s deck. “Suppose we can get it out of the way then..” he said idly. “Looks like we’ll be makin’ a pretty penny for the lot, if initial bidding is anythin’ to go by.” Already the male had one booted foot upon the gangway, and was preparing to make his way aboard. He paused mid stride to allow her to rise and catch up. “Reckon we have some unfinished business anyway. We never did discuss the terms of our…arrangement specifically. Market is good, they’ll definitely sell. Question is, what’s the spilt lass? I’ll not be doin’ the bulk of the work for a minority share..I’ll be lettin’ you know that up front,” he said coolly. He’d hold his tongue then, of any suggestions. Far better to hear what the captain might have in mind. Typically he’d have bought them off her at some below market rate, and then resold for considerable profit, a route he was not unprepared to go if her offer proved unsatisfying. She would have no idea of the going market value that he had been able to determine. Mental note was made of what little she had revealed about her habits with the crown jewel of the collection, though little enough use of it could be made until he set someone to spying on her and cataloguing her movements during the day.

Sadie pushes herself to stand slowly, following in wake of the Runner with her hands stuffed into gold-lined pockets. "I was actually curious as to what split you were interested in. I'm willing to negotiate." She muses while picking up the pace in her gait to slip past Finn, her right hand already fishing out her ring of keys. "So how many pieces have gained interest in the public?" Long strides carry her to the narrow, short door where the key singled out amongst the rest is inserted and turn to produce the 'click' of the lock, stating the room is now open. "Watch your head." She warns, casting a blue glance over her shoulder before pushing open the door and allowing emission into her small estate.

Finn might not spend much time on the water but he was more than aware of the hazards posed by the typical design of shipboard features like the door to captain’s quarters. Auburn head was instinctively ducked and broad shoulders contracted as he dipped into her personal space. “Typical rate for a rare item is 60/40 in my favor..” he said clearly. “Payin’ for the right to move somethin’ that would otherwise be unsellable on the legal market without major headache or hassle. Rarer the item, the deeper the spilt. I’m figurin’ 60/40 are decent odds with what you’re lookin’ to move lass.” he drawled lightly, eyes turning automatically towards the table where he had been seated for their last encounter. He cast her a quick glance and lied with a straight face. “Don’t know exactly at the moment. Been approached by two who seem to be fishin’ more than knowin’ what exactly they’re lookin’ for. Figure with a long enough conversation an the right pitch, they’ll take whatever we give em for a decent price.” Lowerng himself into a seat withut invitation, he glanced her way again. “What about on your end? Managed to turn over any prospects?” He didn’t take her for a fool, and only fool wouldn’t try to find -some- way to pitch their product, even as carefully done as it would have had to have been.

Sadie turns towards Finn once the small box that had at one point held the necklace she currently wears is in hand. "Just one. She seems rather interested." With the box settled on the table top, another key selected from her many is produced and once more another lock is opened. There inside rests six pieces of jewelry: A bracelet baring sapphires, an anklet with obsidian hued jewels, two rings, one with a single ruby and one with a pearl and two earrings, one with an emerald and the other a diamond. "This is all of them then." She purrs, pushing the now opened box towards the Runner. "I'll be fine with sixty-forty then."

Finn’s broad fingers reached out to curl around the box, his hazel eyes falling to their contents for the first time. The gems winked at him from within velveted case, and he felt their combined allure tug at his soul. For a brief, fanatical moment the male understood the power he held in his hands, and coveted it. With that power he would not need to earn a profit..for others would hand it to him at his direction. He snapped the lid closed, the artifacts winking out of sight. “Not quite all captain..” he muttered, his gaze lingering tellingly on the necklace about her neck. ‘But it’ll do..” For starters. The runner pushed himself then, to his feet, an apologetic grin tugging at his lips as he realized the irony of the repeated scene. “Gotta stop meetin’ like this captain. Least a man can do is offer a business partner a drink. But I reckon the work won’t do itself..” he drawled dryly. “I’ll have to be headin’ off..” he clarified, if it was not already evident. “I’ll be in touch when the sales go through…” he murmured. His eyes drifted over her leggy form again, before a wink shuttered one gold flecked iris for an instant. “Or maybe before..if we’re lucky..” he added on a husky tease. Even before the phrase was completely out of his mouth, the man was at the door, his treasure trove securely in hand.

Sadie merely watches Finn with a narrow lidded gaze once more, this time lacking any lust or yearning for the man or the idea of any man and her right hand lifts to close around the necklace protectively. And as if the Runner needed to hear, she repeats: "That is all of them." Thereafter, she's pick up her gait once more to lock the door in Finn's wake protecting herself and the artifact from the man's grasp.