Made Maid

The bar that the meeting was to take place at, is a small one. Not one of the more famous locals in Alexandria, but rather a place known as 'The Round Table'. It has then rather unsurprisingly many round tables inside it. It's not terribly busy, aside from the patronage of those who Asphodel has requested come here a bit early so as to scout things out a bit. In fact... the only other people is one bustling waitress who has been to everyone to ask after their food and drink orders, and the owner of the establishment who is currently asleep with their head leaning on the bar.

Asphodel still has her gaze upon the bartender, before she turns back to those gathered.

"Thank you all for coming," She begins in a solemn tone, placing her hands atop the table. "We are here tonight because our local rivals, the..." Sportsball, sportsball, you have enough birthdays for five people, what kind of thing do people-- "Hoop and ball rivals from the Next Town Over." Her gaze remains on the sleeping owner, and then the waitress.

Having finished a meditative workout to really put her recently healed shoulder through its paces, Huian was reflecting on the fortune that had her not needing to deal with months of therapy and the possibility of never using that arm again. Magic is amazing when it comes to restoring the body. Stupid bear. She recalls making shrill, high pitched screaming noises as the creature did its best to gnaw her arm off.

But that is in the past now. There is a reason she prefers to fight -people- rather than beasts. But tonight, she finds herself sitting at the table, sipping whatever beverage was placed before her, listening wordlessly to Asphodel.

But she lifts a brow. Is that -really- why these people are gathered? It seems a bit... beneath their capabilities. She isn't really all that sold on it, and that can be seen on her face.

It was by personal request that Rune happens to be in this particular bar. It isn't her favorite in Alexandria, not by a long shot. She had arrived along side the slightly taller Llyranesi woman, having taken a moment to palm off something into Asphodel's hand. "Put this on. It'll help Harkashan protect you." Rune whispers. Then, after a pause, she adds, "I'll need it back, later." 'It' in this case, is a beautiful platinum ring.

Since then, Rune has mostly been set up in a relaxed posture, nursing a drink that she's barely touched. As Asphodel starts to talk, there is a peculiar look given, one brow raised. Rather than saying anything about sports-ball related topics, she just flicks a tool out from her belt and starts to fidget with it, flicking it between her fingers.

Rune doesn't like sitting still.

Harkashan, on getting the call to come and help Asphodel, is rather willing to assist. Though he's lacking the exact details, he knows that she's become a target for the cult that originally tried to use her to summon a fiend.

When Rune approaches Asphodel, Harkashan joins her, watching her give the beautiful platinum ring. He then lays his hand on her shoulder. "Are you looking to get taken, and for us to follow and find you, or are you looking to have us intercept whatever comes your way?" He then adds in a whisper.

He doesn't comment on the sportsball though. He doesn't exactly look the type. What with the clawed feet and all that.

GAME: Harkashan casts Shield Other. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Harkashan casts Status. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16

Verna visits very few of such establishments in the general course of her time, and frequents even less. While yet garbed in her Mourner's robes, her hood is doffed; she is not present on official temple business, afterall. Some, if not all, of the others are known to her in various ways, though her attention is upon Asphodel as the organizer. The mention of athletic collectives gives her some pause before she nods lightly. "Fascinating. What manner of ...argument might they have begun this time?"

Whilst awaiting a response, she makes note of the ring offer, which shifts her attention to Harkashan briefly to nod.

Rather than make a big deal out of it, before she accepts the ring, Asphodel squeezes Rune's hand affectionately with both of her own. "I don't know what to expect. I was given this address," She says, sliding it across the table, "And the name. It's for a "maid service", which is brilliant in and of itself. No one cares if the maids go missing," her tone an indictment on the subject. "I'm expecting to be jumped. I can't imagine that they're committed to the facade. So I wander in, presumably am attacked and hopefully survive, and... We kick their balls out of the court."

Speaking up for the first time since entering the building, Huian comments, "A job as a maid is not one that I can say I ever thought you might be willing to do. You seem more... cosmopolitan."

"Oh, this is play acting to draw out someone who may or may not wish you harm. Okay, that makes more sense."

Carver is half-paying attention to Asphodel, and the story of the situation that led them all to gather around a table. Like a bunch of Knights of, well, you get the bit. The rest of her attention is on Rune's drink. While she and the Maid of the Hour are in discussion, Carver is trying to slowly pull her drink to *her* side of the table. "Righ'. Jumped. Kickin' balls. Uh-yup."

Rune simply offers a nod back to Asphodel, but uncertain look remains in the set of her brows. "I hope you know what you're doing." She had not known the Llyranesi woman for all that long, but it doesn't make the rogue any less protective over those she considers 'friends'.

Her eyes flick towards Carver, but Rune doesn't do anything to prevent the theft of the drink. She wasn't really drinking much of it, anyways. "Let's make sure survival is a bit more than just a 'hope'." Her blue eyes turn back to Asphodel, "It was a close enough call, last time."

Verna's lips purse at this news, sharing the concern of others. "Do you know anything of these rivals?" she inquires quietly. "It is ill-advised to risk one's self such without some justification." After a pause, she adds, "Admittedly, it is possible that all may reveal itself to be far less concerning that feared."

With his spells cast, Harkashan moves back a bit, sitting at the bar and ordering something to drink. Because he may as well get something while he's here. Taking a drink and feeling just a bit less on edge with a bit of protection and preparation in case of an unfortunate kidnapping.

"If we're all ready?" Asphodel says, rising from the table. She'll leave not only a tip, but a generous tip, for the woman. "Let's head out."

"Heh, heh, heh." Carver says into her pilfered pint. "Always watch yer drink." Gulp, gulp, gulp. She notices everyone is getting ready to leave and scuttles to collect her gear, and get out the door behind them with Rune's drink's foam still on her upper lip.

Standing up slowly herself, Huian asks, "Do you wish me to be obvious or subtle in my proceedings of protection?" to Asphodel. After all, hers is the life on the line here.

Asphodel pauses at Huian's question. "These people are doing to women what those handlers were doing to animals," she tells the other woman quietly. "They are already dead as far as I am concerned. My whole point in pursuing this was to put an end to these operations. That takes priority first. Women like me do not usually get placed in danger unless they do it themselves. This is a very worthy risk to me-- handle yourselves however you see fit until the element of surprise has no value."

Asphodel will also take off her slipper, a silk stocking, and place the ring... on a toe. Because her elf fingers are too small, and no one usually checks toes.

Nodding her head, Huian clarifies, "What I meant was, do you wish them to know that I am here to protect, or should I pretend to be uninvolved until I -get- involved? Again, this is your mission."

"Oh! No, total surprise, and you play it as you see fit," Asphodel clarifies. "They think I'm coming alone."

Nodding her head, Huian turns to Carver, "Would you let me buy you a drink at -that- table over there then?" she inquires, moving so that Carver's back will be to the gathering and so that Huian herself will be facing them. She has a feeling that Carver's not much for lying with facial expressions.

That expounding draws a frown from Verna along with a nod. "Indeed. I will not be far." She then makes her way to claim a seat at her own, separate table and place an order. Thus to be as inconspicuous as one might be.

"A date? I mean, I guess you're alright lookin' but the knickers are stayin' on I'm just here for the money. Pro-fess-honel, okay? I don' want you all disappointed at the end of the day." Carver is distractedly positioned away from everything important.

It doesn't take long for the group to disseminate themselves through the room. Which is just as well since the maid enters almost immediately after everyone is settled. Behind her is a young, but tall and exceedingly handsome Stormguardian man whom might be recognized in fact from Asphodel's event.

The maid leads him eagerly toward Asphodel, and joins the other woman at her table while the gentleman lingers a moment longer on his feet before offering a low nod to Asphodel. "Ah, I was not expecting you." His eyes scan the bar; noting Harkashan and Rune before drifting back over to the woman. "You might recognize me from your party - I am Micha. I hope that this meeting is more... pleasant than our last."

GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (1)+12: 13 (EPIC FAIL)

Harkashan glances up for a moment from his spot at the counter. He'd ordered water, but he was given beer because it was the only thing they had. He does recognize Micha, but he'd not particularly made much of an impact the first time he'd seen that person.

So he glances at the maid for a moment while feeling a bit of warmth within his chest that distracts. Rune might see Harkashan wince for a moment, touching to a spot on his scales - one of those that had seemed rather 'hot to the touch' lately. Distracted for the moment, it'd seem.

"Micha!" Asphodel says, the exclamation more one of being taken aback. She rises from the table where she was waiting, and gestures Micha and the maid over. "I hope you find it in yourself to forgive me. I was... It was a lot to handle," She says. "And that's before the actors somehow got into a row with the musicians. Please, have a seat."

Once the group had spread out, Rune had taken a seat at a table which gives her a good view of the room and ease of movement. However, at the moment that the familiar man walks in, Rune is currently having a conversation with the bar woman. It seems that in the process of ordering another drink, the rogue has also been trying to chat up the server.

"Looks like you've got more customers." Rune murmurs, offering a small, shy smile. "I'll let you get back to it. Just another ale, please." She is doing her best to look as if she just so happens to be there, if for no other reason than to chat up the waitress. Where as, she's actually keeping an eye on Asphodel and the two new patrons, when they aren't looking anyways.

At her own table, Huian eyes Carver. "This is two friends sharing a drink. Nothing about this should be remotely interpreted as an attempt to dislodge your.. knickers." she says softly. But she smiles then and shrugs, "I am less inclined towards women than some." She adds, her eyes flickering over Carver's shoulder to just keep Asphodel in sight. But not studying any closer.

Verna is aware of the arrival in her peripheral vision and perhaps even of some conversational exchange care of partly sildanyari ears. Instead, after a light sip from her glass, she retrieves sa moderate tome from her satchel to set upon the table and open. Some light reading to pass the time, in the form of Lugatt's Observations and Opinions on Nocturnal Yodelling. Volume Three.

Carver's response is to spear a sausage on her plate and waggle it suggestively in Huian's direction. "They already 'ere, innit? You really think they jump the Doll in what is a middle of a bloody tavern?"

Micha takes his seat and nods, smiling softly at the waitress who comes over and orders a glass of water - which is switched to beer when he is informed they have none, and a similar order is made by the maid who seems pleased to be included. "Mae here may have informed you that I have use for someone of your skills. You see, I recently acquired a business and some of the workers are in desperate need of simple clothing." He looks at Asphodel warmly. "You see the business largely employs those who would normally lack in employment and as such they do not have the funds to buy proper clothes for themselves."

"I then, feel somewhat obligated to provide it."

"That adverb dinnit even mean anythin'." Carver accuses her date, "Wot? How do you eat casually?" She hangs the sausage back in the air before her, waggling it again. "You eat this casually. Go 'head."

Smirking, Huian reflects that this tactic seemed to work to a degree. Carver is talking about the stupidity of her comment, and not of the mission. "Simple. You eat it like it did not matter." and with that said, she reaches for the sausage, plucking it out of Carver's fingertips easily before taking a quick bite like she did not give a *bleep* about any of this.

"I would love to help!" Asphodel leans forward with excitement. "That does sound like a splendid project. And a charity, all at once. I could even see myself waving any cost for this," she says, "Just so long as the workers do not have to pay it back. What do you need from this clothing? That is to say, the material I would choose for scullery work is going to be different from what a maid needs."

With her drink ordered, Rune lets her eyes shift back over the room, watching a sausage get waggled around, then bitten. She opens her mouth as if some comment is at the edge of her lips, but then quickly shuts it again before standing, making her way over towards where Harkashan sits at the bar.

"Everything alright?" She offers to him, sliding onto one of the stools next ot the Makari.

Then, she does a casual glance over her shoulder, in the guise of checking on the waitress. So far, nothing unusual had happened. Hmm.

Asphodel seems to be getting excited about things, but Harkashan is trying to keep as close an eye as he can without things going south. But he's not exactly going to act right now. In truth, nothing that he can sense is going on in a kind of 'negative' kind of way.

But the linked magic between him and Asphodel is making sure to keep him appraised of any conditions that she might end up under, including being charmed, mesmerized, and the likes.

"Hmm?" He rumbles as Rune shifts to sit next to him. He touches that hot spot on his scales, quietly nodding. "I'll be alright. Just... the thing we spoke of. It's spreading." He whispers to her.

"Don't touch my sausage!" Carver's squawk carries across the tavern.

From what little Verna knows of the situation (which is, admittedly, exceedingly little), nothing appears unusual nor suspicious. Perhaps her optimistic comment may prove true and there was some misunderstanding. That, or those responsible are exceedingly conniving and patient? She is present to support her acquaintance, and shall do so when or if the need arises. Thus she continues her casual reading, adding a sip of drink here and there. At least until Carver's loud comment, which does provoke a glance in her direction.

Micha seems surprised. "Really? I would never ask for you to do it for free mind you, but even a discount would be greatly appreciated." He smiles warmly. "Some kind of simple clothing would suffice. The business is in making and aging beer. So no special requirements there save that a sturdy material would be best."

As the waitress moves around the room giving everyone their drinks she comes to their table last and Micha smiles at her again his words stalled by Carver's sudden yell which causes him to arch his eyebrow. "That is... Do you have any Blue Moon ale miss?"

"That's what we are serving today!" She says warmly and moves off as Micah nods.

"So there you have it." He pushes the glass toward Asphodel. "This then is in fact what we make."

Freezing in confusion, Huian lifts both brows, "Didn't you just tell me to eat it?" she inquires. Yes, she takes things literally, oftentimes more than her friends might appreciate. "If I misunderstood, then allow me to apologize." she adds, but it's likely about ten syllables more than Carver might prefer.

GAME: Rune rolls knowledge/local: (9)+8: 17

While listening, Asphodel reaches into her canvas bag and pulls out a slender sketchbook, unassuming, light green leather. She carefully opens it, setting her own silk hanky on the table's surface before allowing it to leave her hands. She does not stop to display its contents, but Micha can see:

Centuries of fashion lay on the pages, all in Asphodel's crisp, clean notes. Cuts, styles, lapels, button sizes, and especially the weaving drafts used. Llyranesian nobility and royalty flash by in the way Asphodel has them drawn, posed so she may consider the sizes and effects.

"How many people, about?" She asks, a small piece of dark chalk in her hand as she begins to draw up numbers. "It is tremendously generous of you to have opened a workhouse for the poor," She notes, as she finishes. "I do apologize, but it is against tradition for me to drink ale. It interferes with Eluna's voice in my dreams. Now then. I think I may be able to do more for you, Micha.

"I did commandeer an entire district for my own party," She coyly admits. "With this kind of charity, surely you would rather I publicize? Anyone can make simple clothing."

"Okay." Rune offers with a concerned whisper, "Just... let me know if it gets worse." Though she may be here for Asphodel's sake, that doesn't mean there is any less concern for the others.

Though some seem to need more concern than others. Rune stares over her shoulder at the sudden shout about 'sausage touching'. "What the..." It's really hard not to let Carver draw her attention.

The tip of her ear twitches slightly at the name of the ale, which is somewhat familiar to Rune. "Not bad stuff, kind of on the cheap end but decent quality." She explains, still keeping her voice down. The connection to the ale may or may not be important.

Harkashan's head tilts to look back at Carver being loud, but in the end, it's not something that needs particular attention he believes. So he turns to look back to Rune and nods his head. "Thanks." He whispers, touching a clawed hand over her own very much fleshy soft-skinned hand.

Then, releasing her, he returns to sipping from his beer a bit while continuing to listen.

"Look't, iffin you had wanted the sausage, I'd have given you all offit!" Carver exclaims, "Jus' consent is important. Jus' can't be grabbin' meat like that." She is now mostly waving her empty fork which has far less jiggly emphasis. "Now it's all sad an' what, I'm supposed to eat it after you got all your prim spittle on it?"

About to retort once more, Huian just lifts her hands, palms forward. "It is not worth arguing." She remarks. Never mind the fact that she thinks that Carver would eat the sausage if she found it in a mud puddle. Plus, she -told- her to eat it. Her face looks frustrated, and she nods, "You are correct. I am sorry." is all she says.

Verna was always more favorable to wines, and even then only in rather strict moderation. Perhaps its only with the naming of the ale and that such is served that she realizes she has sipped from her cup more often than she might have otherwise and that the taste was familiar. She had already acquired some previously, if predominantly for use in baking.

Perhaps it is due to that, and that all seems quite courteous, that she lifts her cup in gesture and looks to Micah for the first time since his arrival to opine, "It is a fine drink."

Micha shakes his head. "No publicity. It would be a shame to turn down those who are looking for occupation that I can not at this time offer such. As it stands..." He thinks a moment. "About five thousand. Obviously I am asking many people - some of those that work for me already to do some of the work, but if someone with your skill could create a pattern and organize... It would make things infinitely easier."

He glances toward Verna as she raises her glass and interjects and blinks. "Ah... Your pardon but... Are you Mourner Verna by chance?"

Harkashan has noticed it before, but this is the second time he's noticed it. Whispering to Rune; "These guys really don't like being around other people - or publicity. They prefer isolating people."

Carver grunts, finishing her beer. "Anyway." She can't check behind her without being suspicious, so she just scratches at her neck uncomfortably. "They ever get in to talk to that loremaster in Kay-ever-away? I got distracted runnin' the obstacle course again, but it fel' like that was 'pose to be important."

"Five thousand as a production number is a two-month project, based on current estimations," Asphodel murmurs, sitting back and staring at the workflow she's documented. "I have eleven jack looms I can immediate repurpose, which is a forty-four percent capacity increase. At fifty-five thousand picks of weft tossed a day, given two feet loom waste, repair time for warp threads is two weft per ends-per-inch with a grist of twelve to eigth-twelves, and fixed are the costs of dressing, hemming, warping, the rest all variable but over five thousand uniforms we can impose the squeeze theorem of approximate infinity and consider our scale factor in terms of incremental exponents with itself as reference,"

Asphodel looks up, her dark eyes jet, because her right index finger has counted to its left mate and run out of further consideration.

"My proposal is two moons', eight days, eleven hours, which per the estimated total required works out roughly to eighty-eight thousand, seven hundred, seventy two gold, eleven pence, and the literal unit of uncertainty being the copper farthing."

The Lady Carrough has folded her hands together, and she leans forward upon them like a lioness uncertain of its own interest.

"If it's publicity you do not want at all costs, you are asking me to hide the total unit of labor-- the weaver-- required, and the total weavers needed at the optimal price and projected production is almost two hundred and thirty four greater than the number of people you would seek to employ... indefinitely."

Withdrawing her hands, she adds only, "My estates may be vast, but even I cannot hide that many bodies that quickly."

Glad for a change of subject, Huian nods, "It turns out, willingness to do the course was more important than how one scored in it." She shrugs and adds, "We learned some details about their old tower."

Verna receives the inquiry as politely as it is offered and it is not unexpected. She has resided within the city for some time and has interacted with a great many in a variety of ways. As well, if nothing else, there are only so many mul'niessa in Mourner's robes. Her cup is returned to the table before her head dips in an affirmative nod. "I am, indeed." A small pause follows before she offers to the Stormguardian and his table, "My apologies for ithe interruption."

It takes all of Rune's self control not to break into a fit of laughter at Carver's antics. What she manages to do is cover her mouth and cough a couple of times. Knowing Huian, the two are near polar opposites, and that just makes it that much more amusing.

However, what Rune does catch is the number. Five-thousand? It seems very hard for her to even imagine the sort of business that could employ that number of people. That doesn't sound like a business, it sounds like an army.

And then Asphodel starts to rattle off numbers and tailoring terminology which has Rune giving a face towards her drink. It's obvious that the rogue is following almost none of it.

Micha seems to follow most of Asphodel's logic actually. Which... might seem strange given that his occupation seems to be that of owning a brewing company. But perhaps he has a head for numbers and such things? Either way he lifts a hand to forestall Asphodel. "You misunderstand. I can provide much of the labor force necessary, but not the talent necessary for conception of ideas. Nor do you have to _hide_ such a labor force." He smiles.

"That would be imprudent and unnecessary." He glances toward Verna and then back to Asphodel. "If you are interested in this venture, I would ask only that you meet with the seamstresses that I was able to pull together and direct them. Otherwise... We can part ways."

GAME: Asphodel rolls sense motive: (8)+4: 12
GAME: Asphodel rolls sense motive: (6)+4: 10

"If you can give me the contact information, I can get back to you within two days' time," Asphodel concludes.

Carver turns to just observe the rest of the room. Oh, nobody is fightin'. Nice. She reaches over and grabs the sausage that Huian started, and takes a big ole' bite out of it.

GAME: Rune rolls sleight of hand: (2)+8: 10

There is a lot that seems to go over Rune's head in that moment. The oddities of the request, the even more odd response from Asphodel. At the very least, no one seems to be trying to make off with the Llyranesi, which is what she cares most about at the moment.

In order to avoid returning to fidgeting, Rune pushes herself up, giving the Makari a pat on the back before walking over to Carver's table. With a movement, she tries to nab the sausage, "You owe me for the drink earlier." If nothing else, they could offer a bit of entertainment while the group stands guard.

"You can leave a message here, I will check in irregularly and learn of your choice sooner or later." Micha offers succinctly. With that he rises, offering his hand politely to the maid at his side whom takes it. "A pleasure to meet you again lady."

Asphodel will rise, hands folded about her waist, and nod respectfully. "You as well, Micha. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future."

Carver was too late to block the attempt at her sausage. A flustered series of denials gets choked out, before she finally relents. "Fine, but I jus' want *youuuu* to know, I licked it. Twice. So. 'njoy that." She frowns, "Why's we here anyway? I can't make anythin' out this far away but everythin' seems on the level. 'm not complaining. Pay is pay. Jus' seems weird. Guess The Doll wasn't righ' on her feelins 'bout this."

At the warning from Carver, Rune just looks her dead in the eye and eats the rest of the sausage. Apparently, the half-sil is not at all put off. Then, chewing with her mouth full, she lifts her shoulders in a shrug. "No idea. Numbers seem a bit off, but other than that, I'm not sure I follow what the big deal was about."

-End