Completed Borrowing A New Life

[Kelski]

Timestamp: 1st Day Of Summer, 518 A.V.

The wait had been excruciating. Evidently the Loan Agency Owner had been with other clients and had prearranged appointments. Kelski sat in the waiting room throughout the morning and well into the afternoon until her stomach was growling in hunger and her patience was almost at a complete end. It was then and only then that the receptionist escorted her into to see the man who introduced himself as Goldfinger and bid her to have a seat.

She was worried about her appearance too. Kelski still sported of a pair of black eyes, and her nose - though she'd removed the brace for the interview - was still broken. It was obvious she'd been beaten badly and recently. Sitting still hurt, so too did moving because of her ribs. But this was important and Kelski needed to ignore the pain, work through it, and get through this interview.

Goldfinger thanked her for the patience she showed waiting almost the entire day. Kelski was surprised at that. It hadn’t been what she expected. The man was cordial and polite, with a handsome face that lent someone the willingness to trust him. He hadn't said anything about her injuries either, though Kelski had caught him eyeing her over curiously. He had a magnetic personality, and the Kelvic easily relaxed in his presence. Kelski felt immediately drawn in, listening as he quietly introduced himself and waited in turn for her to do the same thing.

Goldfinger carefully read the papers in his hand. They were recommendations from Sun Birth’s Warmarshal and testimony from recipients of her work. Kelski hadn’t told him that the testimony was arrived by due to Jardeg Joander investigating his son’s not so above board dealings within the gang. She was just grateful the man had the foresight to pass the information on to Kelski so she could present it as a sort of proof to Goldfinger that she was what she was stating herself to be.

The anticipation was killing her. Her life hung on this man’s decision. She was out on the street without a place to live or coin to see her through the season if this fell through. It all hinged on his ability to give her a loan.

The man shifted to another page and Kelski immediately recognized a ring on his pinkie finger, one that Jaren had her craft. She looked surprised to see it on Goldfinger’s hand, having no idea where the high-quality honey brown topaz had gone to. He’d just asked her to make a gentleman’s ring of size 11 with specific designs on each side. Kelski had placed crossed daggers on one side and coins on the other side. Leaning closer, she knew it was her work.

“That’s one of mine.” She said quietly, gesturing to his ring. Goldfinger looked up at her and then glanced down at his hand. “This one is?” Kelski nodded. Goldfinger’s smile was slow in coming but slightly predatory as he glanced at the ring, the paperwork, and then over at her. It was as if he was the least impressed with her and the most impressed with what was written here.

“Well, if that’s the case I think we can work out something. I’m going to assign you one of my assistants. Sastiva. She’ll help you locate a building. I have numerous contacts, probably every sort of supplier you might need… she can make arrangements for your equipment, stock, and even a living situation. Work it out with her. This is what I’m willing to loan you. Stay within that figure.” He said, picking up a feathered quill, flipping the top on his ink, and dipping the pen. He scribbled a note on a slip of parchment and handed it to her. Kelski’s eyes widened and she nodded.

“She’ll be around tomorrow. Just tell my receptionist where you are staying and I’ll have her meet you at first light. After that, you can look through some buildings. My assistants are great at procuring buildings from their owners, and arranging … well just about anything. So you two talk, decide how much of that sum or all of it you want to borrow.. and once everything is arranged, she’ll make sure you know what you need to make seasonally as payments and get all the paperwork signed. I think by tomorrow we can have you in someplace and have your equipment either ordered or gathered. Rumor has it Jaren is liquidating a Jewelcrafting lab we might be able to get cheap for you. But we’ll get it established someplace that’s a good fit for you and the business. If you make money… I’ll make money.” He said with a smile. His tone was dismissive and he waved her off.

Kelski rose. “It was nice to meet you. Thank you for helping me arrange all this.” She said sincerely then slipped out. She stopped by the receptionist and gave her the name of the Inn she was staying at. Then, tiredly, she headed across town to said Inn to see if she could get something to eat and a little rest before the morning brought Sastiva around… to help arrange for Kelski’s new life.

[Kelski]

Kelski was up before the dawn, traveling down the stairs to wait in a quiet corner of the Inn, wanting to get her bearings and be as ready as she could be when Sastiva finally arrived. The Sea Eagle had no idea what Sastiva looked like nor did she know how old or what race the woman was. The Kelvic was hopeful the woman would be friendly and inviting, because more than anything else she needed someone in such a capacity to advise her during this process. Goldfinger had signed off a loan that was a tremendous amount and Kelski wanted to make sure she didn’t waste the money making bad choices. The loan officer had assured her that Sastiva would help her find what she needed and smooth over the process.

The Kelvic waited, though thankfully the people at the Inn were great about making sure she wasn’t unoccupied. Fresh juice and sweetbread broke her fast for her, sitting on a plate in front of her. The Bartender brought cooked sausages and eggs when the breakfast crowd started to roll in and provided some for the Kelvic. Kelski ate like she had a bottomless stomach, then took a few moments to go back up to her room to wash and scrub her teeth.

She continued to wait until well past sun up when the Inn door suddenly opened and a young woman with an abundance of curls waltzed in. There was not a hair out of place on the woman and she moved with such grace that it made Kelski think of a dancer. Despite being female, the woman bore a strong resemblance to Goldfinger in her facial structure and movement. Kelski watched her as the woman scanned the crowd until her eyes fell on the Kelvic and she smiled, nodded, and made her way over.

“Hi, you must be Kelski. I’m Sastiva. Goldfinger sent me to look after you today to make sure we get you going and spend that big loan the correct way. He likes to protect his investments. According to my list, you need a building, some suppliers, perhaps a personal clerk, and some security on your stock once you get that delivered. Am I missing anything?” She asked, tilting her head and settling in the seat on the other side of Kelski.

It truthfully was a lot to take in. The Kelvic watched the newcomer and then offered a smile, tilting her head and looking thoughtful. Kelski wished she’d have had the forethought to take notes, but it wasn’t in her nature when she was used to stacking facts in her head since parchment wasn’t often available. “First, I need you to please slow down. The priority is finding a place I can open a jewelry store in. I’d like it to be a nice building, secure, with a showroom and workshop hopefully all on the same floor with a place we can create a vault. I used to work in a very good jewelry store in Lhavit and I’d love a similar layout. And since I will be working long and hard at this place, I’d like it to be two stories if possible… maybe with a basement. I’d like the second story to be a place I could live. I don’t want to traverse the streets to go home at night or to go into work early in the morning. I’d like to be able to have a place where I can work as long as I need to and still safely go home…. If that makes sense.” The Kelvic said, not mentioning she wanted the basement for a training area. That would be none of the other woman’s business.

Sastiva nodded. “Good. That is extremely helpful. We can go tour a few buildings today. I have a short list that might work, but it just depends on your taste. Most of them are in the gated community.” She said, as if that might impress Kelski. It didn’t. Kelski wanted nothing to do with the hill top perpetually rich that didn’t do business with the people directly where the people were.

“I don’t want anything in the gated place. It makes getting to me and my goods too hard and excludes poor or common folk that won’t be welcomed there. I’d like something accessible to everyone and preferably with a little land on the shore. Neutral. Gang territory shifts too much. My Kelvic nature will be happiest overlooking the sea or close to it. If I am in a good spot, I can work tirelessly for days. Goldfinger will get his money and his significant interest and both of us will be well satisfied.” Kelski added, hoping her opinions weren’t offending the woman.

It was quite the contrary. Kelski wasn’t being demanding, she was just showing preference and telling Sastiva that she’d put a lot of thought into the location of her future shop and who she wanted to cater too. The Goldfinger agent made a few quick notes, and then nodded. “Okay, when we get through the rest of this list, I’ll take you on a tour of the city and we’ll look at some buildings. Because you are outside of the gated community – or want to be – we might have to do repairs, but I’m sure we’ll find something. Sunberth is full of abandoned buildings.” She said, as if that made a difference and made things easier.

[Kelski]

Sastiva had more to her list, however, and Kelski waited quietly to see what it was. It was a list of suppliers. The woman ran down the list, most of the names Kelski didn’t know, until she ended with the metals supplier. Dagwood. Kelski narrowed her eyes and hissed. Sastiva looked up, at the Kelvic, then looked surprised. “Something wrong with Dagwoods?” She asked, curiously, flicking a overabundance of curls out of her face and behind her shoulder.

The Kelvic looked thoughtful. “I went there once and met Daedalus. He gave me a tour of his place. I especially liked his blast furnace. It was the most beautiful thing I’d seen in a long time. It was as if his metal sang to me. I loved it. Jaren… the man who owned me at the time… did not let me get out much. I was… with the Sun’s Birth. Property.” She explained softly, uncomfortable but wanting this woman to understand.

Sastiva lifted her eyebrows. “He has the best ingots around. You won’t get impurities from his place. That’s why I listed him.” She said gently, as if urging the Kelvic to explain further.

“I know.” Kelski agreed, looking thoughtful. “He kissed me when he was teaching me to craft something with a mold… to pour in sand casting. My guard who was there to protect Jaren’s interest saw me and really got upset. He purchased a branding iron and asked Daedalus to test it on me as punishment to us both. Daedalus agreed and put the Sun’s Birth’s mark on my rump.” Kelski said, explaining her reluctance. “I’d rather not do business with him.” She explained softly, hoping the other woman would understand.

Sastiva nodded. “This is Sunberth, love. Sometimes we have to do business with people we don’t like. He’s got the best goods which means you’ll get the best metals and have the best quality you can get in your jewelry. You’ll need to look past it. Is… that how you got the black eyes and your nose broken?” She asked quietly… “From The Sun’s Birth?” Kelski nodded. “I had no choice. It was not an easy life. But I am my own person now. I’m going to be able to choose new ways.” She said softly. The other woman nodded.

“I know a thing or two about self defense. If you like, I’d gladly exchange lessons for jewelry when your shop is up and running. I can teach you to fight when you don’t even have weapons.” She added, her voice sympathetic without coming across as feeling sorry for Kelski. The Kelvic studied the other woman thoughtfully then nodded. “That would be something very welcome to me.” She said, being smart enough not to pass up an opportunity like this one. It was rare when things presented themselves in alignment where Kelski could grow stronger or benefit herself. This was obviously one of those opportunities. “I would really like that. I am a good jeweler, so it would be a good trade.”

Sastiva laughed. “I’m a good fighter, so you won’t regret it either.” Goldfinger’s agent added. “But use Dagwoods. You won’t be sorry. I can see to it that another Dagwood delivers, not Daedalus.” She said firmly, then handed Kelski what she said was ‘homework’. “I need you to give me a complete list of the raw gemstones you need and any metal supplies I am to procure. I also need a complete list of what you need in terms of your workshop and the specifications on what your jewelry forge needs to have. I don’t think we’ll find a building with a forge, so we’ll need to have that added on. But I have a list of good builders that can do the work plus put a new roof on any building we decide on. After we pick something today, I need you to give me a few days to get everything settled. I’ll drop a note here if I can get the building arranged faster so you can move in when its ready.” Sastiva said, rising, her note taking complete.

“Okay, ready to go find a building?” She asked, gesturing for Kelski to follow her and together the two women left the Inn and hit the streets.

[Kelski]

Seven buildings later, the Kelvic was dragging her feet and Sastiva was starting to look frustrated. They’d traversed the length and breath of Sunberth in search of a building, but nothing was suitable to Kelski’s taste. On one wing, the Kelvic knew she shouldn’t be picky, but on the other wing she realized that this building would be a place she’d live in and dwell in for long lengths of time and she didn’t want to choose badly. Most places were dark, dank, had rotted wood walls or stone that was crumbling. They were crowded together or in partial ruin. Nothing was quite perfect or had the potential in the Kelvic’s vision to become what she needed out of a new home.

Sastiva hadn’t felt frustrated with her at first, but Kelski could tell that she was becoming irritated. The Kelvic wasn’t sure if it was because of her overly pickiness or if it was because she wasn’t communicating well what she truthfully needed. The mercury-gazed woman had tried to make the Goldfinger beauty understand, but in the end it took spotting the next building they came to in order for Kelski to truly help Sastiva see her vision.

“I don’t think you’ll like this one, but Goldfinger owns it outright so it would be easy to get ahold of. It’s off by itself on this section of road and right on the coast. It has street storefront access and a living quarters and balcony above. There’s a deck out back. Someone was going to make it into a restaurant before they were killed, even though it was somewhat isolated. I know this is in the Sailor’s area so it might not be the exact location you want… and its only neighbor is Tall Johnnys. The other buildings next to it are owned but abandoned. It comes with an acre which includes beach and riverfront. Do you want to see inside it?” She asked, knowing that Kelski would most likely reject it out of hand like she had the other six they’d looked at.

Instead the Kelvic stood staring at the sprawling two-story building made of brick and beams. She could hear the ocean crashing on the beach beyond the building. The store front approach was lovely too, or would be with some clean up and hard work. It needed paint, perhaps some potted flowers, or something to give it a distinctive ‘We are here.’ Impression when someone approached. Kelski didn’t go in right away, but rather had Sastiva wait while she circled around the building getting a bigger picture of the place.

It sat on a bluff above the beach with an easy access down. The river with no name flowed in from behind and to the west of it, creating an interesting mix of water. There was a lovely balcony and a nice deck that both overlooked the sea. The balcony created a roof for the deck so it was undercover. A stair lead up the side of the building so the living quarters above could be accessed by the roof… a roof which looked as if had been fixed recently. Kelski was charmed immediately.

Circling back around, Sastiva let them into the building. It was dusty, disused, and absolutely perfect. The front would make a great showroom while the back would make a great workshop if they could get a jewelry forge installed. It had a room that would work as a vault and a fully dug out basement that would make Kelski a great training room. Upstairs was spacious and had three bedrooms… a master suite and two smaller rooms that the Kelvic could let out to people if she needed extra income. She turned and looked at Sastiva when her tour was done.

“This… this place is perfect.” She insisted, enthusiastic finally.

“It works very well for us too since Goldfinger already owns it. It’s 4,725 GM total and I can figure that into your ten thousand in debt. We can get this building functional and someone operating with a business in it… then there is less for us to worry about.” She said, making a note. Then she did something surprising. She gave Kelski the keys.

“You’ll need some reinforcement for the vault and a better lock. I’ll have a locksmith come out in the morning. I suggest you go back to the inn, arrange to have your things brought here, and you can conceivably stay here tonight if you want. As soon as you get me the list I asked for, I’ll have suppliers start delivering your stock. I’m sorry we can’t just hand you over the gold ourselves, but this way is safer for everyone in Sunberth since we pay the suppliers directly. I’ll stop by tomorrow to get your list, and on the following day you should be able to start taking deliveries.” Sastiva said, offering Kelski a smile.

“I hope you succeed. I’m rooting for you and I’m here to answer questions and help you if you start struggling with any of this. Goldfinger doesn’t make money unless his investments thrive. We want you to thrive.” She added, then stepped closer. Sastiva put her hand on Kelski’s shoulder. She squeezed gently. “I said nothing because its not my place. But don’t let anyone ever put their hands on you again in anger… especially violently enough to blacken both your eyes and break your nose. Take me up on my offer and I’ll teach you to fight without weapons. You need that knowledge. Us women need to stick together. I want to see more successful business owners in Sunberth. The men outnumber and bully us more than they should. But we can change that.” She added, passionate about the subject.

She touched Kelski gently, squeezing her shoulder, then she walked away with the promise of returning for the list the next day. Though Sastiva left Kelski alone, the Kelvic did not feel lonely. Instead, the shadows in her new home were crowding the door, as if staring out at the Nightstalker and willing her to stay. Kelski made a conscious choice to stay and turned, slipped back through the front door, and began to greet the denizens of the building, asking each and every one of them for their names.

[Kelski]

Grading

Business +4, Persuasion +3, Rhetoric +2, Investigation +2, Negotiation +4, Leadership +4, Strategy +2

Goldfinger: Location, Appearance & Mannerisms, Goldfinger: Owns One Of Her Rings, Sastiva: Goldfinger’s Assistance, Sastiva: Appearance &Mannerism, Goldfinger: Will Loan Her Business Startup Money, Shop: Knowing What She Wants, Shop: Acquiring The Best Supplies Despite The Source, Sastiva: Will Give Her Self Defense Lessons, The Midnight Gem: Finding The Perfect Building, The Midnight Gem: Location Location Location, The Midnight Gem: Layout Perfect