Closed All Work, No Play (Tydus)

[Edmund Morealis]

41st of Summer, 514AV The West Bank Sundown The city of Kenash was a welcome and refreshing chance for Edmund whenever he visited. For someone who spent most of his days within the - albeit large - confines of Blacksugar manor, the cacophony of the city proper was leagues different. He could not accurately claim to like the city, but he certainly liked the change it brought to his routine. That did not stop him from being his mildly workaholic self, as he had brought with him a multitude of papers from Blacksugar for him to review and organize, which he had done since about luncheon. In truth, his little excursions to the city were little more than a change of location rather than a change of pace for the caretaker. Too large was the Morealis estate to be ignored for any length of time, and to do so would be to grow lax while he could be helping the family. Unhealthy it may be, but it was his responsibility and he could not just shirk it completely under the guise of a short break. The Morealis sighed, breathing in the ocean air. At the same time, he could not work tirelessly either. His chosen station was the westernmost bridge of the delta, that which overlooked Glass Beach and the Suvan beyond. The day was drawing to a close, and a nice sea breeze had picked up, though only gently. Eyes closed, Edmund enjoyed the feeling of what wind there was brushing against his face. One of the many sensations he was incapable of experiencing while he worked. While perhaps the cacophony of the city was not his favorite environment, it was indeed a refreshing change, and even more refreshing was the vast expanse of blue that stretched as far as the eye could see. The gently rolling waves that hypnotized Edmund better than any dance from his sister - marvelous though she was. While all around him sat water, no matter where in Kenash he went, Edmund could only truly appreciate its vastness when looking out at its unsullied surface. I should really do this more often, thought Edmund, eyes lazily gazing out at the horizon. He too often forgot that there was much more to Kenash than simply Blacksugar and its work. How could he hope to strive in a city in which he participated so little? Too easy did Edmund let work engulf him, and too greatly did he convince himself that he disliked everything else. Yet he had clearly a purpose, a duty to the household which bound him almost as surely as any chain. Balancing this current feeling of wonder with his sense of obligation was not a trait of Edmund's which was particularly strong. Memories rose to the surface if his days as a child, when he would travel about the plantations and marvel at all the amazing elements each one displayed. He had enjoyed those days well. Did he enjoy his work? The Morealis was quite convinced he did, or at least some aspects of his work. After all, it was what he was raised to do, directed by Dimeer and pushed by himself. So engrossed in his work as a child that as an adult he had barely thought to step out of the manor. When was the last time he had talked with Adelaide? With Adrienna? With Jed? Behind him, the noise of the crowd in the casino was heard even across the way. It was only a small taste of the city's cacophony, but Edmund appreciated it nonetheless. Even as the rays of the setting sun which warmed his left cheek began to fade, he could still feel the undeniable energy of the city. How wonderful it must have been to be free.

[Tydus Tempest]

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The city of Kenash was a beast of burden. Without the brand of a Freeborn, Tydus was destined to feel isolated, hated and even feared by residents. The Tempest scion despised his lack of status. He detested his inability to act and pave his way into the hearts of those in his vicinity. Hate was mingled with business, resentment with affection, respect with hollow expectations. Kenash was... different from the rest of the cities he had ever been in. And... it enthralled him. The desire to weave into the workings of the city and draw profit from it had woven into his thoughts.

Tydus Tempest's encounter with Adrienna Lynint had brought with it this want. This need to incorporate into the city. The wealth that she exhibited, so easily passing off an entire plant, treating them to a night of intoxicated delights. Tydus wanted a life so easily facilitated. A laugh, rife with envy, escaped the Svefra's lips as he lay upon his hammock in the quarters of his casinor, the bottle of rum glimmering in the dim light of the Syna's last leap through the sky. The Svefra swilled the contents of his rum bottle, the last dregs swishing at the base as the delightful taste of the elixir sat strongly in his mouth. But, he was, again, out.

Exasperation gripped at the Tempest scion as he throw the bottle at his door, a loud groan escaping his lips before he murmured to himself,

"Why... why in the name of Sivah's raging hangover is the rum ALWAYS gone?"

Every time the Tempest felt that he needed it most. Always when he desired the vicious, delightful burn of the rum's touch upon his throat... did it vanish. It was uncanny. Almost as if Laviku himself was sending his denizens to drink from Tydus' stores. But, in reality, it was simply Tydus' own tendency. His habit formed and given life in the alcohol. It really was a shame that there wasn't more of it. A single bottle at a time. Tydus was limited to sips per day, but he always took more. Wanted more.

"It's always gone, gods damn it. I don't even know where to go to buy a bloody bottle in this place. The greatest thing to come out of this forsaken place... And they don't even sell it."

How vicious the wrath of Kenash was that they deprived the Tempest of what he needed. They surely laughed at him about in, reveling in his misery. The fiends. Surely it was the city telling him that he needed to become more important in their eyes. But, for the moment, the Tempest had little more to do than to go on a search for more of the elixir.

The Svefra threw on his pants and rolled his shirt upon his shoulder, abandoning both his cutlass and his crossbow in the room, but taking with him a dagger, sheathed and behind his sash as he tied it around his waist. Ready to go and irritable, Tydus leaped over the ship's starboard side bulwark and landed feet first into the Laviku's waters.

He waded in the depths, caught up to his knees in the ocean's depths as he made his way forward. He took little care to monitor the volume of his ascent, taking a profound joy out of being out of the cramped space that reminded him only of the liquor lost. Perhaps his fortunes would turn with some fresh air. Possibilities were abound, but the Tempest stalled when he noted what was about. Most of the bank was cleared of people, Syna's ascent into the darkness of night taking with it the beauty of the sea. It wouldn't be until later, when Leth's blessed, yet eerie glow cast upon the sea that it would become beautiful again.

But surely the fat cats of Kenash had better things to do with their evenings than spend it staring at the moonlit sea.

Someday, I'll find out what they do in their little houses...

But, for the moment, all he found out was that though the Dynasties dressed strangely in their city, the shores allowed for a lesser show of extravagance. It instead brought with it a relevance of lovely, if pale skin. Flawless and beautiful, Tydus nearly found himself staring at what treasures the Dynasts had to offer before his gaze found a man dressed in nothing of the sort. Leaning upon a bridge, far from the wonders of the sea, he looked almost as if he were stalking the rest. His face spoke of pensiveness, and the Tempest scion nearly laughed aloud at the stress that was perceived on his end. It siphoned out his own, and Tydus decided to sate his curiosity,

"Don't like the water, lad? Or yeh tryin' to find the right words to impress one of the few lovely lasses left at the shoreline?"


Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Edmund Morealis]

Though Edmund was somewhat partially aware of the Svefra's approach, it did not truly register with the Morealis' mind until the man was standing right beside him, at which point it was too late to retreat for the privacy of his room at the Dream. He was in no mood to field questions to a total stranger, but it was at times like these when his Morealis upbringing overpowered his shortsighted whims.

Turning to the stranger, Edmund quickly sized up who he was dealing with so he could measure his response. Shirtless, though said shirt was close at hand. Svefra as he had seen and unbranded to boot, so likely loose with principles of ownership, though probably quite familiar with bartering.

This exchange was not expected to last very long.

"Merely enjoying the view of the setting sun over the ocean," Edmund replied, turning back to watch the last rays of light begin to recede toward the horizon. "I cannot swim, so you could say I do not enjoy being in the water. As for the women here, I must hold myself above such impulses. It would not do for me to be cavorting carelessly."

Though relatively terse and probably unfriendly, Edmund considered his reply polite at the very least. It was certainly far more respectful than the greeting any other dynast would give the man, were they to know that he remained unbranded at the moment. Most other dynasts, Edmund corrected himself. If Edmund had wished, it would have been perfectly expected of him to just ignore the man entirely. His view of the unmarked visitors was not quite as poor as the common standard luckily, and though nothing would likely come of this there was no harm in remaining polite at the very least. There was a slight chance the man would become useful, after all.

"What brings you here to Kenash?" Edmund asked, turning back to look at the Svefra and resting his arm against the bridge. Everyone wanted something in Kenash, and the more one knew the more one could make use of.

[Tydus Tempest]

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It was all Tydus could do to keep from bursting into laughter once the other man set about to considering himself above 'cavorting' himself. Such a ridiculous notion it was in the Tempest's eyes to deny oneself of the physical pleasures of the world. They were all that existed, after all. Created by the body to further the growth of population and ensure the future. Created by man to blur the thoughts of the world and invert oneself into what truly mattered. Tydus turned to drink in order to blur the world away, but he was quickly coming to realize that he didn't need to turn away from the world. There was enough to amuse himself with in this world without having to seek sanctuary from it.

What did I hide from? Fear? Fear is being unable to control one's destination. I have more control than most could ever dream of.

Where false confidence had existed there was a keen awareness of Tydus Tempest's abilities. He knew who and what he wished to become, and as he listened to the well-dressed man, obviously a Dynast, speak, it seemed that the person who faced him knew as well. Yet...

How different these destinations are. This man seems content to spend his life in deprivation. Maybe he needs to take a load off. A drink, perhaps?

The Tempest had pulled the flask from inside of the pocket tied around his sash just in time to hear the Dynast ask him why he was in the city,

"Actually, I'm here for this. Quality rum is one of the top priorities on my employer's wish list, in fact. There are other reasons, of course, but rum is the predominant factor."

Tydus was in the city for other projects aside from his employment, as well. Other avenues, possibilities, partners. The life of an employee would not serve his indefinite interests. And so, Tydus sought to make the contacts necessary to, when he saw it fit to finally expand his reach, that he had the means to do so. Tydus decided to advance the conversation to the point of introduction, for if the man's pockets were as rich as the material they were made from, then the Tempest scion could greatly benefit from this,

"I think it's best to introduce myself, then. Tydus Tempest. May I have the distinct pleasure of learning yours?"

The Tempest's lips stretched to form a bright smile, vibrant blue eyes catching Edmund's gaze as he kept himself receptive to the Dynast's words.

Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Edmund Morealis]

As the Svefra began talking, Edmund's eyes fell to the flask he had pulled out of his sash. Was this providence? Had a potential buyer for one of the family's most famous products really just walked up to him and started talking? Being a Caretaker, Edmund was used to hard negotiations and frequent pauses in order to maneuver his family into another customer. Yet here was Svefra looking for rum, whose main reason for being in Kenash was for rum. An opportunity falling into Edmund's lap.

The dynast needed to take breaks more often.

Suddenly, Edmund found himself far more interested in the outsider before him. Politeness would no longer suffice for a potential customer, it demanded an amiable nature. Especially until the dynast knew more about this deal right beneath his nose. For now, though, more amiable relations would be a better foundation with which to propose a deal.

"Quality rum is not difficult to find here in Kenash," Edmund replied, a gentle smile pulling at his lips. "If you are just looking to fill your personal stores, there are a few outlets that will provide you with the appropriate quantities. I should know - I frequently enjoy the drink myself, and would be a very different man if I did not know where to procure any." He chuckled softly and shortly, shaking his head. There was no need to divulge everything at the drop of a hat.

It occurred to the Caretaker that his speech, stiff and filled with words that were not in common use in casual conversation, might drive away his customer. Indeed, it was one of the few times that Edmund was actually interacting with anyone who was not featured prominently in the dynastic politics of the city and its environs, so the man had never practiced talking less eloquently. Just as Edmund was coming to a decision as to whether attempt it or not, his doubt was dispelled as the Svefra smiled brightly and introduced himself. As it so happened, this outsider was eloquent to a degree as well. It appeared as if the dynast's luck was endless this day.

"My name is Edmund Morealis," he answered, matching the Svefra's smile. To his own mild surprise, Edmund extended his hand for a shake. "It is good to meet you, Tydus Tempest. Welcome to Kenash."

Then Edmund's smile grew a little wider, amused by the contradictory words he had just shared with Tydus. Kenash embracing a visitor was like a granidile embracing a shark. It simply did not happen. That did not mean Edmund had to be as difficult, however.

"So what are your plans for this evening, mister Tempest?" Edmund inquired amiably, attempting to open a conversation. Such was the basis of all of the Caretaker's endeavors.
"Have you any intentions as to dinner, or some other activity? To be forthcoming, I have not made any plans of the sort for today. I will probably just resign myself to eating in my suite at the Fantasia whilst doing my best to keep up with my work. Not often do I come to the city with a clear goal in mind, even though I should theoretically be relaxing."

[Tydus Tempest]

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This conversation was quickly becoming interesting. Listening was the simple part, for the Morealis, as he had introduced himself, was a very eloquent speaker. It was not a surprise, for Kenash was a city in which eloquence was prized. Even the Svefra had learned to become eloquent in his first visit in the city. Honed by time, tempered by desire, Tydus had worked to siphon the accent of Fratava from his voice. His vocabulary was expanded, as well. Both factors quickly led to a fluency in the tongue of Common, something that Tydus had never attained.

How marvelous it is to converse at the level needed to be here. All that I need now is the dress to go with the pitch.

And then, the Morealis continued forward with a question that the Tempest did not expect in the slightest.

Did he have plans? No. Would he have made plans? Most likely not. Kenash as it stood was a pit of prejudice against him. He had no avenues of social status. He had to spend time to twist someone to his will to even begin to converse with them. It was a disgusting existence. And thus, he looked to Edmund, curiosity in his features,

"As of yet, there is nothing on the agenda, Edmund. Kenash is difficult to adapt to. Strange, yet beautiful. I wish to know the greater expanse of what could be in this place, but as of yet, there is only the brand waiting ahead of me. I've decided already that I would get it in the next few days."

Tydus had to. There was no surviving in this city without the brand. Either on his face or on his wrist, he vastly preferred the second option. Although the Tempest resented the need for a brand, he would accept it. In time.

"Do you live in the city then, Edmund? I was under the impression that people of your stature lived in their plantation house. How strange."

Fratava | Common | Vani
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[Edmund Morealis]

Conversing on a cultured level with an outsider was most certainly a change in pace for the caretaker, who was used to interacting exclusively with other people of his station in life. Even if Edmund was not of the school of thought that compared visitors to Kenash with the dirt that collected beneath a slave's foot, it was purely by design of his profession that he did not have much opportunity to discuss things with those not belonging to a dynasty.

Though he did come out here to the city every now and then. Perhaps people did not wish to disturb him, or had the natural inclination to leave him alone.

Whatever the case may be, conversing with an outsider was not particularly troublesome. Perhaps it was Edmund's good fortunate - once more - that he had found the single well-spoken outsider in all of Kenash. From what he had heard, they tended to speak in a nigh-impossible to understand drawl, yet he had no trouble comprehending Tydus. So far, his experience with outsiders had been good. This did not elevate his opinion of them in general, but it did elevate his opinion of Tydus.

Though what boosted Tydus' value to Edmund much more was that he was intent on getting the Freeborn brand. That was good - it meant the Morealis could converse with this man freely without fear of being caught and his reputation being stained. Not if the man he was talking to would turn out to be, in addition to Freeborn, a prized outlet in Riverfall for his father's business.

"I do, in fact, live in Blacksugar manor," Edmund replied, preferring that term to the term 'plantation house' that Tydus had used. Manor seemed so much more refined. "Among the Morealis, I actually have the rare privilege to live in the manor itself rather than one of the fine houses behind the large structure. That is where the majority of branches belonging to the Morealis family reside."

Whether or not Tydus pressed that was up to him. Edmund was not necessarily trying to hide his position as caretaker, but he was not about to begin divulging the information to every stranger he met on the street. Or a bridge, as the case may be.

"If you have no preexisting arrangements, then perhaps you would consider accepting an invitation to dinner?" As if anyone would turn down an invitation from a dynast. "As it so happens, I know someone whose business is the production of some of the finest rum you will ever have the opportunity to experience. While I would not presume to do his business for him, he remains in near-hermitage on one of the plantations, and so I would have to put you in contact with him. Your transaction would go much quicker were I to pass the details along to him, but we can discuss that over dinner. If you accept, that is."

Even though it was technically a request, Edmund had phrased it carefully as an offer. Though pretentious, confidence was a key aspect to business. Were Tydus to walk away from this deal, it would prove that the Svefra was willing to overlook a perfectly viable business opportunity and the potential profit therein. Someone who would never make it in this city.

Edmund, however, did not think that Tydus was such a man. He appeared far too intelligent, and the caretaker's luck was far too great.

[Tydus Tempest]

Manor. And more specifically... Blacksugar Manor.

The word that Edmund Morealis said was obviously stated specifically. Plantation house was, perhaps, a vulgar term? Or unappealing? In any case, the Tempest committed the word to memory and continued to listen to the Dynast speak. Living within the main 'manor' itself rather than these supposed offshoots that Edmund spoke of seemed to point to the opinion that even among his family members, Edmund was some sort of special case. Perhaps he was given a particular position in the family? If so, then there was no one else that the Svefra would rather speak to.

Conversing to people in a position of power that were willing to listen to him and even, as it seemed with Edmund, to befriend him... was perfect. The entire situation breathed of a sort of uncanny luck that Tydus Tempest had yet to experience in the city. Prejudice was heavy in the previous days, yet Edmund Morealis, this meeting of theirs, was looking to be his luck turning around. And it was about time, too. Tydus was beginning to tire of needed to pull at the strings of every person he spoke to. While Tydus was well learned in the use of Hypnotism, it was a bother.

Tydus learned to not look a gift fish in the gills. While Tydus had no reason to suspect that Edmund was willingly inviting him out of the generosity in his heart, there was even less reason to care. Tydus was used to the nuances of trade, the art of persuasion. It was a language to him that he read and observed. People were maps that could inevitably be written into and read from if one understoof the queues. And though Tydus could not consider himself to be a master at the craft, a wealth of experience was presented to him. And he reveled in it.

And utilized it.

He looked at Edmund with a brilliant smile as he considered the matter, if only to give himself a moment to keep the eagerness from his lips. Tydus needed to temper his emotions if he was to advance. Edmund Morealis surely knew what he was offering the Svefra. No need for him to immediately begin regretting the decision.

Yes... I want to meet whomever you wish to throw at me, Edmund.

Not a moment after the thought was cast did Tydus speak, his voice even as he replied,

"Absolutely. That sounds that a grand idea. I assume you already have a place in mind?"

[Edmund Morealis]

Who could refuse such an offer?

Edmund needed only wait for the inevitable answer that he knew he would receive long before the Svefra's lips parted. Theirs was a meeting that appeared to have come about by design rather than chance, and though such sudden solidarity was often viewed with great suspicion by the caretaker there were many reasons as to why he could let his guard down.

Not least of which was that Tydus was an outsider, someone whom the rest of the city would look upon with loathing. To him, Edmund must have appeared more than just a fortunate encounter with a prospective business partner - Edmund could well have been his first foothold in the city. Some people never received that opportunity, so great was the distaste of visitors in the city. It was possible, in fact, that Edmund was the first dynast with whom a proper discussion could be had. Being presumptuous could lead to downfall, however, so for now he would ordain to offer only what Tydus was searching for: rum.

"Excellent," said Edmund. "The establishment where I have rented a suite for this evening also contains an adjoining restaurant. Do not allow such information to put doubts into your mind, though, for I can assure you it competes with the finest diners in the city."

With a large gesture and a practiced smile, Edmund lifted his arm and beckoned with his open hand in the direction of the Fantasia Zulaca. The movement lifted him off the bridge's railing, allowing the dynast to right himself before leading the way toward the building. Even though it was in plain sight and obvious to any resident of the city, Edmund did not suppose that Tydus had the opportunity to explore Kenash to any great degree. Perhaps if he had fully explored the West Bank he would know of the place of which Edmund spoke, but once again Edmund did not wish to make presumptions, nor did he wish to put his recently acquired companion on the spot in case he did not know where to lead. That, and Edmund had a natural propensity to be in front.

The lit rooms of the Fantasia Zulaca, and its adjoining Gourmet Zulaca for dining, cast out a bright yellow luminescence onto the city grounds, where it pierced the shadows and served as a guiding beacon for the two men looking for their evening meals. At this time, most of the city's citizens had settled on their activities for the night and had endeavored to begin them, leaving the large open plaza of the West Bank emptier than its daytime bustle. That was not to say that the two men were graced with quiet, however, as the ruckus from Towery's Casino grew only more intense as the night deepened.

"Is this rum for your personal stores, or do you own an establishment elsewhere?" Edmund inquired as they walked. It was not a long journey by any stretch of the imagination, but it would not due to pass the time in silence.

"Regardless of the quantity, the man whom I have in mind is undoubtedly the best you could be acquainted to for such a purpose. If the Morealis name is not somewhere on the product, then you can be assured that it will not measure up in any way to the genuine article. Of course, if you would like a drink of greater quality than what you would normally find outside this city, he is the only person to talk to." Though Edmund wished to press the possibility of finer merchandise, he was careful not to talk down on the more common varieties of Morealis rum. For even the common sort was nothing for an ordinary person to sneeze at, even if the common stock served to dynasts did make it appear middling.

A quick entrance into the Fantasia Zulaca passed before they turned quickly into the Gourmet, a place where Edmund had many times in the passed enjoyed a meal, an occasion he was looking forward to experiencing once more. Having prospective business partner join him made the anticipation all the more savory.

Without waiting to be seated, Edmund chose his own table by the windows of the Gourmet to rest himself. Easing back into his selected chair, waited for his company to also sit before taking the napkin from his place and waving over one of the slaves attending the restaurant. The embroidered diamond on his scarf brokered no argument with those who served the patrons. Even as a young inexperienced caretaker in a vastly intricate scene of politics and intrigue, Edmund simply had to enjoy the power he possessed within the city proper, as limited as it was in comparison with his cohorts.

"As I mentioned earlier, your transaction will pass much quicker if I deliver your request directly to the brewer," Edmund opened, directly to the point. Business before pleasure. "If you would prefer to keep such details private, however, I can merely facilitate contact between the two of you."

And so it had begun.

[Tydus Tempest]

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Tydus had not been able to explore Kenash to any great degree. And with the fact that he lived in his ship, he needed not to investigate for accommodations within the city. Set with his existence and lacking in desire to leave his ship and the sway of sleeping upon the waters of the sea, there was no intention to, either. However much of a desire there was to dwell in the lap of luxury, Tydus believed that it stemmed from optimization of his current living situation rather than shifting to something else.

And so, when Edmund mentioned a restaurant, Tydus was utterly unaware of exactly where they were going. It did, however, amuse him that the Morealis took an instant edge towards leading him to the restaurant in question. It showed not only a natural desire to lead, but the hardheadedness of a person who insisted on leading. It was a scenario that Tydus did not enjoy to take. The mark of the consummate leader was the mark of a person who could be manipulated. An advisory position coupled with leadership potential was Tydus' favoured lot in any sort of situation.

It was, after all, a position in which Hypnotism did not thrive. At least, in the way that Tydus had taken to using it. It was far easier for him to supply an idea to a person, embed it into them, then bring it into being through the conversation. A person believing that Tydus Tempest was not the progenitor of his design was an unsuspecting and thus, susceptible one to further intervention. Manipulation at its truest intent was not to take the mantle of the leader, but to place it upon someone else and puppet them from their right hand side.

However, it was not the moment to reflect upon this.

Tydus transitioned into the noise of both the neighbouring Towery's Casino and the Gourmet Zulaca itself, facing towards Edmund Morealis as he asked his question. The face of one genuinely interested in what he had to say was portrayed, partially true for Edmund could be a very lucrative business partner. And partly true because of the fact that Tydus had, in his position, documentation for a large transfer of mizas from Caelum's personal fortune for the intention of purchasing the rum. The mizas would absolutely not fit in his casinor. It was far too high of a value for him to carry. And so, he had an answer for Edmund, his lips parting with a vibrant smile upon his lips,

"Neither, my friend. I have, in my possession, documentation that includes a disclosed number of mizas from my employer. I will reveal it, of course, but I would much rather be able to both sample and see the variety of rum that the Morealis Dynasty possesses.

After all, you speak of being able to outclass any and all competition. I would like to verify this for myself. After all, rum is a drink that I personally am passionate about, as well. Which is why I have been entrusted with the fortune. I would like to hear, from you, the prices and the information regarding each product. I do wish to facilitate my business through you. It seems that providence has brought me to you specifically.

However, I would appreciate meeting the distiller, simply because I enjoy being thorough."

The Tempest scion watched as a slave made their way towards the two. Dressed in fine, but plain clothing, the slave parted his lips to form a smile before he began,

"Welcome to Gourmet Zulaca, sirs. Would you like to hear the menu?"

Fratava | Hypnotic Fratava | Common | Hypnotic Common