Dreams (exchange 3)
On his third round of ale, a fellow worker from Taarven's took a seat across the table from him.
"Evening, Jael," Medell greeted. Jaelin simply raised his glass and continued to drink. The man looked at him expectantly, as though waiting for more hearty a welcome. When it was apparent that none was coming, he continued. "I wish I could join you here on happier circumstances."
"Then why don't you?" He smiled sardonically at his coworker, who didn't share the sentiment.
"I come on behalf of one of Taarven's customers. A well-to-do baron of sorts in the city. He owns more than half of all the alcohol handling and distributing companies." At this, Jaelin's ears perked up. This could be an opportunity. "He is one of the latest customers that you have been 'disappointing.' And from what I hear, more than once." Curses! Blasted Taarven! "He is displeased to the point where he wishes an audience with you at his private manor in the inner city."
"To kill me, no doubt."
"No doubt." But when he thought about it, Jaelin realized that he really had nothing to lose.
"Send a messenger announcing my impending arrival. I will be there shortly thereafter. The night is young yet. Perhaps I might even find the girl of my dreams while I am about." He and Medell shared a laugh at this.
"Then to you, good beast of labor, I bid a good night and many merrily acquired maidenheads." He bowed briefly before striding out of the tavern with a nervous hitch in his step. Jaelin sighed wearily. It seemed his entire life purpose was to serve and slave for those with more autonomy and wealth than he sometimes. As though the Gods made him for no real cause.
"Give me but one glance at a Goddess' blessed light. Naught but one short look and I will be content to join with the earth." His prayer drifted toward the sky, whether or not it was heard was something he didn't care to think of. Jaelin's only thought was of this baron and how his experience with him would turn out in the end.
The vendor wasn't happy in the least bit when Amara refused to pay full price for what she bought. It was late and none of the vendor's goods were especially fresh anymore. She suspected they'd make a poor breakfast. But it was the best she could do with such short notice.
With a sigh, she headed back home, now careful to keep an eye on her purchases as she walked through the market. Once or twice when she wasn't careful someone had stolen things right out of the basket she carried without her noticing until it was too late.
"Amara!" She flinched at the tone of voice the cook's voice when she walked into the kitchen.
"What? I did the best I could," she said, putting the basket down. The cook gave her a slightly blank look then shook his head.
"Not that, girl. Master is wanting you. Seems he's having a late meeting tonight."
Amara groaned a little and nodded. The wine and fruit was already sitting out on a tray, waiting for her. She picked it up and headed for the door.
"They're in the smaller sitting room," the cook called after her, so she knew where to go.
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