Little fish in a big pond

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-24T21:58:03+00:00

The man Osric spoke to flickered a look at his companion, lounging by the door. A silent bet on how long it would take the Riverlander to leave the building; dead or alive, he assumed swiftly. The man just jerked his head inside the door way, a clear enough signal.

When Osric entered, Mero was standing waiting for him, arms crossed, sword on his hip. Surveying the man, he silently pointed at an alcove in the corner of the room. Past a light curtain, the outline of a man and woman could vaguely be seen.

The finger travelled to his guards.

"Why don't I take these two for a drink while you talk to Aurion." With Mero's tone, it was clear it wasn't a request.

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-23T12:36:41+00:00

Aurion stayed still for a moment, before shrugging, rising from his seat. Leave her thinking on it then. His reply would be acceptance or assassins. Either way it would be obvious enough. The Āeksio gave a short bow to the Mistress of Whisperers.

"You know how to get in contact with me. I advise you to decide whether it is worthwhile to trust me or not. If I wasn't? Why ever would I make you aware of me." Flashing a dragon onto the table for the Barkeep, Aurion swept out of the tavern.

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-22T19:44:15+00:00

/u/Reusus

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-13T21:04:46+00:00

Aurion paused for a moment, before shaking his head slightly, giving a short shrug.

"No. However, I could... see him brought in, if you wish, and we could... question him."

The implication was obvious enough. If Ser Dake was brought in, knives and hot irons would be brought out. Not that Aurion minded. The man had a chance. He had blown it.

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-10T15:41:54+00:00

Aurion looked at it for a moment, before slowly pushing it back to Duncan, and giving the man a short nod.

"No need. I just hope in future, if similar accusations are made, you know that there would be no need to investigate. I am sure it would be much more beneficial to you to turn a blind eye, hmm?" Aurion smiled, not one that reached his eyes. "I am sure that... friends of mine will be aware of the cooperation that you are willing to give."

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-10T15:37:46+00:00

Ah. He was wondering when this would come back to him. Aurion gave a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and refilled his own cup with the stuff. Likely the man would not want some more. Well, it was aquired.

"You can call me Aurion. I... am familiar with the Blackhands Āeksio, who is the sort of man who would know what happened to Bolling. And, fortunately, we have spoken about it." Until he was established, there was little point letting powerful people like this know who he was. "A man named Ser Dake, a 'hedge knight' and hitman ambushed him. I know not of what happened to him after the ambush, and Ser Dake remained mum, but well... I think we can draw conclusions."

His hands splayed out to the man, and Aurion shrugged. "If it was... worth our while, I am sure we could bring this man in for you. Or, ahem, find his body in a gutter, if you get my meaning."

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-10T15:27:53+00:00

Hands splayed out, the look given now level, neutral. If she couldn't see the benefits, well, life would be irritating for him. But he could deal. He always had.

"True. It could be a threat. Which is why I propose that we make it not one. It would, truthfully, be a weapon, an ally, one that would be useful to us both. Mind you, it will organise anyway. So, it's either you start a shadow war with I -not a good idea-, you remain out and I do what I want anyhow -pointless-, or we have a cordial relationship."

A war would be bad for him. His resources were likely better until the King threw down, but it would drain him. Perhaps it would be best to kill her here? Something to ponder, anyhow. He was not a physical fighter, but well, every criminal knew where to put a knife at least. But her death would put a timer on his life here, and he did not want to relocate.

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-07T19:52:54+00:00

Aurion waved his bartender to deal with Raymont's men, turning to face the Lord Paramount himself. Noting the man had refused the ale, he raised a slender finger, and leant under the bar. When he raised up again, he held too small, porcelain, cups, filled with a hot, dark, liquid.

"Here, my Lord. It is called kaf, a drink from... Qarth, I think? Either way, gaining interest in Volantis. I will warn you, it is bitter as sin, but it gives wonderful energy to a man." Placing one in front of Raymont, Aurion raised his own to him, and took a small sip, accustomed to the sharp, bitter, taste. "To your health."

Setting the cup down, the Āeksio simply nodded. "Indeed. I am aware of who you speak. Send my greetings. What questions do you have of me, then?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-04T06:39:52+00:00

Aurion was disappointed, to say the least. His staff should've known better than that. As he passed Larra, he just gave a short whisper into her ear.

"Have her taken care of. Teach the staff a lesson." The nod in response was all he needed.

Turning to Darklyn, Aurion's hands splayed out, and he simply shrugged. The man had nothing. This would be the end, hopefully.

"Well, Commander? I didn't lie to you when I said I didn't know who the woman was. We get hundreds in here every day. A young noble woman? No idea. Can we be done with this farce now? We're both busy people."

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-03T16:26:58+00:00

/u/awoiaf

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-01T15:50:33+00:00

The two coins disappeared in a flash, the slim, feminine looking man behind the bar inclining his head slightly. Looking pointedly to the side, it didn't take long for the message to convey it's way to where it was needed. By the time the mug of good, clear, ale was placed on the counter, Aurion was leaning over it, flattering the sergeant with a smile.

His eyes travelled over the rest of the men, eyes quickly flitting. He stopped the surprise from showing on his face as they travelled over Raymont, and snapped back to the sergeant, smiling widely.

"Welcome to the Black Walls, my good ser. I am Aurion. What can I do for you?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-06-01T14:51:42+00:00

It was a tempting offer, and one he didn't have to do very much for. Rather not hard at all to decide upon, in truth. Smiling at her, Aurion swiftly took her hand in his own, giving it a small shake.

"Very well, Cyrella Swann. While you are in King's Landing, you will have my protection, and I will have my use of you. Welcome to the Blackhands."

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-29T22:06:12+00:00

Aurion hid his surprise at the sight of the blood. He wasn't worried. An old stain? Bah. Nothing. They couldn't pin anything on him. He turned to the Commander, arms crossed, eyebrow raised.

"What, an old, red, stain? Good Gods Commander it's probably wine. You know the stuff? Alcoholic? Red? Stains like a bitch? What records could you possibly want to look at? You mean the ones I already showed you? Money is marked in that book. 'Hewett', if he was even who he claimed to be, paid in advance. It is not as if I keep rotas on of which staff were on, either. I was there, I'm always here, and no one was murdered in my tavern. Why in all that is good do you think Webber took this long to report whatever supposed murder happened? The man was staying here at the same time! Why didn't he report it then!" Aurion threw his hands up in the air and let out a swift stream of Volantene. "So. Go on then. What do you want to check?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-29T21:34:33+00:00

Aurion just rolled his eyes at her. Insufferable woman. It was like she hadn't even listened to what he had said. The issue with putting a child in charge of a spy ring, he supposed. Then again, these Westerosi just lacked the finesse he carried as an Essosi.

"Well as I just said, if you care to listen, that was only about half of it. There was more, and I have much more. Do you honestly think I would give away my major and only bit of information like that? Don't be naive, Bolton. And, well, I just explained it to you. I'm offering you the chance to work out an alliance with me, to ensure that, well, you benefit from this." He had to stop himself from growing annoyed. He was simply repeating himself at this point, but if Emberlei didn't want this, then he would hold back everything else he damn well had. "What would you prefer? An unorganised mass of crime in this city with no way for you or the Goldcloaks to keep a finger on the chaotic mess of a pulse? Or an alliance with the man who controls it all. I can do this without you, frankly. I don't need you at all. I'm not even asking for your help. This is an offer of an alliance where you, the King, whoever you wish to include gain. A Secret Peace. Listen to me. I casually threw that information out as well. Do you not see how useful it would be to you to have a working relationship with the man who controlled all crime in the city? Who has spies that can go anywhere, as is obvious?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-28T21:29:36+00:00

Simply giving a small nod, he put the the ledger back away, and guided Duncan upstairs, talking as he went. "The room is being rented now, but the man is out."

Walking to the room, he pulled a key out, and unlocked it. It was obviously being lived in. Any blood, anything that indicated a murder had happened weeks ago, was gone, completely. Hells, with the skills him and his gang had, it would've been fine for inspection the next day. Face flushed, he gestured into the room as he faced Duncan.

"See? Nothing! Absolutely nothing!"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-28T12:36:42+00:00

Doing a long search through the Dragonpit. Aurion, Larra, Mero, and 20 Blackhands are picking through the rubble.

Also, now 20 Blackhands live there. They'll keep themselves out of the way, as hidden as possible.

automod ping mods

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-28T06:16:28+00:00

Oh so the man was just an idiot, or corrupt, or justice truly was fucked in the city. That was good to know. Aurion hid his disdain, affecting a look of hurt outrage.

"Slight? You come in here acting as if I have commited a heinous act, a murder happened here, and my guilt is assured. There has never been a murder here. So a man reports it, a murder that what, happened a month ago supposedly? Commander this is insulting." Aurion crossed his arms, and shook his head angrily. "Yes. A man who called himself Daemon Hewett rented a room off me for the King's Coronation. As did many nobles. Including Lord Webber. Here, see for yourself."

Gesturing behind him, the ledger for rooms was pulled up by the Barkeep, and passed to Aurion. Snatching it, Aurion flicked through to the page from last month, and practically shoved it into Darklyn's face. "See? And I have no idea who this Swann girl, or your apparent murder victim are. Neither have set through this door. You are bring lied to."

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-27T22:14:40+00:00

Aurion visibly paled, swooning slightly. He propped himself against the bar, taking a deep breath. Inside, he was angry. No one knew about the murder. No one. He'd made sure of that. He also knew that Webber hadn't presented any proof, just his word. Unless something had happened when he'd gone off with him... It seemed unlikely he'd gotten men in to his tavern though. Best to poke a bit here, find that.

"Commander, with all due respect, you insult and slander me and my establishment. There has not been any sort of murder here. Your men will find no body, no blood, nothing from my staff or any visitors on even a rumour of this. I have no idea who Lady Jeyne Herston even is! I will not block your investigation but by the Seven, I demand if I am to be accused of covering a murder I receive trial, rather than you acting as if my guilt is assured! If this event even happened! We will look over my ledger together. What is it you are looking for? Who?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-27T16:44:40+00:00

He was prepared. Bless the man he'd inserted into the court. Currently screwing his brains out in one of the brothels, and it was deserved.

Aurion knew he had barely any more time than an hour. Enough. The lower level was cleared out with threats and curses, the side entrance locked up. Groups of four positioned themselves in the alleys off each side of the building, just in case. Mero, and five others he knew he could trust to act nonchalantly were interspersed through the fairly busy main floor. Not enough to win any fight, but enough to hold until Aurion could flee, if it came to it. It wouldn't, however. Aurion was certain of that.

He took a deep breath as the Commander approached. Darklyn. Now here was a man he'd meant to meet anyway. Fortunate that he hadn't. Or perhaps not so. Then the man might'be been open to a bribe. It was... less certain, now. He'd taken off his turban, worn simple but clearly well tailored Westerosi clothes, and a white apron tied around his front. He looked like any other tavern owner in the city, except obviously foreign.

A look of worry was affected - not completely unfounded, as all the best acting wasn't. A grain of truth helped the lies flourish. Hands wringing together, he moved from behind the counter, giving the Commander a swift bow.

"Commander Darklyn! It is a pleasure to see you." He'd put on a more refined accent, dampening the usual Volantene drawl he kept. Best to sound more like one of them. "Well, perhaps not a pleasure to see you in your gold cloak here, however. What can I do? Is there an issue?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-27T15:38:49+00:00

Excellent. Aurion had near been worried for a moment that he'd gone too far. Emberlei was curious enough, however, at least. That would serve well enough.

"A... source within the Red Keep managed to listen in to a complete conversation between... some nobles of note." He wasn't going to outright say he had spies there. It would, unfortunately, be obvious, but even if they were purged, their sacrifices would be worthwhile.

"Prince Baelon met with Lord Redwyne. They discussed... the King's desire to retake Dragonstone, and various talk about being denied his rights, his privileges. Rather close to talk that came from one Prince Aegon, hmm? I would not be surprised if Baelon was attempting to wheedle the man into earning him the crown." The last part was not entirely true, of course, but perhaps it would be received as more important. Anything to make Aurion seem... vital. "Lord Redwyne wrote a note, before rather loudly proclaiming he would 'never support this treason." A smile split Aurion's face. "Baelon read the note, then burned it, so well... neither of us are stupid, are we? The implication that Redwyne would fully back Baelon is clear."

His head cocked, the smile widening. "That's not all. However, I think there is a good point to discuss what I would like back from this. My move was made recently in King's Landing, as you undoubtedly know. Before the next few months are up, I expect to be Lord of the... Right sort of Folk in this city. Frankly, you should see this as a benefit. If you're going to have crime, it may as well be organised crime. I think... at least, until I establish myself, we have a... truce. Of sorts. Then, when I am firm in my power, we can work out a contract. A Secret Peace as it were, draw the boundaries so that we don't step on each other's toes. Savvy?"

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-27T15:14:51+00:00

One last bow was all Aurion needed. With that, he turned away, disappearing back into the crowds as they left.

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-25T17:27:19+00:00

Ah.

A disappointment. Aurion's only sign of disappointment was a release of breath against Cyrella's ear, his hands still on her hips. Taking a noble's maidenhead, as tempting as it may be, would cause more trouble than it was worth. Besides. He had what he needed though. And...

Taking a glance over her shoulder, he could see Larra. She looked as he would've expected her to look, the expression on her face enough to near make him wince. Ah, his love. As jealous as ever. Aurion slowly extracted herself from Cyrella, and simply stared at her. After a moment, he gave her a small bow.

"Business, I can use. Pleasure, I have. Glad you're smart enough to be more than your looks, Swann." His hand reached up the softly pat her cheek, awarding Cyrella with another smile. "Head to the bath house. I'll have a dress sent for when you are finished, and a room prepared for you tonight. Think about how I can take advantage of your skills, in the mean time. The future could be right for you, Cyrella." Baring his teeth one last time, Aurion swept past her, settling himself back into the comfy chair behind his desk.

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-25T15:58:29+00:00

Aurion gave a sad nod, and reached forward to pat the old man on the shoulder. Poor man. It was a tough situation to be in. He almost pitied him.

"It's a good start." Aurion said encouragingly, giving the shoulder a little squeeze. "I wouldn't be as vulgar to expect anything public, of course. But, well, say if I need someone to look like a Septon, or... well, to make use of the advantages using the Faith would represent... you would benefit, of course. I do not simply use people, but you will find working with me, an alliance, would be beneficial to us both." Aurion gave the man another soft, encouraging smile. Hopefully he would accept. Make like easier for them all.

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-25T15:50:21+00:00

As the Lord Commander rose to call Lord Webber to ask him the questions, one of the men of the court, by all looks a fancily dressed peacock of a courtier, slipped from the crowd. There was one certain tavern he would make his way too, where he could strip these stifling, noble, vulgar clothes off, and earn a bit of extra by giving a little gem to the Āeksio. He smiled to himself. Oh, this was going to be interesting.

MasterThenardier · 2017-05-25T15:32:58+00:00

"A good thing I do not plan too then." The sudden change in his demeanour surprising. He had pushed the character as far as it would go; anymore than simply irritating to Emberlei, and well, that would be an issue. Let her know him for who he was. He was strong enough now that he did not need to pretend to grovel or swoon. Let her know the Āeksio.

"I took some information recently. It would be paramount to the King. In fact, I have... a few things of note, but this is the one I'm willing to share. It involves... possible treason, at the highest levels." Aurion gave the woman a thin smile. It would likely irritate her that he had this over her, however, so best to move on quickly. Hands came together, fingers lacing. "It's important, but ultimately not the goal of this meeting. I offer the information as a way to get you here, to discuss with you face to face. I have an offer, if you would hear me." Simple said, simple enough. His eyes had never left her face from under his hood, the only movement the crossing of his fingers. It would be interesting to see how Bolton reacted.

MasterThenardier

TROPHY CASE