Post by James Holt (NT) on Dec 7, 2017 10:38:10 GMT
The Aelven Trade Association (A wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Traders) has had its leaders called for a gathering. The hall is packed. Mostly by elves. Every senior guildmaster is attending as Guildmistress McLarnon holds court. She is flanked by Auralë, a stern and venerable elf whom she has appointed as her right hand in Umbria, and a handsome northerner.
"...and this is why we are here tonight." she concludes. Her presentation has been going on for some time at this point. "We expect to have this matter resolved in an efficient and expedient manner. Now. Are there any questions to what I just explained?"
A young elf speaks up. She seems awfully pleased with herself. Kelly McLarnon absently recalls she's the daughter of the guildmaster of Aelven Carpentry - and de-facto guildmaster while her father is marching under the banner of King Caern.
"Yes. This human king. We've received reports that the master trader spent more than most kingdoms earn in a season scouring Albion for a cure. How, exactly, is it in our interest to prop up a fragile human who may just as well keel over and die tomorrow for all we know?"
McLarnon smiles sweetly at the elf, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Because we take the long view and consider more than the immediate future. I understand the concept may be foreign to you. The earnings of the guild both in Umbria and abroad are directly influenced by the stability and prosperity of the kingdoms we call home. Should king Glendall's health decline further, it would encourage rebellious and ambitious factions to cause mischief to serve their own ends. This, in turn, could lead to decline in productivity or even worse - more pointless and petty wars. Which would look bad on our bottom line. With news of the living dead trying to pierce the veil in Dal Riada, we can ill afford these squabbles. This investment into the health and prosperity of Umbrias ally will pay itself back with dividends within a year."
Someone scoffs at the back of the hall, his voice just loud enough to carry:
"We seem to be doing an awful lot of investing into everyone but ourselves"
You could have dropped a needle in the room and heard it land. The silence stretches for an uncomfortable length of time.
"The Guild is aware of the growing pains of the Aelven Trade Association. To this end, they have sent assistance. We will be performing an extensive audit of all guildhall operations this season."
The northerner next to McLarnon grins as she continues.
"We will identify and correct any... factors that are impeding the well-being and productivity of guild members in Umbria. There are ...exciting... opportunities for an extended study of mushroom farming in Orkney. Perhaps we will find individuals posesssing the unique traits required to pursue this career."
McLarnon gives the temporary leader of the Carpentry guild a meaningful glance. The elf has grown visibly paler.
"Make no mistake. Your complaints have been heard. We are taking this very seriously. You have called for the Master Traders attention, and now you have it. You would do well not to disappoint him."
"...and this is why we are here tonight." she concludes. Her presentation has been going on for some time at this point. "We expect to have this matter resolved in an efficient and expedient manner. Now. Are there any questions to what I just explained?"
A young elf speaks up. She seems awfully pleased with herself. Kelly McLarnon absently recalls she's the daughter of the guildmaster of Aelven Carpentry - and de-facto guildmaster while her father is marching under the banner of King Caern.
"Yes. This human king. We've received reports that the master trader spent more than most kingdoms earn in a season scouring Albion for a cure. How, exactly, is it in our interest to prop up a fragile human who may just as well keel over and die tomorrow for all we know?"
McLarnon smiles sweetly at the elf, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Because we take the long view and consider more than the immediate future. I understand the concept may be foreign to you. The earnings of the guild both in Umbria and abroad are directly influenced by the stability and prosperity of the kingdoms we call home. Should king Glendall's health decline further, it would encourage rebellious and ambitious factions to cause mischief to serve their own ends. This, in turn, could lead to decline in productivity or even worse - more pointless and petty wars. Which would look bad on our bottom line. With news of the living dead trying to pierce the veil in Dal Riada, we can ill afford these squabbles. This investment into the health and prosperity of Umbrias ally will pay itself back with dividends within a year."
Someone scoffs at the back of the hall, his voice just loud enough to carry:
"We seem to be doing an awful lot of investing into everyone but ourselves"
You could have dropped a needle in the room and heard it land. The silence stretches for an uncomfortable length of time.
"The Guild is aware of the growing pains of the Aelven Trade Association. To this end, they have sent assistance. We will be performing an extensive audit of all guildhall operations this season."
The northerner next to McLarnon grins as she continues.
"We will identify and correct any... factors that are impeding the well-being and productivity of guild members in Umbria. There are ...exciting... opportunities for an extended study of mushroom farming in Orkney. Perhaps we will find individuals posesssing the unique traits required to pursue this career."
McLarnon gives the temporary leader of the Carpentry guild a meaningful glance. The elf has grown visibly paler.
"Make no mistake. Your complaints have been heard. We are taking this very seriously. You have called for the Master Traders attention, and now you have it. You would do well not to disappoint him."