Mysterious Guest [Sanfis]

[Shyahwyn]

Leaning over toward the large dining table, it's length nearly as long as her yacht parked in the private hangar attached to the palace, Shyahwyn's emerald gaze took in the day's schedule and one name highlighted gave her a moment of pause. Dressed in a more leisure dress, the duchess of Sargon straightened as she then picked up the flimsiplast itinerary. "Lovisa," she called out to one of the two ladies in waiting. "What do we know about this Mister Feldor?"

"Very little I'm afraid," the younger brunette replied, stepping closer to her charge. "I wasn't able to contact anyone that knew him personally in time. I do apologize."

Glancing to the dutiful servant that had been helping her purge many of those that had claims on her place in the Consortium, "That's alright," she grinned, her smooth, lightly tanned face glowing lightly in the morning light pouring now through the large windows on the far side of the room. Her attention returning to the schedule, "Just makes him that much more interesting, that's all." Several things had to be accomplished before the arrival of this mysterious guest, but she would be ready when he did arrive. Then something else hit her, "Do we have any ideas if he's been in contact with any of Kerinos' friends?"

"No, ma'am. Of that I'm certain."

"Good," she replied, relaxing noticeably and then handing the thin sheet to her friend and confidante. Strolling from the head of the table, "Make sure that he's received properly and made comfortable before my arrival."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll see that the butler's notified." Following her from the room, they continued into the main hallway, adorned with expensive paintings, polished brass and gold fixtures as well as frames to the artwork. All of it reflecting off of the marble floor as Shyahwyn's heels echoed.

[Sanfis Feldor]

Sanfis Feldor took a moment to adjust his posture, allowing the velvety embrace of a grand armchair to soak up even more of his travelling pains. Had he not business to attend to, he could have quite happily had a short nap, snug between a nest of cushions that seemed to tend to his muscles with almost too much comfort. The chair - like everything else here - was lavished in gems to the point of being outrageously decorative. Above him, a tall ceiling stretched until it met in ornate carvings of Hapan battles gone by. The walls were dressed in tapestry and painting; all depicting Hapan culture and wealth. The floor was a shimmering silky shade and all were gilded in gold. It was as if every edge, hem, or banister had simply been dripped in the stuff. Sanfis was quite certain he had even seen gems studded into the door; also lined with a twinkling hint of the precious metal. He reached for his glass - one of the few things that wasn't over the top here - and took a gentle sip. The drink was sweet and according to the butler, had originated from a nearby moon, but Sanfis couldn't for the life of him remember which. All his eyes had time for were the sheer indulgences of Hapan architecture. They were a people with money, which was after all what he wanted.

This was the first time a Feldor had visited the Hapan Consortium. He knew so, because no family record would have forgotten to mention such splendour. Having arrived in consortium territory, they had been intercepted by a military escort, whose entire purpose it seemed was to be rude to Sanfis and his crew. The trip to Sargon had been difficult, but the reception they had received made all the hassle worth while. A landing strip had been lined with servants and armed escort, all of whom seemed overly gracious and delighted to greet them. Sanfis had left his crew on-board and followed a line of pretty girls into the foyer of a grand hospitality wing. It was daunting, not only due to the size and beauty of the buildings, but also of their people. Sanfis had so far not seen a single person he could describe as unattractive. It was almost unsettling in a way.

"You will be seen soon, sir" Came the soft drool of the butler, bringing Sanfis sharply back from his wandering thoughts. His voice was soaked in honey and submission, a fact that made him a good butler, but also bothered Sanfis a little. He had yet to meet a single male who seemed to be in charge.

"Thank you." Sanfis responded, simply. There were more important things to think about now than Hapan culture. There was a tender to be won...

[Shyahwyn]

Gliding along the stone paved pathway toward the front of the palace, Shyahwyn's speeder reflected the tall trees lining the drive from the distant gate toward the front of her lavish home. Rounding the manicured island of grass centered by a large fountain, the driver soon entered the shadow of the portico and stopped. As if on cue, a servant moved from the entryway to the door and opened it, stepping aside as Shyahwyn's long, tanned legs swung out and stepped onto the drive and fluidly continued toward the steps, her ladies in waiting in tow. Entering the grand foyer, the butler greeted the duchess.

"He arrived ten minutes ago, madam," the dutiful servant in royal blue jacket informed. "He's reclined in the den as you requested and dinner shall be ready at six sharp."

Nodding to him, she continued on passed a resplendent coat of arms supported by tall polearms in an array pointing upward as if resembling sunrays. The heraldry of her new house won by the blood of her late husband. Curtsying to her, a maid remained on the side of the main intersecting hall as the footsteps echoing in the hallway turned left and soon neared the den as she slowed, handing her silk gloves to Lovisa as she entered the room. Book shelves lined the wall to her right, full of histories and sciences which she had only gazed through during the few free hours she was actually afforded now. Her emerald eyes soon fell on the handsome, older man now here to meet her. The ducha, adorned in white and gold dress and jacket, form fitted to her shapely frame, shimmered lightly in the warm light from the large fireplace now to her left. The only piece of jewelry adorning the young noble being the ring of station that she took from her late husband's cold finger.

"Lady Shyahwyn, Ducha of Sargon," Lovisa announced as Shyahwyn extended her right hand delicately, palm down and grinned at the man now here to seek her favor. Had he been Hapan, she may have considered a bit more cleavage before they met.

[Sanfis Feldor]

Whatever he had been expecting, she did not disappoint: Shapely and crafted, as if finely tuned to slip seamlessly into her role. From the way her fabrics clung, she slipped seamlessly into her clothing as well. She wore her beauty like armour; a trait he was starting to understand played a far more important role in Hapan culture. From her stature, he read how important she needed to be, an importance he wouldn’t underplay.

Swinging himself out of the chair, Sanfis glided up to meet her, his feet tracing their way across the velvety floor with a dancers grace, his cheeks already slipping into a comfortable smile that echoed the friendly glint of his eyes. He bowed to her, low and from the waist, taking her hand in one delicate open palm and planting a gentle kiss of acknowledgment next to her extraordinarily bright ring. For a people who dressed themselves and their homes so splendidly, she seemed rather absent of jewels. Perhaps she felt she didn’t need them? Or maybe she was trying to draw further attention to the one gem she did wear. He would need to consider all of this and more if their talks were to succeed.

“My lady”. He drawled, finely clipped accent accentuating the natural highborn tone to his voice. “I am deeply honoured by you attending me in person. You have the most beautiful world.”

[Shyahwyn]

Unsure of the accent, the noble mused on his words as well as his body language and she could tell already that he had learned a lot about how to be a good salesman. Few outside Hapan space understood how it's women expected to be treated and respected, but this outsider had done his homework. "Thank you," she replied while moving toward the high backed chair, it's upholstery embroidered with the house of Sargon's heraldry in resplendent white, gold and blue on a silver field. "I've come to enjoy many of our worlds over the years that I've called Hapan space home." Emerald eyes turned to Lovisa as her lady-in-waiting handed her a flute of wine, then retreated once more toward a small whet bar, though not more than ten feet from her charge, alongside Constance.

Sipping from the flute, she set it on the end table between them and relaxed a bit more. "Tell me of where you come from and what I can do for you," she stated, right knee over left and she set her hands within her lap, now prepared to learn more about this visitor before their building relationship went any further.

[Sanfis Feldor]

He chewed over her words with investigative scrutiny, the smallest hint of a frown creasing his otherwise uplifted brow. She spoke about the Hapes cluster like she had not been born here, implying she too was an outsider. He would never have guessed this from the way she, or her servants, acted. But it did provide some answers to her lack of jewels. She was trying quite blatantly to draw attention to the ring, suggesting she had attained her station through marriage. Perhaps her husband was off world, or maybe the lack of men in high offices that so permeated their culture was also applicable to their rulers. Either way, Sanfis was in a much stronger position than he had been before.

Taking a gentle step, Sanfis waited until she had started to settle down before also sinking into his chair. He made his movements slow and deliberate, keenly aware of the hand maiden’s proximity. They wouldn’t hesitate to collapse upon him if they sensed a threat and he wasn’t going to present anything that could be taken as such. Instead, Sanfis simply allowed the chair to envelop him in its comfortable arms and back, keeping himself at a relaxed angle but ensuring his back remained upright and attentive. He wanted to be confident, but not disrespectful.

“I am from Adumar”. He had contemplated not providing this information, but everything the Hapan society had taught him so far lead to the assumption she could find out what she wanted to. “But I represent only my own, modest interests.” No need to overdo it. “It is my desire, that I might be able to provide unto you a service. I heard of the riches and grandeur of Hapes, but also of a need for shipping.” He sat up slightly in his chair, crystal eyes pouring intensity into the void between them. “I have such freighters and am looking to solve this need, at your simple command.”

[Shyahwyn]

Having never visited Adumar during her youth with Maelona, their reputation was known well enough as most of the bravest fighter pilots had their faces plastered over nearly every recruitment poster, holovid shows and movies. It almost became sickening to a point, knowing that she would never enjoy a life with someone like that back then. But, now she was in the presence of someone with that sort of brazenness in their blood. Or at least the potential for such, she mused and took another sip of her wine as he then posed the reason he was here. Not surprised, Shyahwyn grinned lightly and set her flute back to the polished marble surface of the table. Straight to the point, she mused.

And now you grow dull.

Emerald eyes gravitated to his azure gaze as she reclined even more, knowing she was in complete control of this situation with a handsome man now wishing her favor. It had been some time since she had enjoyed this place in life. "Most of my future business is going to be headed for nearby sectors as we establish new contacts, but at this moment all of Sargon's business is here within the Consortium." Head canted to the left slightly, "I'm curious, how long have you been in the shipping business?"

[Sanfis Feldor]

“Several years.” He mused, almost dismissively. “Long enough to know who out there is worth talking to.”

She had given him the key to further conversation – establish new contacts – he wouldn’t let that opportunity slide so easily. There was a big world of trade out there, but without the necessarily fleet and resources to make that trade happen it were all but simple fantasy. There was the potential for longer partnership here and he would happily pass over momentary credits for a longer-term bonus. Sanfis allowed his eyes to trace her form, draped so easily over the chair. He wanted her to see him look, wanted her to know he acknowledged her beauty. From the little of Hapes he had seen, beauty meant power. And she needed people to acknowledge her power.

“Your neighbours are vibrant centres of opportunity, both within the Consortium and without.” Sanfis laced his voice with the intensity of each word, making the proposition sound almost seductive with his well-spoken manner and low tone. “There are opportunities there for every purpose, when you know who to talk to. And I know. I know them all.” It wasn’t entirely true, but his delivery brought a depth to his eyes that glowed with well-practised certainly.

[Shyahwyn]

Her smooth grin arced as his confidence soon shown out, pearl white teeth gleaming from full, glossed lips and she knew now that everything that had been plotted by her step-son would now be undone even further. His attempt to besmirch her name lost the night she poisoned him and rid herself of others that whispered in the shadows with him. There would be few that would ever enjoy trampling the name of the ducha of Sargon from this point on, of that she was certain. Chuckling lightly, emerald eyes turned to the fire, "It pays to be a good salesman in our lines of work, that's for sure. I don't doubt that your contacts," she continued, turning her attention back to him again. "Are influential in some respect and I've come to know many of my rival's dealings over the past few years. Some can't talk about them enough." Pride was in no short supply among the nobility of the Consortium, that's for sure.

"Any of yours names I may have heard of?" Needing a few more details, she had every intention of learning all she could about this Mister Feldor before he left her home.

[Sanfis Feldor]

“Names I have in abundance.” He stated, slipping slightly further back into the depths of the chair. “But unlike your rivals, I have no pride to defend.” Catching him off-guard, Sanfis realised with the smallest flicker of shock that his own words had stung. Pride may not be viewed as appositive attribute on many worlds, but on Adumar it was a sign of your success. Sanfis indeed had little to be proud of. He recovered as best he could, allowing his lips to slip seamlessly into an understanding smile. He had to get back on point.

“If I were to spout the names of every contact I alone held, then they wouldn’t really be contacts I alone held.” Sanfis allowed his fingers to steeple, a delicate touch that spoke of control. “I work best on outcomes. A fast shipment, with a professional crew, carried out with little fuss or need for concern when it comes to difficult spacelanes or hypernavigation. Perhaps our business would be best started with a demonstration? A small order, or particularly difficult trip?.”

[Shyahwyn]

His initial statement about pride made her curious now, knowing that anyone that she had heard of from Adumar had more pride in their achievements than most in the galaxy. Some had more than enough to spare, so having Sanfis offer that revelation gave her even more insights to his past, though still murky in the details. It was almost refreshing to have an older male in her presence that wasn't very full of himself, though tempered in the presence of a noblewoman. Overhearing more than her share of conversations between her late husband and his friends had allowed the new ducha to take her rightful place in Hapan society much easier. Nodding at his promise, she would definitely begin musing over several smaller shipments to entrust him and his crew with. If nothing more than to be able to see him again.

Glancing to the large, ostentatious chronometer commanding the stone over the mantle, she noted that dinner was about to be announced. Pushing herself up, she loved prompting her butler's ability to be of more use and rarely succeeding when it came to important moments such as this. "Let's have dinner and discuss business after," she grinned invitingly, turned and headed for the entrance. Lovisa grabbed her wine and followed as Constance fell in behind their guest. "I asked our chef to create a variety of dishes, so I hope you find something that you like," Shyahwyn mentioned as they entered the hallway, her voice echoing in the high, painted and decorated ceiling. Emerald eyes turned to Sanfis as they headed for the grand dining room, "I'm unfamiliar with Adumarian cuisine, but my chef's been researching in anticipation of your visit." Though this all sounded unlike a Hapan noble, Shyahwyn was still enjoying breaking some of their customs when she got the chance.

[Sanfis Feldor]

Dinner: So he had taken her interest. The gradual ripple of a smile snaked its way up along his facial contours, lifting high cheek bones with a resolute look of victory. No one got invited to dinner unless they were of interest. In his earlier days, Sanfis had been thrown out of business meetings, guild halls, and Kings Chambers. Once or twice this had happened rather unceremoniously. An invitation to dine was only made when the host felt you had business to discuss at a later point, or that you could benefit them in some other way. Sanfis was all too happy to oblige.

“Adumari and Hapan cuisine you say? I would be delighted to exchange delicacies.” Whilst holding power and attention with her cunning mind and attractive features, this noblewoman was clearly new to the art cards. She had once again revealed a play to Sanfis, having both asked him where he came from earlier in their conversation and also had her chef research his home world. She had clearly known all along, suggesting he had been well probed before being allowed into her territory. Such a slip only endeared her to him though. She was most likely looking for freighters with legitimacy, rather than for some other nefarious plan. He found that reassuring.

Their journey into the foyer was brief and colourful, flanked by works of art that Sanfis could only imagine the credit value of. Up ahead, a gilded carpet lead them between two giant doors, propped open by two man-sized marble ornaments that shone as brightly as the lights. Everything seemed to glow with its own individual grace, including the grand dining table that dominated the room they now approached.

“Tell me, my lady.” Sanfis called, as they walked. “Is your husband off-world, or might he be joining us?”

[Shyahwyn]

Her gaze drifted away from her guest once entering the dining hall, and to the places set already. "He passed over a month ago in his sleep," she stated, feigned grief in her voice and she had grown good at pretending. Not missing the man at all, she knew that he had served his purpose and then was conveniently removed as she was ready for the next stage of her life. Sighing, she approached her chair as the butler moved to it and grasped the beautifully carved, wooden edges as she sat down, then scooted closer to the table. "I however did inherit his three amazing children and a granddaughter."

Sitting back, Lovisa placed the napkin within her lap and retreated once more as Shyahwyn took another sip of her wine, holding it out as another server refilled it, then backed. As if on cue, the small squad of well dressed male cooks approached with the first course and set before them a salad which had various ingredients from Sargon's gardens. Leaning in, she took the first bite, using the first fork of many uniformly situated beside her plate. Playing quietly in the background, music from an Adumarian orchestra echoed in the large dining room painted with a golden glow as the evening sun's rays poured through the high, bullet shaped windows to her far right.

"How about yourself? Wife, children?"

[Sanfis Feldor]

Sanfis sat, positioning himself to the left of her. He had no wish to appear presumptuous and the left did serve as a rather convenient place of subservience. He too feigned his upset, trying to mirror the pain that had momentarily crossed her eyes and voice.

"My lady, please, forgive me. I had no idea."

As it happened, Sanfis had indeed no idea. He had not done much research on this particular Hapan family, as he had expected to be dealing with a member of their economic cast. Business was often left to advisors, traders, and occasionally noble persons of aspiring interest, after all. But on this occasion, it was he who had been outplayed. To his ears drifted the hauntingly familiar trance of a soft but dramatic symphony of Daybreaks Night. She had done her research indeed. In most cultures, it was a soothing and intrepid piece that danced about moments of excitement and moments of calm, making it fitting for every occasion. To Adumari it was a tense battle between two blastswordsmen, speaking volumes about the moments silence between each exchange as the two parties circled each other. There was no calm to his ears, only pauses of endless tension that masqueraded as soft melody. Perhaps this was by design as well. Hapan culture had it's own militarism. This connection could have been her intention all along.

"No, I'm afraid." He mused, sadly, inclining his head in gracious acceptance to the maid who placed his own napkin. He was about to call her back for wine when he realised it had already been poured. They were an efficient people, that was for sure. "Alass I never married. There were suitors I can tell you - many of them in fact - but none that I could not see through." Sanfis chose his words carefully, one hand lifting a fork piled high with leaves, but focusing his entire attention on how she reacted to his response. Just like the swordsmen of Daybreaks Night, they too were fighting a duel.

[Shyahwyn]

Chewing on the first bite, she listened to him and watched his facial features for any signs of deceit and found none, happily. Though keeping her interest hidden deep within, her gaze fell a bit before returning to her salad. "I'm very surprised," she began as her fork sought another gathering of leaf and a mix of vegetables. "I can only imagine your search for business relationships being the only reason your bed remains cold." Though she was assuming a lot as she took another bite, keeping her attention to the meal and then to her wine, taking another sip before glancing to him again. "Though motivations toward a comfortable retirement usually sacrifices many things in return, doesn't it?"

Her own demeanor remaining neutral, she had achieved her own initial goals by using her wiles and charm to enter this world of nobility and extreme power. And so far regretted none of it. Noting also that he recognized the piece being played by the exceptionally gifted quartet, she wished now that she knew it's origins. But, there had been more important things to tend to these past few days.

[Sanfis Feldor]

The music danced about them like the swordsmen it portrayed, whistling a background tune of daring that brought him dreaming back home and to his own duels. A younger Sanfis stood ahead of him, basking in the tendrils of ghostly vapour that surrounded his imagined form. The crowd were cheering, their hands in the air with glee at the young man’s sudden triumph. Before him bled a women of at least ten years his senior; a blast wound spitting the last of her life onto the floor. The music grew to a thunderous dramatic finale, declaring to the diners that the duel had been won and Sanfis felt his spirit celebrating the victory alongside the music. A wash of sadness played over him suddenly, like the resignation of one to get wet in the rain. For a second or two it was all he could know, as repressed thoughts of home and the injustice he had suffered threatened to consume him. A pained crease forced its way across his brow, rendering his eyes momentary pools of sorrow.

“Unfortunately so, yet there is always time.” His recovery was quick, saying nothing for a moment as he chewed thoughtfully on the salad before offering her a response. His bed had indeed been cold for far too long now. That particular pursuit having been put off in exchange for the growing endeavours of his business. The ruthless world of freight logics was not one that gave entrepreneurs much time to themselves, all of which Sanfis was grateful for. It was in those quiet moments that the true horror of his reality set in, a reflection he would rather avoid. “It must be difficult running such an empire without support by your side.” A little too personal, he mused, but she after all been discussing personal information too.

[Shyahwyn]

Noting the sullen look on his face, she suddenly wanted to hug him, though refrained as that action would no doubt take dinner in a totally different direction than she was ready for at the moment. His words only gave weight to her intuition and her own neutral face melted into sympathy for a moment as he then shifted the focus back on her once more. Grinning lightly, her emerald gaze drifted toward the large floral arrangement in front of her. "I have my daughter in law and step daughter which have been helping me a lot," she stated, knowing that wasn't what he had in mind, though their support had been invaluable lately. "Their knowledge in their fields has also kept me busy with other things and before I know it, it's time to take a bath and head to bed."

Shrugging, she grinned away her sudden realization that having someone to wake up to was now gone, regardless of her own machinations to see that end come to pass. Never dawning on her what was lost, she then shifted her own thoughts to eventually finding someone suitable that could help her with just more than intimate moments. Her attention back to the salad, she felt their conversation was becoming quite personal even though she had steered it that way. Taking another bite, the ducha let things hand in the air between them for a moment as the quartet began a new overture hailing from Hapes itself. A haunting melody that now added the piano softly playing in the background, almost creating a more romantic scene.

"With your business being intergalactic, how political have you had to become?"

[Sanfis Feldor]

How political? – He thought – well I am sat before you because I attempted a decidedly improper piece of political manoeuvring which lead to the death of one I loved and the collapse of any hopes I may have once had about replacing the governing coalition with one of our own design. Yet, as he chewed on the answer and starter, the anger that question had drummed up seemed to simply melt away. He just couldn’t feel angry about it anymore. They had attempted something dishonourable and paid the price. Sadness was the only true expression of failure left to him.

“Political? Sometimes.” Sanfis scooped up the last remanence of foliage before him, barely having time to recline in his chair before an all-too eager waiter had swooped down to whisk the empty plate off to the kitchens. “I would never trade with someone I wasn’t comfortable with, politically…” he let the sentence fill the space between them for a moment, taking a sip of the wine to wash things down “…but I have so far not been involved with politics beyond picking a side in trade deals. Generally you have to pick, conflicting states tend not to like to deal with the same shipper..”

[Shyahwyn]

A turmoil of thoughts rode across his face and for someone who had learned in the past ten years to read those subtle tells, she was becoming good at this. His reply very political in itself, she wondered how high up the food chain his family back on Adumar went now. Or had, since he seemed to indicate that his welcome there wasn't as cordial as it should be and the details had just escaped her as he shifted into reclining once more as the soup was set before him. Mirrored in her own place setting now that the salad had been consumed, she also reclined a bit and took another sip of her wine, piercing green eyes fixed on his blue.

"Might be more comfortable to know whom I'm signing on with given the nature of how this consortium does business. Outside governments have been trying to gain more of a foothold here, sometimes without the blessing of Hapes." She knew the queen had continued the tradition of keeping a close eye on outside influences on their sector of space, especially given the nature of the cold war going on between the Empire and Alliance. Though she hadn't had to deal with any of that yet, Shyahwyn knew it was only a matter of time, especially since her own system was within the Gate Worlds.

[Sanfis Feldor]

He nodded, thoughtfully, appearing to think on her words carefully before reaching for his soup spoon. The cutlery was arranged as it should be; neatly lined up and polished to perfection. He took the spoon from its place, giving a quick glance to the rest. Assuming she eat inwards - as most with good breeding did - this gave them another two courses still to come, with whatever traditional finishers were served in Hapan society. She had a lot of time to pursue the matter of his origin.

“Quite understandable.” He submerged the spoon and let it rise to the surface with practised grace, swiping away from him – as anyone with proper manners would – and blowing on the liquid, softly. “External and internal, from what I hear.” He swiped at the bowl again, refilling his spoon. “It may not be my place to say, my lady, but rivalries between Hapan nobility are a factor in this.” Had he perhaps let on too much? It would be difficult to feign ignorance now…

“If it helps, I believe you and I are in a unique position to form a productive and lucrative business relationship. You are worshiped as this world’s ruler, yet you rule successfully because you understand it from an outside perspective. I would never hope to challenge or reach that esteemed level, yet I can share some lowly understanding of your skills when it comes to trade. I know the outside worlds and which governments may be looking at your worlds with credit-lined eyes. My freighters are as a result far safer than an alternative supplier, for whom the highest bidder is more important than the continued business of a ruler whose proven judgement makes her an all-too valuable investment. Your longevity is more important than any temporary monetary fix, making me a lot less likely to, I hope you will forgive the colloquialism: screw you over.”

He flashed her a brief, yet reassuring smile, before continuing to sample the soup. Sanfis Feldor rarely lost a contract he wanted. His blunt ability to manoeuvre complex subjects was a craft of a life-time spent amongst the bluntest people in the galaxy. It turned out the outside world often appreciated it, as long as you disguised your intentions with politeness and manners. That was a lesson he had taken far longer to learn.

[Shyahwyn]

Enjoying her soup while doing her best to remain proper as she did so, Shyahwyn smiled at his comment knowing that some of the conversations that she once shared with her fellow witches in the Pachmari were just as crude sometimes. The past ten years here on Sargon having offered her a glimpse in to a type of life that Maelona never would've afforded the kidnapped girl from Yelsain, she had learned a lot.

"I think you know well enough how dangerous that would be if you ever thought to," she ate, glancing to him briefly and then back to her lightly steaming bowl. "But, that would also destroy what you've built and already I've found you to be a very wise man." Taking a sip of her wine, she gracefully set the crystal flute back upon the table. "Which is refreshing actually." Already formulating a run for his small company, she would have to make some other arrangements for the private delivery as well before he left. One that was a long time in coming.

Quietly dipping her spoon into the broth, gliding the silver utensil toward the far end, her mind drifted momentarily to the ambush on Baralou and all that she had thought she had lost, then gaining her freedom. Days full of joy and fear alike until she and two other witches arrived on Aargau, then separated.

Emerald eyes rose to Sanfis' handsome face once more. "There is one question that I have though. Why would a businessman from Adumar wish to leave home with so much in the way of weapons and other militaria available to the open market? Especially one with a desire for your home's technical expertise." A query born of a more idle curiosity, she also began to think that he was hiding something and there was no desire to have this businessman bring his problems into their budding relationship.

[Sanfis Feldor]

He absorbed the threat with grace. There had once been a time when his Adumari blood would have boiled at the challenge. A time when he may have whipped out his blastsword and offered her the chance to defend her honour as only those worthy of backing up such words could do so. But that was a part of him long gone now, perhaps never to return. Probably for the better, he mused.

The broth was now almost done, its silky texture warming his chest with just the right amount of heat and spice. It was both delicate and yet hardy – like everything else he had experienced thus far. The Hapans appeared to favour a society that blended the seeming opposites of culture and sophistication with brute utility and functionality. You could see this in their society, as much as in their crafts. Hapan ships were all big, bulky, and built for purpose. Yet their interiors were often dressed like they were luxury liners. Sanfis had only visited the inside of one rather small Hapan ship, yet rumour was it paled in comparison to the splendour that could await anyone touring a Battle Dragon. Her questions matched this assessment, digging deeper and deeper. This as much an interrogation as it was a dinner.

“Weapons are not my thing”. He stated, perhaps a little too quickly. He had been expecting her question and had long prepared an answer for it. After all, most people did eventually ask why he wasn’t bringing torpedo launchers for them to buy. “The Adumari weapons exports are a matter of national interest. My world has many factions vying for control over the market and this makes them complicated. I don’t like complicated.” Sanfis lifted his glass, ensuring to meet her gaze as he did, taking a small sip with astute certainty. He was after all being somewhat truthful: The situation was complicated.

[Shyahwyn]

"You must not get out much then," she chuckled and continued with her soup, nearly finishing it now. "Politics, business, households," her green eyes glanced around her momentarily, then back to her guest. "There are few things in life that aren't complicated." Especially her stepson, she mused. Or had been at one point, that is. "But, knowing how to dance among all the ulterior motives and games is an art that most love to master and those that do, love complicated." Setting the spoon within the now empty bowl as it was whisked away, she reclined once more and took another sip of her wine, eyeing her new potential partner.

"So, how does Mister Feldor dance among the complicated intergalactic business lanes without getting embroiled in the politics that come with it? I'm definitely intrigued," she grinned darkly, emerald eyes sparkling over her crystal flute. As she listened to his reply, the servants placed before them the main course, a lighter meat and vegetable dish prepared just as the higher echelon of Hapan society would choose, marinated in a tangy sauce and complimented with a warm piece of bread.