Café de Nuit

"Charmed, herr Sancerre," Bennedict shakes the man's hand. "I'm sure Norzak and I were just happy we were there and could be of service."

Inwardly, Bennedict hopes that perhaps no one brings up just how little service the archivist was, during the event in question. At least not until after the rewards are distributed, anyways.

Norzak grips the man's hand firmly, gauging the grip he gets in return, while eyeing the man straight in the eyes. Satisfied he says "Well twer nuthin, really. I always say ya kinna get tha measure of a man by hims handshake and hows his eyes are. Ya look good enuff fer me. Norzak's me name. N' twas a pleasure takin care 'o' them there varmints, bub."

Evangeline turns to Bennedict and asks,

''Where is Sir Cirdan?''

Denys smiles at Norzak's comments.

''I gauge men in the same way. As a merchant, I deal with all sorts, and being able to read your man comes in most handy. Speaking of work, what trade do you practice?''

Norzak thinks about that a moment before replying. "Well ta be honest, I jess got here in this here town. I traveled from Darkon ta see the lands and live a little. You might say I'm a jack of a few trades, yet not one in particular. I ain't decided as of yet what I wanna do as a profession. Leaves my options open that way ya might say."

'' Well, if you are looking for employment, I'm sure I can help you. We should eat and drink before even thinking to talk of business, though. Shall we? ''

Denys orders his servants to bring some wine, sandwiches, and extra chairs and small tables for his guests.

Evangeline makes pleasant conversation with everyone present, but keeps looking back towards the gate and staring at some point just beyond it.

ewancummins wrote:''Where is Sir Cirdan?''

Late again, by Hextor's filthy beard!

Cirdan suddenly bursts into the room.

"I apologize, Mylady, gentle Sirs... I was stuck in traffic."

Norzak finds the food good enough, but the wine makes his nose wrinkle. Not bothering with manners(Dwarves aren't known for their manners anyways) he grabs a passing serveant by his clothed arm and asks. "Hey bub, did yer got any ale? Wine ain't something I'd consider even if I was in a pinch. Thanks."

The garden party is moved into the house for dinner. The dining hall is well appointed, decorated with beautiful tapestries and tastefully carved woodwork. West facing windows are opened to allow the late afternoon sunlight and the pleasant smelling garden air to enter the room.

A servant brings Norzak a tall glass pitcher, filled to the brim with ale. He also brings a stoneware mug for Norzak's use. The ale is quite good, with a creamy head and smooth but strong flavor.

Evangeline seems overjoyed that Sir Cirdan has arrived-

''Oh , I'm so glad you were able to come!''

Bennedict glares somewhat in irritation at Evangeline's back as she brushes him off and moves towards the elf. Perhaps if I carried myself like an offacious ponce she could spare me a moment of attention. He accepts a glass of wine, taking in the drink's aroma appreciatively before giving it an experimental sip.

Hearing Master Sancerre's conversation with Norzak, Bennedict steps away from Cirdan and the fawning debutante to converse with the adults. "My name is Bennedict Gehrman, herr Sancerre. I am an antiquities broker, acquiring artifacts as well as more contemporary items for succesful gentleman such as yourself. As it happens, I am currently between jobs and looking for a new client." Bennedict arches an eyebrow suggestively at the merchant, taking another sip of the surprisingly tart Chardonnay.

Denys turns his attention to Ben.


''Well, as it happens I'm something of a collector myself. I will show you my collection after dinner, if you like. If you are indeed looking for work, I would be happy to place you on retainer. There are always things on which I'd like expert advice and help.''

Bennedict perks up at this welcome news. "Ah, that would be most agreeable, sir. May I ask what you collect, primarily?" In the back of his mind, Bennedict hears the sound of coins falling into his pocket. "I trust you will find my advice to be sufficiently "expert" to fit your needs."

''My interests are rather eclectic, so my collection is broad. Lately, I've become enamoured of Hazlani tea services. Lovely work in silver and brass, I'll have to show you.''

Denys smiles pleasantly while speaking of his collection.

The main course is served; roast quail, broiled potatoes, a garnish of leeks, and slices of good brown bread. Wine is brought for all, except Norzak- a servant refills his pitcher with more of the excellent ale.

It's getting closer to sunset now, with light through the windows taking on a rosy hue. Oustide, you can hear crickets chirping. A gentle breeze blows in from the garden, carrying with it the scent of flowers.

Cirdan will quickly try to engage Evangeline into one his usual "let's pretend it's a conversation but I am really just trying to tell you how cool I am" moments.

At the table, he'll sit as far away as possible from Norzak (no offense, but we all know how dwarves eat), and eat quietly, but noticeably quickly.

Must have been some time sinec he last good something warm for his belly...