Alburet chuckled at her expression as he tipped an imaginary hat at her, leading Stacia out the door. Glancing back at Erin, he saw her still staring and winked before shutting the door. Chuckling, he escorted Stacia around the corner where they could flag down a carriage.
When he got one to stop he tossed the man a silver and asked to be taken to the royal auction house. The trip was uneventful and soon the carriage came to a stop. He got out before helping Stacia out, taking her arm as he led her to the door.
Stacia gasped at how richly appointed the building was, looking around the main room. They were met by the same man Alburet encountered the first time. “Hello again,” Alburet said as he held out the scroll. “I was asked to come and speak with Vladimir.”
The curator gave a small bow, but his eyes narrowed slightly at Stacia's outfit. “Of course, sir. If you will follow me please.”
They were led to the same office Alburet had visited before. Vladimir looked up, a smile coming to his lips as they were ushered in. “Ah, Alburet. Glad you could make it.” He looked at Stacia, coming to his feet and giving her a small bow. “I don't believe I have had the pleasure, madam. I am Vladimir Dracon, the Royal Auctioneer.”
Alburet chuckled as he held a seat for Stacia. “This is Stacia Crowley. She is a friend of mine as well as soon to be my wife.”
Vladimir blinked slowly once, the only sign of his surprise. “Ah, a double pleasure then. Wonderful to see that even the two-souled can find love.” He took his seat again after Stacia was seated, “Renful, bring some tea for my guests, please.”
The curator bowed, “As you wish, sir.” Renful exited the room, closing the door softly.
“Well then Alburet, would you like to spend some time on pleasantries or get right to business?” Vladimir asked with a slight smirk.
“I have a feeling you know more about me than many in the city, Vladimir. While I don't mind the general pleasantries, I would rather hear why you requested my presence.”
“Indeed,” the smirk became slightly more pronounced. “Last week during the ball held at the castle I gifted a book and a letter opener to the King. He didn't understand the significance right away, though once Ioaniss got a hold of them the King was soon informed of their provenance. The King then requested to have the person who found the items informed that he is requested at the castle to speak with Ioaniss Jones about the location of where the items were found.”
Lips pursed, Alburet considered the information. The door opened and Renful brought in the tea cart. Alburet waited while tea was served in almost paper thin porcelain. He nearly chuckled out loud to see Renful’s obvious discomfort as he served Stacia. Once the tea was served Renful left them to their discussion.
“I’m not sure how to take this, Vladimir. As I do value your opinions, what would you council me to do?”
Vladimir chuckled, “Ah, flattery. Even I am not immune to its charms. If you do not show after being informed it would have negative effects on your standing in the city. If you go and can help even a little with Ioaniss's questions, I am sure that you will be compensated accordingly.”
Sipping his tea, Alburet nodded, “I see. Hmm, how long would one have to do this without appearing either overly eager or tardy?”
Vladimir laughed softly, “Ah, you want to play the game then. I would think two to six days would be an appropriate time frame. The longer it takes though, the more perturbed Ioaniss is likely to become.”
Alburet considered the suggestion. “It will take me at a few days to get Stacia an outfit that will not be sneered at, much like Renful is doing. So, I would be inclined towards the later side of that time frame.”
“I could send a letter with you to the tailor you have used in the past. She would be able to rush a gown at my expense for your soon to be wife. It would take her probably two days.”
A single brow rose on Alburet's face, “I see. So me showing up will net you something as well?”
A single nod was his answer, “Of course it will. If you can give Ioaniss more information it will make my gift that much more prominent, increasing my status with the King. Would you like my assistance?”
Alburet glanced at Stacia, who appeared out of her depth but was doing her best to sip her tea calmly. “Yes, Vladimir. I will gladly accept your assistance. If Margret can get a gown ready in time, I will go tomorrow night. Otherwise it will be four days, as I am to wed in three.”
Vladimir used his bell pull, waiting as Renful entered the room. “Renful, get a message to the tailor Margret Wilson at Silken Needles. She is to get a gown fit for court ready by tomorrow night on my account. The lady will be there for the fitting inside the hour.”
Renful bowed deeply, “It will be done as you command.”
Vladimir turned back to Alburet, “If I might ask, have you looked at your map of late?”
Willing his map to his hand, Alburet opened it, “Not much actually. Why?”
“Make the map as small as you can, for this continent,” Vladimir said, watching him intently.
Alburet willed the map to zoom out to show the continent. He looked over the map in surprise, wondering how it had gotten as full as it had. “What? Why is my map so full of stuff?” He zoomed in slightly to get better definition.
Vladimir stood, coming around the desk to glance at the map. “Hmm, it seems you have gotten map information from another person. The reason Traveler's Maps are so sought after is that they can copy other’s maps, and they can share as little or as much as their owner wishes when giving another person information.”
Alburet tried to think of who he had gotten map information from, then recalled Grimgar touching maps. “The person who did this also had a Traveler's Map, so why do I have all of his info?”
“He must have been okay with you having it,” Vladimir said his, eyes roving the map looking for something.
Alburet caused the map to vanish, “Well, that is good to know. Thank you, Vladimir.”
Vladimir stood back, his lips pursed slightly as he went back around his desk. “I wonder if you and I might trade map data?”
Chuckling, Alburet shook his head, “I think you want something from me and are trying hard not to give the game away. Does a Traveler's Map show everywhere you’ve been even from before you had the map?”
Sighing, Vladimir nodded, “I see you are quick on the uptake. Yes, I was hoping to find the location of where you found the items you did.”
“I’ll make a deal with you then, Vladimir,” Alburet said as he stood, taking Stacia's hand. “Once I’ve finished speaking with Ioaniss, and if he doesn't object I will trade map information with you. It will cost you a favor to be called in at a later date, though.”
Eyes narrowed, Vladimir searched Alburet's face before he nodded, “You are learning fast, Alburet. I agree to your terms.”
Quest: After Speaking with Ioaniss Jones, the Royal Archivist, trade map data with Vladimir Dracon.
Rewards: A favor from Vladimir Dracon at a later date of your choosing.
Alburet gave a small half bow as Stacia curtsied, “It has been a pleasure to speak with you again, sir. I do hope we can continue our relationship in the same pleasant vein we currently have.”
Vladimir pulled the bell pull again with a nod of his head, “I as well, Alburet. I will arrange a carriage at the inn tomorrow night to take you to the castle.”
Nodding, Alburet turned as Renful opened the door, “We shall be taking our leave then, Sir Dracon.” Alburet led Stacia out of the room, escorted by Renful.
“Do please come again, sir. Perhaps next time with the lady in more suitable attire,” Renful said, his tone neutral.
Alburet shook his head as his eyes became frosty, “We will do what we can, Renful. Have a good day. I suggest you do not insult the lady again in my presence.”