Nexus Spring Market Fair

[varnished_truths]

Seemingly overnight, one of the grassy areas edging the Forum has been taken over by a spring market and fair. Part state fair, part craft fair, part Renaissance faire, there are attractions for all comers. Tents and booths of every size, shape, and color are lined up more or less tidily, sometimes with wide avenues between them and sometimes with paths skinny enough to crowd a single person. Goods and treats from the far-flung corners of infinity are on display. The general organization has magic and alchemical goods grouped together and slightly separated from the other tents; arts and crafts fill the area around it. Goods such as clothes and jewelry, plants, and vintage and antique items are in the back. Food is front and center, between the entrance and the rides. This is perhaps not an ideal placement.

To one side is a brightly-lit collection of rides and games familiar to anyone who's been to a state fair. A ferris wheel, flying swings, and all manner of reasons to regret that last funnel cake are blaring tinny music and sporting blinking lights. Remember: rides first, then eat. Classic games that test strength, agility, and luck offer plush prizes sure to delight anyone until the fur rubs off. There are also some animal rides near the exit.

In the back of the roughly-fenced-in area are the exhibits. There's a petting zoo with creatures mundane and more exotic, all promised to be tame; practical demonstrations of new magical and technological wonders; a juried art show; and a stage hosting a variety of performers changing on the hour.

((This is an open event. If your character wants to have a booth selling wares or food, set one up. If your character wants to perform or provide other services, go for it! Please note what sort of service you're providing, if any, in the subject line of your top-level comment. Basically, just run with it and have fun!

I offer pictoral inspiration and ask that any pictures used in comments not be more than 300 px tall (and it looks better if you can keep it about the same height as your text). Code to have your text wrap around your picture below.))

<img src="blah.png" height="300" style="border: 0pt none; float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px">

Comments

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

No one could rise to such lofty heights by being an idiot. Stupid mages don't live long enough. "Would you perhaps be interested in a collection of plants from Skyrim, to expand your gardens and your alchemical choices?"

Always looking for the next deal.

He does have certain advantages when it comes to alchemy, and she's not going to fault him for putting them to good use. "Ah, because you think it might be the distance in time rather than the distance across land that makes the difference? That would make for an interesting study."

She waves a paw dismissively at the idea of needing an apology. "For you, I make allowances. You know the craft and are respectful of it." With that in mind (he hopes) she tallies up the value of the items. "Let us say 30 gold for the book, 75 for the six prepared nirnroot, and... 500 for the potted plant and the grape essence."

[gate_crasher]

"Such a collection would be most welcome," he answers readily (and cheerfully). Oh, he may see that she's angling for future sales, there, but the bargain of a mutual win is one he's happy to strike.

"Indeed," he confirms, adding, "are you certain you are not a student of the arcane? You grasp the precepts so readily."

Her response to his apology wins another pointy-toothed smile. He looks the potted nirnroot over thoughtfully for a moment, then nods and digs a hand into his pouch. "Done." She'll have the gold in probably the time it takes her to realize she could have had more.

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"Then I shall add to the collection I have brought." She tilts her head toward the variety of plants on display. Many are labeled 'alchemical', and though some may look to him to be familiar... so did the nirnroot.

"The study of how something comes to have different properties is part of the merchant's trade as well as the scholar's," she points out with a sharp-toothed smile. "But I shall take the compliment with thanks."

She'd been expecting some bartering at this point. Doesn't he know how to do that? And now she's really wondering why the nirnroot is so valuable to him. "May I ask that you share what you learn of the differences between your local nirnroot and mine?"

[gate_crasher]

Yes, he saw her collection of alchemical plants. With the nirnroot purchased, he's looking over the rest, examining them with his nose as well as his eyes. "I will happily share my findings," he promises, "for some of these seem different as well. Intriguing."

Her point about the merchant's study is well-taken, and he bows to accede to it. "Fairly said. I must accord you the mastery of your trade, at least, that I have managed of mine. Probably more, as I imagine you have had more opportunity for focus."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"Do they? Hmm." Whatever Ravari thinks of that, she's keeping to herself--for now. Not every thought needs to be spoken in the first instant it's considered.

"Dealing with Nords has been a master class," she admits. "They are a most unwelcoming people."

[gate_crasher]

If Shade-Seeker notices Ravari's discretion, he doesn't remark on it. Possibly, he is too absorbed in examining her wares to note it. By the acquisitive gleam in his eyes, he'd like a little bit of everything.

"Oh? I am gladdened to hear your education has been fruitful, if sorry to hear of its terms," he offers. "I at least shall strive to accord you the welcome you are due."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

A bit of everything is available, that's the point of a merchant having goods. The question is how much more shopping he can afford. And as discretion is the better part of valor, she'll appreciate his as well. When she's ready, she'll tell him what she's been thinking.

"Thank you. That is a true kindness."

[gate_crasher]

The Knight Commander of the Knights of the Nine ought to be valorous. He would be a very bad knight if he could not be discreet.

"I admit, I do not find a single sample here that does not intrigue me, or have some use I know I will want." At least his purse is well-laden, from the many potions he's made, and the arms and armor of bandits and traitors he's sold. He could probably buy another house, if he weren't already possessed of more beds than bodies. "I am surprised, a little, that you do not have any alchemical tools for sale. I would be very interested to see what advances coming centuries might yield."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

Another lofty position for so humble a betmer.

"Ah, it would be most cumbersome to bring an alchemy table with me to every place I travel." Which might explain why her own potion supply is so uncertain from meeting to meeting. She can't make things on the go like he can. "Do you not also find it so?"

[gate_crasher]

People keep giving him positions of authority, he doesn't know why. After the Oblivion Gate Crisis is resolved, though, he has plans to make good use of his clout. Plans, yes.

"The tools are a little heavy, perhaps, but they fit in my pack well enough," he answers. "I don't imagine that I could carry a table about with me, but I don't see why I would need one." By way of demonstration, he digs out his expert-level alchemy tools, to show Ravari what he's got. "They are not so heavy, and the option to brew the potion I need when I need it is a welcome one."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

So many plans, and so little credit for them in a few short centuries. Pity everything he's in charge of right now will fall apart.

Ravari takes the tools to look them over. They're not so foreign in shape that she doesn't recognize them, but some of the materials...

"In Skyrim, all alchemical tools are fastened to tables. I do not know why this is so. What is this made of?"

[gate_crasher]

It is in the nature of things to fall apart. He can only do his best.

"Fastened to tables?!" he gasps, shocked. "But then their relative positions could not be calibrated for the time of year and lunar cycle! You might lose three parts in forty-seven of purity!" It's a really terrible fate for someone as fussy about alchemy as he is.

"The mortar and pestle are granite. I also have a smaller porcelain one for extra-fine grinding, when that is necessary. The retort is glass, the alembic is glazed porcelain, and the calcinator is cast iron that has been enameled. Are they much unlike the tools in your time?"

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"It is not an ideal situation," she agrees with a sigh. "I am no fan, especially as it leaves me few places to work. Khajiit are not allowed into the cities, which is where most of the tables are located. Those which can be accessed with safety, that is."

Fucking Nords and their fucking racism.

"Enameled iron? I have not heard of such a thing. The shapes and functions are familiar." She offers the pieces back with a little regret. How much easier her life would be.

[gate_crasher]

"The iron conducts heat well and evenly, and the enamel prevents it from influencing the reactants inside," he explains. "I have contemplated designs of a steel-clad copper calcinator, and I may soon commission such a piece. It would heat more evenly still, and also be lighter, I am thinking."

With a glint in his eye, he continues, now framing a proposal: "these, though, I can replace at a shop here in the Nexus--perhaps you would be interested in this set?"

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

Ravari considers this, trying to remember these new designs he's mentioning. Enamel iron, steel-wearing copper. It makes little sense, but it will be good to know these things in the future.

And then, ah, such an offer. She could try to play it cool but he'd never believe it. "Yes, I would be most interested. Perhaps in exchange for some of the plants you wish to study further?"

[gate_crasher]

Shade-Seeker grins. "Agreed, and happily so. Handsome gains for us both, are they not?"

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"Yes, quite," she agrees with a grin. "Pick the plants you wish, my friend, I expect we will both be generous in our reckonings."

[gate_crasher]

"I like to think," he replies, "that friends always are."

That said, he is going to be making serious inroads on Ravari's selection of alchemical plants. Serious inroads. There are so many new plants, and even the familiar ones seem different. This demands experimentation!

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"A true thing," she agrees. "A very true thing."

In truth, she'd never expected to make much coin-profit on the plants. The profit of knowledge and being better able to practice her own alchemical arts is worth more to her anyway.

[gate_crasher]

When he has made a thorough investigation of Ravari's alchemical wares, and picked out the samples he's going to want, Shade-Seeker admits, "I think I have at least one of every plant I have not seen before, or that presents a different aspect than I have known. If you come across any others, I shall be very interested to obtain samples of those, as well."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"I would be happy to do so. If you are able to provide the environment they favor, I can begin collecting the cold-loving plants as well."

[gate_crasher]

He nods thoughtfully. "The guildhall in Bruma needs rebuilding, after the attack. It is often cold, that high in the mountains." Nodding decisively, he adds, "that shall be a good project for some of the students. It may be some time, but I shall surely take your offer. Thank you."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"Bruma, yes, a fine city. I traveled through it on my journey to Skyrim. It would do well for this new garden." Ravari looks over the goods he's chosen, and her ears droop briefly. He calls her friend and she takes so much money from him...

So she'll add a book to rebalance the scales, just a bit. "This will help you learn about the new specimens, I believe." Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim is exactly what it claims to be.

[gate_crasher]

Ravari is a good friend. Shade-Seeker would have looked at the wealth of knowledge to be gained from these samples and called the bargain fair. The addition of a book, though, is an extra treat, and he grins as she presents it. "Ah, thank you! So much the better, to prepare the ground. You think of everything."

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

"It did seem thematically appropriate with my offerings for this market," she points out with a pleased purr rumbling through her words. "Will you be able to manage all this on your own?"