Palamon, a supercilious eagle owl arrives, following Ryhalt.

Leta rubs a hand at the side of her neck, and studies her other hand. She turns her arm from side to side, furrows her brow, and looks back to Mirari. She doesn't disapprove, really, she just looks bewildered, frowning above a half-cocked smile. "Tentacles? like - like you'd be wearin' a silk squid for a glove?"

    Merek has on his umbra and linens, while his waistchain is settled about at his waist. He steps into the tavern and looks around, before he finds where the others are and settles in there for the time being.

Waldemai is a few minutes late, so he slides in quietly and sits in a corner.

The room has been set up with various scrolls and writing implements, just in case any of the merchants within the room need to craft a quick document after speaking with another. Bottles of wine with small place cards dictating where they've come from have been set up on various tables for tasting, as well as various wares from cities far and wide and where they might be found within Arx for purchase.

Jaenelle is standing at the front of the tavern, speaking softly with one of her servers before turning towards the door as people begin to enter. Lucita is given a warm smile as her co-host for the evening enters, a small polite dip of her head in greeting accompaning it. "Lady Lucita, hello. You are well?" she asks before turning back towards those who might have entered after. "Welcome everyone."

Mirari laughs a little bit at Leta's expression and she says, "Yes, like a silk squid, exactly." She holds out one arm and pushes up the sunset dyed seasilk she wears. Grinning at the woman, "Wrapped about and then down over my fingers, but leaving these two bare." She extends pinky and thumb, the middle three fingers curled. But then Jaenelle is speaking and she calls to her pleasantly, "Princess-Minister."

Ryhalt makes his way in, taking a peek around the tavern once he crosses the threshold, an amiable smile on his lips as he looks to see who is there - not that he would recognize anyone yet, but you have to start somewhere. When Jaenelle welcomes the throng, he looks her way and surreptitiously picks up one of the tasting glasses of wine. For appreciation.

Lucita moves over to a spot near Jaenelle having already curtseyed and smiles. "Very well, thank you, and you?" She then turns to smile a welcome at those who have arrived.

Marquis Mydas Nightgold is among the last to arrive, and as such does not seek to gather any attention on himself, instead inclining his head politely to those already within, but otherwise saying little, gold eyes looking over those assembled within, picking out unfamiliar faces from those less so.

A merchants assembly? A prime time to showcase protection services! Tobias and his six chainmailed bodyguards in Blades tabards walk into the tavern roughly around the time the meeting starts, and head for one of the few empty tables, plopping down on it as the waitress staff heads over. "Something light for me. Same for the rest of them." Tobias gestures around to the bodyguards, berfore the bald man starts to look around proper.

Carita steps into the tavern, and off to the side where she offers the assembly a politely dipped curtsy. She straightens, smoothing her skirts and she moves along toward a place to sit, sea-blue gaze flicking around the room toward known - and unknown faces.

Carita has joined the Large Table.

Leta looks away from Mirari for a moment and looks around, taking in the gathering with only a slightly apprehensive expression. Then she nods back to Mirari, thinking for a moment, "See, I would've thought you'd want those fingers covered up, wouldn't you? If it's steelsilk - I mean - right? Well, the little one you can sort of do without, but you'll need your thumb for anything," is her practical commentary, before she hushes and takes a step aside, sidling up towards the bar.

Estaban slips into the tavern just behind Lucita and he parks himself on a wall near the door and holds it up cross his arms over his chest a small smirk on his lips as he looks around at everyone here.

Mirari chuckles at Leta's words and she says, "It's as much as status symbol that screams 'I'm very rich' as it is protection, my Dame." She dips her chin toward the other woman, grinning widely at her. "I've only enough for the one set of gloves, if I don't like the way it looks I'm stuck with it forever." A hand waves and she says, "I best think very hard about it, yes."

Petal arrives late to meeting and slips out quietly with her sewing basket.

"Mistress Mirari, it has been quite some time! I have heard the city is abuzz with your business ventures" Jaenelle addresses the woman, and one of the first few she met when she arrived in Arx. "I have visited your shop a few times, but you were always busy elsewhere, I shall have to come again when you are there to speak to you about your wares more deeply." As she is beside Mira, Jae then turns towards Leta, giving her a warm smile as well, "steelsilk is a very interesting fabric, I don't think I own anything made of it, but then again I don't think I need it as much as those who are fighting and putting their lives on the line, if it helps as much as I suspect it does against weapon blows." Ryhalt's lift of wine is noted, and a dip of her head is given in return with a smile for him as well.

"This evening is for networking, of meeting others who might assist in making life easier for you. It can be difficult finding other merchants and wares in a city this large, there is so much, so I wished with Lady Lucita, to make it a bit smaller."

Tobias goes from face to face, watching the proceedings as he and the rest of the Crimson Blades in attendance nurse their drinks quietly for now... seemingly content to get an idea of the flow of conversations, without interjecting, yet.

Lucita watches people still filtering in, and looks toward Jaenelle. "Indeed. I see many familiar and some persons new to me so already it is helping. I represent House Igniseri from the March of Granato. We have fine wines, not the same type as those lovely wines from House Saik, available, such as Rose Hip wine, that delicate wine made from the fruit of roses, or a fine Pinot. We also produce olives and olive oil for trading purposes. How about some of you, what do you have available or need?"

Mirari flashes a grin toward Jaenalle and says, "I can't keep anything on my shelves for very long, princess. Unless I'm sneaky about it and don't announce the new lines." A little shake of her head is given and she says, "Otherwise, if I announce it-- it's not uncommon for there to be a stampede." A hand lifts and waves, claw covered fingers glinting in the light. "But on that note. Why don't we do that fun party game, Princess-Minister and perhaps all introduce ourselves and detail what we might have to offer other merchants?" She then finally slides into a seat, flopping down. Oh Lucita's already got it! So she swivels about and says, "Mirari Corsetina-- Apothecary and Weaponsmith. Though I also make wines and cigarillos for the Corsetina Merchantile-- my family produces wine and cigarillos and some other odds and ends. I can offer people wines and various herbs. And I'm always looking for more sailors for our merchant fleet, and all sorts of metals and well plants for my perfumes and the like."

Waldemai stirs himself from his bar stool, and bobs his head in the directions of the various people he already knows. To the others, he announces, "I'm Waldemai Eisenhu. I make armor out of the Champion Chainmail shop down to Southport Square." His leather apron and smith's hammer would be a dead giveaway.

Leta's grin broadens and she shrugs, "Might as well make it both, that's all. If I want to flash my coin, I'll wear ten fancy rings, all different stones, over just the one of pair of gloves, but that's me," she adds as an aside, with a grin, then politely inclines her head in Jaenelle's direction. "Your Highness. Why, I own some steelsilk from - well, it was a prize for that contest, wasn't it? The one you'd set up. With the boat and all." And she bows again.

    Merek takes out a cigarillo and lights it, before he tilts his head a bit to the side. "Oh uh, Merek Black, owner of Dream Creations. I get good business when I actually manage to restock sometimes," he admits, with a small nod of his head in thought.

"Need? Merely business-minded individuals with which to make mutually beneficial deals." Mydas remarks, smiling after Lucita's question. "I am Marquis Mydas Nightgold, representing both the March of Aviaron, and the Duchy of Nightgold as its Voice. Nightgold is renowned for its fine gold and more luxurious metals, along with its whiskey. Aviaron is a producer of gold, silver, copper, iron and steel, along with numerous gemstones." he introduces, both himself and his House.

Smokey, the Wolfhound Pup arrives, following Eithne.

    "Lady Carita Darkwater, co-Voice and Minister of Trade for Darkwater Reach --" with a slight gesture of a pale hand in greeting, offering the briefest curve of a smile, her tone of voice calm and soft. "Known for its rum, cold-weather strain of coffee, sugarcane, and tobacco. Mostly, seeking others to trade with as we rebuild our fleets following the Tragedy at the Harbor and our reputation." With a slight dip of her head forward.

Ryhalt smiles a bit at the various introductions and when it comes around to him he lifts a hand after a sip of wine and says "Duke Ryhalt Farshaw, just recently joining you, so nice to see you all. Westrock Reach exports a number of goods, including but not limited to fine coffees and fruits, sugar, things that aren't as easy to grow on the mainland. Also shipping and transport, that sort of thing. We've just established our household here, but expanding our work with commodities concerns."

    "That reminds me, when I've some experience under my belt, I'll be offering classes at the Academy for crafting as much as any other educational pursuit," Merek mentions, while he takes a moment to tap his chin, "I hope that is useful to the Merchants as a whole. All will be welcome. That said I've mostly been working with Fidante on trade agreements which is why it's been so difficult to carry on making wares as much as I'm able. My family back in Tor trades in wines and alchemical goods as well as metals."

As things start to form up, Tobias gets up from his seat, heading to the table with the main conversations going on... his left hand idling on his scabbarded sword as he comes within casual conversation range, "Tobias Telmar, Lord General of the Crimson Blade mercenaries. We've been doing a lot of minor commissions and contracts for the merchants of the Compact for years, but this is the first time I've seen an assembly of like minded individuals. Greetings to all." Tobias gives on introduction, "We're not merchants, but we're for hire as protection along the trade routes."

Eithne shows up to the Trader's Tavern somewhat fashionably late. The sound of metal clinking with her steps as the dragonscale mail of her dress rings against one another. The redhead finds a vacant seat somewhere in the throngs of folks who have gathered for the meeting, while she tries to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.

Mirari turns her seat a bit more, settling her attention onto Mydas. "Gold, you say?" She leans a little bit in his direction and wonders, "Interested in working with a humble merchant or two on a project, my lord?" Her hands fold together as she talks, loosely clasped; one set of knuckles resting on the other, thumbs touching.

Jaenelle listens to each explain their import/export businesses as well as their actual crafts, nodding to each after they've finished speaking. "I am Princess Minister Jaenelle Velenosa" she introduces herself for those who might not know who she is. "I am the Minister of Infrastructure for the Crown and the Minister of Income for the Velenosa family and Lenosia. Both are very heavily involved with merchants and businesses. I will be hosting open hours for the Crown next week, so today I am here on behalf of the Velenosa family. The south is very big with fabrics and wines, of course, among other things."

Petal has joined the Quiet Booth.

Petal slips into a booth. She looks over to Jaenelle as she speaks, nodding in response to her words.

Lucita nods, making note of some of the various items offered and the persons that are the contact points for attaining them. She nods to Tobias, "Good to know, Granato is a goodly distance by land routes from here, and am sure some of the others will be glad to know who to contact." To Ryhalt and Carita she says. Coffee, perhaps you might be interested in trading some olives for a supply? And to the remainder she nods with a pleased expression. Metals, armor, herbs, fabrics, many items that are needed, such a good selection. Good!"

Leta goes about making herself inconspicuous as well, keeping a vague ear out for the conversation as she finds herself leaning into the bar to place an order for some wine. A small order, one cup only, while her eyes stray back to the mercantile gathering.

"That is why I came here." Mydas smiles to Mirari. "I would be glad to support the right project, in exchange for support for my own. Aviaron has recently grown, economically. I wish to ensure it remains so, with greater fortifications. But such require funds." he explains, his manners and stance casual, though never leaving the norms of an aristocrat.

After a few more introductions, the recently arrived redhead rises from her seat and gives the others a friendly wave. "I'm Eithne Thornburn from right here in the awesome city of Arx. I'm not a merchant but an Armorer. Metal is my business, it is my passion, so I'm always lookin' for merchants or business folk who deal with the materials I need. I can make your metal into just about anything your heart desires."

    Merek watches the cat while he puffs out some smoke, and then makes a small pat at his lap, perhaps hoping to pet whoever's cat that is! All the same, he takes his time to consider the others, "The trade routes are dangerous these days, we could definitely use more protection," he admits to Tobias, "Although I'd imagine those from the Knights of Solace would hopefully assist too." He then considers, "That reminds me, how many armorsmiths do we have in town these days? Anyone know?"

Mirari flashes a grin toward Mydas and she says, "I'd be willing to help you, my lord, in exchange for some gold from Aviaron. I've a fashion project I'm working on with Mistress Harall. I'm designing pretty weapons of pain, and she's designing clothing to go with them. I could use gold for adornments on my pieces."

Waldemai eyes Eithne, a.k.a. "The Competition."

Petal smiles over to Eithne at her words and then finally speaks herself. She has a heavy Northern Shav accent. "I'm Petal Penrose, a seamtress and wood worker who owns the Tangled Skein. Archduchess Eleyna is my patron. I make a lot of things, but I am often on the quiet side."

    Carita nods, "Lady Lucita, certainly, you know that we would be more than pleased to negotiate a deal to provide coffee for olives. It would be beneficial for the Mourning Isles to have more products from the Saffron." Although, she glances aside at Mirari's mention of her current project and Carita's eyes widen -- "Mistress Mirari, is this the project that you mentioned by letter?"

Ryhalt nods to Lucita, saying "I'd certainly be interested in some exchange as well, and if overland routes are not as viable, perhaps my ships may be of some help." Looking to Carita, he adds "And if you've need of shipping while your fleet is rebuilt?"

Tobias gives a nod to Merek as he speaks Tobias' way, "The Knights aren't as well trained, and answer to the Faith, however. We answer to our clients, and are professionals." Tobias notes to Merek. "You're also guaranteed our protection, while you need to help the Knights of Solace have people to spare for your group." Then Lucita gets a nod, "You can always find me, or an aide, at the Crimson Blade HQ. We're not far away from this tavern, in fact."

    "Certainly, Duke Farshaw, it would simply be good practice to utilize the shipping fleets of the city's newest noble merchants." Carita nods, "Thank you."

"Aviaron's mines supply great quantities of iron, and our smelters produce high quality steel." Mydas remarks, in the direction of Waldemai and Eithne. "Should either of you be interested, we could arrange a deal." To Mirari, he nods. "Why yes, that should easily be done. We've gold aplenty."

Waldemai nods and narrows his eyes at the mention of high quality steel. "Thankee, milord," he says.

    "Dream Creations and Fidante could use some imports of coffee and quality steel if anyone needs existence in exchange for that all and what have you," Merek offers through his cigarillo, then he speaks to Tobias, "I might come to your people then when I can and have a few caravans for you to guard. I'd be most thankful for it, of course." He then waits a moment, "Oh right, /why/ am I speaking for Fidante, I am their Minister of Coin, so that makes more sense."

"And Lord Audric was worried that he could not come tonight as he is a sellsword" Jaenelle muses, perhaps more amused than she should be as she grins over towards Tobias. "You are doing wonderfully in your endeavors!" She seems content with listening to those around her as they do exactly what she hoped, making friends! Turning towards Carita, "Lady Carita, I started setting up agreements with the Darkwater family, though that slipped to the sidelines after Max's passing. I am please you've come this evening and hope we can continue the process some time."

Ryhalt peers over his wine glass, looking toward Merek, "Truly, the secrets of existence are a fair trade for coffee. Let us come to terms."

Mirari flashes a smile toward Mydas and says, "Excellent." Her chin dips down, and she crosses her feet at the ankles. She catches sight of Carita after that, lifting her fingers toward the other woman and wiggling them. Wiggle, wiggle.

There's a good laugh to that as Jaenelle speaks, from Tobias. "merchants are the lifeblood of a mercenary, and vice versa. it's a nice two way relationship, and every merchant wants mercenaries than answer to them. If you rely on the nobility, you have your guards until you piss off the noble, or until you get off their lands. I can negotiate with the various land owners here for safe passage for all my people, and take that out of the list of issues." Tobias replies.

    "You did, your Highness, and it was purely my fault that I needed to set such things aside before I needed to take my leave of the city. I would very much like to continue where we left off --" Carita dips her head slightly, petal-pink lips twitching into a brief smile. Looking from Jaenelle toward Mirari, she tilts her head slightly, cool blue eyes bright. "Tsk, Mistress Corsetina. Too clever."

Estaban listens as people speak back and forth and share, she himself is quiet for the moment watching as things get underway.

Mirari turns her eyes toward the redheaded smith. Wiggling her fingers at her she asks of Eithne, "Do you need anything? Interested in any trade, mistress? As one smith to another?" Her head tilts to the side.

Petal gave her introduction and then falls back into silence, the seamstress seemingly a bit overwhelmed by the conversation that is going out. She might be out of her element with all the dealing going on.

Eithne turns slighlty in her seat to flash a bright warm smile at Mirari. "Yeah! Of course. Well, -need-, not sure but you make weapons if I heard right and I make armor. I've been looking to get into some more 'fashionable' armor for those who don't necessarily need to fight but need some light protection. Would you be interested in working together for something like that?" She gives her temple a little scritch where wayward curls just sorta bounce around in disarray.

Mirari's eyes go bright at Eithne's words, her lips curling up. She says, "Oh, oooh, yes." She turns about in her chair to face Eithne more fully and wonders, "Would you like to work with Mistress Harall and I on our project? I'm sure she wouldn't mind. We could do an entire outfit of items together-- the three of us --weapons, a piece of armor, and clothing to go with it." She waves her hand toward her apprentice, "Miella! Show her my current piece."

Said apprentice pulls out a jade-hilted dagger to show to Eithne.

Mirari gets Darkwood, a jade hilted steel dagger from A perfume bag.

"That is true" Jaenelle tells Tobias, hmming softly. "I do worry for the safety of the merchant ships. I am getting ahead of myself though, so I should save that line of thought for the meeting next week as it has more to do with my role in the city itself than my role in the Velenosa household." So much to talk about! "There is no blame, Lady Carita, life is certainly a fast paced river and sometimes it takes us away. We shall rectify this, it shall be quite enjoyable to do so." Petal is glanced at, not having seen the woman since the water ceremony. "Have you been well, Mistress Petal? I still need to come visit your shop soon too! So many shops. I have two now, though again, that is for next week. If you know of any who need a shop to work out of, please tell them to come to my meeting next week."

Eithne eagerly takes the offered dagger to examine and her big grey eyes grow even wider. "Whoa. I love this. I love the colors. Jade is just so beautiful." She holds the hilt up to the light a bit in order for the gems to capture the light in the room before handing it back to Mirari. "I rarely get to ornament armor with gems because most of my folks just want some function and that shit gets expensive quick."

Lucita's bright gaze slips from person to person as the conversational flow picks up and mention of trade, coordination of crafters and safe transport of goods is exchanged between people. To Janelle she murmurs. "Oh, this has been nice, lots to learn from those here. Maybe we should make this an annual event when trading season comes round."

    "We shall, Princess-Minister, we shall." Cartia promises as she rises from her seat, exhaling a breath. "It was a pleasure to meet new faces, and to reconnect with old --" she pauses to look around "--it has been quite pleasant, Lady Lucita. Thank you and Princess-Minister Jaenelle for organizing this evening's meeting. If any feels inclined to send a messenger to me, please, feel free to do so and we may arrange a day and time to meet. Until then, be well."

Petal speaks up once again. "Mistress Mirari made my bow." She takes her bow off her back, showing such to those here. She then smiles over to Jaenelle. "Thank you. I would be honored." She says softly in her direction. "If anyone here wouldn't mind supporting my rite to Jayus, I wouldn't mind. I am more of an artist than a business woman, but that seems work out fine for me. The wolf tunic I wearing is an example of my work."

Mirari smiles toward Eithne and says, "Lets talk more, later, Mistress." She then calls over the server for a glass of wine. Curling her legs underneath herself, perfected up on the seat.

Lucita says, "Will gladly support your efforts," She speaks to Petal "Just send the information to me""

Eithne suddenly stands up. "Oh shoot!" Her hand goes to her mouth and then she places it on Mirari's shoulder. "Let's meet after this." And really she means anyone else that is here as well. "I scheduled training with Dame Esoka and I do not want to keep her waiting." She goes around the room counting folks and making a mental note of who does what so she can hound them later. "Princess Jaenelle, thank you for hosting this! It's been really informative and the networking is going to be great. You should do this again."

Ryhalt finds a place to settle his now-empty glass and looks between the various peoples, making note of who he should send messages to, a mild expression on his lips, hovering at the periphery and absorbing for a moment.

Carita has left the Large Table.

Smokey, the Wolfhound Pup leaves, following Eithne.

Opia, a fat unblinking cat, Miella, an apprentice leave, following Mirari.

With business discussed, the Marquis of Aviaron takes his leave with a polite bow.

There is just so much sharing people can do at the first meeting of the new founded Merchant's Guild of sorts meeting and things. Jaenelle seems pleased, and offers Carita a dip of her head farewell as she begins to prepare to depart. Eithne is offered a smile, "enjoy your training!" Then towards Lucita, "clearly we must do this again. It was nice. And Mistress Petal," the princess teases, "if ou ever wish a new patron, I am sure the Grand Duchess will understand." She stands as the meeting comes to an end, and people begin to pack their wares to go, "thank you all for coming, this was successful and we will certainly do it again."

"Oh, I don't want a new patrol. The Archduchess has been a wonderful patron." Petal says toward Jaenelle. "She has been the best patron and has helped me out when I got into troubles before."

Lucita nods to Jaenelle, smiling. "Indeed, New contacts for things, contacts for protection during transport, and contacts for craftsmen, all to the good. And potential for more things another time, too.

"I should be on my way, but it was nice to meet some of you and catch up," Merek offers, while he stands up and inclines, then he adjusts his shirt a small bit, and walks onwards!

Estaban smiles moving over in petals direction, "Petal, if I may have a word with you for just a moment." he says looking over to Lucita with a grin then back to Petal their is a twinkle in his eyes.

Jaenelle laughs gently at Petal's arguement, shaking her head quickly before the poor girl gets fluttered, "oh no, I know, I was only teasing you, Mistress Petal. I would never try to steal you away from her. Be well, Master Merek. And thus, the first meeting has come to a successful close. Thank you all again."