Playing Amongst Men

-The Orchard; Midmorning of 2 DSTR-

Cordelia awaited the request from her Master. "Some more fresh orange would be most pleasing, if you don't mind." As the room began to come to life, women shuffling amongst each other to clear the room as quickly as possible, Cordelia turned towards the kitchen and pushed the swinging door open. A wooden table by the window sat quietly, undisturbed by the women rearranging the used dishes with the new. Pouring two glasses of freshly squeezed orange, from earlier that morning to be exact, Cordelia turned on her heal with grace. The whispers of women, the occasional peek through the swinging door, all hinted to their growing interest in the conversation. Returning with gentle eyes, she placed a glass in front of each man. Nodding in acknowledgment of Master’s gesture, she turned to take a seat next to Giselle.

It wasn’t her concern, but the whispers that were shared between the two could hardly be heard. It bothered her that she was unable to gage the responses. After all, this conversation would be one to remember. "750 gold now, and 20% of future profits, paid quarterly." Cordelia looked down at the table, and back up at Tyreth. She didn’t know much about the legal handlings, but there was a lot to consider when offering 20% of profits to Cartwright. Their seasons had proven to be fruitful in the past, but occasionally there would be one or two lacking for every three that produced well over the profit expectation.

“That may work, but you do realize this would take the better part of two decades to pay off, and this is if all of your projections are correct. If you have some bad years, then your plan is in peril.” Cartwright spoke with assurance in his voice, one that Cordelia had come to recognize well. Nodding her head to the side, as a counter approval, she continued to scan the table for marks of age. “Do you know anything of running the orchard?” he asked the knight, not looking to his slaves. “I have also heard you have been hemorrhaging slaves as well, you continue to lose work force and my 20% will be just coppers. You are offering a deal that many would think sounds lovely, but I know the dangers of the market. I normally never invest in a business, it is too risky, this is why usury is better, it is constant and reliable, it cares not for weather or turn of event, war or famine, it is like time, constant and without change.” Randle spoke fluidly, as if giving a speech on a stage.

Cordelia raised a brow at the offer of mages. Shifting in her seat uncomfortably, she came to the realization on what that could entail. It would mean that Tyreth would have access to women who might be able to give him answers to all the questions he has been asking- which would be bad for Alyona. There was also something genuinely icky about having a group of mages in the house. They may offer a freedom from poor seasons, but where will the balance come? Where will the weakness fall? Being pulled from her thoughts by Cartwright’s final statement, ”Do we have a deal?”, Cordelia looked up at him and then to Tyreth.

"These mages, they will become mine yes? And will wear the collar...... I have heard the men talk about female mages when they are at the height of their powers when they reach their own heights so to speak..." Cordelia’s lips parted in shock at the words that fell from his lips. How dare he? He already could have the pickings from her house, was sleeping with her oldest friend, and he wanted to rub a couple of more whores in Cordelia’s face? Why is it that she felt so fondly for him, even when he offered such a demand? Closing her lips, she dropped her eyes to the table. Red began to flush up her chest, providing a compelling color against the deeper red she wore. It was unlike her, to be so revealing with her emotions. Normally, she would smile and pretend every bit of this deal sounded of a delight to her. It was something Tyreth brought out in her, the pure honesty of her intentions, that caused a crack in her mask.

Breathing in slow breaths, she raised her eyes as the heat from her chest diminished. A small smile appeared on her face as she averted her thoughts to something more pleasant.