Solomon. Braavos.
Upon his arrival, Tarmo immediately walked to the back of the hall and gave a short speech of thanks, his goals, and how he was going to run his business if he won the election. All in all, nothing much except for one thing.
Money.
As it turns out, the Crown of the Seven Kingdoms has a large debt to the Iron Bank. Large enough that everyone present at this event would know about it. And it wouldn't concern Braavos as a whole, were it that a portion of the bank's profits go to the city's treasury. That's not the main reason, though.
The people of this city are wealthy and quite proud. And judging by the looks on the faces of those present, they are, to put it mildly, not happy with the current state of affairs. In fact, most, if not all, realize the debt the Crown is in no particular hurry to repay. It's as if Braavos is simply being taken advantage of, while simultaneously disrespecting its inhabitants.
Since the city was formed by slaves and refugees from Valyria, its inhabitants don't like to feel like what their ancestors were. And Tarmo, having taken over as Sea Lord, plans to address that.
No, of course, it's not about war. At least not with weapons. It's about money. He wants to raise the toll on ships leaving Westeros, and also, exclusively for the Crown, raise the lending rate.
So the Crown will be under pressure from both inside and outside. Merchants from Westeros will, frankly, complain to the Crown about the unfairness of Braavos' new policy, and the Crown itself will be far from happy about the increased debt. Besides, the Keepers of the Keys, who run the Iron Bank, are not opposed to Tarmo's idea.
Go to war with the city? You could certainly try, but the only way to get to Braavos is by sea. It would take money to cross the sea. And not just for ships, captains and crew, but for weapons, armor and provisions. What can't be said, but to lead an entire army on a, to put it mildly, well-defended city is sheer folly.
The arsenal, which is just beyond the Titan of Braavos, can perfectly hold off the onslaught from the sea, as there is only one way through it. Leading troops around it is ridiculous because of the huge expense, exceeding the sea option several times over.
Braavos, on the other hand, can afford to be aggressive. Covertly, of course. Sending assassins is nothing compared to shipping an entire army. All they need to do is eliminate the commanders and the ruling circle.
It won't come to that, though. One side and the other knows about all this. Perhaps no one gains anything from it, but not really. Braavos will be reminded that he is to be reckoned with and respected, and that's what matters.
After his speech, Tarmo, his bodyguard and Velano's younger brother moved from one group of guests to the next, greeting each one personally and exchanging a few words with them. After a while, it was our turn as well. He first studied my appearance quickly, and only then did he begin to speak.
- Greetings, Mistress Lina, it's nice to know that you are in good health, - he started politely but confidently with Lina, who in response made a slight bow, and then turned to me - We do not know each other, Mr. Solomon, but I have heard some good words about you from our mutual acquaintance and some from rumors. Tarmo Fregar, an experienced cloth and silk merchant. Behind me are Zehir Sand, my bodyguard, and Oris Antarion, my assistant. Will you satisfy my curiosity by telling me what position you hold? Judging by the High Priestess' clothing and demeanor, far from one that can be ignored.
"Sand"? Isn't that the surname given to bastards in Dorne? Quite expected, since he came from Sunspear.
"Oris Antarion... Well, now I know Brother Velano's name. He looks really uninterested in everything going on around him. And that's pretty weird, since he's supporting Tarmo in his cause. Exactly as strange as the complete lack of magic in his body and mind. Apparently Velano was a bit mistaken, and his little brother has another reason to follow Tarmo.
- I can be called the closest person to the Lord of Light," I replied with a polite smile, "That's why Lina respects and listens to me so much.
At my words, Tarmo raised an eyebrow.
- Like Azor Ahai?
- You could say it like that.
- I see, thank you for your answer," he nodded, not continuing the questioning, "How was the banquet?
- Impressive. Quite luxurious, but refined. And may I ask you a question of my own?
- Please.
- Isn't the current Sea Lord named Antarion? Is that a relative of his? Another son, perhaps? - I asked, to which Tarmo didn't react much. Nor did Oris, for that matter.
- You are right. Oris is his youngest son. And I take it you have already met Mr. Velano?
- Yes.
- I see," he nodded, "If you have no further questions, I'll take my leave. I have to greet the others. Enjoy the banquet, the food was prepared by the best chef in all of Braavos. There's a performance at the end that will make it worth staying until the end. Don't miss it.
- I will. Thank you.
At those words, he bowed his head slightly and headed off to the next group.
So far, everything fit Velano and Lina's words. But to add to his description is the fact that he is quite a businesslike person. No unnecessary words, just what etiquette and the situation demanded. Not that you'd expect anything else, given his goals.
- What do you think of him, "my king"? - Lina asked in a teasing tone.
- A rather ordinary, busy man who prefers not to waste his time. Possesses tolerable charisma and doesn't like to share too much information. Everything fits the description, to make a long story short.
- And Oris?
- Velano was wrong," I answered briefly, then headed to one of the tables to grab something to munch on, "Since Tarmo said something about a worthwhile performance, I think we can have a nice time for now. And maybe try to strike up a conversation with Oris himself in the process. Since there's no magic involved, it could be something mundane. The conversation will make that clear, I suppose.
- In that case, there's no point in refusing," Lina nodded and took two glasses of wine from the servant, one of which she handed to me. "I propose we drink to the Lord of Light. And to the High Priestess Kinvara, to whom you are so exorbitantly dear, "my king".
- Just don't tell Kinvara yourself. I don't think he'll be happy to hear about it.
- I'm sure he would. - Lina giggled.
I took a small sip and looked at the contents of the glass.
Pretty good.
-0-
A while later.
The time spent was comfortable, relaxed and pleasant. Some of the guests did decide to approach me and get to know me, sometimes asking general questions. Conversations with them were easy and relaxed, which was quite pleasant. There was even one Master and a couple of Keepers of the Keys among them.
The evening flowed smoothly into night, with the moon shining brightly in the sky and the cool sea breeze entering the hall through the open windows. The tables were regularly replenished with new dishes and glasses with various drinks. I think there was even something like cognac for those who liked something stronger.
I had a few words with Velano, telling him of my findings. He was genuinely surprised to hear them, but accepted nonetheless and offered his theories under the guise of small talk.
Tarmo, along with his group, left the hall from time to time to settle some business. He was not present in the hall now, saying that he had to finish the last preparations.
At the moment I was seated in one of the chairs along the walls, waiting for the very performance that Tarmo had promised. My ear caught a few guesses, but they were all about the same - a musical or dance performance by a small troupe, as much as the space in the hall allowed.
Lina managed to chat with a few of the guests, mostly either annoying or teasing them. But it was abundantly clear that they were all used to her by now. Or at least partially. I even managed to get a few sympathetic looks from them, which Lina found amusing, of course.
At one point, the doors opened, revealing Tarmo. He looked around at everyone present and cleared his throat loudly, getting their attention.
- Gentlemen, I would like to thank you again for your support, as well as your patience. I suppose you were wondering what proposal I was talking about, but let your eyes see for themselves, for it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times, right? - He said loudly, and stepped aside.
And when Tarmo did so, the guests blinked in surprise to see what was behind him. Or rather, who.
There, standing in the aisle, was a young girl dressed in a yellow and white dress. Her long blonde hair waterfalled down her back and developed softly in the breeze. Gifted body, which was visible even under the dress, attracted the attention of men and excited their fantasies. From the sleeves of the dress showed exquisite hands, which was suitable for some devotee of art.
But what I found fascinating was the girl's face. The lower part of her face was hidden behind a thin white silk veil, revealing only her eyes. Bright emerald eyes, like a black hole, drew the attention of all who looked into them. It was as if they had a hypnotic power, which the girl's clothing only served to enhance. It was her eyes that stood out clearly in the range of colors and shades she wore, and they were the first to be remembered.
- Pearl Artist..." I heard one of the men mutter.
- How beautiful are her eyes..." some woman added.
- Mr. Tarmo has outdone himself.
- Magnificent.
So this is the Pearl Artist? The owner of the tavern where I spoke to Velano? Impressive. And I'm not talking about her looks, I'm talking about what I felt inside her.
Magic.
And it wasn't just her presence and amount of mana that was impressive, which could be considered outstanding for this era, but the level of control she had over them.
I'm sure that in this world, no one but me or Jon would be able to detect the presence of magic in this girl. The mana that flowed through her body was as calm as water and as natural as air, as if the Artist were one with her.
Now it was clear why the paintings in the tavern smelled so clearly of magic. Their creator is truly skilled in both creating and being a mage. Truly impressive.
- My vision is that we will be able to see firsthand the work of one of the finest artists in the entire world. And today, the Lady Artist will paint a portrait of one of her guests, whom she will choose herself, and then present the finished work to him.
Hearing Tarmo's words, a commotion arose in the hall. Almost everyone in the room wanted to be the one chosen by the newcomer. This was clearly visible on their faces as the artist walked to a vacant part of the hall. She was followed by her three maids who carried her supplies: a high chair, an easel, brushes, a board, paints and a canvas.
While her maids were arranging the place of work, the Artist herself looked around at everyone present, not lingering on any of them for more than a moment. Her eyes were indifferent, and even through the veil the stoic expression of the girl was clearly visible.
And all would be nothing, but there was one exception. For one tiny micro-moment her gaze lingered on me. And the most fascinating thing for me was that I recognized that gaze. It was the one I had sensed from the top floor of the bakery I had visited on my way to the Red Temple. It was only now that my sense of smell caught the faint, but still present, slight odor of bread and oven.
When everything was set up, which happened rather quickly, thanks to the practiced and precise actions of the maids, she stood in front of her workplace and looked into the hall. At that moment there was an absolute silence in which one could hear the pounding of her own heart.
The artist gazed at the guests one by one, paying no attention to her surroundings. The maids stood silently behind a chair, and Tarmo stood in one corner of the hall, waiting for the creator to begin her work.
Finally, her gaze stopped and her hand rose and pointed at one particular guest... Me.
- You, sir. Please stand in front of the canvas. You will pose for today's painting. - came the indifferent and melodious voice of the Artist.
Of course, disgruntled looks were immediately directed in my direction. Some even managed to whisper a few curses at me. Lina found it hilarious and giggled loud enough to be heard by the whole room. And, of course, it didn't really bother her. I sighed tiredly and complied with the girl's request.
All the way to the place the eyes of the guests did not open from my figure. In the back of my head I could clearly feel the resentment and envy of those present.
- Shall I assume some sort of pose, Mrs. Artist? - Reaching the seat, I asked.
- There is no need. Just stand there and look at me. That's more than enough. - She waved me away and sat down on the high chair that her maids had brought with them.
I sighed tiredly once more and did as I was asked.
An interesting and informative evening, but tiring and strange at the same time. Mostly thanks to the girl who arrived at the very end of the event.
I suppose you could call coming here productive, couldn't you?
-0-
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