Naoh'to couldn't stop the small smirk that was forming on his lips as the other spoke, finding himself pleasantly surprised. So, the man may've had some preconceived notions about whores. After all, he'd bedded a fair enough amount of them to know that a good deal of them weren't the brightest, nor the most composed individuals. But this man was able to take his intentionally impolite comments and not even bat an eye. That was good. Someone who would bristle and break at the first rough patch was a liability. The eloquence and apparent sense of foresight were just added bonuses.
"Making connections? That's most wise, indeed." The white-haired man gave a thoughtful nod, arm gently dropping back to the tabletop. "And it would seem that you have need for discretion as much as I do in this matter. Rest assured, this would be a matter just between the two of us. None will hear a word of your side activities, as long as none hear of mine." Now, that smirk seemed to take on a knowing look. Perhaps the words could be taken as a threat of exposure amongsts the others who were marked, should the other not keep their dealings private. But Naoh'to would've preferred to call it an unspoken agreement -- what happened between them would stay between them.Â
Seeming to suddenly remember something else, the man perked up again. "And this word -- use? Let's rephrase. I would prefer to call this a.. mutually beneficial arrangement. You provide me with the information you need, and I'll see that you're rewarded handsomely for the effort. And of course, I have the ears of a number of influential men and women about the city, should you ever want for further connections."
The words and gesture seemed friendly enough. Though he would've been lying to say that it wasn't at least partially an attempt at some subtle manipulation. Balon had taught him long ago that hirelings were much harder to control. The superior-inferior dynamic made for inequalities, which allowed room for perceived wrongdoings on the hireling's behalf, which often times led to disatisfaction and, ultimately, betrayal. 'But call it a partnership,' he had said, 'and suddenly your hirelings will be much more committed. You just have to keep pulling the strings when they aren't watching.'
Perhaps he was wrong to doubt Yayabuko's recommendation initially. The other seemed to have a solid head on his shoulders and decent enough motivations. Who was Naoh'to to turn down someone's aspirations for coin, comfort, and connections? Hells, that may as well have been his own life motto. It was something he could respect. Even if the man was a prostitute, he seemed to have things under control. At length, he gave a decisive nod.
"For starters," he began, looking away briefly yet again as if to check to make sure no one was listening, then continued in a slightly quieter tone. "What do you know of Ruarc Ferigen?"
"Making connections? That's most wise, indeed." The white-haired man gave a thoughtful nod, arm gently dropping back to the tabletop. "And it would seem that you have need for discretion as much as I do in this matter. Rest assured, this would be a matter just between the two of us. None will hear a word of your side activities, as long as none hear of mine." Now, that smirk seemed to take on a knowing look. Perhaps the words could be taken as a threat of exposure amongsts the others who were marked, should the other not keep their dealings private. But Naoh'to would've preferred to call it an unspoken agreement -- what happened between them would stay between them.Â
Seeming to suddenly remember something else, the man perked up again. "And this word -- use? Let's rephrase. I would prefer to call this a.. mutually beneficial arrangement. You provide me with the information you need, and I'll see that you're rewarded handsomely for the effort. And of course, I have the ears of a number of influential men and women about the city, should you ever want for further connections."
The words and gesture seemed friendly enough. Though he would've been lying to say that it wasn't at least partially an attempt at some subtle manipulation. Balon had taught him long ago that hirelings were much harder to control. The superior-inferior dynamic made for inequalities, which allowed room for perceived wrongdoings on the hireling's behalf, which often times led to disatisfaction and, ultimately, betrayal. 'But call it a partnership,' he had said, 'and suddenly your hirelings will be much more committed. You just have to keep pulling the strings when they aren't watching.'
Perhaps he was wrong to doubt Yayabuko's recommendation initially. The other seemed to have a solid head on his shoulders and decent enough motivations. Who was Naoh'to to turn down someone's aspirations for coin, comfort, and connections? Hells, that may as well have been his own life motto. It was something he could respect. Even if the man was a prostitute, he seemed to have things under control. At length, he gave a decisive nod.
"For starters," he began, looking away briefly yet again as if to check to make sure no one was listening, then continued in a slightly quieter tone. "What do you know of Ruarc Ferigen?"
