So far, so good it seemed. She hadn't made any sign of turning him down so far, a glimmer of hope allowing itself to grow within Alexi's heart.

Now it was just a manner of payment.

He used a mouthful of succulent meat as an excuse to run quick numbers through his mind. Enough contracts had been written, re-written or translated by his quill to grant a rough idea of a typical payment... provided he was hiring for a multi-year expedition. They had all been for mercenary groups, hired for hundreds of gold pieces in some cases, the kind of money only successful companies and wealthy Lords could afford to spend casually. This was to be a three-day journey with an escort of one, the payment was vastly different compared to what he knew of.

But what to do?

Too small a number and she would likely leave, of course. He could take advantage of inexperience for some leeway, possibly, but that would let her dictate the price. No, no, there was a way to do this that fit within his areas of expertise, there had to be...

"A reasonable request, certainly..." He mulled the thoughts over for an instant longer, forming the words carefully before he spoke. "If you agree, you could claim partnership for the purpose of completing this commission... which entitles you to a percentage, so then..."

The commission itself was worth sixty gold marks, a goldmine of a contract for any scribe, enough for him to live without needing to take commissions for nearly a year. It was the perfect break to give Alexi the time and funds he needed for his own trip... or the lid of a coffin to be dropped on the combined corpse of his dreams and current career.

No point in being frugal, then. Alexi matched Katherine's gaze as he continued to speak, finding a measure of confidence in a subject he was actually versed in: Currency and contracts.

"For a three-day escort to Avantshire, I'll pay you eight gold marks up front, and sixteen upon the completion of my commission at the end of the third day. Payment can be made in coin or writ of credit- your choice- and I can have a written contract by the time we set out tomorrow. Would that be acceptable?"