"That's very kind of you," Markus said, betraying no emotion. He sipped his cup with an air of familiarity, as if he had such meetings often. He had gathered that Calliope and the man might know one another, but their sardonic tones tipped him off that they had either been lovers, or business partners. It didn't matter, really. What Markus was curious on was what he was doing here. "Your reputation proceeds you, though I admit I wouldn't have taken you for a whoreson." 

"Thank you.," the man said, inclining his head. 

"I'm one as well. Might you tell me where I can collect my city and personal guard?" Markus asked. Rodrick looked from Calliope to Markus with a swiftly deteriorating mood. The men had arrayed themselves before the northern wall, watching with interest and practiced stances, where they could grab their guns or swords without delay. 

"One needs a form of...noble destiny, to garner such things. Calliope can attest." he said, gesturing towards her with a knowing smirk. "If I were to order my men to kill you, your blood would no doubt be found to be common. My blood is noble." there was a dark edge to his voice. He wasn't a fool who thought noble lineages were important. He simply believed he was one of the few men to command a free city. "I could never be a commoner no more than you could be a lord." 

"Let's spill it and find out." Markus replied dangerously. It was a regrettable flaw he had. He truly hated entitled nobility. The tension in the room was cut when a 'click' was heard. It wasn't Markus' doing. If the swordsman had to guess, Sketti had drawn a pistol under the table. Rodrick betrayed no emotion, though he cleared his throat. Calliope glanced a warning at Markus and cursed Sketti, before turning to Rodrick, tiring of this.

"What is it that you want, Rodrick?"

"Killing a Lord is quite the offense." He replied slyly, ignoring Calliope for the moment. "It seems you have a choice. Die here, or be given a lucrative job." 

Markus went from tense to confused, taking Rodrick's measure. "And what task would a Lord of Stormsrest have for a...ship of commerce?" 

Rodrick stood up at that moment, preferring to slowly pace as he began to think aloud, reciting his predicament. "There is a marriage that will occur a few tendays from now. Svetlanna von Gilderoy shall wed Clarion De Velmone'. The daughter of an Andredian Duke and a posh Count of southern Vrettonia.-" Markus smiled to himself. He'd seen Clarion De Velmone fight before. No doubt this marriage was due to the fact he couldn't conquer lands to save his line. "and the dowry is, from what I hear, a lush find from the Southland jungles. Gold mined in the Dragonteeth mountains." 

"And you want us to collect this Gold for you?" Markus asked incredulously. Rodrick laughed at that wickedly. "Heaven's no! I wouldn't trust you to return the Gold to me in a minute, even with my dear Calliope here. I simply wish for the transport to disappear. Their union would disrupt certain trade arrangements I have and would like them to remain untouched..." 

Sketti seemed less than convinced, or at least less than happy at working for someone so pompous. Markus wasn't thrilled either, but he decided that this man had no reason to lie. "If you provide the shipping lane, then we shall see it done." 

"Excellent." Rodrick said, smiling through his neatly trimmed goatee. He turned to Calliope. "My dear Calli, would you wish to dine with me tonight? I simply wish to see how you are. Do me this kindness, for an old friend?"
[@Penny]