[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/saJefsm.png[/img]
[h2][color=ab0000]C[/color]armillia [color=ab0000]C[/color]arbonneau[/h2]
Collab with Dorothea [@jasbraq][/center]




[hider=The Book]
It was no good.

Carmillia paced back and forth in her student dorm. Now and again her steps were made with enough force to bend the rug. A few of her hairs were out of place, annoyingly swaying past her vision. She moved a hand to get them out of the way; it wouldn’t do much for long. 

The girl rarely experienced this level of distress.

Across the table patiently sat the cause of her stress. The Book of Belthagor. At first, she had scoured its contents voraciously. With every page, a new vision of herself standing atop the world. What a fantasy it was, how alluring was every word that see read. But she was sober now.

She could feel the books pull even now. Slowly drawing her back into its grand design. It was like the magnetism of lust; at least how she had heard the feeling described. Just one more page, one more night of exploring the pages. Even the use of internal chemical magic needed to be used to dissuade herself from the thought.

Carmillia would have once thought herself a dunce for attributing such power and sentience to a stack of dusty pages. But there were no doubts in her mind now. She held a long, spiteful gaze squarely on it and wondered if it was looking back.

So far she could put together the following:

The book had a consciousness or entity inside of it
It can offer great power
It is more than likely malicious

Great power is an intoxicating thing. The mere promise of it can drive people to madness; often disregarding common sense and assessment of risks. Carmillia was ashamed to admit she had been lured by the book's promise as well. If she were to obey the book and do its bidding, she could see herself being unstoppable. It was an alluring vision, but not without its risks.

For one, there was no way she could hold this entity to account once it had achieved its goals. Carmillia was likely much weaker than it and there would be nothing she could do if it simply didn’t keep to the agreement. She had been on the other side of that deal before, it was easy enough to do.

Secondly, what type of life would she lead if she continued this path? There could be great things lying at the end of the path. But she could equally foresee continual and inescapable servitude to an entity greater than her. No matter the benefit, if that was the result, she would rather die.

Finally, what of the opposition? When you try to take anything in life, there is someone to kick back against it. Carmillia struggled to think of the forces of good rising to oppose whatever this book was. It sounded like a sickeningly trite fairytale; one she would have disregarded if she wasn’t aware of the book’s power.

The vacuous smile of the coward Leon Solaire flashed into her mind shedding doubts on the competency of this opposition. But they weren’t all incompetent like him and Carmillia wouldn’t fare well if she was caught on the losing side of that conflict.

Great power is an intoxicating thing. But in a sobered mind, Carmillia could see the costs and risks ahead of her. She felt clarity in finally seeing that, no matter the promise, it was a poor deal.

It was a devil’s deal; a deal made to sound appealing with daggers hidden in the consequences not immediately apparent. She had given others a devil’s deal before. She considered herself a fool for not recognising the book offered the same.

She wondered if the book could read her thoughts. If it could, it was too late to mask them now.

[color=ab0000]‘There is no need to toil about things. I still intend to hand you over to someone who will help. Whatever you intend to do, the turmoil it causes will help me fashion a staircase for myself…’[/color]

Madness. She must be going mad. The sooner she can get rid of this book, the better.

Carmillia took the book and stowed it away on her bookshelf. Perfectly hidden in plain sight. It would stay there until she found someone willing to pay for it. Even if it offered a poor deal overall, great power is an intoxicating and valuable thing. Some poor fool would pay plenty for it.
[/hider]

[hr]
[hider=The Trade]
[color=ab0000][i]Dear Dorothea,

It has been some time since we have seen each other on the Lorentine Queen. As time has passed, I have come to realise that my actions could be perceived negatively. I didn’t intend to abandon you. In spite of everything, I hope you are doing well and I wish to make an apology.

I understand you have been looking for a certain rare textbook. It can be hard to find some of the older tomes around the academy, even if it's Ersand’Enise. 

I have the book in my possession and, while I am reluctant to give it away, I am willing to trade it for a lenient exchange. You could consider it my conscience catching up with me.

My current address is 29A Mariani St. To assure a reasonable hour, would 3:00 HE this Victendes suit? I look forward to your visit.

My best wishes,
Carmillia Carbonneau[/i][/color]

[hr]

Carmillia sat politely across the dining table from Dorothea. It was a relatively calm and relaxing environment. A vase of flowers sat neatly in the centre and everything was cleaned to be spotless. This was the typical environment the girl was accustomed do. But extra effort was made for the meeting.

This wasn’t to say she was unprepared quite the contrary; Bernhard and Flavius were hidden nearby in case of any unexpected events. Carmillia didn’t believe it would come to that. But Dorothea had been unpredictable in the past, they were simply insurance.

Additionally, the book couldn’t be found in the room. It was instead hidden in a nearby room. Easy enough to fetch if the deal went ahead, but difficult to snatch and take off with in case of a heavy-handed negotiation tactic from her former friend.

[color=ab0000]“It's good to see you are doing well Dorothea. I understand that the last time we saw each other may give you a different impression of me, but I do mean that.”[/color] She spoke with a reassuring smile, intentionally adding an apologetic tone to her voice. [color=ab0000]“Could I get you something to drink? Or would you prefer to skip to business.”[/color]

Dory put her elbow onto the table and leaned on her hand. [color=86608E]“You know, a drink does not sound too bad.”[/color] She radiated a relaxed aura, knowing full well that it might either be a trap or an unequal deal. [color=86608E]“I am quite surprised you wanted to trade that book. Certain people have advised me to do it through violent means.”[/color] She swung her free hand around loosely. [color=86608E]“But that is no fun, the art of the deal feels much more rewarding for both parties, does it not?”[/color]

Carmillia stood and walked to a nearby cabinet; taking out two glasses. Then back to the table on which sat a pitcher of red wine that was prepared beforehand. [color=ab0000]“Through violent means?”[/color] She laughed in a disarming manner [color=ab0000]“I didn’t think you would hold a grudge that strong.”[/color] Carmillia acted as if she assumed it was a joke; not the threat she knew it to be.

She handed Dory a glass, there was a generous serving of wine in both. Carmillia sat down but was delayed from sipping the wine in favour of talking. [color=ab0000]“I suppose if those are the two options I would agree. The art of the deal is more reliable and speaks better for the long-term plans of both parties.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“Oh, don’t get me wrong. If I was the me from back then, I would’ve definitely still held that grudge.”[/color] Dory swung the glass slowly around, letting the wine swirl. [color=86608E]“My people died due to the mismanagement of everyone. The selfish desires caused them to become schluckodil food.”[/color] She paused as she stared the Perrench woman in the eyes. [color=86608E]“But I no longer care anymore. It is but old blood that has already dried up.”[/color]

She smiled warmly towards the other. [color=86608E]“I would much rather have a friend in you than an enemy.”[/color] Dory proclaimed as she moved to a more serious sitting position. [color=86608E]“Now then, shall we get to the dealings at hand?”[/color]

Carmillia took the first sip of wine of the two, paused politely to process the Feskan’s words, then returned a warm smile of her own.  [color=ab0000]“I supposed we should”[/color] she responded promptly. [color=ab0000]“Although, I’m afraid old blood may be a relevant factor in the exchange. I’m under the assumption that House Hohnstein still holds some reputation in Feska. Am I correct?”[/color]

[color=86608E]“We don’t hold the same prestige we used to but we still hold some power within Feska.”[/color] Dory replied cautiously. [color=86608E]“Why is it that you ask such a question?”[/color]

[color=ab0000]“The matter is quite mundane really. I wish to open a good trade route in Feska and hopefully Kerremand as well.”[/color] Carmillia let out a sigh and swirled her glass. [color=ab0000]“Unfortunately, increasing tensions have made the prospect quite difficult as of late. So the favour of a reputable house would be quite beneficial to me if any conflict was to break out.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“A trade route? Now that is something I could assist with. If need be I could even try to convince house Hohenfelter for a route into Kerremand.”[/color] Dory leaned further onto the table. [color=86608E]“But any dealings around Feska will go through me or my associates. In return, I shall ask less in return than any other Feskan noble will. How does that sound?” [/color]

Carmillia for only a moment narrowed her eyes, then smiled. [color=ab0000]“[i]Less[/i] isn’t something that makes for clear bookkeeping. But that is a small matter to me and we can work out the split at a later date. What I am more curious about is your associates. I would hope that our trade isn’t subject to overly invasive inspection.”[/color]

Dorothea raised her eyebrow before she laughed. [color=86608E]“Well, it all depends on what you wish to trade. My folks do not like unregistered goods, you see. It makes the paperwork more annoying to deal with once it’s discovered.”[/color] she winked Carmillia’s way. [color=86608E]“But all you need to do is tell me what it is and I will pull the strings when deemed necessary.” [/color]

Carmillia took a pause, sipped her wine again. [color=ab0000]“Weapons and medical supplies mostly. Nothing too contraband; certainly not in a time of need for them.”[/color]

[color=ab0000]“But I suppose having an ally in high places could help with issues at the borders.”[/color] She let out a calm smile. [color=ab0000]“As you said, we are valuable to each other as friends. Not as enemies.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“Spoken like a true merchant.”[/color] Dory’s grin went from ear to ear. It seems it has been a while since she had any mercantile deals thrown her way.

[color=86608E]“Those things could easily be written off. Although if you wish to trade weapons and medical supplies we need to make sure we deal with both factions, lest we ruin our neutral status.”[/color] She took a good sip out of the glass. [color=86608E]“And who knows. If the business proves to be profitable enough I could grant you some land.” [/color]

Carmillia matched Dory’s smile, stretching out from the calm and composed expression before. The two girls seemed to have an understanding, dealing with both factions had been the plan from the start. [color=ab0000]“That's a kind offer. Some land of my own is a nice thought. I would say that we are almost at an agreement.”[/color] Then a pause. 

[color=ab0000]“However, there is one more thing. I would like to commission a couple of ships. While I have enough of my own, a couple of Feskan make would be better for business.”[/color] She took a good sip of wine herself. [color=ab0000]“If that is agreeable to you, the book can be yours.”[/color]

[color=86608E]“A couple ships? Now that does not sound unreasonable.”[/color] Dory finished her glass on one final sip. [color=86608E]“How many ships would you like? And what kind of ship do you wish to have?”[/color] The Feskan began to visualize the potential costs in her head. [color=86608E]“Now, was that all? For if it is we could solidify the deal.”[/color]

Carmillia finished her glass shortly after then set it aside. [color=ab0000]“Yes, we can solidify the deal. Two boats should do and they don't need to be flashy. But fast would be appreciated. We can work out the details at a later date.”[/color] She detailed in a formal tone. [color=ab0000]“I'll bring you a contract in the next few days, with the details of the book left out of course. Upon signature of the agreement, the book will be delivered to you within an hour.” [/color]

Without delay, Carmillia stood and approached the Feskan with hand outstretched to conclude the deal.

Dory stood up to stand in front of the other and shook the Perrench woman’s hand. [color=86608E]“That sounds like a plan.”[/color] Dory’s eyes glistened with excitement. [color=86608E]“To a bright future between both of our endeavors.” [/color]

Carmillia replied with a smile. [color=ab0000]“Agreed.”[/color]
[/hider]

[hr]
[hider=The Future]
Only a few hours after Dorothea left, Carmillia found herself reflecting on the exchange. It didn’t go her way, but business was rarely a matter of total success. Especially when the other side could kill you with ease. Dory had become far stronger than the girl who collapsed feebly on the Lorentine Queen.

But Carmillia wasn’t scared when thinking back on the exchange. Instead, she felt a fondness for the Feskan, a very rare feeling. Was it because she actually liked Dorothea or simply because the girl had become more like herself? She didn’t bother to dwell on the feeling. There was no point to fondness. It was a waste of time. She had a future to consider.

Compared to allying herself to whatever was in that book, wartime trading was a far more reliable business if given the connections and probably more profitable too, in a monetary sense.

Since the war was stopped, Carmillia had spent the last year preparing for what would inevitably occur once more. The continent would be plunged into war anytime now and the merchant girl was fully prepared to take her cut of it. Ships, trade routes, and various supplies for desperate soldiers who would pay a gold bar just for something to eat.

Weapons and food were a standard and easily profitable product. But the true wealth was in medical supplies. Many armies tended to undersupply themselves when they had a Binding mage to take care of them. After all, what need is there for physical supplies when healing can be magically conjured?

But for main standing armies, the binding mages were hardly the same standard as Ersand’Enise. The good healers tended to be focused on the nobility and those who could afford the service. No, the main forces had the chaff of the binding mages. Binding mages that are easy enough to pluck out with a crimson hand. That was where the true money would lie.

It was a disreputable business. But Carmilla has the measures in place to make sure the profit can be stored safely and securely. Unlike Dory, unlike Leon, unlike people, gold was reliable and had a habit of working in your favour if you knew how to work it.

That left one last loose end. Carmillia Carbonneau. Without a doubt, the girl's own name would be all over this. Both on contracts and on the lips of her conspirators. She certainly couldn’t trust that Dorothea would remain a faithful ally.

Carmillia of House Carbonneau. The orphaned girl who became a self-made success as a merchant and a criminal. Some people might be inclined to take pride in such an accomplishment on its own.

If need be, she could discard it all. What is the worth of a name and a face if it keeps you from the success you have rightfully taken?

She walked to the window and looked over Ersand’Enise once again. A familiar tingle of electricity crept up her spine again. She let it roll through her. There was no magic, no outside force in this feeling. It was sheer [i]excitement[/i]. She knew the feeling well.

[i]So much to do and so many things ripe for the plucking.[/i]
[/hider]