Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2015 10:05:04 GMT -5
In the days following Gabriel's disappearance, Anneliese worked tirelessly with Alaric to present the image that the Vann family was fully intact and stronger than ever. Their diligence began to pay off as their business concerns were finally taken seriously, allowing her to secure some much needed contracts for shipping items in and out of Vasile, and across the inland sea to other regions. One or two of those whom she sought to do business with balked at meeting a woman, yet Alaric had been kind enough to handle those, but there was one in particular she insisted upon handling personally.
The meeting was held in one of the inns located in the Orchid Quarter, the setting carefully established so that she did not have to stand or walk, revealing her need for assistance. The merchant with whom she met had proven wily and elusive; that he agreed to a meeting was a coup in Anneliese's book, an opportunity that she did not intend to let slip away. Treating the man with all respect and courtesy, she balanced paeans to his business skill with shrewd negotiation, acknowledging without pandering. No easy feat, one that by the end of the meeting left her drained and weary but triumphant.
The contract was secured finally, and the ink was already dry on it. Anneliese had not wanted to leave the agreement to chance, bringing a pair of documents already prepared for the merchant's review and approval. Fortunately, he'd found her terms acceptable and signed with a flourish, taking a copy for himself and departing after sharing a celebratory drink.
Left alone finally, she rose with the aid of her walking stick to begin making her way out to the waiting carriage. Anneliese could not wait to reach home and tell her family of the latest achievement to secure their future.
@franzdelamara