In Books We Trust (Roderich and IJze)

[Roderich Edelstein]

It was the smell of leather, sweet parchment paper, of molding sheets and of starch pressed vellum that could make anyone feel as though they were lost in a library. This library was different however, and the owner certainly was not lost in this case. Pale, slender fingers fiddled through spines that featured titles known to far and few until settling on one specific work, "A Standard History of Music by a James Francis Cooke. He could recite most of the book by memory if he had to, and yet it was still a favorite of the dignitary (in fact, it could be debatable that it was his absolute favorite, were it not that more historical texts came into mind, causing conflict to occur).

Perhaps what was setting him in such a good mood this morning was the fact of the delivery that would happen soon. It had taken much of the Draconian's influence to search for a specific title by a certain author he cared for, going through some rather "shady" business to eventually be told by a back alley book dealer that he had a source who would deliver the book Roderich needed for his collection today. The text was rare to say the least; many copies had been either taken off shelves by the government or burned. No, but if he was truly to have the perfect library in all of Granor, the brunet would need a copy of this book, to truly show his dedication to the art of collecting and preserving historical and documentary text.

Half past noon, and the parcel was nearly due at this time. Was this man that would come be late? What if it was a false lead? Oh, Roderich already had far too many of those occur to him while searching. Then what if he was going to be jipped of his money? Robbed of his coin for a falsified copy of this book by Wasserman? Perhaps no copy existed out in the world of the book even? For all the man knew, he was just to be trustworthy of the deliverer, and hand over the money. And yet– what was it that was bothering Roderich so much about this exchange?

One woman, a servant of the house, brought in tea for the two parties that would be soon convening over a simple thing of vellum and fabric.

[IJze ten Haven]

He arrived punctually at the designated time, which meant a few minutes early. One didn’t want to risk a chance of inadequate personnel to ruin a perfectly fine entrance in case of dawdling.
In his experience nobles were easily offended and overly perceptive of misconduct by those not of their standing. Keeping them waiting was high on their list to excessively frown upon and he had no intention to start off in this particular exchange with any grievances.

The merchant followed etiquette without going into excess. He had dressed for the occasion, but not much different from his usual wear as he was naturally inclined to order and neatness, and resented looking his second-best. Trying to impress a noble with fancy clothes as one of the lesser folk was altogether rather laughable and should not be undertaken, but naturally, a visible effort should still be made.

The requested book was safely wrapped and secured under his arm. The cover hiding underneath its protection had quite handsome leather-work across the front and back, albeit damaged from age and, no doubt, quite some peril but it was the content that was far more sensational. A treasure, in the truest sense of the word.

Polished leather boots resounded on the marble floors in large, decisive steps, urging the servant to up her pace a little as she led the tall man to the master of the house.

Green eyes scrutinized their surroundings with meticulous care. Interiors spelled wonderful things about the persons that occupied them and traversing the hallways alone already left him a light outline.
Of course, people revealed most about themselves in their more personalized chambers, but one had to start with the general impression . How they saw themselves, how they saw others, and most of all, how they wanted others to see them.

They entered the room that held the man who had so surprisingly sought this rather unusual book and IJze admitted he was rather curious about the nature of this character, and his reasons for wanting it.

So he waited with patient gaze until he was introduced, and their game could begin.

[Roderich Edelstein]

Footsteps, heavy and with purpose. Not the typical shuffling around that any of the people who worked for him ever did. Good, that meant that there was someone, a guest to the household, coming. Roderich smiled to himself, knowing just what was to come. Oh yes, his book was pleasantly punctual when it came to timing, wasn't it? How polite of the current handler to know how not to be late, unlike some people the brunet knew.

Shuffling of feet, the door being open, and in popped one of the servants. "A Mister Haven, Sir. He requests to see you immediately, and that it is urgent business. Shall I let him in Sir?" It was as if he had no clue, as if none of them did. Had he not addressed clearly to his staff that he was receiving a guest today with a prized item he had purchased and was expected to be left alone for the business? 'Imbeciles,' the brunet thought to himself before clearing his throat. "Let him in, and do not disturb us while we are conducting business." The servant nodded, opening the doors to the room as Roderich stood to greet his guest.

"Mister Haven I am to presume? Please come, sit, let us finish this business once and for all. I am sure you have heard of the difficulty I have had attempting to get my hands upon this one piece of literature. You do happen to have the copy of book I need, yes? I do hope you don't mind tea, though if you do wish to have coffee, I can see someone to make it for you. Please, make yourself welcome and comfortable." Roderich nodded, sitting back down as soon as the man entered the room to join his company. How interesting it would be to see how this transaction would occur. Normally it was a few select dealers that he would go through to receive rare copies of texts long lost for his shelves, not some stranger he had no former dealings with.

Still, social rules did say to be polite no matter what were to occur, and of course, to be a gracious host. What a role, one known so well to Roderich, and honed to perfection by countless years of instruction thanks to his father. Besides, sometimes the strangest of occurrences could produce the most fruitful of outcomes.

[IJze ten Haven]

“Ten Haven.” He corrected mildly, carefully keeping any edge of annoyance out of his voice over his host re-seating himself before proper handshakes could occur. Hardly unexpected, but naturally unpleasant.

“I prefer lapsang souchong, but else, whatever has your preference.”

He walked over to the salon table and placed the book on top of it carefully, removing the wrapping to reveal its unusual layered cover and giving it a slight, measured push so that it sat close and directly in front of its requester.

With a simple but polite gesture of hand he invited the noble to inspect the book for himself and sat down in the comfortable fauteuil opposite, crossing his long legs and spreading his arms on the rests in a composed, but still quite relaxed manner.

“Naturally such a treasure is an ordeal to acquire. The obscure is always elusive.” The merchant drawled, the words flanked by an unseen smile as he kept careful watch over what reactions his host displayed over the book.

“But” he added with a pleased hum “I’m sure his Lordship agrees that making good on a chase is most satisfactory when it’s hard won.”

He glanced about the room to get a feel of the radiance of the space and mapping its details in his mind before returning hooded but intense eyes on the elegant noble in front of him.

“Strange, how for such a little known item, I get two offers on the same day.”

[Roderich Edelstein]

Ten Haven; he hadn't been told that it was not the man's entire name. Roderich frowned making a mental note to have a word with the house staff and perhaps even go to measures such as firing the one servant. Honestly, such rude mistakes were highly inappropriate, especially in his household. "Ten Haven, my apologies. I had only been informed by my staff to address you as Haven and was not told of your full name. Please forgive for any insult I may have given you."

The brunet had to grit his teeth to bite back a response, but none the less nodded, looking over at one of the servants in the corner who quickly left to fetch the tea. After all, what sort of guest would he be if he did not respond properly to a guest's request? Certainly not him.

With the book on the table and the man sitting down, Roderich relaxed. Yes, it was exactly what he was looking for, the specific copy and all. Yet the words shocked him. Someone else was trying to go and buy this book as well? Who else would be trying to do so? The Dignitary had no idea. "I do indeed understand how difficult it must have been to find this text. However, what do you mean you've had a second bid for this book? I had gathered that with my payment for looking into the copy I would be assured that I would be the one buying it."

As the servant slipped back in and cleared his throat, Roderich stood. "If you would care to accompany me into the library, perhaps we could discuss this matter further there? I do believe your tea is ready in there." With a small gesture the aristocrat to have the doors opened into the library.

[IJze ten Haven]

IJze enjoyed the smell of the dark, smoky tea as a servant brought in his request, not overly fond of delicate and flowery palettes, and followed Roderich into the library where the scents of the tea and the room pleasantly mixed together.

“And you are right to assume so. I don’t sell to unverified bidders.”
This transaction did not consist out of something as mundane as a bid–off but it always amused him that nobles too, were intrinsically wary of merchant schemes. In the end, the Ruthian book was not IJze’s priority, in spite of its value.

He took a few steps into the large chamber, looking over the towering, wall-covering cabinets lined with hundreds of spines, often with gilded letters, putting one hand into his pocket as his eyes swept over their illustrious titles.

“Of course, your Lordship needs no verification, I was merely wondering if you had any idea who would want to keep you from obtaining this book.” he mused, taking a step forward and standing on the threshold between proper distanced admiration and self-permitted curiosity, several titles catching his interest.

“Considering I did not exactly advertise it publicly.” He made sure his words, by tone, could not be considered accusative, rather, inquiring, and a little concerned. In truth, it annoyed him to no end that someone else knew. Someone who wasn’t supposed to know, and who by all accounts could spell trouble or danger over their unfolding contract. He left the unspoken words of what this meant hang in the room, heavy along the dark wood and aging leather.

[Roderich Edelstein]

The smell was bitter and somewhat unberarable for the noble; wafting straight from his desk, with his own sweeter, floral tea sitting next to the smoky pot almost innocently and unnoticed. None the less, the aristocrat sat down in his chair, pouring himself his own cup of tea before turning his attention to his guest's own cup with the bitter brew in the second pot.

So at least the book truly was his in the end, that was all that could concern Roderich at the least. However, who else would even dare to care about an outlawed codex that wasn't even supposed to be in print still? Of course those who were looking for rare manuscripts would be interested, but hardly any proper bookstore owner knew what he was talking about, and this deal had certainly been one that was done in the dark.

"Any idea who may show interest in the book? I don't see who might be interested in the text, save for perhaps someone of the Ruthian underground. Perhaps they know why exactly this book was taken off of shelved and burned unlike myself. Though I do plan on reading to find out why of course."

That was of course, the next question of his: what exactly was in the book that made it need to be burned. It was a question that had been burning in his mind for ages since he had first heard of it. There was a reason that it had to be destroyed and of course the brunet had ideas of history that was not to be known of the Leader or of course, their rise to power. Perhaps it gave away even the secret to who exactly their leader was.

"I do assure you though I have not spoken a word of this transaction to anyone my good sir. However someone obtained this information I do not know, though it somewhat concerns me. If only I had more eyes and ears than I have is the problem." The noble frowned while sipping his drink, thinking back to an earlier predicament where he wished he had more men to play spy in the city for him and prevent such disasters such as some of the more frequent public attacks in the city.

[IJze ten Haven]

“Perhaps. I’m sure you agree it’s a shame to let it be dragged back to the shadows, or burned in the righteous fires of our illustrious Leader.”

The tall merchant permitted himself the slight slander. The library was filled with books of note and a few he knew were very hard to come by. Ruthian books. Their seals on the backs sometimes almost withered, but still present.

He had been informed about the dignitary having a rather surprising collection, amongst other things, pertaining not only government approved literature. A most interesting fact, and to that he had taken his chances, as it was a gamble to sell a black market item to such a highly placed Draconian: men who snapped their delicate fingers, piano hands; definitely piano hands, never roughened from a day’s work to get their wishes. And sometimes those wishes could be rather malevolent to men such as himself.

He turned to face the impeccably dressed noble sipping his tea with modest nips. If not for his uppity manners, he would be striking. Or actually, he was striking, his conduct just made IJze more reluctant to admit it. Fine-boned, fine faced, graceful and elegant. A man one would call pretty rather than handsome.

“I’m sure your Lordship will enjoy reading through its contents. Perhaps witness a secret unfold on the pages.” There was a brief twinkle, lighting up green eyes momentarily as he weaved his words with the slightest tingle of mischief.

“But I only offer it in passing, as you will understand. I have no need for such matters.”

The carpet was thick, soft, absorbing the sound of his footsteps as if nullifying his weight. It was an odd feeling, annoying even, but understandable. It was a library after all. Quiet reflection and whimsical nostalgia and all that.

“Or perhaps the current ones in your employment have conflicting interests.” He leaned on one leg, finishing his tea and longing for a cigarette.

“Always difficult to tell. I could find out for you, as I’m not new to being double-crossed.”

He put the empty cup down on the tray, then looked the nobleman in the eye, loosening his body language the slightest bit into confidentiality, answering the unspoken question.

“Pirates. Scum of the earth, seas and skies.” His word were sharp, even more so as his step forward was lost in the sound-absorbing carpet.

“Besides, this situation bothers me enough to make it my business.”

[Roderich Edelstein]

"I may work for our illustrious leader, but I'm afraid that I find texts like these far too important to have destroyed. Instead, I hope at least that my position will allow for them to be somewhat safe, kept as a collection."

Roderich smiled, passing the words of slander by entirely. No need to be concerned about politics when there was business to be done of course. Besides, from what his sources had told him, this man, this trader was only a middle man and nothing more. He took no forms of interest on politics or sides from what the brunet could be told by reliable sources.

Now, if his sources were correct, he could perhaps try to sway the allegiance of this man to his noble cause. Perhaps with some extra incentive, such as money or even power would he be able be provided a powerful ally in ten Haven.

"A glance through the pages? My good sir, I do intend on reading the whole thing. In my business as dignitary not only to the world outside of Granor, but to the people of the city as well, I find it my duty to know what Ruthians are thinking to cater better to their will. If you have not noticed, there's been much ruckus they have been causing, and I intend on trying to further prevent from occurring." The Austrian set his teacup down, standing up and making his way over ever so slowly to the other man.

"You truly show no interest in the words printed in this book? I'm somewhat shocked. Every person I had assumed to have such a copy and did not pestered me to know its contents, even as I worked to explain that I had no such clue like they did."

At mention of his workers, dark blue eyes darted to the door of his study and library, before once more making eye contact back to the dealer. Hopefully the signal was understood enough so that the man would speak in much quieter tones. With that said, Roderich cleared his throat; "As I intend to make it my own business. At least three in my employment live in districts close to the wharfs, and I will look into it from my end. That is, if you look into the other end and we meet in the middle." The words had been whispered, causing the dignitary to have to lean closer so that ten Haven could understand clearly. Now he moved away again, running a hand along book spines as if trying to find a manuscript.

"Then again, you have proven quite useful. There is another book I require, one of far more value than this text. I hear it is a book that our wonderful leader himself owned, and had kept only his own private copies safe while having the rest burnt. Perhaps you can find this?" And perhaps this way, they could both trick the rat and the pirates with some plan.