exsilium | 1st video (action opened to roommates if inclined)

[Guess who used all the hot water in the shower?

Marjolaine is lounging comfortably on the couch in her new living room, looking a good sight better than the day she arrived. Her hair is still styled very simply, but she is wearing an ornate dress that can be seen from about the waist up and subtle cosmetics.]

This new little toy of mine is almost as fascinating as some of you. I've read the darling tutorial, so sweet of them to provide it. I have a hard time believing it allows us to use the tablet to its full potential.

[She pauses and smiles.]

This is where you come in. Well, one of you. I'm looking for someone who knows their way around this technology for some more in depth study. I'm not foolish enough to expect you to do it for free.

I'm willing to talk arrangements. As a newcomer there's little I can offer you in influence or leverage. I suppose that means we may have to get creative.

Any takers?

[Once she has finished her conversations on the network, she tosses the tablet aside and lies back against the sofa. She knows that she'll need to get a move on soon. There's much to explore and do. For now she's content to stay somewhere warm and dry, not to mention curious about the people she'll be forced to share quarters with.

It has crossed her mind just to snoop in their rooms. In the future she might yet attempt it. For now she'll stick to the boring ways. She doesn't know enough about this place to start misbehaving.

With a sigh, she rouses herself and pads on stocking feet into the kitchen to see what she can find to eat. After everything she experienced in the market, she's not very hopeful there will be anything decent.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It can happen from time to time.

No. We are fully secured and no one can see or hear what we are discussing unless they know the code.

[It took him some time to figure it out and a lot of trial and error. He returns the smile with a nod.]

Why are you interested in such things?

How many ladies have you met in your day, Monsieur? Have you known a one who likes to have her business spread? I would think the answer to that is self-evident, especially for one who has taken the time to glean the knowledge for himself.

[Never once does she deviate from her off handed tone. She could just as easily be discussing acquiring delicacies or shoes.]

[Okay, he can buy that and it shows with a nod.]

I have met a few that are of a more secretive nature. Very well, I will assist you but I would have to program your device.

[There's no way he's giving that code away.]

Thus concludes part one of the negotiation. If you "program" as you say, am I to understand this would mean you would be privy to my communications? You would still have the code, after all.

[She knows very well how coded messages work, just not in an electronic medium.]

Secondly, what might you wish in return?

No, I wouldn't know unless I was wanting to talk to you and I were actively looking for it. It's like putting a needle in a stack of straw. I would have to know when you sent a message to know what to look for and that could take an incredible amount of time.

That's like looking through an entire library of books to find a secret message that was written in the pages. Once the code is put in, I can't see what you do and I don't have that kind of time or the equipment to dedicate to hacking on a constant basis.

[He rubs the bridge of nose to stave off a headache that was coming on. With the lack of sunlight and his mind in overdrive, he's feeling the pressure of fatigue.]

I'm not particular at this point.

[She's not sure how much of that she believes. This is always the risk with new environments, new people. Starting from the ground up is a position she never thought to be in.

Still, what he has to offer may be more valuable than anything he might glean from her messages. She's no fool. She knows better than to be too open no matter what cover she might believe she has. And. He is but one man.]

Fair enough. You are the expert. [A faint curve of her mouth.]

Not particular? Then I have no way of guaranteeing that this will be a good bargain for you. You make it difficult to negotiate in good faith.

[As though she cares.]

[He removes his hand and looks back at the screen with a smirk with a purr to his tone.]

Ah, but if you can't surprise me, then it's not worth my time. How am I sure you can live up to the offer?

You're not sure. That's the nature of making deals with strangers. The risk. The thrill.

[She pauses to let the last word hang before continuing.]

For my part I've said I'm willing. If you're wanting to be surprised, then I see no reason to say more except when is it convenient for you to be here? I have no pressing business.

Yes, yes, I heard loud and clear. I'm the type that would rather have his payment according to the satisfaction rule. I do the work, if you're satisfied with it, then I receive the payment.

In other words, I do the work, you pay me with what you think it's worth to you.

[He flips a few pages in his book, and taps a pen to his chin.]

Hm, I have tonight open and any day after Friday open.

So be it.

[She nods.]

There's no sense in wasting time. Let's make it tonight. I may find myself busy later in the week. We are at war, no?

I'm in 1202. What time shall I expect you?

[He looks at his watch.]

I can be there in an hour.

I'll see you then.

[It doesn't take her long at all to end her transmission. She's a quick study.]

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