The date, 13th sun of the fifth umbral moon 1572
Rogier dressed in a plain black mages robe and picked up his grimoire. He would be going to the docks today in preparation for his next research topic. The docks were busy as usual, and though he dislikes crowds the ship was integral to his research. rogier stopped a couple sailors along the way to ask where he might acquire a ship that wouldn't ask too many questions about their passengers. They quickly point him away from the typical passenger ships, and one even told him to find a Lalafel by the name of Flamel.
Rogier would get close, but as he continued to ask for Flamel's location the people would simply point him in a direction. After a while it felt as though he was being led around for someones amusement.
Flamel stood on the dock, overlooking the vast sea. It was early, and he always enjoyed the mist as it rolled over the surface of the water. Even though it was early, the docks were still filled with workers, ships, and others. However, Flamel wasn't busy today, so he was just on the docks enjoying the morning.
He heard chattering behind him, and turned to look. A frail looking elezen man dressed in black robes was talking to a few sailors. He watched as the men pointed in his direction. Almost instantaneously, Flamel sat down behind a crate. It was his day off, and he'd be damned if any business came his way.
Not even half a bell had expired before Flamel stood up, and looked around. The coast was clear, and Flamel was getting hungry. The lalafell began working his way off the docks, but stopped when his eye caught that same elezen once again speaking with a few sailors. The sailors once again pointed towards Flamel's dock. The elezen man slumped and continued walking.
Flamel sighed, and as the elezen passed, Flamel began to follow. The elezen stopped on the dock, looking as if he were about to faint. Flamel did not enjoy working when the ship wasn't docked, and it wouldn't be in for another day at the least. But, the lalafell felt bad that he had eluded the elezen the first time, and figured the least he could do was speak with the man.
Flamel tugged gently on the man's robes, "Are you looking for something?"
just as he was beginning to feel like he would never find the Lala in question a tug on his robe stopped his search. Looking down he noticed a Male Lala who was asking something that Rogier thought should be public knowledge by with all the people he had asked. "Yes, I am looking for someone by the name of Flamel." Rogier turned to the Lala and knelt down for the sake of both their necks. " The sailors tell me he can acquire transportation for me without too many questions." Rogier held forward his Grimoire and taped the ornately decorated front as if to make a point.
"Flamel Eldgamel," the lalafell introduced with an outstretched hand. "And, I don't know what rumors the sailors have been spreading, but I don't partake in anything illegal. That being said, I do offer help to those in need. And all I ask is that it doesn't put me at risk. If those terms are acceptable, I can offer passage to one location, and that is the southern islands."
Rogier let out a sigh of relief at the introduction, glad to be done with his search. He would nod at both the mention of no illegal actions and not putting Flamel at risk. " I see, then it would seem the twelve are acting in my favor. I seek passage to the southern islands, and the only thing I am involved in is discretion. My research can certainly draw attention, and while sailors might look the other way, bored passengers cannot help themselves." Rogier shook his head at the thought. "I swear, one minor puff of smoke or flash of light and they descend upon you like goblins on a lost adventurer."
"Ah, so you are a man of magic. The aether runs through me freely, so to say I understand would be truth," Flamel explained, "The ship is due to arrive within four suns time. After it arrives, there will be a few suns for unloading, a sun for the ship's crew to rest, another sun for loading up a few minor things, and after that the ship will be ready to depart."
Flamel held his hand up to his chin as if thinking.
"By my estimation, the ship will be ready to depart on the 23rd sun of the fifth umbral moon. So you've got some time to kill. Payment will be five hundred gil on the day of departure. Sound good?"
Rogier gave a nod and remained silent for a few moments. His fingers taped the outside of his grimoire and ran along one of the corners. To Flamel it must have been funny to see the gears turning in Rogier's eyes as he tried to calculate the situation. "Flamel, that sounds reasonable. However, for that price I have one favor to ask." His finger unconsciously traced the corner of his grimoire again. " certainly you have a contact in these Islands, I could use a good contact person to aid me in finding certain locations. Perhaps you would be willing to give me a small letter of introduction so that I may focus on my work, and not on finding my way."
"A reasonable exchange. I'll have it written up for you come the 23rd. The brother of a..." Flamel paused as he tried to think of the appropriate word, "Friend, of mine is who you'll want to seek out. He deals in far more shadier things than I, and I don't mean to send you to such a...scumbag, but he knows his way around the southern islands better than anyone. Or so I've heard. I've never actually been myself."
Flamel stepped up the few steps onto the main dock, "Be here in ten suns. I apologize, but if you'll excuse me. Today is one of few that I can ignore business, and I had hoped to make the library before lunch."
With a low bow, Flamel took his leave.
Rogier stood and offered a grateful bow. "Thank you, sir. That contact will suit just fine." As Flamel walked away rogier waved and called after him. " Pardon me for interrupting your day, may the library grant the reprieve you seek."
Rogier turned and began the trek back to his home.
