At Port

[mark]

Barris strolled the area, eyeing different objects of merchandise. He stopped at one particular stand where the man was yelling something about poison. "Good day, what is this you're selling?" Barris asked politely.

[Lord Howland Royce]

"Rat poison, hah, it'll keep your ship free of rats your entire sea voyage, though some will probably enter once you dock at another port. So it would be best to buy two packages, all agree," Reret said in broken westerosi.

[mark]

"I have no doubt you would agree to that, also," Barris, grinning. "How do I know this stuff works? I've never heard of no such poison before."

[Lord Howland Royce]

"Visit the House of Giggles if you doubt it work, no rats been seen there in a month. There's no cats there to so there's no doubt who does the work. A rat can die of poison a man could, though a man wouldn't die of a rat's poison unless he takes too much. Smell the poison and you will notice that it smells good, good enough for a rat to eat it anyways," the fat merchant bobs his head.

[mark]

Barris, a little weary, smelled the poison. "It is indeed, pleasant. However, not all things are as they appear to be," he said casually. "I'll tell you what. I plan to be in port for quite some time. You sell me two packages of the poison now, and I pay you for one. If I am satisfied with the stuff, I will come back and pay you double. If it doesn't work, however, then I get all of my money back. How does it sound? I am Ser Barris Redwyne, by the way."

[Lord Howland Royce]

"I am Reret Nekna, ser," the merchant answers. "I will sell you one package now, if it doesn't work, which I assure you it will, I will give you the money back. If it does work you can come and buy another package".

[mark]

Barris shrugged and smiled, turning to his men. "Now this is the kind of man I like to do business with." He sends a few of his men to retrieve the money, and the same men take the poison back to the ship. Barris extends his hand for a shake. "It was a pleasure, Reret. Are you selling anything else at the moment, or just the poison?"

[Lord Howland Royce]

Reret shakes his hand. "I have a ship trading lace from Myr and perfumes from Lys, another one deals with timber, there's precious few trees in Braavos with all the ship building. Once in a while I get some intresting offers. Did you say Redwyne, I hear they have magnificent wine".

[mark]

Barris nodded. "Aye, many people love the stuff, but as for myself, I won't touch it. Been around it too much. I'd rather drink this poison of yours than Arbor Red," he said, jesting.

[Lord Howland Royce]

The merchant smiles, "would you trade rat poison for Arbor Red then?" only half jesting.

[mark]

Barris looked at him, not laughing this time. "Aye, I would have been interested, but I'm afraid now I'm not good for any trading." He looked around and then said loudly, "I'm here to meet the true prince of Westeros and to swear my loyalty to him. My family will no doubt view me as a traitor from hence forth, unless they too come forth to kneel at their rightful sovereign."

[Lord Howland Royce]

The merchant looks at him curiously. "Is that so? Leaving the safety of the Arbor to restore a rightful heir, how noble of you. In Braavos we have a wording that translates: don't wear black unless you want to be birded".

[mark]

Barris looked at the man curiously. "And in Westeros, we have a phrase that translates: What the fuck does that mean, ser?" He smiled to show he meant it jokingly.

[Lord Howland Royce]

"Ah my westerosi still need to be improved then," the merchant shook his head. "In Braavos black is a noble colour, you have heard of the Black Pearl yes? I am not sure how the other part would translate"

[mark]

Barris was now genuinely curious. "The Black Pearl? I'm afraid I don't follow. Explain."