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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 1, 2023 20:28:09 GMT -5
When Fish was offered this job, they were admittedly very confused. They were not needed to kill, steal, pilfer, sabotage, or otherwise harry some sort of business, person, or government. They were needed to help translate. This was an incredibly odd, but easy request to be certain.
Fish had skill with languages, that much was true, but mostly they were made up languages and secret ciphers. Was Fish being brought in as a code breaker? Code creator? There had to be something more to this than just that. Maybe they could figure something out and make it work. At any rate, this was probably the type of job Cyran or Del wouldn't complain about them taking.
Wait, why did Fish care what they think? They furrow their brow as they hop along the city streets. Fish shouldn't be worried about what someone else might think of the jobs they take. They are their own bird! They can make their own decisions! Yeah! They don't need permission. Besides Izzy and Kamille let Fish do whatever Fish wants, Morrigan encourages schemery, Kvasir doesn't, but Kvasir is teaching Fish medicine which does in a roundabout way make them more deadly. So, really more people would be in favor of Fish doing what they want.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 1, 2023 21:16:51 GMT -5
Ube was incredibly upset with themselves. How did they let this happen? The second they entered the city, a man had approached with fast paced ramblings that were barely able to be made out. Something about two groups and a translation? Before Ube could take out their booklet to respond, they were immediately and forcefully handed a couple of papers and a plastic card before the man hurried off. Standing there, needing a moment to process what in the world just happened, Ube looks over the handed items: Info on the two groups, the meeting place for which the groups will discuss, info on the hired support, and a license for the man who was here. The license was contained a picture of a scraggily middle aged elf, auburn messy hair and greasy glasses. Written into this card below the picture was the words, “Official City Translator”.
“This man really had to quit his job and force it onto me?” Ube thought, annoyed. ”Well, I am no where near qualified but who else is going to do the job?” Thus, they began walking to the designated location for the meeting, a higher end tavern located somewhere towards the center. This is most definitely going to be an interesting time.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 1, 2023 21:37:12 GMT -5
The aviankin sits at the table sketching out ideas in their notebook as they wait. More poisons and trap designs underway, but Fish looks up to the opening door. They tilt their head at the group as they come in, curious as to the odd man. Fish could see that Ube was upset and confused about something, but Fish wasn't sure what. They shrug, Ube didn't match the description of who Fish was waiting on so they continue with their sketches once again.
From a far away glance, someone could mistake Fish for a scribe of sorts. They have a thick leatherbound notebook, they have the ability to write which while not uncommon, didn't often take place in wider society. The quill and ink was also a good sign Fish was a scholar in some respects.
It also helps that they are sitting alone and off to the side where there is some relative quiet. Far enough away that if any translating needed to be done, they could hear each other without being spoken over. Little did Fish know that neither they nor Ube would really speak during this whole exchange. Irony is a hell of a thing in adventuring life.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 1, 2023 22:28:16 GMT -5
As the demon-like humanoid walked into the tavern named “The Golden Toothed Snake”, they promptly took notice of the two distinctly different groups of people standing outside in waiting: A group of dark elves in royal garments, robes and the like, and a stark contrasting group of orcs adorned in nomadic style clothing, pelts and leather armor. Ube uttered a sigh of relief. At least they could understand the dialect of the elvish. Though, orcish speech was lost on the fellblood. “Here’s to hoping the other person knew any.” They solemnly prayed to whoever would hear. Approaching, Ube could already see from the body language these two groups gave off that either a trade was going to happen or a large set of complaints will be passed around as the dark elves kept to their group with mutters and side glances towards the orcs. The jolly green group were excited, antsy to move things along with their impatient crossed arms and foot tapping. Not wanting to gamble on who could read, the purple demon playing translator waved for the groups to come inside. The crowd, looking at each other now with confusion, follow after them.
Stepping in, Ube took a quick peek at the paper that listed the other translator and immediately took a sharp inhale, questioning the professionalism of the now free past translator. All that was listed was “bird person named Fish”. They desperately wanted to pound their head into the nearest wall and perhaps order a couple drinks but now was not the time. Scanning the room, their eyes fell on the first “bird person” they saw. Pulling their booklet out from their makeshift belt, simply their tail wrapped around their waist, and a piece of charcoal, they wrote on an empty page: “Are you Fish?”. Ube stepped out to them and raised the booklet, page facing their way as the crowd followed closely behind.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 2, 2023 7:48:16 GMT -5
Fish finally looks up and once more tilts their head curiously as the person writes down the words rather than speak them. Interesting. Fish had never ran into someone else like them before.
"Do you understand sign language?" They motion with their hands, clearly trying to communicate something. Fish waits a moment, looking to the other group a moment. Now they were starting to get an idea of the contract handed to them.
If Ube doesn't respond to the sign language, Fish will procure their own slate board and chalk. "Negotiations?" Whoever put this together didn't seem to think through putting two mute people together did they? Fish could make it work, but it certainly wasn't going to be easy.
They didn't count on anyone in either party to know sign language, so written it was going to be. At least if it was written, Fish could pull out a few tricks to make this work. Though they are not exactly happy about this set up, their blank face helps to hide the displeasure. Fish looks between the groups again, elves and orcs, great this would be easy enough. Their conflicts are usually pretty basic, both sides mad over something dumb.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 2, 2023 10:47:10 GMT -5
Ube recognized the signing, having first seen it during the visit to the witch of moonveil. However, they had neglected learning it in full, a choice Ube is immediately regretting. Thankfully, the kenku procured their slate and chalk. Once again did Ube question the previous translator’s choices. They nodded to Fish, taking a seat near them and motioning for the two groups to get comfy. As everyone got in place, Ube began scribbling in elvish. Presenting the book to the dark elves, it read “What appears to be the problem?” What appeared their leader pipes up, a man with long black hair that was back behind his sharp ears. He fiddled on one of the buttons of his monochrome suit as he spoke in an annoyed tone, body language that motioned something big happening with fighting accompanying the man’s speech. Ube nodded along as they converted their information by writing what he’s saying in common. Once he had finished, they scooted their booklet over to their fellow translator. The written words read as: “These barbaric orcs have been hunting near our city, leaving the carcasses on the ground. You see, the smell is quite foul and thats driving the nearby homes and shops down in profit. We want them to take their hunting somewhere thats not here, you understand? Should they continue, can you imagine the economic crisis?”.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 2, 2023 23:00:38 GMT -5
Fish would frown if they could at the lack of business acumen from the elves. Charge them for hunting permits then you idiots and if they don't pay them, you arrest them and collect bail money. Uncreative idiots just leaving gold on the table. On the inside, Fish was indignant and mad, but on the outside everyone just saw a bird staring placidly forward.
Fine, if they were unwilling to see the opportunity in this situation, then Fish would create their own.
"Fish can create an agreement between the two parties that will be legally binding. Fish will need both parties to agree on terms. Hunting should be allowed on some portions of the land, but only in those areas. Elves can keep the orcs away and Orcs can still eat. Keep the hunting at least 2-thousand feet from the city, agreeable?"
Let's see if that is enough to at least get the ball rolling on this little scheme the bird is cooking up. It wasn't going to be most economically successful plan Fish ever had, but this was out of the Aunt Izzy playbook, create chaos for fun. This would also count as exploring a hobby like Del and Cyran want.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 3, 2023 2:15:49 GMT -5
From the orc group, a very buff lady coveted in various pelts with a wolf headpiece began to speak in her tongue, giving very little body language. Her voice was scruffy and held grunts in between certain words. As she spoke, her fellow orcs behind her would nod to certain phrases, grunting in agreement. Ube, not quite knowing much orcish, began translate as best as they could. From what they could gather, the group of hunters would agree to given terms as long as they could sell pelts in the city. Ube assumed that was their main source of income and began relaying the info to Fish and the regal but admittedly dumb elves.
Their leader pondered for a moment. Turning around, they began to discuss amongst their party. The fellblood was able to discern a few keywords such as: Rare clothing, easy money, and controlled farming. As they convened and held their mini counsel session, some would eye the pelts of the hunters. “Did they want them to make clothes for them? Why not agree on that?” Ube thought to themselves. Once they all seemed satisfied, the man in black and white faced the silent translators and gave a simple nod. They assumed he was agreeing to Fish’s terms as well. “Did they really cause all this trouble for such a quickly given solution? Or perhaps this Fish is just knowledgable.”
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 3, 2023 10:37:51 GMT -5
See, now there is a group with some brains. The orcs knew to make some money off this. Pelts are relatively easy to sell and these hunters are clearly good meaning they will get a lot of value from it. No nicks or slips in the pelts she is wearing, clearly skilled tanners. Fish would not send any shenannigans their way.
Fish takes out their quill and begins writing something down, densely filling up the page of their notebook with something. It takes a minute or so, but Fish will eventually slide the paper over to the both parties.
From reading, it seems to be a pretty standard contact laying out the agreements of the terms of the deal. Incredibly official looking for a random bird in a random tavern, but even at the closest of inspections the contract looked entirely legit. It had the proper seals, cited the right statues, and looked all above board.
The only thing missing from the page was the signatures from the representatives of both clans.
"Once signed, Fish can turn this into the correct department within the city and make sure this is recognized by the proper authorities." A very simple job, for their part at least.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 3, 2023 11:12:17 GMT -5
The leaders of each group took a look at the written agreement. The orc lady took the time to read the contract over, making sure to comb out any fine print shenanigans. The dark elf had no such concern and procuring a pen from his suit pocket, he quickly signed his name in. A couple of orcs came up from behind their leader, reading along side her. A few even pointing out certain parts of the contract their leader may have missed.
After a few minutes of reading and impatient waiting by the elves, the female orc clapped her hands twice as her one of her men walked up, unsheathing a tribalistic iron dagger. Ube winced, their phobia still present with them upon seeing the dagger. The leader of the orcs grabs hold of the dagger, holding it up and doing a quick stab on her thumb. Pressing it onto the paper, she leaves a bloody thumbprint as her signature. She slides the contract back to Fish, each group looking happy with how things went. Ube gave a sigh of relief. The sudden job that was forced on them ended pretty smoothly all things considered.
The two group leaders stood and bowed towards the two as the orcs and elves began to head to the bar for drinks. The purple fellblood wrote down in their booklet and slid it over to Fish. “Thank you for the help. The translator you were supposed to work with quit and gave me the job.” It read. They stood up and offered a polite bow.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 3, 2023 12:29:19 GMT -5
Fish's little feet would idly bounce under the table as Fish waited. They weren't busy today so they had some time to wait. Once everything is done, Fish looks over the paper and nods to signal to the groups that the business is done.
They look up to Ube, "Ube should learn sign language like Fish uses...Fish has started teaching some about it so Fish can communicate more effectively. Fish will teach Ube." The offer seems genuine as the bird tilts their head.
It really wasn't often Fish ran into someone else that had issues with speaking. It would also mark a rare moment of Fish doing something helpful out of what little crumb of goodness is in their heart. Of course, they wouldn't force it upon the fellblood if they refused. Ultimately it mattered little to Fish, just an offer.
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Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 3, 2023 12:55:28 GMT -5
They nodded with an excited smile. It would be good for Ube to learn a different way to communicate when they didn’t have their book. Plus, this is the first time they met another with that silent speech. Wouldn’t hurt to make a friend. Well, although they weren’t keen on doing this normally, this was the typical way people bonded, at least in the books they read. Ube pulled their booklet back to draw another thing down as they sat their coin pouch on the table: a picture of a shot glass.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 3, 2023 14:13:40 GMT -5
Fish would take Ube's order up to the bar to help out for a start. While at the bar they did let a paper purposefully slip and slide near a few of the patrons, but Fish leaves it behind as they return to Ube.
The bird rifles through their bag and hands the fellblood a pamphlet, the basics of sign language. It was a brief, but dense break down of some of the more basic things someone would need to say. It was a good starter guide of sorts. Fish was sure to go slow with their handsigns to help show Ube the movements, the subtle differences in how some of the things looked. Little tips and tricks to help them along.
As the lesson waned on, murmuring grew in the background as the misplaced paper was found. Villagers spoke quietly amongst themselves, but they seemed to be upset about something. A few furtive glances were shared between groups, but nothing would happen. Some believe the elves had just sold out one of their cities to the orcs, strange how miscommunications can happen.
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