Negotiation

Felix could feel the sweat rolling down his chin. While all negotiations were a battle of wits and endurance, this was a beast all its own. There was only purely circumstantial evidence to use as leverage in order to get the deal to go through. But there was something else that was starting to surface from within as well. There was this inexplicable giddiness that he couldn't help but feel about this whole thing. For merchants going into the lions den only to emerge the victor was one of the signs of a truly great and talented individual. It was a badge of honor proving that they were more than just a fellow who sold goods. You were a man who delivered what was desired and to whom desired it the most. It was proof that you didn't merely chase deals and markets, but that you actively would make new markets.

It was this rush that compelled Felix forward. Taking a few brief moments to compose himself, he prepared for the duel to come.

"Regardless of who the perpetrators of this attack are there remains the fact that this was indeed organized." Felix had to start from a position to probe for more information first and foremost. This was a dance of keeping your cards close to your chest while trying to get the other party to play their own. Next would be critical.

"It is clear that you are well connected and more than skilled enough as a solo operator. Any specific information you have we are more than willing to compensate you for." Felix pulls out a tablet with a blank space for the amount to be transferred. He places it squarely in the center of the table.

"As long as your demands are reasonable, we can afford to pay your price." With the most serene smile that could be mustered, Felix did all he could to maintain his poker face. This was a gamble even from his perspective. Individuals such as this would take a small fortune even by noble standards to hire. Despite being a successful merchant he couldn't help but internally panic at what amounted to the blank check that he had presented this individual. He only hoped he could back up his words with action.

The man across from him looked down at the tablet then back to him with a peculiar look on his face. It wasn't that of disappointment at the offer at the very least, which gave Felix no small amount of relief. No this look was something far more complicated. Rather he looked like he wasn't sure how to respond to the proposition that had been put before him. Fingers tapping against the table he was clearly lost in thought. Soon enough though he broke the silent stalemate with obvious remorse written across all his features.

"I'm afraid that if it is solid information that you are looking for I can offer nothing that would warrant monetary compensation." He looked as if he had more to say but held his tongue. Possible conflicts of interest with his current employer came to mind with this response. Such an instance would place this entire convoy in a rather awkward position. The only time the offer of money was denied was if there was some sense of loyalty or comradery with the current employer. Something that would align with this man's disposition quite clearly.

"I can however offer you credible rumors that have been circulating about some rather concerning actions being taken by nobles." The man shifted his weight slightly in his seat. His face had since settled back into a calm disposition. It was clear that what he had to offer was not run of the mill gossip. No, his actions spoke volumes about not only the severity but the implications that this information contained.

Felix couldn't help but shift slightly forward in his seat. Such temptation of information that was so hot that it hadn't fully disseminated was something that only came around once in a blue moon. This was the exact opportunity he had been fishing for. Taking a few moments to recompose himself to insure that his excitement did not betray him, he pressed for more.

"I take it by the way you are bringing it up that it has something to do with the attack on our caravan?" Perspiration slicked Felix's hands as he closed in for the final strike. He could feel his heart rate starting to rise.

"Rather than simply having something to do with it, I would go so far as to say that it is the direct cause. The only Issue I had with presenting it at first is because there isn't concrete evidence of the actions being taken. But this situation matches the modus operandi of the noble in question." The man reached out to the tablet in the center of the table and pushed it back to Felix a small smirk on his face. Joy was written in his every action.

"As for the price of the information..." Pausing he retracted his hand and stroked his beard. Each corner of the smirk slowly started to rise further and further. Elation and release were clear as he spoke once more.

"If you hire me in pursuit of putting this filth in his place I will give that information to you for free." In place of where the tablet was mere moments ago the man now outstretched his hand to Felix.

"How does that sound for a deal to start things off?" Felix finally broke face and started laughing like a mad man. Every single fiber of his body ached from the sheer force of the bluster. It wasn't until several moments later when he finally regained his composure that he swiftly took this mans hand and shook with all the force he could muster. Felix's face quickly matched the exact tone of his counterparts.

"Then I dare say that we have ourselves the begging of a very fruitful relationship! But do tell me, what can I call my gracious fellow?" A single moment of silence was interrupted when the man spoke clearly and calmly.

"Call me Smith. Johnathon Smith."