The Estherol Ta Haus

Firgov would knock on the large Red Oak door into the Ta Haus. A small flap would open and someone peeked out. Instead mmediately locks were being unlocked and the door was open.

Firgov would lead Meryn to a table and take a seat. He'd look around and catch glimpse of a server. With a whistle, the server would pop back around the corner.

"Fetch us some Frigun Ta and whatever the special is for food tonight. Our friend here has been traveling the desert for many days, so make it snappy." Firgov spoke before adding in, "and make sure nobody bothers us."

Firgov pulled out a short pipe made of platinum and engraved with diamonds. He would place a green herb in it and puff till a large cherry appeared in the pipe. Releasing none, he'd hold it and offer the pipe to Meryn.

A few words would be spoken, letting a little smoke out, "Let's clear our minds and work up an appetite."

The herb was extremely similar to marijuana. It made people happier, gives them the munchies, and turns enemies into friends. Instead of tobacco, this herb was the choice smoke of those who could afford it.

Firgov would take a very large inhale, creating a subtle one time cough. A little too much smoke that time. Throughout the toke, Firgov had a little snigger on his face from Meryn's statement and question.

Offering the pipe back to Meryn with his right hand, he would reach for the Quartz wine glass filled with the Frigun Ta. He would exhale the smoke in the female Estherialite servers face as she came around. She would offer a smile and turn to Meryn, setting the wine glass in front of him. She would then set a basket of bread slices and a spiced oil for dipping.

"You're meals will be ready shortly. If you need anything, just let me know." The server spoke before walking away.

Taking a sip of the Ta, he would lean back in his seat and answer Meryn, "Everything here... Everything around here... and everything that will be here... is all done through business. Which is why you were sent here, for business."

Firgov noticed an accent all too familiar, "So tell me, how is Ivelius doing? I haven't been there in about three years. Due to the rising danger and loss of profits from tribes in between our lands that were robbing my caravans, I had to stop exports.

If you get to wondering how they knew to send you here, I gave them instructions and paid the officers well to send anyone meeting the requirements. You're accent, mounts, protection, and age all fit the requirements. Surprisingly, they send me someone from the far south. Thankfully, the officers knew how to do good business, and didn't go the extent of the normal search."

Firgov had paid the officers in the Risar Outposts to do this private job for him. He didn't quite expect someone from Meryn's region, but this wall all the better. The business opportunity was just that much sweeter, as Firgov did what was in his lands best interest. Yes, they supply gold for The Phoenix State, but much of it is also held in vaults, investments, loans, and even supplied gold for the mint factories that produced coins and bars.

He was looking for somewhere to dump a lot of gold, silver, and platinum if necessary. Money he could hide and cycle through without having to hold it there, and give him the biggest bang for his buck. He knew that the far south was a great place for this to happen without pissing off The Phoenix State, at least for a short time.

Firgov didn't care if the man was a goblin in a loin cloth from the far south, his day was made, having a high excitement to open business back up with Meryn's region. He was a financial institution and a medical region. Business was business.

War didn't bother them, it was prosperous, being able to milk The Phoenix State and it's investors for everything they have. Even if it's an enemy to their government, they will do their best to spread prosperity and good health. Firgov does business, not politics.

Again a mighty puff was taken. The air carried a skunk and apple smell from the smoke. Following the toke, anothet sip of Ta was taken. He would pass the pipe to Meryn again, exhaling and starting to speak as he did.

"To be honest, i've got literally tons of precious metals that i'm needing to dump. Between Estherol and the other mining establsihments, the TPS has no need for the metals. Every vault, safe, and anywhere else we can store it is full. Hell, we even overpowered our economy by distributing three times our normal amount of gold coins the past few years. I need something to invest in. This is where you come in. As a merchant who has been around for years, you might be able to help...."

Firgov would sip his Ta again. After filtering through the accent and the man responding about Ivelius, he would try to put his finger on who Meryn was. The name and face was recognizable, but he just couldn't pin point exactly who or where he knew him from.

Firgov would look at the coin, smiling a bit at it. Firgov had a set of coins within his coat, and after looking at Meryn's coins, he would decide to pull them out. Six coins would fall onto the table. One Platinum, two gold, two silver, and a brass coin. Higher the value, bigger the coin.

Firgov would point at the coins and describe them, "The platinum coin would have the most distinct coin of the bunch. On the visible side, was a triangle with a circle within it. Within the circle was the eye of Ra.A light indentation of fire was placed as the background for the Eye of God with the Eye of Ra within it.

On the larger gold coin, the mark of the Kiraxo. In the background is a Phoenix. On the smaller gold coin, we have the Firgov emblem.

On the large silver piece, we put The Phoenix State emblem in raised print. On the smaller silver, we have the mighty dragon of legend, Vauc Berheemius.

And on the brass coin, we have the ancient cuneiform for the word 'Give'. We want people to remember to give to those who need it, no matter what it is.

If you look at the bottom of each coin, there is a smaller printed set of words. They all say the same, just different script from different tribes. All say 'Freedom. Prosperity. Education. Health', the promise of The Phoenix State. These were the coins for the entire State. The only ones that exist at this point."

When he thought of the Serpent on the coins and thought of his coins backside, he'd laugh. He picked a symbol that was religious and well demonstrated. The backside was a Phoenix with the Eye of Ra as it's visible right eye. With it's wings at full spread, it's talons were fully clenched around a serpent. In their ancient cuneiform, a language known by very few, would be printed 'Unite. Believe. Conquer. Destroy.' All which he would not reveal the cuneiform meaning to Meryn when he flipped them over.

"We have basic minting for the higher class. Very few even have markings, finding it a waste of coinage to fancy a piece of gold. It has been a long time since i've touched this topic, but minting is something I have tried to convince the governing body to allow. Each time they say no because it is wasteful and they don't want their coins to be the desire of greed. Lately rumors were heard that the Gold Bear Tribe has begun their own mint, but like me, they can do as they please because they are needed... It's something i've wanted to do. More jobs, more gold to be used, as well as stabilizing the economy.

Medan is a good trade partner, as well as many nearby lands. We import way more than we export, trying to rid of more. I just want somewhere or something to dump this in. Governments, purchasing land, becoming a foreign loan distributor, I don't really care. You know where these precious metals can go to get rid of it.

If you can help me find a few places to build a hospital or medical camp, we can do that. If such a thing could happen, Estherol Mining will pay for all travels, housing, education, and food, for whoever wants to work there. We do not practice shaman magic, we practice the science, and we find that it works.

I've got a few more ideas, a little more interesting, but they'd be good for you and I. I just need my gold in your land. It's a wise investment for any business man. We know our markets and surrounding markets, but we need a whole new market. I'd back the bank with my gold, all i'd want is citizenship and the ability to purchase land. If I remember right, the Sanctuarians were very well off and Ivelius was doing good. There's a lot of land in between, and the market is open on it. There has to be some tribes and such that a lot of gold could be sunk into to develop."

What only Firgov and the leader of the Gold Bear Tribe know was that the economy was set to balance out during war time, allowing them to fight a war for years. He was trying to force a market change, and the only way to burn these metals was war, but he couldn't just voice that. One thousand ideas a second would pass through his mind of how to get to the point of war, but right now he needed a good deal. Explaining a few ideas, he'd hope to see a little more into what Firgov was offering. A full devotion of valuable metals were being offered for use in any way that Meryn could think to get rid of it.

"I believe I could surpass the Gold Bear Tribe in minting capabilities. They produce and hold most of the governments gold and loans. Their gold production is on schedule, never ahead and never behind. I believe that if I could get one capitol to use my coin, the others would follow. I've got the structure and means to produce what I need for my city immediately, the question is, how much do I need to have ready for that first city? I know I have the gold, but my mint has to hit the capitols before the Gold Bear Tribe. If one could get a place like Vauc Berheemius or Flo' Liare to use it, more would definitely follow.

As long as Estherol is involved with the minting, all metals will be as pure as possible. It will be upon the other mints as to whether they want to take the risk of getting impure metals. I can assure I have enough for The Phoenix State and another population it's size, with a little more to spare."

The food would arrive and be placed on the table. It was a stew of some sort. The vegetables were bright, the meat was tender, and broth was delectable. The aroma would fill the nostrils of Firgov and he'd immediately lean forward to eat. He'd scoop his coins up and put the away, grabbing his spork like utensil, he'd eat.

"Enjoy your food, Meryn. Let's drop the business while we eat and learn a little about each other. Enjoy the company of each other, two men, holding the power to change the world for better and for worse. Anything you'd like to know about me or the mine, just ask." Firgov spoke, lifting his glass of Ta, and enjoying his stew.

"Not much of a story to tell on how I got here. This mine has been in the family for generations. At one time, these mines were done by pick and hand, mining only what was needed. Getting to the place I am now, on a larger scale, is much more interesting. So i'll just give you the spill of my history.

Born in the Red Dove Tribe, a tribe devoted to medical science, I had a very healthy start. At that point, The Phoenix State had a much stronger grasp on the mine, holding a loan on the mine. Up to the age of four, I had a great life. When I reached the age of four, I was pulled from my home, and sent to begin my education and training. The school they sent me to was unbearable, always pushing me to my limits. It tempted death every day...

The Marine Force Military Academy, the roughest military academy, generally used for the more aggressive youth. I was not aggressive, I was quiet and timid, something that was changed quickly. I used my calmness and understanding against them. I watched the soldiers, I embraced my math and science education, everything I seen and felt, I remember. As a child, I was angered by this, thinking I was being punished.

When I reached the age of fourteen and I was sent to the Marine Force Training Corps, where they take the lethal weapons the Academy produced by physically training us during our young ages, and craft it into a well formed man. It was not as brutal as my younger years.

Another benefit to reaching the Training Corps, I met my brother. Esphireses Estherol, a Six Wing Phirum over the Training Corps. He showed no favoritism in work loads and training, but he did make sure I had the best educators, who seemed to be harsher than some. I never made it to his rank, but I did graduate with a good rank.

My brother went on to become the Arch Admiral of The Phoenix State Marine Force. We keep in touch, and I fund his campaigns. In turn, my mining technology has grown, as well as the medical sciences. To be honest, I may only be allowed so many soldiers here, but in truth, I own the most useful branch of the military. All by the age of twenty three.

Eventually over the years, I struck a deal with the Red Dove Tribe and they migrated to our land, forming Estherol City. Shortly after this, refugees of war were coming to our city, and The Phoenix State needed our medical facilities and staff. These were dark times for everyone, no amount of gold or soldiers could guarantee safety." Firgov spoke, taking a short pause as his mind flipped through images of the war of the Great Cataclysm.

His eyes would move to look at his hands. Thousands of faces flooded his mind, remember the look on every face that he killed. His mind was divided, knowing he had to do what he did for survival, but feeling guilty for having to do it. No man was too strong to feel sadness for the death of another, always wishing they didn't have to do it.

"After many years of this dark age, The Phoenix State still stood, but was very weak. If it was not for their drive to fulfill their promise, they would have fell. Their faith carried them to where we stand now. Times have been peaceful ever since.

Mining operations have increased, people have been healthy, and our freedom has been safe. In the last few years, evil has began to spread across the lands, hurting trade routes here and there, like what happened with route to Ivelius.

Recently, talks of war have spread. Before this was talks of colonization, growing our borders. I think it's a good idea to colonize abandoned lands. I believe as long as the government gets what it wants, there will be no war. If for some reason there is no option of even peace, they will ensure the borders are safe... So this is what my life has been. An upbringing of pain, humility, and sadness, that all lead to a life of strength, wisdom, prosperity, and joy." Firgov spoke, leaving out a few details that he wanted to keep secret.

"Now you. What's your story?" He spoke before popping a peace of meat into his mouth and taking a sip of Ta.

"Nice to meet you, again. I knew the face, but couldn't place the two together. The name is all I needed. It's been awhile. Didn't know you went through that, but congratulations to you for working your way up. I know, it's nothing easy." Firgov spoke, following it by dipping some bread in the stew and eating it.

"I've got plans for this world, some good, some not so good... A united economic system, one centralized governing body founded on this economic system, a system that would allow even the poorest of people the opportunity to make something of themselves if they could use it right. This very system would be a step towards the next era. If such a system could be formed between lands and claim a majority, we could either be looking at a Golden Age or another Cataclysm...

But those are just ideas of mine. I didn't show you the other side of the coin, did I? I was ready to eat and just pocketed them. I should show you them. Be warned, your may take a religious disgust for it." Firgov spoke.

Firgov would then pull back out one of the gold coins. He would set the coin in the middle of the table with the other side facing up. Firgov took pride in it, it's artwork finely detailed.

"This is on the other side of the coin. He're you will find the Phoenix with it's wings fully spread. In it's talons, you will find a serpent. The Phoenix has an Eye of Ra as it's visible right eye. In the background, fire is lightly etched. In an ancient cuneiform, a language known by very few, are a few words." Firgov spoke to Meryn.

Firgov would take his final sip of Ta, leaving his glass empty, "I know that there would be issues. The economy controls the government and church, despite what any think, and it never has to answer any questions when it is prosperous. What would have to be done is find a neutral land and make it an example.

Solaria would be a prime spot to set the example if we could make it happen. I'd say they would love to have someone to rebuild their great nation. It would allow me to unload a lot of valuable metal, benefit Solaria, and possibly bring the our governments to settle accept their differences and want in... From the shadows the gold will guide them down our desired path. This is all stuff we can work on as we go. Business really depends on your answer on the spot, not what you think you'll do right now.

As for the words, they are names, Phoenix, Amun Ra, Kiraxo, Aros." He spoke, lying about the cuneiform.

"Well, I have a force of 1,000 Phoenix State Royal Force soldiers at my will. We can march under the Estherol flag. When under my flag, they are the Legion of Estherol. So there could be a proper introduction, assisting the Third Legion. This would create the opening.

For it to seem natural, the Legion of Estherol needs to come in from a different border. The two don't need to know about each other till they meet. Of course I will be there, and I expect you to be there too. I'll make sure no magic is used, even in medical situations.

Once my force can break through the borders and secure a spot, i'll begin the first step of re-establishment. We will build a medical camp and begin scouting the nearby land to build a hospital. This would stand a peaceful offering when the two meet.

This medical camp would suit well for getting the two acquainted. Where we will address all medical situations, enemy and ally. The reason we offer help to the enemy is simple, I like information. In the government, it stands as a noble cause, in this land, it stands a peaceful way to control the war or battle, planting seeds of peace in the minds of warmongers.

As for the cuneiform, it has other meanings. Those same symbols have two meanings. Phoenix is also Unite, Amun Ra is Believe, Kiraxo is Conquer, and Aros is Ascend." Firgov spoke before being cut off.

The server returned and Firgov had her to bend over so he could whisper in her ear, "Have them prepare the pools. We will be there shortly. Bring us a few small pieces of cheeses, no more than three each."

The server would smile, pick up Firgov's dishes, then look to Meryn, "I do hope you have enjoyed your meal. If you are done, i'll take it from the table.", She then looked to both of them, "And if there is anything I can get you, please, let me know."

If Meryn was done, she would take off with the dishes, return with two small cheese cubes for each of them, and not return unless requested. Firgov was relaxed and comfortable, knowing he had a very constructive conversation with another.

"We'll go to the pools after this. The cool water will help sober us up. After that, i'll probably retire for the night, it has been a long day." Firgov spoke before biting his two cheese cubes off the toothpicks.