Sturgle Longtooth, the only Goblin Vampire in the city, was excited tonight. He had good news for his partner in a recent endeavor. This partner happened to be Edward Cartwright a powerful noble within the courts who just might carry enough favor to make Sturgle a lord himself if this worked. Quickly shuffling into the alley, they had agreed on, he motioned Madeline Heart, his human thrall and ghoul turned devoted and beloved daughter, to stand guard at the intersection for anyone that might interfere. The Viscount stood there, towering over Sturgle. A contrast in dimensions and style. Sturgle in his fine evening suit, cape and monocle clashing with his goblin heritage while Cartwright wore a heavy black leather coat, simple blouse and black trousers as if he were taking care of field work, or on a hunt. “What news was so important to meet in … person?” the last word inflected with a look over Sturgle with distaste in his voice. “Ah,” announced Sturgle proudly “nothing less than our venture is nearing completion. My agents, thanks to your patronage, have secured King Angelus the Third’s Phagus and are on their way home. They should be here in two weeks’ time.” The Goblin continued, not observing the coldness which entered the other man’s eyes, “Once the Phagus arrives we can co-present it to the Prince, as we had planned, yes? At the next forum, perhaps?” Viscount Cartwright slowly smiled, then pointed at the little creature in front of him. “This is good news, with how long it had taken, and the multiple extensions of funds you had come begging for I had feared tonight was going to be a messy end of our business arrangement.” “Business arr.. we are partn— “but Sturgle was cut off. “We are nothing like partners Longtooth. You were under my employ getting the object here. The gate guards under my control will make sure it enters the city as agreed, then you will transfer the Phagus to me. And, I will present it to the Prince at the next forum.” “But... but…” stammered the shocked younger vampire. Doing everything in his power to hold back his natural instinct to either run or tear into this ugly human. His dreams of this making him a noble were being ripped from him in this dingy alley. “Don’t worry Longtooth, if you play this right, I will let people know what an excellent merchant you and your agents continue to be. Patronage will increase I’m sure. But you will take no credit for this idea or plan.” Sturgle could not contain his anger, “But! It was my plan Cartwright, you merely helped supply the funds for the operation.” “You called what you presented a plan? It was an idea. Without my cunning and input it would have failed.” Turning his back to Sturgle he said calmly and just loud enough to hear before stepping away. “You have till 2 nights before the next Forum to deliver the Phagus to me or I will collect my debt.” --- Rendered in Daz Studio