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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dr Simon" data-source="post: 6123598" data-attributes="member: 21938">After what seems like an age, the clerk returns from the depths of the Turif Holding."Please follow me," he says, and returns the way he just came, waiting to make sure that the group is following him. Shem gives a glance at Mal and clears his throat nervously, before falling into line with the others.The clerk leads you down broad corridors lined with old, worn looking carvings of various animals, around the edge of a cloistered garden and up to some hardwood doors. He knocks gingerly and the door opens.Beyond is a richly decorated chamber. Despite the summer heat, a fire is burning in the hearth. Books and scrolls line the walls, a deep red rug carpets the floor, and light shines through some stained glass windows set high in the far wall onto a broad hardwood desk. Sat behind it is an old woman, her tiny frame almost lost in the large paded chair. She stands and comes around to the front of the desk, leaning on a cane but moving with dignity."Thank you," she gestures to the clerk, who departs with a bow. The door closes behind you, and you see that an armed guard has been opening and closing it."Welcome, gentlemen," says the old woman. "I am Lady Calis Ondra-Turif.""Lady C!" says Shem, quietly."Quite so, young man," says Lady C, betraying sharp hearing. "So, I believe, they call me. Head of House Turif. We are one of the four largest houses in the Merchant's League, with holdings from here to the Outer Continent. I have at my command tens of thousands of individuals and billions of yen. And yet here I am, having a discussion with some unknown street people."She hobbles forwards, until she is looking straight up at Hang and Mal."House Turif has a problem," she continues. "Last night, so I am told by one of my jiunsami, you helped apprehend a red jade spirit that was loose in the city. Where there are red jade spirits, there must be red jade. A powerful aid to magic, but its trade is strictly regulated due to the inherent dangers of the spirits that sometimes live inside it. It isn't worth the time and trouble for us to deal with, but somebody in my organisation is doing just that. Illegally, and without authorisation. I will not tolerate actions that will bring this House into disrepute, nor invite censure from the League. Our standing is too important to endanger with such folly, but somebody thinks he or she can turn a quick profit at my expense."You have already shown yourselves to be capable of dealing with spirits. I have few I can trust within the House, perhaps outsiders will be more use? I need you to investigate further, find out who in House Turif is dealing with this red jade. I can reward you handsomely, but this conversation doesn't go beyond these walls. What do you say, gentlemen?"</blockquote>

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