EccoXile’s blog

g'nite.
love ya too.

http://www.lkaplanphoto.com/ photo

http://www.tastespotting.com/

Thought I'd send an additional note to say hello. Often think about the
two of you. Especially, I imagine, because your work hangs outside my
room and in Cava's room and people are always asking me about  who did
them and how'd they do it. I've managed to create fiction around the
two of you, describing with considerable embellishment, the nature of
the two of you, sisters raised in the forest by cave people who paint
epic tales with simple tools on cave walls and how much of a challenge
it was for both of you to leave the forest and go to college where you
successfully picked up the tools of a modern age and continue
traditions born in the early years of woodland ancestry.

Hope you're both OK these days. Send us something if you care to.
Otherwise I'll pull something out of my collection from both of you, or
use the work in Cava's room. Fourth quarter is coming up. Stop in a
visit sometime. School lunch is on me. Taco Thursday? To die for. L

Shattered Halo is the meaning behind hope.

Heaven is a hope, eden is a memory.

-endless savior

Hope is the anchor of life.

While I breathe, I hope.

-

Our dreams are our hopes, our dreams became our world, became our reality. Our reality shaped what we wished for. Our ambitions always stepped higher. We never fell apart, we only grew stronger.
The dream that came by fate turned into our building blocks for our person. We shaped ourselves around our dreams, our dreams grew from living.
Nonsensical nonlyrical musicals...tumbling turning and yearning. It's been three and a half years.

And I can't believe all the ridiculous things that have lead me to our dream, that has yet to be seen. For what is now just words has the power to become...
such magical things.

By Herbert Kaufman

Mine is the shrine of the far-flung dare,
Mine are the priests who make no prayer,
Deaf am I to the poltroon's wail,
Smile when you win and smile when you fail,
Smile when you stagger beneath the flail,
Smile when the wolf gnaws on your soul,
For only the dauntless shall reach his goal.
Cynics and pulings and cowards I hate,
He who brings doubt calls in vain at my gate;
Fear you may never mold into a key,
You must come eager and dogged to me.
Smile when your heart-chords strain,
Smile when you throb with pain,
Smile when all hope is vain.
Strong must my lovers be,
Straight backed and straight of knee,
Cuirassed in tempered will;
Fighting the fight until
Tendon and brain and thew,
Outworn, pulped, black and blue,
Lashed on, still strive anew.
I am Ambition.  See
What men have done for me.

Out of the master-maw, brutal and bare and raw,
Stick, stone, and stream-no more-
That was the earth before
I came to urge and teach.
I bade you rise and reach,
I called and fires flamed,
I called and beasts were tamed,
I called and swords were made,
I called and walls were laid;
Hear me and learn of fame,
Fear me and burn with shame,
Doubt me and flout me and pay the cost,
When Ambition deserts you then all is lost.
Rough are the roads that I bid you go,
Bitter and hard is my code, I know;
But ready am I to bestow full meed,
Of honor on him who achieves. In deed
Alone is the proof of the sterner breed.
Gems in the womb of the earth I hide,
Gold in the clefts of the mountainside,
Glory with shadows and hunger I mask,
Nothing grant I to the weaklings who ask,
Nothing have I for the quitters who wine,
The cheat and the idler gain nothing of mine.
But for the chosen, the valorous few,
Who dream far and dare far and fare far do,
Rising and falling and rising anew,
Stars from the brow of Night I rape,
Crowns for the heads of kings I shape.

He cleared his throat, trying to hide the rough grind that had been there since morning.
“It’s the only rapid fire I’ve got.” He impatiently tapped his foot as the short old man looked down the barrel again.
“I was told….this is the best weapon shop in the city.” Disappointed, he flipped the handle and handed it back. Pillán threw it on the near empty racks behind him “Should been ‘ere a few hours ago.” He leaned over the counter and glanced down the sun drenched city streets. “Name of the shop’s ‘Morning fire’ for a reason.”
Dumbfounded, the man twiddled his stubby thumbs. “S…sorry sir.” He gulped, admitting defeat.

Few people were out in the midday sun today, but rolling clouds to the east would soon change that. Looking down the streets again, Pillán let out a sigh of relief. He reached up and slammed down a barred gate. There was a loud clang as it hit the metal counter. If anyone was still working in the back, they knew it was time to pack up and leave.

“Bloody travelers.” He reached into one of many vest pockets to get a smoke and lighter. He was used to the weary idiots by now; he set up near the city entrance for a reason. His was the first weapons shop anyone coming in would see. And when a shipment came in, the prized goods were sold out before lunch. He even put up a sign outside that said what days they came. It was the only time he didn’t work by himself; two truckers would stay in back restocking.

“Tell me Raj, how it is I don’t kill them off?” Lips curled into a smile as he looked up above the shelves. A four foot orange iguana barely lifted his head to the comment.

“Yea, business now. Anger later.” He rolled his eyes as he picked up a clipboard and started checking the leftover inventory.

Within the hour the truckers had left smiling- the day had paid off well. Pillán began picking through what was left in back and restocking the front shelves. Picking up an elegant silver sword, he opened a glass case under Raj. Then he noticed the echoed steps of someone running down the cobblestone outside. Without haste Pillán set the sword on the display stand and locked the case. Unexpectedly the running came to a halt. Pillán glanced at Raj, who decided now was a good time to slip away. The person picked up their feet again, and carefully moved closer. Then just what Pillán wanted: a quick tapping on the gate.

“Get a hint, we’re closed.” He shouted as he opened a door next to him, a half dozen handguns gleaming. Whoever was outside wasn’t moving. Picking up a revolver, he juggled it until he could see clearly into the polished metal. A ravaged woman was gripping the bars, determination overcoming whatever fate had befallen her.

Reluctantly Pillán turned his head, making sure the gun was loaded as he did. “Get the hint.”

“You…” She smiled as she finally caught her breath. “You’re Pillán Kalku, right?”

He couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. “And what need do you have for that stranger?” Suddenly he turned fully around and leaned in. “I hear he hates being disturbed.” With a sneer he dropped the gun on the counter and stepped back.

Gasping, she quickly apologized. “I’m sorry; I was told he worked alone.” Her smile faded, but she refused to let go.

“Looks like you won’t move.” He crossed his arms and leaned back, figuring she wouldn’t pull out any tricks soon. Not before the sun set. The cover of night would seem more typical.

“A few years ago he was in Cival, where my sister lived.” Stone cold eyes stared intently as her hushed voice quickened. “Protesting merchants were setting fires…it’s a small town. He was passing through, and managed to stop them before they could find her. She is indebted to him.” The woman paused, waiting for any response.

“Pillán is a weapons dealer. I don’t know who you speak of.” With a shrug he picked up the revolver again to put it back.

“No! A mercenary! He was a savior!” She banged the gate in protest.

“And what’s a mercenary? Some good guy that risks his life for others?” Scowling he threw in the gun and slammed the door. The woman, a moment ago rigid with pride, managed to barely sulk back. Pillán cocked his head, walking up to inches from the gate.

“What’s a mercenary?” A rough whisper demanded.

The woman could now see scars all across his face. With his deep tan and blazing spiked hair it was hard to notice from a distance. A deep gash cut up and across the bridge of his nose, barely noticeable when he furrowed his brows so deeply.

“Yes…” Remembering what her sister told her, she tried to hide a grin. Scars could give any man away.

“No.” He snapped back before turning away from her. “Mercenaries are hired because they are good at what they do. Hired.” He emphasized the last word as he fled into the back room.

The woman finally let go of the gate, digging her hands in the pockets of her oversized coat. Tearing away for a moment, she noticed the sun creeping towards the horizon. She had to break his guise. “All these years, still the same. Still in it for the money. Different title.” Her voice rose high as she basked in the warm glow. Behind the concrete facade Pillán listened to her every word. He flicked a lighter in his left hand, head against the wall as he closed his eyes. Waiting for what she wanted of him.

“I wouldn’t expect any less with the debt you pay.” From her pocket she pulled a long silver chain, a necklace. Hanging delicately from it was a silver angel wing. It was given to her, along with her sisters dying words. She sniffled back a tear and dropped it to the ground. Her sister refused to believe that the man who saved her life was a lie. Demi used that necklaces last bit of hope, and gave him a chance. “My name is Demi Locke. I’ll be in town.” Her footsteps picked up, walking towards the setting sun. Any good in him had long ago died.

“Locke.” Pillan whispered under his breath. He glanced up, the reassuring lizard peering over the shelves. “The same name that took everything away from me. But we know that’s only made it easier.” grinning, he run out the back door. An old motorbike seemed buried in the trashed alleyway. Pillán grabbed the handle and pulled it out, not bothering to kick any crates out of the way. He jumped on and turned the ignition, chasing down the narrow road as fast as he could. Shouts arose as he skidded between still busy shops, plowing through anything that stood in his way.

“It’s been two years since I’ve helped the likes of your people. Then I saw I was on the wrong side.” He muttered as he pulled out onto the main road, looking for the distinctive patchwork coat.

“You know how they paid me?” He shouted, garnering the attention of everyone on the block. Now that the searing sun was low, people were coming back out for a second round of business.

“How many bodies I brought back! To me your sister was a number! All of them!” His eyes were alit with a fierce fire, and then a manic laughter began. “Oh, I remember that day: twenty, twenty-five, thirty-six.” He slowed down, though there were few other vehicles in the shopping district. Thin lips stitched into a smirk.

“I was swimming in all the riches anyone could possibly want.” He thought aloud, turning tight circles as people fled. “But I had to give it up. The contract was put on hold.” Once again he faced the sun.

“By Sir Locke.” The familiar voice chimed in. She stepped out of a crowd that was rushing inside of a café. All Pillán cared to notice was that she remained unarmed. “Thus ends the legend of the incredible Zarcuian Mercenary, Pillán Kalku.”

“Good riddance.” He drove up until they were side by side, facing opposite directions. His voice lowered for only her to hear. “Because a new legend has been orchestrated behind your back. One where the numbers are no longer going higher. One where I take back every single one, until I’ve sunk to zero.” He lifted his chin as the sky turned deep orange. The now menacing clouds shone their last dazzling colors before the eminent storm.

“Then I will keep going.”

Demi turned her head, her strength never backing down. “And how do you plan to start this crusade?”

“As any sun setting ritual does. With fire.”

She nodded. “We will end it with your weakness.” Now she walked away, helpless to do anything more. The rain, she thought, was a good sign of his demise. And her revenge.

EccoXile: Hi Mr. Evil!
Just want you to know that it’s hard to write villainy when you haven't been particularly evil for a long time.
And I is sad.
EndlessSavior: I tried posting on Gaia six times
with one post
and it crashed every time
but for you
-Puts on a pair of black shades, and the sky turns blood red-
dundundun.....
Allow me to show you the true essence of chaos and malice, my dear.
*sits back and munches on cookies*
-A figures with red eyes peers at you from the top of the sunglasses-
Do not let me bore you...
Oh of course not Mr. Evil.
-With a snap of his fingers you are no longer Shannon-
!
Ecco Xile....
Oh, that's how this goes down
Kneel before the new Lord of Existence.
-Glares at you-
-He throws his black cape back-
-A laughter darker than the darkest reaches of existence escapes his lips-
-The world trembles-
I, Lithos Dominus, have killed all those you cared about.
All those you have ever loved.
-He holds out a hand, manifesting a little sphere of light-
They fought so dearly... So passionately... And alas.
-The sphere begins to crumble-
They failed miserably.
Their deaths did not come quick either.
....

And now you’re just asking me to beat you to a bloody fucking pulp of a black hole.
-His laughter escapes once more-
No.
I am asking you to simply...
Die.
To not give any fight at all and just give in already, because there is no hope?
-Lithos places one finger on his nose, and grins-
There’s always hope, just like there’s always revenge
-Lithos long black cape rises into the air, and splits in two-
-Two black angel wings part from his back-
My dear.
Your world is full of inferiority.
A mistake created by the divine.
You have no right to even have hope.
Because you are below even anything.
We Saviors were created for the purpose to right the wrongs with all realities.
The three of us choose different paths.
Well... I forced the paths upon the others.
Evethin and Dorious were far too weak to see my vision for existence.
And so I planted their seeds of doubt...
And I gained ultimate power.
.....I think there is something here I didn't know about.
There is nothing to know...
Why waste my breath?
Your life is ash at my feet regardless.
-Pulls out the swords already- Right in that you'll need to save that breath, wrong in that I don't burn very well at all
 -Lithos draws his blade-
Everything burns.
Even you.
Even something that’s not even there.
-Ecco draws her blade back, then plunges it forth in a swirl of carbon shadow-
I hope you burn as well.
-Lithos disappears-
...
-Jumps back and holds up her sword-
-He reappears and smashes his hilt into your stomach-
-Picking you up off the ground-
-He reaches out with his free arm and grabs you by the neck-
-He whispers into your ear-
-Smashes her elbow against you as spiked black armour grows out-
I killed Endless...
-Throws you off-
-Lithos looks at his wound-
You killed my friend, and for that you will pay. But the time to grieve is not now.
 Hmph...
-The wound heals-
Are you sure?
Because there will be no other time to do so.
-Races back towards Lithos and slices before the sword can reach, shadows jumping off and cutting further-
Even if it's not enough, I'd rather not fail right now.
 -Lithos' forearm catches the blade-
My armor is made from a millennia of broken hopes and dreams. The shattered souls of the defeated.
Tell me, who are you to stop me?
-Lithos throws you off-
((So you know I do not mean to be a real ass.... But you wanted evil <3 ))
((I know))
((good))
 -Lithos explodes forward and sends a reality bending punch toward Ecco-
 -Ripples expands from his fist-
Shit...
-Ecco ducks but is sent back, feet digging into the ground-
-Lithos impales Erus-innius into the ground, and a wave of red destruction races toward you-
-From behind the wave he concentrates his energy into his hand-
-A mass of energy grows-
Ooookay...
-A sinister looks overcomes his face-
Giving up yet?
-The ground beneath his feet craters-
No, I just hate cheap tricks.
-Lithos appears behind you-
No...
-Ecco throws her hand up as hungry shadows swirl around her, turning her the same carbon black save for dimly glowing eyes-
This is a cheap trick.
...
-Turns quickly around-
There’s no way I'm falling for it
-Thrusts her sword forward and doesn't let go-
-Lithos guides the sword into a  joint of his armor-
-Allowing it to imbed into his stomach-
-His head slumps forward-
-He pulls you closer-
-His hair drapes over his eyes-
You wanted to say something?
The Outcast Angel.
The Corrupt Savior.
Those are my names...
-His blood pours over the sword-
The darker side then...
-Her shadows suddenly get sucked out of her and into the blade-
-But it takes on a life of its own, and slithers on her hands-
-Lithos grabs your wrists-
-And looks up-
-His aura rages outward-
-The world around the two begins to quiver-
I'm just an empty vessel....
-The shadows explode outwards within him-
-Lithos glares-
Worthless puppet!
So why bother killing me?
-Lithos breaks the sword off inside himself and throws you back-
-The shadows within him roar-
-Trying to rip out of him-
I did not expect this....
-Ecco stands back as her blade regrows from a flickering of shadows-
-Lithos places one hand over his face-
-Laughter follows-
-He throws his head back-
Just keep coming back for more...
-He holds his palm out at you-
These shadows are calling out from freedom...
Allow me to guide them back!
-Ecco merely holds the blade in front of her-
-The shadows placed within him explode in a destructive wave from his hand-
I added my own brand of malice within that attack!
I advise you not to absorb it....
Unless you wish to become my new devil!
I would never think such a low thing worthy of myself.
-White light glows from the blade as it slices through the blast, still pushing her back with its force-
I could only ever hate you.
-Lithos smiles-
Allow that hate to consume you...
Maybe you will prove yourself more worthy.
No. becoming your devil means I operate under your command. After all you have done I could never take anything you say without using it against you
-Lithos dusts off his shoulder plate-
It is for the better than.
I would rather end all proof of the existence of the Shattered Halo.
All of it? Destroy an entire planet that knew our name?
Simple task for you I'm sure.
Once I reach Eden I can eliminate the string of words spelling Shattered Halo...
Along with the reality in which of its member were born.
There will be no trace... not even dust will carry your scent.
That's an awful thing to think now, isn't it?
All of it, everything you fought gone. Then what is left for you? Move on to destroy the legacy of another hero?
-Lithos runs one hand through his hair-
Yes.
Like hungry dogs there will be heroes to stand up against me.
But then what?
They will fall like the embers of a fire.
Turning into nothing more than memories.
I will rule all existence.
Right the wrongs of what has been written.
What will be left to rule? What could those left to suffer possibly give you?
-Lithos laughs-
Their worship.
I shall be their new Lord and Master.
I will shape existence as I see fit.
And they will bow down to you and think that everything you say is truth?
You will warp their minds into accepting only what you say?
You give your people far too much credit.
They will believe anything that wields power.
I can tell them I am God himself.
And I'm sure they would believe you.
I just hope that someone keeps coming to defy you, until there is no one left to rule over from all the war you will have caused.
You know the law of existence. People do not stand in defiance, only a few with the will to do so attempt.
Let the heroes come.
They are only a handful in a world of countless.
I only hope one thing more then.
That someone finds your weakness before it's too late.
Weakness?
-Lithos laughs-
Do you think you are so perfect?
-Lithos steps back-
No.
I am perfection...
-Lithos disappears from sight-
I will finish you in due time, Ecco Xile.
Just wait patiently.
EndlessSavior signed off at 12:57:44 AM.

A brother and sister had lived the same life, up until a fine summer's night. A swing hung from the ancient maple tree, surrounded by daises of dreams. Old picket fence and crescent moon, fireflies dared sky runes. Welcome to the backyard of young imagination, bound by these children’s blood and fascination.
But this night as they woke into dreams, something lurked in the shadows, so it seemed.

 ----

The twins: Asha and Enki

On the outskirts of the town is where the twins live, a boy and girl living with their grandparents. Their own were dead to war. They live on a small farm thanks to selling the family riches…or most of them Grandpa kept the dream stone in an old leather pouch. His guise is too poor for thieves to ever find it.
The children have dark walnut hair and bright green eyes, dark skin and wide smiles. They try to make their small family happy and easily make friends with neighbors new and old. Filled with determination and willpower to overcome any obstacle. Enki tends to act more maturely, anxious to exit boyhood and be the strongest fighter. Asha has all the patience in the world, and a kind smile that will listen to anyone respectfully. Her favorite game is hide and seek.

----

The villain: Pillán Kalku

A steam punk looking leader, solo ex-mercenary, pet iguana. Fire dancer. Wears a vest with several pockets, torn armholes, leather chaps and boots, dark orange sunglasses (or monogoggle). Short spiky hair- sun burned auburn. Smokes, deep tan, goatee, gruff voice. Rides an old motorbike, stunt man. Was once an unsung hero, but the flames of hope long ago died. Carries fire sticks clipped to his belt with a small can of oil and lighter. Surprisingly not nocturnal- works during the light of day as a weapons trader, as dusk approaches he goes to the inner city to make money with a solo fire show. Greed is his main motivation these days. He enjoys attention, but can go days in isolation. A deep thinker, it takes a lot to change his ways. Delves deep into understanding how the city works, knows every road. Openly gives advice on the best restaurants and bars. Still has a good heart.

Day by Day, people get sick of one another
Day by day, people chase each other away
I chose solitude
For I lost faith in my world
I had dreams of peace
How simple hearted was i
Day by day, people get sick of one another
Day by day, people chase each other away
Omid do what is in your power
To save us from all this pain
Forbid our lives to go by
So fast and abruptly
Without true love and happiness
Day by Day, people get sick of one another
Day by day, people chase each other away
Omid (Hope)

----

The setting: Zarcu

A rather large city, teetering between antiquity and technology. The outskirts support an old European air, with stone shambles and bright green overgrowth. All the traders and farmers seem to live here, where they can afford to live with as little as possible. The dead zone separates this part from the inner city. A half-mile wide track contains the five-mile city within. On the outside the dead zone is just a forest and graveyard. Then the trees start to die, the ground turns black. Scraps show up, big old machines rot, and ivy somehow grows out of the mist. Then the lights signal an incredible change of scenery- the inner city of futuristic skyscrapers. It would seem to be a completely different world. Elegance still spreads throughout, with rusted iron and steam towers. Cobblestone roads, steel jeeps.

In the twins backyard past the chicken coop is an old maple tree with a wide swing. The wooden fence borders the city limits. Beyond the daisy field are a few crops for grazing animals, then the valley surrounding low seaward mountains. A single road along the train tracks cuts into the mountains, bringing in the seaport city goods and trading out food. The other side of the city supports most of the crops and groves because of better terrain.

----

Now these twins were very young, four years of life they had spun. They got hold of the families mystical dream stone while their grandfather slept, and crept outside to bask in its depth. Before they knew it the glow had taken effect, and a long brown hare jumped over the fence! With excitement they followed it into the daisy field under the stars, where a man appeared in a most flowing garb. Taller than any human and even their house, his dark blue robe disappeared in the stars. He reached out his arms and beckoned the children- he had very important news to tell them. A man in the city had to be stopped, a wrongdoer without a heart. But it would take strength and courage to change this mans fate. Not to mention a fire breathers worst mate. The celestial body asked the twins to return in five years, fully prepared to take on their fears. Before he left he returned the stone for their protection- any more fiddling and someone else would find them.

The twins dutifully obeyed the mystical man. When they awoke they set out a plan. They would learn to fight as many children can- easy when you’re a stable hand. The girl, Asha, would ride a horse while mastering archery. The boy, Enki, could run fast with sword under any hazardry. The last bit of the puzzle would not be so easy, for what calms a fire without teasing?

There lived a magic maiden nearby, young in age but old in mind. The twins asked her how to beat the fire they would have to face. Quickly she bestowed to them a chance to change fate. A wooden pendant shaped as a bear would waken their slumber within the year.

Not long after and just as before, the hare from their youth had restored. But instead of jumping into the fields as expected, he quizzically looked in a different direction. Over their roof was a flickering sight, from deep inside the city of light. With nervous pause the twins knew their place, a journey now could be a saving grace. The hare led the way out of their poor neighborhood, down to the train station in merry mood. For the first time they would cross the dead zone, all that divided their world from the inner cities moan. A whistle howled at weary passengers. Delighted, the children boarded the last car. Before they knew it the wheels were turning, tearing through the misty fields of mourning. They were scared but the hare wouldn't dare, let them turn back even if he cared. Luckily the train whistle once again blew, already they had reached the city of new.

They get off and immediately the hare disappeared past the station. The kids followed, but stumbled into a man sleeping on the sidewalk. Enki first noticed his fire torches, and Asha hide behind her braver brother. The man didn't stir as the two got a good look at him, noting his rough leather clothes and sun-dirtied appearance. In a rush of courage Enki leaned in to unclip the torches. As soon as his fingers touched the clips a hand gripped his wrist. The man lifted his head, dull gold eyes dead on Enki. The young boy gasped, but managed to swallow any fear and ask the man his name.
"Pillán." His grip loosened as his eyes burned bright. He pulled off a smaller torch, telling the kids to move back. His other hand reached in one of many vest pockets, then swept over the torch. Suddenly it was on fire. "Pillán Kalku. You will never forget." His voice was rough, but he managed a smile before blowing on the torch. A sweeping tower of fire jumped out and engulfed the children. Their screams were sent into the dead of night. But the heat quickly dissipated, and they opened their eyes to see the old maple tree swaying above them. The dreaming was over, and they still had no clear answers.
"He wasn't heartless." Asha softly noted, closing her eyes to the cool breeze. "Heartless men don't cry." She paused as Enki listened. "You didn't notice because you were too busy watching his hands." Undaunted, Enki sat up to watch the stars awhile longer, his sister falling deep into slumber.

The children continued the next day with life as usual. Going to school in the morning, working on the farm, dinner, then rushing back to the stables to practice with wood swords and soft tipped arrows. They had grown so accustomed to the practice that they went without words. Then the sky fell under a dark blanket. Asha finally asked what they were going to do. Enki expected it, and sighed as she spoke the words.
"I don't know."
"But we only have one more year." She dropped her bow after yet another distant miss. "Is that enough time?"
Enki similarly dropped his beat up sword. "There has to be a way." He thought aloud. In a heart beat he dropped to his knees, reaching for the sword again.
"Enki! Asha!" A loud, clear voice called from outside. A dog barked, and it's trotting footsteps approached the barn. Quickly, Asha shot a glance at her brother before throwing her equipment against the wall and rushing outside.
When he heard the door slide partially open he let out a long sigh. "We'll find something."

----

-dream stone is their childhood
-the last puzzle piece -foretelling of...
-grandfather goes to inner city with Enki, run into Pillan, Enki forced to tell grandpa what happened ("Grandpa..." "..." "How do you stop fire?")
-Water element training through a family friend in sea port city- new life
-Find out more about Pillan, first as the performer, then as the hero mercenary, then as greedy loner (from those who bring in weapons for him/worked with him in past as merc/fellow traders)