To Till New Soil
Second Day of the Twelfth Month 293 AC
Outskirts of Sorcerer's Deep, Leshy Fields
In the months since she came to call Skane her home and been named a Lady by the folks who dwelled there, the Thrice-Forged Bloom had begun to increasingly appreciate the gods of earth, stone, and tree the more she learned of them. Yes, they could be cruel to their enemies, but it was the cruelty of a rose with hooked thorns guarding it against a world that would see it burned. It was from the living earth they sprang, and that earth they guarded at the last against that which would grind all life to dust.
Yet it was here, walking among shoots of fragrant green, that she most appreciated them. Thin-leaved
Cassil that could be brewed into a tea to prevent pregnancy among lovers who did not desire it, rippling blue-green
Arkas Grass to make fleet of foot any beast that ate it, and even fragrant
Flame Clove whose leaves seemed to move seeking the warmth of her fire as she walked the rows, all grown by the leshy, root and branch of the Greendream beyond, small mendings of a world marred.
No, she shook her head, it was too easy to think in terms of restoring what had been lost, of returning to a world Unbroken. This small field was something else, new life such as had never sprouted within the mortal realm, with seeds bought from the markets of distant spheres, tended by the spirits of the wild-wood, and then carried for all the world to make use of on bold trade ships. Well, all the world that had the silver to pay at least, but Bloom did not begrudge a fair profit for honest work.
Speaking of fair gain for honest work, Bloom was not in Sorcerer's Deep just to enjoy the fresh air and collect some seeds. Skane was growing, and with that growth her people were looking to invest in their own futures, though many would need a little help.
***
Sorcerer's Deep, Iron Bank Branch Office
"What credit do you need... er, my lady," the clerk hesitated on the title, pushing himself further into the chair and away from Bloom's flames the way many people did on first meeting her, not that she minded. It was one thing to tell someone the fire was safe, and another entirely for them to overcome a lesson they had learned since earliest childhood.
"Oh, it's not for me," she explained. "I'm interested in seeing that the Small Credit Line is open for citizens in Skane. It is the realm's only holding west of the Narrow Sea, and quite distant from the usual trade lanes. We do not have as much of a formal administrative presence as most places, but with the presence of the Silver Serpent many are considering going into business for themselves, with hunters and trappers, and tradesmen of all sorts serving the growing port."
"Hmm... yes, it is rather had to establish guarantees," the man said. "Surely the merchants will be able to develop the island in a more... civilized manner rather than depending on..."
"Wildlings?" Bloom cut in, her tone pleasant but unwavering. "The people of Skane wish nothing more than to live in peace under the protection of the empire and find prosperity in a cold harsh land. This
I vouch for." The word echoed for a heartbeat more in the sudden stillness of the chamber. "I ask nothing more than that they receive as much consideration and trust as any other citizens of the realm."
"Yes, my lady. There will be no trouble," came the far firmer reply.
OOC: And here we are gardening and a glimpse of micro-credits. They went well together. Not yet edited.
