To Balance the Scales
Fifth Day of the Eleventh Month 293 AC
"As a start, I would find that most pleasing indeed," you reply sincerely. "Perhaps after some exchanging of goods and works of culture, eventually a branch of Astral Currents Stock Exchange might open its doors here in the City of Splendid Waves?"
"Many of Vialesk's artists and scholars will be fascinated to learn more about the Garden from which we have been barred for so long, and I imagine I do not need to tell one so adept in trade how the merchats will react at the thought of an entire new market for their goods and services." Lady Anora replies, her smile growing wider with relief. For the first time since greeting him she turns to Breath Taker. "I do not seek to offend, holy one, but I imagine many of your kin who would not be driven by faith alone in your great exodus, might reconsider when safety and prosperity become more apparent. "
"I am not lightly offended by words, and never to this day by truth. I strive that it may remain so," the priest's voice is soft and even, though you can hear an echo of pain in his words, perhaps over those who chose to remain behind rather than hear the call of their god, but more likely at the thought of cleaving his kindred in two. "For myself, I welcome any who would swim in the seas of home, though I do not deny that others may have grown bitter from the peril and the loss of the war in the deep."
You exchange telling looks with your mother. Such friction is worth bearing in mind for the future, mayhap something the envoys she had trained could help with once they have cut their teeth on more worldly matters.
For now you turn to the liaison and more immediate gains. "Returning to the matter of trade, information on the current value and movements of trade goods all over my realm and my capital, as much as those sold in Armun Kelisk and Opaline Vault, would be of some value for those not fortunate enough to possess their own network of informants and merchants themselves. The less fortunate... burghers, that is, might benefit greatly from such knowledge, but
all would benefit greatly if the Council pondered upon the possibility of selling land for the opening of another Planar Terminus, to link all four cities together in truth."
The smile slides off the envoy's face, though her expression does not quite freeze as deeply as the first time she thought she was giving you ill news. Of such small steps is trust built. "Such a gate would be seen by many as a chink in Vialesk's armor, I fear. We are a city of traders, but also one that has endured countless sieges by those who would subjugate us. You would have to prove yourself a staunch and unwavering ally of the city to convince the Council to allow such a connection, though to be sure trade makes a excellent beginning."
About what you had expected. This is not the heart of an empire, but a free city that must look to its own defence against rapacious neighbors. Nodding in understanding, you continue, "Ah, but of course, we have just discussed the possibility of drawing the flaming eye of particularly odious nature upon this fair city. Rarely does a vast influx of wealth not accompany a commensurate increase in protections one might acquire, nor the influence thereby that might be wielded to...
mutual benefit."
Only for a moment does she hesitate at the implication. "True, the swords of the Marid and the claws of the Brine Lords are sharp indeed and we would not weep to see them dulled in...
worthy causes."
Realth gives a slow hissing laugh at the notion of other Brine Dragons, many of them his elders, being made into pawns.
The formalities of establishing an embassy are handled with surprising ease... or perhaps not so surprising when one considers the likely patience, or lack thereof, of most dragons with mortal bureaucracy. The embassy is to be established in the building that once hosted the headwaters of the Vialesk Silver Scouts, a defunct Free Company which had run afoul of a draconic grudge.
Lost 18,000 IM
Gained Embassy Location
Although there might be friction between the local Tritons and those who dared the perilous journey to the seas of their birth, Breath Taker assures you that he can see to it that the embassy is staffed with those among his people not only knowledgeable of the Endless Ocean, but also level-headed and open to gaining new allies wherever they may be found.
Where do you go next?
[] The Mirror Market, where the submerged part of the city meets the air filled dome to sell your wares and mayhap buy more
[] The Guild Master's Hall to try and forge relations with one of the city's many trading houses or use the ones Relath already formed
[] The Glass Pit, the molten furnace deep in the heart of the city where the smiths practice their craft to see if any of them might be interested in joining your realm as Breath Taker hopes
[] Write in
OOC: The location is more expensive than it would have been in other areas of the city, but I figured that given your funds it was not worth a second vote. Not yet edited.
