Oasis 1: A Merchant's Wish
"GOOD DAY." A dragon is looking at you. A great beast with bronze eyes, he arcs his neck in a graceful curve to...bring himself to your level. Merchant Tangisir's bulk fills the room. Torches blaze merrily within wall sconces, giving the room the heated, warm feel of the desert.
There is sand at your feet. Generous and soft. There are cushions for your softskin forms.
You'd been led here, deferentially, by the merchant's attendant, a perfunctional monk with polite, soft-spoken words. HERE of course, is the Veyshanti Embassy, within Alexandria. Some months ago it had suffered a setback--a bomb exploded outside by a vengeful ghost, but...Veyshan had rebuilt, perhaps absorbing some of that Alexandrian spirit, which refuses to be overcome.
Arubesh came when he heard that Tangisir required assistance. Old habits died hard, and the when the Merchant princes called, one answered. When led in he sweeps a low bow, his hands coming together in a sign of respect. "Ali Mullah, Merchant Prince of the halls of earth and sky. It is a great pleasure to see you again." He waits a moment in silence before straightening. He does not sit on one of the cushions, but scoops a small divot with his foot, revealing that he wears no shoes. Crossing his legs he lowers himself into the space, and finds comfort, being extra sure to not show the bottoms of his feet to the dragon.
Sasha made her way here and curtsied to the dragon. "Greetings." She says rather evenly. She'd never met a dragon before, so she was a little nervous.....like if the Alexandrian river was just a creek.
Kisa was here because merchants needing help. I mean, how could she /not/ come to the aid of merchants. Kisa had no idea that what she would find would be a bronze dragon. She had followed in with the others enjoying the soft sand and the warm, desert-like, climate. And then, "Huawaha!" Kisa says, pointing at the dragon, she blinks and her jaw drops. A look of her eyes to the others, about to elbow Sasha when the woman curtsies. She blinks and stares at Sasha then! Was that what...?
Kisa's head snaps back forward to look toward the dragon and she finally gives a curtsy as well. It seems that this was the right way to greet a dragon and Kisa was not going to mess that up. Even if she did lack the words for it.
"I AM GLAD YOU HAVE COME," the merchant says. The dragon coils himself comfortably--dry scales whisper-scrape across the sand. "HAVE YOU HEARD...HAVE YOU HEARD OF LADY LASHANI'S ANNOUNCEMENT?" (+bbread 16/17) the dragon says. He pauses for effect, regarding you with great sun-discs. A gesture of his claws in the air, and the monk servant from before returns.
His man bows near you, and begins to set out trays. Scent hits the air--at first, the scent of flowers, but it soon blossoms into the dry air. It becomes many worlds, many scents. Springtime upon springtime. ...all at once, the dragon has paused in his telling. "PLEASSE ENJOY," he says.
=========================> IC: Alexandrian Tribune <========================== Message: 16/17 Posted Author Reflections Thu Sep 07 Tribune Staff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kiya Lashani, a half-sil of some repute in the noble district, is glad to announce the construction of a new manor within Alexandria's Upper City. That is, east of the River. "I wish to call it the Hall of Reflections, but that may change. The name came to the tip of my tongue, but that may be a little overused, do you think?" she told the Tribune. Why the Hall of Reflections? "I've had the greatest fascination with glass since I was a child. The way it can be turned and inspired to great heights. The semi-translucency of it as art. I hope to honor all Alexandrian artists with the manor. I look forward to hosting many events, there. Well, whatever it may end up being called. I'm sure Reos' daughter will offer Her whispers, when it's done." Lady Lashani's family is known for their quiet generosity. The Tribune expects the new manor to be a tribute to Alexandria and its people. ==============================================================================
"I have, Tangisir." Sasha even says it a couple of times to make sure she gets the name right. "I'm just curious as to what it means for us." She then looks to Kisaiya. "As long as the lady changes clothes in the basement."
You paged Arubesh with 'The dragon is a merchant, and at heart, a trader. Offering to buy or compliment some of his wares can only help what you are paid for this job, or offered information in turn. He was interviewed in the Tribune a few times. ...a tea and spice merchant. His signature was tlagi, well-known in tea circles for its unique combination of flavors. It is said it carries all flavors, from the crisp sunrise of the desert morning to its heated sunset. A thousand poems have been made of its petals. A single cup runs at least 10 gold.
Long distance to Sasha: Beaglefinder'll give the combined: The dragon is a merchant, and at heart, a trader. Offering to buy or compliment some of his wares can only help what you are paid for this job, or offered information in turn. He was interviewed in the Tribune a few times. ...a tea and spice merchant. His signature was tlagi, a...you don't remember much more than that. It was a tea?
Arubesh ponders the implications that Tangisir presented. "A hall of reflections..." He smiles and claps his hands. "Veyshani glass perhaps?" He looks to the others and peers over his gold-rimmed glasses. "All the sands. Finest in the world. Even a field of glass exists, which reflects the light of the sun with the greatest beauty." His nostrils flair at the myriad of scents that embrace the senses. "Oh, great prince, you are most gracious!" He says with appreciation. He breathes deeply over a cup of the fine tea. "Tlagi. Hint of desert rose dew. Something else?" No cream, no sugar. Tasted as it was intended. Unadulterated. "Great one, you must have a magical nose to always choose the choicest lots."