After a moment, Nexus nodded. "Several Councillors have had such a companion in the past. As I understand it is one part the Diadem, and one part the Councillor, meaning each of the allies it creates are unique beings."
Glancing at Sakai, Nexus added, "With the aid of Councillor Azri, perhaps a permanent effect could be created within the council chambers allow a universal understanding? It should be possible to add to the wards."
As various people expressed there wishes, Nexus added, "Councillors Aibek and Mihara would prefer to meet the Varisian trade envoys. Councillor Ayreth would prefer to follow up on the village. Do Councillors Azri and Nigrum have a preference?"
"As I understand it, our meeting with the village outside our city is later in the day. So long as things do not drag on, we can deal with the varisians first. I am sure Zirul will be interested in any ships and their crews."
This time it is the half elf that gives a raised eyebrow in response. Having recovered her composer from earlier.
"I see no reason we can not do both."
"I do have some talent with tongues." Azri noted. She didn't use it very often, but it was a good second choice when her rather impressive set of known languages wasn't enough for a given job. "I'm with Nigrum, though. Handle the trade delegation, deal with the village, do whatever else needs doing... should be fine."
Mihara seeks out Azri in their downtime, carrying a wrapped bundle of fabric.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, Azri, I'd like to discuss something with you."
She unfolds the fabric, revealing it to be an elaborate silken cloak, embroidered with the Yao clan's emblem. Tucked within are three preciously ornate bands of leather: A belt and a pair of vambraces.
The items clearly ring with faint traces of magic, though faint; remainders of enchantments long gone, perhaps.
"These are family relics belonging to my clan; they are said to have belonged to the daughter of our founding father. To the shame of my clan, however, they have lost much of their strength throughout the years."
"I understand that you have more than a little experience with objects such as these. I would like to take you up on the offer you made the others and I. Of course, I am more than happy to provide any materials you may need for such a task. Perhaps there is some task I could help you with in return? Are you in need of anything?"
The Varisian ship, the Star Dancer by her nameplate, sits in the harbour with a high water line. She is clearly not a merchant ship as one would normally think of it, but a guard dog of a ship with a number of weapon mounts on her upper deck. Those points are currently emtpy, the weapons themselves either dismantled or stored. On the horizon the rest of the Varisian merchant ships can be seen, wallowing at anchor a few miles offshore.
A small walkway has been swung to the dock, with a large man cleaning his fingernails with an unreasonably large knife for such a job and a woman with a long scarf watching people approach. They are clearly used to guarding, standing in a relaxed posture and happily chatting to anyone who approaches while keeping a close eye on any motion on the dock or in the water. Several of her crew can be seen scurrying around the ship's deck and rigging.
Noticeably the bright red paintwork on the ship's hull near the fore has been scrapped and burnt, the wood beneath freshly patched and tarred.
Nigrum arrives with Zirul and Doruk in tow. He takes in the sight of the ship, they were wise enough to disarm before docking. At least they had manners, if they seemed a little to at ease for his taste. The repairs did not escape him.
"You had trouble on your way here?"
It was as much a question as statement towards the ship's captain.
Mihara arrives alongside Nigrum, presenting the human face the party has grown most accustomed with, that of a youthful Tian woman in elaborate robes.
"Greetings," she bows. "I understand you wish to establish trade with our growing port."
Around the docks, a few workers have gathered to observe, many of them of Tian descent as well.
For now, the Yao clan's nature as kitsune remains a secret, and while many of the city's higher ups are 'in-the-know', they have been sworn to secret, due to the reputation held by Mihara's species, as well as the tactical advantages inherent to having a population of unknown shapeshifters.
"There are always people who wants to take what's not theres," the woman replied with a small smile. "Put a grapple through the hull, then tried to burn us when they realized they were getting boarded themselves."
The man eyed the towers. "Rumour it you lot will be worth trading with. The Master decided to take a chance. If you lot are in charge here then you can head up."
"Ah, pirates, disgraceful scourge they are. I am Councilor Yao Mihara, and this man here is Councilor Nigrum Ensis Halfblood. I believe a few more of our fellow councilors should be arriving any moment now. To whom do we owe the honors?"
Nigrum only stares through his mithral mask for a moment before speaking.
"I will be wanting a word about those attackers and where this happened later on. We had a similar problem before, we made out with more ships then we started to put it simply."
He looks at Mihara.
"I'll handle the guarding if you handle the trading."
Unless told otherwise he takes the lead when it comes time to board the ship, motioning for Zirul and Doruk to bring up the rear.
"Ah, pirates." Azri said, smiling slightly. "Rest assured that we have... opinions... about them. They'll not find this a welcoming court."
"By all means, go right ahead." Mihara nods, following along.
Aibek spent a bit of time listening to the wishes of people with the council chamber. Before leaving, Aibek thanked the Nexus for their suggestions and effort as well as caught up with Elie and arranged to talk with later over a late dinner at the Inn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aibek spent a few minutes in the dock talking with workers and guards at the docks. While the witchwolf wanted to see and talk with those on the new ship in the dock, they felt no need to rush with the others already there. As the others started to board, Aibek approached with a nod to the others and the man and woman on the walkway.
Pausing on the dock near the walkway as they did not want to crowd and so just said with a smile, Aibek said with a smile as they tried not to be awkward, "Welcome to Khalharum. In case you and yours would like, there are quite a few here skilled at ship repairs and I would be happy to help make arrangements for things while you are here." Aibek had little experience with formal trade much to their father's frustration but trying to get the people of Khalharum paying work alongside access to resources was something the Shadow Archon found suited their own skills...
"You'll need to discuss all that with the Master," the woman replied with a smile. "We're just the help. Nice of you all to offer, though." The man grunted, clearly less impressed. He simply waved you up instead.
On the deck of the ship a large canopy has been set up, a table with ten chairs around it sitting in the middle. A pleasant breeze makes the fine fabric dance in the wind. A tall, androgynous figure with dark hair tied back in a braid and a jacket of fine cut red and gold silk looks over from one side and smiles widely.
"Greetings, greetings! I am Valeska, owner of these fine ships and finer wares. Tales are being told in the markets of Katapesh and harbours of Andor that there are exotic goods and fine trades to be had in your little city. With your agreements and Desna's blessings, we shall make arrangements that will benefit us all." They gestured to the table with a ring laden hand. "Sit, sit. A drink, some food? A poor host I would be if you cannot find something to suit your palette."
Azri carefully focused on the man as he spoke and tried to butter them up. Now... just how honest of a trader was he, hmm? Her senses were quite keen, but one thing many people didn't realize was her body's focus on the living meant it was also really, really good at figuring out what people felt and whether or not they were lying.
"Far from me the idea of refusing such a kind offer," Mihara bows. "Might you perhaps have some tea at the ready?"
Such was Mother's wisdom: If you want to know someone, share a pot of tea. There are as many blends as there are traditions, and the handling of one's cup reflects the handling of one's thoughts.
Valeska bowed with a smile, and gestured. A petty young man in a dancer's outfit picked up a chest and knelt next to Mihara. A second walked forward and placed a trey with several teapots, glasses and cups on, steam rising in a small cloud."Many, fair Councilor. Many teas from many lands." Valeska walked over and opened the case with a flourish, red and gold in motion.
"In black teas we have the Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon. The Darkest pot is at the correct temperature. Notice the blue glaze and the gold pattern? In green teas we have plain or infused with other flavours, such as lemon, cherry and limes. In flowering teas - the clear glass, of course - we have Jasmine, Chrysanthemum and Lily. For Oolong we have the purple clay teapot burnished in silver and bronze."
With a flourish Valeska gestured to the back, where another trey of glass bottles was produced. "But the temperature is great in your fine city. Maybe you would prefer and iced variety? We have several, fresh from our cold box. The choice is, of course, yours. And for sale we have a number of other choices and varieties."
"I'd prefer sake, but I'll consider some other beer or wine if it's good enough."
He would not dishonor his host by passing up his offer of hospitality. Still he would not suffer games or flowery talk, that was Mihara's battlefield. He would simply watch and cut down anyone that gave him cause to.
The trader looked a little non-pulsed for a moment before recovering. "Ah, a challenge. My trades and journeys have taken me to the Dragon Empires, and to the places there merchants trade. I have both Futsū-shu and some Tokutei meishō-shu - albeit not much. But may I suggest you have Amazake instead, for the meeting at least?" Valeska grinned. "I would not wish anyone to think I got unfair advantage through the wicked application of strong - and very fine - drink."
Hm. I see. Decline to choose and turn the choice on your guest. They wish to impress but also to keep their cards close to their chest.
"Surprise me," She smirks, unimpressed with the blatant posturing.
Nigrum stares for a moment before responding.
"Nothing less then a jug of strong sake will have any effect on me. It takes at least a barrel to gain even a slight advantage at that. I would not wish to deplete your stores merely to prove my words."
He leaves it at that, it was the truth. He takes what is offered and removes the bottom part of his mask, letting it hang by a strap, to expose his lips and jaw. Downing the drink in one gulp, he nods to the attendant after putting down his vessel.
With another bow and a grin, Valeska replied, "As you, of course, prefer." The trader nods to one of the crew who moves to a hatch and walks to the case of teas themselves. With a flourish, he selects a small package of tea, pouring the boiling water into a small, wide pot and places the small package into the boiling water. "This is a personal preference, of course. Flowering Jasmine green tea. As you likely know, the flower will slowly bloom within the pot as the leaves enthuse the water with flavour. Once the flower has fully bloomed it will be ready to drink. Both the taste and the scent of the Jasmine are delightful, I find."
Dancing away in a flurry of motion Valeska took a pair of earthen bottles with a deep black glaze and red Tien writing along the side. "This is a fruit enthused Ginjo Sake, traditionally drunk with cups of plum enthused Umeshu wine." Placing the wine on the table by a small goblet, the trader tapped the bottle. "Forgive the lack of ceremony, but any examples of tokkuri are deep in the stores, so I'm afraid a touch of magic will have to do form warming." They placed the bottle by the small sakazuki and stepped back. "Enjoy."
Valeska looked to the other councillors, to see if they had anything they wished.
Nigrum silently walks forward fills the cup to the brim. Then downs half the bottle. Slamming it down while exhaling a mist of sake smelling breath, the traditional way of drinking among warriors as far as his people were concerned.
"Unless your going to accept this game."
Still holding the lip of the bottle he pushes it forward slightly.
"Best get to the point with Mihara. Your attendants can serve while you speak."
Letting go of the bottle he keeps his eyes locked on Valeska as he speaks once more.
"Mihara, if it's no trouble. Consider buying all their sake, if you find the cost fair of course. I defer to your judgement on such matters."
This man's games were growing tiresome, his sake would not buy much more time. They had other priorities as far as he was concerned. Wasting away the day on this one was not one of them.
Aibek's glowy eyes flickered over the two and the ship in consideration as they took a couple incorporeal steps towards but not yet onto the walkway. The shadows around their feet bubbled around them gently.
The shadow archon smiled slightly at the woman as they spoke, "I figured, that's why I told you. I find there are few better ways than talking others who work with someone to see if there is possibly interesting work and good reliable wages for the people and no way of telling if a...master...and anything they have going is worth recommending other than listening to the knowledge and opinions of their own."
Aibek turned to look over the dock and the people there for a few moments as they weighed up their thoughts. "As I said, I'm happy to help make arrangements...or recommendations. Inns, food, drink, smiths, other merchants with unusual wares... I like getting good people work and resources and... such. That and a bit of curiosity is why I'm here, talking with you. Unless you think your master would prefer more of us to show up that interrupting is worth it? I think Councilor Mihara has more than enough experience with trade and a crowded table does send messages..."...as does having shadows out. While Aibek had worked to refine many of them, there was still a lot to do and between that and feeling their own curiosity was not enough to interrupt when they could maybe be more helpful talking to the people involved and seeing if they liked the shadows involved with this floating caravan...
Azri just smiled slightly as she watched the others try some of the things that had been brought. She didn't need to eat or drink herself, although she didn't draw too much attention to that. "Foodstuffs are good for a city, but perhaps not quite as important as other supplies. The fact that things can be traded doesn't mean they should be, after all." she said, resting a hand on her chin as she looked at Valeska. "What, precisely, is in it for us if we decide to do bulk exchanges?"
"Ah, business. If you wish, let us get down to that." Valeska pulls up a seat and sits down, legs folded. "Perhaps you should look at this slightly differently. You have, what, a few hundred souls here on your land? My ships have over a thousands hands between thirteen vessels, from warships like this to bulk carriers. I own interests on three continents. And I have succeeded because I know when to take a risk. I feel your city will be a risk worth taking."
The flamboyant trader gestured to the various drinks. "The game, as the sir suggests, is simple. You seem reasonably impressed, and that is why I do this. I ask you to find another who can supply drinks from the Dragon Empires to Steel from the Mammoth Kingdoms? Spices of Qadria flavouring wines from Thuvia? I provide the finest things in life. While we carry some of the simpler things, most of my money comes from the rarer items we carry." Nodding to Azri, they added, "We offer limited amounts of bulk goods, but rarer materials, items - even magics - are what we sell. If bulk is what you need then bulk can be arranged, of course. But when setting up these deals, rare, light goods tends to be better. Spices, teas, gems, unusual metals, rare writings and foods. Alcohol sells well, as many enjoy drinking and sharing it."
Smiling, Valeska added, "I explain none of this to brag, but to make you understand why I have come. Your position here is excellent. The trade of three continents could come here. If you can make this place into a trading hub then a lot of rare and delightful things will flow through your streets. So, my request is simple. Allow me to trade here - for whatever fee you trade others - and allow me to build a factor's office here, to look after my interests, do business in my absence and acquire the stock I require. In return, I will buy your goods, carry them - and your names - to the four corners. At first, I imagine it will most be magical items gathered from the ruins of this place, but I have heard tales this city was once a fine manufacturer."
Shrugging, he added, "It is a simple deal. For now. Not much risk for me and no great risk for you. As you grow we may wish to negotiate more exclusive deals, but for now, I don't think it would make sense for either of us to be tied down. To you, I am unproven, a simple blaggart with something to sell. To me you have untapped potential but little else to offer."
He looked around the table. "Does that seem reasonable? I buy or rent land, and pay fees to trade so I can try and buy the things I wish. You sell goods you need to sell to fund Khalharum's growth and with those goods your reputation as a place to buy and sell spreads."
~~~~~
Aibek couldn't tell much, just that the pair seemed professional. There didn't seem to be any real intention of causing problems, at least, but simply had a professional wariness.
The man looked down at the shadow with a slightly confused expression and raised an eyebrow at Aibek, but the woman laughed. "Well, yes, I'm sure the people aboard ship will want to to do there own business. Drink and shopping goes down well. You can buy most things off the boss, but cake isn't easy no many how many gems you have." She laughed. "Good bakers don't often take to the sea for some reason."
The man grunted at that. "Could use a good pie."
"Yes, pie too. Always pie with you." The lady grinned. "But yes. Mostly we'll be after stuff like that - stuff you can't get aboard a ship - and the boss will probably be interested in things we can use to maintain the ships."
The man nodded. "Hulls need scraped."
Aibek's smile widened at the sound of the woman's laugh pulled the witchwolf's attention and found their own amusement in the remarks of the man's apparently well known love of pie. Aibek considered the pair and their word - they appeared cautious, hard working, and didn't seem likely to cause any trouble...and one quite liked baked goods...this...this Aibek could try to work with or at least be sensible enough with to not feel like they were messing things up for the others.
"Pies and cake, you say? Well, Khalharum has a couple inns that make and serve those and a few nice bakeries. I have my own personal favourite of course, though I guess it would depend on what kinds you like best...I prefer savoury pies with plenty of filling and soft thin pastry though most are fine as long as it isn't dry." Aibek said as they started to relaxed enough to be casual about this.
Azri listened patiently as the merchant made his sales pitch, and afterwards, he smiled. It was so nice dealing with people who had success as their goal. "Your proposal does indeed sound quite reasonable, and I appreciate that sort of thing." she told him frankly. "We can work out the exact details at a later time, but unless anyone has a major objection, I think you'll find our city quite welcoming to trade. Any taxes won't be too onerous - I believe in long-term growth-" because she was planning to see that long-term, "-and that means having a city that's affordable and welcoming. And..." she smiled slightly, then gestured to the harbor and reconstruction efforts. "...at least for now, much is going to rebuilding, strengthening, and fortifying the city. In a very real way, taxes for the present time are an investment in the security of your new offices against all manner of trouble."
She was definitely a 'yes' if they cared to put it to a vote. "My other question at the moment... is there anything that, as a merchant, might cause you to hesitate? We're planning to crack down hard on piracy and ensure the city is reasonably lawful, and one doesn't succeed at trade around the world by being narrow-minded..." she smiled at the man, "...but ultimately, we'd like many people to feel welcome on our streets. Even if they might be considered, well, monstrous elsewhere, if they prove capable of following our laws and integrating with our city, we're not likely to turn them away."
Nigrum turned to Azri for a moment.
"What does that have to do with anything? I've been called monstrous plenty of times. Never been turned away from anywhere."
He turns back to the merchant.
"Why don't you deal with Katapesh, they are near by and their market is greater then any other. Or bring your business to Okeno, they are even closer. You have said what you can offer, yet you have not said what we can offer that no other can. It is not our location, it is not our market, yet it is something I think. You would do well to speak it and plainly so."
He would not suffer a stranger with secrets coming into his home. They had enough enemies from without, they did not need them slipping with in. They had already been warned of that not to long ago.
Mihara internally curses herself for always leaving the business of knowing who is who to her older brother. Surely, they'd dealt with these merchant before, but she couldn't remember.
"A fine point, Nigrum. I would be quite curious to know the same."
"As a merchant, nothing should phase me but an emtpy purse. As a relatively decent person..."Valeska considered for a moment. "My people are Varisian, yes? We value freedom because we didn't have it. We have felt the heel of Cheliax, the Tyrant and many others. Yet we keep to the roads and the seas and wander. I will offer no objection to selling no motal lives."
The trader shrugged. "I only carry medically useful drugs, but some find other uses for them, and that I cannot do much about. Weapons are again the rarer side of things, and not usually the sort of thing the average murderer has. Theft is a concern. Say what else you wish about Khatapesh - and there is much to say about the place - they excel at keeping thieves down."
"And I do deal with Khatapesh," Valeska said with a smile and a nod to Nigrum. "Okeno offers nothing but slaves, but Khatapesh offers most things. But your position makes you ideal to see trade, and visiting Khatapesh can make Andoran uneasy about trading with you. I hope, over time, to remove my need to go to Khatapesh - and further south, too - by trading here instead. For that to happen, you must grow, and so I come to help." Afte a short pause, they added, "And make money."
~~~~
The woman considered Aibek's comment. "Does anyone actually like dry pastry?"
Her companion grunted, "Victor."
The female guard waggled a finger. "No, Victor doesn't care, that's not the same thing as liking." She grinned at Aibek. "So do you Council folk usually give random guards hints and tips about the place, or just the pretty ones?"
The other guard frowned. "I'm not pretty."
Sighing, his companion replied, "Nor quick on the uptake."
Nigrum studied the merchant for a moment.
"Merchants only help when it serves them and they only gamble when their is a great fortune waiting."
He did not think it was that simple, few things in life were. The man had to much gold and to many people at his call. If that was what he truely sought he would have established himself here long before their arrival. The city brimming with trade by now with his resources poured in. No, this one was holding something back. He didn't know what it was. The merchant had found out something valuable that he had not known before. That made more sense and he wasn't able or willing to cross Khalharum, at least not yet.
"Regardless of any trade agreements, only one of your ships will be allowed to remain docked at a time. Any crew that leaves the ship will not leave this island. The others hold nothing but danger and ruins, as well as some neighbors that value their peace and privacy. Any violators or looters will be dealt with accordingly. Fair enough?"
He looked to his comrades for any disagreement with his terms. He planned on keeping an eye on these people, a close eye for now.
Aibek chuckled lightly, glancing back over the people at the dock. This...this was how rumours - among other things - got started, "I simply like bringing people together in mutually beneficial ways...if I can make your stay better so you return and get some people here nice customers and pay, I find that worth my time. Talking to interesting, beautiful people is merely an enjoyable occasional side benefit..."
Valeska raised an eyebrow at Nigrum's comment. "Well...yes. I thought I was clear about that?" The merchant looked at Azri and Mihara. "I was clear about that, yes? This benefits me in opening up newer, easier to access markets. It also happens to benefit you. I mean, I am a generous soul, and tithe cheerfully to Desna. But you aren't Desna. I'm doing this because, well, profit." Valeska shook there head, obviously slightly baffled by why wanting to make money seemed to be a bad thing.
"As for your terms...unacceptable. A single ship carries a fraction of my stocks. It would take weeks to cycle through them all, selling what your people need or desire before we move on. It would take too long for too little benefit. The warships I'll keep out your harbour, if you so wish. Their crews can come onshore with the merchant crews for some shore leave." Valeska smiled slightly. "This is a trading port, yes? Not a military complex? From I have seen from here you have the space for the kind of fair I intend. I will agree to my people carrying no blade longer than a hand without peacebonding, and no blunt weapons. I will trust your own people can protect mine. Lightly armed ships and lightly armed people should be secure enough, yes?"
Considering for a moment, they added, "My crews will stick to the inhabited islands, as you wish. We're here to buy, not plunder the ruins ourselves. Too expensive. My crew will be bound by your laws, as this is your land. But I or a senior member of my company will be present during any trial."
~~~~~
The man looked confused. "Am I interesting?"
The woman sighed. "Only on occasions, Drahl. Only on occasions."
He considered this. "So I'm not pretty and only occasionally interesting?"
She nodded. "Yes, pretty much."
After a moment he shrugged. "Eh, I'll take it. My spouses would probably agree."
Rolling her eyes, the lady looked back at Aibek. "But yes, it's nice to know you're having fun talking...to me." She side eyed Drahl. "My name is Sonali, by the way."
"No ships in the harbor will be armed, lightly or otherwise. Your siege engines need not be removed but they will be disassembled while in the harbor. All cargo will be searched before being brought ashore. The amount of crew allowed will be limited, a sudden influx of people will benefit no one. You can take that up with another councilor, that is not my purview. You will make us aware of all known spellcasters and they will not carry spell components while ashore or use spells without consent. Agreeable?"
Even if the merchant was honest, he had his responsibilities to the city and it's people. Even if these people were not danger, they could be carry something dangerous. Knowingly or not, he may call upon Qarven for his expertise in flora and fauna. Azri could deal with the spellcasters and magical items. Perhaps he should find an expert or speak to Azri of finding one to ease her burden concerning his own post.
Aibek smiled in amusement at the pair's conversation as they glanced in the direction they had seen the other councilors go for a moment before returning their attention to the woman.
"Lovely to meet you Sonali, I am an Aibek, Councilor of Khalharum from Minkai via Ädilettilik." Aibek said, with a small salute starting at the side of their goggles that were still resting on top of their head. The shadows at their feet twisted at the mention of the Shadow Planes territory. Aibek was still working on their introduction, it still felt clunky to the shadow archon and some people didn't care for details but many wanted at least some explanation for Aibek's look, accent, and...oddities. Place names that rolled well worn from Aibek were a start.
"How long has your recent voyage been?" Aibek asked as they attempted to make small talk with the guards.
Valeska leaned back in the chair and gestured to the mounts where the ships' weapons had been. "Agreed. I will make it clear to my people that they are not to cast non-benign spells. Doing so, especially those which manipulate the mind, is something I frown upon anyway outside of battle. I would suggest allowing those who can heal to carry whatever allows them to do so - it would be ironic is someone suffered for want of a spell because a Holy Symbol was in a locker somewhere - but that is your choice."
~~~~~
Sonali considered for a moment. "I don't think Valeska ever actually stops. Just occasionally pauses. I signed on with him three years ago. He's been trading for some time before that."
"This trip has been...Piratical," the guard said, making a face. "They tried to take us off the coast of Cheliax. Shackles pirates most likely. Silly buggers. Thought they could lure us from the cargo ships, plunder and run."
"Generally, we have no problem with healers here." Azri answered with a faint smile. "Speaking of, if you have any friends at the Church of Abadar-" Hah, 'if'. He was a merchant. "-please feel free to recommend the city and let them know that we're happy to have them here. It would actually be rather nice to have some good vaults for the citizens to use."
"They can keep their holy symbols but they will be peacebound, undisplayed and packed, on their person. Regardless they will need to make us aware of them before going ashore. Also we currently lack a working temple, any religious rites or ceremonies will need to be run by us. So that we can set aside a proper place for them. We do not discourage religion but we do not need them interfering with things or competing."
He didn't need to deal with zealots getting into arguments in the streets. Or stirring up favor in the streets ether. Then again he didn't need to deal with this annoying merchant ether, but that was not his department. Unless the merchant made it, he may enjoy that actually.
Three years... Aibek considered for a moment as they glanced down to marks on their hand that went up their sleeve. A lot can change in a few months, let alone how different things were now for the witchwolf than they were three years ago.
"Rough going, though it sounds more for them than for yourselves. Three years must bring some interesting tales..."
"If you would please excuse us for a moment," Mihara apologises. "I must admit I was not expecting the finer points of coastal law to come up so soon, and my colleagues and I had not yet considered certain points. Ours is, after all, a new nation."
"Nigrum, if you would?"
Mihara takes her fellow swordsman aside out of earshot.
"All due respect, friend, but your idea of security in the port appears..." Mihara takes some time to weigh her words, trying to avoid anything overly confrontational. "... excessive. I will say, from having headed a few merchant expeditions myself, that any port that required me to leave my swords and this emblem," she indicates her symbol of Daikitsu for emphasis, "behind, is not one I would be trading within."
"Perhaps we might reconsider the terms? I agree about restricting the spellcasting, but not so much on the peacebinding. Let us trust the people to keep their weapons where they belong, shall we? Even if we should get pirates, I understand that our forces would be more than ready to apprehend them."
Azri nodded to the merchant and followed along with Mihara. "Security is important, but it can be too much." she added quietly. "We do need a balance between protecting the city and encouraging outsiders. Anything too harsh - especially this early - may set us back and ultimately make us weaker. We can always strengthen rules later if we need to."