"No, nothing special in itself, other than, as you say, it is what others use. It would make trading with foreigners easier for your people, but that is all." She pauses. "I would recommend against using a valuable substance such as gold, as it runs the risk of the currency being more valuable than ...

"That would be very favorable to my family," Viveki says, nodding. "I would be interested in working out a former arrangement when you have the time."

Viveki listens to the explanation and nods. "Are your family still merchants, then? Or did they leave that behind to become warriors?"

I'm a bit overwhelmed with spoons at the moment. I'm trying to stay active, so please be patient with me. XD

"Yes, indeed." Viveki smiles. "I am hoping that we can do much business together. My family has access to goods from across all the world, many if which are not found in your lands. Materials, spices, dyes, new types of foods.... all of which would likely command a high price here in your lands, onc...

Viveki nods at the information. "Good, good. Much of my talks have been with the leaders of this land and their spouses abs direct vassals. I want to know what you think of this empire."

"Again, mutual self-interest. If we had a trade deal, it would be in my best interest to honor the terms, because to do so would lose me an influential client. You would speak to others of my untrustworthy nature, and they would be less inclined to do business with me. Thus, it is in my best interes...

Viveki inclines her head at the compliment. "I promise you, we have many idiots and rude fools among my people. Fortunately, they rarely cast their ambitions beyond our borders." She spreads her hands out in front of her. "However, I am a merchant, and a merchant does not make money by being rude or...

"The Nezumi are not far from the Kingdoms," she admits. "My home is nearer to their lands than many, so that part of the journey did not take long."

She looks the other woman up and down. "Forgive me for asking, but you are not the daughter or wife of a god, yes?"

"Perhaps, but would they not also refuse twice as is custom?" She turns the vial over in her hands as she speaks. "In my country, there is a saying that only one you trust can betray you."

"Yes, that is me." Viveki grins, then clasps her hands together and bows. "Viveki Doshi, of the Doshi family, of the Ivory Kingdoms. Clan of Akodo woukd be the large cats, yes? I forget the name."

"I shall accept, thank you." She carefully picks up the vial. "I am curious, if both people know the gift is to be refused twice, then are they not being insincere in their offers and refusals?"

The temple found itself blessed with a second traveler, albeit one that didn't care overly much about its gods. Feet crunching in the snow, Viveki nods to the Lion as she approaches. "Good morning."

Viveki nods her head. "Yes, but I would not want to take something you treasure from your hands. It would be better to keep it."

Viveki nods in agreement. "Many nations have copper coins, which work well. Adopting so.ething similar would make future trade easier." She withdraws a copper coin and passes it to him to examine. "Once things are up and moving, you would only have to regulate how much coin is produced. Many people ...

"Then I could not accept, as your people have already shown me great hospitality."

"It is... largely decided by market demands, which is to say, it is worth what people believe it to be worth. I know that is not a good answer, but right now, you have a general sense of how much a chicken is worth compared to, say, one of your swords or a ring made of gold." She lifts a hand, displ...

Viveki looks at the vial, then furrows her brow. "Is this a situation where one would refuse the gift twice? It is very difficult trying to discern when that particular custom applies."

"That is true," she replies, inclining her head at the compliment. "Shifting to a set currency would be my first suggestion. The barter system is awkward to use, especially as the scale of a transaction increases. If you wished to purchase five hundred pounds of rice from me, how would you pay? With...

Viveki clasps her hands together, bows, and takes the offered seat. "That is correct. Thank you for meeting with me. I had hoped to speak with you at court, but perhaps a more informal setting is better." She smiles warmly. "In the interest of your time, I shall make my words short. I learned yester...