D5EE, Stained with Ink (Open)

[Otomo Gusai]

Gusai matches it.

"As do we all, Makime-sama," he says. "I'll not pry, if you do not wish to share them with me."

[Makime Ayano]

"Thank you Otomo-sama," Ayano smiled appreciatively. "To return to perhaps our original topic...might I inquire as to the length of your normal trips from north to south, it will be faster then even with the roadway but I am curious how much so."

[Otomo Gusai]

"Going north is usually faster than going south," Gusai replies, "given prevailing winds. With a good wind and no other stops, you're looking at a week, maybe ten dayss sail from Stag lands to Spider, and twice that going the other way.

"But then," he adds, "winds aren't always good. Count on half again as much, on average."

~~~~~
Estimates based on admittedly sloppy math; GM advice and correction would be appreciated.

[Makime Ayano]

"Still shorter then the trip by foot." Ayano nodded, "But given the times...I imagine one must never leave port empty. Do you trade up the coast, or just sail to one port? I imagine one could increase profits by carefully conducting a series of trade missions with the goal of trading a previous good for what you wish to carry to the next port."

[Otomo Gusai]

"It's not many who're of a mind to ask about such things," Gusai replies. Then he smiles. "I'm glad you do!

"You're right that shipping usually goes port to port to port up and down the coast, trading for, say, tea in one port and taking that up to trade it for honey, and on up the coast. For some goods, though, there are more direct trips, with some receiving multiple trips annually. Shiro Akodo, for one, gets a lot of direct traffic."

[Makime Ayano]

"All the more reason to stabilize trade...I imagine one of the worst fates for you is to travel with an empty ship." Ayano blinked, "...if I may ask what did you bring up to port when you sailed with the goal of coming here? And are your crew still plying the routes without you?"

[Otomo Gusai]

"Actually, the trip here was something of a command performance," Gusai replies. "We shipped with the materials to conduct the embassy here, save for draught animals. Crew was instructed to await our return, since the Lady Hantei and the young lord will need conveyance."

He shrugs.

"Of course, if they've gotten other orders from higher up, they'll obey, but that's not something I can attest from here.

"But I'd imagine your own holdings are operating similarly?"

[Makime Ayano]

"Mother and Lord Akodo value order and discipline greatly," Ayano nods solemnly.

"Still...seems to be a losing proposition for them. What do you sailors do between voyages?"

[Otomo Gusai]

"Some will find local work," Gusai replies. "Others, ah, enjoy what port towns have to offer--and so find themselves needing more work soon. Depending on the port, there might be visits to family. Almost always prayers to Suitengu. Much as I'm told landlubbers do between assignments, if with slightly different focus.

"But we try not to be in port for long at a time, except at the home port."

[Makime Ayano]

"Best to have your return plans in place before even heading out then." Ayano nodded, then shook her head, "...so that is what some of the coastal dwellers meant by a ship in port. I guess for most of the peddlers it was a great time to trade when a bunch of bored sailors visit their town."

[Otomo Gusai]

"Oh, yes!" Gusai replies with some enthusiasm. "There're always hands looking for gifts for home, that kind of thing. And fancy clothes for wearing in port, too; aboard, you don't dress up so much, but ashore, well, you've got to look your best."