[D1 LM Light and Shadow] Another Day, Another Dollar (Open)

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora followed Qasim; She recalled asking him about teas before, but she was curious if this Unicorn had some insider knowledge neither of them might have.

[Ide Rettousei]

"Hm," Rettousei says. "Oh! Purple Needle! No, no, not for...what did the Iuchi say about...oh! Maybe that one?"

The Ide gestures.

"That one, Kanwa, is a blend I've seen our healers recommend."

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim nodded "an excellent choice, I am no Healer myself but if it comes with the Luchi stamp of approval I'm sure it will be just what our Moto friend needs." Qasim said setting aside the mentioned bag.

And then looking to Rettousei he grabs the bag of Purple Needle "and a gift for your helpfulness Ide-sama"

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora continued to follow the two, the shortish princess listening and such. She was happy they were helping her, quite hopeful Yasul would perk up with a taste of home. One with some medicinal properties no less!

[Ide Rettousei]

"I could hardly accept so gracious a thing," Rettousei replies to Qasim, reflexively polite by Rokugani standards. "A man cannot sell what he gives away."

[Qasim al-Basiri]

"And a man must learn when he is no longer in Rokugan. I have had experience with your gift giving game with some of the merchants I met on my expedition. I respect the custom but no need for your refusals here. You have helped someone I care about. I give you a gift in return." He said smiling throughout

"Besides I can stand to lose a few pool and maybe securing a new customer for the foreseeable future." A little chuckle "see not entirely altruistic."

[Ide Rettousei]

Rettousei inclines his head. "Then if it is not rude to do so," he says, "I accept the gift with gratitude--because a man must learn wherever he may go.

"But when were you in Rokugan, if I may?"

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora hadn't actually heard this story yet either, so she was all ears, practically standing on her toes to hear better.

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim saw the earnest interest from the small woman and and turned more fully toward the both of them "Well technically I've never been inside Rokugan proper as I was informed that no...gaijin?" He said with a unfamiliarity with the word "are allowed within the border."

"I did however get to spend two weeks in Khanbulak trading and networking. It was a very enriching experience. The great tent city outside was full of interesting people and the half of Khanbulak I got to see was quite exciting."

[Ide Rettousei]

"Khanbulak is an interesting place," Rettousei agrees. "I've spent some time there, if not as much as some. But I enjoyed it.

"And as to the gaijin," he adds, "there is reason for it. Earlier encounters with voyagers went less than well, and an old ruler decreed that it must be so. Our rulers have the favor of the Heavens, and we are sworn to obey them, so we must do as we are bidden.

"But I am told that much the same is true in the Jewel, that those who rule must be obeyed." He smiles. "There are commonplaces from which amity may be built."

He turns to Soraya. "I do ill to exclude you, lady. And it will help to have a name to put to such a face as yours." Another slight bow.