OOM: An Honorable Welcome

When Mara had opened the door,and gone in ahead, there had been a rapid commotion, right after she informed Nacoya that she was inviting some possible trading partners over. It seemed their talk would have to be postponed.

The ancient nurse rapidly rushed out to call the maids and servants to get things ready.

"You! Air and ready the guestrooms! Get spare robes and clothing ready! Hot baths!" Nacoya called out impatiently to several servants as Jican came running.

"You! Go get the proper refreshments!" The old nurse commanded some maidservants and slaves who rushed off with alacrity to get everything ready.

Jican panted and said. "I came as fast as I could..."

Mara smiled. "You arrived just in time, Jican, my honorable trading partners may need to purchase several things... preferably from us, yes? Get your notes ready please."

The hadonra nodded, quickly bowed low, and rushed over to get his books.

By the time Mara went back to beckon her new guests through, everything was ready.

***********

The hall of the House of the Acoma was wide-open, airy, high-ceilinged. The paper screens opened wide to let in the sunlight and the scents of fragrant flowers from the beautifully verdant garden.

The floormats were thick, the wood of the floor and pillars and roof were polished. The place looked remarkably similar in construction to what an earthman might know as an Japanese mansion, fit for the Heian era though the furniture, screens, grilles, and the pillars were all ornately carved or inlaid with shimmering mother of pearl and shell like that of the Balinese or Chinese. There was no metal in evidence. No gilding. Only lacquer, wood, paper, paint and mother of pearl.

There were servants standing by to greet the honored guests. They were carrying large bowls of cool, scented water, and soft, clean towels so that the travelers from distant lands might refresh themselves.

There were maidservants standing ready, carrying trays of glasses with chocha-la and chilled jomach fruit juice. And there were cushions with armrests waiting for the esteemed guests.

“Please be welcome to my house, Beauford, Zaknafein.” Mara murmured softly, seating herself and bowing to her esteemed guests.

OOM: Further Negotiations

When Beauford went off with Lujan, the drow drew Mara into conversation about trade. For now, he had somewhat unusual requests.

Along with the request for silks and fine clothing for himself and some of his friends, and the trading for jewelry and gemstones, the drow had wished to buy a few gifts for a little girl and a little boy.

He hadn't the slightest idea what to do about it. He asked Mara for her assistance in picking out gifts for them.

She was overjoyed to agree.

In the end, they had settled on some toys made of varying materials, and some silken clothes for the little girl, to be given after her second birthday.

The next request Zaknafein had was more sinister than the first, and worried the Lady of the Acoma more than she wished to admit.

He wished to purchase poisons. As many lethal venoms from insect, animal, or reptile or plant as possible.

Mara was aghast. She could not help but demand to know what he meant to use it for.

The drow reluctantly admitted that it was a courting gift, to someone he cared for, who used such poisons in their line of work.

"Is this the same person for whom you bought the tunics, or is it the person for whom you bought the robes or dresses?" Mara asked bluntly.

"Ah... The first." Zaknafein relucantly murmured. "I care greatly for that person. In the world I came from, the best way to show someone that you were... courting their favors.. was to give them things they could use, valuable, rare, expensive artifacts, weapons or poisons."

"... Your people consider poisons a courting gift?" Mara was quite disturbed.

"If the person is in a specific vocation, then yes." Zak says quietly, looking her in the eye. "Will you help me, Mara? I had thought to buy poisons from here, because they cannot be duplicated elsewhere. That would increase their value considerably, and make the courting gift more..." he looked embarrassed. "...worthy of his esteem."

"His esteem?" Mara was in shock. Well, it did explain some things. But... "You were married before, you said?"

"Forget that I mentioned it, please." Zak murmured, embarrassed by the slip of his tongue.  "I met him after the... marriage was terminated. He has been very kind to me, a wonderful person; warm, beautiful, considerate. I value him greatly."

Mara smiled slightly, warmly. "I will do the best I can, but, bear in mind, such a thing would cost you greatly, because I have to be far more circumspect about such things."

"It is all that I ask." Zaknafein bowed low in gratitude. "Thank you."

* * *
 

Some days later, Zaknafein departed with the items he had purchased in several sacks, and the vials of poisons nestled safely in belts, wrapped around his waist.

Mara counted the coins of pure, perfect metal and smiled wryly. This... should buy her a bit more time to look for options.