[Jazzy]

"Ah, lovely," she said, leaning forward a bit. "Straight to the point, very good.

"The Nuralian Merchants' Guild, as implied by the name, represents the Nuralian holdfast in matters of trade. We have access to most resources produced in the holdfast, and are able and authorized to both import and export. The main pure resources that the holdfast currently produces, aside from smaller industries of common goods, are dyes, mainly in the ochre and yellow range of colors, but greens are quite common too - blues would be more expensive to produce but could be done, if in smaller amounts - as well as copper and tin ore and refined metal.

"I understand that Mestrland already has a thriving domestic copper industry, so while Nuralian copper is of quite good quality, perhaps you wouldn't be too interested in this particular resource. However, if my research is correct, you do not have any easy access to tin, correct? If so is the case, we would be able to provide a supply of said metal for your use, or if you wish to skip a step in the production chain we could indeed export ready made bronze as well. 

"This brings me around to our main export goods, one of which - bronze - you've already heard of now. We do supply some bronze goods as well, if there is demand for it. Armour, weapons, tools, et cetera. Along a similar line we do also have access to a more exotic material. An endemic mineral to the Peaks, red crystals that - while quite brittle when compared to metal - serves as a good analogy to bronze equipment and can be used as a substitute in most situations. Myself, I have this." 

She ended her statement with withdrawing a little container from a nearby drawer and placing it before Adri. Inside was a knife, not particularly notable, except for the fact that it seemed to be made of red glass, presumably the crystal of which Ningñalëka had spoken. "Please, inspect it if you wish. While it may look like glass, I assure you its integrity is quite sturdy, akin to bronze," she said and sat down again. 

"Other than this, we also have a quite extensive production of cloth and clothing articles. This in combination with our production of dyes allows crafting of some quite intricate wares, of which I'm sure you could find quite some use. 

"And finally, we of course produce the everyday goods of any holdfast, moderate amounts of timber and food, stone, expertise within various fields. If there was interest, we could sell this on for reasonable compensation, too. I hear the boatbuilders of Nurali are quite proficient, even if I personally don't know much of the field." 

Finally, she leaned back and relaxed, taking a moment to let Adri have it all sink in. She smiled to herself as she considered her earlier choice of words. Perhaps she had gotten carried away. The poor man hadn't asked for an entire lecture on Nuralian domestic industry, but oh well, at least he would be more informed about the goods they could offer now. He could always ask if there were any specific things he wondered about.

[Loller Corleone]

Adri carefully listened to everything his host was saying. He leaned back on his scratched his chin. He took a moment to think about everything that was said so far.

"Your bronze goods looks like an interesting prospect for trade. We definitely could use some of that in Mestrland. A war is on the horizon, I heard.. more weapons and Armour will definitely be required. Talking about food, what kind of food resources do you offer?"

[Jazzy]

(Oh dear, sorry for taking over a month to reply, I have no excuse, that's just bad on my part ;A; )

"Very well. We should be able to supply a certain amount of bronze alloys. Your landlocked position will provide some barrier to easy delivery, but against slightly higher fees we should nevertheless be able to make the deliveries. Unless, of course, you would be able to transport the goods from the shore yourselves. We have been looking into establishing a harbor somewhere around the Marshes, this could be a good opportunity for us both to extend our infrastructure, should we opt for this option. Otherwise deliveries will likely be conducted by caravan across the dry lands. This is a slower journey, but can be accomplished if need be.

"As for weapons and armor, we do have some domestic production in Nurali, though mostly to equip our own forces. I could place an order to increase production, but while production adapts the prices will be higher due to demand. The simplest way of supplying you would be to deliver materials for production in Mestrland, but if you prefer, we should be able to rise to fill demand as well.

"Nurali is agriculturally... less inviting, shall we call it, compared to some places. But we grow various kinds of oats, barley, and the like. Among the mountains some grow cacti and fruits of various kinds, but seeing as the area has recently been quite depopulated after the establishment of Nurali the city, deliveries can be a bit sparse. So while these products are nicer they also have less availability and are priced thereafter. There is talk of using the hot springs to create greenhouses, but these plans are still underway and have yet to start producing, I'm afraid. If you're interested I'm sure we could start exporting some food to Mestrland. We might even be able to act as a go-between trading hub if you're looking to have goods delivered from some other holdfast."

[Dagon]

A covered wagon pulled by two heavyset draft horses rolled to a stop in front of the guild. It was a relatively ornate wagon with well sanded sides and ornate carvings along the topmost boards. However the truly eye-catching detail was the small pennant that hung atop the wagon's covered top: The stark white symbol of a bat fluttered in the wind. Behind the wagon a pair of outriders bedecked in padded gambesons and armed with heavy tipped spears. Each outrider pulled their horse to a stop and scanned the area with practiced ease. There was likely little danger in the area but it paid to make a good impression with potential partners; safety and security of goods was often a lucrative aspect, especially in these trying times.

A man thin man with sandy blond hair and a hawkish nose stepped off the wagon, surveying the area with a slight smile. This would be a perfect position to trade. Their high altitude and rocky soil likely meant their harvest was subpar and judging from the state of the building it was not part of the aristocracy either. He carefully adjusted the soft doublet that fit snuggly around his chest. The fabric was a rich violet color and intricate gold filigree was carefully pressed into the edges. Behind the nobleman six servants disembarked from the backside of the cart, each carrying a small chest full of goods to be present as a show of wealth and the quality of trade that Theaca can bring.

Once the small procession was arranged perfectly the nobleman strode forwards and knocked on the door three times before stepping back and taking his place. With a quick glance back he  made absolute certain that the servants were standing evenly and with a slight outwards staggering to form a shallow "v" shape in order to show whomever answered that each person came bearing a gift. "This will be splendid." The nobleman muttered to himself, and in truth it must be for his station was on the line should the endeavor fail.

[Jazzy]

The door to the guild soon swung open, revealing the form of Ithañai, one of the many apprentices at the guild, who promptly bowed slightly in greeting and stepped aside to allow them access. 

"Welcome! I am Ithañai, lower level representative of the Nuralian Merchants' Guild. It is a pleasure to have you here, representatives of Theaca. I have heard your lands are very beautiful. Please, come in, I may show you to a waiting room if you please or we could go straight to negotiations. I am authorized to speak on behalf of the Guild, but if you wish, I should be able to get the Master Merchant ready soon. We were not expecting your arrival so soon, I'm afraid she's still preoccupied, but of course, your case will take priority once she learns of your presence." 

As she stepped aside, the entrance was revealed. It had been upgraded since the Guild moved in, certainly, but it was still in a perhaps less than ideal state. While a newly laid floor gave the space a lighter feeling, and the upper levels had been torn out to create a grander entrance hall, much of the façade was still covered in cloth and scaffolding. Some artisans were working their way across it, laying down new paneling and painting in details. 

"Please excuse the state of the building," Ithañai said apologetically. "The Guild only recently moved into this facility, and there was need for extensive renovations. Our offices do however stand ready, and we are fully prepared to provide you with a trade agreement of quality."

[Dagon]

"It is a pleasure to meet you Ithañai. My name is Iames." The man returned the bow with a slight smile before stepping inside and taking a look around.  The guild was certainly doing well enough to rebuild and so hopefully they would be open to new relations. The news that they had arrived early was a welcome surprise. It would allow Iames to get a better read on just how the guild was doing and if that could be used to his own advantage.

"A waiting room would be delightful. I am sorry if our early arrival caused any trouble." His tone was cordial and soothing, honed to a honeyed edge from years of practice. With a sharp flick of his fingers the trailing servants filed inwards, carrying their casks with perfectly blank expressions. "Please do not trouble the Master Merchant too much. I'm certain we will have all the time in the world to discuss Theaca's relationship with your guild." Iames motioned with his hands towards the servants, directing attention to the casks. "Would it be a breach of protocol to allow my servants to escort me? I'm afraid I cannot carry the gifts we have brought by myself." In truth it was partially a genuine question and partially a power-play to mention that Theaca had, in their seeming magnanimity, brought a plethora of gifts for the head of the guild.

[Jazzy]

Ithñai nodded and started down one of the corridors. "Not at all, you are welcome to bring your entourage. We appreciate the gifts greatly, you will be able to present them to the Master Merchant in short order. Please follow me." 

She led them to a large open room, lined with seating arrangements. Along one of the walls there was a small buffet of assorted foodstuffs. Dried fruit, crackers, and some local delicacies along with pitchers of water. Ithañai motioned to them and then out across the room in a sweeping motion. "Please help yourselves to some refreshments, if you please, and take some seats. I will inform the Master Merchant of your arrival. She should be with you shortly. While you wait, if you should have any questions or requests, there are other apprentices in the adjacent rooms, you may talk to them there or just stop them as they pass by should you be in need. If there is nothing else, I will depart, and bid you all once more welcome to the Guild."

[Dagon]

"Thank you kindly for your hospitality." Iames took a quick look around, his eyes settling on the food. He was quite famished after the trip and it all looked appetizing. However, rules of hospitality dictated that he maintain appearances until Ithñai left. "Very well we shall wait here for the Master Merchant. I am certain that if our talks to bear fruit your master will reward you most handsomely as well." After finishing speaking Iames strode over to a seat and settled in, crossing one leg over the other. The picture of poise and patience. If need be he'd wait days, weeks, even months to be seen by the Master Merchant.

Behind him the servants remained standing and unmoving. The only telling sign that they were humans and not just painted rocks was the occasional blink of the eyes and the measured breathing that was nearly unnoticeable, a strange mannerism Theacan courts prefer: the appearance of perfect stillness and calm.  Each one would carry the heavy cask without complain for as long as they possibly could for the honor of their patron.