The storehouse has quieted after the market. Folded rugs and sealed herb bundles stand arranged beneath the awning, ready for departure, while the clerk continues her accounts nearby.
Lethira appears at the entrance carrying the blue-bordered rug’s empty wrapping and a small household list. She pauses when she sees Shulkar still beside the goods.
the clerk
I will be at the far table, merchant. Your records are complete, and I can give you privacy without leaving the storehouse unattended.
Lethira
Good evening, Shulkar. I hope I am not interrupting your departure. The rug has been well received at home.
She sets the empty wrapping carefully atop a crate and unfolds the list. Several lines are marked in charcoal, including herbs, preserving supplies, and another rug.
Lethira
My household asked whether you still have coastal herbs sealed for tomorrow, and whether any rugs remain in colors suitable for a smaller room.
The clerk lowers her quill and keeps her attention on the ledger, granting them the promised privacy. Lethira waits beside the crate, list open between both hands.
✓ Quest Accepted
Build a personal connection with Lethira
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure repeat coastal herb trade with Lethira's household
“Shulkar happily gives her information concerning what more he can sell. "If I may ask more concerning your household, how I can best sell to you Lethira... is just you and your family as in parents. Or are you married?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Etiquette, rolled -2)
Shulkar
If I may ask about your household, Lethira, I can better judge what to bring and how to sell it to you. Is it you and your family, such as your parents, or are you married?
The question leaves the quiet awning plainly exposed. Shulkar’s eager explanation costs him a little bargaining ground, as Lethira now knows his attention is personal as well as commercial.
Lethira
I understand. I live with my parents and younger brother. I am not married, Shulkar, though my household has no shortage of opinions about the matter.
Lethira
For our home, smaller rugs in blue, green, or russet would sell best. Sealed coastal herbs, preserving salt, and modest copper vessels would also interest us.
She marks each preference on the household list, then adds a second note for neighboring homes. Her answer gives Shulkar both the family’s circumstances and a practical route to future sales.
the clerk
Merchant, remember to enter any household order before you leave the yard. A spoken promise is useful, but the ledger protects both sides.
Lethira
Bring those colors tomorrow, if you have them. I will speak with my family, and we can discuss the prices together.
“It is pleasing to you she is not married. You extend your hand to her. "A deal, I would be delighted to come. While a formal handshake, you both linger a little longer, and she gently squeezes your hand.”
Shulkar
A deal. I would be delighted to come.
Shulkar extends his hand across the list. Lethira accepts it in a formal merchant’s handshake, her fingers warm and steady beneath the storehouse awning.
Neither withdraws at once. The ledger, household list, and folded wrappings remain between them while the quiet market settles into evening.
Lethira
Then we have an agreement, Shulkar. I will expect you tomorrow, with the colors and goods we discussed.
Her hand gives his a gentle squeeze before she lets go. The gesture is brief, but her smile lingers as she gathers the marked list.
Lethira
I will tell my family that you are coming. They will want to inspect the rugs closely, but they will listen to your prices.
Lethira folds the list and lifts the empty wrapping from the crate. She leaves the awning with an unhurried step, while the clerk’s quill resumes its quiet scratching nearby.
Quest Complete
Build a personal connection with Lethira
Quest Complete
Secure repeat coastal herb trade with Lethira's household