Further Exploration

[Pièter Kolcei]

It had been a week since my arrival and I had been exploring, studying, and had meet two persons who seemed able and willing to help me in my acclimation. If there were two more different persons in the whole wide world I would certainly be hard pressed to think on them, but each had worth in their own way. And I tried to not think too hard on the red headed one less I start furiously blushing yet again.

But now at last I could make a contact I had been prepared for. Anzeka Collections run by one Mirsada Anezka who's father is Illyrian and her family now resides in Illyria. If there was anyone who could be of aid to me she was certainly it. Thus I made my way into the shop one fine morning.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I was arranging some new items on a shelf when the little bell above the door rang and I looked up.

A wide smile broke out on my face when I saw the man standing in the doorway. I had no idea of his name, but there was no doubt where he was from.

"Good day," I said, still smiling and moving to where he stood. "Welcome to my store, I am Mirsada."

[Pièter Kolcei]

"I know" I smiled "it is a pleasure to meet you Lady Mirsada Anezka. My name is Pièter Kolcei and I wsa recently assigned as the ambassador to Terre d' Ange." I stepped closer "So it occurred to me it is proper that I make your acquaintance. Sorry I did not announce my visit, but I am still getting myself settled about town."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"No apologies required. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador," I said, curtseying gracefully. I was thrilled to have the Illyrian ambassador here.

"Please, come in." I motioned him deeper into my shop. "Would you like some tea?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

I followed her “That would be wonderful thank you.” I took in the shop and her wares as I moved deeper into the building. Perhaps my uncle had over stated our poor trade relations a little bit and the lady was certainly pleasant in and of herself. I was not sure if she spoke my language to I carried on in the D’Angeline tongue mine was good though I could never shake my accent.

“My principle charge upon being sent here is trade. So I figured you were a very important person to speak with.”

[Mirsada Anezka]

I led him to the little sitting area I kept just off the store floor, indicating that he should sit wherever he liked.

"I'm flattered," I told him, smiling as I took the kettle from it's place over the brazier and filled the teapot. "Are you looking into national level trade or something more intimate?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

I settled into the chair that was offered and composed myself my hands folded neatly in my lap. “Thank you.” I then continued “Actually all of the above. Unfortunately Illyria has a reputation as producing mostly pirates. This is of course largely due to propaganda by Caerdicca Unitas but that does not change the fact it has an affect.”

I cleared my throat a bit and soldiered on “I have been pleasantly surprised though to find more than a few of my country people residing and prospering in the City. So mayhap things are not as bad as we initially thought. But still more open trade would do a great deal for us as a nation toward dispelling that whole pirate image. Having said that such matters generally start on a small scale the intimate leads to the national if you will.” Gods of the Deep I hoped I was not babbling again but it did make sense to me.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I took a seat across from him as I waited for the tea to steep.

"I think you may be even more surprised to see far d'Angelines have come to accepting Illyrian's as more than just pirates the longer you are here. There are some, for certain, who will never think the best of any other nation, but the more Terre d'Ange deals with the world at large, the more they are willing to see past the rumors," I said, smiling. "In fact, the Illyrian items I offer here are always a well received. I think you are right that there is definitely a place for further trade expansion here for Illyria."

[Pièter Kolcei]

“I must admit certain D’Angelines have accepted me rather warmly.” My cheeks colored a bit certainly Lessa accepted me warmly though things were a bit awkward. Then there was the blessed absence of the P-word being used as my first name in most cases. I glanced at the tea as it steeped and then looked back to my hostess.

“My Lady you are the one doing business here not to mention the one who was born here. I have done my studying, but studying does not replace experience and the only way one gets experience is to earn it.” My composure returned now that I was back to business “So tell me what are your thoughts on the best way to accomplish those ends?”

[Mirsada Anezka]

Rising, I returned to where the tea.

"My answer on that account, Ambassador will depend a lot of how willing you are to, as they say, get your hands dirty," I told him, a soft laugh in my tone.

I transferred the tea to another pot to ensure no leaves lingered in the brew, a gift from my mother that just happened to be from Illyria. I brought the tray, also holding honey, sugar, and candied lemon slices, over to the table in-between our chairs. I poured us each a cup and then took my seat again.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I watched her as she efficiently handled the tea then the tray of treats. "Thank you very much my Lady." I sipped my tea and considered before responding. "In honesty I am willing to get my hands dirty. But also in honesty I have not often been allowed to do so. I will be willing to entertain and/or try what ever you may suggest." I grinned a bit "Within certain bounds of course."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"A fete," I told him after I'd had a sip of my own tea. "There is hardly anything d'Angelines adore more than fetes. At the fete, have everything you wish to begin trading on offer."

I set my cup down.

"But, before the fete, you must prepare for the rush that will ensue for Illyrian themed goods. Once it is announced that the newest handsome and mysterious foreign ambassador is throwing a party, the interest will start. Then, after the trend setting peers, nobles, and royalty have sampled Illyrian goods and become enamored with them, the desire will spread through society as quick as the gossiper can chatter."

[Pièter Kolcei]

"You flatter me my Lady thank you." I felt a little color rise to my cheeks at her words but soldiered on. "And that is a very good idea though I must confess I have little idea just how to throw such an event, but I am sure it is nothing I cannot figure out." I took a sip of my tea and set the cup down with a smile. "And by the by you are a very clever woman."

[Mirsada Anezka]

A soft smile touched my lips, flattered by his comment.

"Thank you Ambassador," I replied. "And as planning such an event, there are boundless resources in the City to help you, and I am more than willing to give you any aide you might need."

[Pièter Kolcei]

“Pièter please” I waved a hand. “And it shall be done I just have to see to those arrangements that you mentioned.” A smile creased my lips as I put the side of my index finger to them. “What sort of goods from home do you think would be simplest to move?”

[Mirsada Anezka]

He had a very nice smile.

"Since you are looking to start intimate, I would suggest foodstuffs, clothing, and household decorations. These are all things that can easily be showcased at your party and also be stocked ahead of time to fulfill the demand that will arise," I told him, then took another sip of tea.

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Outstanding, and mayhap while I am so full of questions what is your specialty?" I sipped my own tea finding this conversation very enlightening and refreshing now that I was once more on solid ground that I knew.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"My specialty?" I asked, letting a wry smile touch my lips as I thought of all the possible themes to that question. "You mean in my stores?

[Pièter Kolcei]

Oh gods of the deep how she took that one! I could feel my cheeks burn but I looked her in the eyes at least so mayhap my time with Lessa had gotten me past a little of the bashful. "Well lets start with the store at least." I added whilst giving her a sheepish smile and finding the turn of events rather well fun.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I couldn't help but note the color on his cheeks, and took it as a sign of his newness to d'Angeline society. My smile softened, and I was pleased to see him smile as well. I knew Illyrian society was very different than d'Angeline, I'd experienced it firsthand, and his ability to react well to the new and not become a bristling prig was a very good sign.

"I would have to say variety is my specialty here," I said, motioning to the store. "I try to stock as many things from as many places as possible. Especially the unusual items."

[Pièter Kolcei]

“I am working on learning about variety and finding it most enlightening.” It then occurred to me that, that so could be taken differently but I soldiered on. “And I am starting to wonder if there might be a place for Illyrian in brokering as a middle person between other lands and not always directly with their own goods? Of course if things are on the unusual side like you discuss I am sure a lot of it could be acquired tastes.”

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I think it all depends on the goods, but I would think that could be a good idea as well. Especially with the right contacts." I took another sip of tea. "Did you have any particular goods in mind?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Not really" I finished my tea. "To be utmost in honesty I know little of the ins and outs of trade. I think my uncle sent me more to show that the propaganda of La Serenissma coloring us as pirates is wrong. He would probably be even more pleased if a marriage of political expediency happened but gave no orders." I sat the cup down and toyed with it "Though intuitively I am thinking furs. Skladia has fur, but well they are not Terre d' Ange's friend. We on the other hand lie near the east much of which is cold. And they do have cold winters here or at least with a chill enough that such an item might be in demand."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Relations with Skaldia are better than the were in the past, but still nothing like they could be and there is always a need for furs, especially large enough for blankets or lap throws," I agreed, musing to myself. "That would be a good place to start."

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Might be I shall need to do some more research" I felt myself smile pleased. Then considered a bit and decided to lighten the mood some so that I did not come off as a total prig. Besides she was good company "Mayhap we can now revisit other angles of your specialty." I teased lightly and leaned back more in my seat.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I laughed, low and with just a hint of sensuality.

"I am rather good and helping people fill their homes with décor that pleases them, and without a doubt my business skills are above par," I replied, smiling. I wasn't bragging at all, just statements of fact. "And what about you? What do you specialize in?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

"People seem to trust me and feel comfortable with me even when I am feeling like a dolt. So I suppose you could say I am a people person."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"That's a very good thing to be, especially in your position and with the paths you are looking to pursue." I took a sip of tea then set the empty cup down.

"May I ask where you are staying in the City?"

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Of course you may. I got a little temporary place I am renting for now till I get more settled then I plan on getting a residence that is more suitable." I relaxed a bit there was so much to do but I could only do it a little at a time.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I was surprised he wasn't staying at the Palace. In my experience that was where most of the ambassadors stayed.

"When you do begin to look for more permanent place, I can suggest a very trustworthy agent to help you should you desire it."