A Business Lunch: Mirsada and Aramis

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I arrived at the appointed place with about five minutes to spare, dressed in a white linen shirt topped with an embroidered vest, leather breeches, and boots. I waited patiently outside for Lady Anezka to arrive.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I’d dressed in a gown of deep red silk with black embroidery around the edges and put my hair up in a matching red caul.

At the agreed time, my carriage arrived and I stepped out in front of the restaurant. I spotted the man who must be Aramis and went up to him.

“Good day,” I said, smiling and extending my hand. “I am Mirsada.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

She was certainly stunning, and with a bright, charming smile I took her hand to kiss it. "I am Aramis," I said. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mirsada."

[Mirsada Anezka]

He was certainly charming, I’d been expecting a handshake.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Aramis,” I said, my smile growing. “Shall we go inside?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Yes, let's," I said, putting her hand down gently and moving to open the door for her. "After you."

[Mirsada Anezka]

I preceded him inside waited for him to join me before the hostess led us towards the table I’d reserved.

“Have you been here before?” I asked him as we headed towards the more secluded tables off to the back, all the better for business dealings.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I shook my head. "No," I said. "Though it seems to be a suitable choice, the ambiance is quite nice."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“The food is quite good as well,” I told him with a smile. “I find this is a nice place for conversation as well, not too crowded or distracting.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"I'm glad," I said, as we approached the table. "This seems like the perfect place for our luncheon." I pulled out her chair for her. "Please."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Thank you,” I said with a smile as I took my seat, smoothing my skirts and waiting for him to settle as well. This was going well so far. It was nice to be out on a business matter.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I took my seat, and the waiter handed us our menus. "Good afternoon, Madame, Monsieur," he said. "Can I interest either of you in something to drink? Our wine of the day is a Siovalese white with notes of oak, peach, and honey."

I looked to Mirsada. "That certainly sounds tasty," I said to her, before saying to the waiter, "I'll have a glass of that, please."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Make that two," I said to the waiter with a smile. He nodded and withdrew.

"Thank you again for the invitation, Aramis. It seems like it's been far too long since i had such a meeting," I said with a smile.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"I feel the same way," I said. "I used to do business with the Deleuze clinic, but tragically it had to close after Dr. de Strasbourg passed away in the plague." I looked to her. "Even the economy does not seem to have fully recovered from the sickness."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I agree," I said with a thoughtful nod. "People do seem to be holding onto what they have more than before the plague. There does seem to be a gradual improvement though."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"That is true, though I think it is due to the influx of new residents," I said. "I have had several peers in my shop recently, and they were all newcomers to the city."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"New blood is always good, yes?" I asked with a chuckle. i glanced at my menu, quickly deciding on what I wanted and then setting it aside.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I too opened my menu and perused the offerings. The stuffed guinea fowl looked like a good choice, and I decided on that. "When it means new business, absolutely," I said.

The waiter returned with our glasses of wine, and addressed Mirsada first. "What would Madame like for lunch this afternoon?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“The yellow curry,” I answered with a smile, then handed him my menu.

“Very good,” he said. The waiter turned to Aramis. “And for you sir?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"The stuffed guinea fowl, if you please," I said.

"Very good monsieur, madame," said the waiter, bowing away.

I turned back to Mirsada. "So, Mirsada, please tell me about your business. I know a little, but I would love to hear more."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“I import goods from anywhere I can establish trade with,” I said. “My items range from jewelry to large pieces of furniture, carpet to clothing.”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "What is the farthest country from Terre D'Ange that you trade with?" I asked.

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Ch’n to the east and Jebe-Barkal to the south,” I answered. “What about you?”

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Also Ch'n to the east," I replied, "though any Jebean goods I have I get via Menekhet. That is where I have my furthest contact."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Are you looking to expand your business?” I asked interestedly.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "I certainly am," I said. "I am particularly interested in finding a way to make shipping less expensive."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Perhaps by combining our shipments we can reduce costs,” I suggested.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"That would be excellent," I said. "How often do you receive imports?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

“It depends on where they are coming from. My imports from Ch’n come every other month,” I answered.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I nodded. "I think it would be very good for business if we shipped together," I said. "My contact in Ch'n sends me imports only about every two and a half months. Cutting down on turn around time will enable me to stock more goods."

[Mirsada Anezka]

“Excellent,” I said, nodding. “We should meet again and bring all the business papers with us so we can work out the details.”