D1EE, Among the Shops (Ask, please!)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 3:50 pm

As some of the tumult of the day dies down, Seitouna makes his way out into the streets of the city, both to breathe and do gather in some supplies. If nothing else, he thinks, I will have much need of paper.

So he looks for a stationer, finding one still open and settling in to talk a bit, asking, among others, "Did you have anyone over in Morikage Toshi?"

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 3:57 pm

There is a slightly haunted look behind the man's eyes, a bit of a hollow look to his face. You've seen it throughout the day, as those who haven't handled the news very well.

"Hai, sama. Not family, but friends. People I knew... and I have not seen them come through the gates."

He fidgets nervously.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:06 pm

"There were a lot of people coming in, friend," Seitouna says, trying to be reassuring (Courtier 24), "and it's still very crowded here, with people settling in. Too, what I've heard is that people made their ways in several directions, not only here. I'm sure some of them will turn up in the coming days and weeks."

He looks over some of the paper samples.

"You have heard some names, though, yes, of people coming in? One of them wouldn't happen to have been 'Sotai,' by any chance, would it have?"

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:08 pm

He bows deeply (and a bit awkwardly given the size of his shop and his location within it).

"I am so sorry, sama, but while I heard names, I'm afraid I was too distracted to remember them..."

You can tell your words did have a calming effect on him, though, as he follows up with: "...if only I'd written them down on some lovely paper."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:16 pm

"As I said, there are many still moving in the city, and little is settled. But, yes, friend, writing on lovely papers helps. And I hope I am not the only person who has come to your shop today."

He raises an eyebrow questioningly.

"You would tell me so, would you not? After all, it might be some of my other friends who have come to you, and I would, of course, want to help those who had helped my friends."

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:28 pm

The merchant is slipping into more familiar territory now, distracted by business.

"When one has such fine goods, their business gets many customers. There have been some who have looked, and others who have bought."

He raises his chin a little. "I don't believe those who only looked could have afforded such fine paper as this."

His chin comes back down and he meets Seitouna's eyes. "But alas, I'm afraid I can only remember those who made a purchase."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:39 pm

Seitouna smiles a bit.

"It is fortunate, then, that I have much use for paper, both of a finer type for a more finished product and of a rougher type for notes and the like. And, as I said, I would be happy to help those who have helped my friends.

"I might have a use," he says as he gestures, "for some sheets such as these for the former, and the usual parchment for the latter. Though I note some water-spots on these," again, a gesture towards the finer sheets, "so I have to think there is a reason that they remain in your stock."

And the haggling begins. (Commerce 26, trying to lower the prices to the extent allowed).

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:51 pm

The merchant smiles affably.

"I find there are those who may wish to buy paper, but can't afford to pay the prices for the finer sheets. I always keep a variety of merchandise in stock for those who need me to lower my prices."

He shrugs a little and continues. "Of course, you are clearly not such a person. It is clear you could afford any price I might ask, though I won't charge you more for it."

He looks at the parchment. "Perhaps... 3 zeni for 12?"

He looks at the paper. "I think that for someone such as yourself I could go to 1 bu for 6."

He grimaces a bit, though it seems it might be an act. "It's not a great deal for me, but I wouldn't want to deny a writer their paper."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:02 pm

"Your generosity will please Daikoku, I am certain, friend," Seitouna says as he lays out a full koku. "So I shall need three sets of the finer papers and three of the lesser--with the rest a gift of friendship, in turn, because I have other needs to address than paper, and you seem the sort who would be able to point me in such a way."

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:08 pm

The merchant smiles at the purchase.

"Of course. A good working relationship is one who creates repeat customers!"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:15 pm

"Just so. And I would be happy to offer more of my custom in time, but unless there is another service you provide, friend, I would be happy to have your referral."

Seitouna smiles.

"I am as you see me, friend, a man who has use for several services. And it is not always easy to find such things in a town with the sort of governance this city has. Though I am sure you can help a friend find such."

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:29 pm

"Look around, sama. There are many shops on this street that may be able to help you, but there are more shops you cannot see."

He shrugs noncommittally. "But it's hard without knowing what you might be looking for to point you in a direction." He pauses. "My favorite place is the Distant Past sake house. They have food and drink and rooms to enjoy them in."

He straights some of his paper. "Of course, not everyone enjoys sake."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:35 pm

Something flashes through Seitouna's mind, something that has long been a part of him, and he asks "Sake, like many other things, is better enjoyed in company. One wonders where people go to find such company here."

And, he thinks such places might have other ways into and out of the city, if such a thing should be needed.

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:40 pm

The merchant gestures around. "A fine samurai like yourself I'm sure can arrange for all sorts of company. I would avoid the streets near the western gate, though. There are less reputable merchants there."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:07 pm

Seitouna smiles.

"I shall be certain to do that, friend. And is there a particular merchant who is to be avoided most assiduously?"

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:13 pm

He looks mock offended. "I surely would not know such a thing, engaging only with the finest customers and business partners, such as yourself!"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:15 pm

"Of course, friend."

Seitouna gathers in his package and makes a bit of a bow.

"One thing before I go. If you do happen to hear word of a Kasuga Sotai, please send for me. I would be...grateful."

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:28 pm

"Ah... sama? I... we... we were not introduced. So I can send for you, should I hear news."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:30 pm

"Kasuga Seitouna," he replies. "And you, so that I know where I can find paper of this quality again?"

Lucidicide · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:35 pm

"Takamori, sama." He bows again. "I look forward to doing further business with you."

D1EE, Among the Shops (Ask, please!)

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