She smiled.

"In truth, I am looking for a trading partner who still has dyes to trade. And, if so, to better understand their needs, so I might see if there is a way the Dragon could be useful to them."

"I reckon th' Fox c'n help with some of that," Aiko says. "An' there's things we c'n use, t' be sure."

"The Dragon could definitely use some dyes (2), if you have that much. Beyond that, if you happened to have some spare sake, that could interest us also."

"May I ask what you are looking for?"

"We c'n help with dyes," Aiko says. "Got that much t' spare o' them.

"Could use some sake ourselves, sad t' say," she adds. "Forest ain't th' best f'r that. Good f'r lumber, though, an' paper. Mushrooms, too, f'r them as like that kinda vegetable.

"As t' what all else we c'n use, well," Aiko continues, once again giving the impression that she should have a stalk of grass hanging from her mouth, "stone'd be good. So'd iron. [Three units] each, 'r's much's you c'n give. Could do [2 units of] weapons, copper, or jade instead. Might could do one-f'r-one dye an' tea, too."

She shrugs.

"Might could be 'nother way s' pop'lar a Dragon lady as y'rself c'd help, too. Don't know as you'd be willin', though. Might be more'n you c'n handle."

"I could certainly trade stone for the dyes. 2 stone for 2 dyes." That seemed like a straight forward trade that would please them both.

"But if there is something else you need that I can personally do for you, I'd be glad to hear how I might be able to help. And chat further about that, also." She needed a popular lady? Interesting.

"That's great 'bout th' stone an' dyes!" Aiko says, her pleasure in the arrangement evident.

"'bout that other thing, you might could have me over f'r one o' them fancy dinner parties I've been hearin' 'bout. Gettin' t' be th' talk o' the Court, I hear from folks I know."

She smiled brightly. "I'd love to have you to dinner!"

"Perhaps there is a member of your clan you'd like to marry into the Dragon to mark the deal? We could consider that at dinner."

"Mebbe there's one as'd like to see the forest f'r the trees, instead," Aiko rejoins. "But you're right; we can visit 'bout that come dinner."

"Are you free early evening today?"

"B'lieve I am," Aiko affirms.