[D4, Court] Where We Will We'll Roam

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru is not so gauche to interrupt a Diamyo while he speaks with another, but he waits patiently at the edge of view and waits for a moment of polite introduction before bowing.

"Your words rang true Gusai-sama, regardless of the accord reached with the Kasuga. House Ikehara has seen firsthand the dangers of the seas and finds itself new caretakers. Yet the absence of danger does not make one good. Friends must share danger to wield a blade at the enemies of the Empire"

[Gusai Rioshida]

Lord Gusai looked down at the Crane. "And? What, you want to be my friend, now that you're in bed with her? What's Kasuga-san gonna say to that?"

[Doji Hikaru]

"In bed with?" Hikaru cocks an eyebrow. "I mean, I could see the appeal but she decidedly wished for a professional relationship." A beat passes, one Hikaru suspects will amuse the Gusai "You will noice a lack of ties outside of the exchange of goods. So...then she should have negotiated better"

"I am assuming you've heard a pitch from the Crab. I know I have personally been approached about agreements about naval agreements to hunt bandits. I would hate to have innocent traders swept up in that. Friends don't let friends suffer from that'

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Look, it's real simple, buddy. You got rice; I want rice. You want me to sign on to a naval treaty that doesn't include the Tortoise, then I am your new best friend, and all of your enemies had better mind their manners. I mean, is that what we're talking, here?"

[Doji Hikaru]

"Rice we have in abundance, amongst other things." Hikaru replies. "Naval Supplies. Dyes. Paper. Friends. Those are rarer commodities."

"There may be a more comprehensive arrangement made with the Crab, but I would like to ensure that the honest merchants of Mantis are not swept up. Perhaps a joint naval commitment to defend against enemies of the Empire." Hikaru pauses. "House Ikehara has recenrtly been charged with protecting the lands when the mouth of the river meets the sea. Perhaps a monopoly on outsider access would demonstrate a devotion to our mutual aims. And in the words of my father, regarding the spirit of friendship" he clears his throat ""We'll pay more""

Looking for
At least 1 Naval Supplies
At least 1 Dye
As much Paper as possible

Offering
X Rice
Exclusive access to certain Crane ports

Mutual naval alliance

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Couple problems with what you've got me handing out. I'm currently in talks with the Scorps for my Naval Supplies and Paper, though things are a bit in the air, there, and the Dragon just got all my Dyes. How's about this. I get 7 rice. I get 2 Silver, if you got it. I sign up to whatever this naval thing is, save your bacon on that, whatever.

And in return, I give you what naval supplies I don't give the Scorps, and then you tell me 1 thing out of the following:

I got 6 Fish, I got 2 Gold, I got wonderful things. Like, stuff that'll knock you out, it's so damn cool. Like...stirrups. Heard of those? Frickin' lets you stay on a horse good, man, is what they do. And a thing you'll dig called an astrolabe. Came up with it myself."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru is about to make a comment along the lines of being willing to outbid when the Dragon present the deal.

"Well, if you have nothing to sell..." He offers a shrug and begins to turn away, then pantomimes touching his chin as if to think. "Well, I would be laughed out of the room if I came to Doji-diamyo-sama if I offered such an arrangement without any idea of what we might get in return. After all, you might sell off all the Naval Supplies, neh? I'd need some kind if idea of how much you would have available"

"But your reputation as a canny broker precedes you. You've spoken of some wonders, but I am curious if you have heard of the phrase "finder's fee". A commission, paid out to one who puts together interested parties for an exchange. Silver and rice, paid out for services rendered, upon completion of the deal you helped broker. If you know who has dyes and paper to sell, and can help arrange a meeting, you would be trading words for goods."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"You're turning down my astrolabe?" He frowns. "Very well, I'll get you hooked up with Paper if I have to keelhaul the cleaning lads to find out who's a-keeping it."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru pauses. "What does the astrolabe...do? Something with the stars? I know they are used in navigation so...is it a tool for that?" His eyes widen as something clicks.

He thinks on it. "It may make sense to work a way to work out the naval trade with the Crab, Crane and the unmatched sailors of the Mantis and sadly that would be a time for another Court. But if you would like to have deals in hand for goods, right now, today? Three rice for a single naval supply and your astrolabe, on the record this Court, provided I can convince Doji-diamyo-sama. Silver apiece upon completion of a brokered deal for Dyes or Paper...whether you would like that latter part reported to the Court or not I would leave at your discretion. Does that seem to be a reasonable start?"