tushanshu | video;

[The video opens on an uncommonly solemn-looking Lieuen, in a sombre state of dress that's unlike his usual pretentions. His skin, so modelled after the common Foreigner complexion, is a tiny bit sallow.]

Dear residents of Keeliai. It's with deep and considerable regret that I am the bearer of unfortunate tidings in regards to our fair city. You may have begun to notice that Tu Vishan's health has been... deteriorating, of late. This is certainly no cause for alarm! Things being what they are, it's tantamount to... say, a cold or flu that you Foreigners seem so susceptible to. We have every assurance that Tu Vishan will overcome this malady and return to its usual self soon.

But in the interest of not taking our grand turtle for granted, certain... shall we say, rules are going to be put into play effective now. The first and most importantly, of course, is rationing.

[There's a touch of distaste to his features as he says that. Guess who doesn't like the concept?]

Resources are going to be a touch more difficult to come by in the coming weeks, and as our guests we ask that you respect our laws and customs in this time. You will find a list of what it's permissible to purchase at your local vendors. Wasteful behaviour will become a punishable offense, and fully one-fifth of your resources, whether they are earned or made, are going to be... ah, requisitioned by detachments of the local law enforcement. It's with my sincerest apologies that I relay these terms to you, you see, and when we all come through this in fine fashion I will be reimbursing everyone fully for any, hm... hardships they might encounter due to these edicts.

And on that note!

[He claps his hands together, clearly trying to change gears from the unpleasantly macabre to the positive.]

I couldn't help but notice that several of you have taken an interest in our local language. Truly, I couldn't be happier. It brings me great joy to see your appreciation of our culture. Therefore, I'd like to offer my services as a translator, of sorts. I know each of the seventeen kedan dialects, including the more ancient forms, and I would gladly assist in any translations you've been undertaking. For a fee, of course, to be negotiated based on... oh, trifling things. The amount you wish translated, the time involved in doing so, and so on and so forth.

As always, if you have any questions do please ask, but it is my keenest wish that you keep it brief. I'm a touch preoccupied at the moment. Thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So the executives are informed. Or they will be, [mutters Javert in an undertone. He gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head. M. Wayne is bound to call a special conference to address these matters. He will simply have to ask about any changes to procedure in the forthcoming weeks, while the rationing is in effect.]

No. Nothing luxurious or indulgent. I am recently in the construction trade. [Javert only recently managed to swallow the idea. That is what he is now. Yet he still finds himself, on occasion, nosing and meddling his way into mysteries and investigations. There is a certain matter of missing inventory in the stock-house that he is keeping an eye on. Javert purses his lips and resumes musingly,] There was a wave of structural repairs coming in. I might have taken it as a sign, if I did not assume it was time that caused it and not a famine condition.

[He draws himself tall and folds his arms loosely across the desktop. His eyes drift lower, drawing distantly toward the slip of weekly rations with a pensive grimace.]

Materials shortage will make repairs harder. There will be hovels springing up before long.

Edited 2013-03-20 18:54 (UTC)

All most terrible challenges that the Ironwood Emperor shall address in conjunction with this difficult degree, yes. [Lieuen shares the pain of opinion, for he has some financial interest in construction -- being the primary party behind the initial construction of and much maintenance for the suites of their honoured guests.] I remain optimistic that Tu Vishan shall emerge all the better from this little spell of misfortune, at which both you and I may sleep easier for the state of our infrastructure.

[Said with heartfelt sincerity.]

Meanwhile, I shall do my best to convey the finer details of this rationing for the commerce-minded parties, so that no business unduly suffers in the wayside.

[Javert presses his lips together into a thin, flat line.] Public safety is the bigger concern than commerce. But I understand. I shall make do with what is issued.

By the way, you must forgive me, but I am sure we have not met before. How are you known as?

You are a most adaptable soul.

[Lieuen tips his hat to him in respect, then whips it off completely.]

How remiss of me! I am Lieuen, financier and commercekedan here in the city of Keeliai.

I have endured worse, I'm sure, [Javert mutters dryly. A curt nod.]

You are the city banker, then. I am Javert. I will remember to monitor the bulletins for any changes in rationing. Is there anything else you advise? You have more experience with this deterioration than I do.

I'm afraid this is the first time Tu Vishan has taken so poor a turn. [And Lieuen is extremely fond of his luxuries.] However, it is my experience to simply provide what is asked and make do with what remains. Should you require something unavailable, consider contacting me in private and we could discuss the options.