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

I am rarely without one. [A simple, efficient smile at that.] My proposition is simple and rather suited to both of our needs. Trifling to start at, say, a year's wages and thirty percent of all reading or translation revenues that you generate while here?

[And, as that is rather a large figure for one that has not been here long, he continues.] This is assuming three hours of work per day, which is the requirement placed upon you by the Emperor, yes?

[Temeraire's ruff flares in surprise and he sits up a little straighter.] A ye--

[He cuts himself off abruptly, uncomfortably aware of how unused he is to bargaining, and how little he knows about how to comport himself. It is a moment before his ruff settles back down and he shifts a little awkwardly, attempting to compose a more suitable response as quickly as he can.]

But surely it would not cost you very much to teach me, at a rate of nine hours a week for four weeks--five, at most, if your language is as difficult as you say? Is that price not a little steep?

[Lieuen considers his position, giving short service to that with the pause of one beat (and perhaps a second quick one).]

Were the nature of the information transient, a lessor cost might suit, but I'm afraid that this transaction is capital in nature. Once learned, it cannot be unlearned and therein lies the value. You, sir, are making an investment in your future and surely that is worth quite a deal?

[Temeraire sighs heavily. Were Laurence in his stead, he is certain he might be able to strike a better bargain. As it is, Lieuen's reasoning is much the same as his own would be. It is remarkably solid logic to a dragon, and Temeraire finds that he can think of no particularly strong arguments against it. The thought of paying so high a price is troublesome, as is the implication that he might be here for a full year, but there is nothing for it. If he wants access to the library, he will have to start somewhere.]

Very well, then. I accept your offer, unless you have any additional stipulations?

[The smile he bears is nothing short of one overly pleased with the deal they have on the happen.]

Nary any that dare cross my mind and complicate such a transaction. I accept your acceptance, sir, and shall have a contract drawn up immediately to reflect that!