video;

[hazelwood]

[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.

Comments

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[hazelwood]

[The kedan nods and beckons Victor to follow him up the winding staircases, carved in replica of the tree suites in Wood, to the third floor. Glimpses can be seen of other architecture inspired by the five sectors en route, ended by a great metal door that is etched with a map of the five Sectors.

Here, the kedan knocks twice before pushing the doors open into Lieuen's office itself. The room is large, with scaled models of each Sector's suite design laid out on tables along one wall. Books line the opposite one, with subjects and languages of a thousand different fancies and organised to his mind. And to the far wall is Lieuen's desk (an Earth Sector carved stone masterpiece) and situated at its corner is the the only out-suite, non-café console not in the hands of the Emperor or Commander. This access and console is part of his fee for overseeing much construction and facilitation for the Foreigners and remains a pride of his to this day.

Lieuen himself is just finishing with a reply via the console and smiles broadly when he sees Victor. The reply is sent with a wave of his hand and the kedan rises to his feet.]

I am most honoured by your visit to my enterprises. Do come in and make yourself comfortable. Ohlwai shall see to any thirsts you seek to be slated.

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[alpha_squad_leader]

[Victor follows along silently, taking in the sights. He's making note of the layout of things in case they ever need to sneak in as much as he's appreciating the work that went into the design of the place.

When shown to the office, Victor stands up straighter and looks around. It's a reflex, really. He offers a small smile when he notices Lieuen.]

Thank you but I'm not thirsty. Thank you for taking the time to see me.

[hazelwood]

[Lieuen shakes his head, placing a hand over his chest.]

Allow me to thank you for this opportunity to talk business with you.

[For he is ever the sort to get straight to the point.]

This passage you seek translated... [A certain, professional intimation slides into his tone.] You have it with you?

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Victor nods a bit. He expected that they'd get right to the point. He reaches into the bag he's carrying and takes the book out carefully.]

I do. It's this book here. I'm curious about what's in it.

[hazelwood]

[That book. No, that tome. Lieuen does not recognise it, but he sees profit in it -- and knowledge. This is a second passion of his, set aside only for business, and so he sees potential here as well.]

If I may?

[His hands are held out to accept it, if allowed. Lieuen does not grab for it, merely allows Victor to consider his options and make the decision.]

[alpha_squad_leader]

It's probably be better to set it down an look at it on a flat surface. It's a pretty old book I think.

[Victor sets the book on Lieuen's desk and opens it carefully. He is a little worried the book might rip so he's only using his normal hand. Once the book is open, he slides it closer to Lieuen.]

[hazelwood]

[A wise suggestion and Lieuen pauses to engage in one more wise action: He takes a pair of pristine white gloves from his desk, sized for hands three times smaller than his. A brief thought and his hands shrink to fit and he dons the gloves, able now to move with far more delicacy.]

An interesting find. [The age and size alone are tribute to that. He scans a few lines, brow furrowing in concentration.] But no easy read, unfortunately. This language is quite ancient.

[Translation for the layman: Expensive.]

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Victor watches the little shapeshifting trick with a little smile but doesn't comment. He waits quietly as Lieuen reads, nodding.]

Yeah, I thought it looked really different from the other texts I saw around here. It's not impossible to read though, right?

[hazelwood]

[His hands hover over the tome, tracing the characters in the air. His expression is thoughtful. Concentrating.]

Impossible? Certainly not. It will, however, take some time.

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Victor lets out a relieved little breath, smiling a bit.]

Alright. I'm guessing that means it'll be expensive.

[Time is money after all.]

[hazelwood]

[Ah, the core of the conversation and, in truth, the core of this particular kedan.]

Any true investment does require some expense. [A solemn bit of advice.] Knowledge is, of course, greatest investment of all.

[He pauses, turning thoughtful.]

More recent texts I would say three, maybe five juulan per page. The effort that this would take and its intricacies... Ten juulan per page?

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Ten's a little higher than he expected. He glances at the book to estimate the pages and lets out a breath.]

That's...going to be a lot...

[Victor rubs the back of his neck.]

I'm going to need to talk to some people before I can get that kind of money.

[hazelwood]

[Lieuen nods, quite understanding.]

Take what time you need, good sir. And keep my name in mind! While I would be translator, I could also offer options in financing.

[alpha_squad_leader]

Financing options? {Victor quirks a brow at this.] Like what?

[hazelwood]

[Lieuen smiles, ever congenial.]

Merely an option, mind you, but I do serve as primary financier in Keeliai. Loans and agreements are eternally on offer. Interest applies and, should you have the chance to leave our hospitality, there is always an agreement that passes all your possessions, juulan, and other holdings to me in recompense.

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Victor tenses momentarily at the mention of hospitality. Even if he knows things on the Turtle aren't as bad as they could be, he's not a fan of the whole 'stuck here' thing. Shaking it off, Victor nods.]

I'll take it all into consideration. Thank you.

[hazelwood]

[A nod. Lieuen gets the sense that this is not a matter to pressure and so he does not.]

Do consider it, honoured guest, and return with a decision. My door is always open to you and your kin.

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Vic nods again and offers a smile. He holds his normal hand out for the book, intent on putting it back in the bag he's been carrying it in.]

I will. And thank you agaiin.

[hazelwood]

[Lieuen returns it with a look of regret -- purely academic, he would assure him.]

It was my pleasure.

[alpha_squad_leader]

[Once the book is back in the bag, Vic gives a little nod and heads for the exit. He's got a lot to consider.]