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[ilqaras]

"I apologise for missing you. Leave a message, and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience."

Comments

[phoenixblessed]

A speciality of my winery back home.

Diluc Ragnvindr. I believe I recognise your name.

[ilqaras]

Now I'm even more interested. I'm a bit of a wine connoisseur, myself, but I've never heard of a wine made from plants instead of fruit.

Pleasure to make your acquaintance, but have we met before?

[phoenixblessed]

We haven't met, but I keep myself aware of the goings on in Nippon to a certain extent. The network here makes it easy.

[ilqaras]

The network?

[he'd only posted on there once, and it isn't like he responds regularly to other people--

oh no]

Oh dear. If my assumptions are correct, I'm afraid you last caught me in a rather tumultuous situation.

[phoenixblessed]

I'm afraid so.

But don't worry, I shan't hold it against you. We all have our moments.

[ilqaras]

That is a relief, I suppose. Though, I still feel the need to apologise for having to witness such a graceless display from me.

[that being said, time to change the subject!!]

So, tell me more of this dandelion wine.

[phoenixblessed]

A speciality of my winery, as I said. What do you want to know about it?

[ilqaras]

I suppose I'm more curious about a wine made from weeds. Like I said, I'm only familiar with wines made from fruit.

I imagine it would taste semisweet and earthy. Unless I am mistaken?

[phoenixblessed]

It is fairly sweet, though not as much as a dessert wine. A little floral.

Dawn Winery uses honey to sweeten it, taking the bitter edge that might be found with it otherwise. I hear it's quite refreshing to drink.

However I'd prefer to keep the deeper intricacies of our brewing process to myself. I'm sure you understand.

[ilqaras]

Of course, I do not blame you in the slightest. The wineries and breweries of my realm are rather tight lipped themselves.

Not that I am expecting you to divulge your secrets, but I believe I can help you out, if you would like.

[phoenixblessed]

I don't expect to be making a start on things until next year. It isn't the season for it.

Just what would you be able to offer?

[ilqaras]

I would suspect that you'll need a source of dandelion for your venture to come to fruition. Have yo found one, yet?

[phoenixblessed]

Not yet, though I don't expect to encounter too much difficulty.

[ilqaras]

But it would be nice if you could find an easy source, yes?

I have a rather large garden that I would not be surprised to find dandelions growing in it when the season comes. I do also have an innate skill in growing flora instantly.

[phoenixblessed]

And what would you expect in return?

[ilqaras]

Presumptuous of you to think that I would expect anything in return.

[phoenixblessed]

I mean no insult in what I say next, but I don't know you, Dohalim il Qaras. You have been speaking to me via text for all of ten minutes and are already offering me a free service.

As generous as that is, I have no reason to believe you have no ulterior motive in asking for nothing in return, or that you are even capable of doing what you say you can.

I'm a businessman, sir, not a novice winemaker. I'm very aware of how trade works and to not trust every stranger who offers me a kindness.

[ilqaras]

Would you believe me if I were to say that the ulterior motive is that you'd be putting pesky weeds to good use, and keeping my garden clear of them?

[phoenixblessed]

Not at all, as a few weeds wouldn't be nearly enough.

[ilqaras]

Like I've previously mentioned, I have the ability to instantly grow plants. But you've caught me.

All I truly ask in return is some of your wine, once it's vinified. Nothing more.

[phoenixblessed]

Would you prefer to settle on a figure now, or once I can let you know how much I'll be able to produce? I do expect this to be an ongoing venture.

[ilqaras]

Let's say the latter. I know enough about winemaking to know that different batches can yield different results, sometimes, so just offer me whatever you think is fair.

[phoenixblessed]

You've never done business before, have you?

[ilqaras]

My business was more focused on running a country as a whole and making sure the people were at peace with each other. I had others under my employ that oversaw wages and compensations.

And why complain when the offer is more in your favour than mine?

[phoenixblessed]

[The answer is 'no', then...]

Because I rarely trust such offers.

I'm sure you won't object to meeting in person to speak about this in a neutral setting?