Supply and Demand: Part 1
“There’s no one dat can protect yer moko better den meh an’ meh organization. Ye can rely on teh Sin Twins an’ dier networks but way I hear it, least harvest, dey had some complications with teh Wailers.” The wind shifted at that moment and blew, causing Tray’s dyed black hair to dance. The shift also brought the heavy smell of ripe moko to his nostrils and he turned to look behind him at the small, organized fields of Ursulin Urslousx. The moko the Wildwood elezen grew was probably the best the moko-loving miqo’te had ever sampled, and that was saying something. It was potent, flavorful, and clean. “And why should I go with you?” came a slow, aristocratic voice. Tray turned back to gaze up at the much taller and older elezen. The Wildwood wore his sixty years of age well. Neat, grew hair was combed back with a liberal application of pomade to hold it in place. His narrow beard was equally as well groomed and his clothes, while designed for labor, were well kept and tailored. The elezen’s brown eyes fixed Tray with their stare. “I know your reputation. Doesn’t exactly inspire switching from a long time partner for a has-been.” the tall man crossed his arms. Tray stifled the growl in his throat by coughing. “Excuse me, swallowed wrong.” he said as cover, thumping his chest. “Look, Ursulin, we all got complications, aight? But I can assure ye, meh gang’s more den capable of not only ensurin’ yer moko arrives for distribution, we can assure it will be done faster for less overhead which will put more gil in yer pocket and let ye rest easier knowin’ ye ain’t gonna lose a single crate.” “Pretty promises.” Ursulin commented with a flat tone. “But -how-?” “Well, a magician doesn’t reveal his secrets.” Tray smirked. “But! Three reasons. First, I got teh best wagon crews ‘round with all teh permits in place an’ dey already runnin’ routes movin’ normal goods so teh Wailers get used to seein’ meh logo. Speakin’ of logo, everythin’ looks legit and paperwork in place already. Finally, I got teh meanest bunch of bruisers guardin’ teh wagons so if any bandits or Wailers get too picky, well-” Tray drew his finger across his throat. “If yer so good, how come yer overhead is lower?” “Cause I hired less employees of higher caliber den teh Sin Twins. Yer lookin’ at forty percent of teh final profits.” That caught Ursulin’s attention. That was ten percent more than what he was doing now and he suspected that wasn’t a number Tray had arrived on by accident. He was willing to wager the mio’te knew what the Twins were paying him. “I see.” the elezen paused, looking over his feilds. “Harvest won’t be far off. The Twins won’t be pleased if I pull out of our agreement.” “So what? Dey got other farmers to extort. Give meh a try dis harvest an’ ye don’t like it, we cut ties.” “I’ll collect your head if my profits are not what you say.” Ursulin stated and Tray paused, his tail flicking as his smile waved. “Oh yes, I know your bounty. But I also know your penchant for getting things done. So, Estinoch, I will agree to one harvest to use you and your enterprise to move my moko. You perform as advertised, we’ll consider extending our deal indefinitely.” Tray grinned, his pierced ears flapping in excitement as he spat into his hand and offered it to the elezen. “It’s a deal.’ The Wildwood looked at the Limsian gesture in disgust and waved a hand. “It’s a deal. Put that away.” Ursulin turned and made a rather unpleasant comment about miqo’te but Tray didn’t care. He merely kept smiling. Let Ursulin insult his kind. The elezen just handed Tray a prize bigger than just this seasons harvest; He just didn’t know it yet.
