[In the safe house of The Corporation, in Gran March]

The door of the Chapterhouse squeaks noisily open, its rusted hinges purposefully alerting those within that someone has entered.

Those who by habit look to the doorway see Skye enter the room. He's dressed in fine garments that enhance his elven features, befitting an Envoy of Celene, rather than his usual tunic and cloak and spell component pouches.

He scans the room, looking for someone, and upon seeing his mentor Sister Kerchak he nods. But today he's not looking for her.

Rather, he looks towards Don Mario. Sitting in the corner, at his customary table, Don Mario seems to be discussing recent events in Keoland with two other individuals, Luigi Canalloni and Colette Fontaine. As the door opens noisely, Luigi looks up to assess the new arrival, notices the new arrivals' interest in Don Mario's table, and then quickly speaks to Don Mario. Looking up, Don Mario motions for Skye to join him, pointing to an empty 4th chair at his table. Skye takes a seat.

"So, it seems that you have something you'd like to discuss... Is here sufficient, or would you prefer to discuss these matters in private?" asks Don Mario.

"Here should be fine for my purposes. I'd like to discuss a business proposal, a loose partnership actually. I see that you've already heard of the events in Keoland, and to my scheming mind they mean profit. As a like-minded soul, I believe you'll see the opportunity that this presents."

Skye continues, "Seemingly besieged by its own nations' Navy, the city of Gradsul has no doubt already seen price increases on imported goods, as the merchants there begin to ration their existing supplies."

"The situation is a big odd", explains Skye, "since Duke Luschan is not preventing all trade. His warships mass around the city and the mouth of the river, and he does not seem to be concerned with the trade from Shiboleth to northern Keoland. And even the Principality is allowed to conduct business as usual. It seems the main effect is to stop sea trade from the Eastern regions. Normal land-based trade should be mostly unaffected."

"Nonetheless, Gradsul is far-away from the Gran March, and this does little to change the fact that they'll be pressed for goods." Skye pauses, "However, if someone had the means to quickly reach Gradsul, they'd be able to make an immediate tidy profit.

"I have the resources that will allow us to get there, magically, through the abilities of my associates and myself. In your position as Guildmaster, you possess access to the resources that we'll sell. We'll need 12 mounts, the sturdiest beasts of burden that you have, and the journey will still be long. Allow me the use of half of these mounts, and the opportunity to buy goods from you, and we can double our expenses every day or two."

"Our trade into Gradsul will have little impact overall on their situation, or the Duke's efforts to pressure the Court of the Land into naming a new king, but if we play this right we'll make out like kings ourselves.

What say you? Does this offer pique your interest?" asks Skye.

Don Mario leans back in his chair, and begins stroking his goatee, deep in thought, then leans forward again.

"It's good to meet someone who understands the world of business. As the Moneylender's scripture reads... 'Tis a seller's market'."

"There are, however, a few things that I will need to arrange first, if we are to do this thing. You must understand that going into Gradsul, we will be operating in someone else's kitchen.... And, as Mama always says, you don't go messing up someone else's kitchen.

Don Mario thinks for a second, "However, as it happens, I have a few people in Gradsul, even as we speak. I'll send word to them, and have them make the appropriate arrangements with any... interested parties... in Gradsul. It is only proper for me to pay my respects before we begin doing any sort of business there. I will be speaking to these individuals personally.... just to make sure there is no misunderstanding. I should have an answer within 48 hours."

"Also, you are aware that magic is, how shall I say this, guarded in Keoland. Your collegues will need to be careful.

"As for horses and supplies...", Don Mario chuckles, "that won't be a problem. I have two caravans of foodstuffs coming into Hookhill tomorrow. It will likely take you and your collegues several days to transport it all. By then, I will have several more caravans heading to Hookhill, if prices are as good as you believe."

Skye nods, "I'll be heading to Gradsul myself tomorrow morning, to find out what goods are in demand and to find out what fees and duty taxes will be owed. The legal ones, at least. I'll let you know what I discover."

Don Mario turns towards Colette. "My dear, Gradsul is really a beautiful city, and the curator of the Museum there owes me a favah. If you would be so kind as to accompany me on my trip in the morning, I'm sure he'll be more than willing to allow us a private tour tomorrow evening before dinner. I also know of several exceptional clothiers who would be absolutely delighted to show you some of their latest fashions. I will obviously be travelling back and forth quite a bit, but there's so much to do in Gradsul, I'm certain you'll be able to keep yourself entertained while I'm managing shipments. If anyone seems... reluctant... to offer you the appropriate courtesies, please do let me know."

Colette smiles at him, "Don Mario, you know zat you 'ave only to ask. And as eet 'appens, Padrig ees not expecting me to visit 'Och'och for several days, and my family ees not due to come zhrough 'Ook'ill for quite some time. Eet would seem zat my schedule knows, even before I do, when somezing of importance ees going to be placed before me. However, a trip to Gradsul with a private tour of the Museum and new clothes? I 'ope zat you do not plan to tuck me away wizz zeese pleasant distractions while you are gone to all of your meetings."

Don Mario then turns to Luigi, "I'll need you to send word to our people in Gradsul immediately. Also, find Wunt and Chains and tell them I'll need them to accompany us."

Don Mario gets up from his chair and turns back to Skye. "Meet me back here at this time, to days hence, and I will have all the arrangements made, and tell you of any developments."

"Done and agreed", says Skye.

Don Mario makes one last comment. "You should probably be prepared to start our endeavor at that time. Now, I must go make arrangements and pay Mama a visit."

With that Don Mario turns and walks from the room, with Colette at his side and with Luigi moving ahead of him to open the door. Just before the door closes, Colette's voice can be heard, "I wonder eef Raphael will enjoy zis trip."

Skye forces himself to relax a little, clearly pleased and excited about the new agreement, and leans back in his chair. "Who know where this could lead to..." he quietly muses to himself.