Preston listened to the man’s response as he sipped his ale and brushed the froth from his upper lip. It was as if the man was spinning a tale, weaving an intricate web. At first Preston was looking at the thick head of the ale popping, but as he spoke he found himself looking up to catch Shinsou’s expressions instead. He leaned in and it was impossible not to smell the honeyed liquor on his lips as he imparted equally sweet and bitter knowledge.

The young merchant could not help but wonder who he had happened upon by chance. In the mercantile business this type of cunning fellow would be looked at as a shark, but the way he spoke, and what he said did not quite fit. No, not quite. Preston felt that he was more akin to a spider weaving a web that connected to each of the other players. He could tug on the silken strings as needed, but also used them just as a means of knowing when those players were moving and in just which way they were doing so.

Goosebumps ran up his arms and across the back of his neck, but Preston smiled despite himself. He nodded to the man’s salutations, “Nice to meet you as well, Shinsou.”

Preston put his hand out and stopped the small glass of liquor as it slid on the worn bartop surface. He swirled the amber liquid in the glass slowly before bringing it to his nose and inhaling the scent. The sweetness came to his senses first, followed almost immediately by the feeling of the back of his tongue salivating as if preparing for a rare piece of steak. There were notes of honey of course, but lingering in the background he could pick out a streak of maple wood and oak barrels. He took a sip and those notes were expounded upon and joined by flavors of vanilla and a slight smoky undertone.

“That is a fine liquor,” he said with a slight cough that he tried to suppress. As, even though the flavors were great, the proof was still high and the refinement still left a bit of a raw alcohol aftertaste that was a bit undesirable. “I’m just here from Radasanth. Come over looking for some trading opportunities and some business ventures. I was told there was a good opportunity to make connections in Scara Brae to start my own place and work my way up. It has been only a day so far and been going… well.”

“Matter of fact,” he said as he took another sip of the liquor, followed by a good gulp of his ale. “As a matter of fact, I was told there were plenty of opportunities with connections in distribution of lumber and other trade goods. I might start looking into something like that. Not entirely sure though. Right now, I just need to get some money together to invest in something…”

“I’m sorry… I’m rambling…” He said with a dismissive wave to himself. Preston downed his liquor and plopped down on the bench next to Shin.