404 Trading Pact with Korten (1/2)
”Gwendon, I know it goes against everything the elves have done up to this point, but I hope that you'll side with us in the end. I don't want to you go through the same thing I did. And though you may not consider me as one of you, I still consider you as my people too,” stated Eedaj, startling both Gwendon and Jack. ”Please, consider this carefully. I hope that you'll be willing to join our cause and seek our protection when the time comes.”
”I… I'll consider it carefully,” replied Gwendon, shook beyond belief.
Jack added, ”How about we at least enter a trading pact to begin the relationship of the Leisure Guild and Korten. That way you'll understand that we don't hold any ill will against Korten. As for our future relationship… that will be determined by you. What do you say?”
The elven chief sighed and gave Jack a half-smile. ”I think a trading pact would be fine. Are you after exclusivity?”
”Can I even ask for that, given that you could just up and break the pact at any time?” Jack joked.
”Right… then let's call everyone back in.”
While everyone started to file back into their seats, Gwendon felt awkward. It was made very clear by Jack and Eedaj that the Leisure Guild was not only willing to ally with Korte but that they were seeking it out. However, it was also made perfectly clear that Korten was in a situation that Gwendon had never expected. And that situation was far direr than anything that Gwendon had ever handled as the Elven Chief. No matter what he chose, Korten, along with the rest of the world, would get enveloped by the storm to come.
”Right,” Jack resumed control of the meeting, ”according to what we just discussed, the only thing that we can agree on at the moment is to form a trading pact between the Leisure Guild and Korten. Does anyone here disagree with that proposal?”
The side of the Leisure Guild was quiet while the elven elders were puzzled. They looked to Gwendon but were startled to finding him nodding, agreeing with Jack's statement.
”Excuse me,” one elder spoke up, ”wasn't the Leisure Guild interested in an alliance?”
Jack nodded. ”We are, but at the moment Korten is unable to make a commitment of such magnitude, not without possibly breaking said alliance later down the line. So, why should we agree to an alliance that could break before it's even announced to the world?”
Still baffled, another elder added, ”But Jack, we're more than able to offer our--”
Jack continued, ”That being said, we'd still like to form a trading pact to maintain a good relationship with Korten. There won't be any terms of exclusivity, but we'll offer higher prices for your goods and momentarily pay the tariffs and entry fees should your people wish to come sell merchandise in Gilga.”
”No exclusivity… That seems more like the Leisure Guild and Korten would be acquaintances and not be on good enough terms to form an alliance, doesn't it?” stated one elder, trying to repaint the picture and blame the Leisure Guild to an extent.
Before Jack replied, Gwendon answered, ”What they are saying is perfectly sensible, given the circumstances between the Leisure Guild and Korten. The one at fault for not forming the alliance is us, not the Leisure Guild. I'm sure they could enter a trading pact with anyone and aren't desperate for our business, so blame Korten for falling short and not the Leisure Guild for disagreeing.”
Taken aback, the elders were all speechless.
Jack and those on the other side of the table were surprised but glad to see that Gwendon was indeed mature enough to be the elven chief.