Time was such a fascinating thing to Nahia. The Zerui had such a fluid idea of time; it was time to eat when the sun was setting, but the sunset changed from day to day, so really, you ate when you were hungry. Dinner just tended to be the last of your meals.

But for the Thiasans, they had a set time. The sun may only rise at seven in the evening a few times a year, but a man always went home at seven to eat. Or to a pub, or tavern. It was all very fascinating.

Nahia had been learning about Thiasan time since her last encounter with one of her Thiasan clients. He had demanded to meet her in two weeks at exactly seven in the seven in the evening. Nahia agreed to meet him at sunset, and it went down from there. They compromised—Nahia would leave shortly before sundown and he would not be too terribly irate if she was not on time. Or at least, that’s what Nahia agreed to. She didn’t quite remember what he said to that.

And there he was, by the crooked tree near the river. A delightful man—disgruntled but quite attractive. Nahia smiled her pretty smile and greeted him. “Hallo!”

Though Isaac was considerably more open to (and knowledgable about) the Baskari way of life, the Zerui's lack of time frame was always an annoyance with him. He couldn't understand how his father had been able to put up with it, dealing with the Zerui for so long. He hadn't even been carrying on the business for too long, and already he found his nerves ground down by the other party being late. But, Nahia was, quite frankly, the only supplier he had at the moment. No matter how annoyed he became, he would always put up with her, for the sake of the business.

Standing by a tree along the riverbank with his arms folded over his chest, one foot tapping, and features locked in a scowl, Isaac was the perfect picture of impatientness. But as he noticed Nahia's approach he made an attempt to smooth his features into a less offensive expression. He couldn't quite manage to return the smile, but did at least turn his scowl into a more blank and emotionless look, giving a curt nod in means of greeting.

"Let's make this quick," he said brusquely, casting an uneasy glance around him. Nahia, as a person he had delt with several times, didn't make him as paranoid as most people did; this time, it wasn't social pressure making him nervous, but being pressed by time. He didn't want to be away from his station for too long, fearing that a superior would notice.

It made Nahia's heart warm a littlle to watch Isaac attempt to smooth his features. He was a handsome man, and handsome men looked their best while smiling. Isaac did not quite smile, but some men were not quite meant to smile. Her brother Gogo, for instance, looked constipated when he was happy and furious, it was just a matter of how constipated he looked.

"Quick? Ahh, no time for enjoy!" Nahia always tried to practice her Scalian with her clients. It amused some of them and pissed others off, but they always came back to her. Of course! Nahia was the most reliable dealer in the Zerui. She supplied the finest Datura, and prepared the best of mixes. Also, she was easy to please. Some Zerui would demand an arm and a leg, but Nahia? If she didn't need any particular object at that time, she would just ask for one, small little favor.

Those little favors start to build up after a while, though...

Isaac was not one of those fools, however. He always had something to trade with. It was always interesting to see what he'd bring. Nahia liked to try her new blends with him--not that most of the soldiers would notice the subtle differences in the herbs. Indar was always the one to appreciate that. Nahia reached into her satchel, pulling out a small bag.

"I have new blends, very good, very good! Many stronger--I know many soldiers tired and need enjoyment. War coming, yes?"