Grapes, Bees, and Business
The trade delegation of the Grand Duchy of Japuile arrived at the meeting location with precise punctuality - down to the minute. The weather in Radure Cantari turned out to be almost ceremonial: a gentle, mild breeze and warm rays of sunshine were conducive to the conversations scheduled under the majestic, airy pavilion. The attire of the Japuilen delegation was adapted to tropical conditions - elegant yet practical, causing no discomfort for either guests or hosts. Instead of velvet, lightweight cotton satin, tropical wool, or a linen-jacquard blend was used. The clothes were equipped with hidden pouches of cooling gel, and wide straw hats shielded faces from overly strong light.
According to Japuilen custom, business matters take a back seat to mutual acquaintance and relationship-building. Thus, the actual negotiations were postponed to the late afternoon to first relax the atmosphere. The tables gradually filled with dishes, wine, and light beers - though the brandy, not insignificantly, remained untouched. The delegates showed genuine interest in the lives and customs of their host partners, sharing measured opinions and advice with respect for the feelings of their conversationalists.
At the head of the delegation was Green Leaf -ba pegasi with warm, gray-orange eyes, full of sincerity and focused attention. Her dress was sewn from light cotton satin, with gently puffed sleeves tapering at the wrists - a cut that ensured both elegance and freedom of movement. Her olive mane, wavy and long, often covered her right eye unless flipped aside. Around her neck, she wore a silver necklace with a highly polished emerald sphere, and at her leather belt - a large dark leather bag.
Afternoon Talks
As the frivolous conversations dimmed under the influence of alcohol and afternoon lethargy, the gathering slowly shifted to a more formal ground. Green Leaf, along with the representatives of the Republic of Auredia, moved to a smaller, less ostentatious table. She took two drawings and several data sets from her bag.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Republic of Auredia. As tradition dictates, we can proceed to economic matters. Establishing a vineyard in Japuile is more than just fields and processing plants - it's a whole, integrated ecosystem. A system that mutually supports and protects against many threats. Allow me to present our proposal."
Green Leaf pointed her hoof at the first drawing:
(https://imgur.com/6m5iSul)
"I will not go into technical details.- that is a task for the agro-engineers. The main structure consists of three long rows of grapevines, guided on supporting structures. Between them are planted floral paths - marigolds, borage, lavender, to name a few. On the edges: figs, pomegranates, and mulberries as fruit hedges or shading trees. Amidst the grapevines grow garlic and chives - natural protectors against fungal diseases. A simple yet effective layout that allows for almost year-round fermentation and natural plant protection."
After a moment, she slid the first drawing aside to reveal the second - an adaptation of the same structure tailored to the conditions of Auredia:
(https://imgur.com/w8ceHJk)
"In your climate, certain operational changes will be necessary. Primarily: selective tree cutting to create sun corridors. Terracing the land would also be advisable. Garlic and chives are best planted on raised beds to avoid overly moist soil. As for fermentation—we expect a similar dynamic to our conditions. But regarding the wine... the current microclimate in Auredia especially favors the production of white and rosé wines, as well as special red wines with a wild fermentation character."
