Some of you will know from last year lol. But basically, everything in her culture comes down to contract. It's how they conceptualise social relationships as well as business ones. No matter who two people are, they can enter into 'fair contract' - each offering something that will benefit the other.

Offering someone something without this contract aspect is either an act of charity, or a calculated insult - it's saying that the person you're giving the thing to has nothing of worth to offer you.

Ari knows that people from other cultures aren't actually trying to insult her! But it still feels bad for her and she's like 'I don't need charity, thank you.'

Exceptions! If you poke at this worldbuilding aspect a little there are obvious holes, but most of them are filled by the fact that the value on one side of the contract can be intangible. Which usually comes up with family/friends/caring relationships.

But it needs to be made explicit. So, for example, Ari's father gave her a bracelet, but he told her it was for the value she brings to his life as his daughter, and because he was proud of her achievements on the Tradelines. It's not framed as a 'gift' but an exchange, even though to an outsider it basically looks like a gift.

I suppose it would also work if two people agreed in advance to exchange items to mark a special occasion. It doesn't really happen at home for her but that's the easiest way to have it happen in a game context. Although of course they'd have to know her well enough to agree that in advance.

So that's why she'll agree to take part in 'secret santa' gift exchange where you both give and get something, fair contract, but people giving her gifts makes her flustered and she'll try to return them or pay for them.

Which is not me OOC saying don't do it! Just that I apologise for her reaction not being gratitude, because I appreciate that they like her enough to do it, even if she doesn't

(I will also happily have her discuss this IC with anyone if you want them to know! She's very open about it.)

Also relatedly because of everything being contract, someone saying they'll have 'no contract' with her is either saying 'you're dead to me' or declaring hostility and the intention to attack, depending on circumstances.

So contracts in don't faze her at all, she's trained to negotiate them and isn't going to give up anything she doesn't want to.

Also! Being 'in contract' to someone literally means you work for them. So she'll stay stuff like 'we have contract, we're not in contract' meaning her allegiance doesn't go further than what she's agreed.

'In contract' to a lot of regular people in her setting is just about your job. For Ari, raised Company and then joining the Tradelines, it's very much about personal loyalty. She was in contract to her captain and that's meaningful beyond him just paying her salary. And the Companies promote loyalty, although how far their employees agree varies!

Ari's an idealist in that respect.

So, for example, if Erwin gave Ari a gift and was like “this is for all your patience when I was pestering you with questions about space flight”, that would be cool?

NewKillerStar: yes! Exactly. She'd say she was happy to answer the questions anyway, but since the gift is explicitly in return for the value he gained from her answers, she'd accept it. Fair contract.

this was one of my favorite aspects RPing with Ari, i remember when Essek made a gift of tablecloths for her business but framed it as a sample to encourage more purchases of the same. He caught on quick

Michael isn’t above saying he’s paying her back for listening to his story with an unbiased ear. Or for helping him with the star map, etc. So she already paid for it

zauberdecke: I'm so glad you liked it. I remember Essek catching on straight away and his approach was perfect. Leaves everyone happy. She really liked Essek, he understood her better than most!

accessories: That would absolutely work Ari would accept that, fair contract. She knows other people don't share her customs so she'd be really pleased he made the effort.

Like when anyone wishes her peace and prosperity. Makes her feel less alone.

He makes it a point to say it to her when they talk

accessories: I'd noticed! She really likes that. He comes across as a very sensible and considerate person to her, and she empathises with his situation with Lucifer - although as I was saying the other day, she sees both sides there!

She blames God for being an overly harsh and inflexible 'commander' lol

Enjoy that gift Ari~

Yes, yes. Everyone else say how bad his dad is so he doesn’t have to

accessories: That is such a thoughtful gift, she loves it! So good. She misses home and she loves the stars

Also watch when Heaven gets cold and anyone visiting her office will see her wearing the blanket like a cloak, nice and warm