Inside is a lacquered box, a work of art in its own right. The way Sinric touches it, running his hands over the crest of the lid and down to clasps is almost ritual, like the dancing a tea ceremony.

Very slowly, he draws out a phallus of milk veined jade, carved with intricate patterns of lotus flowers and dragon scales.

He presents it, holds it out for Hannibal to see. Not overly large, the size of an average caucasian man and curved in its glory. Hollow and flanged at the base to fit the belt resting in the box. "With this, if you will permit? I very much desire to have you."