Post by Zen on Nov 10, 2018 15:06:02 GMT -5
4 Turns before the Pass
Treyjen: 22
Treyjen: 22
Treyjen couldn't help but laugh, which apparently was not exactly the reaction the gathered men had been expecting judging by their faces, “Yer kidding, right?”
Jeylokar frowned at him, “Not at all. We're offering you the post of captain for the new ship. She's yours to name, if you accept.”
Treylok scowled, “I told you he wouldn't take it seriously. Never takes a sharding thing seriously.”
Treyjen couldn't help but wonder what sort of backward world he had woken up in today. Though if it was truly backward, his father wouldn't have such a sour look on his face, so he supposed that was enough proof of the reality of the situation.
Casting a cautious glance at their father, Jeylokar turned back to his brother, lifting his chin slightly, “You have the capacity to be a fine captain, Treyjen. You've really matured these past several months. But if you don't want it we can just as well offer it to some other man.”
His brother was giving him a compliment? Treyjen had to take another look at his father's unhappy features to ground himself once more. Was Jeylokar drunk? He honestly wasn't sure how to respond to this news. He didn't want to be a captain, didn't like the idea of ordering others around, others who he currently called his friends. He'd as soon leave the responsibility to someone else. But it would mean getting off his father's ship, and the increased responsibility would also bring increased freedom. A good trader weighed his options quickly and reached the best possible outcome before anyone even knew he'd considered the myriad of possibilities available to him, and Treyjen made his decision now just as well.
“While I do love proving y'wrong, I assure y'in this, I will not,” he met his brother's gaze, found the mild surprise there at his acceptance, and even more when he offered his hand.
After a heartbeat, Jeylokar grasped it, “That is good to hear. I had hoped you would not refuse.”
Surprises abound today. Treyjen had no idea why his brother seemed so invested in his accepting the post of captain, but he meant to find out. That night, rather than drinking with his friends as usual, Jeylokar invited him to drink, and even more of a surprise, Reyloran was waiting for them when the two arrived.
With a grin, Reyloran clapped a hand on his brother's back in congratulations, “Welcome home, Captain.”
Treyjen rolled his eyes at that, though he was grinning right back, “Please. Don't start with that. How're Gildrey and Gildira? I meant t'come see them right off the ship but my plans got a tad interrupted.”
“Oh they're doing well. Little Rey's all enamored with that boy of yours. Gildira's been writing a man out in Talin, she's got an uncle there. She plans t'move in with them and see how things go with the man, after Gildrey's been weaned,” Reyloran led them all over to a table as he spoke, “I think she's looking forward to a fresh start.”
“She's still planning t'leave him?” Treyjen was mildly surprised. He'd wondered if after spending several months with their son, Gildira might decide she wanted to keep him with her after all.
“I think it helps her t'know he'll be well taken care of, and well loved. Wyliva dotes on him like one of our own,” Reyloran grinned again, “And I've good news t'share as well. We've a third on the way.”
Treyjen laughed, “You're setting up t'have a decent brood, aren't ya? Don't y'ever give the poor woman a break?”
Reyloran snorted a laugh, “She's the one that wants a brood. Woman isn't happy without a babe in her arms. Your boy only served t'remind her, I think.”
“Well, we've plenty to celebrate tonight, don't we?” Jeylokar remarked, waving the keeper of the tavern over to bring them drinks, “Here's hoping for another fine son for you.”
Treyjen cast an annoyed look at his eldest brother, “Here's hoping it's healthy and grows up happy, regardless.”
Jeylokar looked at him over his glass, “Don't start now, Treyjen. Boys are far more useful to a fisher.”
Treyjen set his own glass down a tad harder than he'd meant, a growl edging into his tone, “Children shouldn't be had just for their prospective usefulness t'their parents.” Somehow he managed to forget at times just how like their father Jeylokar was, only to be slapped in the face with it, “I do feel sorry for Yvinka, but at least her mother has some sense.”
“Well!” Reyloran broke in just as Jeylokar was preparing to hurl a retort back, “I thought we were here t'celebrate. If you two would prefer t'brawl the door is that way. Shall I help y'find it?”
Jeylokar shot a look at Reyloran, but Treyjen only laughed. Their fisher brother was broader and stronger than either of them. He could easily haul them both out if need be. Scratching his chin thoughtfully, Treyjen studied Reyloran for a moment, “It has been a while since you've hauled me off.”
Reyloran snorted, “Are those times such fond memories for you? You two have always made me feel like the eldest, always babysitting you both.”
Jeylokar scowled and took another drink, brooding over his mug while Treyjen grinned. It was hardly an insult to him, he was the youngest, he was allowed to act more immature. Jeylokar on the other hand did not have that excuse.
“Why did the other captains decide on me, Jeylokar?” he asked after a moment, “You seemed rather eager for me t'accept, and as much as I've thought about it I cannot fathom why.” He downed some of his ale, studying his eldest brother with interest.
Jeylokar affected disinterest, shrugging lightly, “Mostly I thought it might help keep you out of trouble, and perhaps you'll actually grow up and start to act your age. The other captains have seen how you're behavior has improved the last several months so they agreed to give you a chance.”
Treyjen's gaze narrowed at that explanation. But then he couldn't help but laugh, “If you think piling responsibility on me is gonna make me change, brother, I'll happily prove y'wrong on that.”
Jeylokar turned his scowl to him then, “If you don't take this seriously, Treyjen, you can be replaced. It is not a game.”
“Life is a game,” he retorted with a grin, sitting back in his chair and taking another drink, “But don't worry, Jeylokar, I am playing t'win.”
A flash of annoyed confusion passed over Jeylokar's features, “Just what is that supposed to mean?”
Reyloran cleared his throat before the conversation could devolve into an argument, as he was very aware it was about to, “Have y'thought about a name for her yet, Treyjen?”
Jeylokar continued to give him a familiar disapproving look, but Treyjen was used to ignoring those and chose instead to focus on his preferred brother, “Aye. Well, I've narrowed it down at least. I'm sure mother would appreciate it if I used her name for one. The Jenara doesn't sound half bad. If I wanted t'be sentimental about it, at least.” He gave a light laugh and shook his head, clearly not quite convinced on that one, “I'm also considering the Crimson Dawn, the Storm's Eye, or the Black Wind.”
Jeylokar's gaze narrowed once again, “You're not calling the ship the Crimson Dawn. Not with everyone talking about the return of the Red Star and Thread in a short few turns.”
“Oh, I'm not?” Treyjen tossed a careless glance at his brother, “Y'know I've suddenly grown even more fond of the name.”
“Treyjen...,” Reyloran's tone was warning, “I agree with Jeylokar on that one. It would be a rather inauspicious name.”
Jeylokar jerked his head in a nod, “It'll surely drive away business with a name like that. Who would trust their goods to a ship with such a name?”
“Someone who isn't a superstitious fool?” Treyjen suggested, raising an eyebrow slightly.
“You've three other names, pick one of those,” Jeylokar growled, and Treyjen couldn't hide the smirk at how easy it was to get a rise out of him.
“I don't know, I rather like the Crimson Dawn the more I think about it,” he took another drink, smirking into his glass as Jeylokar's face contorted further.
“You are not. Naming it. Crimson Dawn,” he insisted, stabbing a finger in his direction for emphasis.
Reyloran sighed, “Treyjen, honestly.”
“Very well, just for you, Rey,” he grinned, but didn't push the subject anymore. He'd never admit it, but Jeylokar was right now that he'd pointed it out. The name likely would drive away some business in a few turns. The population at large was full of superstitious fools.
“Mother's name seems the most suitable. Why do you have to pick names with such negative connotations?” Jeylokar continued.
Well, the Jenara was out if it was Jeylokar's choice. Sorry, mother. At random he chose one of the remaining names to settle on right there and then, “No, I think I like the Storm's Eye best. Has a nice feel to it.”
“Define 'nice',” Jeylokar muttered.
“It's a fine name,” Reyloran spoke up, again attempting to dissuade further argument between his brothers, “Imposing. Fitting for how quick she's meant t'be as well.”
“Y'see, Jeylokar. Fitting,” Treyjen gestured to Reyloran, his tone haughty.
Reyloran made an exasperated noise, “Now I remember why we don't do this sort of thing often. You two are exhausting. Shut up and drink, the both of you.”
Treyjen laughed, raising his glass, “I've no objection to that.”