My Sister, My Responsibility [Asirikai]

[Zen]

The day after Win My Vote

Treyjen

It had been worrying at his thoughts since he had gotten up for the day, and Treyjen had found himself unable to snatch back much more rest after his sister’s confrontation. It left him in a sour mood and he had simply downed enough ale to take the edge off his hangover because it was clearly the only relief he would be getting. He knew also he would be in no mood to find himself any further amusement that night if he didn’t ensure that Nalyra really hadn’t ruined anything. She hadn’t seemed so certain herself and he was not willing to leave it to chance. If there was anything he could do to help remedy… whatever she had done, he would see to it. The vote was too close and there was too much at risk to just let it be.

Why couldn’t she have just left Asirikai well enough alone? Why couldn’t she understand the need to cultivate a good relationship with him? There were so many other men for her to play with, couldn’t she just leave this one alone? Well, apparently not. He had debated just how he wanted to go about cleaning up whatever mess she might have made, but there wasn’t much to plan for until he knew just what she had done. This was just going to be an unpleasant day no matter what he did, wasn’t it? He was hardly looking forward to finding out, both what she had done and what he might have to do to fix it.

He would have liked to talk to his sister more about it first but for one, he had no idea where she was, and two, he was sure she would skirt around what happened again by hinting at details he’d rather not know. She really had made a mess for him to muddle through. He grumbled to himself as he made his way to Asirikai’s quarters, hoping he would find him there. It was later in the day, but not late enough as to be considered impolite to visit. He didn’t need to do anything to make matters worse with slight improprieties, that was for sure. Why did she have to put him in this position where he had to walk on eggshells with the man? Shells it was annoying. He paused at the door, running his hand through his hair and drawing in a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he knocked and announced himself, bracing himself for a conversation that he was certain was not about to be pleasant. “Captain Treyjen, my lord,” stupid titles, but he may as well start getting used to using it, and all his other best manners to boot, “If you’ve a moment to spare on me?”

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

Asirikai sat at his desk, spent. He hadn’t gone back to sleep, was convinced he wouldn’t have been able to, and even if he had, was concerned where his dreams would take him. Instead, he had started the day early, poring over information he had gathered, adding more to it. When the unholy hours of the morning had passed, he had gone about his business. He had taken time for some sparring with Nedric, the man he was planning on instigating into his head guard. Everything he did, he did to exhaust the leftover tension Nalyra had left behind.

Now sitting at his desk he was relaxed, able to focus, and avoid thinking about the events of the night before. He was writing again, though this time each stroke was far gentler then they had been this morning. The knock at his door had him tense, and he winced at the soreness of his shoulders from his sparring from earlier. Shards. It wouldn’t do to get suspicious each time someone came in the evening hours. He stood up and was walking to the door when he heard the declared name through the door, and his exhausted body tensed all over again, muscles complaining. He opened the door, his stance unfriendly as he took in the pirate before him.

“Captain.” His voice was sharp and unwelcoming even as he turned and walked back toward his desk allowing the man to let himself in. He had previously wanted to barge over and confront Treyjen about what had occurred between he and the man’s sister, wanted to throw accusations, question honor., maybe even sever connections. His aversion to seeing Nalyra again, his… concern over his reaction to seeing her had kept him away and given him time to think. To simmer. The anger was still there, but the exhaustion muted it, and the accusations had changed. “The last time I welcomed a pirate into my room I was insulted, my honor questioned, and then I was threatened; all expressly unwarranted. I do hope that we can be more civilized tonight.” His voice held the hint of threat, even as he kept it matter-of-fact. The young lord candidate grabbed the whiskey he had indulged in last night and some glasses, then sat down at his desk, motioning for the man to join him. He poured the drinks, and offered one to Treyjen, though he himself didn’t drink from his glass, only held it, and studied the pirate before him.

“I was under the impression that we were allies, Treyjen. If you wanted to end that relationship, there are far more pleasant ways of doing so.” After last night he wasn't so sure he wanted Treyjen and Nalyra as allies, votes or no votes. Especially with how Nalyra had left, her words still left him on edge. 

[Zen]

Treyjen

The greeting he received was hardly welcoming, but the man didn’t slam the door in his face so that was a start. Nalyra had very clearly pissed him off, however, which was hardly surprising. He followed Asirikai inside and shut the door behind him, trying to determine just how to broach the subject, but Asirikai tossed him some free information about just what had happened, vague though it was. Treyjen sighed lightly. Insulted and threatened seemed about right, though he couldn’t guess where the questioning of his honor came in. “I’m quite sure we can manage that, my lord… I’ve certainly no intention of doing any such thing,” he assured him, watching as the younger man poured drinks for them both and invited him with a simple motion to join him at his desk.

He took the offered seat, and the offered drink, for he was sure he was going to need it. He took a drink as Asirikai seemed to study him for a moment, and then spoke before he had the chance. Setting his glass back on the desk, he met Asirikai’s eyes, “I am still just as committed to supporting you, Asirikai, as is my crew… which is why I’m here.” Shards and shells, Nalyra really had nearly cost them everything, hadn’t she? “I… don’t know just what my sister did, but she is often impulsive and short sighted. She was most certainly not here on my behalf, or my crew’s, only her own. I would have much preferred she stayed… far away from you as, I believe I warned you once, she is quite adept at sowing strife wherever she goes. But disobedience comes naturally to her.” Which was most unfortunate in this particular circumstance. “And where she is told no, it seems, she is all the more determined to do just that.”

He took a moment to work up the resolve he needed for his next words. “I must… beg your forgiveness for whatever she’s done to you,” it sure left a bitter taste in his mouth to beg for anything, and he stayed the hand that was tempted to reach for his glass of whiskey to wash out the flavor, “And… if there is anything I can do to remedy the situation, I am at your disposal. I want only what’s best for my crew, and I still believe wholeheartedly that is you.” Only after he’d finished his apology, his offer to try to make this right, somehow, did he again take up his glass for another drink. He still wasn’t entirely sure what all Nalyra had done or how he could possibly make up for it, but he had to try to salvage whatever he could of his relationship with Asirikai before the man decided pirates were more trouble than they were worth and rescinded his offer of clemency.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

It was interesting, this pattern the siblings had. Nalyra had said much the same thing, hadn’t she? That Treyjen hadn’t been forthcoming with her. It seemed to be mutual on both sides, though seeing as Nalyra had literally threatened everything Treyjen apparently still wanted, he could see why she wouldn’t have shared what had transpired the night before. His jaw clenched when Treyjen reminded Asirikai of his warning. She had definitely sowed her fair share of strife. Maybe it was his turn to return the favor. What would his brother think of her little threat? Another sweet revenge. Her words, her promise that his time hadn’t been wasted on her… He trusted his gut, and he was sure he didn’t want whatever else she was offering. Maybe sowing strife of his own would stop her.

Treyjen continued, informing him that ‘no’ was a sweet challenge to her, and only encouraged her further. He had seen that firsthand, trying to kick her out twice, with little success. Maybe her submission had been her last resort to get him into bed. Shards, that woman.

“I noticed.” The exasperation he had felt from the night before laced in his voice. Disinterest would have been a better tactic with her, but his temperament had gotten the better of him. He let the silence continue as he assessed Treyjen, considering his options. He didn’t want pirates loose in Mavros, and his deal had been with Treyjen, not Nalyra. He had assumed Treyjen oversaw the infuriating woman. If he broke this relationship because of what one woman did, it could harm Mavros and him as Lord Holder just as much as it would harm Treyjen’s crew. It might make matters simpler with the Lord Holders not having to justify the clemency of pirates that had plagued their ships… But he hadn’t undertaken this running for simple.

Treyjen’s apology was the push to give in, the reminder that honor was more important than his pride. He let there be silence for a long, slow, steadying breath. “Alright then.” He growled out, some of the tension leaving his body, and he shot back the whiskey he had poured and put the glass down. He had exhausted himself too much for a real fight anyway, and could he continue to blame Treyjen, when Asirikai had been the one to invite her in? Yes, he was angry. Angry that Treyjen hadn’t controlled his sister, angry at himself, and sharding angry at that woman. But his anger wouldn’t get him anywhere, and he needed to harness it. At least he could use this situation to his advantage.

“I believe you to be genuine, and that we are still aligned in our goals. Even if your sister did threaten all of it.” The last he half growled, half muttered, and he sighed again. “I would ask one thing, a show of good faith on your part.” He laced his fingers together and raised an eyebrow. “I would like to pay off my debt of truths to you, now.” He would be deadglow if he didn't recognize the threat the debt held, just how Treyjen could use it against him later. Honor would hold him bound to give the truths, but if it also cost honor in his position as Lord Holder? He would choose his position over a pirate, but he didn’t like the idea of besmirching himself in any way. Sharding games. If he had to play them, then he might as well do so on his own terms. “Five truths, I believe it was.”

[Zen]

Treyjen

The exasperation in Asirikai’s voice might have made him laugh in any other situation, if laughing wasn’t liable to ruin any progress he was making toward amends. Instead he sighed, entirely in agreement with the sentiment. Exasperation and frustration were often what he felt where his sister was concerned, and never more so than now. He loved her, he’d kill for her and he’d die for her, but she sure was a sharding pain in the ass. The younger man’s growled alright then left him a bit on edge. It wasn’t exactly clear whether it was an acceptance of his apology or simply an acknowledgement. He downed the rest of the whiskey in his glass while he waited for Asirikai’s verdict on the matter. Treyjen did not enjoy being so at another’s mercy and he silently cursed Nalyra’s thoughtlessness for getting him into this sharding situation.

Some tension left him when Asirikai finally said he believed him, even if his displeasure with Nalyra was still clear. A show of good faith? Shells, here it came, the price he would have to pay for his sister’s folly. His brows lifted in surprise at the mention of Asirikai’s ‘debt’. Wherryshit. Those truths could have turned out to be so useful… and Asirikai had figured that out as well. He let out a soft laugh, humorless, and rubbed his hand over his forehead as he considered his options. He was honestly surprised Asirikai was still willing to allow him to collect on that debt. He could very well have simply demanded it be nullified, considering the circumstances. Or perhaps it was just a test to see if he still would or not. A show of good faith, indeed.

He sighed again and looked back over at the young man, reminding himself never to underestimate him again, “I believe it would be in poor taste for me to collect on that debt now, my lord. Consider it paid and then some.” Shells but it was certainly difficult to let go. Still, it wasn’t like there was much use for it now. There was a reason he had been saving them. And he couldn’t justify suddenly interrogating Asirikai when he had come here seeking forgiveness. Currently, Asirikai held all the cards, and all he could really do was whatever would keep him in the man’s good graces. It was difficult to stomach, but for the sake of his crew, his pride would simply have to be swallowed. He had come here knowing that.

But there was one question he had been wanting to ask, one answer he really needed to hear. He had been saving it to ask after Asirikai won, if he won. He debated whether he should ask now or wait. He hadn’t come here for that reason and it might still be inappropriate to ask, but the answer was important. He needed to be prepared. He drew in a deep breath and decided to ask anyway, “But… if I could ask you something without the compulsion of your debt behind it…? You have been forthright with me thus far and if I hope to build our relationship into one of friendship, I would like to be able to trust your words at face value… and for you to be able to trust mine.”

He leaned forward slightly, his arms resting on his knees as he clasped his hands together, out of Asirikai’s sight, to keep them from balling into fists. He spoke slowly, so as not to let his anger over the possibility to take control, “I have reason to believe my… my father may yet pay a visit to Mavros in the near future. He is… a respected trader, fairly well known at Pern’s largest port Holds. He has some sway, in the trading community and without, and plenty of connections.” His gaze was fixed on Asirikai, because this question had been plaguing him ever since he had spent more time with L’rey. His son may not have told anyone about finding him at Mavros, but he was a bronzerider, and there was no way Treylok wouldn’t somehow try to use that to his advantage.

“So there is every chance that he will find me here, with the ship that I stole from him, and every chance that he will come to the new Lord of Mavros and demand my ship be seized and returned to him,” his brows drew together as he studied Asirikai’s face, “And I would very much like to know what your answer would be… because I can promise you now, I will see the Storm’s Eye burn before I ever allow that to happen.” A truth for a truth seemed fair, seeing as he was trying to build trust. There really weren’t many witnesses that they’d left alive to testify as to their crimes, but his father certainly had proof of the theft, documentation that Treyjen’s ship rightfully belonged to him, people that would back his claim, not that it mattered because Asirikai already knew the truth.

Would his pardon of their crimes stand up against such direct evidence, or would he be compelled to back the man that had the law quite fully on his side, and the potential to damage Mavros’s prospects in the larger trader community? If Asirikai was indeed a man of his word then all their crimes ought to have been forgiven, so long as they did not return to that life, but Treyjen had to know if he would waver when confronted directly about it, if he would hold under pressure. After all, there wouldn’t be much gain for Asirikai to side with him. Honor seemed to be quite important to the young man, but was it truly more honorable to take the side of a criminal, even one he had given his word, or would that honor be turned against him in time?

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He watched Treyjen’s reaction closely, his thumbs twiddling unconsciously. The pained laugh informed him he’d been right to take those truths as a threat to his honor. The sigh was just the first sign that he had Treyjen where he wanted him. Asirikai’s eyebrows rose in surprise as the captain nullified his debt completely. The pirate captain giving up a chance at more information. So, he felt a strong responsibility towards his sister, even if she quite apparently didn’t trust or respect him. He could use that. Inwardly he winced at the thought, disliking it immediately, and dismissing it.

“And then some…” He mused aloud, his thumbs twiddling again, “I don’t believe that’ll be necessary, Captain. The debt forgiven is enough.” It felt strange, allowing his debt to be paid in full without actually paying it, but he could accept it. He could almost sense the captain unease with that sigh and his eyes narrowed and his thumbs paused again. Treyjen’s tentative question didn’t warrant any verbal response, so he only nodded slowly, indicating his wiliness to hear him out. Friendship… It wasn’t what he had expected from the man, and he still wasn’t all that sure he wanted it. There was little that Treyjen could give him, aside from votes, but what Asirikai himself was offering, the clemency wasn’t for the votes. It was for Mavros.

He had to work to keep his body relaxed as his mind was awhirl, taking in the information that Treyjen dished out. Noting the earnest stance the captain had taken further expressed his desire for an answer. Shard, but if Treyjen was right, then Asirikai didn’t have nearly as much time as he had hoped in order to explain his clemency for the pirates. He had hoped that with a little time, and proof of redemption, he would be able to prove the wisdom in his actions. But if Treyjen’s father did indeed have connections, and planned on visiting Mavros… He had a lot less time than he had hoped.

Asirikai needed a new plan. “I see.” He offered quietly; his gaze unwavering even as his mind wandered over his options. He sighed. “I admit, I hoped for a bit more time before something like this would complicate things, but I’m grateful you are bringing it to my awareness now.” He reached out and poured himself another glass of whiskey, and swirled the drink in his hand slowly, continuing to consider this dilemma.

“I mean to stand by my word of clemency, but forgiveness of one’s actions does not clear one of all consequences, Treyjen. I will be the law and shall have to stand by it once I am Lord Holder.” He put the glass down. “That being said, I do not wish to give your father anything he wants, if what you have told me of him is true. I believe I can assist you in legally obtaining your father’s ship as yours.” He would have to call in a favor, one he was not happy about doing. He had hoped to never need it.

“I’ll need four things. Proof of your father’s plan on selling Nalyra,” He held up one finger, “Witnesses, but none who have turned to piracy,” A second finger, “Nalyra’s full cooperation,” The third finger, and he couldn’t help the sharpness when he said her name, “and if you don’t have my first and second readily at hand, then I’ll need a man of the name Piros Jewt, he lives off the coast nearest the remains of Remath Hold. I can provide the groundwork, but I’ll need you to supply the legwork if you wish to keep your Storm's Eye.” Shards but he hoped Treyjen could supply the first two without the need for Piros, his father’s retired spymaster. The man was bizarre, suspicious, and quite possibly insane, but his work was proof that behind the wild exterior was a dangerous, amoral, intellectual creature.

He leaned forward, showing his intent. “Do not mistake me. I believe you have grounds on which you can legally claim your Storm’s Eye. If anyone comes and shows proof that one of your other ships is their’s I will have the ship seized and returned to its rightful owner, and there be a sizable fine, dependent on how many widows you left behind when you seized the ship. This clemency deal does not mean you can keep stolen goods as your own, and if said ship comes to harm before it can be returned, the party at fault will lose all clemency, and be convicted for piracy.” He leaned back again, bringing his drink with him and taking a needful sip. “So if there is fear of that, I suggest you prepare for yourself how you will legally handle such matters.”

[Zen]

Treyjen

Asirikai’s thoughtful and then some had Treyjen preparing for a secondary price to pay, but he simply dismissed it, willing to leave it at his debt being paid and nothing more. Treyjen was certainly grateful for that. He’d given up plenty with the loss of those questions, but he still didn’t know just what Nalyra had done and so he had felt compelled to offer more if Asirikai wanted to take it. Whatever it would take to remedy the situation. If Asirikai was satisfied, however, then he wasn’t going to push the matter either. There was a show of good faith and there was simpering, and he was not about to go that far. He gave a short nod, glad at least to have settled one concern for the day, “As you wish.”

The initial warning that forgiveness did not absolve him of dealing with consequences, and that Asirikai would have to uphold the law as Lord Holder, did not sound particularly promising for him at all and Treyjen could feel himself tensing as he considered the fact that they may yet lose Mavros afterall. But before those thoughts could run too far, Asirikai continued. Assist him in legally obtaining his ship? “What…?” The incredulous question slipped past his lips before he could stop it. How could there possibly be a way for him to come to have rightful ownership of the Storm’s Eye in the eyes of the law? And why did Asirikai care to help him in such a way? He knew better than to ask that, however. If Asirikai wanted to help him, he wasn’t about to question it. Perhaps he really was just disgusted by what Treylok had tried to do to Nalyra, though Treyjen found it hard to believe that was all there was to it.

Even as Asirikai told him what he would need to assist him in this, Treyjen still couldn’t quite grasp what he was offering. Proof…. He grimaced at the first thing Asirkai listed. What proof could he possibly provide? It wasn’t as though there was some formally written agreement about it, it was all verbal between his father and whatever unfortunate man he had been trying to marry Nalyra off to. He didn’t even know the man’s name, it had hardly mattered as he wasn’t going to allow it to happen. Witnesses were really his only proof and that…. Witnesses that weren’t part of his crew? Shells, who could he possibly ask then? Besides them, it was only his family that had really known, and…. Would Rey back him? Would Rey be enough? Did he really count as a witness if he only heard about it from him after his confrontation with his father about it? And how could he ask his brother to put himself in the middle of this anyway? He’d already raised his son for him, hadn’t he done enough? Nalyra’s cooperation he was sure he could get, but the rest?

Shells but it sure would just be easier to run again. Easier to leave Mavros behind and do as they pleased with no one to answer to. He ran his hand through his hair as he considered his options and nearly shook his head at himself. Easier for his crew, or for him? He blew out his breath as he knew very well the answer to that. And would it really be so easy in the end? Leaving L’rey again. Leaving Trillia. Leaving Treyvin. He’d begun to build relationships with both his sons and he knew if he turned his back on Mavros now, just how the regret of abandoning his children would feel. And this time there were three. L’rey and Treyvin may be nearly men but it hardly made a difference. If he could set this right, claim the Storm’s Eye in a way that his father could never take it from him… if he could be better, shouldn’t he? For his children, at least, shouldn’t he try?

Asirikai’s warning about his other ships drew his attention back, but he was far less concerned on that front. According to the documents in the captain’s quarters of both ships, the captains had owned them, and the captains were dead. Still, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to change their names and keep them from travel to the Hold of their origin to be safe. He’d have to look over their documents again, but that was for another day. He waved his hand, dismissive of those concerns, “My Storm’s Eye is the only ship at risk.” In Treyjen’s mind all three ships were rightfully his as it was. If you weren’t smart enough and strong enough to protect what was yours, then you didn’t deserve it as far as he was concerned. Unfortunately that wasn’t how the law worked, and if he was going to leave piracy behind he would have to start working within the confines of the law again. Starting with this.

He shook his head, his frustration clear, “I don’t have proof beyond my word and Nalyra’s and any witnesses that aren’t part of my crew would back my father.” He couldn’t ask Rey. He didn’t think it would be enough anyway, so what was the point of dragging him into it? He couldn't help but think of his mother. She could be a witness, if for once in her life she would stand up to him for the sake of her children, but he wasn’t holding his breath. She would never speak against him, and he honestly wasn’t even sure he wanted her to in this instance. If she did, there was no way she would escape his wrath. He looked back to Asirikai, “So I suppose I must fetch your man, then.” He had no idea who this Piros might be or why Asirikai needed him for this, but if it would help then he would take his ship and find him at his first chance. He still couldn’t quite fathom why Asirikai was offering his assistance in this. “And it seems I’ll be left in your debt after all, my lord,” he added, his gratitude genuine even if he was not at all pleased about the fact. He wasn’t certain just how he would be able to repay Asirikai for this, but for what it was worth to him, he anticipated a steep price. Of course this would all be contingent on Asirikai winning the election. He was beginning to depend too much on that outcome and he reminded himself to be prepared for if the young man lost. Though he certainly thought his chances were good, there would be no certainty until Turn’s End.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He had ignored Treyjen’s surprised exclamation, going straight into explaining what he would need. He could understand Treyjen’s surprise, whether it be at the possibility of something he wanted so much, like his ship being his legally, or that fact Asirikai was willing to help at all, he couldn’t tell. Asirikai’s goals were his own and he need not explain to the pirate his intentions. He still questioned the wisdom of this choice as it were. Especially if he needed to use Piros.

But he was sure that dealing with pirates in his first few years at Mavros would only make things more difficult, especially if he gave them clemency only for them to turn once again back to piracy to defend their captain and his ship. That would make him look weak, and he couldn’t have that; from what he could see of Treyjen’s resolve, that ship was a dealbreaker for whatever reason. This pirate wasn’t making it easy for Asirikai to keep his promise, and if he had known what trouble it would have brought him, he never would have made it.

The fact that Treyjen didn’t look all that reassuring all but confirmed what he suspected, and that was the man didn’t have his first two requirements. Shards, he was stirring up more trouble in order to control other trouble, which did not bode well. Piros would use this moment of perceived weakness to whatever advantage he could find.

He was only semi-comforted by Treyjen’s admission that Storm’s eye was the only ship at risk. He wondered if the ship would end up being worth it to the pirate captain if he ended up being indebted to Piros Jewt. He didn’t doubt the man would indebt the pirate whether he was acting for Asirikai’s debt or not. He was vicious, and his work reflected it. “Good.” He said quietly, leaning back in his chair. He nodded at Treyjen’s confirmation of lack of what he would need, and grimaced. “I suspected that would be the case…Don’t call him that to his face..” He rubbed his breaded jaw and gave a tight smile.

“Aye… You’ll owe me for this one, though I suspect you will be cursing me more than thanking for the assistance after you’ve met Piros. I hope your ship is worth the price.” He grimaced, considering the man before him, picking up his drink and sipping it again. Shards, it would be easier if the man's other two ships were enough and he could let just this one ship go. 

“I’ll get the necessary papers prepared, it’ll include instructions for setting up a meet with the man, a letter for Piros, and as detailed a map I can make so you can find Piros. I should have it ready the week after the vote, that is, if I win.” He grinned a little easier, his confidence plain. Then his smile faded, and his eyes narrowed.

“I should also be clear with my wishes. Once you have Piros, I am no more involved in this until the job is done. I will not be associated with Piros in any way. You will only bring back the proof he gleans, not Piros, you will drop him off wherever he requires before returning to Mavros.” His distaste was clear, and it effectively hid the fear he had for the man. His father’s retired spymaster was not an honorable man, and he didn’t trust that his father’s influence was at all gone from the man. No, he would not have Piros in his new home. 

He laced his fingers together after putting his drink down. "As for the clemency, I would prefer Piros do his work before I grant you immunity from your piracy, just to avoid any... complications his being in your employ many accrue. Is that agreeable to you?" Who knew what exactly Piros would do to accomplish the task he would set for the old man? If there was anything truly barbarous done, he would officially be under Treyjen's employ, and his immunity could then extend to that as well.

[Zen]

Treyjen

From the way Asirikai was acting about this man he was meant to find, Treyjen was only growing more and more curious. Don’t refer to him as Asirikai’s man? “Noted…,” he responded thoughtfully, watching Asirkai’s face shift through various expressions and wondering at just how they related to this man, Piros. His gaze narrowed slightly at the warning of the debt he was about to get himself into. Was his ship worth it? “Aye. She is,” he confirmed without hesitation. Even with some hefty, unknown future debt to be paid, he didn’t care. There was very little he wouldn’t do to ensure his ship remained his. He hadn’t named any of his children, but he had named his ship. He had been the only captain she had ever had and he was determined that it would stay that way so long as he still lived and breathed. She was his freedom and she was his home; his heart was in that ship and he wasn’t about to let her go without a fight.

The more Asirikai spoke, the more apparent it was just how much he disliked this man he was sending him after and it only made Treyjen all the more curious. This was shaping up to be an interesting venture. He could only imagine that the methods this Piros would use were more than a little questionable if Asirikai wanted no association and very clearly wanted the man kept away from Mavros. He would never have guessed that Asirikai would have connections with men who did their best work in shadow, nor be willing to utilize such methods. The weight of his debt seemed to grow heavier at the thought. He very well might be spending quite a while paying the younger man back for this. It would be a tether not easily severed, but if he wanted to give his crew their lives back then he had little other option.

Asirikai only confirmed that there may be less than moral means employed with his extension of clemency to be applied to anything that may happen. He sighed and sat back in his chair as he considered it all, “You really know how to indebt a man to you, my lord.” He had lost Asirikai’s debt of truths and earned himself a far steeper debt all in the course of a single conversation. Today really was a most unpleasant day. His only consolation was being the rightful owner of his ship at the end of it, with no more threat of losing her and no more need to keep running. If Asirikai won, he reminded himself again. “Aye… your offer is plenty agreeable.” What an unexpected turn this meeting had taken.

He was still incredibly intrigued by it all, why Asirikai would offer him such assistance and just who this man was that he would need to find, but he wouldn’t be getting the answer to either question right now. None of it would even matter if Asirikai didn’t win the election so there wasn’t much use continuing to dwell on it for the time being. “Well… I hope the next time I see you will be to congratulate you on winning the election. I do like your chances… the betting pools seem to favor you,” Treyjen mused and couldn’t help but think back to their first meeting and the offense Asirikai had taken at being compared to a runnerbeast in a race. Well those participating in the betting were hardly treating them any different, but he wasn’t about to make the comparison again. Not out loud, anyway.

He stood, dipping his head in a gesture of respect to the younger man, “I appreciate your understanding, my lord, and your generous offer to assist me in obtaining… lawful ownership of my Storm’s Eye.” The ship was rightfully his as far as he was concerned, but lawfully? That was another matter. “I believe I’ve taken up quite enough of your time. You must be rather busy with the vote so close. If all goes well, I’ll seek another meeting with you to finalize the details of this venture to find this… Piros.” All this talk about this plan Asirikai had would amount to nothing if he didn’t win, after all, so there wasn’t much use in continuing the conversation until he secured his place as Lord of Mavros, no matter how confident either of them might feel about his chances. Treyjen had done what he had originally come here to do, the rest would have to wait.

kevna