Post by kevna on May 8, 2020 16:49:36 GMT -5
Asirikai
He watched the island getting bigger, standing at the ships bow, he had the perfect view of his new home. His home. He would make it so. The anticipation for arrival was thick among the sailors, many were returning to family, loved ones. There would be no one to welcome him, but it all would change. The dark-haired young man looked over his shoulder, catching sight of his older brother chatting with the captain of the ship. Probably trying to win a vote already. Asirikai gave a small smile. He was quite sure he had already won that vote. Dirinsin was a capable sailor, but Asirikai had superior knowledge, and better people skills.
Still, he was grateful for his elder brother. He had been the one to relay the news that Southern men were getting the opportunity to become Lord Holder at Mavros. Just the opportunity Asirikai had been waiting for. Dirinsin had not been happy when he had announced he would be throwing his hat into the ring. Still wasn’t happy. He had barely spoken a word to him this whole journey, not that that bothered the younger man in the least. His brothers had never been all that warm to their youngest brother.
He turned back to look at his soon to be new home. He had visions of grandeur. Here he could be, and would be, by sure force of will, be Lord Holder. Something so far out of reach in Cove Hold. He would just have to work on his charm, winning over holders and fishermen. How hard could it be? He had devised a plan, campaigning first among the fishermen and moving inward to the islanders. He had plotted out promises he intended to keep and intended to find a more prominent Holder’s daughter to take to wife. Just another step up he had over his brother who was already married.
Lord and Lady Holder Asirikai of Mavros Hold. The Lord part sounded right, but the lady part he would have to get used to. He was not adverse to having a lady-someone to manage the more menial part of the Hold, as his mother had done so adequately. But… He wasn’t sure how picky he could allow himself to be.. He needed someone who would solidify his place on Mavros, solidify the loyalty of the people. Still a part of him feared what he might end up getting stuck with. Was is wrong to want a beautiful wife? One with a work ethic and strength of body to bear up his children? He was expecting a lot from a limited pool, and he knew it.
He leaned forward, placing his hands on the railing of the ship, feeling the thick wood under his hands. He could worry about all that later. The island was creeping up, everyone was moving faster now, dancing to their own tunes, getting the work done. The faster they prepared the ship, the faster they could bring it in to dock, and take shore leave. Asirikai took pleasure in the excitement, breathing in the salt air.
His mood only soured when Dirinsen’s wife’s nasally voice could be heard from below deck. He rolled his eyes and ground his teeth. Patience. Patience. It was hard to be patient with that woman. Instead, he chose to ignore her, ignore them. They were good at ignoring him anyway. He trained his eyes on the port. It creeped closer and closer until finally they docked. There was a swarm as the sailors went about finishing their duties, and the passengers started preparing to disembark.
He smiled confidently and swung his bag onto his shoulder. He waved at the boat’s captain in thanks and got a friendly wave back. His vote. Not Dirinsen’s. He turned to where the gangway was being lowered, using long strides so he could get there before his brother and his family. He did well to avoid those along the way, moving more toward the boats amidships and arriving just as the gangway safely touched port. He nodded congenially to the sailor closest to him who had just finished the job, and placed his heavy boot on the gangway. With ease, he walked the steep path down to port, being the first on the boat to touch solid ground since they had departed from Cove Hold. He didn’t bother to hide his triumphant smile at this. It was only right that he had beat his brother-he did not deserve Mavros. Dirinsen couldn’t uphold other Holds, what made him think he should have this one? This one would be Asirikai’s, by sheer force of will, he would make it his.
The man sighed, looking around at home. His home.
