Fishing for votes [Treyjen/Zen]

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He walked with confidence on the boat, greeting sailors and fishing men alike, he loved the sea, and his sea legs were impeccable. He chatted with the men about their fishing routes and individual roles on the boat. Most were friendly enough, though he tried his best not to seem too overbearing. He was wearing his normal sailing gear, a loose white shirt and black trousers, though his belt was of rich leather died a dark purple, the colors of Mavros. He intended to be Mavros’s ruler, and so he intended to show it. The shirt and trousers weren’t overly nice, which he did on purpose, but they were a slightly better grade then what most on this boat were wearing. He was trying to win votes, and he found the best way of doing that was to befriend, not be autocratic and overdressed, as he was sure his uncle would be.

He finished up with the last of the men on the boat, and moved to dismount, turning to wave to the captain in thanks and goodbye. Asirikai’s day was far from over, he had plenty of daylight to be charming and friendly, something he needed the practice for anyhow. He was tempted to ask a captain to allow him to join a fishing expedition to better acquaint himself with the men and gain votes, but he was concerned it would take him away from Mavros for too long. The young man needed to move inland soon, start meeting some of the larger Holders, and their daughters or sisters. He needed time to woo a wife and win a large section of Mavros all in one.

He moved down the docks, catching sight of another ship. He approached it with confidence, stopping short of the edge. He placed one hand on his hip and waved with the other. “Ahoy there, permission to board? My name is Asirikai, previously from Cove Hold, seeking berth with Mavros. Looking to make new friends here.”

There were a few men aboard, but none that looked better dressed or more refined to help him pick out the captain. So he kept his gaze broad, a friendly smile on his lips. He hated looking the fool, and hoped the captain would come forward quickly. Maybe he was below deck?

[Zen]

Treyjen

Treyjen checked his inventory notes as Jusikar pulled down a crate of citrus fruit and opened it up. “Hm,” he frowned down at them thoughtfully. The ledgers on the ship they had pulled them from had indicated their age, and though he had managed to sell a few crates to Mavros about a sevenday ago, these were now dangerously near their date of expiration. Four crates. It would be a shame to let them go to waste. “Have two crates taken to the galley. The crew can take them as they please. Have the other two up on deck, I’ll see if I can’t sell them at-”

“Captain!” The call interrupted him, and Treyjen moved around the rows of crates and barrels to find its source. “Captain?”

“I’m here!” he called back as he stepped into view, “What is it?”

“Man’s askin t’board. Archen thinks he’s a plain nutter, askin fer friends, but he dun look like a nutter t’me,” the man explained with some amusement.

Treyjen raised a brow, wondering just what Baresh was going on about, but figured it would do him better to go see for himself, “Alright then.” He glanced back in the general direction of Jusikar, “See those crates taken out of here while I’m gone!” After he heard the other man’s affirmative, he turned back and waved his hand, followed Baresh back out onto the deck, where the man in question was pointed out to him.

No, not a nutter. Even from the short distance, Treyjen could recognize quality when he saw it. He wouldn’t be much of a trader otherwise. The man’s clothing was deceptively simple but very clearly of better material and craftsmanship than what the average man would wear. He had marks to his name. The brief assessment took only a few moments, not long enough for his gaze to linger awkwardly long, before he stepped up to the side of the ship and leaned on the deck wall with a friendly smile, calling down, “Why don’t you come aboard so we can have a more dignified discussion than shouting at one another?”

He had no idea what the man might want, but he certainly intended to find out. Perhaps he could even get a few marks out of him in the process. He stepped back to go meet the man at the top of the gangplank, but not before he shot a look at Archen and Baresh where they lingered to see what would happen and the two of them moved off.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He had gotten more than a few strange glances at those on board and tried to stay relaxed and friendly looking. He just needed to be patient. Someone would step forward. He was about to give up when a tall bearded man leaned over, greeting him. He sighed quietly, and nodded at the invitation.

He took to the gangplank quick and easy, getting on board with confidence and excitement. He held out his hand for an arm clasp, “Hoy there, many thanks. My name is Asirikai. I assume you must be the captain of this fine ship. I hope I am not disrupting too many goings on; I am here to discuss how we may be of a mutual benefit for one another if you can spare just a few minutes of your time.” He gave a large smile, trying to meet the captains gaze. He seemed like a self-assured man on look alone, which gave Asirikai extra boost of hope, though wariness was always an appropriate manner as well. Self-assured could also mean someone who didn't care to share power, which was exactly what Asirikai needed to be successful on Mavros. 

Zen

[Zen]

Treyjen

Treyjen took the man’s offered arm in greeting, keeping an easy, friendly smile on his own face as he introduced himself. Asirikai. And he wanted to discuss how they could be of mutual benefit to each other? Interesting. Treyjen could only wonder what sort of angle the younger man was working. Asirikai. Why did the name seem familiar? He was almost certain he had never met the young man before him. It was like an itch he couldn’t quite reach, the knowledge evading his grasp. He was quite good with names and the fact that he couldn’t quite place the familiarity of this one irked.

“Well met, Asirikai,” he replied easily, releasing the other man’s arm, “You assume correctly. Captain Treyjen of the Storm’s Eye, though the Sea Dragon and the Bright Wing also sail with me.” He gestured briefly in the general direction of the other two moored trading vessels. The Sea Dragon outsized any other ship in the harbor by far, it was difficult to miss, while the Bright Wing was more of a size with his Storm’s Eye.

“As captain of a trading fleet, I am always looking for new opportunities. Just what sort of mutual benefit did you have in mind?” his brow rose curiously, as he was still rather at a disadvantage in this interaction. He had no idea what this man really wanted just yet, or what he might have to offer.

kevna
OOC: So I realized Treyjen would have heard of Porrinsen’s youngest son from back when he was just a trader, as they would have visited Cove Hold on a regular basis, possibly met some of his brothers but never him. He would have been taught the names of the ‘royal’ families of the Holds they visited after all, hence the vague remembrance of his name xD

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

The captain had a firm grip, a sure grip. The young candidate straightened his shoulders, keeping a strong stance. Asirikai needed to convey strength of his own. Self-assurance of his own. His trouble was coming off too overbearing. He followed the hand gesture that Treyjen used to point out his ships, and kept his gaze cool. Impressive ships meant a man with power. Someone he assuredly would like on his side. Now the issue would be getting him on his side with the right bait.

“Well, I wish to follow in my father’s, Lord Porrinsen’s, footsteps, and become Lord Holder of a flourishing Hold. I want Mavros Hold to be mine.” He didn’t look away from the Captain of the ship. He needed to convey how serious he was about this. The young man knew willpower could get someone a long way. People were necessary too. “My brother, Dirinsen believes he can take the power for himself, but he has tried before, and failed at smaller holds. I don’t expect him to succeed with Mavros, and I don't wish to see him ruin this fine island. I can succeed. But I need votes in order to show off my capability.”

He gestured towards the older man with an open palm. “I could use your votes, and that of your men if they be willing. But I never would ask for something without offering something in return. What can I do to persuade you and your men to vote for me? That I can be a reliable, trusted leader?”

He did his very best to look relaxed. This was always the most interesting part of the conversation. Some of the previous fishermen had asked a lot. Some had asked for little. But what would this Trader ask of him? Asirikai had hopes and dreams for Mavros. It was a hold with a lot of potential, if ruled correctly.

[Zen]

Treyjen

Lord Porrinsen? Ah, that’s why the young man’s name was familiar. He’d heard something of the Lord Holder’s youngest son, long ago, but had hardly had any reason to think much of him since. Asirikai held his gaze as he spoke and voice didn’t waver. He was not here to beg for support, that was clear, which was a good sign if he wanted to be a leader. He held back the grin that tried to tug at his lips as Asirikai mentioned a brother who was apparently also attempting to curry favor with the Mavrosi, and quickly informed him why said brother should not get his support. It was too early in the conversation for Treyjen to tell if it was a mark of ruthless ambition or a defense because the younger man might feel threatened by his brother’s chances in comparison to his own. His brother had tried before, which meant he had more experience, and failing was a good way to learn how NOT to do something. It did not mean the man was unfit now. Meanwhile Asirikai was quite young. He’d likely never been tested in the same manner. He was a blind bet.

What could Asirikai do for him and his crew? What a question. He could ask the young lordling the same thing. Just what could the young son of a Lord Holder across the sea do for them? He wasn’t likely to have much, if any, sway on Mavros just yet. With an older brother competing with him, it wasn’t as though his Lord father was likely to offer much help in the way of finance, trade, or influence to get his younger son the Lord Holder seat. Of course he could be wrong. Perhaps Lord Porrinsen would support either son equally, so long as one of them won out in the end. He knew little of the man, or how he felt about his children or this venture to secure the Lordship of Mavros.

One thing came to mind, of course. What could Asirikai do for them? Should he win, he could accept them as they were. Pirates and all. Ignore it. Let them live as they did without repercussion. And yet he could hardly show his hand so soon. He had once taken a chance on A’zael, but the Weyrleader’s desperation had been apparent. It had been a calculated gamble. Asirikai may want the Lordship of Mavros but he did not at all seem desperate. Treyjen knew far too little of this man to reveal all now. But what else could be asked for? What else could Asirikai agree to without it being an empty promise? Hm. What an interesting situation. Treyjen could test him. He could ask for anything, something ridiculous, see if he would agree for the sake of his votes or if he would honestly tell him it couldn’t be done. Perhaps he would, but first he wanted to feel him out a bit more.

So it only took him a moment to decide just how to respond, “Well, Asirikai, being a reliable and trusted leader is certainly something to strive for, but before I speak on just what I or my crew might want from such a leader, perhaps you can tell me just what makes you a better candidate than any other. After all, a Lordship ripe for the taking comes along so rarely… it is not only you and your brother in this race. I prefer to know as much about the runnerbeasts in the race as I can before I place my bets.” He couldn’t help but wonder if the lordling would take any offense to being compared to a runnerbeast. And Asirikai needn’t know that he was the first prospective Lord of Mavros he’d spoken to, either. Let him wonder what others might have said, might have offered, “You must be one of the youngest men in the running. So what do you have to offer Mavros that we cannot find in any other hopeful would be Lord? I’m not speaking solely for myself or my crew. Mavros is our home, my crew are raising families here. I have a young daughter here myself. The wellbeing of Mavros is of utmost importance to all of us. We are willing to go to great length to see Mavros thrive. What do you bring to the table, and to what lengths are you willing to go for the betterment of Mavros?” And now it was the answer he would have to judge. Would there be empty platitudes or something of actual substance? Asirikai would need to impress him if he had any hope of gaining his support, particularly because he hadn't yet met any of the other candidates, only heard that Mavros was entertaining the idea of accepting a Lord Holder.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He had much to offer, yet little proof. He had come to this island with a wardrobe, some coin, and his willpower, which he knew was all he would need.. He was available for marriage, though that card he was planning to use for one of the larger families, not a trader. Yet, what could he offer, what set him apart, that wouldn’t seem like an empty promise?

He raised his eyebrow at the runnerbeast comment, but gritted his teeth against ruining his prospects with Treyjen and his men. He stiffened when the tall man called him young. Oooh now the man had gone too far. It was like a switch, he tried to bite his tongue, but it was too sharp. He took a menacing step forward,

“Do you think youth belies wisdom, strength, or drive? Has youth limited you in some way in order for you to be prejudiced?” He looked the tall man over, showing how little impressed he was by the older man’s own age. “Should not my presence alone attest to the fact that I believe Mavros deserves to have a Lord that is willing to seek after his people’s needs? Do you challenge my initiative, motivation, and ambition? Can you tell me plainly that any other candidate has come here?” His fists were turning white as he refrained from throwing one, but his eyes dared the man to belittle him more. He itched to show just how much his ‘youth’ had to offer.

[Zen]

Treyjen

Treyjen’s eyebrows went up and he allowed a bark of laughter to escape his mouth at the younger man’s intensely defensive response. It said quite a lot about him. He looked about ready to come to blows and as far as Treyjen was concerned he hadn’t even said anything mildly insulting yet. He knew the laugh might be taken as such as well, but quite frankly he didn’t care. If this little lordling wanted to start a fight on his ship, it just may well end his dreams of lordship, or anything else for that matter.

“Your impressive jump to conclusions has me wondering just what sort of insecurities you have about your youth, perhaps that you don’t even know you have. I’m hardly prejudiced against men younger than I. I was likely about your age when I became a captain. My good friend the Weyrleader is of a similar age to you, I’d say. Age generally means more experience but it is what you do with your experience that matters, and so a man twice your age could make a worse case for himself than you. Alas, with such a heated temper to find offense where there was none, I question your judgment and your ability to think clearly and act accordingly as a leader,” he spread his hands in something of a passive shrug, his tone still mildly amused, and completely calm.

“The questions I asked you are reasonable, Asirikai. They are questions others will wonder even if they do not ask them to your face. You must be prepared for such questions, and be able to provide proper answers if you wish to win out over your competition here. Should I be impressed that you deigned to make an appearance at your would be future home? Because I am not. You are a stranger here. I know nothing of your initiative or your motivation, only that you come here grasping at power and give no good reason why anyone should give it to you. No one will vote for you if they do not know you, and if you react this way anytime someone asks you a real question then you may as well pack up and go back home now.”

He scratched his chin thoughtfully as he eyed the young man, clearly not at all threatened by his posturing, “Now, would you like to dig yourself a deeper hole with those fists? Or perhaps you’d like to relax so we can continue this discussion like civilized adults?"

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

Asirikai forced his hands open, grinding his teeth to release some anger. It didn’t seem to work. He felt hot and angry. Who did this man think he was? Still, he was surrounded by this captain’s men, and even he understood a fight outmanned would not go over well for him, even if a nicely timed punch would make him feel better. Treyjen was a captain of a ship, not so lordly himself, and probably just jealous of his lack of rank in order to run for the Mavrosi Lord Holder position himself.

“So comparing me and those I am running against as runnerbeasts, and challenging my youth, is a jump to a conclusion? I thought the impudent language was very apparent, with little to be imagined.” He was doing his best to relax, muscle by muscle; he needed to imbue power, and leading with his fists would not do that for him. “If you were interested in a real answer to your question, you should have led with the question, and left the insults on the wayside.” He raised his eyebrow, and gave a tight smile, and couldn’t help a challenge of his own. “Unless you prefer people who just roll belly up, submissive?” He forced a wry chuckle, shaking his head, clearly still frustrated. “I am not that person. I may have a lot to learn, but I have more to give than any other candidates because they do believe themselves above everyone here. I at least understand the necessity of the people.” He rolled from the balls of his feet back onto the heels. It was the best apology he could give, but he knew himself, he would have to proceed carefully, his anger was still at the surface, and he was starting to realize that this sea captain wouldn’t be easy to like.

[Zen]

Treyjen

As much as Treyjen wanted nothing more than to continue speaking frankly, he reeled himself back in. This man could still end up as Lord Holder of Mavros by turn’s end, and didn’t seem the type to forget if this encounter continued to go downhill. This could bite him in the ass later if he wasn’t careful. So he mentally gritted his teeth and swallowed the myriad things on his tongue in order to take a more cautious approach. “My apologies,” shells but he hated dealing with people like him, who thought he was due respect over the circumstances of his birth. Apologizing wasn’t generally in his nature, but he had to be who had to be with ranking folk who had the ability to make his, and his crew’s, life harder. Even if it was only a potential right now, he couldn’t risk it. “My bringing up your youth was only a statement of fact, it was not meant as a challenge or to belittle you for your age. I’m afraid months on end spent with no one but the brutes in my crew gives me little time to practice my manners, so I hope you’ll forgive any slips of my tongue. It did not occur to me that you might find a simple metaphor offensive.” It had, and he had compared him to a runnerbeast on purpose to see if it would or not, but he had certainly not expected such an intense reaction. This Asirikai was far more touchy than he had originally thought. He had seemed rather at home on a ship, and Treyjen supposed that bias had led him to giving Asirikai more credit than he was due.

He couldn’t pull back totally. Suddenly becoming a simpering sycophant would make the falsehood entirely too apparent, but he would have to be more careful with the words he chose. “Ah, of course a man intent on leading should not be a pushover, but neither do I think he should be so quick to find insult, or at least to react quite so quickly. Simple misunderstandings can lead to harsh consequences for the people you serve.” It was genuine advice, from someone that had been playing with politics for far longer, but somehow he didn’t particularly think Asirikai would take it to heart. A’zael was always quick to take his advice, but Asirikai had been born into this and A’zael had not, which more often than not led to vastly different thought processes. He bit back the laugh at the hypocrisy in his statement about his competition. It seemed to Treyjen that Asirikai thought quite highly of himself indeed, and hadn’t given him much reason to agree. “Do you know your peers so well to speak for all of them on the matter? It is difficult to take a rival’s word on his competitors without a grain of salt, though I will give you that you’re the first I’ve spoken to, so I’ve nothing else to go on at the moment.”

There was a brief consideration for how he wanted to proceed in this conversation, but Asirkai hadn’t really answered his question from before yet, so perhaps he could phrase it differently and yield better results, “Can you tell me, then, why you seek the Lordship of Mavros? I have been here to see Mavros struggle since shortly after its founding, and there has been much of it. Neither does much of Pern look favorably upon us, and that has made Mavros rather fiercely independent, which is something I admire. But on that note, it will be difficult for an outsider to make a case for himself when the holderfolk as yet have the option to vote to continue electing their Holder each turn from one of their own. The circumstances of your birth mean little and less here to the general population, when you have not been here to struggle beside them these past turns. All I ask is what you bring that could change the minds of those who still prefer the way things have been done thus far, for if you hope to win out, that will be the big question you need to answer. Your biggest competitor is not your fellow Blooded men, but the freedom Mavros has to choose.”

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

He was starting to sizzle, the apology was like rain to the fire of his temper. He should have reigned in his temper earlier. Asirikai knew how childish his temper was, he needed to be better if he was going to win this election. The apology seemed sincere. The captain hadn’t perceived the possibility of offense? He didn’t seem quite so dense, but maybe he wasn’t as intelligent as he had first thought. He refrained from saying anything, taking even breaths. It was good he kept his breathing, it helped him hide his reaction when Treyjen commented on the dangers of his temper. Like he didn’t already know that? Still, he spoke truth, even if it maddened him to admit it. -Remember love, an apology is pure gold.- Asirikai’s mother’s words echoed in his head.

If he was to succeed, and become greater than even his father, he would need to rely on this gold. Plus, was he not duty bound to apologize, especially if the captain’s own apology was sincere?. “You speak the truth, my temper is a weakness, one I seek to overcome. I apologize for lashing out. As I said, I have a lot to learn, and you have reminded me of this fact. Thank you for your advice.” He interjected, nodding his head to emphasize the apology.

He shook his head at the obvious dislike Treyjen had taken to his abrasive reply about the people. “Again, you have me there. I can only speak to the personal experience I have had on my ship I ran for my father. I learned quickly that every man’s job was essential to keeping the ship running. No man’s job was lesser. From that experience, I would look at Mavros much the same way, that no man, woman, or child’s job is lesser in order to keep Mavros running. Though I cannot and should not say I speak for all of them. I would like to hear from all of them.”

He respectfully said, placing his hand on his heart, sincerity behind the words and the actions.

This conversation was nothing like any of the other conversations he had had previously with the other ship captains. It was more of a challenge. The man was as well. He was having a hard time gauging the other man’s thoughts or intentions. The next words from the captain were enlightening. The way he described Mavros was much like how he had viewed himself among his family. He had had to struggle tooth and nail among his siblings. They had never looked upon him favorably, and probably never would. His father was much in the respect of his brothers. He had grown from that and himself become fiercely independent.

“Honestly, I wish to rule here because Mavros has survived on that fierce independence, and I agree, it is remarkable-but I don’t want Mavros to just survive, I want to help it thrive. I want it to be a place that Pern respects. If a ship were caught in a storm, and the only thing that could save it was decisive action, yet it was captained by five men fighting to steer the boat, it would sink. But with one captain, one who had trusted men working alongside him, who had planned for that storm, decisive action could be taken, and the boat steered safely home. I understand that I am a foreigner here, but I came here to make Mavros my home. One where I surround myself with wise men to help plan for the storms, a wife who intimately knows Mavros and can help me know it too, and with that, I plan on steering Mavros to something greater. Right now, Mavros is ruled by many men, all with their own goals and aspirations. It just needs one man to unite them.” He paused, pursing his lips, and looking out toward the ocean. “I do not seek to change the minds of the men who do not wish for change here at Mavros, I only seek to inspire the minds of those who have the same dream as I, and as Lord, help them pave for that dream.”

His eyes swiveled back to the captain. Which side of minds did the captain fall on, he wondered? The man had a large boat, many men, and who knew how much in riches. Was he a man who sought to keep Mavros the way it was? Would he be one of his adversaries? The way Mavros was now would not do.

“Does that clear up any question of my intent?” He kept his voice moderate, but how he wished it to be a challenge.

[Zen]

Treyjen, Nalyra

Interesting. Treyjen hadn’t expected Asirikai to backpedal as well, not so easily. Perhaps he was better at this than he’d originally thought. So they’d both apologized, and the younger man seemed to have his temper in hand for now. His further explanation as to his views on the ‘necessity of the people’ sure sounded good. Treyjen wasn’t entirely sure he believed the man entirely. He still seemed to have that Blooded entitlement he’d encountered all too often, and while he did believe that Asirikai might believe his own words, there was still something about him that seemed to say he was somehow better than those around him, and the sense of it irked. But perhaps it was only his own bias against highborns and he needed to check himself. It was hard to say just yet, but he was leaning more toward the former. Highborns tended to offend easily, after all, because they thought overmuch of themselves.

He was quite interested to hear his answer to his question at last, however, and couldn’t help but wonder if all the sailing references were a ploy to elicit sympathy or if he generally used such metaphors because of his own apparent experience as a sailor. Again, his answer surprised him. He sought the wisdom and experience of those that knew Mavros best? Perhaps he would not be so terrible a choice after all, if his words could be believed. He expected most of the candidates for Lordship to come to Mavros thinking they knew best, to try to change things how they thought they should be, but if Asirikai was willing to take advice, there was some potential there. Mavros would not like a man who wanted to change their entire way of life.

At Asirikai’s prompting, he laughed softly, “Well… I believe I must offer you another apology, Asirikai, for I think I may have underestimated you.” This one was more genuine than the last, and he was beginning to actually like the man, to an extent. As much as he could like a Blooded son, he supposed, for he had little fondness in general for the whole lot. But if Asirikai could be believed, he had the potential to be a good option for Mavros. Whether he would be a good option for him and his crew was another matter. “I-” he cut himself off as he spotted his sister setting foot on his ship and couldn’t quite contain the flash of irritation. Why now, of all times?

She headed directly for him, not paying any mind to the fact that he was clearly in the middle of a conversation, “Treyjen! Have you seen Yelanna? We were supposed to….” Her gaze traveled over his visitor, turning quickly rather predatory, “Who might this be?”

Treyjen sighed lightly, “Asirikai, this is my sister, Nalyra. Asirikai is seeking the Lordship of Mavros, Nalyra.” Her name was said with some amount of warning, which of course she ignored.

“Is he now?” her interest in him was only fed by the information, and she flashed teeth in a grin, “Would that Mavros would be so lucky.”

“Yelanna isn’t here,” Treyjen told her flatly, “I suggest you look elsewhere.”

Nalyra waved a hand at him dismissively, her gaze still trained on Asirikai, “Why would I do that? It’s not every day one has the opportunity to better get to know the potential new Lord of Mavros, is it?”

Shells, but if she ruined this now, he was going to strangle her later.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

Well, at least his mother had been right about some things. Gold. The second apology was not expected at all, but oh it was appreciated, and seemed more genuine. He hadn’t thought the situation with the sea captain salvageable, but he may have just proved himself wrong. He stood a little straighter, his anticipation clear to see where the rest of the conversation would lead them. When Treyjen cut off, his eyes clearly not on him anymore, Asirikai looked over his shoulder; a magnificent creature had boarded and was heading straight for them.

The sight of her was enlivening, her obvious energy and confidence was like the sweetest of perfumes. Her brown eyes were intense, and her hair framing her face was rich. He’d had past daliances with women who had enjoyed the sight of him, but none had been quite so ravishing in return. Still, he made sure to finish his objectifying analysis before she reached them, her own gaze on him inflaming his already large ego. The last thing he needed was for the captain to catch him looking at one of his… He blinked, disappointed to think that this woman could very well already be spoken for. Who else would be walking abroad as if she owned the place?

Asirikai flourished a courtly bow for the captivating woman as his companion introduced him to her, his smile widening as Treyjen informed him of his relation to the small woman. Though, sometimes, with some men, it could be worse if they were related. He would have to be very careful until he knew the taller man better, or at least was alone with the-with Nalyra. His own golden brown eyes remained locked on her’s, a silent challenge of his own.

He quirked an amused brow at her sultry praise; he liked her bold gaze and fiery attitude, and wouldn’t mind taking a crack at regulating that fire. He was so used to the meek and submissive ladies, yet this-Nalyra was entirely new and exciting. Asirikai was feeling luckier all ready. Nalyra, Nalyra. He wanted to taste her name on his own tongue, but refrained, allowing the two their moment of obvious sibling strife. Now sibling strife he understood all too well, though it was more enjoyable when he wasn’t on one or the other end of it.

Her question though gave him an opening, and though he hated to, shells he really did, he broke eye contact to look at the unhappy brother, “Please Treyjen, let her stay. Maybe she can keep us playing nice with each other. Sometimes all a good conversation needs is a woman’s touch.”

He tried oh so hard not to look too excited to look back at the woman, but when he did, he opened his arms out to either side. “I am trying an open book policy, Nalyra. Anything you want to know, I will give it gladly.” He loved the way her name sounded out loud in his voice. “Though we were just speaking of Mavros’s fierce independence, and my very best intentions.” He refrained from winking, all to aware her brother was most assuredly watching. “Of which your brother was about to remark on, I believe.”

Shells, he would have to be careful though.

[Zen]

Treyjen, Nalyra

Asirikai’s request for her to stay had Nalyra grinning again, her tone changing into more of a sultry purr, “Mm, a woman’s touch is good for so many things.” She raised one hand to give her fingers a little playful wiggle at him.

Great Faranth, she was laying it on thick, and Treyjen couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He hated it when she flirted in front of him and that was exactly why she was doing it, and being sure to make it ridiculously obvious as well. “My sister’s touch is better set to sowing strife than anything,” he warned the man dryly, and Nalyra shot him a mutinous look. He met her gaze with narrowed eyes. He didn’t need her turning this man into another of her playthings, at least not until he knew whether or not he would become Lord Holder of Mavros or not. If not, she could do as she pleased, but if so, they needed to maintain a decent relationship. While his sister sharing a bed with the Lord Holder would likely have some benefit for a while, any such relationship Nalyra was involved in never lasted long or ended well. Not to mention this was a lordling, who knew what his views on promiscuous women were. If she started something with him and he found out he wasn’t the only man spending time with her, what would he do? There was too much risk involved. And yet the man’s interest was clear already, which was mildly surprising. He’d have thought Blooded men would prefer their women meek, which Nalyra made very obvious she was not.

Defiantly, Nalyra stepped closer to Asirikai and wrapped her arm around his, resting her other hand on his bicep as she shot Treyjen a look that dared him to do anything about it, “Fortunately, Asirikai, I don’t require my brother’s permission to spend time with you.” Her fingers played over his arm lightly and she looked up at him, ignoring the fact that he seemed to be trying to return to conversation with Treyjen. He had, after all, told her to ask him anything. “How long have you been at Mavros, then? I would love to show you around. And perhaps you could show me where you’re staying, in case I think of any burning questions I simply must ask you.”

He was going to get no further with Asirikai if he let his sister continue to run away with this conversation, and there were still some matters left to discuss with the man if he was going to actually support him in his endeavors. If he was to support any of them, there needed to be some flexibility regarding his crew, and what they were. He could hardly support a man that meant to dole out punishment to Mavros’s many pirates. He wasn’t naive enough to think it was likely he would be alright with it, but there had to be some middle ground or this entire conversation was a waste of time. “I’ve got a rather burning question for you myself,” Treyjen finally said, ignoring the look Nalyra gave him, and doing his best to ignore the fact she was there at all, “In their fierce independence, some of the Mavrosi fisherfolk turned pirate to keep their home afloat. Just what is your intention for those who have done what is necessary for their survival?” Nalyra seemed surprised at the question, then her gaze narrowed. She clearly wasn’t so sure about alluding to their own piracy, but he had admitted nothing about their own practices, only given indication that he apparently supported the decision of those fishers who had taken up piracy as a necessity.

kevna

[kevna]

Asirikai - Lord Holder Candidate

Asirikai raised his eyebrows, his golden brown eyes watching her fingers, and then shooting back up to Treyjen. As alluring as she was, and as much as he may have wanted to follow up on that comment, he really didn’t want her to mess this up for him. A low belly laugh erupted from him at her brother’s wry warning. How much trouble could one woman be? The Lord Holder Candidate found it amusing, and didn’t doubt he could take her trouble, but didn’t think the comment was appropriate with the current audience. He would have made a comment to the captain’s remark, but Nalyra was quicker, shooting her brother a sour look and grabbing Asirikai’s arm. On reflex he tightened his hold on her, and then relaxed, allowing her a little sneak peek on the muscle hidden by his shirt.

His smile widened at her questions and offer, definitely willing to take her up on the offer. “Well I-” He was going to offer up his answers, but was cut off by Treyjen’s scrutinizing question. That was a touchy question, indeed indeed. He knew his stance on it, but he was one man among many. He couldn’t imagine piracy being an only option, no matter how desperate, but he didn’t want to alienate this man if he knew certain men who had turned to piracy. To give himself time to consider his answer, he turned to Nalyra placing his hand over where her’s rested.

“I would love a tour, Mavros is still quite new to me, but only if you can be spared. I have only been here a few months, and could use the expertise of a true Mavrosi, as I hope to become one myself.” He didn’t inform her of where he stayed, he could show her later, and looked forward to the opportunity.

“As for piracy.” He turned back to Treyjen, keeping himself composed he launched forward with his reply. “I have to be honest Captain, I cannot condemn a man who has turned to piracy out of desperation, as I have never been put in such an irremediable situation. But I do think the piracy around this island is one of the reasons that Mavros has such an ambiguous reputation, which I seek to repair. Under my leadership, piracy is not to be condoned. I would have leniency months for those who have turned to piracy to adjust, and encourage them to come to the meetings I will seek to hold to help be a part of the solution. For those who truly resorted to piracy out of desperation, I hope they will partake of these opportunities, and vindicate their intentions of past actions. Piracy is but a poorly wrapped cloth around a wound in need of stitches.”

He gave a small humorous smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I have to say, that was a good one. Any other's for me?"

Zen