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[hider=Soooo Loooooong]The house was full of what one might consider either compromises or innovations towards the local climate: different building materials, more ventilation, lighter furniture, and a slightly reduced overall size. Compared to the homes of the villagers - even Malaki's - it represented another world entirely.

That was not what drew the bulk of Zarina's attention, however. Voices came from the dining room. They were loud and animated. [color=66CDAA]"Well, she's coming now,"[/color] said one. It may have been Tevhid. [color=66CDAA]"So you can ask her."[/color]

Zarina strode through with İnşirah and was briefly introduced. Seated around the table, afternoon light streaming in from an open colonnade to bathe them in pale gold, were Laya, her father Malaki, a woman who might've been her mother, Tevhid, Emel, and the master of this place in his father's stead: Şirmerd. Foot was heaped on platters in the middle of it, and sitting on plates, but not much had been eaten, it appeared.

The last of the group looked Zarina up and down. [color=6B8E23]"So, are you in deep with these people,"[/color] he prodded, gesturing at Laya, Malaki, and the other woman, [color=6B8E23]"or can I count on you for a fair accounting?"[/color] His eyes were clearer than they had been before. They flicked his sister's way and he motioned, with some impatience, for her to sit already. They returned to Zarina unflinchingly, and there was not very much trust or regard in them.

Each and every participant of this discordant banquet was met with Zarina's scrutinizing gaze. Every single one's disposition evaluated to assess which were likely to pose the most problems and risks. Her gaze lingered on Laya and then on Emel, searching for anything they may want to communicate before settling on Sirmerde as he addressed her. 

[color=#E5E4E2]“I'm an envoy of the crown,”[/color] Zarina revealed her cards and stepped forward, finding any seat that could be considered the 'middle' that separated the two parties. [color=#E5E4E2]“I have no vested interest in the company's operations, nor a personal tie to this island.”[/color] she lied, if only because of the recent events. [color=#E5E4E2]“If you are in need of a fair and impartial voice, I will play the role.”[/color] she sat down without asking for permission - her chest ached and she had walked for far too long in the heat. [color=#E5E4E2]“But I intend for there to be justice served before the situation degrades into another royal palace incident.”[/color] she declared solemnly.

[color=6B8E23]"So you'd have us believe you were sent to Marawan by the sultan himself?"[/color] snorted Şirmerd. Emel had tried to give Zarina a warning look, but Malaki had leaned forward and inadvertently blocked their sightline. [color=6B8E23]"What I've heard from your friends here makes this seem like an accident..."[/color] He narrowed his eyes. [color=6B8E23]"Or perhaps something [i]more[/i]."[/color]

[color=#E5E4E2]“To Palapar.”[/color] Zarina corrected. [color=#E5E4E2]“My endeavours have, accidental or not, led me here.”[/color] she rested her forearms over the table and clasped her hands together. [color=#E5E4E2]“While I'm here, I have an opportunity to see how business is conducted. And offer a fair and outside perspective on the matter.”[/color] her gaze remained adamantly on Sirmerd's, mellowed enough in a quarter lid to seem less confrontational. [color=#E5E4E2]“What has brought palpable tension in the air?”[/color] 

[color=66CDAA]"Commendable,"[/color] interjected Tevhid, trying to be a consensus-builder. [color=66CDAA]"She carries some authority and is unaligned."[/color] He nodded along as he spoke, clasping his hands in a businesslike manner.

[color=7B68EE]"Except to the sultan of Virang himselp,"[/color] Laya replied, shaking her head. This drew a look from her father and the woman who had to be her mother. [color=7B68EE]"Is he also a neutral observer with no stake here?"[/color] She tilted her head and regarded Zarina challengingly.

[color=#E5E4E2]“He is not.”[/color] Zarina answered as her regard met Laya's, although it lacked the intensity of the girl. [color=#E5E4E2]“But I am. I am your guest and you may very well have saved me.”[/color] she nodded her head in respect. [color=#E5E4E2]“You could say, as an honourbound envoy and individually thinking person, that I am as neutral as it can get in times like these.”[/color] she then found Malaki's visage and studied the man at the head of the local faction. What did he think? 

[color=#E5E4E2]“Regardless of King Osman's position, his priorities are beyond the minute details. That is where I come in.”[/color] she raised her clasped hands to her chin and met the Agha's faction once more. [color=#E5E4E2]“I want to see how things are done here. Things that bureaucracy and executives know little of and care even less to hold to a standard.”[/color]

Lady Emel studied Zarina for a moment. Surely, this was all to placate the locals. She was doing a reasonable job of selling herself, all told. Laya, however, remained unconvinced. [color=7B68EE]"I have been to an Academy and learned much,"[/color] she stated plainly, spreading her arms as she spoke. [color=7B68EE]"I met many people from all over, some from Virang. Most were decent -"[/color] She gestured towards Zarina. [color=7B68EE]"- as I believe you to be, in earnest."[/color] She bowed her head briefly, but when it rose, there was still fight in her eyes. [color=7B68EE]"But I have yet to ever meet one - to this day - who concedes that Palapar should stand on its own within the brotherhood of nations, as it did for a thousand years before they - [i]you[/i] came here. That its own people are the best caretakers and arbiters of its future."[/color] 

Quietly, Tevhid translated for Malaki and his wife. While the latter appeared horrified, the former's expression was inscrutable. 

[color=7B68EE]"However noble your intentions may be, you see us from the outside and know nothing deeply of us and how we live and what we desire. You know only what you have observed, in brief, as outsiders, filtered through your judgements and knowledge and experiences. I bear you no grudge - perhaps the opposite - but I trust only that your conclusion will be to give us to this man or one like him."[/color] She unfolded a hand in Şirmerd's direction.."

[color=#E5E4E2]“I know little of your people.”[/color] Zarina answered after hearing everything Laya had to say. Calm, keen on letting her finish and with steady breaths that punctuated her sentences. [color=#E5E4E2]“As I know little of the company's practices. I only know of buying from it, and usually from an intermediary.”[/color] she leaned back, one leg over the other as she began to feel all the eyes on her. It wasn't common for this one to feel this naked - so vulnerable. The lack of magic forced her to dig up all she had learned from Luna and the Fingersteeplers.

Zarina canted her head as she regarded Laya. [color=#E5E4E2]“From academy student to alumni, I will say that you and I both know few countries truly stand in any sort of 'brotherhood'. There are only goliaths like Perrence, ReTan, a united Darhannic caliphate or Tarlon. We're just fortunate enough to not be devoured by them.”[/color] she sighed. [color=#E5E4E2]“That said, your assumption has little merit when nobody has even made the effort to tell me the details of this 'deal'.”[/color]

Before any could answer, Zarina continued. [color=#E5E4E2]“From what I understand, a port was placed here, free of use. A generous gift, many thought it was.”[/color]  her amber eyes found the inscrutable Malaki. [color=#E5E4E2]“The region has become dependent on this new lifeblood of goods. Now, they cannot escape the undisclosed fees suddenly dropped on them.”[/color] her pointer finger stuck out of her ball of hands and digits and pointed toward the Agha's camp. [color=#E5E4E2]“This is where you come to foot the bill. In exchange, you gain this fief - or whatever we'd call it. Am I accurate so far?”[/color]

[color=olive]"We take the title of this land and we look after the people in it,"[/color] İnşirah said simply, with a shrug. Her expression towards Zarina grew suspicious. What more was there to say? [color=olive]"Little different from how we do it back home. There is a lord with resources. He applies taxes to his people and uses those to ensure their protection and the smooth running of infrastructure."[/color]

[color=7B68EE]"Odd, how we got along just fine without a lord before,"[/color] Laya shot back. [color=7B68EE]"And how convenient -"[/color] 

[color=1E90FF]'Enough!"[/color] shouted Malaki, his fist slamming down on the table. [color=1E90FF]"I will not listen you insult the other guests and my work over the last five years."[/color] He turned to her. [color=1E90FF]"You sleep in a nicer bed. You eat better food. You g-went to the academy in Avalu!"[/color] Pressing his palms to the tabletop, he half-stood. [color=1E90FF]"You think these thing is [i]free[/i], foolish girl!?"[/color] He shook his head. [color=1E90FF]"You are ready to give them up? You think we would have them how things was before?"[/color]

He breathed heavily out of his nostrils and took a moment to settle. [color=1E90FF]"Too much, I let you follow my brother. he is my brother."[/color] Malaki thumped his hand against his heart. [color=1E90FF]"I love him. I took him fishing as boys. I teached him how to make a roof. I love him, but he is stupid and he will ruin us."[/color] His eyes scanned the others gathered, daring them to speak through the stunned silence, until Şirmerd broke it with a slow clap. [color=6B8E23]"Well, it's about time somebody set the girl straight,"[/color] he opined, [color=6B8E23]"After all, we're the ones bailing you out."[/color] He picked at something between his teeth with a skewer.

That was until he found [i]himself[/i] skewered by Malaki's gaze. [color=1E90FF]"And do not think that I have no words for you either,"[/color] he growled. [color=1E90FF]"You saved us from a problem that you created."[/color] His finger encircled every Virangish in the room. [color=1E90FF]"I was a simple farmer before and not very... worldly."[/color] He found the word he was looking for. [color=1E90FF]"But I am not stupid either. I have work hard for learn your language and my letters and I have watch and listen what you speak and do. This - "[/color] He gestured vaguely outside. [color=1E90FF]"Is all a plan."[/color] His gaze found Tevhid, witheringly. [color=1E90FF]"I am not stupid. You will try own us. There are some good thing that come, but you are not honest people - none of you."[/color] 

He seated himself again, eyes still hooded and bulging at once. [color=1E90FF]"I know, often, one man must to serve other. I know this."[/color] He nodded slowly. [color=1E90FF]"It bring many good thing, but these men must to be honest or one will hurt the other, as it is down south."[/color]

A lot of emotions. A lot of words that needed to be shared. Sirmerde's interjection was met with a squinted look of disinterest from the one who tried to make herself an improvised arbiter. Malaki's outburst was undeterred and finally Zarina could gain some genuine insight, divorced of tribalistic politics. A man that was more nuanced than he appeared.

It was Zarina's turn to clap. A slow and quiet one, far from the obnoxious show her fellow Ersand'Enise goer had done. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'm glad we could finally get some genuine answers. Genuine thoughts too.”[/color] Insirah was the first one she regarded. [color=#E5E4E2]“I won't hide that I would like to see an amicable end here. I've seen too many of my people butchered just days ago because of bad practices.”[/color] she pursed her lips. [color=#E5E4E2]“You do not realize just how urgent this issue is until you've had people you're meant to protect have their heads blown up right in front of you and defenseless elderly people gutted for being at a ball. I really, really do not want to see you end like this, sister.”[/color] she exhaled.

[color=#E5E4E2]“We're in a situation where, on the one hand, there was a desire to take advantage of an engineered situation.”[/color] Zarina had to thank Marci for gaining an eye for these things - angles and potential scams. [color=#E5E4E2]“On the other hand, there is a clear desire by the leadership here to maintain a working relationship with you, but widespread resentment for how it is currently implemented - the same implementation that has been bleeding our home when we're threatened on different fronts.”[/color] she clapped her hands together to ensure she had all their attentions. [color=#E5E4E2]“For the sake of all of us, don't fuck one another. It's bad business that bites you in the ass at the worst possible time.”[/color] she raised her pointer finger and wagged it toward Tevhid in particular. [color=#E5E4E2]“What are we looking at for port maintenance?”[/color]

Tevhid pursed his lips, caught, perhaps, in a web whose making he needed to defend. İnşirah regarded him. So did Şirmerd. Last of all came Laya's eyes. He glanced down and away for a moment.

[color=66CDAA]"They were an excuse."[/color] He looked back up and regarded Zarina. [color=66CDAA]"Şemseddin is a member of the company and was promised a fief."[/color] His voice remained even and not that of a man who had just tossed his entire future away. [color=66CDAA]"The company understands that these people will usually not just agree to having tithes come from their harvests where they haven't before."[/color] He shrugged uncomfortably. [color=66CDAA]"So they had it come from the port. The fees are too high,"[/color] he admitted, [color=66CDAA]"because they pay for everything else."[/color] 

His demeanor shifted somewhat, at that. [color=66CDAA]"Good roads and a standing security force and postal service and maybe even a [i]school[/i] if Marawan grows enough."[/color] He shook his head adamantly. [color=66CDAA]"I did not want to deceive, but our ultimate goal is [i]good[/i]. The Palaparese would simply have a structure to their society, no different from we Virangish back home! And, say what you may about Viceroy Kashani, but the orders came directly from him."[/color]

It was fascinating what a little bit of a push could do, and here it was dangerous levels of honesty. At this point, Zarina was hoping Tevhid would give it a rest and leave someone else to continue but he just went on. The supposedly neutral arbiter crossed her arms and let him finish. She commenced her response with a scoff.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Kashani.”[/color] there was palpable venom in her voice. [color=#E5E4E2]“A man quick to let his fellow countrymen die. To let me die, as I took a bullet for him.”[/color] she sneered. [color=#E5E4E2]“But I can't blame a man for being afraid. I will instead blame him for letting the Palace incident occur. Trust me when I say this,”[/color] the entire table was regarded, taking in every reaction for the participants. [color=#E5E4E2]“Ertan Kashani's reign is about to meet an unceremonious end. If there is a time for an avant-garde initiative, it is now.”[/color]

Zarina up-nodded Insirah. [color=#E5E4E2]“My Virangish suunei, what would stop you from continuing with practices that put these people in a situation where they have no choice? Now it's port fees, next time it is protection from pirates, or maybe aid through a drought.”[/color] her crossed arms rested on the edge of the table, her gaze finding one of the untouched plates in the middle. [color=#E5E4E2]“Deals like these only cause resentment. And then I end up having to take bullets for fools and seeing my fellow men and women die when it all bursts.”[/color] finally, her eyes found Sirmerd's in particular. [color=#E5E4E2]“So I ask you, how can we make this right? How can we make it so that they're not led on without a care for their wants?”[/color]

Laya did not allow her to answer, however. She had not stopped looking Tevhid's way all through his speech and for a good few seconds afterwards. [color=7B68EE]"Ama,"[/color] she began, turning to her father and leaning forward out of her chair to gesture in Tevhid's direction, [color=7B68EE]"notice how he spoke: this is not a unique situation."[/color] She shook her head and settled back. [color=7B68EE]"This kind of racket is standard practice,"[/color] she decided, nodding slowly, eyes wide and pensive and... angry. [color=7B68EE]"And still,"[/color] she addressed Zarina, [color=7B68EE]"you think we should [i]trust[/i] these people? Place our futures in their hands because you caught them red-handed and they might say that they'll change now?"[/color] Her voice was incredulous.

Zarina inhaled deeply. What a time to be without magic. [color=#E5E4E2]“No.”[/color] was her answer, but alone would shut this discussion down completely. Calmly, she regarded Laya. [color=#E5E4E2]“With what happened down south, this isn't going to be tenable. Now, you-”[/color] she leaned her head forward to make it clear it was Laya and her immediate entourage that was addressed. [color=#E5E4E2]“have a chance to make this a fairer transaction. And, it is undeniable that your living standard has improved with [i]their[/i] help.”[/color] she unfolded her arms and presented her opened palms at shoulder level. [color=#E5E4E2]“Surely, a balance can be found.”[/color]

[color=66CDAA]"And that is precisely the idea!"[/color] Tevhid replied. [color=66CDAA]"precisely the point!"[/color] He stood in his eagerness. [color=66CDAA]"These people deserve better than to spend their entire lives farming subsistence and living in dirt-floored huts without the light of education or responsible government!" I, for one -"[/color] He pressed a hand to his chest. [color=66CDAA]"decry the company's methods, but the benefits are clear and palpable."[/color] He held out his arms to encompass, figuratively, the entire village of Marawan. [color=66CDAA]"Why, soon, if we can overcome these early obstacles, and once cooler heads have prevailed down south, we shall have a proper market, and a good road and, perhaps, even a binder. Why -"[/color]

[color=olive]"Yes, well, these things cost money, you know,"[/color] İnşirah interjected, raising a hand. 

[color=66CDAA]"Oh, but we will have the budget!"[/color] Tevhid protested excitedly. [color=66CDAA]"The climate here is ideal and the crop is in demand and expenses are -"[/color]

[color=olive]"Yes, Tevhid, but one matter at a time, perhaps? There are people down south who wish to outright lynch us, and we'd best be careful that sort of sentiment doesn't take hold here."[/color] İnşirah shook her head. [color=olive]"I'm not unsympathetic to the position outlined by Miss Laya and her father, and not... shall we say, 'enthusiastic' about how this has all taken place. The Company is aggressive, even underhanded, but we are not them. While I'll not be giving away our assistance for free, I'm also not -"[/color]

[color=6B8E23]"[i]You'll[/i] be doing this, sister?"[/color] Şirmerd's voice cut like a knife of cold through the warm feeling that the Virangish in the room were presently puffing themselves up with. [color=6B8E23]"This is [i]my[/i] mandate, İn[i]şir[/i]ah, not yours, and for good reason."[/color] In a single, powerful motion, he stood. [color=6B8E23]"Singlehandedly, I might very well crush the enemies of these people - of my own volition, at my own risk, and because it is in my interest to do so."[/color] He pressed his hands to the tabletop. [color=6B8E23]"Just as easily, I may crush [i]them[/i] should they become a threat to me, my family, and my interests."[/color] He raised a hand in the barest form of placating gesture. [color=6B8E23]"Now, before you all get your knickers in a knot, that is not something that I wish to do. It is... messy,"[/color] he admitted, [color=6B8E23]"and cruel, and leaves bad feeling behind on both sides. Dare I say,"[/color] he continued, [color=6B8E23]"that is much the case in the capital, where they're just this moment putting pretty little heads on not-so-pretty spikes."[/color] He leaned forward, eyes lingering on Emel for a moment as she shrunk back. 

İnşirah pushed up a bit from her seat and opened her mouth to begin speaking, but Şirmerd raised his hand once more and clapped it shut in a gestured for silence. [color=6B8E23]"Unh-uh-uh, [i]sister[/i],"[/color] he hissed. [color=6B8E23]"You've never been able to mind your manners when others are speaking."[/color] Silently, she fumed, and Şirmerd continued. 

[color=6B8E23]"My point is this: I offer something that nobody else at this table -"[/color] He gestured in Zarina's direction. [color=6B8E23]"save, perhaps, for our dear Sultan's personal envoy here, and nobody for two hundred miles in any direction, can."[/color] Leaning forward, hands on the table, he made sure that his eyes found each of theirs. [color=6B8E23]"I am both Oraf-Şep and Öjeran, and these Gods are best heeded and kept satisfied."[/color] He straightened and spread his arms, flashing a smile that might've been charming under most circumstances. [color=6B8E23]"Then, I have heard,"[/color] he concluded, [color=6B8E23]"they are quite lovely to work with."[/color]

More back and forths. This was good, there was going to be an actual dialogue in spite of simmering emotions. 

Until he spoke. Zarina made it a point to let everything unfold, but the more he spoke, the more she had to strain her facial features to not grit her teeth. It was only when he expressed his belief that he was some exception that a retort was in order.

[color=#E5E4E2]“My Lord.”[/color] she began, the veneer of politeness doing little to hide the searing plumes her words came with. [color=#E5E4E2]“Do you truly believe yourself more capable than the inquisitors that fought in the capital? Or the many lords that were slaughtered for these very practices?”[/color] lords that they were clearly not lumped in with, she did not go as far as to remind him of that. [color=#E5E4E2]“I fought for them and ultimately nearly died. What makes you so sure the fury of this island won't reach this quaint corner in the near future?”[/color]

Zarina leaned forward, her voice lowered to a hush. [color=#E5E4E2]“The fact that I'm all the way here should be enough evidence that they've made this place their mark.”[/color] a faint smirk crept onto her otherwise adamantly serious expression. [color=#E5E4E2]“This is not just my test, but yours too, Lord Sirmerd.”[/color]

Şirmerd was not so easily manipulated. He arched an eyebrow. [color=6B8E23]"The point is not to measure penises, my Lady, and - trust me - my abilities are second to precious few this side of the Asperic. Rather, I'm pointing out a very real dynamic."[/color] He leaned in just the same as hers, wagging a finger in her direction. [color=6B8E23]"While a tide of unrest may wash over this country, you and I both know that it will ultimately remain much as it has always been once the armies arrive and, once the tide has receded, I am he who has the power to protect or destroy along..."[/color] He tilted his head and pursed his lips. [color=6B8E23]"more or less this entire Northeast coast."[/color] 

Şirmerd shrugged. [color=6B8E23]"This is not a boast, merely a reality, and one that I expect shall be respected by these people."[/color] He nodded tightly, taking them in. [color=6B8E23]"They are strong-willed and stubborn, but capable; savage, I fear, but fast becoming civilized, to their credit. I shall abide by them on mine honour as agha, but they [i]must[/i] abide by me in return, in the manner that is [i]proper[/i] and without delusions as to the nature of our relationship."[/color] he snook his head. [color=6B8E23]"I do not find that unreasonable."[/color]

Before Zarina might've said something in response, however, it was Laya, who had been whispering with her father, who spoke. [color=7B68EE]"And should we decline your generous offer that none of us here requested in the first place?"[/color] Her tone was just a smidge too sweet. [color=7B68EE]"You shall peaceably depart to offer your services elsewhere?"[/color] 

Şirmerd's eyes were dangerous as he looked at her.

Zarina interjected in the brief moment of tension between Sirmerd and Laya. While they had been speaking, she searched for something in the pouch that came with her clothes. Once she found it, it was clutched for a moment. But, after deliberation, she left it where it was and rested her hand over the other once more.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Will they be shut off from the Company's network should they refuse this offer, my Lord?”[/color] she turned her head to meet Insirah's visage. [color=#E5E4E2]“My Lady?”[/color]

İnşirah began to speak, but a glare from her brother silenced her once more. He nodded tersely. [color=6B8E23]"They shall."[/color]

İnşirah would not be kept from speaking any longer, however. [color=olive]"The simple fact is that it was built on land my father had purchased previously, and with funds that he had paid to the Company in exchange for the establishment of an interest in Palapar."[/color] She blinked. [color=olive]"We own it,"[/color] she concluded, [color=olive]"rightfully."[/color]

[color=6B8E23]"And if it is stolen from us, I shall destroy it first,"[/color] Şirmerd added in a tone that crept to the precipice of pettiness.

[color=1E90FF]"Rightfully,"[/color] echoed Malaki, in a strange, quiet voice. [color=1E90FF]"And [i]where[/i] did your father buy it from?"[/color]

İnşirah, Şirmerd, and Tevhid exchanged glances, the eyes of the siblings settling on the third of the trio. [color=66CDAA]"It, um..."[/color] he swallowed. [color=66CDAA]"Well, memory is an... imperfect thing,"[/color] he admitted.

Malaki nodded. [color=1E90FF]"Go on..."[/color] he prodded, narrowing his eyes. Şirmerd nodded as well. 

[color=66CDAA]"It was - to the best of my knowledge - owned by a man named Makisig at the time."[/color]

Laya's eyes widened. [color=7B68EE]"Grandfather."[/color] 

Malaki nodded. [color=1E90FF]"It was common waterfront. As a respect elder, he had the job to look after it."[/color]

[color=66CDAA]"Well, I don't know the details, but, it appears that your father, Makisig, handed over the title to my predecessor for a sum and he allowed it to continue to be used as normal until, seven years later, the Yıldız family purchased their interest and had the harbour built."[/color]

Laya blinked. [color=7B68EE]"I..."[/color] she trailed off for a moment. [color=7B68EE]"I remember that!"[/color] 

Her mother scrunched up her face. [abbr= Don't make up stories, Laya. You were just a child back then.][color=9370DB]"Wag kang gumawa ng kwento, Laya. Bata ka pa lang noon."[/color][/abbr]

[color=7B68EE]"No!"[/color] she protested. [color=7B68EE]"No, I do."[/color] She shook her head. [color=7B68EE]"I was following father and grandfather, listening in. I could tell it was something I wasn't supposed to know, so I kept listening."[/color] 

Malaki nodded. [color=1E90FF]"And what did you hear?"[/color]

[color=7B68EE]"That some land would be used for the good of everyone, that it would benefit everyone if something were built there. I didn't know it was the harbour at the time."[/color] She shook her head. 

Her father shrugged. [color=1E90FF]"And that was why I was first for change my crops and hire a boat. A harbour,"[/color] he concluded, [color=1E90FF]"On land sold for cheap for everyone good thing."[/color]

Zarina nodded as she took in the details. Everything was unravelling before her eyes, it all made more sense. [color=#E5E4E2]“Contractually, it does belong to the Yildiz family. The land, that is.”[/color] she decided, though her tone and disposition made a 'but' inevitable. [color=#E5E4E2]“But. But-but.”[/color] she wagged her finger and pointed toward the Lord-to-be. [color=#E5E4E2]“I think it is reasonable that certain demands are made so that their continued growth in prosperity is assured and that they feel safe should policies change. They live here, and-”[/color] she narrowed her gaze onto Sirmerd. [color=#E5E4E2]“I would feel safer if I had a say in how my home's riches are used when my Lord manifests a willingness to wipe it out on a whim.”[/color]

She then twisted to address Tevhid. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'm not an expert on contractual law. It was mostly my business partner handling those when I even dabbled in ventures. Is there a precedent we can set, as to make these good people feel more at ease?”[/color] she smiled if only mildly. [color=#E5E4E2]“Our Palparese friends here are more enlightened than they were at the time the contract was made. This is thanks to your efforts. But, now we must recognize that they are deserving a say too. They know the land better than any of us. It only good business, after all.”[/color]

[color=6B8E23]"Hardly a 'whim',"[/color] Şirmerd growled, [color=6B8E23]"when someone threatens to take over a million kurush investment, or perhaps I just don't have the sort of money that you do to throw around."[/color] He was growing increasingly untrusting of her and Zarina could practically feel her mother's or perhaps Marceline's intuition here. She would either have to placate him or find a way to sideline him, and [i]soon[/i].

[color=#E5E4E2]“You don't belittle lives into mere investments.”[/color] Zarina countered, clearly frustrated. [color=#E5E4E2]“We're above the barbarism of Eskand. Every life is a vital piece of the dream.”[/color] 

Big breaths. She needed to ground herself. [color=#E5E4E2]“You're powerful. No one is even trying to deny it. But you scare these people. You scare me. And I'm sure many others who won't dare say. This is a great attribute as a protector,”[/color] she peered at his sister. [color=#E5E4E2]“but a grave error made by the south was that they thought fear was a viable solution to an increasingly enlightened people. It is not. You WILL lose everything if something doesn't change, Lord Sirmerd. More than just some investment. It is not a threat, it is a reality I suffered for you so you don't have to.”[/color] she clutched her chest as she said it. The wound hurt whenever she thought of it.

[color=#E5E4E2]“... I was hoping we could begin to understand one another, being both scholars of Ersand'Enise.”[/color] she gambled on this one, given the specific school was never mentioned. But this much power had to have been discovered at some point.

For a moment, he merely regarded her, inscrutable. At least twice, he seemed about to speak, but he let her finish. Through the colonnade, the sun lay on top of the horizon of ragged treetops, bloated and orange, and shadows stretched across the room in which eight people sat, deciding the fate of Marawan between them. It was telling, perhaps, that Manalo had been left aside.

Şirmerd scowled as Zarina concluded. [color=6B8E23]"You speak in vague terms,"[/color] he countered. [color=6B8E23]"I admit that I doubted your intentions, though I doubt them less now."[/color] He nodded slowly. [color=6B8E23]"I would have definites."[/color] He straightened abruptly. [color=6B8E23]"I would have certainties: numbers and proposals, and ones that respect my family's legitimate investment instead of pandering."[/color]

He crossed his arms, eyes searching the table. [color=6B8E23]"I trust this is clear."[/color] 

Tevhid, who had been buried in thought ever since the story of the port had come unraveled, took this opportunity to reply. [color=66CDAA]"My lord..."[/color] he began, lifting his mouth from the fist it had been resting on, [color=66CDAA]"I [i]do[/i] have something of a proposal."[/color] He drummed on the tabletop with his fingertips. [color=66CDAA]"One that would survive a restructuring of the company, regime change, or even collapse, Gods forbid."[/color]

[color=olive]"Well, this is auspicious news,"[/color] İnşirah replied, and Tevhid bowed his head in quick thanks. [color=olive]"Surely you will not keep us waiting,"[/color] she prodded. Further eyes turned to him.

[color=66CDAA]"Well,"[/color] the lanky notary admitted, [color=66CDAA]"I may have gotten somewhat ahead of myself. I shall have to ensure that it is possible."[/color] He raised a hand at a couple of irked expressions. [color=66CDAA]"Though I am almost certain that it is."[/color]

[color=7B68EE]"Then I trust you to be diligent about this,"[/color] Laya acknowledged. [color=7B68EE]"Perhaps we should eat?"[/color] 

Şirmerd's grave countenance of earlier had softened by this juncture, and he regarded his plate and the feast glumly. [color=6B8E23]"Ah, yes, your mother's lovely cooking gone to waste -"[/color] He sighed. [color=6B8E23]"When it [i]should[/i] have gone to [i]waist[/i]."[/color] He cracked a smile at his own cleverness. [color=6B8E23]"You've my apologies, Kalinaw."[/color]

She both bowed and waved him off at once. Still, the sun hung there. Still, they had not reached a resolution though, finally, it at least seemed to be within the realm of possibility.[/hider][/color]