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[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220927/23fb834f443fddf069b302a80ffae13a.png[/img]
[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220927/713c9ea7f90a3bccf2680492bc93671a.png[/img]
[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220928/bcf4c8fb894d886cf1f86d12d903935e.png[/img]

[color=1E90FF][b]Time[/b]: Late Morning[/color]
[color=1E90FF][b]Interactions[/b]: [@Tae] Kalliope; [@Potter] Layla [/color]
[color=1E90FF][b]Mentions[/b]: [/color]
[color=1E90FF][b]Attire[/b]: [hider]
[url=https://i.postimg.cc/8z5xjhFf/b73aac48-9c15-4c53-9289-37731ac8aace.png](Placeholder until I get a better reference image)[/url]
Roughspun, blue trousers
A shoulder belt and waist belt carrying his equipment
Two swords and two pistols, one on either side
A woven, conical hat wide enough to shade his entire face[/hider][/color]
[/center]

The sincerity in Kalliope’s words loosened the tension coiled within Sjan-dehk. Somewhat, in any case. He still wished to be elsewhere; he still felt unease roiling in him, and he still didn’t understand why he had felt what he had felt. But the urge to excuse himself and return to his Sada Kurau had lessened, at least. And truth be told, he felt more silly than anything else. There was no reason for all this internal turmoil. None at all. Whatever relationship Kalliope had with Cassius had nothing to do with him. All of this was just his own heart and mind being fools and tormenting themselves – and him, in the process – for no reason.

[color=1E90FF]“No, it’s alright.”[/color] Tried as he might, his smile wouldn’t appear naturally, and so he forced it out. Likewise for the levity in his words. The strange pangs pricking his chest whenever he looked at Kalliope probably had something to do with that. Once again, their origins were utterly unknown to him. [color=1E90FF]“I was probably being too careful. Because of all the nonsense that happened, you know?”[/color]

Part of him wondered if he should thank her, in fact. At least now he had a vague idea as to how he should act around her. Such rules of decorum grated on his nerves and sat poorly with him, but he couldn’t avoid the fact that they kept him out of trouble and stopped trouble from finding him. The Mother of the Waves alone knew how much he needed both. All the moreso, now that he was in a strange city far from home. 

He cleared his throat. [color=1E90FF]“I should–”[/color]

That was all he managed to say before the dark-skinned lady returned. Sjan-dehk groaned inwardly – she hadn’t exactly made the best impression on him earlier – and hoped for no trouble. It proved to be a fool’s hope as the lady made herself known. Very, very known, and in an exceedingly venomous manner. There was no one that was spared from her cutting and biting words. First was her cousin, then it was Kalliope, and then Charlotte after that – because of course, the poor girl simply couldn’t be allowed any respite, and then it was Kalliope again. Sjan-dehk resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Perhaps it was judgemental of him, but she reminded him of nobles who had been allowed to get away with one too many things. Or perhaps those whose grudge against the world became a touch too personal. It was either of the two, and neither were pleasant to deal with, as far as Sjan-dehk was concerned. 

He looked away towards the horizon as the lady – Layla, as he soon gathered – continued. Gazing out at the glittering sea and gently rolling waves was a far better use of his time than listening to the venomous words of a spiteful lady. Sjan-dehk had to admit, however, that the amount of spite and venom Layla held within her was very impressive. He thought she would have run out of steam by now – the way his father had dealt with such people in the past was to simply let them talk themselves into tiredness – but she just kept going with no end in sight. Had her words been nicer and more learned, Sjan-dehk didn’t doubt that she could give even the best scholars a hard time in a debate. 

An amused smirk crept onto Sjan-dehk’s face, and he did his best to keep it hidden from Layla. It probably wasn’t going to help with how things were, but he couldn’t help it. She sounded as if she was going out of her way to be mean, as if she was really trying to get a rise out of everyone, that it was almost cute. Like a child believing that whoever lost the run of themselves first in an argument was the loser. Or a noble who mocked and offended in an attempt to agitate another. The latter wasn’t unfamiliar to Sjan-dehk. Though it had taken him plenty of pain and trouble to learn his lesson, he knew better than to react. 

His odd mirth, however, slowly dissipated as Layla continued to tear into Kalliope. Her words sounded less amusing and more offensive – even to him – as she went on and on. Well, if he had to be fair, it wasn’t as if Kalliope had been polite either, but at least she didn’t disparage Layla in such a degrading manner. Even Sjan-dehk, who had nothing to do with anything, began to feel indignation on Kalliope’s behalf. He turned back around just in time to see Layla blow him a kiss, and he only replied with a shake of his head and a roll of his eyes. It did get a chuckle out of him, albeit an incredulous one.

[color=F4BC5E][i]“Doubt either of them would get that way over a skank like you.”[/i][/color]

She sounded so sure of herself. Sjan-dehk breathed in sharply, and felt a tinge of excitement bubble within him. Proving her wrong was going to be so much fun. 

Of course, that didn’t mean he interrupted her. Even with such things, one had to be polite and observe all proper forms. That was the Way. Sjan-dehk waited until Layla was done before sidling over to both ladies, standing beside them. [color=1E90FF][i]“Are you done?”[/i][/color] He asked, an ominous smile on his face. It was the same as what he used with unruly crew members awaiting sentencing. Partially assuring, mostly foreboding. [color=1E90FF][i]“You speak very well. Good words. It is a shame, yes? That what you say is so…”[/i][/color] He paused for a moment to think of a proper phrase. ‘Full of shit’ and ‘a verbal atrocity’ came to mind, but he doubted either would do anything to smooth things over. 

[color=1E90FF][i]“...So evil.”[/i][/color]

There. That should do.

Sjan-dehk carefully inserted himself between Kalliope and Layla. Though his stance was casual with arms loose, he still made sure to cover the former with his body in an almost protective manner. Though it was up to debate as to who it was exactly that needed protection. Both women seemed ready to turn this fight of words into a physical one at a moment’s notice. If Sjan-dehk wasn’t careful, he was going to be the one who needed help most. [color=1E90FF][i]“Kali said things to you, I know. But she did not start this. You are the one who first came here, first started scolding and being such a…A bitch to everyone.”[/i][/color]

The expletive had slipped out of Sjan-dehk’s mouth, but surprised as he was, he didn’t seem apologetic. If anything, he appeared almost relieved. He had already gone that far – even if by accident – so he may as well go all the way. [color=1E90FF][i]“You come here, you attack Charlotte. You expect no…No punishment? If we went too far, we say something that make you upset, then fine. I apologise. But why must you be so mean?”[/i][/color] There was no anger in Sjan-dehk’s voice. Rather, he sounded curious. [color=1E90FF][i]“You say you are a princess, yes? Is that how it is in your land? A princess can be a fucking bitch to everyone, can be so impolite, and nothing can happen to her? Hope not. But if it is, then I pity your people.”[/i][/color]

He took a step back with a shake of his head. [color=1E90FF][i]“But you, I pity the most. Whatever it is that happened that make you like this, it was terrible, yes? Unless you came out like this. Then I pity your family.”[/i][/color] He placed a hand on Kalliope’s arm, holding it in a gentle, yet firm, grip. [color=1E90FF][i]"Maybe I speak too much. Guess too much. I apologise. But you must understand, yes? That the im...Impression you give is fucking bad. Hard to keep quiet. Feel like I must say something."[/i][/color] He gave Kalliope a surreptitious tug. 

[color=1E90FF]“Come on, let’s go,”[/color] he said in his native tongue. [color=1E90FF]“No point talking to people like her. One doesn’t chastise nightshade in hopes of it becoming a rose. She won’t change. Not now, at least, and we’re only going to end up poisoned for our troubles.”[/color] He glanced at Kalliope, then at Layla. [color=1E90FF]“And beating sense into her likely isn’t going to end up well for any of us. As much as I would like to.”[/color]

With a smile that was likely as aggravating as it was amicable, he looked back to Layla. [color=1E90FF][i]“Ah, sorry for my language. I am a sailor. We speak freely. Sometimes I forget, you know?”[/i][/color] He gave Kalliope a little tug and began to lead her further up the beach and away from everyone else. Some time away might help cool her head. Before he left, however, he tipped his hat towards Layla. 

[color=1E90FF][i]“Oh. Apologies Forgot to answer.”[/i][/color] A smirk played across his lips. He even found the mischief in him to return her gesture from earlier, and blow her a mocking kiss. [color=1E90FF][i]“Yes, I think you are pretty. It is a shame. Great shame that the inside does not match the outside. And my ‘fucking name’, princess, is Wasun Sjan-dehk. Next time you want to fight, pretty one, come find me, yes? Will be interesting. Might learn from each other. Now excuse us. We leave. Have a good day.”[/i][/color]

He hurriedly led Kalliope away before anything more could happen. [color=1E90FF]“What a bitch. Are princesses around these parts all like that?”[/color] He grumbled beneath his breath before casting a glance over his shoulder, then at her. [color=1E90FF]“I didn’t catch everything, but I know she said some very nasty things. Are you alright?”[/color]