[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0a48H8i.jpeg[/img] [sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img] [color=808080][b]a barge on the Bramble Weave[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center] [indent][indent][indent][indent][justify][color=808080][color=794f40]“How is it that the most prosperous seed of our father’s garden is brought low by such calm waters?”[/color] Khalil Tide’s words cut through the calm as the blazing sun beat down on the necks and backs of the small crew. The barge was rather large for a vessel designed solely to travel between the capital and the Bay of Kings, and was remarkably more pleasant of a ride than the Galleon’s trip around the peninsula. Nonetheless, Imran Ganasen clung to the wooden railing with the white-knuckled grip common among cabin boys and tourists. His skin had grown a few shaders more pallid as he breathed through his nose, attempting to keep back the tides of nausea that threatened to escape from his lips. Instead, the only thing that flowed from his mouth were short, sharp words. [color=ba8f1a]”Mine, not yours.”[/color] [color=794f40]“Pardon?”[/color] [color=ba8f1a]”My father, bastard. The summons were for my father’s children. Your name was notably absent, Tide.”[/color] [color=794f40]“Ah… yes, of course.”[/color] Silence hung in the air like a heavy cloak, leaving the two men in silence as they continued to lean against the railing. The sound of the oars cutting through the water filled the gap their words once filled, intermixed with the creaking of wood that caused Imran to flinch slightly. Khalil turned his face away from Imran, concealing his gritted teeth from his half-brother. He glanced towards the hatch leading below deck, concealing his grimace. [color=794f40]“I can fetch the tack, unless the taste would be undeserving of your legitimate pallet.”[/color] Silence graced the space between them once more as Imran clung to the railing, mulling over the offer. A peaceful offering from his half-kin after such an insult felt, most assuredly, like some sort of trap. Unfortunately, he had no room to decline even false generosity. [color=ba8f1a]”I beg of you, any balm will suffice.”[/color] The bow Khalil offered in response lacked sincerity, but neither cared for authenticity in that regard. The bastard took his leave, opening up the hatch below deck and stepping down into its innards while Imran craved some stability of his stomach. [color=068b8c]”It would be wise to show Khalil some civility.”[/color] Zhara’s voice was sharp, cutting through Imran’s focus with precision. She stepped away from her position a couple yards aft of his post. She offered a nod to a taller sailor, who took over barking orders to the crew. Imran shook his head, choking down rising bile to offer a biting response. [color=ba8f1a]”I don’t want him to think of me as kin, sister, lest he believe that he shares in our birthright.”[/color] His tone lacked the same sharpness he offered Khalil, a soft sincerity dressing his disdain. Zhara raised an eyebrow at Imran’s bluntness, pursing her lips as she parsed through his reasoning. When she responded, there was a heat behind her words. Her eyes instinctively rose towards the approaching capital, spires of stone and wood signaling they were hastily approaching their destination. [color=068b8c]”He does not share in our name, but he does share in our cause.”[/color] She took a step closer to Imran, leaning against the same railing to get within her brother’s eyeline. [color=068b8c]”Would you prefer House Kenra or House Cantlowe hold the King’s ear in matters of coin, or the man who shares in half our blood?”[/color] She leaned in closer, her last words hushed. [color=068b8c]”Which option would ensure you remain sated?”[/color] A few loud creaks from the stairs near the hatch forewarned of Khalil’s return. Zhara shot her brother a sharp look, and Imran shrunk a little from her gaze. When Khalil emerged, he pretended not to notice the shift in the air. Delicately folded in a white cloth were a handful of stale, salty crackers. The bastard approached the legitimate, presenting them with the care expected of his station. [color=794f40]“Take a seat and watch the horizon, my lord. We are nearly there.”[/color] Imran nodded slowly, taking a few shaky steps to a bench in the center of the ship. He settled down, his eyes fixed plainly ahead as he forced down the bland food. His words were delivered with a smallness that was becoming for a second son. [color=ba8f1a]”You have my thanks, Khalil.”[/color] Khalil offered a curt nod, turning his attention to the bow of the boat. He walked several paces away, his dignified expression slacking as he no longer faced his tormentor. The capital was a remarkable sight, even for someone who spent more time there in recent years than at home. [color=068b8c]”It would serve you well to be kinder too. And perhaps a touch less nosy.”[/color] Zhara sidled up next to Khalil, her eyes only briefly catching his startled expression. While her half-brother opened his mouth to offer a rehearsed defense, Zhara simply shook her head. [color=068b8c]”Only the bottom step is loose. You stepped it thrice to ensure he would hear you.”[/color] Khalil disguised his grimace with a tight smile, his expression otherwise collected. He took a sharp intake of breath, before he whispered out a response. [color=794f40]“I appreciate your pity, Zhara. Let us just hope your mother doesn’t hear of it.”[/color] The two shared a brief glance, and then a knowing smile. The Duchess held a thinly-disguised hatred for her husband’s child, and a deeper disdain for her daughter’s tolerance of him. So, the two let the unspoken meaning settle as they watched the ever-approaching docks. Khalil shook his head softly, nodding back towards the hatch. [color=794f40]“Best you freshen up, my lady. The carriages will certainly be waiting for you and Imran. I’ll settle things with the Corsair.”[/color] Zhara let out a small sigh, taking in one last view of the approaching capital, before lightly patting her half-brother on the shoulder. [color=068b8c]”Make sure he bathes before he comes near the castle, lest they turn you away at the door.”[/color] [/color][/justify][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent] [center][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img] [color=808080][b]interactions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] none [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] Houses Cantelowe and Kenra, Duke Zaid, Duchess Nadira [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]collabs[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] none[/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center]