Tales of the Jewel

"So you're his primary asset for a charm offensive. Do you know which targets he might have in mind for that sort of thing/"

"And what, precisely, is your position in your family? I gather there's a younger brother who will be inheriting the business, so... what have you been... groomed for?"

"Try to put yourself in the position of a Ra'Shari. Consider our dealings with the Dahabi, and what is said about us. The history. And then imagine a Dahabi who, without being on the outs with her own family, seems to be completely, innocently frank and open. That... might be a good place to start."

"And vice-versa, Sidi. Still. I would be lying if I said I had found the conversation an unpleasant one. If you feel up to it, you should visit the caravan sometime before we leave..."

"You should try starting a religion. That's substantially less crazy than a lot of the things they profess."

"Call me paranoid, Soraya, but anyone who plays as open a hand as you seem to do has to be hiding something. I just can't figure out what. Or from whom."

She shrugged.

"Not that I think your intentions are anything but the best, but..."

She sighed.

"Life has taught me to look for the rough edges."

Did he mostly pan out as planned or did he throw you some curveballs?

Is he prepared for a potential Assassin son opposing him in future?

"She generally gets what she goes after. Sometimes she just needs a nudge to do the going after..."

Kezia knocked back her cup of water.

"So. I have to ask. What's your deepest, darkest secret?"

That... got a laugh. "Being more secretive wouldn't have worked, my friend. Besides. We like to bring a little joy into peoples' lives. If you like to visit us to find it, that's not a bad thing, from where we sit. Although I have to wonder how your reputation will fare in the city if you become kno...

"True enough, true enough. Certainly broadens the scope of your life, in any event, and that's usually a good thing."