Mon Jun 17, 2024 12:32 pm
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Elvira smiled widely when G’las returned with her own turn of phrase to match Elvira’s. This one was really turning out to be a keeper.
She listened intently as G’las gossiped about the change in vintner leadership, holding her hand over her mouth in playful shock. ”A relative of a Lord Holder paying their way into power and infamy? Why, such a thing has never happened in all my days!” She exclaimed, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
She took another bite from her meal and gave a knowing look towards G’las. ”I wish I could say I remember the good old days without bribery and politics meddling in the Crafts, but if I did, then you’d start thinking I’m much older than I actually am, which is 30, by the way.” She shot him a knowing wink.
”Maybe this one will get his comeuppance though.” She cleared her throat and held up her hands, gesturing as she began her craft. ” Turns ago, I heard this wonderful story about a Lord Holder near Ista. His nephew insisted on pursuing Seacraft, was going to be the best sailor around, and find treasure worth more than any ever found. He went on many voyages, but no matter how many he sailed, the masters wouldn’t promote him, said he wasn’t ready. The nephew gets fed up, and goes to Uncle Lord Holder BEGGING to build him a ship of his own. Won’t leave the old man alone, telling him he’ll find enough treasure to pay him back, plus interest.
“Finally, the rich old uncle pours more marks than I’ll ever see into a beautiful ship for the nephew. It’s a gorgeous ship, made from the finest wood, giant figurehead that was nearly as stunning as yours truly.” Elvira primped her hair and batted her eyes vivaciously. She continued, ”The nephew has uncle moneybags spend even more money on gathering an expert crew for him to command. They do a big ceremony for the ship’s maiden voyage, get most of the Hold to come out and see the nephew off. Real ego trip for the Lord Holder.
“Not 20 minutes after they set sail, the nephew runs the ship on some rocks, the whole thing sinks. The fishers of the Hold all take to their boats to save the crew and the nephew, but dear old uncle spent so much of the family fortune that the Hold lost a whole lot of standing, and is barely a mark on the map anymore.”
She took a long drink from her subpar wine. ”I love a happy ending,” she added dreamily.