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[lordoftheozarks]

When the ringing stops, all you'll hear is a cold voice that says one simple word, "Speak."

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[astrogator]

He understands contract and what it means to her. In theory, at the very least. As he continues talking, Tayrey's all too willing to believe it's more than only that. That she can trust him.

'That djinn was no captain at all,' she says, because she has to. 'He was a coward, it's true. But every person on that ship remains responsible for their own actions. For the way they treated others.' One's character is tested in adversity, and if Tayrey's hadn't held up all the way, if she'd been too weak and emotional, at least she hadn't ever lost sight of herself and her values.

Then Erik reveals the means to stop him. She nods, very solemn. There was a time when Nobunaga had advised her that the eyes were a good point to attack, and Tayrey had reacted with the squeamishness of a Tradeliner for whom combat involved nothing more close and personal than squeezing a trigger. How long ago that seems! Now she knows she could put out his eyes with her bare hands if she had to, no hesitation, not when the alternative was being attacked.

'Thank you,' she tells him, earnest and genuine. 'I will keep it very much to myself, and I will not act on it unless you are a direct threat to me or to someone under my protection. And I do still want to do business with you. I do. You've proven that I can trust you. That you understand, and you truly don't want me to come to harm.'

good place to fade on?

[lordoftheozarks]

In general, he agrees with her. People are responsible for their actions, of course. But he knows how quickly harsh treatment can turn a person against their own nature. No one ever wants to admit how easily it can happen. Then again, there are the edge cases. Like Max. After everything, he appears to be the same kind-hearted soul he always was. For that, Erik is very grateful.

"I wouldn't have put the secret to my life in your hands if I thought you would break that promise. You have proven I can trust you, as well. Shall we continue with the contract, in that case?"

sounds good <3

[astrogator]

Tayrey's an exception. It did her a lot of damage. She'd say more than it did to those who just lay down and accepted their fate. Yut it didn't fundamentally change her. She never betrayed what mattered to her - and so she assumes that's the default, the behavior everyone should be capable of.

She's more than willing to move on to more pleasant topics now, though. 'Yes, let's,' she agrees, turning back to the paper before her. There's a lot else to discuss.