Enatic Clans

Conversation is becoming lukewarm whenever we meet, Lord Remer and I have established a common ground after the agreement. He facilitates my membership to the Dormitar family, not only as a butler but also one of the dignitaries. And on the sideline, Maison is happily consuming every fruit she sees - it is becoming seemingly that Lord Remer is eyeing for Maison. However, she isn't with me in this instance.

"Lord Remer." I bow, as I call upon the secretary's name while I am treading across the hawkers and stalls in this bazaar.

I can't imagine they have an economy here besides sea raiding and coastal pillaging. Afterall, they are burglars… burglars on the waters in the first place. And traders second, if they want to - actually, the latter feels like a pun in the most compelling fashion.

"Clef, fancy seeing you here. Looking something to buy or are you just strolling around. After all, this is a pirate republic." he says, the clamor flocks as I can barely hear what he utters.

"Pirate republic? Isn't it that Fort Quogsagihaxee'e is under the clasp of the Crown?" I question sincerely, not knowing the backstory behind this place.

Further to the discussion, I actually realize, retracting: "Oh, right. Forgive me, I'm really naive asking you that question," as I later correct myself, clearing my throat to continue my stance, "Right, the Celamus family controls this island. Uh, with Captain Leonis at the helm. Perhaps." somehow I manage to keep him bursting into laughter, which I don't know why or what is funny.

Then the wind shifts from a flurry blow to a calm gust and the sun's orange rays turn dim. O Fort Quogsagihaxee'e, I certainly learn a lot from you - despite being a disoriented and misunderstood place. There is a lot to learn: this fort has its own gendarmerie which is called the 'on-the-second men', exquisite goods such as arcane items, Hizer Słońcesław's historic landing of this land, and many more. I guess I was swayed a lot by rumors about what kind of place this really is. To be honest, I was oblivious to whether such a place exists. Well, forgive my past innocent 'me'.

"You're an interesting lad, you see Clef? Not only are you composed and cunning but showcases a character of humility, I admit you exceeded my views of you preliminarily." He claims while gently strutting, I follow him walking to the direction he is heading.

I see, he still reviews me with the benefit of a doubt. One thing that I don't agree with is that he stated that: 'I am cunning', but I digress. If that's how he sees me, I can't disagree with me. What matters is, luckily, I have my sponsorship thanks to them - the Dormitar family.

"I'm truly sorry for embarassin-,... no, I'm not worthy of becoming under the wing of the Dorimitar family." I declare, as I walk in front of him to stop him.

He then glares at me for a second, bursting: "You truly are pure and avante-garde. But even now, I think you're a good addition to the family." out of laughter once again while he holds his abdomen inwards. Is this a compliment or an insult?

Behind his words he is conveying are neither flattery nor rude remarks. Besides, how qualified am I to be in this family as Clef? I know my standing in the Kingdom of Kehina is just handed to me because I'm Lord Guan of the inner circle of Lady Anda. However, the past weeks when Lord Remer's initial review of me portrays in his face that I'm just a 'so-so'. Right from the start, this is the moment that I should prove myself - to him, to Dormitar, and to the other boyos in the inner circle of Lady Anda as well.

"I'll try my best, Lord Remer. Be the best fit to the Dormitar puzzle." I induce a little bit of a serious mood, as to somehow convince my enthusiasm. Lord Remer then slows his pace down, making me lead the way in this semi-crowded place.

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"Hahaha… that's the spirit, Clef! You pass the secondary screening - you got the guts and that's what the Dormitar family is seeking for." he exclaims, as he pats my back then massages my shoulders. "And just to make sure that the very gut of yours is protected from being eviscerated." he finishes by a final touch of insurance, the humor is rather on the dark side though.

I respond though in a lifeless tone, grinning: "Ahaha…" dryly and his joke is too graphic although he explains it verbally. It leaves me speechless, now I can only exhale just a boring laughter.

"Yes, you might be right about a thing or two." pushing me while his hands cling to my shoulders.

"About what, Lord Remer?" I glance behind then look at him, as I resume to move forward.

"I probably know what you're thinking. Fort Quogsagihaxee'e is full of criminals so you probably thought that this place is disorienting and pandemonium. Nah, nah… they have the thing dubbed 'democracy'; in which every man has his vote: who will captain the ship, how operations and strategies to employ, who will spearhead such novelty or a bold move, or when tactics will be applied. Afterall, if they are all animals, maybe they should be all equal." he thoroughly explains what's more to it on this fort island. Well, to be honest, he reads me quite well - no wonder why he's the secretary.

Right after Lord Remer finishes discussing the truth about the traditions of this lair, I notice Lord Ameniah who is ten mawwes ahead when the wind drastically surges once again. He walks groggily. I rush over to him, apologizing to Lord Remer while I move ahead.

I sneak up behind his back, tapping: "Lord Ameniah, how's the patrol?" his shoulder to gather his attention towards me.

"Ameniah? Clef, who are you referring to… ? And who in the Kigal is that?" he repulses by shouting, as I then realize… yes, we're actually in the territory of Inglovia as of right now.

"Right, while we are all here. Lord Ameniah is Æ. Maison is Maidelle. And I am Clef instead of Lord Guan. Shit, I need to straighten up!" reflecting on my mistakes, which can possibly lead us into a terrible scenario. Well, he doesn't need to be stingy though - he can just whisper to me instead of being a prick.

"I'm sorry about that, Æ. How's your duty?" I rephrase it when he shrugs his shoulder to where I plant my hand is, then slipping my hold unto him.

"Why the hell are you still here? You're supposed to be sailing off the waters, aren't you? Tell me, Clef. The purpose of this-... forget it…" he answers but not the reply that I'm expecting, whereas he dodges my question.

Right at the moment, Lord Remer interrupts the heated engagement between Lord Ameniah and I, interfering: "Uhm,... Æ," amidst the raucous atmosphere from the crowd and the traveling minstrels. Clearing his throat for a second, "Sir Æ, I'm not attempting to assume what happened between the both of you earlier but that's harsh speaking to Clef like that." reinserts himself, thereby challenging Lord Ameniah.

"Right, right…" making himself out of pariah status, knowing he and I are incognito for several reasons, "Apologies, Clef…" Lord Ameniah adds in a concise way, as he apologizes to me whereas he flexes his bow also.

"Good. I anticipate such deeds won't be happening like this again." Lord Remer huffs.

"Oho… I thought we came into a consensus that saying sorry would suffice. And I did, right? So what more you are demanding, Sir Remer?" Lord Ameniah cheeks back with the urge of neutralizing Lord Remer.

How could I tell? Well, it is because apart from being a co-member in the inner circle, his grin displays a different story. The air around us is becoming thick not because of the congested and narrow pathway but because both of these two egos are clashing together. I barely know Lord Remer, on the other hand, but he is my lifeline. I don't want to jeopardize this now that I'm part of the Dormitar - well, probationary. So, I try to separate them a wing-span apart.

"Now, now, now. You two should calm your chests down." trying to be the peacemaker, as Lord Remer and Lord Ameniah are close to each other and choosing not to yield or to budge their stance.

I am worried about the two of them. Since this is a pirate republic, one of the rules is 'no holds barred'. I know Lord Ameniah quite well and what he is capable of. For Lord Remer, I ain't sure but my aura tells me he's up for blood as well.