Diary of an Ooze Witch (Joseph de Steel) 1.3 - 1.4

(Sorry this took longer than anticipated. Wasn't quite happy with the direction the rough draft took, so I decided to change it up some)

1.3

Father has given thought to my proposal and has been measuring the potential gains from doing so. While he does find the markets lucrative, he informs me that we will continue establishing our foothold in the eastern parts of Wide for the foreseeable future. Journeying as far out as Attis would present a substantial risk to the family business if we did not build up the necessary contacts and influence to pierce that market. While I protested this, he is adamant about our family’s commitment to reinforcing the Ventigiore Province and will hear nothing about going further west. Needless to say, this has vexed me considerably, but I held my tongue and bid my Father farewell.

I went to speak with Jeru about my woes, only to find him at the bottom of another mug of ale. When I stirred him from his drunken stupor, he merely donned a knowing smile at me and asked how things went. Taking my place next to him, I regaled him with my frustrations in the matter, something he took in stride, perhaps a little too well. When I had finished relaying the information, Jeru pondered it for a bit before noting that my Father had a point.

The gall of this man! While I had no illusions about his doubts of my plan, he could have at least feigned to be more supportive as a friend. I told him as such and Jeru laughed it off while requesting another pint from the barkeep. It would be here that he would turn his attention toward me and strike a more sobering aura. He explained that my plans, while sensible on paper, would inevitably have fallen apart if exposed to the current climate of the western provinces. Without proper backing and influence in the region, I would be fighting against the current of the forces already established there. By attempting to breakthrough, I would have opened up the company to potential attacks from the local powers there, damaging the reputation of the family business.

I clicked my tongue at this and averted my gaze from him. If I found Jeru’s drunken demeanor irritating, it was only because he used it too well to hide his perceptive words. Still, I felt dejected by this revelation and needed some time to lick my wounds. It would be then that he offered to buy me a drink, as a way of ameliorating the sting of my failure. I saw no reason not to take him up on his offer and said as much, sending out my order for ale to the bar wench on hand. In hindsight, I may have drank a little more than my fair share as my senses left me leaned against Jeru for support. Into the wee hours of the morning, we sauntered against one another, singing the King’s Ode about as well as one can expect two drunks to through slurred speech and witlessness. I can still feel the hangover ruminating in my head, threatening to softly split it open. The price we pay for our frivolity.

I suppose I should make the most of my time in this city. While Steelbane isn’t quite the oppressive city as outsiders would paint with their words, it is still very imposing to gaze upon. Looking to help keep the family company in business, I should endeavor to be more attentive to its needs. That does not only mean the monetary side of things, but also the needs of my own family. Mayhaps I should be spending more time with them?

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1.4

Arissa has asked my help in finding something suitable to wear in her hopes of attracting a male suitor. I scoffed at her request and told her that she’s much too young to be thinking of attracting boys. As her brother, it would be a disservice to the family to allow her to court any romantic relationships. To say that my sister, Arissa, was… Disagreeable, would be making a grave understatement.

She fumed at me of course. Told me that she was already 16 Winters old and was responsible enough to handle such engagements. Such trifling nonsense! I bid her to finish her education and then, and only then, think about attracting suitors. I informed her that the boys she would attract were all reprobates and degenerates, not at all suitable for a lady such as herself. Better to wait and mature into a proper young woman and find a stable young man at one of the many soirees our family seems inclined on having. Of course, Arissa, being the headstrong young lady that she is, stormed away with a pout and the stamping of her feet.

I do not do this to be cruel but out of love for my younger sister. She still has so much of her life ahead of her that it would be a waste to spend her formative years chasing boys. No, better that she stays with her studies and grow into her own woman, free of such an amorous nature and the prying eyes of the opposite sex.

Still, I am perplexed at her request of me specifically to assist her in finding something suitable to wear. Surely she would know my stance on such a ploy? Or perhaps she sees some secret defect in me that informs her decision as to her indiscretions. I shudder to think what lens she sees me through.

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