Posted 13 May 2012 - 09:22 AM
Jericho made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat that was probably disappointment. “Well, that is why they are so rare, after all.” He wasn't surprised Faris thought his captain would prefer not to go looking for tusks, and at least the Zanaryan wasn't making promises he couldn't keep. “I have to wonder what sense of humour your captain has naming his ship the 'drowned' anything, though.” He never had understood sailor superstitions, but surely that would jinx them before they even left the harbour?
Ninian came into view with a shame-faced Hooch dragged behind him. He had the 'Varian by the collar -- no mean feat considering the Therian was easily outsized. “Rusty, if you please.” Dumping the bag containing the squid, Rusty loped toward the pair and took up a position on Hooch's other side to ensure the man didn't try to escape. Apparently, he had good timing: he blocked the 'Varian just as he stepped away from Ninian's grasp and patted the fisherman's shoulder with a friendly smile.
“Ah, tea. I haven't had sundrop in an age. I'm not familiar with the difference, though, so I shall be delighted to learn at your hands,” Jericho offered agreeably. Faris had stressed the importance of it being Zanaryan tea, but that meant little to Jericho. They could be a picky lot and nothing Elysian was good enough for them. He had learned as much during his recent attempts to source a trade run through the portal -- and he'd thought dragons were hard to please.
“Mister Jericho, I... I'm sorry.”
“Ah, now, Hooch. Just where did you think you could run, hm?”
“I... Please. You know I'm good for my own payments. I wouldn't have run for that. But my brother's as well is a bit, a bit!”
“A bit much, I know.” Jericho noticed a scuff mark on the toe of his shoes and polished it against the back of his calf. “I run a business, Hooch. You and your brother knew that when I agreed to loan you the money in the first place. How am I to continue lending money to those in need if people like your brother steal from me? It is theft, Hooch. You know that, right?”
Hooch hung his head. “Y... Yes, Mister Jericho. I'm sorry.”
“Well, I suppose I could just report the theft and put up a wanted poster, but that costs money too, you see, and I have to recover my losses somehow.”
“No! Please, don't do that, he's not a bad person. Really.”
“I'm afraid that doesn't matter in this sort of situation, Hooch. I need that money back, but if you can't pay off his loan then I'll have to recover it some other way.”
“Y... Yes. I could... maybe... pay the extra too if you could see your way to lo-lowering the amount a little.”
Jericho looked at Faris, then back to Hooch and pretended to consider. “Well, you realise I would have to increase the interest, don't you?”
Hooch opened his mouth to protest, then pulled back and nodded. “Yes.”
“Then, that's fine with me. However, Hooch, if you try to run again, I'm afraid I really will have to involve the guards.” He wouldn't because that would draw too much attention to his own business dealings, but the fisherman didn't need to know that. He would post wanted ads, however, and go to the rest of Hooch's family to take payment however he could.
“Yes, Mister Jericho.”
Jericho stood. Ninian released the 'Varian and Rusty collected the hemp sack. “Very well, then. Ah, and we're taking a few of your squid, Hooch. Consider it payment for Ninian here having to chase you.”
“Yes, Mister Jericho.”
“After you, Azat Faris.”
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