She shook her head, "No, I joined of my own volition. I spent the first years of my life in my home in Merenae. My father sent me to get an education of the world in Medinaat al-Salaam. It was there I was watched over and taught by the Tortoise. My father had been given a Rokugani title which I then took as my own."

She tilted her head the other direction, "For me... the Tortoise is much more than a means to accumulate wealth. I have more than I could ever desire available to me if I returned home. Essentially I could run the one of the 12 ruling families as its matriarch if I were to take my place at my brother's side. I stay here because I believe in the work that the Tortoise have been doing. I believe there is no better group to stabilize and lead the world in the days ahead. I tell you this so you have an idea of who you are asking to join you in your ventures. I am not a young girl anymore... I have seen the world time and again... All that matters to me is promoting the success of the Tortoise. And I am not known to be particularly compliant when I feel my objectives are not being accomplished."

"Ah yes, the Quijano family," he smiled amused. "We come from the same country but we are so different. In Aberri we do not just depend on our blood," he sighed happily. "Was the fact that I came from one of the most important families in Aberri gonna feed me? No. Going out into the ocean and carving my name, however, did do it for me."

"If you join my side, you will lack nothing. Whatever we want, we get," he smirked mischievously [color=#FF00000]"Now you will not join me, for the time being, and I understand and respect that decision. Just know that you will eventually join. Because you are ambitious. Because you know here is the best place to fulfil your ambitions."[/color]

"You are grossly misinformed on what it means to be a Quijano." She replied.

"Not all ambitions are of the same type Xavier... 'Taking' things is not my kind of ambition. If that is your purpose, I would not join your crew unless I had no other choice. Why you think insulting my family and my intelligence would motivate me to join you is beyond me. I hope the deeds you accomplish are successful if they assist the cause of the Tortoise, but I cannot join a captain who I feel has the wrong kind of demeanor. And you wouldn't want a navigator who is constantly on the border of mutiny."

Bellena dusted her knees as she stood, "Now I feel it is time for me to go."

"That is where you are wrong," he replied with the same smile. "You are a smart woman, princesa, but you're missing some concepts. Everything is taken. By force or knowledge you take what you want and make it yours," he rose and took a bottle of red wine, pouring two cups of the scarlet liquid. "This is from Errioxa in the northern tip of Aberri, a good crop."

"Perhaps I phrased it incorrectly," he took the glass and sipped from it. "I want your ambitions to be fulfilled. I do not know what they are but I'm certain they do not clash with my objectives and might overlap in many places."

"Regarding your 'border of mutiny'. Now that is a very strong word? And a voice that offers a different point of view is always welcome."

"To simplify all of human experience into a trite maxim is not what I consider to be 'getting the concept'. But, perhaps you can explain to me how foolish and simplistic I am some more. It appears to be having great effect... just not the one you are hoping for." She replied coolly.

"Perhaps," he shrugged and took a sip. "I am not an 'unparalleled intellect' but I've certainly seen and travelled enough of the world to at least formulate such ideas."

He stared at her amused "I offered you a position not because you are foolish or simplistic. You are perhaps one of the keenest minds I've heard about and this little exchange has only proven to me that you are a person capable of living to your reputation," he placed his goblet on the table. "Do not leave thinking I consider you a fool or simple. You are a well travelled woman that is my comrade by both Clan and Blood."

"The day is almost at an end, I shall ready another escort for you."

She nodded in response to his final statement and offer, "I would consider finding someone else for your voyage if you do not wish to be undermanned. I wish you a safe journey."