Altair listened to Diens talk, thinking they probably weren't all that different. He'd served his entire life as well. The large man seemed to take pride in his position, same as Altair had. The title was different yet he was still trying to figure out the subtle differences. Lords didn't fuck their servants, apparently. He had gotten the other part right, at least partially. He was a type of protector, just with a fancier name.<br/><br/>“I didn't seek to offend you. It is common where I'm from and would not be considered slander. Dusan is a place of openness,” Altair told him mildly, hoping that he didn't offend too grievously. Nobility in Dusan generally could do what they wanted so long as it was consensual. Rape was not only a punishable crime but could ruin reputation socially. “I will be more careful with my words but I want to know more about where we'll be going.” He remembered some things that Cygnus had told him and then some of the things he'd been allowed to read. This information was stored away until it would become useful to him but there was plenty more he needed to learn, it would seem.<br/><br/>“The captain that had me before.. he told me of the man he planned to sell me to. Made it seem like he wasn't the worst that would be interested, especially with my scars. He called him his benefactor. Compared him to snow, said that he had the eyes of an albino rabbit, and also that he was unfeeling. Possibly mad. Between these features do you know who he was speaking of? He does not sound like a common fellow. He described other possibilities, said that he had others in mind instead, some that would prefer to beat me, others that would eat me. If slavery is not legal where you are from how would he have sold me at all?” He didn't understand how a free man could be sold. Perhaps illegally. Pirates were not known for their wholesome ways, something Altair had learned firsthand. If there was an illegal slave trade perhaps there would be a way for him to get back out of the country.<br/><br/>“He said I would shepherd my own path. I suppose I did exactly that,” Altair said, looking away from Diens to the back wall, anger and bitterness welling inside of him. “I do not regret it. Even if I'd not been so lucky I'm sure my goddess would have taken my hand to cross over. Maybe it was was her, or even that man's sea god that had shown me favor, guiding me because I'm not done with whatever it is I need to do with my life.” It was better than suffering at the hands of those men, no end in sight. He looked back to Diens, curling tighter in on himself.<br/><br/>“What is the church like in Weiss?” Altair wondered, unable to stop his rambling once it had begun. Perhaps there would be people of faith and constitution. Not the same religion he was used to, but perhaps relatable enough.