Are you a morning person, or more of a night owl?
More of a night owl. I like my beauty sleep. Fortunately, manning the observatory requires more late nights than early mornings.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them?
I’m trained to pick up on rank and affiliation, but instinct draws me to physique and physical grooming. Instinct’s faster.
You see a huge spider in your room, what do you do?
Find whichever servant let it in. I keep my room spotless.
If you could go back and change one decision you made in the past, what would you change?
I would keep a much closer eye on my brother, between you and me.Tell me about your first kiss.
My parents didn’t want to set me up with anyone officially until they could get an optimal deal locked down, so I took matters rather into my own hands not long after my brother found his first betrothed. My first was actually an elven kitchen wench named Rina. My father agreed to make her my first concubine when I came of age.
Do you give people second chances?
I don’t usually need to.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
I feel like there’s a kinship between me and my mother’s cat, but I’ve learned more recently to appreciate the spectacle of a good hunting dog in action.
Do you think you’re attractive?
I think I’m doing better with what we have to work with than my brother, wouldn’t you say?
What’s your worst habit?
My mother insists it’s idleness, but she doesn’t know me as well as she thinks she does.
When was the last time you cried?
I think that was during a heart-to-heart with my brother on his wedding anniversary. He’s an embarrassment, but he made good more or less. My eyes may have watered for other reasons more recently, but I’m not sure that quite counts.
Are you a good liar?
Good enough. I prefer to go unquestioned where I can.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
You have to stick to a lot of schedules when you’re a Subvizier. I’m already tracking the astronomical cycle; do I really have to also remember meeting dates?
Have you ever had your heart broken?
No. I choose my lovers more carefully than some.
Are you more likely to use your fists or your words in an argument?
I’m trained in both, but fists are easier and more enjoyable, if I can get away with it.
What’s something you’re naturally good at?
Always had a head for numbers and trajectories. It’s why dad gave me the observatory.
What’s something you had to work hard to be good at?
Keeping a low profile.
Can you tell when someone is flirting with you?
There’s a little list of girls you can ask that one.
Do you think money can buy happiness?
Only when you’ve got more than everyone else.
Do you believe in destiny?
Well, there’s eight divine constellations watching over the city at all times so it would seem foolish not to.
Are you a good cook?
I tried once, and no. I leave it to other people.
What do you think happens after you die?
I think the main theory at the moment is that souls are made of the same stuff as the light that spills through Salsabil, and when they’re separated from their bodies they’re drawn back to the Garden Beyond from which they first fountained. That’s what the books say, and the astronomy seems to line up.
Did you have to grow up fast?
Unfortunately I had to contend with an important position and a uniquely fraught family, yes.
Who do you look up to?
The Eight, I suppose. It’s my job.
When you go to a tavern, what do you order?
I don’t really go to taverns much. White wine, I guess? Fresh salad? I recently got into ale, but I can’t drink much of it.
What do you like most about yourself?
I know how to keep on an even keel. Also, this hair.
What do you like least about yourself?
I have a weak constitution which keeps me from my full potential at a lot of things.
Do you want kids someday?
Oh, some day, of course. I’m going to be this family’s Vizier eventually, and even if I wasn’t, I mean… you’ve… seen my brother’s wife…?
Are you a planner or more spontaneous?
I’m spontaneous where I can be, but, alas, as mentioned, so many meetings.
Can you keep a secret?
Yes, the trick is to keep them manageably small.
Do you like being the centre of attention?
Well, so long as they’re noticing the hair.
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
…goodness. I… I suppose I’d have to speak to my brother. He’d become the Subvizier. He’d need all the help I could give.
Do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
It is one of the perks of my position.
Where do you feel safe?
Oh, there’s my offices of course - one in the family estate and one up in the observatory. Plus a few little private spots which I wouldn’t tell you about, or it would defeat the purpose.
Do you love or hate being alone?
Oh, I get bored on my own very easily, but if my mother asks, I love it just fine.
What’s the last nightmare you remember having?
Ah… no. I’m sorry, that - I wouldn’t - It’s not something I can say, I mean I don’t w- Ask me something else.
Do you admit to mistakes when you make them?
Well, it doesn’t seem to have worked well for others, from what I’ve seen.
Do you want to grow up to be like your parents?
Seems like a broadly worthy goal, although perhaps not quite so obsessively
punctilious.
How do you deal with being sick? Are you stoic or super whiney?
I’ve found if I’m whiney enough my parents will cure it just to be rid of me.
What did your parents expect from you when you were born?
A lot of meetings and lessons and submission to discipline. I know, it’s only to equip me for being Vizier. I’m not saying I begrudge them.
Do you have a strong sense of style?
Noble rank carries certain expectations, and this is one I’m happy to lean into.
Would you rather camp outdoors or stay the night in an inn?
The inn, I suppose. It’s warmer and safer from prying eyes.
Is there a food that most people like but you absolutely hate?
Several popular dishes do not agree with me; a fact which I have had to work around to keep myself in adequate shape. Rare meat might be the most embarrassing one; my diet has to lean quite heavily on alternative sources of protein.
Are you more of a hoarder or a minimalist?
I like to keep my personal quarters interesting, since my workspaces generally need to be sparse enough to unroll starmaps within.
Are you superstitious?
I wouldn’t say so. Astronomical prediction is actually pretty scientifically well-founded.
Are you the kind of person who remembers people’s birthdays and pet’s names and stuff?
I’ve picked it up with practice, but I will admit it’s never been a major priority.
What do you do to feel better when you’re sad?
Oh, that’s a private matter.
Is it hard for you to trust someone?
No, not if they make it worth my while.
Are you susceptible to peer pressure?
It’s always easier not to rock the boat. Divergence invites scrutiny, and scrutiny can become a problem.
If you decided to stop adventuring and settle down, what kind of job would you take?
Something easy. An astronomical consultant for the Honourable Company, perhaps? Maybe even a navigator on one of those exploratory charting vessels they’re supposed to be building.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My brother and I used to play at being explorers, although I became less enamoured over time with the kind of harrowing adventures my family is known for, and I’m not sure he ever did.
