Daven the Trader's house

Daven was an older man with steel grey hair and a stern expression which lightened when he saw Kesi. "My dear, it has been far too long. I had heard you died long ago. I am very pleased it was not true."

"Well enough," he said, though there was a shadow in his eyes. "I lost a ship to pirates recently, a valuable shipment too. Other than that, all is well. But we cannot rid the world of pirates, at least the likes of us cannot, and it is likely the powers that be take their cut in exchange for turning a blind eye."

"I pray for it," he said. "But to do it, one of our kind would need the ear of the Sealord himself, and friends in high places in the other Free Cities also. I do not believe the ruling powers could not destroy the pirates, if only they wished to. So they clearly do not try, or not hard enough."

"All else is fine. My children thrive, my wife spends money as if it grew on trees>" He frowned slightly, but she knew he indulged his wife despite his protests to the contrary. "I have many friends in the merchant's guild. We will survive one lost shipment, and there will be no hardship for my children. Are you remaining in Braavos now?"

"The children? Then you want to borrow money? I can help with that, until you can access your own money. I have children too," he said. "I could not see them suffer. Are you travelling to Qarth with your children, or elsewhere?"

Daven was very still as he listened. "But you cannot hide forever, not from those you call your friends. Are you in danger?" He frowned again. "I want to help you but what of my family? Will they be at risk?"

"Yes. I do know that," he agreed. "I will lend you the money you need, of course. But you must make sure nobody finds out."

"Indeed. Once a trader, always a trader," Daven replied with the barest hint of a smile. "It will be good to have you back, old friend."