[ And, well after Merlin's taken the package from Isley: ]
Not after Merlin, are you?
[ Arthur looks mildly amused. He's toying with the dagger, turning the unsheathed blade easily in his hands, absently graceful. ]
I'll give him away. Far more trouble than he's worth. Though don't you already have Rigaldo?
[ He waves the blade in the general direction of the screen. ]
Actually, I turned this on to say thanks. Thank you, truly, for gifts which are both generous and, for the most part, entirely practical, which I appreciate. I suppose the extravagance is characteristic, so this might be completely untoward, but I've got to ask.
[ His eyes narrow, far less genial, as he resheathes the blade and leans forward. ]
Arthur. [Isley's tone is patient, his expression focused.] I would not say your suspicion is not ill placed, but there is truly nothing I want in return for these gifts. Nothing, that is, but for you to find use in them and to enjoy them.
It is exactly as my letter explained. Did you not read it?
One does not request compensation for the giving of birthday gifts, particularly those which are given belatedly.
And while Merlin was very helpful, I only asked of his services because the object I needed delivered needed delivering to you. Merlin is someone you trust, and so I knew that the package would arrive safe and sound, and that only your eyes would behold its contents.
I would not ask his help otherwise. I'm afraid he's quite busy cleaning up after you, anyway. How he manages I'll never know.
[ Arthur relaxes significantly, although he tries not to make the change obvious, keeping his emotions under wraps almost habitual now when he speaks with Isley. But the muscles in his shoulders unbunch, and it's there in his eyes, which never conceal a thing from anyone, that he believes what the Abyssal says is true. ]
And your apology's accepted, of course, though it wasn't really required. Merlin invited all of Anatole and only half turned out. Why did you miss it, though, if you don't mind my asking?
[ It's not as though he was hurt or offended when Isley didn't show, but all the reasons Arthur could think of for him to miss a chance to play at being social were bad ones. If he and Priscilla had had a falling out, it wasn't his business, but if he was having trouble not eating people again... ]
Business, I'm afraid, and the tedious task of cleaning up the training hall after a hard day's use. The rest of that evening was spent with my research on the Door.
It has been active lately, and when it is so, it requires attention.
[A pause.]
And, I suppose I did not know for certain that I would be welcome there. It was better this way, yes?
Comments 114
Not after Merlin, are you?
[ Arthur looks mildly amused. He's toying with the dagger, turning the unsheathed blade easily in his hands, absently graceful. ]
I'll give him away. Far more trouble than he's worth. Though don't you already have Rigaldo?
[ He waves the blade in the general direction of the screen. ]
Actually, I turned this on to say thanks. Thank you, truly, for gifts which are both generous and, for the most part, entirely practical, which I appreciate. I suppose the extravagance is characteristic, so this might be completely untoward, but I've got to ask.
[ His eyes narrow, far less genial, as he resheathes the blade and leans forward. ]
What do you want, Isley.
Reply
It is exactly as my letter explained. Did you not read it?
One does not request compensation for the giving of birthday gifts, particularly those which are given belatedly.
And while Merlin was very helpful, I only asked of his services because the object I needed delivered needed delivering to you. Merlin is someone you trust, and so I knew that the package would arrive safe and sound, and that only your eyes would behold its contents.
I would not ask his help otherwise. I'm afraid he's quite busy cleaning up after you, anyway. How he manages I'll never know.
[His expression then turns a mite playful.]
Reply
[ Arthur relaxes significantly, although he tries not to make the change obvious, keeping his emotions under wraps almost habitual now when he speaks with Isley. But the muscles in his shoulders unbunch, and it's there in his eyes, which never conceal a thing from anyone, that he believes what the Abyssal says is true. ]
And your apology's accepted, of course, though it wasn't really required. Merlin invited all of Anatole and only half turned out. Why did you miss it, though, if you don't mind my asking?
[ It's not as though he was hurt or offended when Isley didn't show, but all the reasons Arthur could think of for him to miss a chance to play at being social were bad ones. If he and Priscilla had had a falling out, it wasn't his business, but if he was having trouble not eating people again... ]
Reply
It has been active lately, and when it is so, it requires attention.
[A pause.]
And, I suppose I did not know for certain that I would be welcome there. It was better this way, yes?
Reply
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