The ribbon tied about the books had been very blue, and in not so different a shade from the coat he'd worn to that silly pretend wedding that had gone so fortunately terribly that no one at all since had questioned its veracity. The coat hadn't mattered. He'd simply asked her favorite color and had worn it as an admirable commitment to their shared little subterfuge—a different and more secret sort of partnership, and certainly not one predicated on any kind of regard save perhaps for the kind which sensibly recognizes opportunity and cleverness both.
(Yes indeed, she is very clever).
But receiving the letter and the books and the absurdity of the runner sent so far—she'd been outraged to receive the poor man. Good gods, you are a man of singular dedication, sir! What a beast he is, to have sent you all this way! And then having to explain to sweet Caprin the apprentice who had sent the parcel; never have the words My husband been so venomously regurgitated!
Yet there on her little desk, draped like a question mark among the papers and books and drawings, is preserved the little blue ribbon. And here, sitting cross legged in the bed, Wysteria furiously bites the end of her comb to keep from squawking in reply to imagine if I said all of that.
Nevermind that she is quite prompt to respond after, all very knowing and cool as she contemplates pummeling the pillow at the head of the bed.
"Again, you're very welcome. Indeed, it's a very good thing we agree on this point. Because if you had made the error of saying any of those things, I might have compelled to say something along the lines of 'If that's how you feel, then you should simply bring your next letter in person and join me in Orzammar.' Yes, such an arrangement might technically be of benefit to the both of us. After all, I'm very busy and taking the time to seek out your vases and various little articles that would seem to suit only takes away from my time in the smithy. And then you would be convenient to hand to judge said pieces for yourself without anyone's questionable judgement serving as your interpreter.
But I clearly can't say that," is most firm. "As we have agreed this very evening on the important of preserving a particular equilibrium of disregard. Also"—also!—"because if you look forward to my company upon occasion, then I would judge that I look forward to yours slightly less than that."
So. How fortunate that no one has said anything at all!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-07-21 04:49 am (UTC)(Yes indeed, she is very clever).
But receiving the letter and the books and the absurdity of the runner sent so far—she'd been outraged to receive the poor man. Good gods, you are a man of singular dedication, sir! What a beast he is, to have sent you all this way! And then having to explain to sweet Caprin the apprentice who had sent the parcel; never have the words My husband been so venomously regurgitated!
Yet there on her little desk, draped like a question mark among the papers and books and drawings, is preserved the little blue ribbon. And here, sitting cross legged in the bed, Wysteria furiously bites the end of her comb to keep from squawking in reply to imagine if I said all of that.
Nevermind that she is quite prompt to respond after, all very knowing and cool as she contemplates pummeling the pillow at the head of the bed.
"Again, you're very welcome. Indeed, it's a very good thing we agree on this point. Because if you had made the error of saying any of those things, I might have compelled to say something along the lines of 'If that's how you feel, then you should simply bring your next letter in person and join me in Orzammar.' Yes, such an arrangement might technically be of benefit to the both of us. After all, I'm very busy and taking the time to seek out your vases and various little articles that would seem to suit only takes away from my time in the smithy. And then you would be convenient to hand to judge said pieces for yourself without anyone's questionable judgement serving as your interpreter.
But I clearly can't say that," is most firm. "As we have agreed this very evening on the important of preserving a particular equilibrium of disregard. Also"—also!—"because if you look forward to my company upon occasion, then I would judge that I look forward to yours slightly less than that."
So. How fortunate that no one has said anything at all!