[Above Val and Ribbon's little mutual aside, Wysteria sniffs.]
If you are so keen on the particulars, then you may write them down in addition to your notes on Ribbon. I will review them and then we may at some point reconvene over dinner in that little place above the seamstress in Hightown. I believe they run very late even, if that is truly your preference.
It is always my preference. I do my very best thinking after the hour of darkness. Of course, not all work can be done at such hours, so I do not wish for night and darkness eternal, but for myself, I find it such a prosperous hour.
[Ribbon has crossed the bridge. Still, Val leaves it intact, as if Ribbon might decide to cross back again, or else (more likely) as if he has forgotten that their hands are still joined.]
I would not say I am so keen on the particulars. Mostly, at most, and only where it matters. There are so many other things that I do not care about at all, or spend a single thought upon.
What a considerate allowance you have made for us in your prayers for those of us who are fond of daylight, Monsieur.
[Wysteria has not forgotten. However, if he is going to be so insistent on grasping her so then the very least he can do is to not also force her to wring her hand from his grip, and so she stubbornly remains as she is.]
Alas, I cannot afford to be so cavalier with the details which involve me being on time to my very early appointment for it is with a higher office, as it were. As much as I might very well prefer to sit here all evening with you discussing dear Ribbon or the collection of skulls and who might or might not be effectively bribed by them, I have never yet met an official of government to be particularly moved by matters of academia when it comes to his or her schedule for the day. So you understand the difficult position in which I find myself.
[Val sighs before--still with their hands joined--he leans forward again to speak to Ribbon, laid so prettily upon Wysteria's sleeve.]
You must speak with her. Whisper good sense into the mademoiselle's ear while she sleeps these hours. Tell her that to waste one's time with officials of government and those of high and boring office, when there are real discussions to be had--discussions of things that matter, discussions of academics and problems that will benefit all of Thedas so much more significantly than any lord or earl or royal butler will ever manage in his short and silly lifetime--to waste one's time with these is just that: a waste. You must make her see sense, dear Ribbon. I fear I cannot.
[Then he sits back, gives Wysteria's hand a quick little shake--not hard enough to disturb Ribbon, of course--and at last releases her from his grasp, and gets to his feet.]
[Her protests—how naturally she would prefer to have nothing to do with officials of government—die behind her teeth, and for a moment Wysterua has no ready response for him. Then she turns very red indeed and makes to snatch her shawl more tightly around her shoulders, attempting it with both hands until the weight of Ribbon at her wrist has her fumbling—]
No, thank you. It is quite all right. I like it as it is. Goodnight, Monsieur and I look forward to your notes. And wish you the best of luck with your exploration of the Kirkwall caverns. Good night.
As do I, to all of the same. I will send you precisely what I need from Orzammar. They are not likely to have any of it in the caverns, so it will have to come from you.
Good night, good night, give Ribbon a kiss for me, good night.
[And with a little half-bow, and a wave, he leaves, and at last it is quiet.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Yes. She is full of instructions, and rules. If she wasn't, we might stay up even later and have a meaningful discussion. Alas.
no subject
If you are so keen on the particulars, then you may write them down in addition to your notes on Ribbon. I will review them and then we may at some point reconvene over dinner in that little place above the seamstress in Hightown. I believe they run very late even, if that is truly your preference.
no subject
[Ribbon has crossed the bridge. Still, Val leaves it intact, as if Ribbon might decide to cross back again, or else (more likely) as if he has forgotten that their hands are still joined.]
I would not say I am so keen on the particulars. Mostly, at most, and only where it matters. There are so many other things that I do not care about at all, or spend a single thought upon.
no subject
[Wysteria has not forgotten. However, if he is going to be so insistent on grasping her so then the very least he can do is to not also force her to wring her hand from his grip, and so she stubbornly remains as she is.]
Alas, I cannot afford to be so cavalier with the details which involve me being on time to my very early appointment for it is with a higher office, as it were. As much as I might very well prefer to sit here all evening with you discussing dear Ribbon or the collection of skulls and who might or might not be effectively bribed by them, I have never yet met an official of government to be particularly moved by matters of academia when it comes to his or her schedule for the day. So you understand the difficult position in which I find myself.
I'm sure you will forgive me.
no subject
You must speak with her. Whisper good sense into the mademoiselle's ear while she sleeps these hours. Tell her that to waste one's time with officials of government and those of high and boring office, when there are real discussions to be had--discussions of things that matter, discussions of academics and problems that will benefit all of Thedas so much more significantly than any lord or earl or royal butler will ever manage in his short and silly lifetime--to waste one's time with these is just that: a waste. You must make her see sense, dear Ribbon. I fear I cannot.
[Then he sits back, gives Wysteria's hand a quick little shake--not hard enough to disturb Ribbon, of course--and at last releases her from his grasp, and gets to his feet.]
Shall I remove the plate for you as I leave?
no subject
No, thank you. It is quite all right. I like it as it is. Goodnight, Monsieur and I look forward to your notes. And wish you the best of luck with your exploration of the Kirkwall caverns. Good night.
no subject
Good night, good night, give Ribbon a kiss for me, good night.
[And with a little half-bow, and a wave, he leaves, and at last it is quiet.]