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[hassaran]

crystal 〉〉 note 〉〉 action

Comments

[hassaran]

No doubt you've learned that Darras is a very imaginative liar. I shouldn't be surprised you two get on.

[cozen]

Liar? Do not break my heart this way.

[hassaran]

Did you have it set on my trust or his tale?

[cozen]

[ a dismissive noise ] I respect you far too much to expect you to trust me. With the little things, I mean, of course. You can trust me with the large things. I have become very morally upright in my old age.

—but surely you can walk on your hands and whistle?

[hassaran]

Of course. I can also do a handstand on a horse. But anything else is likely a lie.

[cozen]

[ at once, in a talking-to-yourself sort of tone: ]

Circus!

[hassaran]

[ Her smile is audible. ]

Finally.

[cozen]

Do not finally me. I am very good at this. You are just very difficult.

[ Anyway. ]

Is it a lie, then, that you pour water into your soup bowls to make the broth last longer?

[hassaran]

I'm an open book.

[ Anyway. ]

Why would I not add the water earlier? That's already how soup is made.

[cozen]

To enjoy it at its intended consistency first, and then draw out the last of it a little longer.

[hassaran]

No. Do you?

[cozen]

Sometimes. Habit of the hungry, perhaps.

What is the farthest you have walked on a broken foot?

[hassaran]

Two days' walk? It wasn't so bad. I've had far more interesting injuries, I'm surprised he'd pick that one.

[cozen]

I did not get the impression that he was trying to impress us. I got the impression that he missed you.

[hassaran]

[hassaran]

It's been a difficult year. And on a journey like that I'm sure you were all wishing to be anywhere else.

[cozen]

Him, perhaps. I found it relaxing—no work, only watching all of our outdoorsmen catch my dinner and make my camp. I was almost sorry to return.

[hassaran]

How kind of them, to cater to you. I thought you'd had enough of retirement?

[cozen]

If retirement were that exciting, perhaps I would have remained at home.

[hassaran]

Isn't the lack of excitement rather the point?

[cozen]

Eugh.