[ She calls almost immediately, even before he can begin whistling. Yseult is at a sideboard pouring drinks, dark liquor with a deep red glow where the light catches it into two tumblers, and she gestures to one of the armchairs arranged before the (currently cold) fireplace. Her desk when he passes it is tidy, no clear sign of work interrupted. ]
[ Yseult gives a shrug, like suit yourself and returns the cork to the bottle and the bottle to its place on the tray, waving off his apology with a flick of her wrist. ]
There was something specific you wished to discuss?
[ Yseult folds herself neatly into one of the chairs, legs crossing at the knee. She takes a sip from her glass, and then gestures with it, expansive sweep abbreviated. ]
I won't claim to be without misgivings, [ Yseult replies, glass paused in the air now just shy of her chin. ] But the Commander and the Provost were quite adamant in their support of the idea. [ She lifts one shoulder in a shrug and the glass the rest of the way for another sip. ]
[ Yseult's head tilts, and she regards Byerly for a moment as if considering something, and then seems to make up her mind and turns back to her cup, settling it in folded hands. ]
How do you intend to manage your conflicting loyalties?
But she would prioritize the interests of her kingdom above all others. Riftwatch does not. There will be times when you cannot serve both equally well. What then?
That's hardly relevant, since you don't have any information about me to give them.
[ She brushes her hands together and rises. ]
At present, I have no plans to tell them what I know. I'm sure that as long as your priorities remain appropriately ordered, we can all work together well enough.
Mm. What a world. Honesty never freely given, only taken and then forced.
[ He's actually, for a moment, not being an ass. There's some real weariness in his manner as he makes that comment. By wonders, sometimes, when he'll grow too old for the spy game, and how much of him will still be intact when he does. ]
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[ She calls almost immediately, even before he can begin whistling. Yseult is at a sideboard pouring drinks, dark liquor with a deep red glow where the light catches it into two tumblers, and she gestures to one of the armchairs arranged before the (currently cold) fireplace. Her desk when he passes it is tidy, no clear sign of work interrupted. ]
Have a seat. I assume you've no objection to rum.
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I'd ask for coffee, but - alas. [ And, wryly - ] Apologies for the interruption.
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There was something specific you wished to discuss?
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[ A shrug of his own. ]
Specifically, our working relationship in light of my new position.
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Go ahead.
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[ He smooths down his mustache. The gesture might be mistaken for a nervous one. ]
The question is, to wit...What is your response to my promotion, as it were?
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I had imagined you'd be one in favor.
[ Because she'd seen his work. Even if he was a man without value, his work was worthy. And yet -
And yet what, Rutyer? You shit and complain that it stinks. What else do you think would happen? ]
Will there be trouble between us, then?
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How do you intend to manage your conflicting loyalties?
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They are not in conflict at the moment.
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The Queen would not.
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And you would prefer that I not share my knowledge of your loyalties with our colleagues.
[ The real reason they're here, no doubt. ]
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[ A lift of an eyebrow. ]
Seems a professional courtesy to me.
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Let us not forget that it was in no small part luck that led you to discover me.
[ Don't ask him how that's relevant. ]
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There is no reason to tell them, madame.
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They don't deserve to know who they're working with? To evaluate how much they trust your opinions?
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How many details have you told them about your employer, madame?
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[ She brushes her hands together and rises. ]
At present, I have no plans to tell them what I know. I'm sure that as long as your priorities remain appropriately ordered, we can all work together well enough.
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[ He's actually, for a moment, not being an ass. There's some real weariness in his manner as he makes that comment. By wonders, sometimes, when he'll grow too old for the spy game, and how much of him will still be intact when he does. ]
I take it I'm being dismissed?