[ Dorian looks back up from his book, haven't barely brushed the words with his attention before it settles back on the other man, flatly. But he listens, a mild twitch at the moustache suggesting a touch of amusement -- wading through this man's accent feels a little like swimming in honey. That is to say, very slow going.
But he has Dorian's attention again, even if he's no more thrilled by this conversation as he is whenever anyone looks at him askance for existing and chatting to people. ]
Well, now that I know you're under duress--
[ He considers continuing with sass, but finally relents. If only for Benevenuta's sake. ]
We are friends, and nothing more. But you should know, that no amount of looming and flexing will dissuade Lady Thevenet from associating whomever she pleases.
You think I'm flex'n? [ Yes, that's the relevant point here. He won't argue against loom'n, the lean'n was it's own version of the loom, but flexing? ] How can you tell through the leather?
Well I rightly hadn't gotten to plann'n that far head. Figured you'd be a sensible sort and clear things right up much like you have. [ Ain't half bad for a Vint, specially if word of him throw'n away all kindsa cushy liv'n to help out down here is true. ]
[ There's a slight easing up of hackles, once more, at the implication he's been compliant. His fingers spread the book apart further from where it had relaxed in his palm, returns his gaze down to the narrow, cramped passages of print. ]
You might find yourself wishing our associations were as simple as what you feared, Captain. Friendship has so much more in the way of possibility.
Long as the two'a'you don't look to blow yourselves up, blow up anyone politically relevant, or start some kinda weird mustache cult; I think I can say I've done due diligence what's been asked a'me.
[ Course it's the middle bit that worries him the most; he can't keep track of who's politically relevant in his own stretch of sea, sort'n out who might be that on land? Ain't his idea of a good time. But much like he said, he got his answer, he won't take much more a Dorain's time.
Mal levers out of his lean, dipping his head to the Altus.]
Thank you kindly for clear'n this up. Won't bother you none.
[ His nose wrinkles; a stifled laugh at moustache cult, despite himself. Dorian remains reading, even if he stays aware of what Malcolm is doing, likely more so than he appears to be. He's not even that invested in what the book in his hand.
But he allows Malcolm to leave without any scratch marks to show for it, only tipping a look after him once he's certain the other man is well on his way. ]
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But he has Dorian's attention again, even if he's no more thrilled by this conversation as he is whenever anyone looks at him askance for existing and chatting to people. ]
Well, now that I know you're under duress--
[ He considers continuing with sass, but finally relents. If only for Benevenuta's sake. ]
We are friends, and nothing more. But you should know, that no amount of looming and flexing will dissuade Lady Thevenet from associating whomever she pleases.
no subject
[ Better question: Does he want to know? ]
no subject
no subject
no subject
[ There's a slight easing up of hackles, once more, at the implication he's been compliant. His fingers spread the book apart further from where it had relaxed in his palm, returns his gaze down to the narrow, cramped passages of print. ]
You might find yourself wishing our associations were as simple as what you feared, Captain. Friendship has so much more in the way of possibility.
no subject
[ Course it's the middle bit that worries him the most; he can't keep track of who's politically relevant in his own stretch of sea, sort'n out who might be that on land? Ain't his idea of a good time. But much like he said, he got his answer, he won't take much more a Dorain's time.
Mal levers out of his lean, dipping his head to the Altus.]
Thank you kindly for clear'n this up. Won't bother you none.
no subject
But he allows Malcolm to leave without any scratch marks to show for it, only tipping a look after him once he's certain the other man is well on his way. ]