I do apologize. [ Rust says to their host. Smooth, practiced, no trace of sincerity. He shifts a hand atop Lakshmi's, thumb tracing lazy circles. ]
Ah, I shouldn't be telling you this—and I'm scarcely an expert on the subject—but traditional Carbauschian custom holds that anything said in front of more than one person [ a glance at Ilya Mor's retinue ] is performance, it's the presentation of, let's say, a composite self. Exaggerated. Compromised.
Only in private can we be our authentic selves. [ A delicate pause, a lingering look at Lakshmi. ] Of course I don't believe in such things, but— [ He adjusts one of her scarves. ] She's very devout.
As for a price, I'll be honest with you. [ Rust leans fractionally forward. The hand atop Lakshmi's goes still. ] We need to know you're gonna be dealing with us alone. No other envoys, no other Carbauschians. Has anyone approached you?
no subject
Ah, I shouldn't be telling you this—and I'm scarcely an expert on the subject—but traditional Carbauschian custom holds that anything said in front of more than one person [ a glance at Ilya Mor's retinue ] is performance, it's the presentation of, let's say, a composite self. Exaggerated. Compromised.
Only in private can we be our authentic selves. [ A delicate pause, a lingering look at Lakshmi. ] Of course I don't believe in such things, but— [ He adjusts one of her scarves. ] She's very devout.
As for a price, I'll be honest with you. [ Rust leans fractionally forward. The hand atop Lakshmi's goes still. ] We need to know you're gonna be dealing with us alone. No other envoys, no other Carbauschians. Has anyone approached you?