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[unshut]

(crystal | written | action)

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[bouchonne]

What kind of a scoundrel shall I be? Do you desire a pretense for slapping me across the face?

[unshut]

I hardly know. Someone who has seen only a stream cannot begin to describe the sea.

[She slips her hand from his in favor of delivering a firm pat to his cheek.]

I trust you to be imaginative, but it will take some effort to convince me to raise a hand against this handsome face you're so proud of.

[bouchonne]

Not that much effort. What would take effort would be having you raise your hand against me without hating me and forswearing all contact with me entirely.

[unshut]

If you insist on being serious about the whole affair.

[Her hand slides far enough to tug at his ear lobe, then falls away.]

But I suspect you recognize the difference. Otherwise those disreputable houses would only just tolerate you, and you are too poor to be indulged for long.

[bouchonne]

[ A crooked little smile. ]

Was too poor. Now I am powerful, and can move mountains. Or at least a mid-sized anthill.

[unshut]

Is that where all Riftwatch's pocket money is going? I knew there must be a reason the food is so dreadful.

[bouchonne]

[ He laughs. ]

How dare you. Those are my family recipes.

[unshut]

No wonder you grew up so thin.

[bouchonne]

[ That one has a faint sting of truth to it. Still, Byerly smiles rakishly and says: ]

I prefer the word slender, thank you, madame.

[unshut]

I thought you wanted me to be cruel to you.

[bouchonne]

But not in that way.

[unshut]

Then forgive me. You know I'm a novice in this.

[bouchonne]

I'll train you in the ways of cruelty yet.

[unshut]

You know, I don't believe I've ever been a proper student of anything before. What an interesting prospect a formal education is.

[She somehow manages to look sly there amidst her pillows, in her plain clothes with her drained complexion.]