[Alistair doesn't think that would help. It's good that Nate had had a suggestion, then, even though Anders has kept it in reserve because he truly doesn't see Alistair agreeing to it.]
Never mind on that. What if you did something altogether new and different, and only insulted him when in private, to his face? Would that be something you could do?
[ Alistair is going to need a moment to decide whether or not he feels condescended to. In the meantime, while he's deciding, he says, ] Does he know you're talking to me?
Taken on this monumental task, [ Alistair elaborates helpfully— ] You'll go down between Hafter and the Black Fox in the tales, the heroic mage who crossed a sea alone to ask a fearsome warrior to not be quite so mean to his dearest.
[ His dearest who seems to do his best to drive a metaphorical blade into Alistair's sore spots whenever he lowers his guard to ask for help and who spends a great deal of time making kissy noises at the heroic mage like a schoolboy just to irritate him. But all right. ]
If anyone asks, I made you complete three arduous trials and tame a dragon first, [ Alistair suggests, going back to his book already, because that's as much time as he's willing to spend on Nathaniel's delicate pride today, ] and I'll see what I can do.
I hate books, [ Alistair says without hesitation and without looking up.
That's not true. But he also doesn't read for fun very often. This is work—stupid tedious history on the off chance there's a sign of Farele or Sashamiri in the economic reports of some tiny trade village, some hint on where to pick up the trail. It is only not the worst because Corypheus is the actual worst and this might help stop him.
[He gives Anders an amused smile and a nod of the head before heading out. That's one person spoken with, one to go. Maybe he'll make a positive difference by talking, for once.]
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Never mind on that. What if you did something altogether new and different, and only insulted him when in private, to his face? Would that be something you could do?
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[He'd considered asking Nate what he would think about Anders doing this, but then realized Nate never needed to ask before trying to protect him.]
I'm doing this because I want to help him, but he's no idea I've taken this on.
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[ His dearest who seems to do his best to drive a metaphorical blade into Alistair's sore spots whenever he lowers his guard to ask for help and who spends a great deal of time making kissy noises at the heroic mage like a schoolboy just to irritate him. But all right. ]
If anyone asks, I made you complete three arduous trials and tame a dragon first, [ Alistair suggests, going back to his book already, because that's as much time as he's willing to spend on Nathaniel's delicate pride today, ] and I'll see what I can do.
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[There's absolute sincerity in the words as he gets up.]
What sort of books do you like? I think some of us will be tackling part of the library tomorrow; if we're in that section I can bring you a new book.
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That's not true. But he also doesn't read for fun very often. This is work—stupid tedious history on the off chance there's a sign of Farele or Sashamiri in the economic reports of some tiny trade village, some hint on where to pick up the trail. It is only not the worst because Corypheus is the actual worst and this might help stop him.
Anyway. ]
Don't worry about it, Anders.
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