Subject: The Baron sighed.
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Posted on: 2015-06-08 15:43:00 UTC

Thanasius Ampelius slapped the scroll with an open hand. “I simply do not believe it. First he accuses me of despotism, then he demands that I fix this yet-to-be-born nation’s problems, and now he simply turns tail? Pterry’s Nice Hat, what’s next? He’ll decide to overthrow the Barons and install himself as the sole ruler of this island?”

“I highly doubt that, Than,” Lady Iximaz sighed, using her belt knife to break open the seal on another scroll. “Hieronymus has never struck me as that type of man; it seems to me as though he simply wants what is best. He just… has an unfortunate way of going about it.”

“I swear I was this close” — the monk indicated a distance no longer than an inch with his thumb and forefinger — “to going after him and dragging him by the scruff of his neck to Skypcht, to be tried for treason and libel.” He sighed. “He apologised, though.”

“And yet, for some reason you are not pleased by this,” Iximaz said, showing her knack for stating the obvious.

“It feels insincere. ‘Apparently I am too stupid to follow your arguments’ — that reeks of passive aggressiveness to me.” Thanasius leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands behind his head and letting his voluminous sleeves fall down.

Iximaz shrugged. “Perhaps that is the case, but I would appreciate you not having the old hermit thrown in prison. His services as a Beytah are invaluable when I am able to contact him, and I would hate having to find another.”

“As things are, I think leaving him to rot in Skypcht’s prison would cause a diplomatic incident.” He leaned forward again and dragged his hands down his face in frustration.

Iximaz set her scroll aside and got up, coming around the table to wrap an arm around Thanasius’ shoulders. “Perhaps that would not be such a good idea, no,” she said dryly.

“But it is sorely tempting.” He leaned back to touch a finger to Iximaz’s cheek. “Gods give me strength.”

Iximaz pulled him into a hug. “I trust you will find the strength on your own.”

Thanasius let her hug him, and she could feel him untense. “May I present a dissenting viewpoint, my lady?” he asked.

“Of course, Than.”

“It is not my own strength I rely on.” He looked out of the window and on to the sky. “I think I have learned well enough that with a friend I can be so much more.”

“Careful, there,” Iximaz said, laughing. “Any more clichéd a sentence and you will be sent to live with the Marizu. I hear they are fond of such things.”

“Oh, hush, Ixie dearest.” His eyes glinted mischievously. “I hear tell that those damned creatures are not the owners of what lies beneath those clichés.”

“You’re doing it again,” she deadpanned.

“I didn’t notice,” he said dryly. “I thought I was saying something extremely witty and original. Was I not, Ixie milady?”

“Not particularly, Than,” she said, pulling away and moving to pick up Hieronymus’ letter. “So, what do you plan on doing about this?” she asked, waving it slightly.

“On one hand, he apologised. On the other… I do not forget such slights, milady. I am not one to keep grudges, usually, but when I do, I do not forget.” He sighed again and started looking for a quill. “I think I will terminate this sorry affair. But I’ll be watching him like a hawk from here on.”

“Not a crow?” Iximaz muttered to herself, going to sit back down.

“How droll.” Thanasius dried the ink, rolled the parchment and stretched. “Administration and letters are simply my favourite pastime.”

“Oh, don’t I know it.” Iximaz sighed and propped her chin up on her hand. “How I look forward to the council ending so I might leave for another raid!”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” The monk got up. “Come on, let us go. This room is stuffy and the weather outside looks rather inviting. Would you kindly accompany me on a walk, milady?”

“Gladly.”

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