rowancrowned | fade rift ✧ inbox

Yeah. Like - [ You know. ] What should I be working on?

You have decided to join Research?

[ but he has a feeling she's talking about the inquisition as a whole. ]

It depends upon what you care about, and what you are able to do. What did you do before you came here?

[ Kitty briefly toys with lying. I was a research assistant at the university, yes, I know, so young, well what can I say, everyone likes to give me responsibility all the time 'cause I have such a proven record of successes, Brilliant Kitty is what they call me, I just don't like to go around advertising it 'cause I'm ever so modest - ]

I was a shopgirl.

[ Because Kitty has only the faintest idea what a research-assistant-at-a-university does, and she feels like at some point she'd be asked to prove her skills. ]

But it wasn't because that was what I cared about. That's just the job that people like me were allowed to do. What I care about is understanding things in the world - the reason things are what they are.

Can you read and write Trade?

[ because that comes first, before all the rest. ]

Eagerness is a fine thing to have, but it must be tempered by a knowledge of the courtesies expected of you in Thedas. That must come first, moreso now than ever before.

[ but that's hardly tempting for a young girl, and hardly addresses her concern. ]

Which pieces? The simpler things, such as the history of Thedas, or magic?

Can you learn the one without learning the other, too?

[ But, less glibly - ]

Political history, more than anything else. There's a lot can be done for the people here, and I want to do it. [ And, because she supposes she ought to ask, because proper behavior is not her strong suit but she knows she needs to stay on his good side: ] Did I do something wrong? You know - with the courtesies expected and all that? - Oh, and I am literate, yeah.

Most do not care to take the time, and must be persuaded.

[ he likes her. ]

I will bring you a list of books you should read, and I will arrange meals once a week where we will discuss them. If you wish to pursue that. I am fair, but my expectations are by no means low. I will also introduce you to Madame de Cedoux. I suspect that if you need further instruction, she is the best to provide it.

I have seen nothing lacking so far. I am an elf. You owe me much less than, say, a citizen of Kirkwall.

[ Incredulously: ]

No I don't. Honestly. All that anti-elf rubbish makes me want to knock some heads together.

[ His manners and kindness have made her relax. And when she relaxes, her brasher side comes out. But, soon as it came, it goes again, replaced by an uncertainty. Because she's never had anyone actually offer something like this before. ]

But - you're serious? You're really going to teach me?

An act you should refrain from, child, [ and he says that fondly, ] but everything in due time.

Yes. Ignorance is a blight. Why would I deny you the best chance to succeed here? [ after a moment, slowly: ] And you will need to speak to Madame de Cedoux. She has a lady's polish.

I guess I'm just used to - well. I'm used to people seeing ignorance as a tool, rather than a blight. Still getting used to people with your point of view.

[ Kitty relaxes again, much cheered by his offer. ]

I've spoken a bit with Petrana, actually - she's taught me some about rifters and what we are. [ And she certainly hasn't picked up any ladylike restraint from Madame de Cedoux yet. Unlikely to happen. ] She's very clever.

Do not misunderstand me, it is a tool, to our enemies, but since I have you in my grasp, I cannot suffer your ignorance.

[ a roundabout way of thinking of it. ]

She is. And there are lessons she will be able to teach you that will come better from her.

[ Plucky as ever, she corrects him: ]

Since you have me as a partner.

So what'll I be studying with her?

Lady's things, [ he says, because that's what he imagines madame de cedoux will instill in her if there is any grace in kitty for it. ]

You cannot conduct yourself like me and expect to get very far. I am insufferable.

[ Kitty snorts, thoroughly charmed by that self-deprecation. She likes him. ]

So'm I. A different sort of insufferable, I imagine, but still insufferable. And anyway, you've gotten plenty far, haven't you?

I have momentum. [ modest. ] And plenty of mistakes before I began to understand that I would have you avoid.

Like what?

Ask Madame de Cedoux, I am sure she will have an accounting.

fade rift ✧ inbox

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal

crystal