"Oh, we're up to nicknames now?" There's no bite to the words; it seems like a genuine comment. He's caught off-guard by it, really. "That's a dangerous path to go down. I might even think you enjoyed my company occasionally."
He had been content, serving at his lord's side, maintaining a distant but respectful relationship. They'd cared for each other, in their own way, but they understood that being close was foolish, when death was so close, and they had little else to lose.
(Still, he'd grieved. Still, he grieved. Another weakness.)
He still has very little to lose, now that his life is forfeit. This would be another weakness, another link that could be exploited.
He should remember that. But it's difficult to, when things are pleasant, when his guard is down.
Avery smirks, looking smug as ever and yet, somehow, pleased. "Let's just say you're not nearly as awful as I used to think you were. I'll let you know when 'enjoy' is on the table."
He laughs. "Could be worse, you know! I could have gone for 'bonehead!' You're practically begging for a flood of puns."
"Splendid. I can see your good mood has made you even more intolerable." He just sighs, shaking his head, but doesn't actually do anything to counteract that.
I'm not planning to get used to enjoying your company, so don't hold your breath, he almost says, and then, once again, holds his tongue.
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He had been content, serving at his lord's side, maintaining a distant but respectful relationship. They'd cared for each other, in their own way, but they understood that being close was foolish, when death was so close, and they had little else to lose.
(Still, he'd grieved. Still, he grieved. Another weakness.)
He still has very little to lose, now that his life is forfeit. This would be another weakness, another link that could be exploited.
He should remember that. But it's difficult to, when things are pleasant, when his guard is down.
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He laughs. "Could be worse, you know! I could have gone for 'bonehead!' You're practically begging for a flood of puns."
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I'm not planning to get used to enjoying your company, so don't hold your breath, he almost says, and then, once again, holds his tongue.