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[fairforce]

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:)

[fairforce]

It's an assignment, not a death sentence. Or do you know something I don't?

[thereneverwas]

I have reason to believe the clergy may look somewhat less fondly on me these days.

[He’s joking. Mostly. …kind of.]

[fairforce]

Oh, and a public profession of beliefs and a detailed personal history is part of the Forces assignment. So you do know something I don't.

[thereneverwas]

Yes, see? I knew you’d understand.

The Revered Mother where I did my training could see straight into your soul, I swear it. You didn’t even have to say anything. I’m traumatized to this day.

[how bravely he soldiers on.]

[fairforce]

[With a laugh,] She could not.

[thereneverwas]

Please, I’d never lie about something so important.

[fairforce]

I bet you'd be singing a different tune if that Revered Mother were here staring you down. Do you know the trick of soul-reading?

[thereneverwas]

Are you threatening me, Seeker?

[fairforce]

Knowing the trick doesn't mean I'd use it on poor old you.

[thereneverwas]

But you do know it, is what I’m taking from this exchange.

[fairforce]

I am a Seeker of Truth. So as you might imagine, it comes in pretty handy in my work.

[thereneverwas]

You’re a what?!

[A pause.]

I hear the whiskey at the Hanged Man is especially deceptive lately. If you wanted to investigate this evening I’d be happy to watch your back.

[fairforce]

You're not afraid to be around me?

[thereneverwas]

Well yes, but I’ve never claimed to be smart.

[fairforce]

[She laughs again.]

Your bravery is inspiring, truly. I'm so happy you'll be the one watching over me while I'm investigating the whiskey.

[thereneverwas]

Just doing my job, my lady.

When are you free?

[fairforce]

Well, I do want to see if any help is needed in preparation of the Mother's visit. I think that to be of primary importance, given the circumstances. Don't you agree?

[thereneverwas]

[He clears his throat.]

Yes, of course.

[A pause.]

...what kind of help would that be?

[fairforce]

Honestly, I'm not terribly sure. I've asked Derrica. It doesn't seem right to do nothing at all, but perhaps I'm reverting back to how we used to make ready for one of our aunts to come and stay. The feeling is somewhat the same.

[thereneverwas]

Are we talking… public demonstrations of faith? Or putting out the good silverware?

[fairforce]

Do you have any aunts?

[thereneverwas]

Only an unmarried uncle, I’m afraid.

[fairforce]

I can tell. Well, in my experience, they usually care about the good silverware, and tasteful demonstrations of faith. Nothing too showy. We don't like showy.

[thereneverwas]

You can tell, [he scoffs,]

--well what counts as tasteful? Shall we hold a mass?

[fairforce]

[She laughs.]

No, we should not. We should set a lovely table, find whatever fresh flowers can be found this time of year, stock up on good tea and sweet-but-not-too-sweet biscuits, and embroider a tablecloth. Are you good at any of those?