Hold on, this exchange isn't finished yet. Wait here, why don't you?
[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
[Andersen's haste surprises him, and he takes the envelope with his free hand, swallowing his bite of food before he'll set the fork down to open it up. an exchange? this had been something he didn't expect anything in return for.]
[Inside are two tickets. They're to a show titled The Duke of the Cwyld - likely illegal, gauging by the poor packaging they've come in. Andersen begins to scoop more pancakes into his mouth.]
Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
[tickets to the illegal theatre. Dantes actually laughs, sharp in the air, but the grin on his face says it's not so cruelly meant.]
You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
You said this was meant to be a break. Meaning, something outside of work. Going to the opera with an ally would be work. If you refuse to go, I'm going to anonymously gift these to someone else entirely and feel satisfied that they might be happy.
Are you sure? No carefully laid Christmas plans you must attend to? I would wait so that I could be graced by the presence of the newest best selling author.
[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
Don't remind me. The last thing I want to see is another scantily-clad Santa riding a giraffe or dog or whatever bizarre animal they've roped into their shenanigans!
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[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
Take this.
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What's this, then?
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Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
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You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
So, which upcoming nights are you free?
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An opera is a chance for you to strengthen your bond with one of your important friends, perhaps even a much-needed ally. You'll squander it on me?
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[truly....his circle of friends is very small.]
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If you insist on my coming, I guess I can clear tonight for you.
[baka]
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[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
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[Nobody would enjoy his company.]
I've no friends in this city.
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[it doesn't matter. they have breakfast, and each other's company, solitary creatures they are.]
We shall make merry of our own accord, and be glad it is not somehow under siege like Chaldea happens to be every holiday.
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[don't speak a curse into existence Dantes...]