contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

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[untiltheyarent]

I was, messere.

[Her tired smile says she knows what he's getting at.]

In Val Royeaux. I was called La Vulpesse by some, though any fame was limited to the brothel district.

[bouchonne]

Hm. That rings the oddest little bell...

[untiltheyarent]

[A little sigh through her nose, but her tone is patient and her pleasant expression mostly remains.]

Please don't toy with me, messere. I've done nothing wrong.

[She heard the crystal discussion as well as anyone else.]

[bouchonne]

Perhaps not. Did you dream of doing something wrong?

[untiltheyarent]

Given the context, I believe so.

[bouchonne]

Go on.

[untiltheyarent]

[She opens her mouth to continue, but pauses. This man outranks her, but what explanation does she owe him, really?]

I have already discussed it with Madame Yseult, [she informs him politely,] and you are welcome to do the same.

[Which is to say: don't worry about it.]

[bouchonne]

I'll buy you a glass of wine. Or a bit of chocolate.

[untiltheyarent]

Will you be straightforward with me?

[She tilts her head uncertainly.]

I don't deserve to be batted around like a cat's toy.

[bouchonne]

[ A beat, and then a shrug. Less flippantly: ]

I suppose you don't. I'll be as straightforward as I can be without dissolving from the inside out; how's that?

[untiltheyarent]

[A faint smile as she visibly relaxes, and Fifi gives a single nod.]

I can accept that, messere. I'll meet you when my work is done?

[bouchonne]

Aye. - Which do you want, by the way? Wine or chocolate?

[untiltheyarent]

[She thinks on it a moment. Then, with the weary resolve only attainable by service workers:]

Wine.

[bouchonne]

A heavy choice, it seems.

[untiltheyarent]

[A little laugh.]

It's a nice reward, at the end of the day. I will see you then, messere.


[And she does, appearing with a polite little knock around the normal quitting time. Benedict lets her in on his way out, and she steps inside with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the office-- which she does, because it's she who cleans it in the early morning.

She curtsies again.]

[bouchonne]

[ And he, in turn, gives a bow to her - reasonably deep, quite elegant. ]

Tell me your preferences, madame. Red or white? Sweet or dry?

[untiltheyarent]

[Fifi's not used to receiving bows or honorifics, and it shows in her quietly startled expression.]

...red, [she says, caught off-guard,] please. On the dry side, if you can.

[She takes a few steps in, glancing about as if seeing the office for the first time.]

[bouchonne]

I most certainly can.

[ He makes his way over to his side table and selects a bottle. ]

This should do. Nevarran - say what you will about Nevarrans, and I've said rather a lot, but they make fine wines. Please have a seat.

[untiltheyarent]

I don't know that I have much to say about Nevarrans.

[She smiles faintly, coming to perch on the chair opposite Byerly's desk.]

Good or bad, I mean. I haven't met all that many, and never been to Nevarra itself.

[bouchonne]

What, don't you know my glorious lady wife?

[untiltheyarent]

[A subtle shake of her head.]

Not personally, messere, though I know of her. She is quite distinguished.

[bouchonne]

She is.

[ There's real warmth in his voice. ]

And what about the twin kings of bad moods? You don't know them?

[untiltheyarent]

[This yields a slightly larger smile, though it's still restrained, in its way.]

Again, not personally, though Messere Kostos' office was under my care, for a time.

[Until he got his ass fired from the leadership position, but there's no need to trot that out.]

Not many have reason to talk to me, Messere. I suppose one might say it's my own fault, but I have gratitude for the quiet.

[bouchonne]

[ He lifts his brows, pouring her a glass of wine. Then, because she asked that he speak plainly: ]

Do you have a side career, madame?

[ Well. Plainly-ish. ]

[untiltheyarent]

Outside of Riftwatch? No.

[She raises her glass to him, waiting for him to pour his own before she takes a drink.]