FE 22.5

[4/22/2018 8:35:59 PM] Canto: So, we'll say that a little bit after meeting Whispers, Carrick comes back in, dressed a bit more inconspicuous this time.

[4/22/2018 8:36:23 PM] \*\*\* Kite heads over to him immediately. \*\*\*

[4/22/2018 8:37:41 PM] Kite: I need to speak with you alone. ... also, that is a significant improvement in clothing choice.

[4/22/2018 8:42:38 PM] Canto: (Kite is still a man, yes?)

[4/22/2018 8:43:16 PM] Kite: ((Yep.))

[4/22/2018 8:43:28 PM] Kite: ((There's a lot of resemblance, mind you.))

[4/22/2018 8:43:31 PM] Canto: He squints at you for a moment.  "Kite?"

[4/22/2018 8:43:59 PM] Canto: He smiles, though!  "You make a very dashing fellow, I must say."

[4/22/2018 8:45:37 PM] Kite: ... I am not sure what that means.

[4/22/2018 8:47:20 PM] Canto: Carrick: You are as handsome with this face as you are lovely with your feminine shape.

[4/22/2018 8:48:20 PM] Kite: ... I need to speak with you alone.

[4/22/2018 8:48:24 PM] \*\*\* Kite has a very grim look on his face. \*\*\*

[4/22/2018 8:49:19 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Lead on!

[4/22/2018 8:51:21 PM] \*\*\* Kite brings him to his room and shuts the door behind them, staying at least several feet away. \*\*\*

[4/22/2018 8:51:40 PM] Canto: Carrick looks around.  "How's Murr?"

[4/22/2018 8:52:58 PM] Kite: Murr is fine. Ander said you were interested in me; I am hoping she is not correct.

[4/22/2018 8:56:56 PM] Canto: Carrick's face twitches, but he holds a poker face.  "... why are you hoping that?"

[4/22/2018 8:57:58 PM] Kite: I do not wish to hurt your feelings.

[4/22/2018 8:59:01 PM] Canto: Carrick:  I see.

[4/22/2018 8:59:58 PM] Kite: ... I would not be suitable.

[4/22/2018 9:01:18 PM] Canto: Carrick:  May I ask why it would be so objectionable?

[4/22/2018 9:07:00 PM] Kite: It is not objectionable per se. We are simply not suited to each other.

[4/22/2018 9:07:18 PM] Canto: Carrick:  How do you know?

[4/22/2018 9:07:42 PM] Canto: He's being very level, and if his feelings are hurt, he's not showing it -- he is a diplomat, after all.

[4/22/2018 9:09:53 PM] Kite: Because you are a noble diplomat and I am a paladin of the Song.

[4/22/2018 9:11:26 PM] Canto: Carrick:  So?  There have been stranger matches.  Your friend is right, and I am interested in you.  I had been intending to court you once I was restored and my doppleganger was removed from my position.

[4/22/2018 9:14:28 PM] Kite: I do not think that is a good idea.

[4/22/2018 9:19:29 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Is there any reason besides 'you do not think we would be a good match'?  I'm not a lout - I do not pursue people when it is clear there is no interest on their part.

[4/22/2018 9:24:48 PM] Kite: I do not at all think you are a lout.

[4/22/2018 9:25:02 PM] Kite: I am not sure our values are the same.

[4/22/2018 9:31:45 PM] Canto: Carrick:  No?

[4/22/2018 9:33:19 PM] Kite: What do you value?

[4/22/2018 9:44:17 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Serving the people of my province, and serving the empire.  Bringing honor to my family and our name.

[4/22/2018 9:47:24 PM] Kite: While that is certainly not objectionable, my loyalty is to the Song. And goodness.

[4/22/2018 9:51:09 PM] Canto: Carrick:  ... goodness?

[4/22/2018 9:53:07 PM] Kite: Yes. The abstract ideal.

[4/22/2018 9:57:23 PM] Canto: Carrick:  ... I see.  And... you don't think I'm good?

[4/22/2018 9:58:04 PM] Kite: I have no idea. ... some of the things you have said have not been encouraging.

[4/22/2018 10:02:12 PM] Canto: Carrick: Hrm.

[4/22/2018 10:02:43 PM] Canto: He frowns a little.  "... what it comes down to is that you're not. interested in me that way."

[4/22/2018 10:03:22 PM] Canto: Carrick:  That's all there is to it.

[4/22/2018 10:03:39 PM] Kite: I am not interested in anyone that way.

[4/22/2018 10:09:02 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Oh, I see.  So... it's not that you're not interested in me, you're just not interested in... people being interested in you.  That's fair.

[4/22/2018 10:09:41 PM] Kite: Not typically, no.

[4/22/2018 10:15:48 PM] Canto: Carrick nods.  "Well.  I'm disappointed, but that's not your fault.

[4/22/2018 10:16:07 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Message received.  I do hope we can still be friends, though.

[4/22/2018 10:17:00 PM] Kite: Yes. I hope I have not hurt your feelings.

[4/22/2018 10:17:59 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Perhaps they are bruised, but it's not your fault.

[4/22/2018 10:22:23 PM] Kite: Good. We have appreciated your help. And your patience.

[4/22/2018 10:26:29 PM] Canto: Carrick:  Yes, well.  I have a lot ot make up for.

[4/22/2018 10:31:49 PM] Kite: How so?

[4/22/2018 10:34:10 PM] Canto: Carrick:  The doppleganger used my name to do a lot of... things.  They weren't my fault, but they're my responsibility.

[4/22/2018 10:35:24 PM] Kite: ... I would be happy to assist.

[4/22/2018 10:40:05 PM] Canto: He smiles.  "Thanks, Kite."  He looks at the door.  "For now, though, I'm going to go drink."

[4/22/2018 10:41:08 PM] Kite: ... not to an extreme, I hope. Good luck?