If I'm to host, I will want some input into the attendees. I don't intend to be a tyrant, but I expect it to be understood.
[He considers her, in turn, evaluating.]
Would you like Thomas and Raoul to attend? It might be complicated, with the war, but I expect it could be arranged. I'd like them here for it, but not against your wishes.
[It's not really a clue as to his emotions, but it is an indication of how he intends to play this hand. He'll commit to it, in a way he seldom does, deliberately placing a marker on the board. Until now, his support of her could be written off to an old man's affection, an indulgence. It likely has been, by some. This would not be that, especially not with his legitimate grandsons present as guests.]
Of course, ( is what she says to the matter of input into attendees; all things considered, she'd expect no less. possibly, she'd have expected to have to bargain him down from 'tyrant'. the other—
she should be less surprised, by now, when her grandfather takes her part. or maybe not: that is a particular stance to take, and he is better known for his opacity than his affection...if there's a part of her that wonders if thomas or raoul will be so thrilled about being in attendance, if it might be against their wishes, in this one thing she's content to hide behind the shield of a still-living duke, and consider her cousins' possible bitterness a tomorrow problem. )
I'd like them to be here, if they can be.
( how uncommonly diplomatically put; it isn't hard to tell she might mean if they're willing. )
I think they should, unless travel becomes impossible. It would be appropriate.
[Apparently because he says so.]
Thomas has been at me for months to venture farther than the estate, and while I suspect he means playing at soldier, he's not wrong that he needs a wider view of the world. This will give him one, in a variety of ways.
[He considers her, then adds:]
If you like, I will give you the rest of my guest list first, when I draw it up. There will be a variety of reasons, but I don't want anyone who you so dislike that you would have to waste energy hiding your distaste even if they were in a crowd. We can discuss it before I start pressing my point with the Diplomacy division.
( by the wrinkling of her nose, this already sounds more involved in proceedings than she'd really like to be—the fact that she's the bride notwithstanding—but she lets it pass unchallenged, partly because he's her grandfather and partly because she's not going to turn down the opportunity to cross out a few names if need be. it's sensible.
then, with a shrug: )
Well, money.
( it's terribly crass to say so, but it is rather the thrust of this request. someone has to pay for it, and emeric's estate is increasingly tied up in affairs of the throne and the war. nevermind the fact he is, himself, at the front and in no position to oversee matters as romain might. )
Thranduil and Maker only knows who else will be handling all of ... that, but it's going to cost.
Yes, I rather expected. I meant what specifically. I expect you have a list, or can point me to the person who does. Most vendors require specific amounts.
Also, you may be washing your hands of most of it, but if you'll permit me, I don't think Inquisition leadership should be trusted with your choice of dressmaker.
( right. that probably answers for him immediately how much of this she's actually paying attention to, because she quite obviously by her face has no such list or knowledge of specifics. )
You'll want to speak with Thranduil, he'll know. I deputized myself only so far as asking you in the first place. The dress is the only thing I didn't want anyone else touching.
As you like. I will coordinate with your [fiance is wrong, under the circumstances, but its only the briefest pause suggesting he didn't always meant to say:] fellow propagandist. In the meantime, I'll begin drafting a few letters of my own.
[A pause, then:]
It's a shame your grandmother doesn't have a chance to see. I think she'd have found the entire thing very much to her taste.
[A rare offering of something almost personal on his part. It's not done by accident.]
( it's immensely difficult—visibly, even, particularly to someone who knows her so well—not to immediately ask which one he means, considering his relationship to both of her human grandmothers and what she remembers of them as women. it's right there and she deserves a medal for managing to keep her mouth shut long enough for the impulse to pass.
what she says, instead, )
Well, Lady Morrigan will be standing in for my mother,
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no subject
[He considers her, in turn, evaluating.]
Would you like Thomas and Raoul to attend? It might be complicated, with the war, but I expect it could be arranged. I'd like them here for it, but not against your wishes.
[It's not really a clue as to his emotions, but it is an indication of how he intends to play this hand. He'll commit to it, in a way he seldom does, deliberately placing a marker on the board. Until now, his support of her could be written off to an old man's affection, an indulgence. It likely has been, by some. This would not be that, especially not with his legitimate grandsons present as guests.]
no subject
she should be less surprised, by now, when her grandfather takes her part. or maybe not: that is a particular stance to take, and he is better known for his opacity than his affection...if there's a part of her that wonders if thomas or raoul will be so thrilled about being in attendance, if it might be against their wishes, in this one thing she's content to hide behind the shield of a still-living duke, and consider her cousins' possible bitterness a tomorrow problem. )
I'd like them to be here, if they can be.
( how uncommonly diplomatically put; it isn't hard to tell she might mean if they're willing. )
no subject
[Apparently because he says so.]
Thomas has been at me for months to venture farther than the estate, and while I suspect he means playing at soldier, he's not wrong that he needs a wider view of the world. This will give him one, in a variety of ways.
[He considers her, then adds:]
If you like, I will give you the rest of my guest list first, when I draw it up. There will be a variety of reasons, but I don't want anyone who you so dislike that you would have to waste energy hiding your distaste even if they were in a crowd. We can discuss it before I start pressing my point with the Diplomacy division.
[Romain does know his granddaughter.]
Other than the venue, what do you need?
no subject
then, with a shrug: )
Well, money.
( it's terribly crass to say so, but it is rather the thrust of this request. someone has to pay for it, and emeric's estate is increasingly tied up in affairs of the throne and the war. nevermind the fact he is, himself, at the front and in no position to oversee matters as romain might. )
Thranduil and Maker only knows who else will be handling all of ... that, but it's going to cost.
no subject
Yes, I rather expected. I meant what specifically. I expect you have a list, or can point me to the person who does. Most vendors require specific amounts.
Also, you may be washing your hands of most of it, but if you'll permit me, I don't think Inquisition leadership should be trusted with your choice of dressmaker.
[Standards.]
no subject
( right. that probably answers for him immediately how much of this she's actually paying attention to, because she quite obviously by her face has no such list or knowledge of specifics. )
You'll want to speak with Thranduil, he'll know. I deputized myself only so far as asking you in the first place. The dress is the only thing I didn't want anyone else touching.
no subject
[A pause, then:]
It's a shame your grandmother doesn't have a chance to see. I think she'd have found the entire thing very much to her taste.
[A rare offering of something almost personal on his part. It's not done by accident.]
no subject
what she says, instead, )
Well, Lady Morrigan will be standing in for my mother,
( begs the question of which she means. )
no subject
It's going to be a complicated day, inevitably. You may as well have someone you trust at your side for it, if you've the option.
[He doesn't know Morrigan, other than by reputation, but he can read his granddaughter's tone.]