[ Lips pushed to the side as he has to properly consider this. All are quite good in their messages, their meanings. ]
The Knight's Tale, as common of an answer as that may be. The perils of love are not to be forgot. [ He points out with an actual point of his finger before another gentle sip of his drink. ]
[ Hewlett actually manages a chuckle over the rim of his glass. ]
I do mean this in the best possible way, Mr. Andre...
[ He leans closer. ]
I suspected both were true.
[ Hopefully that tease will not go too far, but he does feel like he can make it. All in good fun, not entirely serious. Something about this man draws you to him... Hewlett already finds himself coming out of his shell. ]
[Andre leaned in closer to hear the comment, and then he burst out in a hearty laugh as he put his hand on Hewlett's shoulder and squeezed for a moment.]
Well then you have me at a disadvantage. I am entirely unsure what to suspect of you.
[He moved them back through the halls - perhaps not privacy but distance seemed to work best.]
Truly, I do not know how someone like yourself got assigned to Setauket.
[ And perhaps for now Hewlett would like to keep it that way. Really, though, the notion of there being anything more than what's presented seems like such an odd idea. Richard gives him an almost innocent look in return.
Ah, but that. You can almost see his mind trying to best spin this in a positive light. ]
My strengths lie in morale, in the workings of the everyday village. Wars are not only won with battles and gunfire, but with the heart of the people. We have lost the faith of the people and I aim to keep it where it remains.
[ Despite even Richard knowing half of that is an excuse, part of him fully believes it. ]
[Andre felt his lips twitch at that fine bit of a spin. Truly, he could hear Richard willing him to believe it through his words. Which probably helped with keeping Sektauket a peaceful little haven.]
Now that is interesting ... how would you suggest we get the faith of the people back?
And by God's Will, we will triumph over these ... rebels.
[He snorted softly.] For a rebellion, they do not seem to have much organization on their side, I must say. [His lips twitched.] Probably another balance that God is on our side - we are brilliantly well-handled.
[He gave Richard a more thoughtful look thought.] You are a very faithful man, aren't you?
[He puckered his lips thoughtfully, before he spoke.]
I would never categorize myself as a man of faith. A man of reason, of wit, yes. I am blessed, with all of God's gifts, but he does not speak to me as he speaks with some.
[He sipped his drink, and as they moved through their rotation, and the moving servants, he fetched another glass for the man and put it into his grip.]
Well, horse riding, naturally. I also sing, as you have heard. I am a fan of the theatre, the arts. And one always must have a wide and varied interest in politics. [He chuckled quietly.] I try to keep myself self-educated, so I read a great deal. And ... I study people.
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no subject
I adore it.
[He smiled in turn, encouraged by that smile. Also that proud attitude.]
I should very much like to. Do you have him stabled here, or is he back in Setauket?
no subject
Unfortunately, my companion had to stay in Setauket.
[ A pause, a look over of the... very fine young man. ]
Perhaps if you ever find yourself near there... We could take advantage of the open country air.
no subject
Ah, that is a shame. I was hoping to take a tour of the stables, with him as the central attraction.
[He swirled his glass again, sipping his wine, before his blue eyes glanced over at the other man.]
Why, thank you for the invitation. I shall be delighted to take you up on it.
no subject
[ Which it could hardly be called even that. By God, there really were so few people that could appreciate culture. Even his soldiers. ]
You mentioned Chaucer?
[ Odd how he finds himself wanting to keep conversation with this young man. ]
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[Because now he is intrigued enough to make it his business to go to Seuktaket. A cultured man like this, stuck out there? He had to know why.]
Indeed I did. One of my favorite writers.
[He offered a quiet smile.] Which Tale was your favorite?
no subject
[ Lips pushed to the side as he has to properly consider this. All are quite good in their messages, their meanings. ]
The Knight's Tale, as common of an answer as that may be. The perils of love are not to be forgot. [ He points out with an actual point of his finger before another gentle sip of his drink. ]
Your own?
no subject
Well, it is the answer because it is considered the best, naturally. [He watches that finger as well, and then smiles into the drink.]
The Nun's Priest's tale. Pride and wit should not mix.
no subject
[ And one that he frequently forgets about. He supposes some of it must come along with the job title.
Hewlett still slides him a wide grin. ]
And certainly wit.
no subject
[He paused, smiling, before he murmured.]
I wish I had more of it.
[Then he smiled into his glass as he took a sip. That wide smile is his reward, and he grants one in turn.]
Wit I have no shortage of.
no subject
I do mean this in the best possible way, Mr. Andre...
[ He leans closer. ]
I suspected both were true.
[ Hopefully that tease will not go too far, but he does feel like he can make it. All in good fun, not entirely serious. Something about this man draws you to him... Hewlett already finds himself coming out of his shell. ]
no subject
Well then you have me at a disadvantage. I am entirely unsure what to suspect of you.
[He moved them back through the halls - perhaps not privacy but distance seemed to work best.]
Truly, I do not know how someone like yourself got assigned to Setauket.
no subject
Ah, but that. You can almost see his mind trying to best spin this in a positive light. ]
My strengths lie in morale, in the workings of the everyday village. Wars are not only won with battles and gunfire, but with the heart of the people. We have lost the faith of the people and I aim to keep it where it remains.
[ Despite even Richard knowing half of that is an excuse, part of him fully believes it. ]
no subject
Now that is interesting ... how would you suggest we get the faith of the people back?
[Because he is honestly curious.]
no subject
[ Again, sincerity, almost kindness. These rebels stand no chance when they have the King - God - on their side. ]
no subject
[He snorted softly.] For a rebellion, they do not seem to have much organization on their side, I must say. [His lips twitched.] Probably another balance that God is on our side - we are brilliantly well-handled.
[He gave Richard a more thoughtful look thought.] You are a very faithful man, aren't you?
no subject
Quite so, yes...
[ Isn't everyone? He finishes off the last of his drink. ]
You never did enlighten me to your hobbies, Mr. Andre.
no subject
I would never categorize myself as a man of faith. A man of reason, of wit, yes. I am blessed, with all of God's gifts, but he does not speak to me as he speaks with some.
[He sipped his drink, and as they moved through their rotation, and the moving servants, he fetched another glass for the man and put it into his grip.]
Well, horse riding, naturally. I also sing, as you have heard. I am a fan of the theatre, the arts. And one always must have a wide and varied interest in politics. [He chuckled quietly.] I try to keep myself self-educated, so I read a great deal. And ... I study people.