So, you wish to trade information, yes? You reveal something you observed about Court Mage Cyran if we have something for you? Now what would interest you? Perhaps this: He still has an old (or ancient by now) stuffed plushie snake. Too sentimental to throw it away. Soooooo now you tell us! And since you are talking... how about you also tell us if YOU have a favorite plushie?
A…snake plushie? (she blinks) There’s no way Cyran would own something so adorable. Have you met Cyran? I saw him melt ice with one of his signature Spooky Court Mage glares once.
…
You’re not pulling my leg, are you Nonnie?
…
By Dura that’s the best gossip I’ve heard in months!! How did you find out??? Oh he’s gonna be sooo mad when I start dropping hints about it. I guess even Cyran has a soft spot…no wonder he has so many snakes!
(with surprising quickness, the Princess has nearly leaped out of her seat to lean over the table toward the guest, decorum forgotten)
…
Agh! I promised a good secret in return, didn’t I? And you gave me such a good one…(She folds her arms, thinking)
Alright! I got it! (she clears her throat) … he once tried to replicate one of Merlin’s old shapeshifting spells from the Council archives. You know, the Merlin. He ended up with snakes for hair for a whole afternoon! Still the ever-dignified Cyran, but there was this sometimes hissing sound that he couldn’t hide with glamour.
(She smiles brightly, clearly delighted with herself.)
Oh! And when someone finally asked about the hissing, he just sipped his tea and said—
(She deepens her voice in imitation, expression suddenly solemn and imperious:)
‘Residual dimensional interference. Perfectly harmless. Likely the result of…reinforcing the castle wards.’
(The persona dissolves into a giggle.)
He really tried to pass it off like it was a totally normal mage thing! No one questioned it — except for Lady Virelle’s lapdog, who barked at his head for a solid ten minutes.
(Then, with a dramatic sigh, she adds:)
As for plushies… I do have one, actually. A little snowman named Clove. He’s kind of lopsided, and I had to stitch his arms back on myself — but I don’t sleep well without him nearby.
