[ Maia knows it will take more than just one conversation, to convince Csevet that he is no one's servant, here. But at least he did not respond automatically, right away, out of reflex. He paused to think, and consider, and his words lack the polish and grace that is so common for them. It's clear Csevet is speaking truthfully, and that the reply is an emotional one. He may have perfect manners, but his blush is clear, and telling.
There are any number of reasons, why Csevet might have been hoping to be asked. If he had been ambitious, if he had disliked the Lord Chancellor, etcetera. But Maia knows that Csevet isn't those things. He remembers how Csevet had stuck with him, even when it became clear how unqualified he was. Csevet could have advanced himself more by using his access to Maia and then betraying him, to others at court. But he hadn't.
And when Csevet says it was back when they first met at Edonomee that he wished to stay by his side, Maia can't help it. He laughs, a little surprised, and then smiles. He knows, Csevet had not been treated kindly, before. And he knows how it is, to be startled by the kindness of others. So he accepts Csevet's answer.
But he doesn't accept that things will remain the status quo. And to prove that, he reaches across the table, taking Csevet's hand in his. His heart is racing as he does it. What he's asking for is, perhaps, something Csevet won't be willing to give. But he wants to ask. It is possible for him to ask, here, in a way that it wasn't, in the Untheileneise Court. ]
If that ever changes, you need only tell us so. But for now, in this place, let us... [ The plural, not the formal. ] ... let us be friends.
[ Maia rushes on before Csevet can say anything, the words pouring from him, quick and nervous and heartfelt: ]
You must know- surely you must realize we have always considered you our friend. The very first one we ever had.
[ At that moment, as if on cue, their food arrives, and Maia releases Csevet's hand, moving to make room for the plates and drinks and things, holding his head high, embarrassed to be caught in such a gesture but stubborn in his insistence that he is speaking the truth. ]
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There are any number of reasons, why Csevet might have been hoping to be asked. If he had been ambitious, if he had disliked the Lord Chancellor, etcetera. But Maia knows that Csevet isn't those things. He remembers how Csevet had stuck with him, even when it became clear how unqualified he was. Csevet could have advanced himself more by using his access to Maia and then betraying him, to others at court. But he hadn't.
And when Csevet says it was back when they first met at Edonomee that he wished to stay by his side, Maia can't help it. He laughs, a little surprised, and then smiles. He knows, Csevet had not been treated kindly, before. And he knows how it is, to be startled by the kindness of others. So he accepts Csevet's answer.
But he doesn't accept that things will remain the status quo. And to prove that, he reaches across the table, taking Csevet's hand in his. His heart is racing as he does it. What he's asking for is, perhaps, something Csevet won't be willing to give. But he wants to ask. It is possible for him to ask, here, in a way that it wasn't, in the Untheileneise Court. ]
If that ever changes, you need only tell us so. But for now, in this place, let us... [ The plural, not the formal. ] ... let us be friends.
[ Maia rushes on before Csevet can say anything, the words pouring from him, quick and nervous and heartfelt: ]
You must know- surely you must realize we have always considered you our friend. The very first one we ever had.
[ At that moment, as if on cue, their food arrives, and Maia releases Csevet's hand, moving to make room for the plates and drinks and things, holding his head high, embarrassed to be caught in such a gesture but stubborn in his insistence that he is speaking the truth. ]