LOREN
Loren smiled at Phoebe’s statement. ”You say that as if we have very little control over how others perceive us.” The Launceleyn knew better than most how actions could shape perceptions. However, as she criticized him for being a know-it-all, he found himself nodding and even smiling a little. ”That’s fair. And I’m sorry that I came barging in here like that. However, I’d like to point out, even though I know this will just prove your point that I am disagreeable and think I always know best, that questioning our preconceived notions about the world is what makes us good scholars.” That’s what he’d been thinking about: while he didn’t think she was wrong, necessarily, he had thought her hypotheses woefully lacking in support, and had been pushing her to justify them. He recognized that he had probably come in a little too strong.Simply staring at her confusion the summoner realized that maybe he’d been mistaken. ”Oh. I thought that all the newest arrivals came in on that boat. You know. The one with that family of sailors?” He couldn’t remember their names, just that they rivaled the Launceleyns for family drama and complicated dynamics. And that was saying something. However, when Phoebe mentioned she was easy to overlook Loren snorted. ”Again, this might be the nobility speaking, but I don’t think I can overlook anyone who stood up to the Ascended queen in such a striking manner.” Perhaps it wasn’t wise to bring up Wessex when the healer and the summoner were finally getting along, but it had been quite the first impression.
At the mention of Remi, the Launceleyn’s smile grew a little sad. ”I imagine you probably have quite the negative image of me, between that and my status as a former duke.” There was absolutely no way to make amends for hurting his former lover and all his former friends. All he could do was try his best moving forward, even when he was certain his best wasn’t good enough. However, when Phoebe talked about being unwanted, he gave her a sympathetic smile. ”Hey, I’m older than you, and completely single, and am totally convinced that I am unlovable, and I still think there’s a chance I might get married down the line, even if it’s a completely arranged marriage. So I wouldn’t count yourself out, just yet. You are still quite young.” Of course, they had the completely opposite problems, though it seemed they felt similarly about themselves at least.
He wished he cared less about what he might leave behind, but perhaps that was another difference between them. ”But it might matter to you when you’re alive.” It mattered to him that he at least try to leave light behind, to combat the darkness that seemed poised to completely destroy his family. They were in agreement about the library so he simply nodded at her comment.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
