[ He says smugly in response to Rincewind's little outburst. Smug and very much oozing with I am the one who knows your supposed best friend better than you do. And that gives him leverage over Chilton -- if Chilton ever tried to maneuver against him. The threat that he would expose Chilton for what he truly is if he did not comply with what Baelish wanted. ]
Do not worry about the price, friend. It is free of charge. The least I can do to honor the good Doctor. I imagine I should tell Dorian to stay home that evening, then? Since the pair of them have had a bit of a tiff.
[there's a twinge of a frown. So Baelish heard about that then too. Probably Chilton told him. He'd told Rincewind, after all, and much as the wizard hates to acknowledge it, he knows Chilton and Baelish are close.
Despite all his warnings.]
I didn't know Dorian worked for you. But yes, I think rather obviously that would be best. I'm going to contact someone else for possibly lending food and drink, so don't worry about that.
He works the bar. But his shift is rather flexible, which may be why you have not run into him. Allowances must be made for his and Tobias's unusual relationship. Unusual in that Tobias is limited to only going out during the evening hours. The sacrifices made for young love. Or, I suppose in their case -- old love.
No. No, I don't think so. [Rincewind manages to keep his voice neutral.]
I'll be a bit busy. I've been a bit busy. Shoved into an Imperial coup and had to guide some misguided revolutionaries, you know. Just nearly dodged some upstart, lordly vizier-sort cutting my throat. Bit tired. I'll send a card.
[maybe. Probably not. Things are still a little sore there.]
A week. [and if Baelish thinks he hears a touch of sadistic glee in the wizard's voice - well. It is nice for Rincewind to know the lord isn't as omnipotent as he makes himself out to be.] Longer at home, of course. That tends to be how these quantum things work.
And to think you were so close to being rid of me, and you didn't notice.
I do not care to be rid of you, Rincewind. Whether you remain within this world or not ultimately matters very little to me. I'm sure the same could be said for most people in this world. How many actually noticed you had gone home for an entire week? I am certain months would pass before most people start to wonder in passing where you had vanished to.
[oh, that cuts more sharply than he'd like to admit. But Rincewind hides any actual emotions with a droll, easy sarcasm.
Even if he also avoids answering the question.]
Oh, good, then you've also realized any link between us is officially done with now? I'd wondered if I would have to tell you or not, but here you've gone and figured it out all on your own. I mean, I'm assuming, since you've just said you don't care whether I'm here or not.
You are so quick to declare your independence, banking on the fact that Lucifer is completely gone from this world. I will laugh if he returns tomorrow and be certain to tell him of our conversation and your smug declaration of victory.
[ But he has, unfortunately, lost the main source of blackmail. ]
But in the meantime, I will ask nothing more of you, no. Do bear in mind there will be consequences should you choose to carry on as you had in the past. I am not as powerless as I once was.
Even if he does come back, if you think I'd let him put his mark on me again, you're madder than I thought. [which is a bold declaration he has little to back up with, but - it feels good to say.
For right now, that's enough.]
As long as we're clear. Good luck with your future campaigning, hm? See you at the party.
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[ He says smugly in response to Rincewind's little outburst. Smug and very much oozing with I am the one who knows your supposed best friend better than you do. And that gives him leverage over Chilton -- if Chilton ever tried to maneuver against him. The threat that he would expose Chilton for what he truly is if he did not comply with what Baelish wanted. ]
Do not worry about the price, friend. It is free of charge. The least I can do to honor the good Doctor. I imagine I should tell Dorian to stay home that evening, then? Since the pair of them have had a bit of a tiff.
[ Tiff being the understatement of the century. ]
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Despite all his warnings.]
I didn't know Dorian worked for you. But yes, I think rather obviously that would be best. I'm going to contact someone else for possibly lending food and drink, so don't worry about that.
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Are you attending their wedding?
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I'll be a bit busy. I've been a bit busy. Shoved into an Imperial coup and had to guide some misguided revolutionaries, you know. Just nearly dodged some upstart, lordly vizier-sort cutting my throat. Bit tired. I'll send a card.
[maybe. Probably not. Things are still a little sore there.]
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You went home.
[ Said in a way that implies he didn't even notice Rincewind's absence. ]
Was it for a day or two?
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And to think you were so close to being rid of me, and you didn't notice.
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no subject
Even if he also avoids answering the question.]
Oh, good, then you've also realized any link between us is officially done with now? I'd wondered if I would have to tell you or not, but here you've gone and figured it out all on your own. I mean, I'm assuming, since you've just said you don't care whether I'm here or not.
Lovely. That makes it easier for both of us.
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[ But he has, unfortunately, lost the main source of blackmail. ]
But in the meantime, I will ask nothing more of you, no. Do bear in mind there will be consequences should you choose to carry on as you had in the past. I am not as powerless as I once was.
no subject
For right now, that's enough.]
As long as we're clear. Good luck with your future campaigning, hm? See you at the party.