Is it politics? Or is it power? In this world, the true governing force is political. And the only way to have some semblance of control over that is to take the path that leans you into that government.
Over the next several months, you may change your mind. And if you do, simply let me know. There are many benefits to being my friend.
That doesn't surprise me. Your friends have always managed to find success, Lord Baelish, until the day that they are, sadly, no longer your friends. Then their fortunes seem to change.
And yet I've always preferred the sort of power that allows me to split the head of my opponent, and the sort of force that comes of commanding an army. Until ambassadors begin to take that sort of leadership in this country, I'm afraid I'll remain uninterested.
But don't worry. I'll find other ways to benefit from your friendship.
Correlation is not precisely causation. I cannot be entirely to blame for a former friend's poor fortune, can I? Though if fortune favors those who do remain my friend, then perhaps that should be a thing to bear in mind in the future.
[ Lannisters always pay their debts and Baelishes always seem to be tied to the fortune of others. So they are pretty well locked into this relationship with a mutual understanding. What pals they are! ]
But I shall await your requests otherwise, Ser Jaime. As your friend. Is there anything else you may need at the moment?
[For now, with no illusions that the same brevity could turn back on him as well. So long as he's useful and so long as wolves and dragons are in bed together, their fortunes must align similarly out of preservation.
For now.]
I need a bath, but I'll ask that you not be involved in that. [No matter how awkward it is to bathe with one hand.] Thank you for hearing out my grievances, Lord Baelish. I'll see you in your city very soon.
no subject
[ A pause. ]
Have you any interest in an ambassadorial position?
no subject
I'm afraid you have the wrong Lannister, Lord Baelish. I have no interest in the politics of any country.
no subject
Over the next several months, you may change your mind. And if you do, simply let me know. There are many benefits to being my friend.
no subject
And yet I've always preferred the sort of power that allows me to split the head of my opponent, and the sort of force that comes of commanding an army. Until ambassadors begin to take that sort of leadership in this country, I'm afraid I'll remain uninterested.
But don't worry. I'll find other ways to benefit from your friendship.
no subject
[ Lannisters always pay their debts and Baelishes always seem to be tied to the fortune of others. So they are pretty well locked into this relationship with a mutual understanding. What pals they are! ]
But I shall await your requests otherwise, Ser Jaime. As your friend. Is there anything else you may need at the moment?
no subject
[For now, with no illusions that the same brevity could turn back on him as well. So long as he's useful and so long as wolves and dragons are in bed together, their fortunes must align similarly out of preservation.
For now.]
I need a bath, but I'll ask that you not be involved in that. [No matter how awkward it is to bathe with one hand.] Thank you for hearing out my grievances, Lord Baelish. I'll see you in your city very soon.