crystal;

[heirring]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Wysteria
RECIPIENT: Everyone
NOTES: A very heartfelt announcement. No shenanigans here, no siree.

[The sun is—well, not quite shining as it is rather very overcast. The birds are—shrieking is really more in line with what the seagulls swooping about the Gallows do. But at least Wysteria Poppell is this morning at her most aggressively bright:]

Good Morning, Riftwatch. This is Miss Wysteria Poppell with a very brief but quite happy announcement.

For those of you who are not otherwise engaged outside the Gallows on the date in question, I should like to cordially invite you on Summerday to bring your best clothes and join the company which will be travelling from here to Edlingham Hall in the Vinmark foothills.

Warden Andrasteia has helped to arrange a very lively party there. We will be camping in the ruin overnight, and expect to engage in all the usual dancing and playing of music and general revelry which is typical in celebration of myself and Monsieur de Foncé's most sincere wedding vows.

Gifts are not unwelcome, but are hardly necessary; we wish only to celebrate our most enduring happiness with anyone who should care to share it. Thank you in advance for all your kind words and congratulations.

Comments

[bouchonne]

[ He can hear that dissatisfied note. ]

What.

[heirring]

If that's all you think it worth, I can hardly change your mind.

[bouchonne]

[ Um? ]

Miss Poppell, under what circumstances will you swear an oath?

[heirring]

When it would mean something to who it was sworn to. But you may do as you please, Mister Rutyer. You needn't trouble yourself.

Is there anything else you wish to discuss? What I mean to wear, or which wines will be ready to hand?

[bouchonne]

[ No. Byerly's voice is earnest, bordering on fierce. ]

An oath is not a pinky-promise, giggled over in the schoolyard. To swear an oath is solemn. A matter of honor.

[ And, despite everything, honor still matters to him a great deal. ]

[heirring]

That is exactly my point.

[Is snapped back.]

Now go about your business.

[bouchonne]

[ No. ]

Apologies, to clarify - Your point is that you have no comprehension of what an oath might mean to me, but want me to adapt to your understanding? Is that your point?

[heirring]

Yours is the correct definition. I have made it clear this is a subject which I'm quite serious about, and you have for this entire conversation strained to be understood as sincere—have even admitted some wrong doing—and yet refuse to stake your honor on it. I didn't ask you to take an oath to protect my secret. I asked you to promise not to be unjustly cruel to a person who I—who is my friend.

I don't want your judge, Mister Rutyer. I want you to take some ownership of what you will be in the future. Now simply, yes or no? Will you swear it?

[bouchonne]

[ He nearly grinds his teeth. Finally, with real anger bubbling in his voice, he spits: ]

Fine. On my honor, little though you comprehend it. Perhaps I gave you too much credit when I protested that you did fit in here.

[heirring]

[She imagines this is what a knife must feel like when it's
being sharpened. Soothing water and the bite of a harsh stone in combination. So sharply right back—]

Thank you.

[bouchonne]

Oh, you're most welcome. Now, do let me know if you do want any consultation on wine and decor for your charade, or if you're intending to bumble your way through and rely on luck to convince the relevant parties.

[heirring]

Lady Asgard and Warden Adrasteia have promised their assistance already and I believe them quite capable. [Somewhere, she us all bared grit teeth in place of a smile.] But it is so very good of you to offer, Ambassador. Perhaps you might speak to Lady Asgard if you feel so moved to assist in any way.

[bouchonne]

[ With a little spike that feels, strangely, almost possessive: ]

Oh, you can rest assured that Lexie will consult me. She trusts my taste implicitly.

[heirring]

Then happily it seems I will have little reason to be at all concerned for the success of my charade.

[bouchonne]

Fine.

[heirring]

Fine.