The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Carver Amell]

"Um, well. I hadn't intended on breaking the alliance -- it really depends I guess. Do you still back me, after um, all this shit?"

[NPCs]

"I care nothing for the trivialities of life. You hold the office of Light Merchant. 'How' or 'should' mean nothing, merely your ability."

[Carver Amell]

"Uh... thanks," he says, shifting a bit. "I hope I live up to your expectations."

[NPCs]

"You will not," Sage zi'Aghayan says blandly. "But the living never do. Still, with study, effort and dedication, you might prove sufficient. I will instruct you."

[Carver Amell]

"...in.. politics?" he asks, slowly. Okay, this is definitely weird. But I do need to learn...

[NPCs]

"An ally that is not competent is not an ally. An ally that does not make their ally competent is not an ally. I wish to have allies," the lich says implacably. "And so I shall instruct you in what you require to be competent."

[Carver Amell]

"...Thank you," he says, after a moment. "I really appreciate that. I can use all the help I can get, even if it's from-- well, it's just, I barely know you," he corrects. "Anyway. Thank you."

[NPCs]

"You have potential. I care little for the niceties of manners, but have existed long enough to know their values with the living. Despite your youth and uncertainty, you have done well with this meeting."

[Carver Amell]

"I have?" he asks, but he straightens a little, clearly pleased. "Thank you! I'll try my best to learn."

[NPCs]

"You have spoken politely if inexpertly to a being that often terrifies hardened soldiers and mages by its mere existence, despite having little warning and no time to truly prepare." The lich lifts a hand to gesture vaguely. "I have not attempted to intimidate you but neither have I attempted to mitigate my nature for your comfort."

[Carver Amell]

"I wouldn't expect you to," says Carver, frowning a bit. "I won't pretend to  be a girl for anyone, why should you pretend to be alive?"

[NPCs]

There's a short pause, then a soft laugh. "A most interesting comparison, and a new one. Thank you for the novelty. Such is a rare thing after all this time."

[Carver Amell]

"R-really? You've never met someone who was... like me, before?" asks Carver, suddenly worried.

[NPCs]

"I am sure I have but they never made that comparison," it explains. "In truth, I rarely recall to take such things into account. Sex matters little to the dead."

[Carver Amell]

"...I suppose you're right," says Carver, frowning. "I never thought of it that way."