He glanced sidelong at Dolthafaer, who shrugged slightly, stepping back a pace to afford more privacy. Always discreet, the Arrow Lord, thought Parnard.
Lothelian, sister of Luthelian, hung back. Her distress was plain to see.
Parnard fingered the stem of his wineglass as he listened to each word, weighing it carefully. Why must these two girls come in pairs at him? It made him nervous, how they crept up and stared.
Now Lothelian was adding a gift box to the one Luthelian had already placed upon the table, this one wrapped with the selfsame care with a black velvet ribbon and hand-painted paper. He glanced at the boxes contemptuously, and, to show his disdain, waved a hand, and pretended not to care, at the same time wondering what the sisters thought to accomplish.
Never I have never seen a more labored effort to apologize after insulting a person. The trick is not to insult, and then there will be no need for such abasement.
It was astonishing to him, that a person such as Luthelian who addressed him so uncivilly would wish to present him with a gift. She seems so meek and mild. Parnard leaned back, not believing it at all. Was Luthelian apologizing because Dolthafaer was here? It was probably a condition he laid upon her, else she would not be permitted to rejoin the Arrows: hence this great show of contriteness. And she brought her sister here to help worm her way back. Parnard had no great liking for Lothelian because she was haughty and rude to him, but he did not dislike her, either. He was neither angry nor indignant at her – she had not carried her attention so far as her sister did, that was all.
But Luthelian’s dislike of me seems to have had no other foundation than to amuse herself. My duties are not trivial as she told me: I am the representative of this House, and play both Master and Servant, and report everything that shall help Lord Anglachelm. As Ambassador, many duties and privileges have been afforded to my station. I do not expect folk to understand what it is I do for the House, but I do expect civility and respectful discourse. This girl does not respect my work, nor my office. And by insulting me, she has insulted Lord Anglachelm.
It was a sore wound. Always had it seemed to Parnard that people questioned his abilities, no matter how long or successful his service. And so a cloud hung over him, and the appearance of the two girls bearing placating gifts, most likely trinkets, did nothing to lift it.
He drained his wine glass, and setting it down on the marble table without further remark to the twins, strolled over the fireplace. I shall be reserved and controlled.
Luthelian followed, carrying her gift to Parnard. It was unfortunate.
“Oh what now?” he cried.
“'I am regretful of my words in the Hithaeglir. If you would not distrust me, I would be grateful, for I bear you no ill will any longer.”
Parnard looked down at the little box, speechless, his eyes growing wide.
Luthelian said, "Perhaps it is nothing to you, but I would like to make an attempt."
Parnard snatched up the gift and cast it into the flames with a sneer.
“I am right glad you bear me no ill will, Luthelian.”
He gave a short, scornful laugh, and giving her a dark look, returned to his place beside his friend the Vintner. Lord Dolthafaer was looking at him. Parnard could not meet his gaze and felt ashamed all of a sudden. Yet he gave a beaming smile and accepted his offer to discuss private matters of the House, only too glad to quit the company in the Hall of Fire, and left without looking back.
