Neutral Ground

[channe]

And then he smiles, as if Glenn has said something right --

"... and look at you, Glennie," he says. Two can play the disrespect game, because that's what's happening now, isn't it? It's gone from titles to names to derogatory pet names in record time. "You've been assuming all along that all I was going to do was send an army at him."

He pauses. "You can't stop the plans set by my Lord the King. In this I serve him; in this I delight. But I can support your... misinformation campaign. In fact --" and here he smiles -- "it might be fun. You will have your men for my campaigns whenever you need them. You may even have my support at court in Razasan, you stubborn ass. But you'll stop calling me 'Connie,' and you'll meet me in the formal lobby at Kelsaen House from now on, and that is non-negotiable."

[Glenn]

"You serve." Burnie was standing in that doorway. Burnie was standing with his back to Kostroma. "But not as you wish. We both know that. You're not the king's hand. His fist. You're his left pinky finger, generally used for wiping his ass." And that's where they were, wasn't it? Traditionally, the ass end of the land. Burnie was changing that, though, slowly. "When you're done delighting at watching the world pass you by, you can find me at the Meeting House. In the meantime, if I act, you'll be the first to know." One hand raised in farewell as he walked out.

[channe]

Is there some kind of truth there?

It is a strange kind of emotion that flickers, for the barest of seconds,through Kostroma's eyes --

-- and then he smiles. "Like I said. I'll see you in the formal lobby of Kelsaen House."

Seems like they still have somewhat of a stalemate.