Room for One More? (E 1.5, L 1.6)

"I hope it doesn't bother you Mister Litch. How I have chosen to speak has little to do with what I perceive as formality; nor is it that I believe myself to be ordinally above or below anyone. I recognize that there are layers of cultural and social differences and my hope is to make everyone feel valued." As I stand, I straighten the towel around my shoulders and sit back down in the chair.

"My ultimate hope is that I can promote a sense of civility and respect in any situation. It is the bare minimum for a harmonious and cohesive community, and I know that sounds like a pipe dream. Whether I am speaking with families in the Tower, couriers from the sea, or a lovely family in a Cathedral, I want to be doing my part to build positive relationships and avoid misunderstandings."

Granted I'm currently here because of the biggest misunderstanding of my life. Though my role in the events of last night are clear to me, I have so little context as to why I'm being made out to be the scapegoat. This new look will go far in helping me get some answers.

"Do I come off as insincere? Or am I negatively impacting you?" I ask gesturing to both of the Talons that are present. I sit forward from my almost reclined position, truly concerned that I'm agitating my host.

While Edmund offers his soliloquy, I listen attentively, studying the way his skin reddens as he becomes impassioned. When an idea excites me, I just get louder and sound angrier. I counteract that tendency by tempering my emotions, best as I can. You failed that mere moments ago, old man. "Sit back and sit still, Ed. You'll make her nick your throat."

I give the order automatically, then clear my throat and continue. "No, you are not. In fact, I admire your pipe dream. It's...noble. However, I think you need to practice speaking like regular folk so you don't call untoward attention to yourself." I meant to offer the course of action as a suggestion, though my flat tone makes it sound like another order.

"I'll consider that sir. I agree that there may be times soon where I'll have to pose a certain way to both ensure my identity is far from others' minds." I relax back into the chair and smile Zephyr.

"Say... Litch, I'm hoping to make it over to the Belly soon. I think I might be able to help Miss Aloe, but I need some resources in order to do so effectively. Today or tomorrow would be best - I don't want to make Miss Aloe wait any longer than she needs to. Any concerns in trying to make that happen?"

I nod in return. "Well then, you're in luck. I mean to journey over to the Belly myself. Got someone I need to talk to, someone else who may need guidance seeing how the world truly is." My mouth tilts upward in a smile, but it doesn't travel to the rest of my face. "You, myself, Merlin and...Javan, I think. Gentlemen's night on the town, so to speak. We'll head out within the hour, soon as you're through with getting your new face."

End Scene