The older ones who refuse to see change. [ The younger ones however...
It had amazed him at how progressive and taken in by galactic values the younger generation of Barrayarans was. A wealth of opportunities opening up to them, mixing with their local traditions and culture. With the focus of his dissertation ever present in his mind, it was fascinating to watch and why he would never lose interest in his research.
Still. That does not improve matters for the woman in front of him and he frowns thoughtfully. ] Who has been giving you trouble?
[ She toys on saying nothing. She does need her help - but ultimately, what is she? Just one woman, not a small thing in and of itself, to be fair. Even if she did not go about throwing her title about, she still held herself with utter authority. It did not mean without any power to go with it.
But Duv - ? ]
The man that took my query as to your location in the office. He thinks my Russian is poor enough that I do not understand 'whore' when I hear it.
[ His eyes narrow. The man was in Imperial Security and knew better than to insult someone so brazenly. His hold on her hand tightens, protective, as he mentally runs through the list of superior officers to find this particular man's CO. ]
Did he, [ he says flatly. ] I will make sure it's not forgotten.
[ Her eyes lower to his hold, where his fingers curl around it. Smiling still, softer, she did not expect that from him. Sure enough the joked about it but even so. Her thumb sweeps across the back of his knuckles. A coax there, if patient. ]
Pay it not much mind, my Captain. I would rather be free and a whore, than what they call respectable.
While you may be accepting of that, if he thinks it is all right to insult a galactic who blends in better on Barrayar than all the others, it is only a matter of time before they insult another.
[ One less forgiving. It goes beyond her deserving to be treated with respect by a passing soldier. ]
Fortunately our current Emperor agrees. [ Because he has shot up the ladder given his late career change. Starting at 26 in the Imperial Service Academy when many began at 18 made it a different experience entirely for him. ]
It's taken others far longer to arrive at ImpSec HQ.
[ But that she thinks so too has him swelling with pride. ]
[ Young as he might be to her - as they all were. Though it's a false age, she regards them with. Even so, she brings his hand close up to cup her face, turning into it. He deserves the praise, he deserves more, whenever he felt like accepting it from her.
But for now, she just leaves it for turning into his hand and kissing the inside of his palm. Distracted that she doesn't hear the door knock - coffee apparently. ]
Thankfully there's several ways you can call him that. [ A fact Duv was grateful for after studying previous Emperors. This was a Golden Age for Barrayar as it leapt into modernity.
The knock causes him to frown as he reluctantly lets go of her hand to answer the door. His conversation with the officer there is quick and it's only a moment before Duv's carrying the tray with a coffee pot and two mugs on it. ]
[ A reluctance shared, as he slips from her fingers to answer the door. Her veil tugged as she watches the officer peer in over the top of Duv's head - blasted tall Barrayarans. Looking to see what, she doesn't know, as she meets his eyes directly just the same. Something to gossip about with his fellow soldiers.
A lift of her eyebrows and flat challenge. Shoo, puppy, she'll bite.
That isn't even remotely on her face as Duv turns back to her with nothing less than her most genuine smile. For him and him alone as she moves to clear a spot for the tray to sit between them. ]
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It had amazed him at how progressive and taken in by galactic values the younger generation of Barrayarans was. A wealth of opportunities opening up to them, mixing with their local traditions and culture. With the focus of his dissertation ever present in his mind, it was fascinating to watch and why he would never lose interest in his research.
Still. That does not improve matters for the woman in front of him and he frowns thoughtfully. ] Who has been giving you trouble?
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But Duv - ? ]
The man that took my query as to your location in the office. He thinks my Russian is poor enough that I do not understand 'whore' when I hear it.
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Did he, [ he says flatly. ] I will make sure it's not forgotten.
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Pay it not much mind, my Captain. I would rather be free and a whore, than what they call respectable.
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[ One less forgiving. It goes beyond her deserving to be treated with respect by a passing soldier. ]
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[ Her eyes crinkle up with her smile - and he does give her so many reasons to do so. ]
If I were Queen in more than name, I would have promoted you years ago.
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It's taken others far longer to arrive at ImpSec HQ.
[ But that she thinks so too has him swelling with pride. ]
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[ Young as he might be to her - as they all were. Though it's a false age, she regards them with. Even so, she brings his hand close up to cup her face, turning into it. He deserves the praise, he deserves more, whenever he felt like accepting it from her.
But for now, she just leaves it for turning into his hand and kissing the inside of his palm. Distracted that she doesn't hear the door knock - coffee apparently. ]
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The knock causes him to frown as he reluctantly lets go of her hand to answer the door. His conversation with the officer there is quick and it's only a moment before Duv's carrying the tray with a coffee pot and two mugs on it. ]
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A lift of her eyebrows and flat challenge. Shoo, puppy, she'll bite.
That isn't even remotely on her face as Duv turns back to her with nothing less than her most genuine smile. For him and him alone as she moves to clear a spot for the tray to sit between them. ]
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Setting the tray down on his desk, he offers a mug to her. ]
Would you like anything in it?
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[ She curls her fingers around the cup, lifting it up to sip slowly. ]
So when do I begin my lessons?
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I can gather training weapons before I leave.