[ Nothing in his expression changes at all, his conscientious receptiveness its own mask, even when it's not covering anything significant. He lowers his eyes finally at her second comment, a small smile briefly there like that was a compliment. ]

I bribed him with gifts and have promised him more.

[ An honest and perfectly safe description of their arrangement, but the posture of honesty is just as important as it is for its own sake, he thinks. ]

Please, Qetzi'ah —

[ The schoolboyisness is less honest, though not wholly a lie. Like calling Haran "master," however, it is something to which he's already committed. ]

— might I offer you a gift as well, in a week's time? And to the rest of the family?

[ Whoever remains. Haran did not say, and Brandon is keen to find out. ]