[ In response to the first part, Brandon's lips also compress, only it's from trying not to smile. The brief tension of his not fully hidden amusement ebbs at Ivor's question. It's a good one; he appreciates the insight as much as the fact it's asked at all. Everyone else is so superior, which is the way it's supposed to be given the way he's manufactured this role for himself, but it can get tiresome even for him. ]
No, it will work until it is run down.
[ A pause, the slight twitch of his lowered gaze moving from messenger to messenger, and he performs a complicated little tuck with his fingers and a twist of the wrist. His bundle of feathers is sealed up again, bristling at the indignity. ]
I can take a look at yours, if you'd like.
[ The deferential tone is more than politeness. It's a meekness that wraps around the same soothing resonance he used in their first meeting, an invitation in the way that someone putting their head on a chopping block calls to a blade. A risk, as in all things. He thinks Ivor is very calm for hyena, however, and he responded well last time. ]
no subject
No, it will work until it is run down.
[ A pause, the slight twitch of his lowered gaze moving from messenger to messenger, and he performs a complicated little tuck with his fingers and a twist of the wrist. His bundle of feathers is sealed up again, bristling at the indignity. ]
I can take a look at yours, if you'd like.
[ The deferential tone is more than politeness. It's a meekness that wraps around the same soothing resonance he used in their first meeting, an invitation in the way that someone putting their head on a chopping block calls to a blade. A risk, as in all things. He thinks Ivor is very calm for hyena, however, and he responded well last time. ]