Shadowhand Essik Theylas does not require explicit signed permission to associate with the Empire defectors. Many others do, and will, but the Empress has made it clear to him that this group clearly requires both observation and guidance, and Essik feels he is more than prepared to provide both.
Essik does, however, require permissions for interactions that fall outside those guidelines.
“I have the form,” Scribe Indril says, her tone carefully neutral. In her eleven years of working in this position, Essik has known her to be exceptionally professional. Today is no different. “I will notify you in advance of providing it, that I will have to mark it to be checked by an extra set of Examiners, because of the additional potential risks.”
Essik raises one careful eyebrow. “Even with the potential benefits to the realm?”
Scribe Indril inclines her head respectfully. “Even so. And if that is your reason for pursuing … this, and there are no other personal inclinations, I would be sure to say so explicitly, as it lowers the risk of potential security failure.”
“Thank you,” Essik says, and knows he would not be able to write any such thing in good faith.
**
Caleb Widogast accepts his invitation to study at his home over dinner and wine. Essik travels often and only keeps a small house in Rosohna, with only two servants, but he does not imagine that this particular conquest will look down his nose at modest accommodations.
Indeed, the human is quite the opposite. He compliments the garden out front, the modest art pieces that hang in the dining room, and asks several questions about the food. Essik finds this man’s nature to be unusual, but he is excellent company regardless. When Widogast uses a spoon to drink one of the sauces out of its small bowl as if it were a soup, Essik’s younger servant straightens, admirably withholds any amused expression, and departs to the kitchens.
Afterward, they study in the library over wine. Caleb’s new Xhorhassian attire is particularly attractive in the light of the small hearth. Essik is disappointed to see that Caleb barely touches his glass at all, despite its vintage. Caleb is animated over the books, from one to the other, asking questions with the stuttering inertia of a man who is trying to learn everything he can without overwhelming or irritating his tutor. Essik is patient, answering what he can when he can, and calls the night a mixed success.
Feeling bold, he asks Caleb as they rise if he would like to plan another such meeting. Caleb does not so much as hesitate at how soon the other man has requested his company again, so perhaps Essik is not yet tuned in to how to read this human’s body language? It is hard to tell. On the evening of Conthsen, in the comfort of a reserved room at one of Rosohna’s finer dining locations, Essik will endeavor to learn more.