I am a terrible peasant— [ first of all ] —and you do not have to tell me anything. I swear not to try to pry you open like a mark—and I swear that I am not swearing that as a way itself to wedge a finger in, and I swear—

[ Et cetera ad infinitum, he conveys with a whirly little hand gesture. ]

But if you ever do want to tell me, I want to hear it. I like knowing you.

[ Which is too sentimental a thing to leave sitting there stewing in its earnestness, so he knocks his shoulder into Byerly’s and adds, ]

We are training Athessa, by the by... By. [ Ha. ] Alexandrie and I. She asked me for advice getting on your good side, so... [ spooky wiggling fingers here ] watch out. And try to make it too easy for her.