Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-24123288-20150414013830/@comment-5543592-20150414153537

Tiberius glanced away from Alderis. The latter narrowed her eyes at him, and crossed her arms.

“What else can you surmise, Mr. Iaciendus?”   Alderis leaned back in the carriage, sinking into the padded seat.

Tiberius barely even looked at her. He appeared to be examining his nails. “About you, Miss Lynd? Well, your beauty's a problem. You worry you won't be taken seriously.”

“Which one can say of any attractive woman with half a brain.”   She said derisively

Tiberius nodded in agreement and finally looked up at her. “True. But this one,” he pointed at Alderis, ” overcompensates by wearing slightly masculine clothing. Being more aggressive than her female colleagues. Which gives her a somewhat prickly demeanor, and ironically enough, makes it less likely for her to be accepted and promoted by her male superiors, who mistake her insecurities for arrogance. Now, I'd have normally gone with ‘only child,’ but by the way you ignored the quip about your parents... I'm going to have to go with ‘orphan.’”

Alderis leaned forward, a smirk on her face. “All right... by the cut of your suit, you went to the University, or wherever. Naturally you think human beings dress like that. But you wear it with such disdain, my guess is you didn't come from money, and your school friends never let you forget it. Which means that you were at that school by the grace of someone else's charity: hence that chip on your shoulder. And since you're first thought about me ran to ‘orphan,’ that's what I'd say you are.”

Tiberius smiled coldly at her but said nothing.

“Oh, you are? I like this poker thing. And that makes perfect sense! Since the Legion looks for maladjusted young men, who give little thought to sacrificing others in order to protect the Emperor and his empire. You know... former Penitus Oculatus types with easy smiles and expensive sigils. “

He glanced down at his finger.

“Skingrad?”   Alderis Lynd asked with cool politeness. At least, that is what she assumed his city of origin was.

“Chorrol.”   Tiberius corrected.

Alderis smiled a smile that didn’t go to her eyes. “Beautiful. Now, having just met you, I wouldn't go as far as calling you a cold-hearted bastard... “

Tiberius had a passive expression, like he was enjoying the conversation. Which he wasn’t. “No, of course not. “

“But,”   Alderis continued, “it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine. You think of women as disposable pleasures, rather than meaningful pursuits. So as charming as you are, Mr. Iaecun I will be keeping my eye on our government's money - and off your perfectly-formed arse.

“You noticed?“   Tiberius looked amused.

Alderis kept her cruel smile. “Even Evokers have imagination. How was your lamb?

Tiberius gave a slight nod, like he appreciated Alderis’ question. “Skewered!”   He said thoughtfully. “One sympathizes.”

Alderis moved to rise as the carriage rolled to a stop outside of Markarth. “Good evening, Mr. Iaciendus.”

Tiberius gave little wave without lifting his hand. “Good evening, Ms. Lynd.”   The joy crumbled from his face as she left the carriage.