Oh, not a lot. Just that you'd challenged him to a stubborn contest. [He takes the offered tea.] Thanks. [Blows off the top, and takes a little sip with a nod of approval. Varian knows what he likes at this point, he's a good kid.]
He wanted to know what a good gift for you would be, so... I told him. I'm sorry about that but I have a reason. [He holds the teacup in his hands and looks at Varian seriously.] We're both just helping a friend and I understand the urge to be noble and not want to take any credit or any payment for it, I really do. But for Gil, that leaves loose ends.
In his world—ah, not literally since I'm pretty sure he's from this one, but the world of business and everything—he feels if he doesn't give everyone their just compensation, then it means that he could have or should have done more to get people to help, to sway others to his side. To him, the exchange of payment for services is more than just a transaction. If you refuse payment it's kind of an insult to his honor.
To put it another way, if you did a favor for a fae, they would owe you. They don't like being in debt to people. I once tried to get away with that in a realm full of fae back on the First, and I almost started a riot because they wouldn't accept my help at all... They absolutely have to give you payment for services rendered. It's sacred to them, almost as if it's written in their very nature.
[There's a sort of darkness in Amal's eyes, a distance, as he glances off to the side.]
There's another reason, too. And that is... when certain people learn who is humble and trying to do the right thing, they'll see you as a mark. A gullible hero who they can manipulate into doing their bidding. They'll string you along with reassurances that you're doing the right thing, it's just a little bit further, and further, and further... And then you realize too late that you're someone's little puppet and you can't escape. You may not be out there slaying dragons, but you're brilliant and clever and very talented. There's no doubt someone else would take advantage of you wanting to do the right thing.
I... just don't want your guilty conscience to lead you down the same path I took.
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He wanted to know what a good gift for you would be, so... I told him. I'm sorry about that but I have a reason. [He holds the teacup in his hands and looks at Varian seriously.] We're both just helping a friend and I understand the urge to be noble and not want to take any credit or any payment for it, I really do. But for Gil, that leaves loose ends.
In his world—ah, not literally since I'm pretty sure he's from this one, but the world of business and everything—he feels if he doesn't give everyone their just compensation, then it means that he could have or should have done more to get people to help, to sway others to his side. To him, the exchange of payment for services is more than just a transaction. If you refuse payment it's kind of an insult to his honor.
To put it another way, if you did a favor for a fae, they would owe you. They don't like being in debt to people. I once tried to get away with that in a realm full of fae back on the First, and I almost started a riot because they wouldn't accept my help at all... They absolutely have to give you payment for services rendered. It's sacred to them, almost as if it's written in their very nature.
[There's a sort of darkness in Amal's eyes, a distance, as he glances off to the side.]
There's another reason, too. And that is... when certain people learn who is humble and trying to do the right thing, they'll see you as a mark. A gullible hero who they can manipulate into doing their bidding. They'll string you along with reassurances that you're doing the right thing, it's just a little bit further, and further, and further... And then you realize too late that you're someone's little puppet and you can't escape. You may not be out there slaying dragons, but you're brilliant and clever and very talented. There's no doubt someone else would take advantage of you wanting to do the right thing.
I... just don't want your guilty conscience to lead you down the same path I took.