"You say it as though I could be here for anything else," the young magistrate beamed as the subcommander joined him and the waiter poured, the tone of his voice full with such bold enthusiasm as to bolster the hearts of the irresolute -- and, admittedly, easily-swayed -- mortals on whose ears it fell. "The general understands: when the law isn't seen to, status and station are only the first of the things men in positions like ours stand to lose."<br/><br/>It was pleasant for such a careful answer. It would likely have been still more compelling if he were motivated to speak by anything more moving than shrewd politics; if he didn't quietly resent Tepin Arisu's patronizing overture. It wasn't that Daga had any particular problem with being patronized by other Dragon-Blooded. It was more the overture itself that offended, and the fact that refusal would almost certainly be a poor idea only rankled further.<br/><br/>Not that any part of that made it into his tone.<br/><br/>"That in mind, it would be an honor to take part in the ceremony." As Daga lifted his glass, the pristine white jade of his (rather less robust) armor highlighted the faintly golden hue of the rice wine where it was visible through the glass, the color as quietly complex in that clarity as the crisp, promising bouquet was to the nose.<br/>He tested that scent even as he accepted the drink, his eyes still set on Tepin Arisu's. "Of course, I would like to familiarize myself with the particulars if I'm to take on so significant a role. An honor like that is owed a measure of homework, and I would hate to do it a disservice."<br/><br/>The wine smelled amazing. Somehow, it seemed that the execution might not pass its own test so unambiguously.