<strong>"For the record, I wasn't talking about the servant boy."</strong>Came the sarcastic, light-hearted reply. Sigmund's attention retreated to the mug he had poured. It in hand, he lifted it to his face for a good whiff.<strong>"Either one of two things is true. You don't think I'm a fool or the ale has made you generous."</strong>He brought the mug to his lips, depositing some of the contents into his awaiting mouth. He held it there for a bit, savoring the flavor and the burn before swallowing hard. He seemed to be paying more attention to his mug and how the contents swirled rather than anything else.<strong>"One thing's for sure; I don't matter. You've already said as much before I came in."</strong>