There are many things that John has had to learn, the sort of things that are likely second-nature to Dresden, but never to a vanilla mortal. Gard has briefed him on magic systems and drilled into him some basic truths.
You never invite someone inside. You take care who you say "thank you" too. You damn well never utter the words "I owe you" to anyone. You only make eye contact when you are willing to deal with the consequences.
You never speak your name aloud to anyone. (Easy.)
You want a hair cut? You do it with enchanted scissors or you burn the remnants afterward.
John doesn't reply right away, instead putting a finger to his lips and nodding to the Tower before heading up. He doesn't speak in the elevator, despite it being cramped between the two of them and the space being oppressive.
Inside the apartment, John settles in, throwing his jacket over the sofa and taking his bag of food to the table. Finally, at last, he says, "Were I a paranoid man," (humor the remote possibility, Mr. Dresden) "I would point out that you have seen me as your enemy for eleven years and that your governing body is nowhere in sight."
He unwraps his chicken sandwich and takes a bite. After swallowing: "But then again, you've had my hair before and you used it to save my life. Well," he smirks coolly. "To save the Archive's life, with me as collateral."
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There are many things that John has had to learn, the sort of things that are likely second-nature to Dresden, but never to a vanilla mortal. Gard has briefed him on magic systems and drilled into him some basic truths.
You never invite someone inside. You take care who you say "thank you" too. You damn well never utter the words "I owe you" to anyone. You only make eye contact when you are willing to deal with the consequences.
You never speak your name aloud to anyone. (Easy.)
You want a hair cut? You do it with enchanted scissors or you burn the remnants afterward.
John doesn't reply right away, instead putting a finger to his lips and nodding to the Tower before heading up. He doesn't speak in the elevator, despite it being cramped between the two of them and the space being oppressive.
Inside the apartment, John settles in, throwing his jacket over the sofa and taking his bag of food to the table. Finally, at last, he says, "Were I a paranoid man," (humor the remote possibility, Mr. Dresden) "I would point out that you have seen me as your enemy for eleven years and that your governing body is nowhere in sight."
He unwraps his chicken sandwich and takes a bite. After swallowing: "But then again, you've had my hair before and you used it to save my life. Well," he smirks coolly. "To save the Archive's life, with me as collateral."