*sighs deeply* I'm very sorry to hear that. *running a hand through his hair* I do have reasons for not pressing the issue further with the king, of course. Both personal and professional reasons. *smiling faintly, almost ruefully, as though he's not sure the implication is clear that he'd explain some of this to you, if you thought you'd feel better knowing* Some of these reasons are need-to-know and some I just don't discuss around the water cooler.
*continues more seriously then, though his tone is not any more forbidding or unwelcoming* But you must know, Erestor—of course you know—that sinking to Lord Salgant's level is no way to combat his efforts. Nor would it do any good. It only makes us every bit as petty when, in fact, I am perfectly capable of weathering whatever my colleague cares to dish out. *softly* I am grateful that she wanted to defend me, you know. But to do so in such a way...it isn't flattering. It's insulting.