*knows enough of Elrond by now to understand that the comparison is among the very highest of compliments*
he reminded me of you, too
*the words sounding less smooth than he intended, sudden emotion tightening in his chest* Your opinion is never irrelevant. Not to me. *dips his head to attempt to mask the briefest, tiniest smile (blink-and-you-missed-it)* Even if I can be very stubborn, about some things. *and for just a second, the work-and-comfortably-busy falls, too, and his smile with it as his thoughts drift elsewhere (I don't understand)*
it does take all kinds
*plainly* You're right. It does take all kinds. Which is why I've shown leniency here, too. But the magnitude of this...stunt is... *shakes his head* The Fountain must exist above reproach.
*reminds himself again that although you cannot know how much the king has invested in Salgant (watching and waiting for his failings to prove useful in some larger way), you must know that his own hope is for someone better, nobler to emerge with a second chance* *smiles sadly (where he is just Ecthelion and you are just Erestor)* You must think me very (young) idealistic, at times.