[The laugh that escaped him was good natured. He'd never heard Alec so ill-tempered at anyone but him before. It was a new experience, and when he spoke, it was without thinking it through as he ought to.]

I think you're sounding very cynical, talí

[Still laughing, he shook his head as he untangled himself from his own limbs to stand.]

I think there are those we can trust to tell us what we need.

[He crossed his way to his own drawer and started rummaging.]

Others, not so much. It's a matter of learning to read people. Something you,

[He tossed a bag onto the bed beside Alec. Inside would be a set of bakshi stones, freshly made in deep emerald.]

Apparently never learned to do very well.

[He leaned back against the chest, watching for Alec's reaction.]