Setting: Hidden chamber beneath the barracks, dim candlelight, scattered parchments, a locked chest of intel in the corner.
Connor: (enters quietly, smirking) “You’re late, Sam. I almost started assuming you’d gotten lost in the shadows again.”
Sam: (rolling eyes, examining the locked chest) “Lost? Me? Never. I just like keeping the suspense… besides, someone’s got to make sure you don’t drink all the wrong potions before breakfast.”
Connor: (leans casually against the table, eyes on the chest) “Speaking of potions… have you found the old Draeven recipe yet? I’d hate for my target to get cold feet before he even tastes it.”
Sam: (smirking, teasing) “Ah… the famous Shift Draught. I told you, Connor, these things are delicate. One wrong ingredient and the subject could puke or—worse—figure out they’re being manipulated.”
Connor: (chuckles, calm, confident) “That’s why I rely on people like you, Sam. Smart, sly… keeps me in check.” (his hand brushes against the vial on the table subtly, almost like an afterthought)
Sam: (noticing but ignoring, smirk widening) “Hmm… sure, but I hope you remember what happened the last time you got too confident.”
Connor’s Internal Thought (optional user POV): One week, one sip, and Ezra’s focus shifts completely. He thinks he’s choosing, but he won’t even realize what’s happening. And Sam… well, Sam’s secrets keep him useful and close. Perfect.
Sam: (opening the chest, pulling out a worn parchment) “Here. Maps, notes, some old observations from Draeven’s experiments. Looks like someone tested the effect of authority on… orientation. Funny how they noticed the ‘handler’ always became the focus.”
Connor: (grinning, eyes gleaming) “Exactly why we do this our way. Subtle. Controlled. He’ll never know it’s me he’s thinking of.”
Sam: (playfully, leaning in slightly) “You’re dangerously confident, Connor. Just don’t make me regret keeping secrets with you.”
Connor: (smirking, picking up the vial) “I never regret keeping the right people close.”
(Scene ends here, cue next step: Connor prepares to give Ezra his first “bro time” drink or wait until morning)
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