[alarmed by the sudden proximity of emmanellain's face, francel pulls back even further than he has already pulled back. (it is a good thing sylvaintel's iron mask obscures his expression; from the way his shoulders are subtly quaking, he is undoubtedly laughing at this entire turn of events.)]

An act — no! No, this was not an act! Lest you have forgotten, I do not like you! You are — you are frivolous, and — and a stupid fool, and an absolute sack of popotoes, and undoubtedly you have only come here to central Coerthas because you have your heart set on something foolish, or you want to impress Laniaitte, or something, you absolute cumberground —

[francel pauses for breath.]

...But, nevertheless, I would treat you as a friend.