"I do appreciate this." Glenn Burnie was rarely the sort to ask anything of anyone. More frequently, he went out of his way, far out of his way, out of everyone else's way as well, to try to convince a subject that it was within his best interest to do what Burnie wanted. There had to be some level of mutual gain, or even the sort of gain that left Burnie inconvenienced. By getting what he wanted, he did everyone a favor. If that was not the case, then he wouldn't have even wanted whatever he wanted in the first place, no?
How many red flags were raised (red, black, white?) in Burnie not just asking for a favor, but noting actual appreciation for the act.
"Haste matters in this. Haste and corroboration." He had not been what 'Benedict' might see as 'himself' ever since the last visit from the raven's mistress. This, however, was something else entirely, a combination of uncomfortable energy and focused overcompensation which instead of balancing the first, somehow managed to overturn the boat twice so that it was back afloat once more but with everyone and everything thoroughly soaked. "I know you offered silence, but whatever I write will be suspect and you are nothing if not genuine. Most of all, be yourself. She'll encounter you before she reads the letter."
So that was that, then. A favor. Gratitude or at least appreciation. Fionnuala had so recently sent the bird back in to him without any warning at all. Could Burnie be blamed for doing the same? It was an occupational hazard for the bird, no? Moreover, there were longstanding promises of discretion to think about. For the first time in many months, he looked up to his roof, stared at it, for it was an easier course than providing an answer. Too much dust and grime. This is why one ought to never look or down. Burnie exhaled and looked to his fully feathered friend. "There are things you ought to know, but don't repeat any of them. She is hard, harsh, but inquisitive and given to wonder and delight when she deems it possible. She is ruled by necessity, imprisoned by it, but when pardoned, even for a time, appreciates the world in ways that the likes of you and I cannot. Be specific with your words, but then you mostly are. Be honest (for her own good and yours, mine too I suppose) but remember what I've told you. I do not think myself under a spell and while you're familiar with spells, as such, you're less familiar with who I once was. A little trust would be nice. I do know myself, Benedict."
That had been as exhausting a series of statements as any he had told the raven. The proverbial boat had overturned at least once more in the midst of all of it. Best to just dry himself off and pretend that they were never wet in the first place. "Any questions?"