Swamped

"This is getting tiring. Why all these damned games, why don't you just tell me what you're getting at."

"That would be much easier, I agree. Unfortunately, it's not an option, and the reason why it isn't is one of the things I can't talk to you directly about. Nor is it particularly relevant to you. You know everything you need to know now, anyhow."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She sighs.

"I suppose we're not going to get further unless I provide an explanation of some kind. Perhaps an allegory would be useful. As a priest, there are certain things expected of you, yes? A code of conduct."

"Of course," you say. More circling the stone, this had better at least be good.

"And among that, I imagine there's information that's only for priests. So, if you were to stop being a priest, even though you wouldn't be held to the general code of conduct any more, you still wouldn't be allowed to share that sort of information freely."

"So you quit your job but you still can't tell me this stuff? Why didn't you just say that, why do you keep circling the stone all the time?"

She pauses for a while.

"Some employers can be very effective at enforcing that sort of prohibition," she finally settles on.

Oh. Magic.

"Fine. Then if we've covered the main things you can't actually talk to me about, let's stick to the main point. That key is a sacred item, and I have no reason to trust you with it. I don't know anything about you, not even your name."

"That I can tell you, at least. It's Carma."

"And who are you working for now? Or are they holding you to the same conditions?"

"Right now, I work for myself alone. But I'm willing to aid Reth."

Reth isn't giving you any particular guidance as to how sincere she is on that point.

"And how would you holding onto the key aid her?"

"I can... make use of it," she says. She's hesitating. How irritating, this must be one of those things she's not able to talk about.

Should you press her on it, or would another line of conversation be more productive?