( Norton puts Lamorak in the unique position of not being entirely sure what to do with himself - whatever motive you might like to attribute Norton's support to, it's certainly better than the reaction Lamorak usually (and, to be fair, often intentionally), courts. Given he's taken a long leave of absence from his past support networks, his family and friends, he's been out of practice with facing decency for awhile. )

... Then I suppose I ought take very good care not to disappoint you, hm?

( In effect circling back to what Norton said some time earlier in the conversation, but he takes to it with a little more sincerity.

He does think he's a fool, himself. Someone who can't keep from the terrible cycles he's caught himself in. But, well, he'd hate to waste Norton's investment - because he quite likes him, even if you set aside any influence from the Claim. )

And I can't say I'm ungrateful you brought me into Blue instead of Black, though I heard you'd excelled. Ash told me his own version of the switch, but...

( To hear Ash tell it is a little like hearing someone tell you how the end of Jungle Book goes - two shakes of Ash's eldritch hips and Norton was off. Lamorak can't imagine it's the most faithful retelling of that story, but it is a more entertaining one. )