Hazelnuts and plaid

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't believe it is relevant, but I am aware of the initial argument and many of the things that have happened to keep it going."

[NPCs]

"How certain are you about that judgement?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I am certain what I witnessed plays into it, but it's the kind of conflict that's more about a hundred little things than one big one."

[NPCs]

"Were any of the significant components caused or about you?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Of course." She takes a deep breath. "It started when I was missing, everyone was tense because of it, and it continued while I was recovering, when things were strained."

[NPCs]

"So you believe the original cause was the tension of your kidnapping?" Vosang asks, an actual hint of real emotion in his voice. "How certain are you about your belief?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Certain."

[NPCs]

"Do you have any reason to suspect, even minutely, that anyone else knew about your po-- toxic juice?"

[Marian Hawke]

"No."

[NPCs]

"Even other members of your Clan? Perhaps those that also spent nights in that house frequently such as Captain Vallen, Joyous za'Frane or," a slight wince, "Mister Astoundingly Fanciful?"

[Marian Hawke]

"No. I have no reason to believe they knew."

[NPCs]

"Do you have any reason to believe that anyone else had been over that night, before your return?"

[Marian Hawke]

"No. But I don't remember getting home, so if there were signs I might have obliterated them." A pause. "Silence wasn't there. So it's impossible to be sure. She had a date night."

[NPCs]

"Who is 'she' in your statement?" he asks after a second.

[Marian Hawke]

"Silence."