The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Only insomuch as I believe it beyond mortal capabilities. I know very little of your situation personally, Lady Emirison, and mean no disrespect." Cedric's wariness takes a bit of a backseat to Cindy's empathy, as she picks up on the wince and reads m ore into it than Cedric can. 

[NPCs]

"...Claudia hasn't spoken of it," Estelle asks warily, still looking off to the side. Before Coquette can reply, she shakes her head. "I apologize, that is-- How are you finding your time so far in the Enclave?" That's an appallingly clumsy change of topic but she doesn't seem to care.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Thus far, very short. I have not had a proper tour as of yet."

[NPCs]

"No, I imagine not," Estella replies with a faint sigh. "Claudia... Claudia does not mingle or go out much at all anymore." A bittersweet note of regret creeps into her voice. "It likely never even occurred to her to offer."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Is that something you can provide?"

[NPCs]

Estelle hesitates for a few seconds. "I could, yes, but... But you and Claudia seem to be on the way to friendship and I would not-- She needs friends."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette gives her an odd look. "Are you not friends with your wife?"

[NPCs]

Estelle tenses briefly before replying, indirectly, "drow politics are bloody and ruthless. At the Enclave, we've managed to tone down the former a great deal but the later less so. Still, we are trying to be better."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see." In other words, you're the reason Claudia jumps at shadows. "I had brunch with grandmother today. Tell me, what was the jellied dessert shaped like a small fish? It was delicious, that was not one that my wife introduced me to."

[NPCs]

The sudden topic shift sets Estelle back no time at all, an answer coming smoothly. "Was it spicy?" At the shake, she continues, "then it must have been a duori jelly. Not actually made from fish of any kind, despite the appearance and taste, but rather a type of lichen. I've never been a big fan of salty foods, nor, ah, seafood I think you call it, but it's no unpopular here, especially among the gnomes. Cl-Claudia is not alone in how well, even eagerly, she's taken to drow cuisine." She barely falters over the name, with just a ghost of that resigned regret showing in her eyes.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Of course," she says wryly. "With the varied dishes appealing to all palettes, who would not enjoy traditional drow cuisine?"

[NPCs]

Me, if I am honest. I probably have the biggest sweet tooth in the Enclave. "Our kitchens are very well staffed and supplied," Estelle agrees with a soft laugh. "We've taken steps to keep our edge, but the surface is far safer than our ancestral homeland, which has lead to us having far more time and resources to spend on... the finer things in life." 

[Coquette Blacquin]

They spend some time speaking of Drow things -- foods, clothing items, arts. Throughout it all, Cindy tries to make herself seem as Drow as possible, as well as providing cover for Zevran to doze off and get the rest he needs. 

[NPCs]

After perhaps ten minutes or so, Estelle neatly if perhaps too swiftly ties up a conversational thread, her eyes drifting and lingering on Zevran briefly. "Forgive me, I think perhaps I have kept you overly long," she offers, though she seems a touch reluctant to end the encounter.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Indeed, I am certain my husband needs his rest. Perhaps in two days time we could take tea? So you can assure yourself that he is recovering well?"