The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[Estelle Emerison]

"No," Estelle says very firmly, but not in answer. "No, we are not just-- are you planning to steal from Grandmother? Are you insane?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Not from grandmother, of course." 

[Estelle Emerison]

"It's the same thing," Estelle protests, voice getting a touch shrill. She yanks it back down to a sharp whisper when Claudia grumbles softly, continuing, "Tenachka is-- it's like-- it's like stealing from Grandmother's dresser rather than her pockets." 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"What would you have me do, Estelle? I have to know."

[Estelle Emerison]

Estelle flounders a moment, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I can test Claudia's memory tomorrow afternoon; I need to study certain spells and gather reagents for some rituals," she says slowly, still thinking. "I can ask around, about the record crystals. I am still of the main Emerison line, and have some note as a wizard so that... could pan out."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette deflates a little. "Alright, that sounds... sensible. We'll try that first."

[Zevran]

"In the meantime, I will still look over routes and make checklists for a nice walk," Zevran supplies quietly. "Just in case." Estelle looks like she'd like to object regardless, but a glance down causes her to back down.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette follows her gaze down to Claudia and sighs. "Do you believe her?"

[Estelle Emerison]

"Yes," Estelle says simply, with no hesitation or uncertainty.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Why?"

[Estelle Emerison]

"Because you love her," Estelle says softly, eyes downcast. "And more, because she knows it." Unlike before.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Love... Is a very complicated thing."

[Estelle Emerison]

"In some ways," Estelle allows. "But not in others. She... erred in the past, yes, but she was not without reason for it. Reasons that do not apply anymore."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"My ex-wife was unfaithful. But I do believe she loved me as much as she was capable of."

[Zevran]

"Some 'loves' are not worthy of the name," Zevran says scornfully.