Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

The hells? What- "Sonnavah bitch, Anders knows alchemy. But why- because she was convenient- Lights have great security but she slipped a lot of it for privacy. Wiping out a Light, big splash... what would- right, Nikolaos was a mistake, unforeseen variable. For a 'champion of the common folk' Anders didn't pay much attention to them. Huntinghawk and the OMTG are competing for a pair of very big contracts. Set us against each other, stir when cooling, scavenge the scraps for his Cause." He frowns, giving Beth a squeeze. "Did you..." She shakes her head a little. "Good girl."

[GamesMaster]

Wylde tries desperately to follow as much of that as possible. "Maybe try that again in Common?"

[Varric]

Varric chuckles softly, eyes a touch cold. "Anders, healer in Coalside. Got a record for protests that turned riot, some... politically motivated 'pranks' and such. Nothing heavy. He planted the bomb- not personal, just trying to stir up trouble between the merchant and nobles because he hates both. Doing the old 'you and him fight' trick, like blaming a spilled drink on the guy next to you to start a fight you can watch. And maybe take their stuff while they're brawling."

[GamesMaster]

Oh, now you sing like a songbird -- now that I won't get any credit for doing my damn job. "That's the body your dog dragged in?" At least I can get the details down.

[Helene Dakesh]

When all's said and done, there's only one outstanding piece left: Seeker Helene still hasn't turned up by the time Anders is locked up, Ari's eyes are cured, and Niko returned to a recently-resurrected Huntinghawk. 

It's three more days before they turn up safe and sound at the temple of Alydra, ready to resume their normal duties once more. Hearing that Varric has been by looking for them, they rush off to his house, dipping into a bow when he answers. "This one has been told that you were searching for this one. Has Carver returned? This one apologizes for the poorly timed sabbatical."

[Varric]

Varric stares a moment, then sighs, shaking his head. "It all worked out. Come on in," he adds, leading them to his office. "And no, Carver's not due back for another day. Maybe two, but I suspect he'll push on instead of staying with the caravan."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Ah," they say, nodding. "This one assumed this one was being summoned because he had arrived early. This one had research that required concentration and thus has been incommunicado for approximately twelve days in order to focus. Oh, but, this one had a breakthrough just before this one retired for this research period."

[Varric]

"Sounds better than my week was," Varric comments as he pours them both a glass of alcohol- whisky for him, mulled wine for them. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene glances at the whiskey, then back at Varric's face. "Did... something happen?" they ask, voice smaller, less sure.

[Varric]

"I gather you haven't had a chance to read any newsheets or...?" Varric asks, glancing at them again. He doesn't look overly worried or upset so...

[Helene Dakesh]

They shake their head. "This one was in seclusion. When this one arrived at the temple, this one was informed Tethras was looking for this one."

[Varric]

"And you came right here without delay," Varric says, voice a touch warm. "Well. Okay, first off, no-one you like is permanently hurt, far as I know anyway. Sunshine, Beth, and their friends- all fine. Arius got cursed but Sunshine fixed her up."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood, and appreciated."

[Varric]

Varric bows his head, taking a moment to get his thoughts in order. "Alright. Ninety-three hours ago, Lady Holder zi'Huntinghawk was killed via alchemical explosive while attempting to reach Second Life Orphanage. The guard went after her apprentice first, under the assumption that of course a catfolk would be willing to kill their mentor for the chance at inheriting some of the estate. He twigged to it and split before they could grab him. Came here, tried to steal some stuff to sell for travel funds. He's a hothead, so I truthed, tranqed and stashed him." 

He pauses to sip his drink and continues. "Turns out, the actual bomber wasn't expected that outcome. So he moved to stack the deck, tried to course correct. His original plan was to frame me, as the most well-known member of the Orzammar Mercantile Trading Guild- big old face-off of the merchant and noble class. To do that, Anders betrayed my girls. Used Merrill to get a sample of my handwriting, got a forger to write up a vaguely threatening, clearly hostile letter, and used Chirples to deliver it. Thankfully, Arius is a suspicious sort and put together a few oddball facts together that got them pointed at Anders. They captured him and brought him to to the guard, which got me sprung."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene gapes at him, clearly horrified. "This one apologizes! This one could have stopped all this with the scrying spells this one routinely prepares if only this one had known."