Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Isabela]

Isabela smiles up at Zevran. "I should have expected." She turns back to Varric, with a nod. "I can get him papers, that's not the problem. The problem is he's likely to be hunted and I won't know what to expect until I've had my ear to the ground a while."

[Tethras Clan]

Danarius is not likely to give up anytime soon, that is very true. But we should have a month or two at the least before he realizes his last attempts failed. And then more time after that until he tracks down where they were last seen. "It would not hurt to have local assistance with things," Zevran comment aloud in a neutral tone.

[Varric]

"Beth likely didn't mention, but I've rather connected. I do most capitalist investing with some capital asset ownership- some shops, a mine, two caravans. At least according to my tax records. I also own four other caravans, two printing houses- mostly not books mind you- and a few groups that find creative ways to import items. First brothel I've... supported," Varric says with a slightly tired voice and a minor wince. "And all of this requires being very up to date on things, so I run a modest information brokering service as well."

[Isabela]

Isabela nods. "I'm rarely in Nyra for long, but when we're ready to go, I can procure items if there's anything you're looking for."

[Varric]

"How long are you planning to stay around this time?" Varric asks curiously. "Let's be blunt, the two of you are pretty much the headliners here, so you being here or not is something we need to be able to plan for."

[Isabela]

"Depends." She shrugs. "I don't really care if your brothel succeeds or not. That's your problem." Mine is keeping Zevran free.

[Varric]

"Depends on..." Varric gives her a pointed look. "If we can't depend on you, then why should we risk ourselves? Help for help and all that."

[Tethras Clan]

"I would suspect we'll be here for at least two months, likely more," Zevran puts in. "I much prefer city-life and Nyra is... significantly more open than most." Even a half-breed drow finds welcome a rare commodity 

[Isabela]

"Right now, what he says goes. I'll let you know if that changes," she adds, "but frankly, nobody keeps Isabela chained down where she doesn't want to be. I don't do long-term contracts, never have and I never will. You get two months, then we'll re-evaluate, so I suggest making the most of them." Not even for Zevran am I letting this man own me.

[Varric]

"Completely understandable," Varric says instantly. "Would you be amendable to a two-month contract that can be renewed easily? Can even add in some exit-clauses with penalty that don't require more than a whim on either side to activate."

[Isabela]

"Sure," she says cheerily. "And the penalty clauses are null and void if Zevran is injured or captured." I'm not letting you wriggle out of your half of the bargain.

[Varric]

"Do you better- my penalty causes activate in such circumstances, provided the injury or capture is not a direct result of his or your own actions or that the injury isn't part of... err, bedroom stuff," Varric proposes, a slight smile forming at the bartering. "Beth said this place is supposed to be all about shared profits, risk and so forth, so I'm playing it more... generous than I normally would, the way she'd do things. Makes for novelty if nothing else."

[Isabela]

Isabela nods. "Fair enough. Let's get something on paper where I can see it." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Ahem," Zevran says dryly. "Perhaps I could see as well?" The other two glances over, both having sort of forgotten he was there. A short time later, the couple- of sorts- exit the room, allowing the next person to go in.

[GamesMaster]

Next turns out to be the merikos catfolk who'd cursed him out under her breath. Her dark fur with white tips, coupled with that striking white hair, makes her stand out, almost like a drow among elves. She saunters in, eyeing him with suspicious blue eyes, and says bluntly, "You said you could help with pimps."