The Silver Queen [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"Ye-ah... the Bandannas were from Cattown. I wonder... I guess Cattown didn't make it."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran nods slowly. "I suspect that the Oak will be gaining quite a few sister towns in the next year or so," he says soberly. "In fact, I would not be surprised if non-refugees begin to move in as well, attracted by the potential." At least I shall have something to keep my edge honed while everyone heals. Many of those seeking potential will seeking to exploit, not nurture.

[Carver Amell]

"That group over there doesn't look Nyran either. But I'm not sure where they're from."

[Tethras Clan]

"Perhaps from one of the closer villages, seeking some distance?" Zevran offers with a shrug. "Best to simply land and ask around, I suspect."

[Carver Amell]

"Right. Yeah. Okay. Let's make for the tree, talk to some healers, then we can walk through the town while, uh, while the ladies do their thing."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran grins at Carver, a teasing glint in his eyes. "It's a date then."

[Carver Amell]

He flushes, just a touch. "Y-yeah. A date."

As it's late at night, they retire to their chambers aboard the Echo for the night, to save on lodging costs. In the morning, the three of them embark, heading down to the Oak proper in search of healers. 

[Tethras Clan]

Having met a local merikos drow and discovering that the village is largely tolerant of such when they stopped here after first leaving Nyra, Zevran enjoys being able to walk around openly. Granted, the influx of refugees does change the atmosphere of the place, and not really for the better. The Oak is still majestic and primal in a serene, ageless sort of way but... "Too noisy, too crowded," Zevran murmurs. "I enjoy a good, vibrant throng but it's... out of place for here."

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah?" says Carver, seeming much more at ease. "It's not usually like this?"

[Isabela]

"No, not at all," confirms Bela. 

[Carver Amell]

"Huh. I don't remember the last time I was here, so I wouldn't know."

[Tethras Clan]

"You've been here before?" Zevran asks curiously. "During your mercenary days?" As they walk around, Carver starts to get the impression that something is... noticing him. Not watching, not following, just... noticing. 

[Carver Amell]

"No, it-- when we fled Golden Shores, we came through the Oak. But I don't remember any of that trip." Wary, his hand creeps toward the hilt of his sword.

[Tethras Clan]

"Did you? That's certainly not as the magical missile flies," Zevran says with amusement, catching Carver's eye as he notices his new boyfriend's tension. "Worth the detour most times, however."

The sensation of being Noticed intensifies, then fades abruptly.

[Carver Amell]

"Well, as I said, I don't recall the trip. Someone must have decided it was safer. Maybe we lacked supplies." He keeps talking, rambling, but his fingers tighten on the hilt. That's not likely to mean they went away -- it's likely to mean they suppressed their aura, hid themselves better.