Blood from Stone [AU]

[NPCs]

The dwarf scowls, glancing over at him. "Boy's really a Seeker?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Not a boy, but yes. Seeker Helene is an oracle of Alydra, cursed to never age and yet grow old," Zevran explains, then pauses as the entire group snaps to attention, staring at Helene with intense interest.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shies back, clearing their throat. "Th-th-this one hates to i-interrupt, but, this one needs to speak with Zevran regarding this one's step-child and the step-child's partner... This one has spoken to this one's husband but he referred this one to Zevran for more detailed discussion, and... it seemed... perhaps... a little... time-sensitive?"

[Chandra]

The female steps forward, nodding curtly. "Of course, God-Claimed," she says with a tone of adamant authority. "Braiden."

[NPCs]

The dwarf bows low, right fist hitting the left side of his chest hard enough it must have hurt, at least a little. "My apologies for the disrespect, God-Claimed. It shall not be repeated."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran blinks a few times, then clears his throat. "Ah. Yes, I..." He glances at the woman. "Evidently have some free time?" 

[Chandra]

She nods slightly. "Take the time the God-Claimed needs of you."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Ah... my thanks. Please, if this one can do anything for you, do not hesitate to ask for me at the Temple of Mystic Knowledge. This one would be happy to oblige." So said, they give a bow.

[Chandra]

Chandra bows back, also doing the fist smash thing. "Thank you, God-Claimed." Turning her head as she straightens, she murmurs something to Zevran, who nods a little. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran flashes a smile at her, then moves over to Helene, resting a hand on their shoulder lightly. "Is my room acceptable or..?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Acceptable, yes." They nod, following Zevran upstairs.

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran, being a long standing guest and employee both, was able to get a room easily enough. It's not very large, big enough for a full-sized bed, a wardrobe, a small table with two chairs, a rope swing (it is a brothel) and a small bath in a sideroom. "Can I offer you some wine? Or I have some cider if you prefer?" he offers, gesturing at the table.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one will take the wine if it is watered, or else the cider," they say, tone appreciative. "This one understands you are an expert in consensual master-slave relationships?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran, having already moved towards the small ice chest near the wardrobe, stills for a moment. "...what?" he asks softly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one hopes this one used the correct terminology. There were many books, and all of them used terms that were slightly different. This one is looking for information about consensual master-slave relationships, also potentially called master-pet relationship, also potentially called dominant-and-submissive relationships, also potentially called submission games or games of dominance and submission?"