Blood from Stone [AU]

[Jassinth]

"Ah, yes? Merrill can speak with him so as long as she is home..." He pauses. "Or you perhaps intended for him to carry a written message. Which would work as well, provided it was shaped correctly for his talons to grasp."

[NPCs]

"Absolutely not!" the captain proclaims. "Light or not, this is an on-going investigation and I have sealed it- need to know only and as this is neither Light Lord zi'Tethras's holdings, relations or duty, he does not have the right to be involved unless I allow it." He sighs dramatically. "I do apologize for my strictness and bluntness, but I do not wish for you to bring shame nor criminal charges down on your family."

[Carver Amell]

"Criminal charges?" he snaps. "zi'Magus is a friend of the family, that's relations or good enough. And--"

He stops, then, taking another deep breath, letting it out as he pictures the look on Wylde's face when she gets fired and it's all his fault. "Sorry," he says, taking half a step back. "I'm really worried about my friend. And I need to speak to my mentor. So how about she and I talk while you get back to, uh, guarding and shit?"

[Tethras Clan]

The captain sneers, just a little, as Aveline clears his throat. "Carver is a guard, officially and formally registered on my roster, Captain Auberdine. As such, you can't block me from assigning him to assist me on this or any other case without proper cause." Smiling grimly, she demonstrates why she's at least capable of dealing with the politics that come of high rank. "Better to have a Light's family, rather than someone that wouldn't understand the need for discretion, right?"

[NPCs]

Pausing, Auberdine frowns as he considers that angle. Looking at Carve sharply, he says, "you do know the... damage the wrong word to the wrong person can cause? Rumors are a true danger to those of elevated station."

[Carver Amell]

"Well I know," he snaps. "You have no idea the-- well anyway, just that I've had experience with the kind of misunderstanding that comes of incomplete information. That's why I wanted to go straight to my father -- he's brilliant, level-headed, and rational. My instincts are all wrong for this kind of thing, as I'm sure you've well noticed. Now that we're done pointing out what a lout I am, can I talk to Aveline and let you get back to work? I want this resolved as much as you do."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline sighs almost noiselessly. "My apologies for my subordinates... bluntless," she says, voice even but frosty. "I shall speak with him on that, I assure you."

[NPCs]

"See that you do." Auberdine sniffs disdainfully. "Really lad, you would be well severed by seeking at least a degree of polish and class." His eyes go to Jass. "Perhaps by improving those you associate with, hmm?" Jassinth stiffens but stays silent and still, trying to not attract any more attention as the captain continues. "I shall be off to inform the Lord Hand himself on the newest information. I will see this one out as well- unless you are going to tell me we've recently passed a... inhabitant of a protectorate as a guard in the last week?" He doesn't bother to wait for an answer. "As I thought. You, follow me." 

[Carver Amell]

Carver steps between Jass and Auberdine. "He's none of your concern, Guardsman," he snarls. "He's my guest, and my father's, and you will treat him as such."

[NPCs]

Captain Auberdine stiffens, then his eyes narrow. "Watch your tone, Corporal Tethras. Guards do not have social rank on duty- either you are here as a zi'Tethras and thus shall be accompanying me from a sealed investigation or you are here as a guard under the good Captain's authority- in which case I shall be forced to write you up for insubordination on the spot." Which in turn would relieve Carver of duty until the charge is reviewed and judged. "Unless of course you wish to apologize and hold your tongue."

[Jassinth]

"Carver, don't. It will be fine." Jass barely breathes the words, trying to keep them from Auberdine's ears but fails, based on the increased satisfaction in the human's eyes. 

[Carver Amell]

"I'm sorry," he growls, through gritted teeth. "But Jass is here on express invitation of zi'Smith and zi'Magus, and visiting Nyra at all as a guest of zi'Tethras' son. That's not up for debate. Sir."

[NPCs]

"Which is well and fine- but this is not a home at the moment but a crime scene. I shall, of course, see the guest of Light Lord zi'Tethras safely to his patron's home. But he cannot remain here." 

[Carver Amell]

"I never ask--" 

Carver takes a few deep breaths, clearly trying to hold his temper. "I apologise for the misunderstanding," he grits out. "I wasn't asking for him to stay. I was, in fact, hoping you'd be so kind as to escort him safely home. I merely wished to ensure he was spoken of with the correct level of respect. Sir."

[Tethras Clan]

"Private Willis should be outside with Corporal Wylde by now," Aveline supplies. "He knows Meadows well enough to see him back without issue so you won't be late to speak with the Lord Hand." And hopefully Carver realizes I wouldn't assign that task to someone that couldn't be trusted to at least keep his mouth shut about any prejudices he may or may not have.