Blood from Stone [AU]

[NPCs]

"Hmmm. Yes, I suppose you at least would think so, given your worship. An... oracle, if I remember your dossier correctly. And reported as very skilled and experienced at that. Perhaps... yes, I think that would be fitting." He turns his head slightly to the side, then directs the dwarf with moderate finery in dwarven to get 'The Way of Strongest Stone.' A few seconds later, Dunswithe is handed a three-quarters inch thick book whose carver, curiously, is made of stone bound in copper wire. "This, perhaps, may be of help in this endeavor. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's eyes nearly light up at the sight of the tome. "This one is honored by your generous gift," they say, reaching to take the tome gingerly with both hands. "This one looks forward to reading it at the first opportunity." If only I didn't have this party...

[NPCs]

As I expected. Hopefully that primes the rockface for later delving. "As I said, it is the duty of Clan Dunswithe to instruct those of Clan Tethras, regardless of distance, be that time, miles or... otherwise." He smiles faintly, though the keen eyed would not see any humor or warth in his eyes. "If you like, I would not mind simply taking some time in my own thoughts. Perhaps we could... provide some... hmmm... social cover for one another?" And now an offer to engender a favorable impression, combined with fostering a sense of comradery via frivolous conspiracy.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Query: what is meant by 'social cover' in this context?"

[NPCs]

He chuckles softly. "As long as people assume we are talking, they shall not bother you as you read- discretely- nor me as I collect my thoughts."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Ah." 

They consider the offer a long moment, then sigh regretfully. "Unfortunately, this one must attend to the duties of a host. This one cannot take the time this exquisite tome requires. This one will, however, if it is acceptable, locate the gift in one of the locked vaults, where it cannot be disturbed before this one has time to savor it." Which will also give me 10-15 minutes to breathe.

[NPCs]

"Exquisite... ah, I think I have misrepresented my gift- it is a very important work, yes, but only for the tradition it represents. The tome itself is nothing especial, one of thousands of copies. But if you wish to put it away somewhere- it is nearly ten pounds or so, then by all means. It was very good to speak with you, Seeker Helene of Clan Tethras. Perhaps we could speak again in a few days... perhaps to discuss what you think of the Way?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, but strokes the cover of the tome. "This one respectfully disagrees -- such tomes may be common in Orzimmar, but a properly stone-bound volume, with not only a shale cover but red shale at that, is beyond rare in Nyra. This one notes the good condition of the metal, with no chipping where it was bound to the rock, and here, the layers are clearly visible on the edges. A very lovely volume. This one looks forward to discussing its contents."

[NPCs]

"Of course, of course." Dunswithe inclines his head. "I have taken lodgings at the Orzammar embassy, naturally. You may call on me there."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood. This one will call later this week."

They slip to their feet, giving a bow. "Enjoy the whiskey when it arrives," they say, by way of farewell.

[NPCs]

I am sure I will. Surface swill, of course, but at least it has bite without coarseness. And... perhaps this will be the avenue that leads down the proper path. I was never one for direct approaches anyway. Smiling, Dunswithe closes his eyes as Helene leaves. "Yes, this was a good step." Soon. Sooner and sooner...

[Marian Hawke]

Liz was having the time of her life -- a naughty, delicious, sexually charged time of her life.

It all started with three little words, tossed out almost haphazardly: "Dance with me?"

She'd not thought about what might happen with Beth in her arms, twirling about the room. She'd not thought about how much better a dancer she was than Beth, or the few inches height she had on her sister even now. She'd not thought about the perfume Beth was wearing suiting her perfectly, the faint scent of carnations and her soft skin. She'd not thought in quite some time about that afternoon on Varric's sofa -- but she thought of it now, with her sister in her arms. It wasn't a mistake she was eager to repeat. But it was just enough of a memory to get her kitten purring, so to speak. Add to the speed of the dance and the breathless energy with which she'd twirled about and she found herself in good spirits indeed. 

Perhaps Zevran wouldn't mind sneaking out early, she muses, as she leads Beth over to a table to sit and drink. "Enjoying the party?" she asks, cheeks flushed, grinning. 

[Bethany]

Beth easies herself into the chair next to Liz with a groan. "Die slow," she whines, puffing. "How- do- you have- so much- energy?" Beth isn't in poor health, but she lives a fairly sedimentary life and she is roughly six months pregnant after all. And Liz is very fit. Despite her words, she slants a grin at her sister.

Lis is really doing so much better. As a lesbian, I feel like I'm supposed to be opposed to the idea, but gods damn if Zevran's cock doesn't seem to be just want she needed to heal. I know it's so much more than that but it's an amusing thought. But seriously... Focusing on herself is actually what seems to be doing the trick. And... Her face suddenly contorts slightly and she burps. "...notaword!"

[Marian Hawke]

"I saw nothing," laughs Liz. "I don't know. Something about tonight -- it feels magical, don't you think? This huge ballroom, these gowns, these guests... it's like anything can happen. It's full of promise."

[Bethany]

"It really does!" Bethany gratefully takes a glass of sparkling lime water from a passing waiter. "Thank you. But yeah, it really does look... wow. Ci- I mean, the place looks great." Damnit Beth!