Blood from Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

"Their ignorance of us?" asks Huntinghawk, amused. "Tell me, have you ever spoken to a Dark One?"

[Varric]

"Putting aside battle banter?" Varric nods. "Twice. Extensively if you're counting merikos drow. But I meant ignorance on both sides. Sure, some cultures are just pure incompatible but most? Eh, if you're clever enough, you can figure out a way of cohabitation."

[GamesMaster]

"I am glad I retired," replies Huntinghawk. "I am aware that those who dwell on the surface claim to be different, but I wouldn't want to be the one evaluating the truthfulness of those claims," she adds, tone clipped.

[Varric]

"Eh, can't be that much different than trying to broker a trade deal with the Cobblestone Union," Varric counters with a grin. "Greedy, self-serving and with a predilection for using blood bargaining. Makes you wonder what's buried under the street sometimes..."

[Nikolaos "Niko" Kingfisher]

"Tea," offers Niko, moving to put the tray on the table.

[GamesMaster]

"Doubtful," replies Huntinghawk.

[Nikolaos "Niko" Kingfisher]

Niko frowns, studying his mentor's face. Was that a joke? or did she think I was seriously suggesting-- bah. Elves. He turns to leave, tail waving lazy arcs. Best to get back to my work before she drags me in.

[Varric]

"Only if you're a dhampir," Varric suggests. "How's your progress on moving beyond fire for your bombs?"

[Nikolaos "Niko" Kingfisher]

The tip of Niko's tail twitches. Damn. "Going great."

[Varric]

"Stuck on the catalyst huh? Ratio or element?"

[Nikolaos "Niko" Kingfisher]

"It's. Going. Great."

[GamesMaster]

"Manners cost little and spare much," Huntinghawk muses, taking a sip of her tea to hide a small, tight smile.

[Nikolaos "Niko" Kingfisher]

"It's going great, sir." He gives an elaborate bow, backing out of the room.

[Varric]

"Pride makes a poor alchemical reagent," he calls after the catfolk, flashing a grin at Huntinghawk.

[GamesMaster]

Huntinghawk waits for her apprentice to slam the door to his lab before saying, quietly and in Dwarven, "Someday he'll realize I've been yanking his chain for years."