Blood from Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Yep, called it. One order of martyrdom (hold the rational thought) with a side of angst. "Your girl can be a real git sometimes." He keeps his voice low enough Liz has to focus to hear it. Nice hideout honestly (especially on the budget they have). Two years, less, to find and establish. Plus doing their patrols and keeping up at least a half-assed social life?

[Marian Hawke]

Liz flinches, stilling, trying to catch her breath. No. Cindy is wonderful. She'd never... something must have happened between her and Jaina.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I have plenty to protect," Cedric snaps. "Or have you forgotten? My Calling isn't to keep my mother happy, it's to free the enslaved."

[Vigile]

"But you are mortal. A calling cannot keep your soul fed, not for long. You shall wither and grow hollow, until you begin to do more harm than good. It shall start small and innocent, but that sort of rot spreads deep." Even unseen, Liz can easily picture Vigile. Sitting tall on his haunches, tail curled around him with the tip lashing just so and his fur slightly puffed.

[Marian Hawke]

Vig is great that way. So protective and loyal and yet so proper and formal. It worries her that he's pronouncing such doom on Cindy, but surely he has this well in hand. Surely she doesn't need to intervene.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Long is relative. Mortals would view the decade or so it will take as plenty of time to find new companions, to discover new ways to anchor my soul. It's no concern."

[Vigile]

"In a healthier, wholer heart, perhaps." Vigile's voice is softer now, sad and approaching mournful. "But you are already hurting so badly..."

[Coquette Blacquin]

That shuts Cedric up, for long enough that Liz begins to worry and wonder if she should intrude. Finally, in a more subdued tone, Cedric says, "You don't feel I am well enough to do this."

[Vigile]

"...I saw so very many mortals break and shatter under the strain of isolation. Surrender their will, their sovereignty, their self-respect, not from pain of flesh but simply to no longer be alone." Vigile makes a soft, mewling noise, the pain of remembered helplessness swamping him for a moment. "Mortals are not meant for such things. And for all your desire to become a legend and rumor, you are still, blessedly, mortal."

[Coquette Blacquin]

After a moment, Cedric sighs. "Alright. Alright. I... let me think on this. Will you check on Liz for me? Make sure she's settling in alright?"

[Varric]

Varric gives Liz a pointed look, tossing his head towards the voices. Well?

[Marian Hawke]

Liz winces, backing up a little from the trapdoor. Should we hide? Vig will be coming out this way any second...

[Varric]

Varric looks upwards, as if in prayer, then shrugs. Without more warning than that, he pinches the calf of Liz's leg.

[Marian Hawke]

Liz lets out a small yelp, eyes widening. She claps her hand over her mouth a moment later, but the damage is surely done by now.

[Vigile]

"Lady Elizabeth?" That yelp is one I know, much to my own discomfort... Vigile's ears flick up and he looks at Cedric with perplexion. It seems my checking on milady shall be swifter than expected.