Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

The sweep of the bedroom does not, alas turn up any significant observations and so the pair head off  downcity. Aveline does her best to prepare Carver for his solo part of the investigation, informing him in more detail the particulars of the case and giving him the limits of what he is allowed to tell Juniper. Parting ways, they each head to their destinations. Thankfully, Aveline is familiar with the temple in question and is able to find a Seeker who in turn tells her where to find Seeker Helene today.

[Helene Dakesh]

Seeker Helene, furiously scribbling, doesn't look up right away as Aveline enters the alcove in the gardens where they've sequestered themself. For a moment, it's easy to picture pigtails, a crayon instead of a quill -- a small child, coloring their latest masterpiece. Then the illusion is gone as Helene glances up, gently setting down the quill with careful, precise motions, a reserved smile spreading over their serene face.

"Good morning, Captain Vallen."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline bows a bit deeper than is required by manners in reply. "Greetings to you as well." She pauses, then decides to simply be direct yet polite. "My apologies, it has only just occurred to me to ask if your preferred manner of address has changed due to your chance in marital status?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene blinks. "No, no update is required. This one did not change this one's name, as this one's true name is not in the human fashion. This one accepted Clan membership instead, in the Dwarven way, but it is not necessary to append 'of Clan Tethras' to the end of this one's moniker unless in extremely formal situations."

[Tethras Clan]

"Thank you for the clarification." I hope they don't think me mocking them but something about them makes me slip into my most formal. Or rather... my most stately, perhaps? "Seeker Helene, I am here formally request your assistance as a diviner and sage for a sealed guard investigation."

[Helene Dakesh]

The polite smile vanishes, and Helene closes their notebook. "Understood. How may this one be of assistance?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline pauses, then glances around. "Highly sealed, I'm afraid. Might I prevail upon you for privacy?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood." They gesture, first for Aveline to sit, then broader, in a series of looping motions as they cast the spell of silence over them. "This one will not repeat what this one is told in confidence without permission."

[Tethras Clan]

"Thank you." She takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then begins. "Some time last night, Light zi'Magus was poisoned, means and motive unknown. His husband was able to stabilize and evacuate him to a safe house. The symptoms, however, seem to match a small but growing number of cases throughout the city. Mostly in Coalside."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood. Please describe the symptoms in as much detail as you can."

As Aveline does so, Helene frowns, the frown only growing as the paladin comes to a conclusion. "Did the patient wake? When the neutralize was administered?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline frowns herself as she tries to recall the exact wording from the message zi'Smith left behind. "I... do not believe so? The Doctor said... in his letter, that is, he said that 'the patient responded in a favorable manner, being.... more alert, with eased breathing and more natural responses to stimuli.' I suspect that would imply he did not wake properly?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Was a curse removal attempted?"

[Tethras Clan]

"I- a curse?" Aveline frowns. "No? The note said- the Doctor seemed rather convinced it was a toxin of some sort... Why do you ask?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has seem similar symptoms recently, after what was presumed to be an alchemical mishap. The victim ended up both poisoned and cursed, and restoration was required to save the patient's life. This one was not the administering healer, but this one was given full details of the case, and this one suspects a connection may be in play. Curses are not commonly the result of alchemical mishaps alone, and in both cases, alchemical sleeping agents were administered prior to the victim falling ill."

[Tethras Clan]

The paladin stares at the Seeker, her face paling. "That... that would eliminate any chance this is mere accident or malpractice." Her voice is low, hushed, despite the privacy spell in place. "Everlasting Shield... unless the target was by chance, that would confirm this as being a deliberate attack on a Light." And the last time that happened... Aveline pales still further and she blanches. "Most of the other incidents were in Coals. If the anti-Cat group catches wind, they'll blame this on Cattown without pause for even a shred of proof or evidence."