Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Possible murderer. I can think of worse things a criminal could do with high value targets put into an enchanted sleep. Blackmail and kidnapping for... all sorts of reasons. "Thank you. I'll be sure to have the proper forms for your service and compensation ready when you arrive."

[Helene Dakesh]

"It is appreciated, but no compensation is required. This one's compensation may be donated to the Temple if such thing is required." This isn't the first time Helene's foregone payment for their services to the Guard, after all, and they're well aware of the potential for bribery that offering free services can come off as, so they have a compromise at the ready as they slide to their feet, giving a low bow. "This one appreciates your service."

[Tethras Clan]

As I expected, honestly. Still, they deserve the chance to be paid for their work if they wish. Aveline smoothly gets to her own feet and matches Helene's bow. "It is only my duty." 

[Helene Dakesh]

"You wear it well." With a small smile, they take up their satchel and move to depart. "Fare well until this one returns."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline moves quickly after making her farewells, hoping that Carver will have had as much luck or more than she. Hopefully he's neither been waiting long nor too far behind me. I want to keep moving while we have some momentum. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver's already there when she arrives, bouncing slightly in his boots. As he spots her, he moves to her rapidly. "I found where he was getting his tinctures," he says, holding up a slip of paper. "So it's likely there's something going on at that shop."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline smiles faintly at his approach, ignoring the strange mix of emotions his behavior invokes to focus on the job. "Did he still have the vials?"

[Carver Amell]

He shakes his head. "He'd refilled them with something else, after washing them out. But we found this in Basil's things." He holds out the paper, showing a 'Thank you for purchasing' slip with the name and logo of an apothecary on it. "It's the new one in Cattown, well, not really in, right on the edge of. It's cat-owned."

[Tethras Clan]

"Fuck." The word slips out before she can stop and she reaches up to rub her forehead. "Alright. I need you to go to the guard station, Coal Main, and met with Seeker Helene. They'll have a list with more information about-" She cuts off with a flinch. About your sister's own brush with this plot. Very tactful Aveline, well done.

[Carver Amell]

"About?" he prods, rocking onto his heels, then back onto his toes. He seems ready to take off running any second, as soon as she says 'go'. 

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline licks her lips. "It... When I explained the details of the case- remember we're in public- to Seeker Helene, they realized they were familiar with another case that... might be related. It strongly correlates but we don't have confirmation yet." She steps closer, reaching out to grip his arm. "Don't react on impulse. Remember your training. Alright? But this looks like it might be similar to what happened with your sister earlier this week."

[Carver Amell]

To his credit, Carver seems to remember his training -- she can see him lock it down hard, his eyes shuttering, his body stilling. He swallows, then swallows again, then a third time. Finally, to show he's understood, he nods, still silent, still trying to control his reaction.

[Tethras Clan]

"Liz is fine. She's awake, she's alive. Focus on that, alright?" Aveline's voice is soft, almost gentle, as she looks at Carver, her hand still on his arm.

[Carver Amell]

Still Carver breathes, swallows, doesn't speak. Finally, he shudders. "When we find this guy?" he asks, his voice tight. "Maybe you go in alone. Make sure he makes it to jail."

[Tethras Clan]

"Good man." Aveline steps forward, and before she can second guess herself, pulls Carver into a hug.