Blood from Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Ah, understood. This one begs Aidseant Dunswithe's forgiveness if this one has given any offense. This one hopes that Aidseant Dunswithe's trip has been both productive and pleasurable thus far?"

As the servant nears, Helene adds, to her, "Please find my husband and request he select a bottle of rye whiskey from his private collection for this one's enjoyment with this one's guest."

[NPCs]

"No need for that- anything of Sweetwater's Aged line is fine," Dunswithe says with a wave, causing the servant to pause and glance sidelong at Helene.

[Helene Dakesh]

"It is no trouble. My husband's stores are vast, and he is sure to select something suited to your personage," they say, simply. This is one of those situations Prudence Highwater spoke of in their tome, correct? 

[NPCs]

Dunswithe smiles thinly. "The Sweetwater Aged line is a very good one. But if you insist, the Reserved line would not be turned away."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood. See if we have such, and if not, seek my husband," they say to the servant.

[NPCs]

Good. As he served that very thing not three days ago during our meeting, I can safely expect that our wayward son will not be interrupting my talk here. "Thank you. I gather you are not a spirits enthusiast?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"No. This one has been known to partake, but always a vintage this one's husband has selected."

[NPCs]

"I see. It is good that you are willing to indulge him- such things encourage healthy bonds between partners." He pauses, then asks in a curious tone, "how long have you been married, if I might ask?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has been wed for two years and four months," they say promptly.

[NPCs]

"Congratulations then. And welcome, Clan under Clan." That's an interesting phrase, and not one Helene has a clear definition for. They've seen it more than once, but the context is never entirely clear. Always between allied or at least closely tied Clans though.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Query -- might this one inquire as to the proper usage of that particular phrasing? The previous encounters this one had with this particular saying were out of context and not well documented."

[NPCs]

"I would not expect an outsider to know our traditional phrases and ways." Dunswithe chuckles, a low, smooth sound. "Clan Dunswithe is the patron Clan of Clan Tethras, from whom that bloodline sprung. We speak for them at the seasonal Clanmeets, we guide their growth and endeavor to educate their leaders."

[Helene Dakesh]

The patron of Clan Tethras? Helene nods, blinking a little. "Understood." I should have asked for the top shelf whiskey. "This one appreciates such guidance on behalf of this one's husband," they add. 

[NPCs]

The dwarf peers at them for a long moment, then he nods once, sharply. "Very good then. It is... gratifying, if unexpected, that you feel this way."

[Helene Dakesh]

It... is? Helene nods. "Of course. Any aid rendered to this one's husband and children is appreciated. This one is not an expert on dwarven culture yet, but this one is learning rapidly. Knowledge is important to obtain, as is the culture and history of one's family-- excuse me, Clan."