Blood from Stone [AU]

[Shannon zi'Marass]

"Ah, yes, I apologize as well. As Cindy says, I had an unexpected... glimpse of the past. An old friend to whom I made a promise very long ago, during my years in Glaley. I simply could not bare to lose this chance to both repay the debt and remake the acquaintance."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Indeed," says Cindy, holding her curtsy like a professional. "I beg your pardon if my ill-timed appearance caused any disturbance, and hope that you are enjoying the ball. Is there anything I can assist with?"

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

"Not at all," Panis says, gesturing at her. "The ball is wonderful. You are Cindy Black, correct? Varric has spoken of you from time to time, particularly this last month. You do very good work." As he speaks, his eyes flick over them with more perception than Cindy is used to in a noble.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Thank you. I am delighted to be of service. I find bringing people Joy to be a talent and pleasure of mine."

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

Panis smirks a little, eyes flicking to the slight crease on the knees of Shannon's dress. "So it seems." He inclines his head, turning his attention back to Shannon. "I take it that I am finding myself stag for the rest of the night?"

[Shannon zi'Marass]

Blast. I... fuck it. "La, I am afraid so, Panis. I thoroughly enjoyed our dance, I assure you but... prior commitment. Perhaps a rain cheque?"

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

Panis nods, smile still warm and unwavering. "Of course. Say... lunch next Igniday? First noonbell at Angellisa?"

[Shannon zi'Marass]

She hesitates, not sure she wants to make plans without... But no. I still need connections and allies if I am to finish things with Harrod and Chainjaw. Co- Cin rather, will understand why when I... gods I hope she understands why I've done... any of it. "That sounds lovely. And perhaps we can have another dance tonight? Cindy does still have to work, alas."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Blast, I didn't want to screw this up for her. "I do, unfortunately. I am certain there is a mess to clean up upstairs. If I may beg your leave, Lord Hand, Lady Merchant?" 

[Shannon zi'Marass]

Shannon's head jerks towards Cindy, one hand coming up before she can stop herself. "I- of course. We shall.. speak later? Before dinner is served?" Please?

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Of course. Thank you again," she adds, a sweet smile on her face. She bobs another quick curtsy, then turns to depart, heading for the stairs up. Let's see what I can salvage.

[Helene Dakesh]

Thankfully, the rest of the pre-dinner ball goes much more smoothly. Before too long, all are seated at their assigned tables; Helene is grateful to be pulled away from socialization ('This one is not  a young lady, please and thank you!') and seated beside their husband once more. Unfortunately, as the tables are round, they are seated between him and one other: a male, as the custom Cindy is used to alternates males and females to provide more stimulating conversation, and Helene is here counted with the 'female' side of things due to being married to a male and not being male themself -- at least, that was Cindy's reasoning when asked. Therefore, they find themselves seated between their husband and...

"Good evening, Lord Hand," they say, as politely as they can manage, a terrified smile stuck on their face.

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

"Seeker Helene, an honor," Panis replies, inclining his head. And very pointedly not offering his hand. "I don't think we've had the chance to speak outside of official businesses?"

[Varric]

On the other side of Helene, Varric is speaking with his own companion, a visiting dignitary from the dragon clans in the Nyrian mountains. Despite this, he takes the effort to lightly grip Helene's elbow for a second to remind them he's there.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Not as of yet," they say, swallowing. "This one is honored to make the acquaintance of your august personage."