Blood from Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

"No. No, it's fine. It's combat," she adds. "She needs a bit of a rescue, it seems. I'll be fine alone."

[Carver Amell]

"...if you're sure," says Carver, hesitantly. He meets her eyes, then, and adds, more firmly, "Just come back. Alright? Promise?"

[Bethany]

Combat? Oh. I... "Maybe... I sent Silence with Don, but maybe..." Beth glances again at Carver, silently asking about Hunter.

[Carver Amell]

Carver swallows back his instinctive reaction, and nods. "Yeah. Hunter, go with Liz. Make sure she makes it home safe."

[Bethany]

"Thank you," Bethany says with clear relief, then half glares at Liz. "Now promise." 

[Marian Hawke]

"Promise," she says without hesitation.

[Bethany]

Stepping forward, she pulls Liz into a tight hug and kisses her cheek. "Then be safe, be blessed and come home to us." Taking a fortifying breath, she lets go. "Alright. Let's get to work."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene was alone in the house.

This was not typically unusual. But before ne had gone to sleep, ne had seen that the house was full -- of Beth and Don -- and expected it to grow fuller, as Varric, Carver, and Liz each stopped by. To awaken and find the house empty was both startling and alarming to nem.

Nir confusion only grew as ne failed to find a note, or any indication of where Beth had gone, or what time Varric planned to be back. Ne decided not to worry as ne put together tea and snacks, trying to soothe nir worries with a full belly. Ne is slightly relieved to hear a knock at the door -- at least, until ne opens it and sees none of nir family outside.

[NPCs]

Instead, Braigen Gorehammer of Clan Dunswithe and Aidseant for the Earthblood Shaper's Guild out of Orzammar, stands there. He is dressed in serviceable reptile leather trousers and vest, with a dress half-robe overtop in a typical example of traditional dwarven professional attire. "Seeker Helene. My apologies for the unannounced visit, but I had a meeting in the area that canceled and thought that perhaps you might have the time for that tea we discussed." Down at the end of the walk, ne can see the same silent bodyguard waiting patiently, though the third dwarf is absent today.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene hesitates, sorely tempted to say no. This is an associate of Varric's, ne reminds nemself, and nods. "Of course. This one hopes your morning was pleasant?" Ne adds, as ne steps aside to let the dwarf enter.

[NPCs]

He doesn't enter however, instead remaining at the door. "Well indeed, aside from the disrespect of my previous meeting not showing. As a native, do you perchance have a recommendation for where we might go? Again, I must offer my apologies- I had intended to seek out a suitable establishment before this outing but events have gone otherwise."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Oh, ah, of course. This one would be pleased to act as a guide. This one will get nir coat." Ne turns, fetching out a frockcoat from the coat closet as though that was what ne meant to do all along, and steps out the front door. 

[NPCs]

"Very good then." Saying no more than that, the dwarf gestures at nem to lead on. "And how is your morning?""

[Helene Dakesh]

He didn't even notice? Helene nods. "This one has had an enlightening morning. Do you prefer green tea or black?"

[NPCs]

Aidseant Dunswithe frowns slightly. "...why would the tea be green? Is it served raw?"