Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Dad is pretty resistant to that sort of thing." Merrill frowns slightly, pondering. "Probably easier to track him, than to scry. Was the ball the last place you saw him?" Waiting for the nod, Merrill nods back. "Then we should go back to CrystalWing and see if he's there. Or ask where he went if he isn't."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. I can do this. Just a little while. Get Varric to explain to everyone, then flee to the temple. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill reaches over to pat Helene's hand gently. "Okay then. Let's get..." A pause and she wrinkles her nose. "Right. Clothes first. Then we'll go."
It doesn't take long for the three of them to reach CrystalWing, which leaves them facing their first obstacle. A pair of guards at the gate in. Well, a guard and a trainee. Still, Helene is part owner of the place so... they should be able to get inside.. probably.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene doesn't muster up a script -- they just hold their head high and walk past, like they expect to be let in. Just like Varric taught them.

[NPCs]

"Ma-" The actual guard kicks the trainee in ankle, mostly discretely, then takes over. "Seeker zi'Tethras. I am afraid that CrystalWing is closed for the moment due to the investigation.

[Tethras Clan]

"Investigation?" Merrill asks, sounding startled and worried.

[NPCs]

The guard pauses a moment. "What... the poisoning, miss zi'Tethras. After the party?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene pauses then, the wordless fear rising up once more. "Varric," they manage, as firmly as they can.

[NPCs]

A sour look flashes across the guard's face. "His Lightship is in the house, ah, assisting with the investigation. Has been since before dawn." 

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one must speak with him." Firm, this time, without hint of the unsteady panic rising in their mind.

[NPCs]

The guard frowns, considering the demand. "Well... maybe you can convince him to step back and let us do our jobs. Tom, escort the ladi-y and her, uh-"

[Tethras Clan]

"Tuiste," Merrill supplies sweetly. "Helene is my tuiste."

[Helene Dakesh]

Her. Lady.  Helene swallows hard, keeping their head up, refusing to back down, refusing to give into the growing pit inside them. Get to Varric. Solve the problem.

[NPCs]

"Right you are. Tom, you escort the pair of them inside. Take them right to Sgt. Broadbeak."

The trainee, despite looking reluctant, nods sharply. "Yessir! This way."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill narrows her eyes, then reaches out to slip her hand into Helene's.