The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Marian Hawke]

"That didn't rise," she mutters. "I gave it all night in the banked coals, it didn't rise. I hate the damn mountains."

With a sigh, she rakes her hand through her hair. "If you think you can save it, go ahead. It'd be nice to have something more... satisfying than just porridge. I was going to dump the rest of the cinnamon on top of the bread with some sugar, I figured I can mix that into the porridge instead."

[Zevran]

"...perhaps the bread cannot breathe either?" Zevran hazards with a shrug. "I know I find myself short of breath in the mountains far more often than seems warranted." Movements fluid and graceful, he takes a spot by the fire and starts heating up the griddle. 

[Marian Hawke]

"I guess," she mutters. "Well the good news is, we're descending now, should be at the pass by nightfall. And then I guess underground."

She can't help but shudder, just a little. 

"Guess that's less of a problem for you though, huh?"

[Zevran]

Zevran raises an eyebrow. "I was raised in a small country village," he says evenly. "My father had a small farm- pigs mostly, though we had some chickens and corn."

[Marian Hawke]

"Really?" she asks, blinking. "You ever been underground?" 

[Zevran]

"Some camping in cave mouths, two trips through cave systems. But I have never been to the Underdark, if that is what you are asking," he replies. "I... I am even less fond of drow than you are, I assure you. My mother was one after all." His tone when he says 'mother' is... pretty much a cross between Beth saying 'Jadan' and Marian's own 'Gamlen.'

[Marian Hawke]

Marian purses her lips, but declines to comment on the Drow. "I just meant caves -- I hate caves. The whole trip, last time, I felt twitchy, anxious. There was no sun. It's not natural, not having the sun to go by. Varric loved it, and Helene thought it was an interesting adventure, but I was miserable the whole time. The air all tastes stale, and there's a ceiling over your head constantly, all tight spaces and darkness.... it's awful."

[Zevran]

Zevran inclines his head slowly. "I do like the sun," he allows, though he doubts it's for the same reason. "I am, however, fond of... tight places and the dark, but fresh air is also nice. I enjoy the delights of a good city, which is not commonly found underground. Though I suppose we are, in fact, heading for one of the few exceptions."

[Marian Hawke]

"I guess," she mutters. "At least I'll be able to get some privacy with Bela," she adds. "I hate trying to be quiet and quick."

[Zevran]

"Oh my yes- and an actual bed would be wondrous," Zevran agrees cheerfully as he flips over his makeshift griddle cakes. The dough is not exactly right for it but... fluffy griddle cakes should still be tasty, right? "Against a tree or the like is fine for a change of pace but there is much that requires a more... comfortable workspace."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian's lips press together more tightly. "I'm sure," she says. "She was teaching me, before she ran into you. Said I was a great pupil. I'm sure she'll want to continue that."

[Zevran]

"She's mentioned," Zevran says, swallowing back a laugh. He glances over, a bit of heat in his gaze. "Ma'bela, has wonderful taste."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian starts, then, honest surprise coming across her face, and something else -- something vulnerable, young. Then it's gone, replaced by a slight frown. "Yeah? Why do you say that?"

[Zevran]

"You."

[Marian Hawke]

"What does that mean?"