The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Varric]

Seclusion. Baby. Yesterday. (Didn't-). So...  (fuck). "That's... wonderful news for Clan Tethras," he forces himself to say, brain whirling in circles.

[GamesMaster]

"Likely so," says Dandy, cheerfully. "Of course, there's some as say it's too soon for the babe, but I'm sure the healers can sort that out. Others are saying it's to hide something else -- a woman can be in seclusion for a month or two without too much fuss, if there's risk to the babe of coming early, and there's some as say she's hiding from something. Maybe her husband caught her with her lover, perhaps."

[Varric]

Caught her with- fuck. (I'll take care of the rest, but I can't get past the guard on my own, not pregnant.) Damnit Bianca, ask for help! "Thanks for passing on the news, I really appreciate it."

[GamesMaster]

"Glad to hear it," says Dandy, turning partially to Varric. "Your... appreciation is what keeps me coming back with tips like this."

[Varric]

Right. Of course. "Might take a bit for the next book to arrive, but it'll get there. My schedule is... a bit hectic at the moment."

[GamesMaster]

"Good, good. And if you happen to run into any more of those about economic theory, I really enjoyed the last one you sent. Lot of really good ideas out there that could improve Orzammar's economy tenfold if we just implemented a few."

[Varric]

"Of course- been hearing about a couple of islands off the western coastline that use your taxable income to establish their ruling class- the more taxes you pay, the higher your rank," Varric says absently, most of his thoughts on trying to figure out their next step. Need... need something to work with (wish Helene...). Need to regroup (brain's in circles).

[GamesMaster]

"Ah, that'd be lovely! If I had hard data, I could approach the Assembly..."

Dandy continues, but it's not as though Varric is listening. They only part when they get close to Varric's inn; the others are packed, ready to run as soon as he arrives. In fact, Marian's in the common room watching for him, a half-empty mug in her hand as she chews her lower lip. 

Come to think of it, Marian's nearly as smart as Helene normally is...

[Varric]

No scrying but... "Good talking with you Dandy," he says absently as he goes inside. "Marian, good. Got a few minutes? Got a new riddle, want to see what you do with it." He flicks his eyes upstairs, to the rooms they're still renting until tomorrow noon.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian hops up, leaving her mug. "Sure! I'd love a riddle, get my mind off my problems," she says smoothly. That's not the codeword, and he's not got Bianca with him. Something's gone wrong. Dammit, dammit, I hope it's not Tanna....

[Varric]

A moment later, they're up in Marian's room- Lightsong and Helene being in Varric's currently. "Bianca's in seclusion already, yesterday or the day before. It's early for that- could be medical complications, could be Bianca got made, could be Bartrand is a crazy fuck."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods slowly. "We should see if we can track him down. Who he talks to, what he might be doing. If it's baby stuff... we could infiltrate and get her out, if it's safe to do so. But if it's not..."

[Varric]

"Infiltrate where though?" Varric growls, starting to pace. 

[Marian Hawke]

"If she's in seclusion, she'll likely be in the Tethras compound. If she's not-- well. If she's not, we don't know where. Maybe... maybe Tanna would know, if I hadn't..." 

She shakes her head, swallowing. "A-anyway. What do we know about Bartrand? For certain, that is?"

[Varric]

Too much (not enough). "Relevant information... Well... Bianca mentioned some stuff- that he had plans for the baby. That he's got outside backers- foreign. She offered Draslina and Glaley but... didn't ring right. Maybe just wild guesses to look better, maybe outright lies. Called it a secret society, said she'd seen or read them referencing disguise spells. Good ones. Davri is on board with Tethras, solidly." He pauses then, thinking.