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[ombranera]

I will write back as soon as possible.

Regards, Zevran

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[foxsays]

[Whatever clever thing - Araceli always has a clever thing to say, it's practically what she's known for along with the climbing, the gambling, the shadow shaped like a fox - dies in her throat. One day Leandra will have children because she is the queen, her line is unbroken, and that isn't up for negotiation beyond the timing of it; Araceli will still be a guard, protecting Leandra's child will come under protecting Leandra too.

(Only she imagines that it's different, when it's the child of the woman you share a bed with.)

Her bracelet slips down, knocks against his hand when she twines their fingers without thinking, swallowing back a painful lump as she smiles. Do not cry. The spell breaks if you cry. There is no sea here to take your salt tears.]

Zevran-- [How often does Araceli Bonaventura y Castell get flustered, she can probably count those times on Skyhold on one hand with fingers to spare.] Softness...it keeps you from breaking. Even here. Even when it would be so easy to be hard? When I teach people to fall from a rooftop first I tell them not to be tense, not to be hard, to stay loose and to accept it. A bruise heals easier than a bone.

[crystal]

[obi_wanmanshow]

Zevran, if you have a moment, I would like to ask you a question. Ah, professionally speaking.

[There is a brief pause]

It's not what you're probably thinking.

[ombranera]

Mia Rutherford, sister to our very own commander. Cullen does not often take meals with her- hence my reluctance. But I shall send word when I am able.

[ombranera]

Lies and slander.

[ He is a roguish lover and assassin, no noble is he. Noble rogues often were killed while being terribly romantic and noble and he? Suddenly has a great deal of interest in not dying quite so easily- or so soon.

Lucci meanwhile claps happily, well pleased by the attention. ] You offered me a space to sort out a great many things- and gave me a family before I understood what it was to have one.

[ombranera]

No, but you wish to give my son something, which gives me more time to not shush him when he cries. And I am grateful for it.

[glandival]

Then you are welcome.

[ She is drunk, her moods and priorities can shift with the wind. ]

That is all the things I had to tell you about. Ask about.

[ombranera]

In the interest of both seeing you and my brother at least temporarily distracted, as he has come pouting to me over his lack of a lovelife and resigned himself to the company of Shale should he seek romance? A few hints:

He will trust compliments after you have teased him better than compliments given on their own, which I am certain you already know but it holds true no matter how long you know him.

He needs attention terribly and once you give him leave to contact you he will call at odd hours of the night with terribly asinine questions and observations, possibly about nug feet.

As much as he likes cheese it is not the only way to his heart, food of any kind will do- so long as it is not spiced. His palate is thoroughly Fereldan.

Contact settles him more than words. A hand on the shoulder, flicking his ear, if you hold his hand even in jest? He will turn a delightful shade of red and sputter and deflect but be deeply pleased.

He likes things that prove you've thought of him, if you are to give him gifts- but prefers simple items. Wooden carvings, rune stones. Things that he can carry easily as he is a warden and owns little.

[glandival]

[ Somewhere, Sabine covers her eyes and lies horizontally as Zevran's little voice emanates from her sending crystal with its advice. One comfort she has is that she feels like Alistair would probably be terribly embarrassed to know that this is happening. ]

Zut alors, [ is something she never says, that Orlesians never say, and yet comes out of her mouth now. ] Pettings, food, attention.

[ He really is a Mabari. ]

At least I tease well.

[ombranera]

It is a terrible responsibility, caring for him. But I think you will manage. Don't forget to walk him regularly, he does get so bored if locked up all day.

[ Alistair is going to kill him. Or at least try to kill him. There will be an attempt in the future and Zevran? has no regrets whatsoever. ]

[glandival]

[ She is definitely going to share this, mark her words. ]

Then I shall wear him out.

[ Dohoho! You know, eventually. Unless she sobers up, looks at her life choices, and does anything else. Her riposte is also a little on the undersell, as if she isn't sure she will be the one to do that after all, whether due to her own change of mind or his. ]

[ombranera]

I may or may not answer depending upon which profession you are asking after.

[byblow]

Now you're being sentimental.

[ A little smug. A little pleased. Quieted--his earlier whining, as it was, having very little to do with wanting to take up with Shale or anyone else and very much to do with not wanting everyone else to begin having drinks on Fridays to discuss their Functional Adult Relationships.

Not that he isn't still concerned they might. They might.

But he probably won't get left behind if they do. They'll let him come along and be the whatever-odd-numbered wheel if he wants to. That's family. Probably. As far as Alistair understands it--since Jonas, bless him, stuck dealing with Alistair's numb and hot-faced I thought family was supposed to accept you no matter what, had managed an awkward I don't know what to tell you instead of a life-altering everyone is out for themselves.

This is a very Disney tag. Let me make it worse by saying that Alistair ducks his head down to gobble against Lucci's neck to tickle him. ]

[obi_wanmanshow]

I set myself up for that one.

[He must be tired.]

A young woman has come through a rift, who needs training as Jedi. Since I have the ability to do so, I've agreed to teach her-- but I'm lacking many of the usual ah, equipment. [droids] So, I was wondering if you would be willing to lend me the services of your kestrals for a few afternoons-- and yourself, if you like. Nothing particularly strenuous, I promise.

It could even be fun, from a certain perspective.

[ombranera]

What precisely would they be doing and how would we be compensated for our assistance? Time is, after all, money and there are a great many things requested of us by the Inquisition already. The training, upkeep, and expansion of the guild house are costly ventures- and I have a son to raise.

[obi_wanmanshow]

I do have a little money saved up, but I doubt it'll be for much improvement on the guild house.

[More to the point, he has bought exactly two things since arriving. Both of them were pants.]

I need a few people willing to throw stones for an hour or two, it's not exactly hard labor. But if you're not available, I'm sure I can find someone else; I'm asking you first.

[Out of trust, or emotional attachment, or something. Shh.]

[ombranera]

...you want a group of skilled assassins to stand around and throw stones.

[ Seriously? Seriously. ]

I do not know if I ought to be insulted or not- for even an hour's time you would not be able to afford Vitta, let alone myself. If all you need are people to throw stones go to the nearest village and proclaim that you are from the fade and a world beyond our own- all the stones you could possibly want will be thrown, and for free at that.

[obi_wanmanshow]

You're no fun at all, you know that.

[ombranera]

Oh of course, I ought to work free of charge- because fun is its own reward! How foolish of me not to realize.

[obi_wanmanshow]

No education is ever truly complete.

[ombranera]

True enough. Was that all you wished of me? Lucci is fussing.

[obi_wanmanshow]

[Alright, that's enough teasing then.]

I apologize for wasting your time, my friend. Good day.

[justice_is_blond]

[There's dead silence for several moments, and then, faintly,]

Right. Right then.

[ombranera]

That may be difficult, with the warden stamina. But do make a valiant effort. He needs it and you deserve the attention.

[ Please get that boy laid and get laid yourself. Please. ]

[ombranera]

Who, me? [ An indignant sniff. ] Never.

[ Sentiment is for other people, people without Alistair's to point out such things, without lives like his and loss like his. Without as much blood on his hands- and yet this sentiment has found him.

Somehow this is Alistair's fault, he's sure.

Somehow.

the only way to not burst out in helpless laughter at Alistair's antics with his son is a very deadpan, not at all concerned- ]

no, please, stop. Don't eat the baby. Stop.

crystal.

[fightingale]

Zevran, could I trouble you for a favour?