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[ombranera]

I will write back as soon as possible.

Regards, Zevran

Comments

[disgracedchampion]

I do not travel or sightsee much, as you can probably imagine, and not typically so far from Orlais. Perhaps one day I will come back for the pleasure of it. If I get hungry I will see if I can find this dragon on a stick you're talking about.

For now I know I'll be doing plenty of traveling back and forth, fortunately Nevarra and Orlais are neighbors.

[ombranera]

Why is it that you are going back and forth quite so often? Are you starting some sort of business in Nevarra?

[disgracedchampion]

No, not necessarily. It's simply the best possible use for the coin I think.

[ombranera]

You are continuing to be terribly vague. What are you doing Michel?

[disgracedchampion]

Getting rid of it, as I said. Pel had a good idea in theory, but dumping so much Orlesian gold into an orphanage, a random village, or an alienage would have only drawn attention. There are other ways to use it in order to give people what they need, I think.

[ombranera]

You are still dancing around the topic- it is terribly Orlesian of you.

[ Though he must admit it is...surprising to hear that he is attempting to do good with his coin. ]

[disgracedchampion]

That is it, I'm afraid, not terribly exciting other than the traveling and dealing with merchants. I'm an educated man, but not a business man so it is a learning experience for me.

[ombranera]

You are trading with the merchants to purchase goods for orphanages and alienages and delivering them in secret?

[disgracedchampion]

It seems a bit incredulous when you say it, but yes, and I suppose owning those ships could have some other advantages...but that is not my priority at the moment.

[ombranera]

Michel- why did you not START with that?

[ It is a little like talking to him, he supposes, and the realization wrings out a soft crackle of laughter. ]

That is- very well done of you. I am impressed.

[disgracedchampion]

I wasn't sure what you would think.

[And he is oddly preoccupied with what Zevran thinks.]

Is it? I figured it would be a more subtle method, more difficult to trace, more enduring.

[ombranera]

How could I think anything but well of you for this?

[ There is the possibility he is attempting to wash away guilt- but aren't they all? ]

It is at that.

[disgracedchampion]

We have a number of misunderstandings between us, I do not want this to be another one so I was reluctant to say anything.

[This being an attempt to assuage his guilt was one of those misunderstandings.]

And I knew it would also mean being unable to see you for quite some time.

[ombranera]

There is little to misunderstand in this- you are...attempting to act nobly with the coin. I am certain Pel would be proud to hear it.

[ He, himself, feels a stirring of the same. ]

If this is what is taking your time- I do not begrudge you this.

[disgracedchampion]

It's a secret between us, yes?

[Recognition isn't what he wants really, or needs at the moment, attention should be limited.]

It isn't cold. [And men certainly are not unwanted in certain places.]

[ombranera]

None shall hear it from me.

[ He can promise that much. After all, he is known for his discretion. ]

The warmer climate agrees with you?

[disgracedchampion]

Thank you.

Ah, humidity and tan lines you mean? It will take some getting used to I think and the provocations.

[ombranera]

Oh, so you have found yourself some provocative company?

[ This is- this is good. A man is welcome to take his pleasures where he liked. ]

[disgracedchampion]

The ones that want to decorate me...n...n-no, that sort of thing is...

[ombranera]

Intimate. [ Zevran finishes. ] Something you would rather save for someone you feel close to.

[disgracedchampion]

Yes, well isn't that it? You'd want someone you'd trust with and do certain things to, how to say, draw out pleasure from the pain I suppose. It's difficult to feel at ease otherwise I think.

So I declined, naturally.

[ombranera]

Perhaps you will find such a person in Nevarra. As I have said: You are a remarkable man, certain to catch the eye of any discerning sort.

[disgracedchampion]

Ah, no, for such a thing I'm afraid I would have certain needs. There is an appeal, but it's not the reason I'm in Nevarra

[ombranera]

Business before pleasure, then? A wise choice.

[ Not at all settling that strangely possessive part of him either. Nope. ]

[disgracedchampion]

I imagine blood and arousal are things that should be reserved for special occasions only, not for business trips with questionable strangers.

[And he's supposed to be shy?]