contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

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[bouchonne]

[ An arched eyebrow. ]

Is that all?

[highborn]

No. I also wanted your opinion on a small matter. [ His smile is back again in a wry quirk. ] But that's nothing urgent, and could certainly wait until after lunch.

[bouchonne]

Go ahead.

[ He gives a small nod of encouragement. ]

Mix some business in with this pleasure.

[highborn]

[ Well, if By insists. Vanadi offers a one-shouldered shrug, and goes ahead. ]

I've been thinking I would spend a bit of time in Orlais. I'd like to actually see this world I find myself planted in — nothing against the Gallows or Kirkwall, but I'm fairly sure there's more out there than the little I've seen.

[bouchonne]

[ Hm. ]

And Orlais is what catches your fancy?

[highborn]

I've been told the upper class is largely terrible people best avoided. [ The smile grows slightly. ] It sounds like home.

[bouchonne]

Mm. [ He tilts his head slightly. ] Save that you've a disadvantage here that wasn't a disadvantage there. [ He tugs on his own ear in demonstration.

Also - ] This is delightful, by the by.

[highborn]

A bit of spice never steered anyone wrong in winter. [ That's with an appreciative dip of his head. ] But -- yes, with a disadvantage. And admittedly the summary I got included the suggestion never to visit. I found it difficult to believe it could be that bad.

[bouchonne]

[ His smile twists a little. ]

It's a place of great physical beauty. Lovely buildings.

[highborn]

[ He tips his head, brows arched. So maybe it is that bad, hmm. ]

I would love to hear your honest opinion.

[bouchonne]

[ He hesitates a moment, then lets out a breath. ]

Well, I am - half-Orlesian, true enough, but I think the Fereldan half is rather stronger. And Fereldans hate Orlesians by nature. But on the other hand, I do love an Orlesian or two. So.

[highborn]

I should say that's a preface for an opinion, not an opinion. [ That brow cocks just a little higher. ] So?

[bouchonne]

[ Another sigh, and a shrug. ]

As head of diplomacy: the Orlesian people are bold, steadfast, and generous. They are leading the charge against Corypheus, committing troops and resources, and working well with our people.

As a person: I've found little other than rejection from Orlais. Even being half-Orlesian. They take pleasure in seeing outsiders ground down and humiliated. No insult is too petty, no vengeance too small. What I said before is true: they are also courageous and unflinching, a people without whom this world would be doomed. But Maker help you at court.

[ A small shrug as he amends: ]

Note that these opinions are largely about the nobility. I've found the common classes to be far more hospitable.

[highborn]

[ He nods as he listens, looking thoughtful. Really, it does all match up with the city he'd called his home for a century. Mhavos had made things sound equally grave, but he finds himself still unconcerned. ]

So then -- I suppose that brings me to my next consideration, which is a good excuse to visit for a while. Say, a few months. I don't suppose you have any jobs you might need done over there?

[bouchonne]

[ An eyebrow. ]

I really sold you on it, did I?

[highborn]

[ The smile is a little too cheerful for the words: ] Evidently I could disappear at any moment. I'd like to get a look at the place before I do.

[bouchonne]

And the place highest on your list of priorities is Orlais. Not Antiva, not Rivain, not Tevinter...

[highborn]

[ The smile fades out, and Vanadi sighs faintly. He's usually so good at misdirection and evasion, it's been an unhappy discovery that he doesn't have the heart for it with people he actually likes. ]

Athessa doesn't have work to see to in Antiva, Rivain, or Tevinter.

[bouchonne]

[ Ah. ]

You're following your paramour, is it?

[highborn]

[ He offers a surrendering sort of smile and a half of a shrug. ]

Just so. But I do need a good excuse for it.

[bouchonne]

Do you really think that's a good idea?

[highborn]

[ Yes, he doesn't immediately say, and instead, with a tilt of his head that invites explanation: ] You don't.

[bouchonne]

I do not.

[ He spoons a bit more curry into his bowl. Look, Vanadi - seconds! Byerly is having seconds! ]

[highborn]

[ Seconds is only slightly mollifying, but still, not unappreciated. There are more distracting things at hand, though. ]

Why is that?

[bouchonne]

Because you shouldn't follow them unless you're already wed.

[ An easy smile, a shrug. ]

As soon as it's clear that you're willing to put your life to the side for their interests and ambitions, that will become the norm. - At least, that was the advice of a charming actress I knew once; I should clarify that no one has ever asked that of me. Or not in any way that I'd ever remotely consider.