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]

I could take up to an hour. Maker, my time never used to be so fettered.

[highborn]

Ah, the heavy weight of responsibility. If only you were a more skillful shirker.

[ sucks to be u, buddy ]

The parapets, then. Bring a drink if you'd like one.

[bouchonne]

I was, once. One of the best. Shall I bring one for you?

[highborn]

If you don't mind sharing. I'll meet you on the southern side in twenty minutes, yes?

[ And in 20 minutes, or slightly earlier if Byerly is particularly timely today, Vanadi is flapping out a blanket somewhere in the cool winter sunlight. It's an easy enough meal to set up on the wall, and two bowls are set next to a still-simmering stew pot, covered, which still manages to hint at something rich and spiced. ]

[bouchonne]

[ Byerly tries to look very cool and collected as he strolls up (roughly on-time, by Byerly's standards, meaning just a few minutes late), but it's worth noting that he positions himself quite far from the edge of the wall, and gives the void an edgy, nervous sort of look. But that's all right; he'll be concentrating on Vanadi today. ]

So what are we eating?

[highborn]

[ For his part, Vanadi spends the few extra minutes he has perched at the edge of the parapet, one leg dangling over and the other folded neatly. It's a nice view. The breeze is a little too brisk for comfort, but the sun almost balances it. He glances back to greet By with a smile, hopping down, and politely ignores that nervous look that he hasn't missed. ]

Good afternoon. [ This quick dip of his head is almost a bow. ] Malai Kofta with rice and a few substitutions. I think it should pull together nicely, regardless of what I couldn't find in the larder.

[bouchonne]

[ Rifter food, then. Well, it smells nice enough. About as far from the plain fare that Riftwatch usually subsists on as one might get. ]

One of these days, you're going to get apprehended and hanged for decadence.

[highborn]

Gods, but I hope so. What a crime to go out for.

[ He gestures for Byerly to take a seat on one of the two cushions laid out, and leans to begin serving the two bowls. First the rice, white and long grained, then the main dish on top of that — what look like meatballs swimming in a thick orange sauce, smelling of cumin and coriander.

As he does: ] And how have you been, then? Doing well after — all that, I hope?

[bouchonne]

Ah, 'twas but a dream.

[ By smiles easily, and shrugs. ]

If a fellow can't cope with nightmares, he has no business going to war, eh? What about you?

[highborn]

[ He studies Byerly sidelong, looking for truth under the easy words. His own answer is a moment in coming, but ... well, better to project confidence for the conversation he has in mind, not honesty, he thinks. He smiles, and hopes his pause has not been too noticeable. ]

The dreams were distressing, but fleeting. Waking life is much more distracting, isn't it?

[bouchonne]

You sounded like you had to think about it for a moment, there.

[highborn]

[ Caught. He's too polished this afternoon to wince, but does allow the smile to go a little subdued. ]

Mm, well. Something learned in the dreaming has cast a bit of a pall on a waking relationship of mine. But— [ He leans to place Byerly's bowl before him. ] That's nothing to darken this lovely day with, eat.

[bouchonne]

No, no.

[ By's fingers rest on the edge of his bowl, but he doesn't eat. Not yet. Holding his appetite hostage. ]

I shan't eat until you give me the hot gossip. Tell me.

[highborn]

[ Any lingering warmth dims from the lingering smile, and he turns his own eyes down onto his bowl. ]

You know I would love to share. Typically. This, I only mentioned because you rate higher than empty pleasantries.

[bouchonne]

[ How unsatisfying. But - very well. By sighs, and starts to eat. ]

Fine, then. What do you wish?

[highborn]

[ A slight tension leaves his shoulders, he sits more easily. ]

Besides your very pleasant company? And someone to share a meal with on a sunny afternoon? Is that not enough cause to summon you forth from that dingy little office?

[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.