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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[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.

[highborn]

[ He blinks — but an amused smile quickly filters in to replace any surprise. ]

Ahh, I see the confusion here. Athessa's not asked this of me, not even in that unspoken sort of way where the guilt of not accompanying her will eat at me. It's the other way around, really.

[bouchonne]

Ah. So you asked, and she agreed?

[highborn]

[ A nod. ]

Right. Which leaves me with a need to find some semi-formal reason to be there, and not look as if I'm there to help her with her business. [ His smile goes wry. ] It's quite an ask, and certainly not your problem. But if you had any errands you needed running ...

[bouchonne]

Ah, he seeks to make me his pimp.

[highborn]

[ With a grin, because he's not had to worry about anything like pride for years: ] A good deal for you, I should think. That's free labor, no?

[bouchonne]

It is.

I still cannot say, however, that I think this the grandest idea.

[highborn]

[ With a huff: ] I had no idea you worried so much over matters so small. What else could concern you?

[bouchonne]

[ An easy shrug. ]

There is a danger being in a place where you've only one person to rely on.

[highborn]

I’ve survived years with less.

[bouchonne]

Ah, that sort of stoicism would make the strongest hearts flutter. Well done. Very romantic.

[highborn]

[ He rolls his eyes, but it’s not especially bitter. ]

You think I can’t handle myself. I suppose it’s fair, I’ve not painted a very flattering picture of myself for you.

[bouchonne]

I wouldn't trust anyone to follow a paramour into a viper pit for months on end.

[highborn]

[ His eyes narrow, his tone cooling. ]

The threat of high society isn’t a threat to me. Have I misunderstood something of this place? Are they using knives after all, and not merely sharpened words?