(closed) the coldest story ever told

[byblow]

WHO: Zevran Arainai, Maxwell Trevean, Pel Ashara, Salem Ghilan, Alistair
WHAT: A Dalish mage Ron Swanson, a Dalish warrior who throws eggs, an Antivan assassin and his many knives, a Warden who's probably technically exiled, and one single actual human nobleman on whom we are hanging all of our hopes and dreams try to make a dude stop being a big meanie.
WHEN: Haring 5-?
WHERE: Northern Ferelden
NOTES: Plotting post!

Comments

[ombranera]

"We started with the teas and sleeping draughts in the beginning. Nothing is worse than a cranky, sleep deprived warden. Especially if you are lost in the Deep Roads. After awhile we needed to become more creative." It'd been a group effort, to be certain.

[mythalenaste]

A low chuckle. "So you oiled a goat and, what, put a cheese on it for him to chase around?"

[ombranera]

"Put the cheese in a burlap sack where I'd bound sweet grass in the knot- something goats love to eat, and let it wander off." It'd been hilarious.

[mythalenaste]

"You and Cyril would be quite the pair. Might get Merrick to cheer up with a stunt like that."

[ombranera]

"Merrick is cheerful enough when I am teaching him how to throw knives or land without dislocating his shoulder. I think he may have actually smiled when I taught him a particular grapple, but that may have been a trick of the light."

[mythalenaste]

"If you were grappling...yes, it could have been a smile. Probably not one of the good ones, though."

[ombranera]

"No, no. It was when he mastered it. That is a smile of satisfaction at learning something new-" He blinks. "The fact that I am now able to tell the difference is concerning."

[mythalenaste]

"I'm glad he's learning. Don't let him bully you too much, though, feel free to push back. He'll usually respect that."

[ombranera]

"...I do not know if I should be offended or not that you think I would stand to be bullied by anyone, let alone Merrick." He must remind himself she knows the dream, the fantasy- not the ugly truth. "It is not something to worry about."

[mythalenaste]

"I'm not. I'm saying if he acts like a child, feel free to correct him. A few of us were communally raised anyway, he'll understand."

[ombranera]

"The incentive I've found that works best for good behaviour is more complicated techniques. He relishes the challenge." Reminding him more than a little of himself.

[mythalenaste]

"Oh, that's perfect for him. I'm glad he's learning from you."

She goes quiet, looking intently at Zevran.

"I think this is the first real conversation we've had."

[ombranera]

"So the other conversations we've had have been mere figments of my imagination? You are but a beautiful phantom before my weary mind?"

[mythalenaste]

"I mean where we haven't been pretending."

[ombranera]

He shrugs. "You wished for something else in this, so I answered you as you wished to be answered"

[mythalenaste]

"I'm not complaining. It's nice. And it's nice when you say lovely things about me. I have a lot of people I can be real with. I like being able to pretend with you."

[ombranera]

"I am pleased to be of service, Stella."

[mythalenaste]

"Are you? I'm not...really sure what you get out of it."

[ombranera]

"Your company? Why does everyone assume I must get something out of something other than the enjoyment of someone I find lovely and interesting? I am free to revel in such things now without quite as much fear as I might have had in my past. Why not take advantage?"

[mythalenaste]

"You...really think that way about me?" Subconsciously, her hand goes to her hair, catching a strand and winding it around one finger.

[ombranera]

"That you are lovely and fascinating? Yes." He lies about many things, but unless he is paid? He does not lie about finding someone attractive.