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WHO: Byerly n Vanadi
WHAT: a stray cat (elf) slides around for a visit
WHEN: Third week of August
WHERE: Byerly's place
NOTES: n/a

[ Vanadi has had quite a week, and would like nothing more than to never think of any of it again. That's probably not very likely, but he can at least find some kind of distraction -- which is the thought that brings him to Byerly's door late in the evening, a bottle of gin in hand. He's not certain the man is home -- or even if he'll be welcome in such unannounced circumstances. Or perhaps Byerly might have company, and not be the sort of man (or it be the sort of company) to want to share. There are a hundred reasons this may not be precisely the best idea, but Vanadi knocks regardless.

He looks tired, with dark rings under his eyes, thought of course there's a certain weariness that's always with him and this isn't so far past the norm. He pushes it aside as he knocks, standing himself up a little straighter, pushing his shoulders back a little more. It had been the charming and flirtatious face that had first set him on the right foot with Byerly, so in the spirit of taking no chances, that's the face he pulls on as he waits for response. ]

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[ Hm? ]

The what? The face? The heartbreaking handsomeness?

Please. [ So that's what it feels like to have it turned on you. He sighs. ] No, the tattoos -- or is it simply painted on?

Oh, that.

[ He puffs out smoke. ]

I think that's a Dalish thing.

[ That means nothing to him, thanks buddy. ]

Ask a Dalish then, is that it?

[ A shrug of confirmation. ]

Athessa's a Dalish, though I'd be careful if you want to bring it up with her - she lost her clan rather young, so it's a sensitive topic. Gwenaelle is elf-blooded, but I would strongly advise you never to say anything of that remotely within her earshot.

[ With eyebrows arching up: ] I don't suppose you know any well balanced elves I might speak with on it?

Certainly not here, in Riftwatch. [ But... ] I've a few acquaintances in Kirkwall proper.

[ He gives that a few seconds of thought ... then waves it off. ]

I feel I should get to know more about the elves of this world, but I confess it's difficult to feel truly invested in them. Those more immediately in front of me are much more interesting.

Like myself, for instance?

Just so. [ He shifts to lean in, face going a little fond. ] What have you been up to? Tell me something good.

Edited 2020-09-27 16:56 (UTC)

Hmm.

[ He's been having a shitty time, truth be told. But - this isn't for that sort of thing. ]

I gave money to some orphans the other day.

[ He snorts, but -- well. Considering what he knows of Byerly, that might possibly actually be true. ]

Did they spend it well? No cheap and temporary thrills, I hope.

What! I gave it to them with the express instruction that it was to be used for cheap and temporary thrills.

How cruel of you, they'll never see better lives now. [ He pauses, considers. ] Well, I suppose there's always becoming an Ambassador.

Ha.

[ Cheeky fucker. ]

One can only hope. I'd adore having someone take my place.

I know you may not believe me, but I'm almost certain you could have turned down the position. Or leave it now, even.

Ah, are you volunteering to take over?

[ This derisive snort should speak for itself, but just in case: ]

I would be terrible with it.

Alas. Know anyone who might be interested...?

I'm afraid I don't know anyone at all, outside of yourself. You're stuck with it, my dear.

Bother. It's good for my ego but quite bad for my complexion.

Is it? I'd never guess, you look really quite good from here.

You flatterer.

[ A puff, and then, abruptly - ]

I think it might be a good idea to introduce you to some of the elves here. I hope it's not offensive of me to say that. I never can tell.

[ He blinks at the change, and watches Byerly curiously. Is this what pity looks like in him? ]

It's not offensive, so far as I know. Why is it a good idea?

[ A shrug. ]

Well, you are not of them, but ignorant outsiders will lump you in with them. So I fear that you will end up suffering some of their mistreatment.