call me beep me

[canavarum]

Who: Fenris [canavarum] and Zevran Arainai [bloodyantivan]
When: After this thread; Mid-afternoon.
Where: Thedaspartment, ninth sector.
Summary: If it were up to Fenris, he wouldn't ask anyone to help him write a thank-you note. But here he is, asking someone to help him write a thank-you note.
Warnings: Does Zevran Arainai count as a warning?


[Fenris is pacing. He's a bit nervous, and that's translating very quickly into agitation - mostly at himself, and a little at the wailing car alarm off in the distance. He needs something to do, but seeing as he cannot just go along with Hawke to fight some spiders or something, pacing will have to do.

He wonders if he can find a sparring partner, someone with an equally large sword. Hmm.

But, really, he has not told anyone of his particularly-- deficiency. No one other than Hawke, at least, and despite saying the Book of Shartan would have been a good start to learning, he never really did. He'd asked Sebastian for assistance occasionally, and he could make out letters. But that was about it.

He considers canceling, considers just going down to the Re-l's office and thank her personally. It's always been enough for him in the past, that particular expression of gratitude. But somehow it does not feel enough. He'd seen the price tags on furniture. The chair she had sent him - and just for him - surely cost a hefty amount of coin.

Dollars.

Whatever.

And so he waits. Pacing. Twitching.]

[ooc | Wasn't sure if you'd prefer action or prose bb so I just...did both kinda haha.]

Comments

[bloodyantivan]

I think the Crows guard their secrets to avoid competition. So long as they are the best, they run Antiva. Why would they change things if they have held the power this way this long? As for my opinion, well... [Zevran shrugs, like it's a little thing. Like Fenris is asking 'cake or pie?' or 'boys or girls?' Oh, that little matter?]

I can't say I'm particularly fond of the part where they enslave children and kill anyone who dares to leave - to protect their secrets, of course.

[canavarum]

Of course.

[The scratch of his pen becomes harsh for a second, a touch of anger.]

Leaving is not an option until someone is dead.

[bloodyantivan]

And yet here we are, very much alive. How about that.

[There's a sweetness to it, a satisfaction. Here, in some place far away, some world like the Fade that they can't escape from, they've achieved something they'd both spent their lives trying to do.

They no longer need to run.]

[canavarum]

Until when? We have no idea when we will return to Thedas. It could be tomorrow- it could be years.

[And Danarius will be right there waiting for him.]

Or perhaps they will come to us. Nothing is so certain.

[bloodyantivan]

You worry too much, my friend. When any of those things come to pass, we shall concern ourselves with it then. Until then, let us enjoy these moments for what they are.

[Beautiful in their own way, like beads of water sliding off blades of grass. Slippery. Shining. Inevitably splattering into the dirt, wasted if not enjoyed.

Zevran has come to realize, though slowly, that he values his life. He has to, living with death so closely.]

How is your hand? I think you may be ready to sign that letter.

[canavarum]

Is it not a valid concern?

[He mumbles that part to himself, mostly, as he regards his writing. The lines become sharper and neater and more practiced as the repetitions go on. He's very pleased. That's his name. Their shapes and curves - all of it are his.]

...yes. I think so.

[bloodyantivan]

Oh, of course. But worry does not look good on your face, my friend. I far prefer your smile.

[Zevran places the letter in front of Fenris, indicating the bottom of the letter.]

Sign your name right there, and I will make sure this letter gets to Re-l.

[canavarum]

[A snort and then a smirk.]

Flattery will get you nowhere.

[He copies down his name one last time, very careful and meticulous, very focused and concentrated, before he finally sets the pen down.]

I-- owe you a great deal, Zevran. Thank you for this.

[bloodyantivan]

It is a gift. [Zevran insists. There is a velvet fierceness to his voice.] One of the few that is within my power to give, unless you should want use of my other skills, or my body, which you have thus far snubbed. [Zevran adds a note of playful confusion to his voice, as if he cannot understand how Fenris can resist him.

He has a pretty good reason why, really, and he doesn't think it is because Fenris is uninterested in men. Most who are state it outright, and Zevran makes a noise of disappointment and... well, usually continues on in earnest just to annoy the man. But it's different.

While Zevran does not really know how to have a conversation without steering it toward sex occasionally, he's almost been enjoying the fact that Fenris never rises to his bait. And not that he wouldn't love for Fenris to rise to his bait at some point... this is good too. It's almost a relief not to have to perform all the time. Fenris expects little to nothing of him, and Zevran need not give anything he doesn't want.

It makes him want to give as much as he can.]

[canavarum]

[His smirk drops to something a bit more contemplative.]

It isn't you.

[He shakes his head and folds up the letter neatly into thirds, trying to give himself something to do.]

But that is another matter. Do you know where the police... station is located?

[bloodyantivan]

I make my business to know such things. The city guards do cut a certain figure in their uniforms. [Yes, he's canvassed the place. And ogled a few uniformed asses while he did it.] I can make sure she gets it - or would you prefer to deliver it yourself?

[canavarum]

[He rolls his eyes...before considering his question. Re-l had the chair delivered to him, but then again, it is much easier to deliver a letter in person than it is a chair.]

Perhaps...it would be more effective if I did so.

[bloodyantivan]

It might be, if you bring her flowers or something with it. [Zevran rubs his chin thoughtfully, mostly for effect.] It would be a very personal gesture, more so than the tendered thanks in the letter. They are a strange thing, letters... there is a sort of distance expected.

I could also find out where she lives, and merely have it delivered there. That way it will be a nice surprise when she arrives home from work one day, or something like that.

[canavarum]

You need not do so much for me. But I appreciate the offer, Zevran. [But the flowers bit brings up another point.] I will try to find something suitable for a small gift.

[Spoilers: He ends up giving her a tar grenade.]

[bloodyantivan]

[As a rogue, Zevran approves.]

Then I wish you good luck. Perhaps she will give you a kiss if she's suitably impressed!

[canavarum]

[Head shake.]

You are not afraid to speak your mind, I will give you that much.

[He doesn't expect nor really want anything more than a thanks.]

Though I have to wonder if you receive such-- gifts of gratitude often.

[Fenris didn't think it was customary to just kiss people when you are impressed.]

[bloodyantivan]

...Sadly, as an assassin, I do not typically experience such gratitude. Everyone is happy to see my work done, but they wouldn't like to thank the man with blood on his hands. [A thoughtful pause.] The Warden gave me those boots and gloves I cherish so, in reward for my service. I have otherwise never received such a gift. I am only hypothesizing - sometimes when I am getting close to a client, there is an exchange of gifts.

[Seduction, in other words.]

[canavarum]

[Fenris nods. Fenris himself has only ever gotten a sword and... book. Which he never read, but he did like to flip through it and look at the illustrations.]

You would know much more than I, then.

[bloodyantivan]

[To be fair a sword is a pretty awesome gift.]

...That is why I'm here to teach you, my friend. [Zevran pats Fenris's shoulder, and takes the letter from him, blowing on the still-drying ink.]

[canavarum]

[A bit of a laugh.]

I wouldn't have thought assassins to be so generous.

[bloodyantivan]

And why not? [Zevran pretends to sound hurt.] I have a very giving nature. Even my marks received the gift of a quick, clean death as often as possible.

[canavarum]

[He shakes his head.] My former master did not seem to regard assassins very kindly. I cannot imagine why.

[bloodyantivan]

Perhaps because Crows have a reputation for moving silently and stocking plenty of magebane. Men like your master die just like any other, once you're past their defenses. [Though a quick death is less than a gift and more of a necessity, lest they bring forth abominations.]

[canavarum]

[FENRIS SMIRKS.]

You certainly know how to make me smile, Zevran.

[bloodyantivan]

Have I ever told you about my first solo mark? That's sure to keep that gorgeous smile on your face even longer. [Zevran tells him the story of the mage woman in the carriage, how she nearly convinced him to spare her life but she fortuitously fell out a carriage and broke her neck.

It's a good story with the right amount of exaggeration and comedic pauses. He has no doubt Fenris will find it amusing.]