crystal.

[byblow]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Alistair
RECIPIENT: Everyone around the Gallows
WHAT: A survey
WHEN: Nowish
NOTES: This is only partly my fault

[ Let it be said that Alistair has backed down from all manner of challenges and dares and weird games of chicken, if they were stupid and he wasn't in the mood, but also let it be said that he hasn't backed down from this specific one. ]

I know we're all very busy preventing the world from ending, but if I could have a moment of your time for some important questions—

First, I need to know what sorts of things you consider good-looking, in a man, generally speaking. It doesn't matter if you're attracted to men or not, before anyone feels the need to explain their love lives to me. I only need to know what sort of man-faces you think are pleasant.

And then I need to know if you think Byerly Rutyer is good looking enough to make up for not being a nice man.

And he'd also like to know how much money each of you have. I think that's important for you to know before you answer the nice man part.

Comments

[elegiaque]

Your decency.

( it sounds like a joke. )

[coquettish_trees]

It is mutual gladness.

Do tell me who I am speaking to, who has such a level head on her shoulders?

[bouchonne]

My decency.

[ He sounds massively happy. ]

Let me speculate. You heard me speak - realized I was a scoundrel - and questioned Alexandrie on why she would ever have been entangled with a wretch like me.

[elegiaque]

I've been in the bed she's in, I can guess.

( primly. )

But I consider her in all ways a more reliable source than some old drunk. I consulted her opinion.

[bouchonne]

[ Hey. ]

Hardly old. I'm not even a decade your senior. In any case, you oughtn't have consulted her.

[elegiaque]

I didn't mean you.

[bouchonne]

[ Oh. ]

Well - good.

[elegiaque]

How old are you?

[bouchonne]

As I said, not even decade your senior. Thirty-three.

[ is it creepy he knows how old she is? here's hoping no. ]

A perfect age - I'm young and vigorous still, but old enough that most people have stopped believing that I'll ever get married or have children.

[indissection]

Sidony Venaras, of Nevarra City.

[swordproof]

I find strength attractive. Determination. A kind heart. [ A frown. ] I have not met Byerly. Is he those things?

[heirring]

[What's wrong with the outfit she arrived in? It's her very best one and she's exceptionally fond of small red flowers of the pattern. Other than, of course, the fact that it's hardly fashionable in Thedas. However that's the world's fault and no fault of the dress and petticoats, which are stubbornly lovely.

--But the rest at least lies so close to her own thoughts as to be immediately sympathetic. By Gods, she is eager to dispense with the Inquisition's clothes.]

Oh, I couldn't. [Said with all the air of 'But please, dear Alexandrie, force me to.'] I'm sure your lady is talented without compare and the fabrics gorgeous and the offer is very kind, but I'm afraid my pocket wouldn't support it. But when you have her by next you should have me over too so I can watch the whole process and look at everything so that when it can, I'll know exactly what I want.

[heirring]

Oh, he's dreadfully determined. Downright relentless.

[rowancrowned]

Strong cheekbones, hair longer than his shoulders at least, a confident set to the shoulders. The suggestion of laughter lines at the eyes. An archer's build.

[ how can you say elven without saying elven. ]

Byerly seems clean enough. Is he seeking to court within the Inquisition? We have a shortage of dowered ladies here.

[swordproof]

From the tone I think that is, perhaps, not an attractive trait.

[chainlightning]

Who?

[bouchonne]

Now, this comment is hurtful. Fair lady, you are cruel.

[bouchonne]

Maker's breath, no. I'm just looking for a charming companion who can pick up a bar tab. I'd sooner have my throat cut than be wed.

[rowancrowned]

[ ??? ]

Has Ambassador Amsel neglected to pay you?

[heirring]

I suppose it depends on the amount of effort you feel like putting into steering it.

[swordproof]

A relationship shouldn't be effort, no matter who may be involved.

[chainlightning]

I'm sorry, I just have no idea who you are.

[heirring]

Oh not at all, fair lady!

[At once, she has become more genuine. Making fun of Byerly is one thing; this is an altogether different matter.]

Shouldn't it be the thing with the most effort involved? Not that I'm encouraging you to put effort into a card like Mr Rutyer of course as it's important to recognize a lost cause when you see it, but surely the person you want to love should be the one you spend the most time on. That only seems right.

[swordproof]

Yes, of course, but it shouldn't be exhausting. It should not be a battle. Not that kind of effort.

[heirring]

Certainly not. But you know, sometimes it does look that way, doesn't it? From the outside, I mean. Exhausting. Don't you find that to be true - that lots of married people seem to be so, where one of them seems to be carting around the other one and doing nothing but bickering but at the end of the day you know they must actually be quite fond of one another. And surely there must be something rewarding to the challenge. I imagine it must be like testing one's strength.

For some people, obviously.