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

[heirring]

['A sordid history.' 'The scions of Tevinter!' How legitimately awful.]

Oh, Alexandrie-- say at least this Lord Loki treats you kindly. There should never be any reason at all to tolerate a man's disrespect on account of him simply being good looking.

[coquettish_trees]

[ Quite affectionately, and with a surprising amount of softness: ]

Very kindly indeed.

[ and then, immediately afterwards, breezy again: ]

Byerly has not been giving you trouble, has he? He is a terribly flippant man with awful manners but I have never known him to be truly unkind.

[heirring]

[Well that, at least, is something. But wherever Loki is, he should presently be feeling a cold chill down the length of his spine; suffice to say, Wysteria will be doing her research.]

Oh, not at all. [It's her turn to be breezy, though she carries it off with far less ease.] He's completely rude and the height of irritating, but utterly harmless.

[coquettish_trees]

Good. I should be very cross with him otherwise.

[ For all the good it would do. ]

[heirring]

I'll let you know should anything change then. Gods forbid I let any such opportunity slip between my fingers.

--But oh, do mind yourself Alexandrie. I would be terribly heartbroken were you to find yourself at the mercy of some scoundrel. I'm sure Lord Loki is perfectly fine company for you, but it doesn't hurt to say. You're good and true and I couldn't stand if anyone were to hurt your feelings, I would box their ears myself no matter who they were or what they might be Lord over.

[coquettish_trees]

[ aww ]

You are far too sweet to me and I hardly deserve it, but that shall not prevent me from happily taking to my heart your offer of supportive fisticuffs should I find myself in such a position.

[ ...Assuming she had not previously enthusiastically agreed to it, of course. ]

Of course I shall be glad reinforcements for you as well, should you find yourself being so bothered.

[heirring]

[Imagine here, were they in the same room, a most dramatic clasping of hands and an accompanying ardent gaze.]</small Then it's agreed. Though sweetness has nothing at all to do with it; only that you have been very kind to me and I would prefer to see that kindness returned.

[coquettish_trees]

Ah, but I find the very desire to see kindness repaid with kindness sweet. I come from a rather unkind world, you see.

whoops, sure did break some html

[heirring]

[Fair enough. There's certainly enough war happening in every bloody corner of this place.]

Then I'll accept the description. But only this once.

oh nooooo

[coquettish_trees]

Then I shall solemnly promise to never again apply it.

[ Verbally. ]

Now, enough about terrible things such as the quality of Byerly's countenance and potential scoundrels who are to be summarily punished for their villainous behavior. There are matters of true import to be discussed, such as when you shall have time to come and see my seamstress to choose fabrics and have measurements taken for something that fits you as it is meant to.

Truly, if you are forced to rely any longer on the outfit you arrived in and the [ if ever innocuous word turned to insult, it was this: ] 'wardrobe' provided you by the Inquisition—not a stitch of which is your fault, cherie—I shall hurl myself into the sea.

[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.

[coquettish_trees]

Do let me help you recover some of what you are used to before you resign yourself to relying upon the pittance that the Inquisition provides, cherie. You may consider it a favor to me, if you like. It would so lighten my heart, after all.

[heirring]

You are far too sweet a friend, dear Alexandrie. I will allow it only as a favor and with the promise that I'll soon repay it in some kind.

[coquettish_trees]

Far be it from me to refuse you the opportunity to rid yourself of feeling of debt, however much I may be desirous that you do not think it one. You may consider your promise gladly accepted.

[heirring]

Then it's all agreed and settled. Name the day whenever you like and I'll happily join you.

[Armed with twenty questions about a particular magister.]

NOT HERE

[hwaaaitsme]

[Meanwhile, in his study, Loki feels a chill and rises, begrudgingly to close a window. He certainly hopes nobody is researching him right now.]