Andor Hallvard
That man, the Templar, had been Blodwynâs companion from before. Indeed, what was a Templar doing with a Blood Mage? They didnât mix, that was one thing, and Blodwyn had avoided answering his question to what was going on. A brief frown passed his expression, but it was gone before anyone could take wind of it. He knew that Valen had been the one to take the elven girl away, but what had he done? Andor muted his doubts. The Akritas family was a well-respected family of slaversâhe was sure he would have handled it with grace. There would be no need to worry.
However Blodwyn excused herself along with the Templar, with only increased his suspicions. Were they really a couple? A Templar that held her in contempt? It didnât seem too likely, but all options should be thought through, whether on the battlefield or a palace ball.
Andor met Valenâs narrowed gaze with his own cool, distant ones, retaining his perfect composure, not at all affected by his distaste. âAnyone can see that your sister is beautiful,â he said courteously. âBut mark my words, I am a man of honor.â Though his voice was polite, there was an underlying edge of steel embedded into it. He understood that one could be protective of a sibling, but a hidden threat towards the General of Orlais would not be appreciated or taken so lightly by him or the palace. And yet he did not express anger or displeasure, as he was not a man to do so. Like he had said before, he could merely be in a foul mood because ofâŠthe weather. Yes.
âI am surprised to see you are not participating in the dancing,â he said nonchalantly, expertly changing the subject to a more general one. âI believe I have seen you dancing with many a beautiful woman in other balls. What makes this one so different?â
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Ceallach Norrenddare
Ceallach blinked at the money but took it, a slow smile spreading over his mischievous face. âYou should have told me before that youâd pay, milady.â He watched her leave, smiling as he pocketed his newfound moneyâif only more garters would snap! He would gladly fix them for a coin or two. He began to wander once more, searching for more good things to eat. There was commotion about, but he paid it no mindâeven nobles could get drunk, right?
Well that was what he thought until Blodwyn hurried over and spoke to himâsomething about lyrium. His eyebrow quirked a bit but he nodded at the mention of the brutish Templar. âUnderstood,â he told her before taking his leave, weaving amongst the crowds quickly but not too noticeably. This was very natural to himâstealing things and going unnoticed. He walked down the hall, stopping by the storage room where their things had been stored. His brow furrowed slightly; it wasnât like the two siblings had brought only one bag each (he would know, he packed their things).
Nevertheless he had sensed that this was an emergency of some sort so he began to rummage through the bags quietly, searching for a bottle that would contain the lyrium potion. Being a mage, he supposed that Blodwyn had a supply of it for entering the Fadeâor something like that, but he was sure this was for the Templar, not Blodwyn. He didnât really like the way how he had yelled at Blodwyn, but he supposed that if she wanted him to get it, he would.
At last his fingers caught ahold of a clear flask with the processed lyrium inside, and Ceallach lifted it up to examine it under the dim light. He had heard that regular, unprocessed lyrium was very dangerous to humans as well as elves. He sure hoped there was no mistake about that. He stood and tucked the flask into a fold of his clothing, sneaking expertly back to the ballroom. He found her walking with him, trying to calm the Templar. He quickly made his way to her, slipping her the bottle. âHere, this is it, isnât it?â Ceallach found himself looking strangely at the Templar; he seemed to be in a strange mood, like he was drunk or something of the sort.