Put that down, it's not a toy

There was no amount of scent that could mask the one of death. It permeated everything, but only those versed in it could distinguish fellow killers. The innocent only felt put off by their presence if their masks slipped. Orlais stank of sex and not even the good kind.

Adaria studied his reaction closely, pleased that her faith in his knowledge had been well placed. Yes, they’ve always been an ally of the crown but his Father Leandro is a difficult bastard. She’d vaguely remembered meeting the man in passing, his harsh and iron grip over his house sullying her opinion of him. Rafael is more… amenable to our cause. While they pose little threat he would weaken my position if our enemies thought him a useful pawn. Plus he had siblings and a mother he cared about, she wished to minimise any collateral fallout possible and informing Zevran of her partiality towards him only further shielded him.

Discussing the potential circus of her nameday was preferable to wallowing in her pity party. His hand against her shoulder earned him a faint genuine smile, drawing comfort from the familiar action her Father would have performed. Francesco really did understand the truth of people's characters, befriending the most unlikely and varied sorts of friends into his circle. The young woman held her breath a moment and after blinking slowly gestured with her hand to create a bubble of silence, sealing them off from prying ears.

It was me. I was the one to avenge my Father.

@Zevran Arainai