A Truly Blind Eye

I'm sure you will, Malik purred back almost immediately to the older man, dark eyes regarding his face, taking in each bit of it as he finally flicked his eyes away, the coin back and rolling over his fingers once again. A nervous habit? Did he even have those, one could only find out, since Malik himself didn't exactly know if he did or not -- he'd never been in a situation in which he needed to avail himself of knowing if he gave any tells -- he rarely had to bluff anything. The short answer though, had him nodding, Mm, I see you relish not giving your secrets away, a man after my own heart then.

The smile that graced his face was true, even as he looked out over the crowd gathered for the evening time. He most likely was being studied, read, trying to suss out if there was a vice or an excess within him that could be catered to. But Malik was sure that the man wouldn't be able to slake the thirst he had for a certain Salvo's blood. That would be too perfect, but Malik also knew enough that he should keep up appearances, as he too placed the glass back on the table after he had downed the rest, finding that he rather liked the almost sedative affect it was starting to give the longer it was in his system. It didn't sink him into the chair like some wines did, the heaviness of limbs, no, this left him feeling fine, if just more relaxed.

Not a vintage he would return to, but he would send a thank you gift to the man in the morning for introducing him to the drink -- and once the townhome was set up and secured properly, perhaps he would invite the man over for evening drinks while discussing this list he may have of which of Tevinter's bachelors were in gaming debt. That in itself was a valuable piece of information, and not one he would casually set aside -- both for his personal purpose and what it might be worth to have for some of his.. extracurricular activities. Vrai, I'm afraid you'll find I'm a very minor house, and climbing back from disgrace at that. But my sister is still in need of a husband, and I would be a fool not to accept an offer of friendship, and secure an alliance to give her the best possible match. I don't like the idea of her suffering for my past crimes.

That was honest at least, as honest as he would be this evening. Everything he had said was true, but it wasn't the whole of it. I'll understand if you feel your time wasted, Master Frey, and promise no offence will be taken if you wish to excuse yourself from my company. A smile ghosted his lips, as if he was prepared for Quinn to vanish the moment he could -- it was a reaction many had to Malik once they learned that he often couldn't give them what they sought, or in some cases, refused to. He was still only a minor Lord, through out it all. But if you would like to stay, perhaps you'd indulge me with somewhere more quite.

@Quintilian Frey