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[illithidnapped]

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crystal.

[tender]

Astarion?

[illithidnapped]

Yes, my dear?

[tender]

Are you busy now? I wanted to speak to you about something.

[illithidnapped]

If I was busy, I wouldn’t have answered.

[Not even for a creature as lovely as her.]

So, before I start begging, go on.

[tender]

Would you ride to Ostwick with me? There's a merchant who needs someone to safeguard him and his cargo, and I can't do it by myself.

[illithidnapped]

Ostwick. [He repeats, in the sort of natural fashion employed when mulling over something relatively unpleasant.]

Isn't that to the north?

[tender]

North, along the coast, yes.

[illithidnapped]

Poor choice in locales, but for you, fine. Yes. I'll play along.

[Still, one pensive beat, before:]

You're certain you're asking the right person for this job? I'm not exactly the bodyguard sort.

[tender]

I think between us we can handle any bandits that come along.

[ however ]

I don't know that we'll find Imperium soldiers along the way, but you think we need one more person, we can find someone.

[illithidnapped]

Nonsense. No point in dragging along another useless body for an errand. It's just—

[His tongue clicks against the back of sharp teeth.] Mmph. Nothing.

How much are we getting paid for this little venture, at least?

[tender]

Riftwatch is getting something. I didn't ask exactly how much. We might get a something for our troubles, if the merchant is generous.

[illithidnapped]

Then we should make absolutely certain we leave him in a good mood.

[Charm him, dazzle him— whatever it takes to win his approval. Shouldn't be too hard in the grand scheme of things.]

And...if a few of his smallest wares happen to go missing...

[tender]

I'm not encouraging you. But I promise I'll make sure I'm not looking.

[illithidnapped]

You sweetheart. [Chuckling through his own teeth with muted amusement. She never fails to surprise him.]

I’ll see if I can’t snag a little something extra for you.

[tender]

I like gold jewelry.

[ just saying. ]

[illithidnapped]

I'll keep it in mind.

Though you might have to settle for silver if he's shit at his job. [Some merchants don't keep anything worthwhile in stock, after all.]

[tender]

I'll make do, if it comes to that. I didn't ask whether or not he was prosperous, only if he was trustworthy.

[illithidnapped]

A mistake you'll no doubt rectify next time, of course.

[tender]

The next time I ask you to escort someone somewhere with me, I'll be sure to ask the Commander if his cargo is something interesting. I promise.

[illithidnapped]

Good girl.

[In the meanwhile:]

I'll be here, whenever you're ready.

[tender]

I'll meet you at the stables.