[The alternative 'It's a book,' being equally obvious before the paper might even be peeled away.]
Higgins was a linguist and a poet based out the Chantry at Starkhaven. I don't find his verse particularly remarkable, but that [with a nod to the parcel] is work worth reading.
[That being 'Poetry of the Trade Tongue', a rigorously researched volume that is part linguistics and part philosophy centered on the development and use of language both across the Marches and in relation to their more far flung trade (pun intended; Higgins writes with a certain good humor) partners.]
[ Madi carefully unwraps the parcel while he's explaining about Higgins, a smile dawning on her face as she thumbs through the pages. ]
Thank you. [ Soft and heartfelt, because whether he realizes or not, this is now the only book she owns that isn't leagues away on an island near Seheron (or wherever the Maroon island is).
[What else is there to say? Nothing, maybe. Here is an opportunity to cede smoothly back to the subject of Antivan trading and leave this delicate little sense of something like sentiment tucked between the pages. Instead—]
You might also consider seeking out Madame Baudin. Riftwatch's local poetess, and something of an insightful reader. [This requires a disclaimer. He hesitates only a moment over it:] Tell her I said not to be such a cunt.
[ Her attention doesn't immediately snap to his face. Rather, it shifts from the book in her lap to the floor until she determines that yes, he did just tell her to convey that message. Only then does it rise to Flint with mild trepidation. ]
I trust she will understand the sentiment regardless of how the message is worded.
[Something very small flexes behind the shadow of his beard. Not a smile, just some easing of tension as settles fully into his chair. Now then, it might as well say. Where were we?]
[ Madi sets the book aside and mentally makes a note to obtain a gift for Flint, regardless of what he said will make them even. After a lingering look of fondness at the book, it's simple enough to pick up where they left off. ]
Would Tantervale and Starkhaven follow Kirkwall in banning Antivan goods? What about Wycome? As I understand it they import quite a lot of Antivan wine.
Wycome does present a challenge. Tantervale and Starkhaven both might be expected to follow—
[He pauses, midsentence and only half settled back into his chair. A slight frown catches at the corner of his mouth, a drifting thought finding purchase. In the grand scheme of things, it's a very brief pause. In Flint' lexicon, any hesitation whatsoever merits attention.
And then he breathes in, a short sound, and continues. Whether it is in some alternative direction from his original trajectory is difficult to parse.]
Were the Chantry to make some declaration regarding the trade of goods to its sworn enemy. I imagine that would be leverage enough to considerably alter the landscape.
[ A slight nod, listening, understanding, considering. Reviewing what she knows, what she doesn't know, what she needs to know in order to provide any useful input. ]
And we are not in a position to demand such a declaration, [ seems a safe assumption, though her tone is part questioning, seeking confirmation. ] Are we?
Demand? No. We aren't in the position to demand much of anything from the Chantry.
[However is written in the tip of his head, the rising line of his brow--]
Orlais must recognize that it would be in their best interests to sever trade to the forces in Val Chevin, to say nothing of interrupting the flow of goods into the Imperium along the Northern trades. If anyone is to convince Beatrix that such a move would be in support to her war, it would come from there. We have connections there, be it through the half dozen nobles on Riftwatch's roster or as allies to the Inquisition and Orlesian forces. An appeal to one of them might echo.
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[The alternative 'It's a book,' being equally obvious before the paper might even be peeled away.]
Higgins was a linguist and a poet based out the Chantry at Starkhaven. I don't find his verse particularly remarkable, but that [with a nod to the parcel] is work worth reading.
[That being 'Poetry of the Trade Tongue', a rigorously researched volume that is part linguistics and part philosophy centered on the development and use of language both across the Marches and in relation to their more far flung trade (pun intended; Higgins writes with a certain good humor) partners.]
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Thank you. [ Soft and heartfelt, because whether he realizes or not, this is now the only book she owns that isn't leagues away on an island near Seheron (or wherever the Maroon island is).
But then she looks somewhat sheepish. ]
I didn't get you anything.
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I had it already. The paper was an afterthought. [It hardly counts.] We can discuss it once you've finished and be even.
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[ The simple pleasure of discussing literature is one she hasn't been able to indulge in for quite a while. ]
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You might also consider seeking out Madame Baudin. Riftwatch's local poetess, and something of an insightful reader. [This requires a disclaimer. He hesitates only a moment over it:] Tell her I said not to be such a cunt.
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Is this a code, or a general sentiment?
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She speaks her mind.
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I see.
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I trust she will understand the sentiment regardless of how the message is worded.
[Something very small flexes behind the shadow of his beard. Not a smile, just some easing of tension as settles fully into his chair. Now then, it might as well say. Where were we?]
no subject
Would Tantervale and Starkhaven follow Kirkwall in banning Antivan goods? What about Wycome? As I understand it they import quite a lot of Antivan wine.
no subject
[He pauses, midsentence and only half settled back into his chair. A slight frown catches at the corner of his mouth, a drifting thought finding purchase. In the grand scheme of things, it's a very brief pause. In Flint' lexicon, any hesitation whatsoever merits attention.
And then he breathes in, a short sound, and continues. Whether it is in some alternative direction from his original trajectory is difficult to parse.]
Were the Chantry to make some declaration regarding the trade of goods to its sworn enemy. I imagine that would be leverage enough to considerably alter the landscape.
no subject
And we are not in a position to demand such a declaration, [ seems a safe assumption, though her tone is part questioning, seeking confirmation. ] Are we?
no subject
[However is written in the tip of his head, the rising line of his brow--]
Orlais must recognize that it would be in their best interests to sever trade to the forces in Val Chevin, to say nothing of interrupting the flow of goods into the Imperium along the Northern trades. If anyone is to convince Beatrix that such a move would be in support to her war, it would come from there. We have connections there, be it through the half dozen nobles on Riftwatch's roster or as allies to the Inquisition and Orlesian forces. An appeal to one of them might echo.
no subject