A/N: As promised, part two.
Social Butterfly, Part II
"Adaron," You say to your brother, "How's training of our new spies coming along?"
"Quite splendidly," Said Adaron, "I must admit, they proved terribly frightened at the prospect of wielding blades and killing people, but months of training helps hone their psyche and talent. A few more months, and we'll have our first spies."
"Nice to know we won't be lacking in the espionage field any longer," You said.
"True, but we will need to expand our spy network as our city grows," Said Adaron, "No taking chances."
"And then we have the arsehole Chantry clerics, and their arsehole Templars," You said, "Of course we won't be taking chances. After all, the only good Templar is a dead Templar buried six feet into his fucking grave."
Adaron snorts at that.
"In any case, you're officially my spymaster now – I need someone handling all my spies and underground connections," You said, "I'm counting on you, brother."
Adaron smiled, and said, "I won't disappoint."
Reward: Adaron becomes your Spymaster (+3 Intrigue, +2 Martial, bonus to espionage and spy recruitment rolls)
IIOII
Keeper Shiaranni, leader of the Dalish community, greets you with a gracious and courteous nod as you enter her quarters, serving you a cup of fresh, piping hot tea, the sweet fragrance a pleasant sensation to your nostrils.
Her First Alras, however, gives you an icy glare that ruins the mood and worsens the taste of your tea – something Shiaranni is quick to notice.
"Alras," She said to her First.
"Hmph."
Standing up abruptly, Alras gave a bow – utterly mocking in its nature – and left without a word.
"Do pardon Alras, he's a good boy at heart," Said the elderly Keeper, "It's just… he cannot trust Humans at all – past memories and scars do that to a person."
"I see," You said, "I'm not going to pry, since that's the case."
Shiaranni nodded in gratitude, and said, "I suppose we've never really talked like this since we first arrived on your doorstep; we Dalish are often mistrustful of Humans, given our past history with the Andrastian Chantry."
"I am aware," You said, "I myself cannot trust them; old hags who do nothing but control the people through this thing called religion."
"You dislike the Chantry? I wasn't aware," Said Shiaranni, "Even though you have an existing Chantry within your town?"
"That's for the people – believers they are," You said, "Not me; I can't trust those slimy Chantry mothers."
"So you're an atheist, then?" Asked Shiaranni.
"No, not atheist, agnostic," You replied, "I still believe there is some higher power, watching over us all."
"I see," Said Shiaranni, "I was wondering why you never attended the weekly masses at the local Chantry, anyway – I thought you the type to worship privately at home."
"And let's not forget the Templars," You said, "I recall having to eliminate an entire strike team that threatened a Dalish Clan wandering in my territory."
"You actually went ahead and killed a group of Templars on your own? Just so that you could protect a Dalish Clan?" Said Shiaranni in surprise, "Wait a minute, was it Clan Sabrae you saved?"
"The one and only," You nodded.
"Of course! Why didn't I think of it earlier?" Said Shiaranni, enlightenment dawning on her, "Our clan maintains strong relations and frequent communication with Clan Sabrae; they once sent us letters of how a Human noble valiantly marched to their aid, slaying all Templars and saving lives! And it was that same noble who even sought the blessings of the Elven Gods by Keeper Marethari!"
"I wasn't aware I would be held in such high regard," You remark.
"But it explains so much!" Said Shiaranni, "I know it's late, but you have my thanks – and that of Clan Veleya – for saving our long-time allies."
"You're most welcome, Keeper Shiaranni," You replied, shaking her hand, "In any case, is there anything else you and your people need?"
"Well, we are not wanting for food and shelter, and thanks to the herb garden in Saltrock Keep, we Keepers have ample supplies of reagents for all sorts of alchemical mixtures," Said Shiaranni, "Though, if I might have a request?"
"Let's hear it," You said.
"Well, two requests, actually: we need Ironbark trees for material for our weaponry and armour," Said Shiaranni, "Right now, the only Ironbark trees in Ferelden exist in the Brecilian Forest, but it's a long way from here, and with more Elves wanting to volunteer as soldiers, our blacksmiths are facing supply shortages. If possible, could you retrieve some saplings? We can nurture them into full-grown trees with our magic."
"If I can, I will," You replied, "So what's your other request?"
"A winery for our people," Said Shiaranni, "I know drinking wine is a luxury, but with how secure many of us feel here, some wish to settle down as vintners and grow their own grapes, brew their own wines."
"Is that so? I admit, I am curious as to what Dalish wine tastes like," You said, "I cannot build right now, due to how hamstrung our budget is, but I'll build one when I can."
"Of course," Said Shiaranni, "And thank you for listening to my requests."
"It's my pleasure," You said, "After all, you are all citizens of Salthaven – just as Humans and Dwarves are."
Just outside of Shiaranni's quarters, Alras eavesdropped on the conversation, and having heard all that was said, he had the face of a conflicted man.
Reward: Can now build a Dalish Winery and get Ironbark saplings – Shiaranni will reward you for each request fulfilled. Alras is now fully neutral towards you, and Shiaranni is now friendly towards you.
IIOII
And now, finally, it was quality time to spend with your faithful mabari, Sif.
"Come on, boy! Fetch!"
Throwing a stick, your faithful hound ran ahead with great enthusiasm and vigour, catching the stick in its maw before running back to you.
Congratulating him for a job well done, you gently pat his head said, "Good boy. Missed having fun like this, didn't you?"
Sif barked affirmatively and jubilantly in response.
"Just as I thought," You said smilingly, "Here, have a snack."
Sif eagerly bit into the snack and licked your fingers, and you turned to see Morgan approach the two of you.
"Seems our little boy Sif's having a fun time," Said Morgan, "Has Aedan been good to you, boy?"
Sif barked happily at that, running around her in circles.
"You know, I've actually been thinking," Said Morgan, "Why not we bring some more mabari to Salthaven – including some females for Sif to bond with?"
"Thinking about rearing a litter of puppies, eh?" You asked.
"Well, why not?" Said Morgan, "I figured Sif deserves a happy family of his own?"
"What about us, then?" You ask with a knowing smile, "Would you like a large family of our own?"
"Aedan…!" Said Morgan with a blush, "One thing at a time…"
As if understanding, Sif barked humorously, though he does adopt a protective behaviour as he licked Morgan's cheek.
Reward: Sif's trait (There can only be one) is replaced with: There are Two (Sif is bonded to both Aedan and Morgan, and shall accept no one else.)
A/N: That's it for the interlude.