<strong>Ashburne - Amberthorne</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/54/29/2e/54292eda7aecbf7e8de1395949b4700a.jpg)<div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Asher Bray</strong></span></div></div>As the decision regarding her priceless offering was left to his lord, Asher resigned himself to watch the answer unfold.  He kept his relaxed position, even leaning some of his weight onto his arms that were crossed on the table as he tried to find some comfort in the used chair.  It just wasn’t in the budget to upgrade, which prompted more interest in what his lover would decide.  Graham rose from his chair, coming closer to retrieve the item and exercise great care as he gave it a thorough look and silently paid his respects.  Knowing the man who had his complete devotion — and his heart — he’d already assumed what that decision would be before the value of the jewelry was keenly appraised.  Some things were invaluable when they offered a connection between previous generations, and if lucky enough, the countless more going forward.  Asher agreed with Graham, and although he’d grown adept enough to keep the emotions from his face in front of discerning company, there was still something a bit telling around the eyes, something that was meant for his lover to espy, and he alone.<br/><br/>Asher was hard around the edges with a soft center; a sentimental fool, he’d disparage.<br/><br/>With that matter settled, Graham returned to his chair without immediately claiming it.  He quieted long enough to gather his thoughts, and the three observers waited patiently until Asher held his attention and gave instructions.  “I have a few favors saved up for such an occasion, so I’ll work on cashing them in.”  Asher would not be able to call himself a worthy protector if he hadn’t made a few connections during his time serving the Ellery name.  Some were paid informants who were known for discretion, but he would avoid using coin to procure her brother as much as possible.  What he needed was a bounty hunter — what better way to find and collect someone? — and he had just the one in mind.  Mental notes were made.  Time was not on their side, so he needed to act quickly.<br/><br/>Graham moved on to give Stanton his instructions, and as he did so Asher glanced toward Meg.  She was curious to him.  A woman of strength, who was determined to not let her circumstances break her, even if it would have been understandable if the opposite were true.  Not many young women had her gumption; she hadn’t failed to surprise him up to that point, and he wondered how she might continue to do so the longer she claimed refuge in Amberthorne.<br/><br/>The glance remained as such, and before it could settle his gaze was fleeting, too quick for anyone to catch on that he was<em>seeing</em>her rather than merely looking at her.  He leaned back in his chair, resting a limb on each arm rest.  The wood creaked under his weight, suggesting it had seated many derrieres in its time and, not wanting the quality material to go to waste, had seen its fair share of repairs.  Asher hadn’t the time for woodworking as he once had, with Ashburne under such duress and its Lord tearing his hair out as if, by doing so, a solution would soon fall into his hands.  A temporary remedy had been, quite literally, put on the table, but the sad state of affairs hadn’t reached such a level of desperation that Graham would take from someone who had already lost everything… and everyone.<br/><br/>Almost as if prompted, Meg made one final argument regarding the trinket; a noble one, and Asher wondered if she was being too realistic, or simply downplaying the significance of the heirloom.  Curious, indeed.<br/><br/>His fingers tapped on the armrests in near-silence as Meg produced the documents and pushed the pile toward Graham in offering.  “I'm sure they will be of use to Lord Graham, in whatever capacity,” he commented, turning that crystal-blue gaze back to Meg.  He waited to see if his partner had anything to add, then started to ask the difficult questions.  “I'll need that information regarding your brother.  Anything significant that would help track him down; physical traits, his last whereabouts, where he might seek refuge, to name a few.”