Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"That's an important position as well. You're the first line of defence, one of the key people that screens who ends up here," Zevran points out smoothly.

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, sure," he says bitterly. "But Brianne and Beth always tell me to stand way back so I don't scare off clients, so I don't get to screen anyone. I want doorguard."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran cocks his head to the side. "Sounds like you need some lessons on how to charm. Consider it the social equivalent to a feint," he adds before Carver can scoff. "Something to distract your target and allow you to land a hit. Or ask the right question, get the right read off them."

[Carver Amell]

"I'm no good at that stuff," he says bitterly. "That was all..." Marian. 

He shakes his head. "Beth reads people pretty good. And I hit them real hard."

[Tethras Clan]

"You do not have to be an expect, merely proficient," Zevran points out. "The goal is simply to avoid giving offense- until you wish to give offense."

[Carver Amell]

He wrinkles his nose, but agrees. "I guess."

[Tethras Clan]

"Look at it this way- you can only protect your sister if you are nearby. You will not be allowed to be near her, unless you are able to void preventing people- including her- from sending you away."

[Carver Amell]

He nods. "Yeah, I know, but I hate it."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran looks directly at Carver, then in a bland voice, replies, "tough. Learn or give up."

[Carver Amell]

He bristles. "I said I would, didn't I? What, I'm not allowed to not like something? Fuck you."

[Tethras Clan]

"You don't have to like it, but if you continue to hate it, you'll always suck at it. And if you can't learn diplomacy, then one day, you won't be around when Beth needs you," Zevran says simply.

[Carver Amell]

"To hell with you," he snarls. "I'm going to hate it and I'm going to learn and one day I'm going to make you eat those words."

[Tethras Clan]

Got some fire but... "Best learn to harness that temper, lad," he comments, tilting his head to indicate how the whores are now eying him warily.

[Carver Amell]

Carver turns to look at them, then back at Zevran. "Good. The more people worry I'm going to beat them, the more they'll leave Beth alone."

[Bethany]

"Excuse me," a furious voice whispers from behind Carver. Zevran shakes his head a little, bows, and moves over to the whores to resume their lesson. "Did- did you just threaten my friends? People I promised to help and look after?"