Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see. Thank you," says Cindy, simply.


And she does see. The next evening, Zevran drops by for a visit while Marian is playing with Hunter, giving the pair of them the chance to talk alone at the kitchen table as Isabela joins Marian and the dog in the yard.

"It's good to meet you," says Cindy, watching Marian through the window. "Thank you for coming so late. She does better at night."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran's eyes flick to Cindy's hair. "The night can be comforting to some. A blanket, instead of a hinderance," he says lightly. "It was no trouble, I assure you. It is good to see you awake and... less stabby."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"It is good to be awake. Thank you, by the by. I was.... not in a good place, when we last spoke."

[Tethras Clan]

"Understandable. From what we saw... I... I have an idea of what that feels like. Being betrayed by blood," Zevran says with a pained smile. "My father was a good man, and loved me. The rest of my family..."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see," she says softly. "I apologize if I've given a mistaken impression, of course. My blood kin were not... kind, but I did at times have something like family."

[Tethras Clan]

"I understand completely. I have ma'bela now, first and foremost. Beth is a treasure, a delightful little sister- or something close to that. Nox and Lux- twins that work at Shiny Cat- are good and true friends. What is the dwarven word for it? Clan? Not blood but family nevertheless?" Zevran grins. "If those born to love you do not, then fuck it. Find those that will, no?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I wholeheartedly agree. I was lucky in that the parents of a friend of mine took me in as their own. I had something like a brother, but he has passed on. Ah, you saw him, I believe. I have had some few true friends that were parted from me due to circumstance and not betrayal -- oh," she says suddenly, looking startled. "One of them was from Nyra. I wonder if she still resides here?"

[Tethras Clan]

"If you have a name, perhaps I could help?" he offers. "I am not around all the time, but I keep fairly abreast of major names, interesting names. And if I do not, then Varric or his Seeker could help, I'm sure."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"She would be my age, a merikos aasimar. Shannon... Marassi? Something to that effect?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran's eyebrows fly up. "Shannon zi'Marass? Daughter of Lord Holder zi'Marass?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"That's the one. Why?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran waits a moment. "Daughter of Lord Holder zi'Marass."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Yes? Oh, I'm sorry, I don't think we were properly introduced -- I am formally known as Lady Coquette Blacquin, daughter of Judge Harrod Blacquin of Glaley."

[Tethras Clan]

"I'm sorry for your loss," Zevran replies automatically. "But I'm impressed you've risen above your beginnings."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She laughs. "You would be. In any event, we were socially acceptable playmates when she was in Glaley."