Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Is... then is this really... the chances, the odds of it are... but... she looks so... "What... what did I gift a young woman one sunrise? An item, what was it?" he asks in a suddenly hoarse voice.

[Isabela]

Isabela doesn't answer with words; she slides her favorite knife, the first knife, out of her hip sheath where she's been keeping it since she found him, and hands it to him, hilt-first. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran stares silently, then his eyes flutter close. "I cannot... you... you made it," he whispers. "You're alive and well. I cannot- I- you are a wonder." His volume goes even lower as he finishes, "there is good. Even there."

[Isabela]

"I looked for you," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "When I became Isabela, I looked for you. I couldn't find you. I never stopped looking."

[Tethras Clan]

"...Isabela?" Zevran says softly, the name a marvel to him. "You... you named yourself Isabela?" 

[Isabela]

"What else?" she asks, with a little laugh. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Anything," Zevran replies with a little shrug, eyes still closed. "You... you look well. What was once promise is very clearly bloom. And you're gorgeous as well."

[Isabela]

"Gorgeous," she scoffs. "Once you recover and get thoroughly clean, no-one will ever notice Isabela again."

[Tethras Clan]

"Tch. A proper beauty does not... obscure other beauties but instead... enchances." He takes a deep breath, then winces. "How long? Since you found me, I feel... more healed than I would expect."

[Isabela]

"I brought in a healer. I suppose you were still mostly asleep," she teases faintly. "We're hiding in her brothel, I suppose she acts as a healer to the girls here."

[Tethras Clan]

"Huh. I think I recall that... somewhat. Young looking girl, dark hair? Pretty in a quiet, almost comforting sort of way with big soft eyes?" Zevran asks, brow furrowing as he tries to recall.

[Isabela]

"That's the one," Isabela confirms. "I told her you were my first mate on my crew."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran blinks. "Are you sure you don't mean 'best mate?'"

[Isabela]

She chuckles. "It's a nautical term, the captain's right-hand man."

[Tethras Clan]

"I'm equally skilled with both," Zevran replies instantly. "But perhaps I should know the name of the ship I evidently help run? Or... anything at all about boats really..."