Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Isabela]

She laughs. "Not to worry. I don't have a ship at the moment. I'm... still working on that."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran his eyes to peer at her a moment. "Fair enough," he decides, closing them again. "How... tell me about yourself?" he asks hesitantly, as if unsure of his right to do so.

[Isabela]

"There's not much to tell," she says, hesitantly. "I'm an adventurer, nowadays. I had a ship, the Siren's Call, but it was stolen from me. Well, more like, there was a mutiny, but I don't tell people that part. I'm saving up to buy another, collecting good people to be on my crew once I do. Between adventures, I waitress, take on odd jobs. Today I've taken a job as a whore, I suppose."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran tenses a little. "Why- why would yo- to pay for me? For my- no, I can't accept that," he grunts, forcing himself upright.

[Isabela]

"Lay down," she barks. "You're still hurt. Rest. I'll keep you safe, no matter what." After a moment, she adds, "And it's really no hardship."

[Tethras Clan]

"I will not- not use your body, use you as barter," Zevran hisses, the heat and steel in his eyes in sharp contrast to his pallour and slight trembling.

[Isabela]

"You're not. I am." Her voice is sharp. "Nobody owns Isabela but Isabela. I fuck where I please, and if I choose to take on work, that's my decision."

[Tethras Clan]

"I-" Zevran reaches up to press a hand to his temple. "And... and I have the right to not want you do sell yourself for me. I have no issue with whores. I..." He swallows. "Sex is worship, is passion, is... joy and... I see no reason why one should not be paid for it, if they wish. I just..."

[Isabela]

Her eyes fix on his hand. "Are you still dizzy?" she asks, softly. "Does your head hurt?"

[Tethras Clan]

"...a headache," Zevran admits. "I do not... I feel a bit... hip-something to ask, but you wouldn't happen to have any food or water? It has... been some time since..."

[Isabela]

Isabela jumps to her feet. "Of course. Here, I'll see what I can scrounge up." She's gone in a flash, returning a short time later with a pitcher of water and a glass. "Here, let me help you up, I've found water right away but I'll have to go out to get a meal." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran winces from his sitting position. "I... do not think I can stand easily, not without help. Unless you do not wish for me to eat you in bed? Eat in your bed, sorry, brains all foggy."

[Isabela]

"No, that's fine, I just wanted to make sure you weren't still lying down," she admits, as she turns to the bed with the now filled glass and sees that he's sat up. "Sitting up is fine. Here, drink slowly. Can you hold the glass alright?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Yes." Zevran reaches for the glass, then grimaces. "I... could you... could you drink some of it," he asks quietly, needing the level to be lower so it won't spill from his trembling.

[Isabela]

"Of course." I know it's not poisoned, but if it makes him feel better... She takes a large gulp of it, then hands it back.