Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Isabela]

"You can't have gotten all that from the way she's braiding that girl's hair," Isabela asks, sounding astounded. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran chuckles. "I've made a point of chatting with the girls when they stop in to check on me. I mean ogle me."

[Isabela]

Isabela nods. "I did a little digging. This place is... not the sort of place I'd have patronized, but from the inside it seems fine. Brand new. We'll see how it goes."

[Tethras Clan]

"Focus on Bri and Beth, I think. They seem to be the ones in charge," Zevran comments lightly, then winks. "Time for my medicine, it seems. Stay safe, ma'bela."

[Isabela]

"Isabela is always safe," she says with a grin. But damn does it feel good to hear that.

[GamesMaster]

The next night the brothel is open is a bit of a thing. As predicted, more guards show up; Don offers them half off immediately, making a big show of how pleased he is to see them, and that seems to cow them into not demanding a freebie, though the merikos dwarf doesn't return so it's hard to know if they're just less brash than he. 

(Carver spends the whole night muttering to himself at odd intervals about pretty men and how it shouldn't be allowed, dammit)

The following Working Night is Bethany's turn in the rotation again. Don warns her that even he's heard the rumors about how good their newest two whores are -- so he expects a lot of business tonight. Carver and Beth arrive early, Carver already jittery, only to walk in on some sort of class going on in the front room...

[Tethras Clan]

"Remember, the trick is to not worry about what the object is, just what type of object it is," Zevran says, his back to the newcomers. "If it has a point, then that's easy- stabbing is always effective for mortals. Aim for soft spots- throat, belly, eyes, bits, armpits, mouth and tits. Tits, bits and mouth won't do much damage, but it hurts like blazes. If the object is hard and large enough to have a bit stick out of your grip, go for the temple- not the forehead or top, the temple, here." He taps the side of his skull, just between the eye and ear. "Or a joint- elbows and wrists in particular, though knees can work well. If it's heavy and small, use it as a weight to make your punches hit harder. Face, gut, bits and throat. If it's soft, wrap your hand with it and enjoy the ability to hit full force without hurting yourself as much. Glass, as you might imagine, is great fun as it allows you to make one or two strikes with hard, then follow-up with sharp."

[Carver Amell]

Carver drifts closer, eagerly soaking up the information. Fighting dirty might not be a very Paladin thing to do, but it sounds like he could teach me to keep Beth safe even when I'm not armed. And not having to find unbonded weapons is... Worth it. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Alright! Pop-quiz! Everyone- you too lad- grab the nearest object! Now! Don't hesitate, just grab something!"

There's a second of shock, then a flurry of movement as people scramble.

[Carver Amell]

Carver, of course, grabs the illegal knife in his boot, ready for a rumble. Because he's like that. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran glances over his shoulder and chuckles. "A bit obvious but if you do have a weapon... well, we designed them for a reason. They work better than things not designed for killing. Tish, good pick," he calls out, nodding at the merikos gnome girl holding her hair pin. "Most males won't consider that sort of thing a weapon, won't be looking for it. And it's entirely possible to wear that when you're not wearing anything else. Elle, pillow can work, mostly for smothering, but you reached right past a glass vase to get to it."

[Carver Amell]

Carver flushes a little -- even he's not sure if he's more embarrassed or proud. 

[Tethras Clan]

After giving a few more instructions, Zevran slips over to Carver. "Interested in joining in?" he asks with a winsome smile.

[Carver Amell]

Carver stares up at him with an intense look in his eyes. "Teach me how to protect my sister."

[Tethras Clan]

"Your sister... ah, yes, of course, the ever so lovely angel of mercy," Zevran says, nodding. "Truly a wonderful woman."