Imprints in Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

"Yes," she hisses, tossing her head a bit. "Ooh, I could just spit!" 

They get settled in one of the rooms, Ari stripping down so Beth can brush her more efficiently. She leaves her underthings on, but otherwise seems entirely comfortable with Beth's presence as she calms down. 

[Bethany]

The human tries her best not to perv on the poor catfolk, given the mood but... The no hair thing is still a touch off, but I've mostly gotten used to their looks. And damn if Ari isn't a worth looking at. "I was off yesterday... was it this bad then or..?"

[GamesMaster]

"Not as bad, but worse than usual. Yesterday afternoon was when the edict went out."

[Bethany]

"Edict? I heard something, but no details. Something about an attack on a noble's son or something?" Bethany asks as she strokes Ari's back with slow, even movements.

[GamesMaster]

"Ugh. Human politics," she grumbles. "That crazy bitch Rosemary went and attacked zi'Balten's kid to get back at her for the whole thing with Isaac. So now we're all on watch. Something about terrorism."

[Bethany]

"Ro-Rosemary?" Bethany repeats, blanching. "She- she attacked-"

[GamesMaster]

"Heard of her, huh?" mutters Ari. "What a total bitch. Everyone knows you don't attack skins. No offense."

[Bethany]

"R-right. Umm. Well. If you- if you or Don get into trouble, legal-trouble, please use my name? I can convince my dad to pay for legal help. Or do it himself, he's... good at it. Okay? Promise?"

[GamesMaster]

Ari rolls onto her side, studying Beth, then laughs. "As if. They won't catch us. Don't worry. Things'll be tough for a bit, then they'll get better. They always do."

[Bethany]

"But if they do catch you. Or anyone in the Bandanas, ask for help this time? Please?" Bethany asks, no matching humor in her eyes. 

[GamesMaster]

She makes a dismissive noise. "If they did, ain't nobody can help me," she laughs. "But thanks. I really appreciate it, you know?"

[Bethany]

"Then it won't hurt to do it. Just... just keep it in mind, okay?" She won't. She isn't taking my offer seriously. But... but if it happens, then maybe she'll remember, remember and ask. And I'll do it. I will help her, even if none of them think I really would. "Anyway, you want some more brushing? Or something to drink? You should probably relax some more before you have to deal with clients."

[GamesMaster]

She makes a noise. "Don'll probably give me the night off anyway. We don't need cats standing out front. We're already a target." 

That said, she sits up, her laughter fading. "Actually, let's find Don, he might send you home too."

[Bethany]

Bethany's eyes narrow. "Not if he knows what's good for him," the human mutters darkly, a wisp of cold blue light twining around her fingers.

[GamesMaster]

The rest of the mirth fades from Ari's eyes and she meets Beth's, square on. "Go home, girl. This isn't your place. You shouldn't be in the middle of all this."