Imprints in Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

"Brianne thinks she can just hide if there's a raid." He sounds momentarily frustrated, claws coming out. "Because her fur's dark. As if they won't take her too. As if--"

He cuts himself off, then. "You've never been raided, and I intend to keep it that way. Go home. You can only stay if you're helping me shut this whole place down for the night, and then you're leaving."

[Bethany]

Bethany stiffens. "Why?" she asks after counting to five and fighting back her automatic ire at being ordered around. "I understand why you and yours have to get out and hide- the guards are being racist pricks. Got it. But why are you worried about m- the rest of us?"

[GamesMaster]

"Because I--"

He cuts himself off, swearing quietly in Catfolk. After a moment, he gets his tongue under control, his shoulders slumping. "You like women. And I cannot be with a skin. But if circumstances were otherwise, perhaps. But they are not otherwise. I care about you, Bethany Tethras, even when you're infuriatingly naive. Go home. Don't be here when they come for my people. I can't protect you and them both, and they have to have my first loyalty." 

[Bethany]

Bethany just... stares.

"Oh."

[GamesMaster]

"Yeah," he says, tiredly. "Can you at least do me the favor of keeping yourself safe?"

[Bethany]

Am I cursed? Is there an actual fucking curse on me that makes every male that l- cares about me pull that same shit? "If you were female... I don't care about your fur," she says softly. "But I understand what it would cost you. So." She takes a deep breath. "Alright. I'll get all the non-cats out safely so you can focus on your tribe. We'll open tomorrow- I'll arrange for more security, just in case." She swallows hard. "Take care of yourself too, okay? And- and if anything happens, please ask for help. Please let me help."

[GamesMaster]

Don nods. "Of course. If I-- if things get bad, can I send refugees to your house? Not Rosemary, but others? Can I send her family? Can I send mine?" 

[Bethany]

"Yes," Bethany says instantly. "Here too, if you need space. I'll warn Merrill to focus on healing spells for the next few days. And lay in extra food and such, just in case." She hesitates, then adds, "Lt. Aveline Vallen and Corp. Andy za'Frane. If you have to interact with guards, try for those two. Work my name in, or Carver's. She's Carver's Vangal mentor and Andy is her... assistant, I guess? She's.... not very friendly, to anyone, but she takes the whole honor and protecting people thing very, very seriously." She bites her lip to prevent herself from babbling more advice.

[GamesMaster]

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "None of those people would shelter us, Beth. None of them ever have before. Being friendly to a couple of cute human kids isn't the same as taking in beasts." His tail lashes twice, but he rolls onward: "I'm going to work on Brianne for a few more minutes, and then I have to care about those who are actually Tribe."

[Bethany]

Bethany frowns. "I didn't- I wasn't saying to go to them for shelter, just... if you get caught or something. I don't know, just- they're the best of the lot I know of. Maybe it'd help for you to know that. Maybe." Wait. "You're not beasts, Don!" she snaps, taking a step forward, eyes blazing. "I don't accept people I care for insulting themselves, understood?" Wonder where she picked that quirk up... 

[GamesMaster]

"Thanks," he says bitterly, walking away.

[Bethany]

Not very far though, as Beth goes right after him. "What was that about?" she demands. "Why are you upset with me?" Again.

[GamesMaster]

"Not everything is about you, Beth," he snaps.

[Bethany]

"I- Sorry. Given that you got upset when I said something, I assumed. I'll talk to Bri. If I offer to host her, I'm sure she'll give. You worry about the others," Bethany says evenly, remindiner herself that he's under a lot of stress right now and to not take it personally. "Good luck, Don. Stay safe."

[GamesMaster]

"You too."

Brianne scowls as Beth starts to walk over, turning slightly away. When Beth arrives, however, she simply says, "I have to work tonight."