Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Deep breaths. Slow but deep. Fill your lungs, not all the way, then hold it for a two count. Then slowly out," Zevran whispers, voice soft and lilting as he deliberately thickens his elven accent.

[Marian Hawke]

She obeys, instinct telling her to trust his voice, trust Zevran. After a few moments, her shoulders slump, and her gaze lowers. "Thank you," she whispers. "I thought I could-- I thought I could handle--"

[Tethras Clan]

"There is no shame in... breaking down a bit from such a thing," Zevran assures him. "Would you like to take a few minutes in a private room to... gather yourself?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Yes." Smaller room, better. Less exposed.

Carefully, gingerly, he gets to his feet, following Zevran upstairs to the room, where she sits on the bed, shuddering violently. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Do you want some water?" Zevran asks, watching the other male carefully. His hair... drow blood. Perhaps even merikos. He... could be like me, at least trying to more than what he is. but he could also so very easily be a spy or infiltrator. 

[Marian Hawke]

"No," she whispers. "I'm sorry -- I thought I was better than this, I-- when I heard you were giving this talk I thought-- but I was a fool."

[Tethras Clan]

"It is not foolish to seek help. To try and... find the way forward, or the tools to do so at least."

[Marian Hawke]

"I have family here," she whispers. "I thought they were all dead. I can't inflict this on them. I thought-- I thought maybe --

[Tethras Clan]

"Do... have you... met them? Before?" Zevran asks cautiously.

[Marian Hawke]

"Yes. Long ago, when I was whole."

[Tethras Clan]

So they know what you are. "And... did they love you then? Do you love them?"

[Marian Hawke]

"That's not enough," she whispers, shuddering. "I can't-- this is-- they don't know what they're getting into."

[Tethras Clan]

"Well... how can they, if you do not tell them?" Zevran asks reasonably. "Perhaps they are stronger than you give them credit for."

[Marian Hawke]

"It's gotten worse since I saw you last," she whispers. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Since... what?" I think I would recall meeting him before. I can recall all two drowblood I have met before now after all.