Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"...I find myself curious- could you tell me of this... Lord Ollycarn, was it?" This... contrast or whatever it is, that seems important.

[GamesMaster]

"Lord Olocaryn was from Jalzaid; his wineries were--"

Melindre ceases to matter; the masked figure speaks, his voice dark and deep. "He was a crime lord calling himself Ozymandias. I killed him."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran manages to not jump, but it's a close thing. Okay then, that's... a bit terrifying really. "I see. He sounds like... he managed to accomplish a great deal. What of his character?"

[GamesMaster]

"Impeccable. He was a perfect gentleman."

The masked figure opens his mouth to speak, but there is only silence. Zevran gets a flash of a giant padlock, heavy and secure, before it is gone, and the masked figure has receded a few steps into the background.

[Tethras Clan]

I.... A promise perhaps? Some kind of... block on that? But s/he could speak of his criminal activity just fine... Interesting. "Oh? That is strange. Lo-" Zevran clears his throat. "Apologies. Lady zi'Tethras, have you heard of this man before?" Twisting away from their hosts, Zevran mouths, 'criminal scum.'

[Varric]

"I'm afraid so," Varric replies without missing a beat. "Bit of a scoundrel, from what I've heard. Much of his success was gained rather... shamefully you understand."

[GamesMaster]

"Is that so? How dreadful. But, I'm certain that must be a cousin of his or some such. My lord checked his references thoroughly before allowing his suit," Melindre says. 

In the dark realm, she turns her attention finally to her daughter, bringing her attention and aura to bear on her. "He was what you deserved," she says, coldly, in that too-close voice.

"Yes, Mother," replies Coquette, shrinking back a touch. 

[Tethras Clan]

Before he can stop himself, Zevran snaps at Evil Mother. "And what, pray tell, was her crime that she deserved a monster for a husband?"

[GamesMaster]

Melindre turns that pressure, the weight of that restrained wrath, upon him. "She is a monster, born and bred. She needs a firm hand to reign her in lest she disgrace her husband as she has disgraced me."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran flinches a bit, hand unconsciously slipping under Isabela's. "Given that she has you for a mother, I can see why you would think so." This is... uncomfortably close to home.

[GamesMaster]

Shadow Melindre stands -- which is weird, as he can see a transparent ghost of her sitting form still conversing with Varric about Olocaryn. "What are you implying about my person?" she asks, her voice cold, dangerous.

[Tethras Clan]

"Did I imply something? My apologies," Zevran says with a dazzling smile. "You're a bitch. A cold-hearted, status-seeking, uncaring and manipulative bitch. There. No implications at all. Better?"

[GamesMaster]

She studies him for a moment, then gives a single nod, her aura settling somewhat. "As you like," she replies, sitting back down. 

[Tethras Clan]

What. "You... are content with such accusations?" he asks curiously, wary for a trap.

[GamesMaster]

"Why not? You mean nothing to me; you are a foreign stranger, and one with tainted blood. What you see as manipulative they respect here in Glaley as cleverness. What you see as cold, we see as respectful. And what woman does not seek to better her station? Truly, you are as naive as you are crass."