Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Varric nods slowly. "So... so either we're supposed to help her admit she's the Scale or that her mother is Elven Leandra. Great. Coquette, you with us?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I... I think so?"

[Varric]

"Brilliant," Varric says, clapping her hands together lightly. "Describe your mother for me?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Mother?" She frowns. "Mother is beautiful. Sweet, good natured, kind in her own way. Regal. Queenly. Imposing, poised, charming, in control at all times."

[Tethras Clan]

"And she never harps about your... husbandly prospects? Your weight? How you reflect on her? Perhaps about your behavior?" Zevran asks pointedly, making sure to focus on Coquette before talking.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"She is concerned, of course. I am her daughter, and I am not... Doing well."

[Tethras Clan]

"She said, directly and without a trace of sympathy or love, that 'you deserved to be married to a monster.' That is not concern, dear Luna," Zevran says gently.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"What? When? She would never?" Says bright Coquette.

"Stop," says Dark Coquette, quietly.

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran pauses, starts to focus, then pauses again. "Back in a moment." Flicking his fingers as if to turn a page, he look at Dark Coquette. "Why? It's clear as day you know the truth, lies or not. Why not admit them? She has no more power over you unless you give it to her."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I love her," she says quietly. "She's my mother. Don't take that from me."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran smiles sadly. "Alas, dear Luna, it is entirely possible to love someone that we know is selfish, cruel and altogether a bad person for us to love. And either way... they are what they are. Lying to herself only blinds you to the damage they do."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Does it matter? She's my mother. She will always be the tree from which I sprung. So why not let me have what comfort I can, now that I cannot see her?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Because if you see the damage, you can fix it. Or at least work around it. Hiding from it just lets it work unhindered." Zevran shakes his head. "She might be your blood but you can chose to... distance yourself. Find new family. Remake yourself."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"What damage? She cannot marry me off again. I have gone from her grasp," says the skeletal Coquette.

[Tethras Clan]

"Really? What damage? Unless you're merikos skeleton, then it's pretty clear at least some of that poison still lingers," Zevran says flatly.