Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Hmmm. Well, perhaps Varric can make introductions- he's the newest Holder so..." Zevran shrugs a little. "Have you sent word to your family- real family- in Glaley as yet?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"No," she says, frowning. "Not that I've gotten to Nyra. I mentioned I was safe in Raplins Oak so they did not believe I was dead."

[Tethras Clan]

"Something to think about," he replies easily. "Family is worth preserving if you can."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Perhaps I shall." She has a sip of her herbal tea, making a bit of a face at the odd, minty flavor. "So. Forgive me if I am being forward, but Bethany had proposed, ah, making a purchase as a gift for her sister and myself."

[Tethras Clan]

"I'm not surprised- Bethany is clearly over the- ah, very excited that is," he says, changing his comment partway through as he recalls the details of Merrill's... issue. "But why are... ah. A gift of pleasure, I take it?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Yes, quite. It seems Marian did not have the best experience with her previous male beau."

[Tethras Clan]

"And you wished to peruse the menu, so to speak?" Zevran asks with a wink, clearly unoffended.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I wanted to know who I'd be dealing with before I let anyone touch my Liz," she says, her voice icy.

[Tethras Clan]

"Protective are we?" Zevran replies, grin shifting from charming and playful to approving. "Then go ahead and ask what you wish."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Why do you worship Ciren?" she asks, turning her gaze to him finally.

[Tethras Clan]

"Because life without passion is empty," Zevran says simply. "Love, devotion, loyalty, family- it's all passion in various forms. It's all joy."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She studies him a moment before asking, "Why did you help me?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran considers it a moment. "In truth, I did not. I helped Liz's friend, not you, if you understand. I might have helped if a stranger had asked on behalf of a stranger, but... likely not. But Liz... we only traveled together for a short time, but she was... memorable, for many reasons, many personal. And in addition, as I said, Bethany is a friend, so..."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"So for the sister of a friend, and someone you met briefly, you went to those extremes?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran shrugs. "A good friend and someone that I... sympathized with, yes." He smiles faintly, eyes sad. "I assume you have noticed my tattoos, of course?" As he asks, he tugs his shirt out of his trousers to show the conspicuously blank spot around his bellybutton. "This is where the brand used to be. As I said, some of the reasons were personal."