Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Coquette Blacquin]

She closes her eyes, then. "Ah. I'm sorry." After a pause, she adds, "Jade Rose?" The Jade Rose is known for having elaborate slave brands, the most prominent of which is a large rose that would just about fill that blank spot, and for delightfully perfumed and skilled pleasure slaves. 

[Tethras Clan]

"You flatter me," Zevran says with a slight smile, referring to the almost legendary skill the 'Petals of the Jade Rose' are said to have. "But no, a competitor of sorts. My... The... mortal that owned me for most of my enslavement didn't sell slaves. He trained them for his own use, and the use of his allies." His smile turns a touch savage. "I rather enjoyed killing him. Both times. I suspect he rather regretted having me taught that... other skillset."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see. That was well done," she says, smiling faintly. "The fewer of their ilk in the world, the better."

[Tethras Clan]

"Quite so," Zevran agrees in a murmur. "But yes... Especially with the tattoos she was given..." He spreads his hands with a shrug. "How could I not?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"She was not, of course, a slave. What happened to her was worse," she muses. "But... I do see your point, I think. What made you turn to whoring, when you have such a skillset?"

[Tethras Clan]

"I'd rather fuck than kill people," Zevran says simply. "Sex is a wonder, a gift and a treasure. It can be ruined, of course, the same as anything else, but it should be a entwining of passions and a joyous occasion." He grins broadly. "It helps that I seem to have very little ability to feel shame for it. Sex is good, I care little what others think of me for loving it."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"And what will you do if you frighten her? If something you do or say sets her off in the middle?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Depends," Zevran says promptly. "I'd want to talk to her, you, Beth and Varric prior, to get a feel for her mental state, figure out what triggers are known, what methods for calming her have been shown to be effective and so forth. My instincts if such were to happen right now, somehow, would be move a little away from her, give her space. Speak softly but frequently, reminding her where she is, that she is safe. Introduce myself, to try and assure her I am a friend. If possible, get you or Varric to assist."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Hmm," she says, after a moment, then sighs, before smiling. "Alright. I suppose I can let you try."

[Tethras Clan]

"Wonderful- my turn now. Why?" Zevran asks, eyes intent. "You are clearly reluctant on the matter so... why?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Am I allowing this?" At the indication of yes, she continues: "Because Marian deserves better, and Beth seems to believe you will be that. Because she lit up at the promise of it. Because I wish to see her happy, even if..." Even if it's not with me.

[Tethras Clan]

"You have no desire to partake for your own benefit?" he asks neutrally.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I am well contented with the lover I posses. I see no need to court trouble for my own sake."

[Tethras Clan]

"Are you curious or interested at all? In learning new skills or techniques, in having a new experience, if not for the pleasure itself?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I am not a loose woman," she says, a bit curtly. "My lover is a... special case."