Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Coquette Blacquin]

She stills. "Well, it is truth, even if it is unpleasant."

[Tethras Clan]

"It was also wrong, by the way. Hunger makes you weaker." The merikos drow elf shrugs a little. "It is up to you- and her- if weakening, hurting, yourself is worth the other effects. Personally, I would rather exercise more or follow a strict diet than go for the easier but harmful solution of starving oneself. Or a loved one. Regardless, did you have any other questions about your BDSM lifestyle? I offer lectures at Shiny Cat a few evenings a week, I could have Beth let you know the topics, see if any catch your attention."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"That may be wise. I--"

She blinks, then, rubbing at her head faintly. "Why do I know that word?" she asks herself. "I can't recall... just that I don't wish to be associated with it. Regardless, if it's somehow connected to this lifestyle, I need to know what I can of it. I wish to do this correctly."

[Tethras Clan]

"There are... some that cannot- or will not- see the difference between certain kinds of BDSM kinks and abuse or slavery. They are different, just the same as a theatre play or sparring is different than lethal combat," Zevran says firmly. "A bit of light spanking, with the full and eager consent of all parties, is not at all the same as slapping your partner to cow or threaten them."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"And yet I feel very strongly otherwise. So. We shall see."

[Tethras Clan]

"And you've no idea why?" Zevran asks, mind flitting back to the imposing lock in her mind that they hadn't done anything with. Repressed memories of abuse perhaps?

[Coquette Blacquin]

"No, I... I think I've heard of this before. Of people being abused in this way, being broken and controlled. So many people I've saved blurred together, perhaps it was a slave I rescued?"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran shrugs. "Like anything else, if divorced from empathy, compassion and ethics, it can be used for great evil. It's very possible someone did such things to slaves you freed, yes."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Regardless, I shall be attending some of your lectures. And so shall Liz." She glances back out the window, smiling to see Hawke laughing. "This has been good for her, I think. I was trying to get her to Nyra -- I just didn't anticipate being unconscious when she finally took those first steps."

[Tethras Clan]

"A strange mix of pride and sorrow, no?" Zevran asks, a knowing tone to his voice. "Loving, celebrating that they were strong enough to take those steps without you, but painful, to have missed them. And, at least a little, disappointing. Almost frustratingly so. That after what you did for them, you were not there for that moment. Were not a part of it."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"But I was. Part of it, I mean. If I had died, I would have been proud that my life could be used to help her succeed. I am very, very glad I did not die," she adds, quickly. "But everything ends. Death comes for us all someday. Without me, i'm not certain she'd have come here at all."

[Tethras Clan]

"Most of the time, that is enough of an answer," Zevran agrees lightly. "And that is pretty good, no?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"It is. The rest doesn't matter. If sometimes I think unkind things, I can forget them without harm, so long as I do not act upon them."

[Tethras Clan]

"Fair enough," Zevran says with a laugh. "I shall be sure to tell Beth to pass on the schedule. Let me know when you'd like to talk to ma'bela and I with Marian about our Night of Delight."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Will do. Thank you."