The Silver Queen [AU]

[GamesMaster]

Before her date, Isabela needs two things: a decent amount of sleep, and a nicer wardrobe. This infiltration was meant to be a one-night thing, after all; they didn't expect to need more than one really nice dress, though it's not like they can't afford the expense. This time, she comes armed to the teeth rather than just the one comfort knife in her bun. 

It's not easy to break into Olocaryn's manor. Even with the lord out for the evening, Zevran has to slip past guards, servants, and a surprising amount of security to get inside. Getting into his files is likely to prove impossible; if anything's magically warded, it'll be his office, his dungeon, his personal areas. However, fortune is with them: it seems the lord of the manor values his new wife far less than his papers. Her bedchamber has a balcony which, while not having any trees conveniently nearby to climb, has a lock that can be picked from the outside easily once Zevran climbs onto a separate balcony and jumps across.

[Coquette Blacquin]

The bedchamber stands empty, the lady of the house in her antechamber. Unfortunately, he hears two voices: it seems a servant is in there with her, helping her dress for bed. He is forced to wait in the bedchamber for the servant to be dismissed, which doesn't take long.

"Thank you, Tessa. You may go prepare yourself for Master now."

A moment later, the door clicks open, and the lady walks into her bedchamber, wearing a silk nightgown that covers her to the floor. She doesn't bring a lamp, her violet eyes capable of piercing the shadows as easily as if they were well lit. She freezes, her breath catching in her throat, when her eyes fall upon him, and he has a moment to convince her not to scream.

[Tethras Clan]

Well shit. Fuck it, let's just go for it. Flashing a dazzling smile, Zevran bows slightly. "Greetings fair lady. I was wondering if you'd be able to help me find proof your husband is a slaving bastard? It's a tax thing." Death is like a tax, right? Reaching into his bag of holding, he pulls out a flower because, of course he has flowers in his bag. Winking, he takes a half step towards her and offers the cheerful looking daffydil. "But first, manners, no? For you, a mere token to show my sorrow at the abruptness of our meeting."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She doesn't take the daffodil.

Neither does she scream. 

She stares at him, eyes wide like a doe's, hardly breathing, every muscle in her body tense. And... well, she's an elf, and a dainty one, but there's a surprising amount of lean muscle in her arms. Up close, with her in a flimsy, nearly-sheer nightgown, she's not as dainty as he might have thought.

"Drow," she breathes, and that seems to push her further toward flight.

[Tethras Clan]

"Merikos drow," Zevran says firmly. "I was raised on the surface by my human father until his death. Then there was a period of slavery, also on the surface. But I am free once again and currently an adventurer with a habit of rescuing slaves and bringing down slavers. Hence my being here."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Slaves," she says, and her eyes close with something like... regret? 

Then she seems to recover, her eyes opening, her expression growing colder. She keeps her voice soft, but firm. "You must leave. I cannot help you. Ciren bless you, but I cannot help you. Go, quickly, before you are discovered."

[Tethras Clan]

"That look in your eyes," Zevran murmurs gently. "I suspect I am not the only one here who knows the feel of chains."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I have never been enslaved," she says, her voice every bit as firm. "Go."

[Tethras Clan]

"I suspect you are repressing but I suppose it could have been someone else. A friend, a sister, a lover."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Go," she insists. "If you want proof, find it yourself. You got in here, I am certain you can."

[Tethras Clan]

"...very well. But first, is there anything I can do to help you? Do you healing, food... to send word or seek news of someone?" he asks in a soothing voice.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Everyone I love is dead," she whispers, venomously. After a brief pause she adds, "or in Glaley."

[Tethras Clan]

"...an... interesting answer," he says quietly. What with being a newlywed and all. "You did not actually answer my question however."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"You cannot help me. It will be worse for me if you do. Leave. I chose this."

[Tethras Clan]

"Being forced to pick the least evil is not the same as making a choice," Zevran says sharply, then takes a deep breath. "Very well. Is your door guarded?"