The Silver Queen [AU]

[NPCs]

"So you placed yourself in danger in order to save another and this merits your suffering?" Dau's tone and demeanor come off as questioning but not dismissive or condescending. He doesn't agree, but he seems to honestly want to hear Isabela's stance on the matter.

[Isabela]

"That's where you're wrong," she says, faintly relieved. "I fucked him because I wanted to. There were other plans we could have tried."

[NPCs]

"Would they have been as effective?"

[Isabela]

She shrugs. "Why dwell on maybes? I wanted to fuck him, so Zevran found a plan that factored that in. I'm no hero or anything."

[NPCs]

"...that is inaccurate," Dau says after studying her for a long moment. "You are not a martyr or highly selfless, but you are a hero," he pronounces with stately firmness, the utterance a proclamation. "You follow not a cause nor ideal but your heart." He pauses a moment. "Which seems to lead towards that merikos drow you were with when you arrived for the most part."

[Isabela]

"That is hardly heroic," she protests again.

[NPCs]

"Loving someone more than yourself, giving of yourself for their freedom, happiness and life is not heroic? Making yourself a woman that most people would say is strong in heart and deed- if they knew the you that you attempt to hide, embarrassed by your own kindness and caring," Dau says slowly, eyes closing as he hums softly.

[Isabela]

"You do hear strange tales here at the Oak," she says gaily, but her eyes are hard. Love? Who brought up love?

[NPCs]

"The wind is a terrible gossip," Dau allows with a faint smile. "I am sorry if my words made you uncomfortable."

[Isabela]

"They're just false, that's all."

[NPCs]

"Oh?" Dau cocks his head to the side. "I am eager to learn. Please explain?"

[Isabela]

"I didn't do it for Lady Olocaryn. I did it for myself."

[NPCs]

"Perhaps- though I would think you could get what you desired for yourself in that action from many other sources. Based on my observations, your shell is what would be considered 'highly desirable' by a wide array of mortals and no few non-mortals. Regardless, I was more referring to your love in regards to your companion, the merikos drow." A slow blink. "But it is interesting you assumed I referred to this lady. Do you also love her?"

[Isabela]

"I... Maybe. That's a difficult question."

[NPCs]

Dau somehow takes on a wistful air. "Tell me what it's like?" he asks, almost pleading.