Blood from Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene stares, open-mouthed, frozen in fear. This.. is familiar. They've seen this behavior before. In a dream. Or, rather, in the sort of waking dream that is a Delve. 

From Lady Blacquin.

"I-- I need to go, I'm sorry," they stammer, standing abruptly. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Strong-willed, aggressive, and assertive," Merrill replies promptly. "A bit sharp tongued, curt and cold when it suits you." Brushing that aside, she turns to Helene. "Tuiste? What's wrong?" she asks in auran. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"I have to go," they repeat, and, clutching their stomach, stumble out of the room, out the front door, and toward home. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

In Gnomish, Cindy whispers, "Not-a-cat, follow?" She manages to make the words sound like a curse as she gets to her feet. "I'm so sorry, I have no idea what's gotten into... Are they well?"

[Vigile]

Vigile's ears flick back and he lets out a yowl of displeasure, as if annoyed at her rapid rising, then streaks out of the room. 

[Marian Hawke]

Liz shrinks into herself a little more, clenching her hands to prevent them from trembling. What is happening? How did this all go so badly so fast? I was-- it was fine, everyone was having tea and then-- and then--!

[Tethras Clan]

"Helene does not react well to emotional distress or conflict," Merrill replies absently, studying Liz. "Liz? Liz, how are you feeling right now?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I-- I don't-- I don't understand why-- what did we do wrong," she whispers, shivering. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Nothing," says Cindy, a little more sharply than she meant to. She reaches to place her hand over Liz's. "Hey. Do you need a moment? It's okay."

[Tethras Clan]

"Taking a moment is good," Merrill agrees, voice low and soft. "Do you have a relaxation mantra or routine?" 

[Marian Hawke]

"Yes," Liz whispers, bowing her head, letting her long hair fall in her face to hide. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

Cindy rubs her back soothingly. "Will your stepparent be alright?" she asks of Merrill. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Dad's home," Merrill replies. "Tuiste will head right for him I suspect." She studies the pair closely. She's not really that good at reading people, not naturally. But she's been trying to learn.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I see." Cindy sighs. "Your accusations are spurious. There is nobody in this city who loves my Liz more than I do. I would never, ever hurt her."

[Tethras Clan]

No flinching or anything... Actually shifted towards her a little. So... "Okay. I'm glad," Merrill says simply. "Hurting people that love you is the worst thing in the world."