Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

After another short pause, Zevran continues towards the ice chest. "The... first terms you used can be... problematic for those for whom slavery is... very much not a game," he says carefully. "It is... more... acceptable to use dominant-and-submissive. At least to start."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," they say, seeming relieved. "This is what this one came to you for. This one is eager to get a second opinion on what is likely merely a dominance and submission game, but may be something more sinister."

Quickly, yet thoroughly, they launch into a description of the situation, leaving off who the people involved are -- but otherwise being generous with the details. They stop just after Merrill accused 'the dominant party' of abuse toward 'the submissive party', pausing to take in his reaction.

[Tethras Clan]

The merikos drow, still wearing his disguise despite Helene knowing his actual race, frowns thoughtfully. "What... the submissive, what is their background? Any history of abuse?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes," they confirm. "A period of captivity, with lasting results. The dominant is meant to be aiding in the submissive's recovery."

[Tethras Clan]

"How did the sub come into the care of the dom?" he asks, a theory forming.

[Helene Dakesh]

"They clung together during a time of shared trauma and hardship, before any healing had occurred."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran nods, a knowing look on his face. "That is... not uncommon. I think the term is... co... co-dependence? Something like that. People that go through... a, as you say, period of captivity, often come to... need that. Slave-skin. Shedding it can be terrifying. Others develop a burning need to control, to assert their freedom." He shrugs a little, trying to focus on the oh so important and delicate process of pouring them both some watered wine. Well, there's water in Helene's glass. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"And so, a relationship built around dependency and dominance?" they ask, voice quiet with terrible understanding. 

[Tethras Clan]

"In this case, I suspect so. It is... a crutch. A way of surviving. Hopefully of buying the time needed to heal in truth," Zevran says quietly. "That is not always the case." He shakes his head. "Say rather, it is not often the case. Normally it is simply... a matter of preference. No more or less than say, preferring one gender over the other or having a passion for painting."

[Helene Dakesh]

"She said... When she was asked if she was abusing her submissive, she said..."

Helene takes a deep breath. "She drew herself upward and said, Absolutely not! What kind of woman do you take me for?!"

[Tethras Clan]

That gets a wince. "All things considered, I suppose that was... disquieting to hear Cindy say," he allows, handing them a glass of watered wine. "Did she sound... Was it automatic? A knee-jerk reaction or did it sound like cover? A formula she recited to stall?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"I'm afraid... This one is not capable of judging such. But this one was put in mind of her Delve."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran nods again. "That is why I asked," he explains. "It could be just that she was mouthing the... phrases she was taught as a child, a mask coming up to cover while she recovered from a shock. Or she could be an icy bitch."

[Helene Dakesh]

"How does one tell the difference? How does one... ensure the safety of the submissive? Of this one's almost-child?" There's a new pleading note coming into Helene's usually too-even voice, a hint of fear.

[Tethras Clan]

"Outside of invasive divinations?"Zevran muses slowly, sipping his own drink, unwatered elderberry wine. "Contact. Familiarity. With both of them," he clarifies. "If, if, Cindy is an abuser as you fear, then her being aware that we all know will put her on edge. In most cases, this will cause her to attempt to restrict access to Liz, in order to keep control of her."