Blood from Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

Something painful in Liz gives way; she writes down 'bisexual', 'female', and 'female', and tries to blink back the tears that engenders. It's fine. I'm just confused. It's what I am.

[Tethras Clan]

So it falls to Merrill to ask. "How do you know?" Her tone is curious and a little tentative, unsure but fearing this is another thing that normal, healthy-brained people just... know. She ducks her head, studying her paper. 

[Bethany]

"That can be very complicated Merrill." Bethany bites her lip gently. "I guess you just... compare how you are to what people consider female and male for your species and... see what matches best. Male, female, neither, both or something else."

[Jassinth]

"Some people just... go by their gut." Jass offers his own opinion, looking at Carver with darting, worried eyes. "My shell is male and I am comfortable with it. And most, if not all, of the social expectations of being male. So... I think of myself as male. I think... Well, I am Uryll's through Raplin, but I have made some study of Ciren as well. And I like Ciren's church's approach to it, of allowing people to express themselves as they wish."

[Carver Amell]

"It bothers you," says Carver softly. "Someone calls you the wrong thing and it's wrong. You're not that thing. You're something else."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Divination spells also work," points out Helene, in typical Helene fashion.

[Tethras Clan]

"Wouldn't that just get whoever you asked's answer?" Merrill's brow is furrowed and her voice thoughtful. "Couldn't they get it wrong?"

[Bethany]

"Well, yes, but most of the time the deities are pretty accurate." Bethany offers her brother a sympathetic look. "I think... I think Carver might have the best answer, given things."

[Tethras Clan]

"Call me things?"

[Jassinth]

Jass grins, approving of Merrill's very straightforward approach to things. "Merrill, you're a lovely woman, a fine man and a delightful..." He stops, not sure what to use for the other possibilities. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has discovered that when both options feel wrong, that is the best indication of a status like this one has."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill considers it for a long moment, head tilted a little to the side. "I think female. I mean, it's probably not best tested when I'm ready for it and such but I already feel bad about have tiny tits. Being called a man doesn't help."

[Bethany]

"Then female it is." Bethany nods firmly.

[Tethras Clan]

"Yay. What do you call it when you don't care what bits or pronouns a person has as long as they're nice and pretty and smell good?" The female elf pauses, then realizes she should be more clear. "I mean for sex and cuddles."

[Marian Hawke]

"Bisexual," says Liz quietly.