Blood from Stone [AU]

[Jassinth]

There's no reply at first, Jass simply bowing his head over his companion. Finally... "When I was younger, I had something of a temper. And I got in more than a few fights because of my skin. My mother always, always, stood up for me, much to her own discredit. Eventually, I could not handle her tears anymore and promised myself I would never make her cry over me again. I just... I know that- if I argued, it would make not matter to her, not all the way here, but... It's just habit, to flee once that is thrown in my face. Or most anything. Better to leave a fight before it starts than to risk..."

[Carver Amell]

Carver sighs. "You... Jass. Do you trust me?"

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke shudders. "I just... I just... I mean... I didn't... I'm sorry," she gives up. "I should go lay down."

[Jassinth]

Jass snorts lightly, then shifts so he can see Carver. "Do you think I speak so freely, tell so much of myself, to just anyone?"

[Bethany]

"No, we should have... I remember the stories from school too. More, I remember the stories the kids told each other, or that we overheard the adults telling. But Jass is a good person, raised on the surface by good people." Bethany strokes Liz's hair with one hand. "We should have talked to you about, instead of just expecting you to be fine with him, with the idea of him, because we were."

[Carver Amell]

"I don't know," he snaps, frustrated. "I hoped not, but you never know, some people are just trusting like that. My point was, if I have to come chase you, I can't help defend you."

[Marian Hawke]

"But," she whispers, shivering again. "But... but he's fine, mostly, except for being really sexual like they are. Why can't I say it?"

[Bethany]

Bethany pauses a moment, trying to figure out how to put this. "It... it wasn't what you said, but more how you said it. You said his race like it was an insult, like it explained everything you disapprove of. He is merikos drow, that's simple fact, yes. But his... sexual, umm, capacity isn't part of-"

[Tethras Clan]

"Ummm, actually, drow are biologically predisposed to being randier." Merrill sounds a bit apologetic, but fairly certain about her statement. "Which isn't a bad thing, just a thing. Like dwarves being short or gnomes liking small furry animals.

[Bethany]

"Oh." Beth pauses a moment, considering that. I wonder if Mal has some drow blood then? Elves are, typically, lower on the libido scale than either of us- or him for that matter- so... Whatever. "Anyway. You didn't really do anything wrong-wrong, just a little rude. Unfortunately, it's a sore spot for Jass. You didn't know, so very forgivable. Alright?"

[Marian Hawke]

Liz whimpers. "Please, I want to go lay down.."

[Jassinth]

Jass gives him a long look, eyes guarded. "Defend me from what, Carver? I am drow blooded. She didn't say anything that was't true, just... too often the start of worse. I..." He jerks a shoulder up. "It's just easier to leave than to hear those sorts of things. I am sorry I... put in you a difficult spot."

[Bethany]

"How about we just sit quietly for a bit and have some tea?"

[Carver Amell]

"Look, I don't remember how much I told you about my sister, but she's... she's not right, anymore. She's damaged. So sometimes she says things that aren't quite..."

He sighs, covering his face with his hand as he struggles to compose himself. "You just have to be patient with her. Tell her gently that she said something hurtful, and if she's going to be mean you'll not be around her. I can do it if you're too upset -- I do this sort of thing a lot -- but I can't if I'm chasing you out here to calm you down."

[Marian Hawke]

Liz whimpers, but folds her hands in her lap, her shoulders slumping in submission as she gives a tiny nod.