Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"A sensible decision," Aveline says approvingly. "Then just the last question. Why? Why have you done all this? Why put yourself through all this danger and hardship, for almost a decade? And alone for most of it, with no help or support."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She takes a deep breath, then another. Finally, looking Aveline square in the eye, summoning up the courage she can, she says softly, "At first it was Mel. I failed her -- I couldn't let anyone else go through that. As time went on, I came to realize that... the Shields are flawed. They don't exist to protect the innocent; they exist to maintain order, to keep the status quo. When the city, the status quo, is broken, they uphold the brokenness; they can never fix it, can never enact change themselves. There's something sick in Glaley, something wrong, and no Shields or Spears can ever make it right."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline flinches a little, the skin around her eyes tightening. Still, she lets Coquette finish. "I... I do not know Glaley, only rumors and reports. So I shall not argue with you on the matter. I... I would like to know, but you do not have to answer as it was not in our agreement but... do you think the same of here?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

She hesitates. "It is... not as bad, I think. People seem... happier, here. Less.... But to some degree it is there. I have been keeping a close eye on how the Catfolk are treated."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline sighs a little. "Well, that's better than I might have feared. Thank you. I do agree that the tensions between Cattown and those as-" She clears her throat, her political side catching her. "Those assuming that catfolk are all thieves and worse is becoming more and more worrisome."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She nods. "Do you have further questions?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline thinks a moment, then nods. "One more and again, you need not answer, though I would take it as a favor. What do you plan to do next? In regards to your vigilante career and cause?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I... I don't have a plan. At this point I'm trying to do what my heart tells me and figure things out."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline shakes her head. "Sorry, I wasn't clear. I was simply asking in general. Are you going to continue your, to be blunt, unlawful activities? Will you openly work as an adventurer? Retire? Join the guard outright?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I planned to continue, yes. For better or for worse, this is my life now and I can't imagine doing without."

[Tethras Clan]

"Past tense?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I...." 

She shifts, looking away. "Until yesterday, my plan had been to die. So... I do not know."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline goes very still. "And is that still your plan?" Her voice cracks out, an demand. There's no reminder that Cindy does not have to answer this time.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"No," she says, her voice very small, almost fragile. "I can't do that to Jaina."

[Tethras Clan]

Thank Ciren for Her gift of family. "Good. That's... good then. I hope in time it becomes more than just her pain that keeps you here."