Blood from Stone [AU]

[Shannon zi'Marass]

"I..." Shannon licks her lips, her dusty ethics warring with the selfish ideals she's been embracing for three years. Gods I want to fuck her until we're both dry and aching. But... "We... we need to have a rather... serious pre-dessert talk but... perhaps somewhere more private and less... here would be better for that."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"We'll pick up cake," she says firmly. "Serious talks go better with cake."

Sighing, she turns back toward the door. "I suppose I had better let you free, before I'm accused of abducting you."

[Shannon zi'Marass]

"The other way around, I suspect," Shannon admits with a wince. "Do... do you have a preference in how this should be explained? I am afraid that... my reputation will not be... supportive of an innocent story."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I took you aside and gave you a right scolding for disturbing my party?" she asks, wincing. "No, I... say rather that we knew each other long ago, and let rumors fly about what type of relationship we have. I have been cultivating the rumors about me for some time now, I can manage this one as well."

[Shannon zi'Marass]

"You... you said you had established yourself as the bastard daughter of a Glalian merchant, correct?" At the nod, Shannon continues. "Then we can use that, and firm your story as partial repayment for bringing so much attention to you. One of the... I have developed the reputation of something that never breaks a bargain or oath, no matter how trivial or loosely given." She laughs lightly. "The Warbound at the Chains of Honor temple know me personally at this point. So. It is know I spent some years in Glaley. While there, we became friends and I made a promise of some kind to you. When I suddenly saw you once more after all theses years, of course I would instantly seek you out in order to make that right before I lost the chance."

[Coquette Blacquin]

She nods. "Good. But be vague about who I am. Say perhaps that you're sworn to secrecy -- in fact, swear to me now that you'll never reveal my identity without my consent, so that it's true enough for a Truthing. That way I can continue to fan conflicting rumors as to my parentage."

[Shannon zi'Marass]

Shannon sinks to one knee, her left hand pressing palm down against her right shoulder. "I, Shannon zi'Marass, do hereby swear to keep my knowledge of the parentage and birth name of the one known to me as Princess Lacebottom unto myself, shared only with Mileen. If I break this vow, may my soul be given to Junon Herself to be used as She sees fit." That is a... rather serious vow, one if made in a sanctum or to a powerful Junite priest or tulwath would have the force of a very weak geas. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette gives a low whistle, then breaks into giggles. "That-- that's perfect, Shan. I lo-- thank you." 

[Shannon zi'Marass]

Shannon rises to her feet, an almost shy smile in place. "I... well, this way I can even repeat the vow if pressed without revealing who I am protecting. I doubt anyone recalls our nicknames to each other. Only your sister knew them, I think, and she was what, five? Little chance of that really."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Then, let us return to the party. We have a lot to discuss later."

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

Shannon offers a more natural smile before the pair step out into the hall. Before they get more than a few feet, a gentle voice gives a polite inquiry. "Is everything alright, Lady zi'Marass?"

[Shannon zi'Marass]

Jumping, the merkios aasimar jerks her head to the slight shadow nearby where Panis is standing, face faintly concerned. "L-Lord Hand?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

Internally screaming, Cindy slams her flawless, porcelain smile on her face. "No trouble at all, m'lord Hand," she says, sweeping into a deep curtsy. "Only a joyous, if unexpected, reunion."

[Shannon zi'Marass]

"La, you gave me a right start!" Shannon says, the slight pause Cindy's reply had given her enough to collect herself. Mostly.

[Panis zi’Ulthlis]

"Did I?" Panis asks mildly. "My apologies then. I was simply concerned, given the speed and... urgency of your departure."