The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Marian Hawke]

Calm down?! Someone's preying on my sister! But she knows the truth in Beth's words, so she swallows the feeling, plastering on a sickly smile. "Fine. Let's go somewhere private."

[Bethany]

"Thank you," Beth says softly, looking far more grateful than the simple accommodation warrants. She takes a deep breath, looking around. And flushes at all the people staring at them- only a handful and some in number, but that's basically everyone able to see them. "Right, let's go." A few minutes later, they arrive back at their cart, a few dozen yards from the village. Vigile hops up on the cart, silent but watching. 

Turning to face her sister, Beth lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. "Alright. Go ahead and blast me," she says tiredly.

[Marian Hawke]

But Marian rubs her temples, looking away. "Dammit. This isn't-- I just want you to be safe, Beth. Do you know how common it is for Drow to send their merikos bastards to the surface to kidnap slaves?"

[Bethany]

Looking a bit off-balance when the expected tirade fails to occur, Beth sags a little. "Yes. I do know. I... I was eleven when I first met him. He was... he was bad off." Beth hesitates a long moment, unsure, then winces. Damnit, stop biting your lip, dumbass! "Can I trust you?" she finally asks in a whisper. "I... I mean, I guess it's less... sensitive now and- but- gods."

[Marian Hawke]

"Of course," she says quickly. 

[Bethany]

"I... we never talked about it. Never said the words, either of us," Beth says quietly. "But he... I know he worked for J-Jadan. Bodyguard and... maybe more. But he hated him. Never said it outright, he never did or said anything that would cross the line. But he was too quick to help me, to mention what... he was up too, when he would be out on business. To comfort and talk to me. I was wary at first, when I realized, but he had so many chances to betray me and never did. He..." Beth swallows thickly. "If it wasn't for Zev- and Vigile-" she adds, glancing at the pavitra, "I wouldn't have been able to get away... that last...

[Marian Hawke]

She turns this over a moment, frowning slightly. "It's still possible," she concludes, after a long moment. "He could be grooming you or... or he could have meant you to end up somewhere different. It's also possible Jadan is in disguise, could be the handler -- a drow, or merikos, and Zev is his bastard. But it's possible he's on the up and up. I just... I just don't want you mixed up in some plot You've been through enough."

[Bethany]

"The ages wouldn't work unless he was full drow," Beth says quietly. "Well, unless he had Zevran when he was like twelve or thirteen. But Zev... he's... he keep me sane. Made me happy. He introduced me to Ciren, sent me on the path to conversion. I mean, it was Joyous Seline that actually do the rite for me, answered my scripture questions and so for but Zevran started me on it. He got me books and scrolls to learn my magic, my music. He helped me sneak out to take lessons and see plays, readings, concerts. He..." Beth blushes a little. "Taught me other things, including help with a medical condition that could have been a real issue if my first lover was less skilled."

[Marian Hawke]

A medical condition...? Marian nods. "I hope you're right. I just... I'd just hate to see you like Carol."

[Bethany]

Offering a lopsided smile, Beth nods. "I- thank you," she says softly, posture softening. "It's... nice. Having someone worry about me. A little annoying and strange but... nice And maybe nicer for it being strange. Zev and Shannon look in on me sometimes, when they can but..." She shrugs a little.

[Marian Hawke]

"But they're not family." says Marian, nodding. "I understand. I didn't... ever expect to have family again. It's a nice surprise."

[Bethany]

Beth shrugs a little, then steps closer with one hand extended towards Marian. "I suppose that might be it," she admits. "Hopefully one day..."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods, taking Beth's hand. "Yeah. We'll see."

[Bethany]

"I worry about him. I- like I said, he helped me escape with Ca- err, Storm- and... he has to suspect Zev didn't try as hard as he could have," Beth whispers. 

[Marian Hawke]

"You really think he'd put himself in danger for you?" asks Marian, quietly.