Hazelnuts and plaid

[Zevran]

Zevran winces a little as it's made clear that he's unnerved Helene with his reaction. "Thank you, mon plaisir, but I... I think I am settled enough for now." He tries for a smile, one of his easy, almost playful smiles, and fails rather badly. A grimace and he tries again, more honestly. That time he manages it, offering nem a strained but sincere expression. "I will need to do something soon, something that helps, but I can manage for now." I still wish to hurt and kill those that did this to our family but...

"You have a light inside you, a real genuine love of life and sex and all the wondrous ways people relate to each other."


"I can manage," he repeats with more surety. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene studies him a moment longer, but then, apparently liking what ne sees, ne nods, pulling back. "Then, I shall partake of a nap. Please wake this one if this one is needed."

[Zevran]

"Will you?" He rolls his hand at the wrist, realizing he should add more. "Be okay?" Will you have nightmares?

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene gives a sad smile. "This one hopes so. Perhaps Alydra will contact this one during this one's slumber."

[Zevran]

The merikos drow hesitates a momentum which allows Varric to cut in. "Right now, I'm in ask questions and then wait for answers mode so we have some downtime. If anyone needs to rest or whatever."

Clearly seeing right through the admittedly unsubtle offer, Zevran nevertheless nods. "Then, if you would like, I would not mind standing-- being on hand, if you were to receive a vision of some kind."

[Isabela]

"Or," suggests Isabela, "You and I could have a rest ourselves."

[Zevran]

Zevran winces, looking conflicted. As all here know him fairly well, it's not too difficult to realize he's not torn between the two people but rather what he should do. Or perhaps what he should want, what he needs. "Could-- perhaps, if you were-- That is, if neither of you mind, perhaps..."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one's lodgings are too small for four, but this one would not mind transferring to Madam Zevvy's lodgings for this nap instead."

[Zevran]

Zevran's body relaxes minutely and he smiles. "I would be honored to host my ladywife and paramour this..." He suddenly frowns, a confused expression rather than unhappy. "Evening? Afternoon? I have utterly lost track of time."

"Being very well aware of my own foibles on this matter, that does bring up the question of when did you eat last?" Varric asks, eyes narrowing. Zevran looks guilty briefly, then offers an innocent look that fools no-one.

[Isabela]

"Lunch, and then a nap," confirms Isabela. "Helene could probably use some food as well."

[Varric]

"I'll pop up to the kitchen and get some sandwiches and maybe-- no, definitely some fruit," Rosalie decides, nodding firmly as her still blossoming motherly instincts kick in. 

"Good, good. While you do that, I'll--" Varric coughs lightly as Rosalie swings her glare around to him, "go over my plans while I also get some food, then I'll head out into the field to nose around."

[Isabela]

Isabela nods. "Don't push yourself too hard. Remember you have Nox and Lux still to work with if you need a hand, or you can wake us up. I think the next move is on the Guard to charge her with something, anyway."

[Nox]

"Neither of us are especially skilled at spy stuff, but we can run messages, wait in lines for paperwork or pan for gossip," Nox agrees, giving Isabela a smile for her support.

"Particularly that last one," he brother chimes in. "Also willing to seduce for the cause."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene reaches for Varric's hand. "Beinn Varric is not alone. This one has not seen the clan so motivated and whole in some time. This one would be loathe to squander such resources."

[Varric]

Oh gods dammit (emotions, ugh) Helene. Closing his eyes briefly, Varric captures Helene's hand lightly with his fingertips; contact, skinship, but with minimal touching as they both prefer. "Yeah," he says softly. "I--" I'm sorry. So damn sorry. "Thank you," he says instead.