Stone's Throw

[NPCs]

"It seems to this one that receiving properly researched and ethically guided treatment in the first place would..." Sage coughed lightly. "My apologies, that was rather forward of me, Mediator Helene."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene colors a little. "My apologies. Was I-- did I miss some portion of your guidance that would have sent this one elsewhere? It is very like -- I was very young..."

[NPCs]

"Hmm? Oh, no, nothing like that, Seeker," Sage rushed to assure nem. "While your life's journey is of note to... us, we try to interfere with oracle's as little as possible."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene relaxes a touch. "Ah, good then. This one apologizes for any and all misunderstandings caused by this mortal one's inaccuracy with predictions."

[NPCs]

Sage regarded nem for a moment, then commented slowly, "Seeker Helene, you are in the ninety percentile of prophets in regards to accuracy. And that despite having a form of prophecy that is specialized for impact, not detail."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Actually, I have penned a number of theories on why the form of prophecy I have been granted may have actually shaped the accuracy of my results, rather than being an innate property of the conduit--" Ne blushes, wincing a little. "You did not come here for a lecture on what is likely a subject you know more intimately than I. You have my sincerest apologies."

[NPCs]

The Ancient One merely smiled at nem. "I've enjoyed your thoughts on the subject, particularly your second paper: Memetic Cognition Analysis with a Focus on Subconscious Osmosis via the Dream Realm. But perhaps I can nudge you towards a few studies and papers related to the subject that might help hone your theories."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene lights up like a winter solstice tree, all decked in mage lights. "Oh, yes please!" It takes nem only a few seconds to pull out a sketchbook and pencil, and they faithfully jot down everything the Ancient One dictates. 

[NPCs]

Once Sage finished reciting the seven papers and books, he paused. "Ah, wait. Cross the second to last one off; I forgot there aren't any copies left on the Material Plane."

[Helene Dakesh]

Rather than cross it off, Helene makes a note. "I have sources off-plane," ne says casually. "It may or may not be a problem."

[NPCs]

Sage coughs into his fist. "I see. Well. As an aside, prudence and caution-- and fire resistance-- are forms of wisdom. Just some non-specific advice."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene smiles, and then that smile softens into something genuine and kind. "My husband is an alchemist. I am certain he can procure anything I need for travel."

[NPCs]

"I am well familiar with your husband's deeds, yes," Sage replied with a nod. "He is a credit to his profession."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Isn't he? So brilliant, and so... so passionate, when motivated to be so."

[NPCs]

"Very methodical and thorough," Sage chimed in, revealing some of his own preferred traits.