Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

They shudder again. "Clan," they whisper. "Mia is Clan."

[Tethras Clan]

"Yes... Oh. Oh," Varric says with dawning understanding- and a wince. "No debts doesn't mean you have to forgive her for whatever part she played. Or rather, whatever part Tantra played."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes another deep breath. "Know better," they mumble, quietly. "Surprised. Startled."

[Tethras Clan]

"Yeah." Varric pauses a moment. "Would... may I quietly talk with the Clan and... inform them of how to assist you with your condition? Ways to avoid triggering, how to help with an attack? It'd be no less than we've done with Hawke or Merrill. Or Zevran for that matter."

[Helene Dakesh]

"No!" they blurt, twisting away from him a bit as they shudder.

[Tethras Clan]

"Alright. Can you... walk through me why? If you can't, that's fine too," he adds quickly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Shame," they whisper.

[Tethras Clan]

"...shame's a hard thing to face," Varric allows. "Do you think Zevran should feel ashamed for his reaction to chains?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Different," they mumble, mulish and with a hint of blush.

[Tethras Clan]

"Mmmh. What about Merrill then? Is she something to be ashamed of?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Also different."

[Tethras Clan]

"Expand."

[Helene Dakesh]

"M-merrill is..."

A deep breath, as their hand quivers. "Merrill functions well. This one struggles."

[Tethras Clan]

"...seriously? You clearly don't spend a lot of time with Merrill," Varric mutters. "Seeker, Merrill functions as you say because the Clan gives her a place to function. She... would not do well on her own. She didn't even see why bathing naked in Blossom Park is a bad idea when we first met."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Merrill speaks," they whisper. "Merrill doesn't hurt herself."