Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"...you... use candles to denote a meal as... a lunch break?" Zevran asks, sounding both amused and puzzled.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head. "A larger amount of time. Specifically, marking the passage of a year."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran winces a moment, then frowns as he does some math. "I... we have not been intimate for a year as yet... is this the anniversary of our... friendship?" he asks with a touch of guilt in his tone.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head again. "No. This is the one hundred and fifty eighth anniversary of the day this one was found."

[Tethras Clan]

"This one was... oh! Oh, it's your birth anniversary," Zevran realizes. "I... had no idea. I didn't get you..."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene winces slightly. "This one was not born," they correct gently. "And this one does not recall the day they were incarnated. So, the day they were found by humans serves. This one does not normally celebrate such an insignificant milestone but... this one has not had friends with which to celebrate significant ones in the past. Therefore. This one wished to mark the day."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran smiles at Helene warmly. "I am pleased that you wish to do such things with me. I am... I am afraid I am not very familiar with birthday rites in general, much less those practiced by samasrans. Or Alydrans, for that matter. Although clearly there is lemon cake involved."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene blushes faintly. "This is not-- in the village where this one was raised, there would be a simple cake and a candle. The candle would be unburnt, and lighting it would signal the beginning of a new year. The candle would be said to bring luck in the year to come, when burnt for light." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Simple enough. The only, ah, customs I am familiar with are lavish festivities by nobles and much more enjoyable and much simpler parties that were more or less just another night at a tavern with friends, save that one of us does pays for naught all night," Zevran admits. I have never celebrated my own birthday before. Even as a child, just waste was not... possible.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "I have not celebrated since I..." There's a distinct pause, as they swallow back revulsion and contempt, before they say, as neutrally as possible, "came of age."

[Tethras Clan]

"Then I am triply honored," Zevran says, reaching across to take their hand. "Is there anything that I am to do for this ritual?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene smiles, but it's not as warm as it was before. "Only wish me well."

[Tethras Clan]

"Always and every day, my love," Zevran says without looking away from their gaze, his voice gentle and even.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene gives his hand a squeeze, but they look down at the cakes instead of up at his face. "This one mostly does not celebrate. What changes from year to year? This one does not, will never, age."

[Tethras Clan]

"Your shell, no, but your heart, your soul and mind, they age and change," Zevran says softly. "A year ago today, we were not lovers. Two years ago today, we were not friends. Is that not change? I know it is not... perhaps what you would prefer but..."