Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"I... possibly? I'm not really a healer, so... I've seen a lot of... unusual behavior from people when they're recovering from trauma. Everyone has their own ways and methods of coping," Zevran replies with a slight shrug. "I can't say that I recall you doing anything that... stood out as particularly strange. Certainly nothing that offended me."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Then, then nothing needs to be said."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran hesitates, looking uncertain. "...if you're sure," he finally allows. "If there's something that... bothers you or... Well, I am pleased to listen. Always."

[Helene Dakesh]

Still they hesitate just a little longer -- just a little too long. "Zevran?" they ask, after a moment. "This one has questions."

[Tethras Clan]

"And I like sex," Zevran says instantly. He grins. "You know I love your questions. Passion is passion, my love."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene doesn't smile, instead shifting a little. "This one has not had much practice with relationships. This one would like to understand the rules around lying."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran cocks his head to the side. "That... can be a bit of a mix. Assuming you mean for us in particular? Or do you mean with someone else?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one does not understand how the rules for lying in relationships differ from the rules for lying in polite company."

[Tethras Clan]

"Ah. Well, for our relationship- two people, adults, that love each out and wish to live under the ideals of our Clan, there aren't any required 'polite lies.' You can tell me anything you wish in private. It is true that some things you might say could upset me, even hurt me, but that doesn't make them any less true. And I have come to very much endorse this life of honesty and openness between trusted loved ones." He shrugs a little. "You do not have to share everything, but there is nothing you cannot share."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene fidgets. "Query: what happens if this one confesses something that.. changes Madam Zevvy's mind about... living arrangements?"

[Tethras Clan]

"How about... Okay. Here are the list of things that would make me do that: you support slavery. You support sceleratis in a non-redemption fashion. You rape someone. You... torture people- actual torture, not BDSM. You deliberately hurt a Clan member in a permanent fashion without significant remorse and attempts to make amends. You..." Zevran bobs his head from side to side for a moment, then shrugs. "Kill babies? Anything like those?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Judging by how pale Helene is becoming, the answer is clearly no -- but they shake their head anyway, when his list is complete, their head snapping back up to see his face. "No, absolutely not!"

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran spreads his hands. "I had assumed no, of course. But perhaps your concern does not seem so worrisome now?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This is... a different type of concern. This one..."

They shift a little, glancing to the bookshelf again. "This one has... there was a facility, in Drasslina. A facility like... like Summerhill."

[Tethras Clan]

Like Summerhill? That sounds good, the more of those that- wait. "You don't... when you say like Summerhill, do you... mean similar in intent or... approach?"