Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"Absolutely not," Varric snaps. "That Danvers place is a cesspit, a glorified prison and torture house used by the Glalian nobles to house their unwanted." He takes a deep breath. "Sorry. Just- it's come up, tangentially and... it's bad. I'd've hesitated to send Leandra there."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shrinks back. "Understood," they say, quietly. "This one is unaware of any other program nearer than Drasslina and... this one does not want to be away from home that long," they say, shyly. 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric takes another deep breath. "Yeah, I'd miss you too," he mutters. "What... kind of program are you looking for?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is..."

They fidget, again, glancing toward Avato. "This one underwent conditioning to-- ah, perhaps conditioning isn't the right-- this one underwent intensive therapy treatment for this one's..." defects is likely to get shouted down too. "idiosyncrasies."

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

"Based on Madame's Zevvy's reaction, I believe that conditioning was more accurate, Seeker Helene," Avato offers helpfully.

[Tethras Clan]

Varric hums softly, eyes locked on a spot over Helene's head. "Really? Maybe describe it, I'll toss my opinion in the ring."

[Helene Dakesh]

They take a deep breath. "This one was sent to Drasslina when this one's condition became unmanageable, and this one could no longer assimilate into society. This one was entered into an intensive program designed to retrain this one's mind to develop better strategies for coping with this one's condition so that this one no longer required long-term housing and storage. This one nearly completed the program before this one was forced to leave in order to carry out this one's calling. This one is having struggles once more, therefore, this one seeks out a similar program to reinforce the lessons learned."

[Tethras Clan]

"...what kinds of lessons? And... how was your mind... retrained?" Varric asks lightly. That all sounds very nice (like there's something special about thinking the same as everyone else), but... it wouldn't hurt as much (like Hawke trying to talk about her brother) as it clearly does if it was as helpful as they wish it to be.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one underwent tested, proven training techniques," they say quietly. "This one knows that this program is the only known way to achieve these results in a condition such as this. This one... did not enjoy the process. But this one cannot argue with the results."

[Tethras Clan]

"Watch me," Varric mutters in orcish. Another translation might be 'I will prove my correctness with the blood and bones of my opponents' but most would say that's a bit too much reading into the nuance. "You want to head over and talk with the Doctor right now? We have a few free hours yet, and I know him so I can introduce you."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene blanches. "If.... if Varric... if you think it's best." A brief pause, then a firm nod. "Yes. This one would prefer to have both Beinn Varric and Avato present."

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

"I would be delighted to assist in any manner I can," Avato says brightly. "Shall I gather your things then or shall we be returning here afterwards?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Just some leftover lamb stew for dinner, but you're both welcome," Varric tosses in.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one would be glad to join Beinn Varric for dinner," they say, giving a small bow. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Need anything before we get there?" Varric asks as he quickly sets about finishing off the last of his lunch.