Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one was asking for clarification because... by a strict definition, I may never have had sex." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Well... there is no completely accepted definition," Zevran says with a slight grimace. "My own definition would say that... there are a few criteria, to qualify something as sex. To start, everyone must have given informed consent or it's rape instead. Enthusiastic consent is prefered, mind you. For another, sex requires at least two partners. After that, you need one of the following. If any partner achieves orgasm because of another partner's direct actions. If any of those involved are penetrated by a cock, flesh or otherwise, or tongue somewhere other than the mouth. Fingers are... borderline. Or... other appendages, I suppose." He shrugs. "But there are many, may different opinions on the matter. And my own shifts and adapts as I grow and learn and just feel differently, sometimes day to day."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, slowly. "Then-- this one has had sex, at least once." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran nods slowly. "Would you... be comfortable telling me about it?" He pauses a moment, then reaches up to brush their cheek. "Perhaps together, on the cot? Or we could move to a room? If you wish," he repeats.

[Helene Dakesh]

"The cot is acceptable," they say, taking his hand to tug him over to it. Once situated, they curl up beside him, closing their eyes. 

"This one and the one known as Sharran were... intimate, on a few occasions. But, there were rules in place to protect Sharran. This one did not undress fully. Sharran only rarely undressed fully, and only once allowed direct genital contact. She.. closed her eyes, and pretended her body was as she wished, while this one performed acts upon her. It... was uncomfortable for all involved." 

[Tethras Clan]

Oh you poor souls... "That... was... that was sex, but... not good sex," he says gently. "You should have been made a delight, not something to... tolerate." He slips an around around them, fingers stroking their upper arm slowly. "If and when you wish it, I can show you how it can be," Zevran offers softly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"A... delight." There's an odd tone in their voice, almost bitter. Disgust? "This one, this body, is not... delightful. This one would not want you to..." They pause, struggling to find words. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Why not? Because your shell does not age? I know," Zevran says simply. "And if the soul within was not yours, was not wise and learned and mature, I would not touch you in that way. But you are. And that makes all the difference, Helene. Surely I don't have to tell you about that saying about books and their covers?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one appears to be a child. This shell is a child's shell. There are... differences. Sharran was elven, but she did not see an elven body under this one's clothing, she saw a child's. It... disgusted her to.. touch the body of a little girl."

[Tethras Clan]

"That was her. I am... " Zevran hesitates a moment to find the right words. "I have been with a great many people, of a wide array of size, shape, race and age. I am accustomed to... differences. I have not see your shell in full, but I suspect you will not look all that dissimilar to that of a young gnome or kender. Or this very nice aasimar lad, whose mother was kender, not human, that I once- thrice- had the pleasure of knowing.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This body is not... There are differences between children and adults. Elves are known to be hairless and flat-chested, as children are, and yet, there are subtle signs of ripening that this one... does not have. Can never have. This one..." They look down. "This one cannot handle seeing you look at me that way." 

[Tethras Clan]

Helene...Zevran shifts a little, tilting their head up again so he can kiss his friend, soft and sweet. He pulls back, then rests his forehead against theirs. "I..." Will this help? Will it... "I mentioned that I started young, yes? I was thirteen when I had sex for the first time. Granted, I matured earlier than the norm, but..."

I can't. Telling them that their shell would not be the youngest I have... No. Telling them what I was made to do before would only make them think they would be doing the same or some such foolery. "We can take it slow, if you want."

[Helene Dakesh]

They picture Sharran's face, twisted in an expression of disgust. They know, intellectually, that Sharran was possessed at the time; that the reaction to being kissed was to push them away and call them 'little girl' was the demon's reaction. But it was still Sharran's face. And... if they're being honest... it's not that far from the expression Sharran made seeing them naked the first time, before the rule about nudity was put into place. 

If Zevran looked at me like that... The question sessions would be over, and perhaps the friendship with Varric as well. It would hurt them, badly. But... I would survive. I am stronger than I was. Madam Zevran taught me that. About loss, and how to push through it. About grieving, and not letting it consume you. Even if my love didn't return as his did, he understood how I felt seeing her corpse. I can use what he taught me, even if it's to recover from losing him.

Helene nods, slowly, pulling back from Zevran. They stand, placing their sketchbook carefully down on the cot. "This one... will undress." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Yanking off the bandage? So forward!" he asks gently, then winks at them. "Most people prefer some foreplay first," he teases them.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene looks at him, blushing faintly, fidgeting a little, but not speaking. They know he's joking. That's how Zevran is. But... Helene can't bring themselves to joke back. This could be the last time we're together as friends.