Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is hoping to become useful. This one can fit in small spaces, and therefore access things others cannot. If this one could aid the Champion when the next problem occurs..."

[Tethras Clan]

Oh. Well.. "It's... not a bad skill to have, but your magic and knowledge is likely to be of more use," Varric says gently. "And Hawke isn't one to value someone for their skills anyway. She's more about... depth of character."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene sighs. "I know. This one is... not very interesting, unfortunately. Or helpful. I can summon monsters if I need to escape, but I cannot help in a fight."

[Tethras Clan]

"Pssssh," Varric says rather rudely. "Helene, our- what did Shadow call them?- Epic Nerd Chats, are some of the best intellectual stimulation I get. You're plenty interesting. And helpful, for that matter, not that someone's worth should be judged by what they can put on the table on rent day."

[Helene Dakesh]

A shy, real smile creeps across the child's face. "I am glad you find them enjoyable."

[Tethras Clan]

"Do you?" he asks, sipping his drink again.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene looks mildly startled. "Of course. I would not continue them if I did not." 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric shrugs a little. "You might have felt obligated or something," he offers, waving a dismissive hand. "Anyway. Did you really want to learn lockpicking or do you just want to feel more connected to the Clan?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene bites their bottom lip, deep in thought. "Both?" they hazard. "This one would like to be more useful to the Clan, but also to others that may come afterward."

[Tethras Clan]

Varric considers that, then shrugs. "Well, like I said, it's a handy skill to pick up," he allows. "Can be soothing too, once you get half decent at it. Gives you something to focus on that requires concentration but not a lot of thought. And then when you get really good, you can practice on basic locks for something to occupy your hands while your brain thinks."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Will you teach me?" They ask, timid.

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, yeah, of course," Varric says, a bit off guard by their question. Where did they think this was going? "We can take a break from strategy games for a bit, get you started."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's smile solidifies. "Wonderful!"

[Tethras Clan]

"You're all right kid," he says with a soft laugh. Varric sips his drink, then winces. "Ah, sorry. That wasn't..."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene only frowns a little. "I understand. This one is... Small."