Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Indeed! That is not the purpose of language! It impedes clear communication and--"

They stop, frowning at him. "This one apologizes, but, I begin to suspect you are employing that mode of speech currently."

[Tethras Clan]

Varric grins a little. "Yep. But see, that was what I wanted to convey. Sometimes words are designed, utilized to convey the meaning of humor. When you get right down to it, that's all words are- triggers designed to invoke the desired thoughts, emotions and other reactions from people. In this case, I was teasing you, attempting to invoke amusement and perhaps a slight be of annoyance."

[Helene Dakesh]

"But by doing so in an imprecise manner, you left room for miscommunication to arise. And furthermore, it seems rude to force the listener to work hard to decipher your meaning when you could speak plainly." A pause, then, another blush. "Ah! This one apologizes, Beinn Varric, this one did not intend disrespect," they say, doubling over in a quick apologetic bow. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Ahahah," Varric says, raising a finger in warning. "What's the rule for disagreeing during our talks?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene winces. "Never apologize?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Got it in one, kid," Varric says easily. "Nothing wrong with disagreeing. If everyone agreed all the time, nothing new would ever be discovered or invented. Got some downsides, sure, but I happen to think it worth the cost. As for the topic at hand... yeah, it can create issues. But that's part of the learning curve. Learning to hear around what's said and hear what's meant. Sort of like your dreams, in a way. And much less dire if you botch." Mostly.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene flinches then, growing silent. They bite their lower lip, frowning "This one... has not had much luck with that lately."

[Tethras Clan]

"You... wanna talk about that?" Varric offers. "Can't say I'm a master of prophecy or the like," clearly, "But I'm willing to lend an ear if you want."

[Helene Dakesh]

They sigh. "This one misinterpreted a number of dreams of late. This one now has to re-evaluate."

[Tethras Clan]

"That can happen. Not the same, sure, but I've realized I completely missed clauses in contracts or misunderstood the import of a addendum to something," Varric says with a nod. "And... you know, realized I was, ah, misreading personal situations entirely and had to revisit my interpretations of interactions."That was a very awkward lunch... Nice woman, but... sorry, no.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "That happens to me all the time. But visions, those I typically recognize. They are often distinctive."

[Tethras Clan]

"Maybe... maybe you weren't suppose to?" Varric hazzards. "To make the timing work out, or to ensure you reacted the right way to something?"

[Helene Dakesh]

They shake their head. "This was my own error," they say quietly. "I make those, sometimes."

[Tethras Clan]

"Everyone does," Varric reminds them. "There's no shame in making mistakes, only in failing to learn from them. At least a little."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "I just hope... I just hope it doesn't cause a problem for Hawke."