Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[NPCs]

"And does this one think that exchange is equal?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"No," they say, after thinking for a long minute. "This one has no more to give, however, so it will have to suffice."

[NPCs]

"Hmmm. This one supposes that worse offers have been given. Then swear, Helene who was Dakesh."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene bows their head. "This one swears to Seek the truth, in service of Alydra, from this day hence. This one will serve in any capacity required. This one will do as this one is bidden. This one belongs, body and soul, to Alydra and only Alydra, from this day hence."

[NPCs]

There's a long pause, then Helene can feel some heavy power wrap around them, their body and soul both. "THE VOW OF HELENE WHO WAS DAKESH IS ACCEPTED. IT SHALL BE KNOWN THAT THIS BEING IS NOW AND FOREVER MORE ONCE AGAIN IN SERVICE OF THAT WHICH IS ALYDRA. WELCOME TO THE COLLABORATION OF THOSE THAT SEEK ANSWERS AND QUESTIONS BOTH." The elder smiles warmly at Helene and then the clouds drift too far, the sun shines brightly off the water and Helene is blinded for a moment.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's eyes open -- they were closed? They sit up, looking out over the pond, at the lack of goslings and stranger both. 

Then they glance down, and spy the gilded Symbol resting on their chest. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Hawke was still missing. They had to have hope, have faith, but it was so hard, day after day. Hiding, cowering, trying to keep the Clan together. Praying, exchanging information, researching. It was so hard to keep faith. 

Helene was not owed a day off. There was work to be done, and it was important work, and they needed to do it. But... they could take an hour off. Just an hour, shortly after noon. Surely that would be alright?

They asked the cook for two of those small lemon cakes they enjoyed, and took a candle from their stash, using a tindertwig to soften the bottom enough to stick it to a teacake plate. They then arranged the lemon cakes on either side, bringing that on a tray with a pot of tea up to Zevran's office.

They hesitate. Only an hour. They knock.

[Tethras Clan]

"Enter," Zevran calls, sounding a bit glad for the interruption. Anything will be better than trying to do accounting while worrying about Hawke.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene enters, placing the tray down onto the desk as they move to sit in their customary chair. "Would you like tea?" The question is customary at this point -- he's never turned them down, not when he bid them enter.

[Tethras Clan]

"Of course, mon amie," he says with a warm smile, gratefully shoving his ledger away. "What brings you to my lair?" Truth be told, the question is more, what lured you away from me so that you could return?

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is taking a break." Their tone is decisive, but they give him a shy look after, as if asking permission. 

[Tethras Clan]

"As long as I am invited to join you on this break without ledgers," Zevran says with a grin.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Of course." They take another tindertwig from their satchel, using it to light the candle. It's not scented; it's a plain white taper, previously unburnt, clearly meant for ritual supplies.

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran leans in on his hands, then winks at Helene. "Why hello," he purrs. "A romantic lunch for two is this?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene blushes. "It can be. But the intent was not romance, but only marking the passage of time."