Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"...we can come up with a plan once we arrive," Zevran announces, picking up his speed a bit.

[Helene Dakesh]

Thankfully, by the time they reach the lower levels, the water is only a couple inches high -- something that even short Helene insists they can manage. When they reach the caverns, Helene moves to the 'back' entrance, squatting to peer into it. "It appears safe. This one will pack the first box, take it to the upper level, then drop the ladder for Madam Zevvy." Helene begins crawling even before the sentence is completed; there is no other way to enter the 'treehouse' with the ladder raised, after all. 

[Tethras Clan]

"You wound me, mon sotte sage," he says with a quick laugh, dropping to his knees. "I am an expert in squeezing into tight, wet places after all."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, giving a smile he can't see as they continue along. "Of course. This one apologizes."

[Tethras Clan]

"I forgive you," he replies with a laugh. "How could I ever hold such a thing against you... when there are much more enjoyable things I could do so with?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene doesn't answer; they climb inside, then give a small, startled shriek, jumping back to press against the wall in front of the tunnel opening. 

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

There's a series of very startled sounding yelps as Zevran attempts to rush his wriggling into the room. The six... armed? canine creature with brown and tan fur with glowing green-blue markings flowing just under the fur staring at Helene rolls off the sofa it had been napping on and stares at them in shock. Peculiarly, the canine has a backpack... neckpack... on his collar.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene swallows, trembling faintly. Remember words. Focus on words. Don't let them frighten you. There's a backpack -- is this a message? From a devil, perhaps? Zevvy will save me. Helene, realizing they're in the way, steps to the side to allow Zevran to do just that, eyes fixed on the monstrosity on their sofa. 

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

Finding his feet, the being studies Helene for a long moment. "Oh! Oh! Oh! She-Who-Was-Dakesh? Is that you?" He starts to take a half-step closer, then recoils, springing back a few feet as Zevran comes bursting out of the crack with a pair of stilettos.

[Helene Dakesh]

She who was Dakesh. She. She. Helene freezes, holding their breath as they stare at the monster. She she she she-- 

Some part of them notes Zevran moving forward, rushing toward the monster. "NO!" they scream, trembling violently. 

Hey. I did it. I did the words thing. Helene notes, absently proud of themself. I should maybe faint now.

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

"...was that to me... or him?" the being asks very carefully.

[Tethras Clan]

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Zevran demands harshly.

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

Taking another step back, the canine asks, "ah, names are... fluid at the moment, I'm afraid. I was previously called Dogbody but... not entirely fond of..." He trails off, eyes unfocusing. "Sorry, what I was saying? Oh! Right, right. Would you be He-Who-Was-Dekesh? I only ask because this was one of his stashes, you're here and also a samsaran with Alydran holy symbols is all."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Dogsbody." The extra s seems important -- it's stressed as it comes out -- but Helene doesn't understand why, not at first. Why do I know that? What is-- Ancestral memory. I must pray. 

"Don't." A deep breath. Another. Come on. More words. You need more words. "Please." That's not good enough! Helene turns, then, rushing up the ramp to the mirror room. I have to solve this fast. Friend or foe, Dakesh? Give me something! 

[Tethras Clan]

"Helene! What's going on?" Zevran asks urgently as they head upstairs.