Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"That's not exactly a firm display of evidence and support, Helene," Zevran bites off. "Did it really help would you just be throwing away precious years here with us for nothing?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one-- this one will not throw anything away!" Helene stops themself, taking a deep, shaky breath. "This one will still be this one. Just... better."

[Tethras Clan]

"How long? How long were you in this program last time?" Zevran demands.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This... some... some few years, only."

[Tethras Clan]

"More or less than a decade?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Nearly. A little more, this one-- I think, a little more." 

[Tethras Clan]

"A decade. The twins will be long born then, you'd miss that. Gilly and Tomas will be of age. I'll be nearing middle-aged. And what if it takes longer this time, because their torture wore off last time so they need to try harder to break you?" he demands. "What if it's two decades this time?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This-- of course," they say, swallowing in horror. "Madam Zevvy and Hero zi'Hawke are, are short-lived." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Merikos, yes," Zevran says softly. "A decade is a fair chunk of my remaining lifespan."

[Helene Dakesh]

"But... but... this one... if this one cannot communicate, cannot be present, is not safe to be around the newborns, is not... capable, any longer, this one... this one will lose Madam Zevvy anyway," they manage, before bursting into deep, racking sobs. This time, they turn, reaching for him. 

[Tethras Clan]

Dropping to his knees, Zevran yanks them close, the partially plunked quill being cast away without thought. "You won't. You won't lose me. If you- if you sink that deep, that you can't talk, we'll get you help. A Delve, therapy, whatever it takes. I won't let you be taken away like that. I won't let you be a danger to innocents, I promise."

[Helene Dakesh]

They cling to him tightly, shuddering with the force of their tears, with the last remnants of their nightmare. "I dreamed you were gone. I couldn't reach you. I-- I need you."

[Tethras Clan]

"I'm right here. I promise. You have family now. Loved ones. If you get lost, we'll find you. Always," he whispers gently, rocking back and forth with them in his arms.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Family," they sob, against his shoulder. 

[Avato (Patchwork Bloke)]

Caught by Zevran's gaze and emboldened by the discret beckoning wave, Avato creeps over and tentatively places his prehensile hands on Helene's shoulders. "Quite so, Seeker. I am not... as worthy as the good Madame but I do promise to remain by your side as long as you'll have me."