Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Tethras Clan]

"You can't be expected to follow a custom no-one told you about," Varric assures them. "It's fine. I can't blame you for what you decided, not entirely. The idea of... not being able to trust your own mind is... terrifying. It would... I'd likely make some snap decisions myself."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one had a nightmare that... this one understood this one's priorities better. This one must be well enough when the twins arrive. This one must not lose this one's family due to isolationist tendencies."

[Tethras Clan]

"It is so very easy to wall yourself off, to... go at it alone, no?" Zevran asks, eye closing slightly. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene is quiet for some time. Finally, they say, "Words are often.. imprecise. Communication is often difficult. This one... There are times when this one is... overwhelmed. Words are often the first casualty. This one struggles to remain with Madam Zevvy, with Beinn Varric, and not get lost in... in daydreams, perhaps, or... This one struggles to explain clearly. This one is afraid of getting lost and... and not returning."

[Tethras Clan]

"That won't happen," Varric says firmly. "I can read minds with the right infusion. We could Delve you. Worst to worst, Hawke calls in a few favors from above. We don't give up on Clan."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, eyes watering with unshed tears. "This one cannot express the depths of my gratitude."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran reaches over to grasp their hand. "That's okay, Helene. Sometimes, words aren't needed to express what you feel."

[Helene Dakesh]

They cling to his hand tightly, nodding in silence. This one is not alone. And neither is Madam Zevvy.

[Tethras Clan]

Varric takes a deep breath. "So. So... next question, I guess?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene hesitates a long moment. "How does Beinn Varric feel now?"

[Tethras Clan]

Varric takes a sip to clear his throat, thinking that over. "I... I don't really... express emotions well either. Messier than I care for. But... relief, that you're still. Pride and... hmmm. Gratitude maybe, that you trust us enough that our word that we'll help is enough. Worry that we won't be able to help. Stubbornness about that. Sentimental and... a bunch of sappy shit about all this. Embarrassed to be talking about it. Stubbornness about doing it anyway."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene lets go of Madam Zevvy's hand, finally, so they can write down notes. "Understood, and appreciated. Is this a situation where reciprocation is expected or useful?"

[Tethras Clan]

"...yeah, generally so. Like anything personal, it can vary a lot, but most people appreciate making it equal. Talking about your emotions is... it makes you vulnerable, so keeping it equal and fair can help." Varric certainly seems a bit uncomfortable. Thankfully, Zevran is kindly pretending to not be paying attention.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, closing their eyes. "Understood. This one feels-- I feel... I feel gratitude and happiness that I am with family. I feel warm, like a fuzzy blanket. But there's, I feel, I feel pain and fear, also. Pain because I have misstepped. Fear that I will do so again, fear that my condition will worsen unchecked. Fear that zi'Smith will err on the side of kindness and not be able to help me."

[Tethras Clan]

"Everyone missteps, that is most definitely not part of what makes you different, ma bon sage. As for the fear..." Zevran shrugs helplessly. "We can only but try."