Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene glances at Varric for a moment, then some of the tension goes out of them, in something akin to a smile. "Ah. Of course. The clan patriarch is the keeper of the clan stories, and the one who lays out the acceptable conduct guidelines. We could not do such a project without Beinn Varric. Yes, this one will help."

[Tethras Clan]

"I am the only published author in the Clan, academic papers aside," Varric agrees with a nod to one of the other major producer of said papers in the Clan. 

Mia somehow manages to bow even lower, mostly an optical trick born from arching her back slightly higher. "This one offers her gratitude to Seeker Helene and... Beinn Varric."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods slowly. "There will have to be rules," they say, shifting a bit.

[Tethras Clan]

"There should always be rules," Mia replies promptly. "Boundaries, consent, and established lines of communication are not limited to sex ethics." Yeah, she's being 'raised' by Estelle alright.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is not interested in sexual contact with that one," begins Helene. "This one is neither male nor female and must not be referred to as such. This one is not a child, and must not be referred to as such. This one.... This one would like to know the proper term of address for that one." Try as they might, they just can't make themselves call Mia something as familiar as 'Mia'. 

[Tethras Clan]

Mia pauses for a long moment. "This one is... unsure? I do not... feel worthy of the address of 'Bright.' Not yet. I cannot accept the title lady for... personal reasons. This one suspects that Pet, Toy and other such terms are not appropriate in this context."

At the pause that follows that, Varric offers, "how about a simple answer? You're female and unmarried so... Miss Mia."

"...this one does not object."

[Helene Dakesh]

An odd feeling bubbles to the surface inside Helene when they hear Miss Mia refer to themself as 'this one', after so recently picking up on the title 'Beinn' for Varric. Neither of those things are proprietary, neither of them are unusual, and yet... and yet...

"Understood."

[Tethras Clan]

"...may this one ask how they have given offense?" the ex-lilin asks perceptively. "I wish for this... partnership to be successful. Seeker Helene is Clan and thus to be treasured."

[Helene Dakesh]

"There has been no offense," lies Helene, shifting their gaze slightly further from Mia. They're not comfortable at all with the thoughts popping up in their brain: Varric is mine, you can't have him, you won't replace me. 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric, no fool, shifts a little so his arm brushes against Helene's. Doesn't say anything, just... is there, with Helene.

"...as you wish, Seeker Helene," Mia says neutrally. "I can agree to your conditions. With sex forbidden, my only applicable boundary is that... I... occasionally have... breakdowns." She licks her lips nervously. "If.. such occurs, please get Claudia or Sage zi'Hawke. If neither of them can help, then Toren, Jass or Aveline can assist as well. I am safe to be around during such times, but I am... I say things I perhaps should not. I request that what I say be keep private. Preferably, do not listen, but I understand that is... difficult to ask."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," says Helene gently, staring at Mia. She.. has breakdowns? Is this a... is this a trait Tulwath have? "Query: What form do these breakdowns take?"

[Tethras Clan]

"If I am... overwrought or triggered by... certain words, topic and actions- primarily those of... Things that remind me of the worst of... Tantra's evil. I... if you wish a more... detailed listing of my more common... triggers, I would prefer to do so in writing, as that is easier." Mia takes a deep breath, her voice a wooden monotone. "My breakdowns or fits come in two forms. I will either freeze, unmoving to a non-mortal degree and unresponsive to outside stimulus. This usually lasts for less than five minutes, but has lasted overnight on one occasion when my state went unnoticed." Her body shudders, just once, then goes very still again. "In the other type, I... keen. Rock in place. I grip my forearms with my claws, often bad enough to draw blood. I usually lose control of my shifting and reveal my wings and tails, so this one is far less desirable in public. I become lost in a jumble of memories, sensory input mixing among scenes. I am more responsive to outside stimulus but am easily overwhelmed or confused as I cannot always be sure if it is memory or a current interaction."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a step back, and then another, eyes wide, staring at Mia. "Th-th-this one will-- desires-- this-- is this truth? This thing, this breakdown, is it truth?" There's an unusually plaintive note to their voice, and their hands flutter at their sides, unable to hold still.

[Tethras Clan]

"You are Clan. I do not have to answer, but I must be honest if I do," Mia whispers. "That is the rule."

"Can we pause a minute? Just... everyone take a few deep breaths and... think of your prefered god or something?" Varric suggests worriedly.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a deep breath, then another, closing their eyes, thinking of Alydra. After a moment, the twitches of their hand become somatic gestures, and they murmur a few words, flooding the kitchen with an aura that compels truth, though not speech.