Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Thank you. But it is for Alydra whom I do these things. No thanks are necessary."

[Bethany]

"Of course they are," Bethany says stoutly. "I thank shopkeepers for ringing me up and helping me select produce even though I'm paying them for it. I thank Carver for carrying said groceries home, even though he's my twin... and eats said groceries. Gratitude isn't just for saints."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one will not accept gratitude that more properly belongs to Alydra," they say firmly. "This one will accept gratitude only for this one's own deeds."

[Bethany]

Bethany purses her lips. "Well... then than you for expertly, uh, taking and delivering the message. And pass on my thanks for the message itself to, uh, Alydra." If She even cares about the thanks of a simple country girl turned whore. "Oh, hey, right, there's snacks if you want to nibble before dinner."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one will do so," they promise. "This one trusts that your day has been adequate?"

[Bethany]

"It's good, yes, thank you. I'm really enjoyed playi- I mean, hosting a guest. A friend rather, hopefully." Playing house? Did you really almost say... ugh. "How was your day?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Acceptable. this one spent most of the day reading."

[Varric]

"Still looking into Beauregard's descendant?" Varric asks knowingly. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one has not gotten the evidence this one requires. But this one may be close."

[Bethany]

"Is this, umm, Bowurregard person an ancestor of yours?" Bethany asks curiously.

[Helene Dakesh]

"No. This one does not have ancestors in the sense that humans do. This one is researching one of the Founders of Nyra, in the hopes that this one may settle a dispute among the Lights."

[Bethany]

"In... the sense that humans do? Sorry, I don't mean to... ignore me if I'm being invasive," Bethany says with a flush.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one belongs to the race called Samsaran. This one was not born of parents, as you were, but instead, rose from the ashes of this one's previous life. This one is formally known as Helene who was Dakesh who was Avanti who was Eden whose past is unknown. This is a rare honor, being able to name four previous incarnations; most can only recall one or two, but this one has kept exceptional records through their previous incarnations. The one known as Eden may have been shaped by the deities, or born of Samsaran parents, or perhaps was a previous incarnation before then. This one does not know. Those who are freshly born are celebrated by Samsarans across the continent, as such an event is very rare."

[Bethany]

"Wait, you're born from... you mean, when you die, you... burst into flames and turn into a baby?" Bethany asks with wide eyes.

[Varric]

"Ah, they were speaking metaphorically. There's no actual ashes involved as I understand it. The body- the shell- of a samsaran acts just like most every other mortal's body, it's just the soul that does different. I can't say I know much more about the actual mechanics but I know that much," Varric comments.