Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Bethany pauses a moment. "I... in fairness, I've never spoken to him about his views on catfolk- or Cattown- so it's possible... I'll pay attention, I promise," she says, wiggling over to kiss his cheek. "You're a good man, Don. Always wondered what it'd be like to have cousins and such growing up. Only uncle I know about is a deadbeat drunk that- well, he's no children, I hope. But you're not bad in a pinch."

[GamesMaster]

He grins at her. "I should probably get back to work," he says, after a brief moment. "You going to be okay, cuz?"

[Bethany]

Bethany beams at him. "Yeah, I think I will be. This... I know I'm not cut out for this. Maybe if we were licensed and had those protections, the respectability and legitimacy it would bring but... I can handle it, at least for now."

[GamesMaster]

"Good. Then I'll try to do better at keeping you safe in the meantime."

[Helene Dakesh]

A few days have passed since Beth's adventure, not that Helene knows that. Instead, they've finally gotten the confirmation they need to present a case they've been working on. They tossed and turned the night before, nervous about what today would hold, and now, they knock firmly on the oak door before them, worrying their lower lip, clutching their sketchpad. Be calm. Stay verbal. Be normal or he won't recognize your expertise.

[Varric]

"It's open," a male voice within calls out.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene swallows again, pushing the door open and entering. They stop in the middle of the room, giving a deep bow to the occupant behind the desk. "Th-this one has prepared-- I mean-- this one has discovered something of relevance."

[Varric]

Varric gives them a careful look, a bit startled by the sudden formality. "...deep breath, Seeker, then you may proceed," he replies in a serious tone.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a deep breath, then straightens. "This one has... a theory, ah, hypothesis, that seems to have borne some small fruit, and, this one, it's-- it's about Carver."

[Varric]

About... Carver? "Alright, I understand. I am, of course, interested in your observations and opinions. Would you care to sit while you explain?"

[Helene Dakesh]

They shake their head. "Th-this one will stand. This one has-- this one has made a study-- this one has had cause to research--" 

They swallow, flipping open the sketchbook to remind themself of their notes. "This one has had cause to look into many types of mental instability and deficiencies."

[Varric]

Varric's eyes narrow. "I assume you meant to say 'mental conditions and injuries' right? Because you'd be aware of how I don't care for my friends being insulted. Even by themselves."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head. "Th-th-this-- Accurate terminology is-- precision is a virtue." Fumbling for words, all they can come up with is an old Alydran saying.

[Varric]

"Then recalibrate the measures and standards," Varric replies simply. "You're different. Maybe weaker, lesser, in some ways. But more in others. Doesn't make you deficient. Take a deep breath. Recite some doctrine in your head if you need it. Then start again."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, taking a deep breath. "This one believes that Carver is similarly.... possesses similarly insufficient capabilities."