Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood," they say softly, but there's a bit of yielding in it, a bit of acceptance.

[Tethras Clan]

"Talk to me, little cousin? I had hoped to ease your burdens, not add to them."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is... This one is aware that this one's soul is pure," they say softly. "This one could do for this one what Stalwart did through Raplin. This one could find freedom. This one--"

They break off again, turning away. "Thank you," they say again. "This one appreciates the assistance. If Raplin requires aid in the future, and this one can render it, do not hesitate to call upon this unworthy one." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Helene," Maeve says sharply, eyes narrowing. "It worked out for Hope. But Stalwart died, that path closed. His mother's heart shattered, his father broken by regret. His friends were hurt too, perhaps even more than his parents, because they didn't know about Hope. I'm sorry you're suffering. It's not easy, I'm sure, trying to be m-" The nymph cuts off abruptly, as if the words had suddenly and aggressively swollen in her throat.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shivers, back still to Maeve. "This one must depart. This one must share this one's news with this one's friends." The stiffness eases off just a touch on that last word, giving it a hint more emphasis. "Fare well, Pretty Maeve, daughter of Raplin." 

This one could use whiskey and company right about now.

[Tethras Clan]

Maeve coughs softly. "Good to hear. Friends are very important. And... Hmmm. Tell you what- you go talk with your friend, I'll be in touch," the demigoddess decides. The wind picks up for a moment and then Helene feels something brush against their hair. When they reach up to see what it is, they find a beautiful yellow flower, just like the ones in Maeve's hair. And when they glance back, the nymph is gone.


When Helene emerges from the woods, they almost immediately spot Varric. The dwarf had just happened, by purest chance of course, to doing a little archery practice along the direct path from the glade the samsaran chose and the party's campsite. Fancy that. He also just happens to have a large basket of food on hand and a nice blanket to sit on. Even more fancy that...

[Helene Dakesh]

It's a good thing, too; he can tell as soon as he sees them that something's wrong. Their robes are askew, the cord around the waist tied sloppily, and they're wearing a flower in their hair that makes them look quite feminine, without anything to balance it and say masculine again. Their eyes are on the ground ahead of them, not looking where they're going, and when they look up at him, their eyes hold a depth of hurt and loss that reminds him of Carver's face when he asked where Marian was. 

They swallow, begin to bow politely.

[Varric]

Alright, let's give this plan a test (please work, please don't let me hurt them). "Varric Tethras of Clan Tethras greets his friend, Seeker Helene who was Dakesh, who was Avanti, who was Eden, whose past is unknown, all beloved of Alydra. This one invites and requests that his friend join him for a lunch repast that emotional bonds be strengthened and burdens shared." Varric bows, trying his best to smooth out any flourishes or mockery that the gesture commonly has with him.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene freezes, processing this. When they straighten, their face is a riot of emotions: there's relief, and something like a smile, and the beginnings of tears. "Th-this one -- this one accepts," they say, hesitantly, moving toward the blanket.

[Tethras Clan]

"This one is pleased by this acceptance," Varric replies with a smile of his own. Thank the gods. Tone as sincere as he can manage, Varric flips open the basket. "Mostly salad and soup, elven village and all that. Mixed green with nuts, baby spinach with cheese and fruit salad. Soups are lentil, cream of potato and tomato basil. Oh and this one also has some bread to go with our repast. Please, might this one serve this one's friend?"

[Helene Dakesh]

It's the 'please' that does it. Helene bursts into open sobs, folding over where they're kneeling on the blanket, pressing their forehead to their knees. Desperate to explain, to make any sense of it, they manage only, "T-th-thank you".

[Varric]

Varric stiffens, starting to move towards them, then recalling Helene prefers not be touched during episodes. And that 'thank you' implies... something. "This one will serve out food," he says carefully. "Friend Helene may do what they need to be ready for our repast." Hopefully that's taken as 'go ahead and have a moment if you need it' and not 'get ahold of yourself' or the like.

[Helene Dakesh]

It takes a long few moments, but the storm blows itself out; Helene's sobs lessen, turning into small whimpers, then fading altogether. They sit up, taking a deep breath, cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment as they wipe their eyes. "This unworthy one is honored by Friend Tethras," they say, quietly. "This one has not-- this one has not had a friend of this caliber before."

[Varric]

"Then this one would say you're due," Varric replies easily, holding out a soft cotton handkerchief. "And this one would like to gently remind Friend Helene that this one does not like his friends to be insulted, belittled or demeaned. Even by themself. Alydra has chosen Friend Helene to be a powerful conduit of important visions, as well as granting them access to powerful prayers. Alydra clearly sees worthiness in Friend Helene."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, dabbing at their eyes with the handkerchief. 

"Stalwart Beauregard killed herself," they say quietly. "Yellowmoss."