Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Ma'bela... "But not of how I started working here? I had not... I have done Lady Beth and her dad a disservice it seems, I had not expected then to be so... well, honest with their assurances they would not speak of it," he murmurs. Pouring them a glass of wine, he studies the bottle before chugging a good quarter of it.

"I was a slave. Ma'bela, Isabela, rescued me to... even a debt owed." And perhaps more, though I doubt the words shall ever be said aloud. "Bethany healed me, as I was... poorly afterwards. Then gave me shelter here, someplace to stay hidden while I recovered."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood," they say, in a tone that clearly means only, 'go on'.

[Tethras Clan]

"I was a slave for... well. Long enough to see and learn much I often wish I did not know." He offers a wan smile to the Seeker. "Some knowledge has value far too low for the price of the learning. But if the price has already been paid, then it might as well be of use, no? And so I would share this part of it with you. A... far too common condition in freed slaves is a yearning for chains. Change is a hard thing, a sharp and often dangerous shock to the system. Even good change can be suffering."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene frowns, nodding. "Acknowledged," they say, slowly. "But understanding is lacking. This one knows well that change can be... terrifying. But change can often be for the better. These are changes this one has wanted for some time."

[Tethras Clan]

"I don't doubt that. But... if you are honest, how much do you really know about what it is that you will become? Freedom... to many slaves, particularly those born to it, freedom, choice, is naught but a myth. A fanciful tale whispered about in shadows. Touching it, having it... is both glorious and terrifying. You cannot understand what you have never known, no matter how much you study or question those who've had it."

[Helene Dakesh]

"But.. is freedom not worth having?" they ask, quietly. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Yes, of course. But perhaps the best way to go about freeing a slave is not to then toss them loose in a city without support, guidance or any sort of plan. Care must be given to ensure they are not overwhelmed, crushed, by this freedom," Zevran explains.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods slowly. "This one will have support. This one will have Honored Varric."

[Tethras Clan]

"Among others, yes, but in a less literal sense, I was attempting to suggest that you space the rituals out. Not saying you should not do the second one, but simply... give yourself time to adjust to your new form, whatever that will entail, before making massive changes to your mind." He hums softly, then tilts his head. "Oh. Then again, I suppose my fears are moot in your case, now that I think about it."

[Helene Dakesh]

"They are?" they say, blinking. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, yes. I mean, given your... connection and status, I'm sure Alydra would have warned you against this course of action when you asked, no?" Zevran shrugs, looking much relieved that a deity, the deity of Knowledge and Intellect of all deities, has no objections to Helene's plan.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Certainly," says Helene with a relieved smile. "If there were to be some large problem that would impact many people, this one would likely be warned against it."

[Tethras Clan]

"What did They say?" Zevran asks curiously. "Did they... recommend a particular tulwath to, ah, mimic?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"It is... it isn't quite that way, between this one and Alydra. To ask for personalized advice is... difficult, and feels, ah, bothersome, to the deity, as though I did not respect their time. This one asks generalized questions routinely, and this one is sometimes given visions or dreams to interpret."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran frowns. "So... you haven't asked Them about this," he realizes. "...shouldn't you do that? Just case mucking about with your mind might... mess up the vision thing?"