Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"What's their status?" Varric demands, a soft creaking noise coming from Biana's grip.

[GamesMaster]

"We're not certain. There's something wrong with their... Perhaps their mind, or their speech? We suspect a curse of some kind. Will you come take assessment yourself?"

[Varric]

"Lead," the dwarf says curtly, then pauses. "Damnit. One moment." Without another word, he rushes back to his office and writes a quick note to stick on the kitchen table. That done, he's back at the door. "Let's go."

[Helene Dakesh]

The Seeker leads him back to the Temple of Alydra -- where else? They have Helene in a back room, sitting on a cushion on the floor. They don't look up when the door opens, nor do they seem to notice Varric -- but as he gets near, he can make out muttering under their breath, a series of disconnected words, each in a different language. Taken together -- the grammar and syntax changes seemingly at random, as well, and the most formal, archaic form of each word is used -- they seem to be whimpering something like an apology.

[Varric]

"...you did that second ritual medley, didn't you?" Varric takes a deep breath, then slowly moves to stand in front of them. "Helene... Seeker, can you hear me?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Varric," they whimper, beginning to rock back and forth. "Varric, varric, varric." They seem to force out the words, brow furrowed, rocking faster and faster, as again they fumble through words -- halting, broken, across multiple languages, only anguish clear to all listening: "[Please, this creature feels fear, please]". 

[Varric]

"It's... it'll be alright, Seeker. I'm here," he says softly, reaching out to take their hands. "Not going to let you be hurt, alright?"

[Helene Dakesh]

They don't react to his words, no sign of having heard -- but his hand they cling to, tightening their grip so fiercely their knuckles whiten as they rock back and forth.

The Seeker who fetched him speaks softly, then: "We've no idea if they can understand our speech, when their own is so... disorganized. At times they seem to see things we cannot perceive. Should we transfer them to a facility?"

[Varric]

"Absolutely not," Varric snaps, head twisting around to glare at the priestess. "They're communicating back, they're just... muddled in word choice. I'll take them home, both of my daughters are healers, we'll manage." Taking a deep breath, he forces his tone gentler. "We'll manage, thank you."

[GamesMaster]

"Alright," she says, gently, nodding. "Alright. If you need anything or, or have any trouble, please don't hesitate to come get one of us. Seeker Helene is well-liked here, and any Seeker here will do what we can to ease their suffering in any way." 

[Varric]

Varric nods a little. Ease nothing. I'm going to fix this. "Thank you," he says simply instead. "Can you have someone bring their things to my house? They'll want... they'll do better with their thing. Their book." Gods, I hope they can still read. Still understand.

[GamesMaster]

The Seeker nods. "It may take me some time to discover their address -- they were very secretive about their living arrangements -- but I will have everything boxed up personally and sent to your dwelling. In the meantime..."

They move to the desk, taking the satchel resting there and offering it to him. "May Alydra smile upon you both."

[Varric]

"I have the address of their apartment," Varric says quietly. And I'll find their bolthole (check it out, make it safe, move the valuables out). Have a fair idea where to start (lower Coalside, near the wall. Probably Undercity). Hunter and Carver should be able to help me track it down the rest of the way. "Thank you."

[GamesMaster]

"Of course. Thank you for taking such good care of Seeker Helene." She bows, then, and departs, leaving him to look after Helene.

[Varric]

After they leave, Varric turns back to Helene. "Seeker," he says softly. Clearing his throat, he gently taps their chin, trying to nudge their gaze up to his. "Seeker, do you know who I am?"