Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Varric is shaking  his head before they even finish. "No. She was- She was already... enrolled somewhere else. Somewhere bad. Got the impression she was mostly kept drugged senseless and stuffed in a room after the initial diagnosis. Uh. Agoraphobia, battle fatigue, dissociation, panic attacks, repressed memories, and more, all coated in shame about being... broken. That seems to be what's behind her refusal to see the twins or stay long-term. Doesn't feel worthy or... and that doing so would mean she has to accept that she is Marian and that all that happened to her."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one understands. What shall be done?"

[Varric]

"I... I don't know," Varric whispers. "I can't push or she'll run. But how can I not push? Not do everything and anything I have to in order to help her and make her stay with her family?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a step back, regarding him carefully. "This-- I. I think, you focus on helping her. If she cannot stay, at least she will be strong and healthy."

[Varric]

Varric nods, the movement jerky. "Sorry, I'm not... I think the sedative I took is wearing off. Downside of a hardened dwarven constitution."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one will not be offended if Varric needs to... cry, or scream, or the like." Their voice is gentle, and there's real concern in their eyes.

[Varric]

No, but I might. What I really want is- "Don't let me drink for the next forty-eight hours."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," says Helene, firmly. 

[Varric]

Varric take a deep breath. "Thanks." He's quiet for a few minutes, just staring at the floor. "Right. I should... Start at the beginning and don't skip anything, yeah?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"That would seem advisable." They hesitate, then, stepping aside slightly, gesture to the bed. "Perhaps sitting would be more comfortable?"

[Varric]

"...give it a shot anyway," Varric allow. "Don't mind me if I have to get up and pace or something. Alright... here we go... Yesterday, I was working at my office when..." He goes through the list of events, keeping it short but hitting all the important point.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, listening; at one point, they flip to a new page in their sketchbook and begin taking notes furiously. As he gets through the night before, Helene nods again, putting down the pencil.

"Is this a situation in which hugs would be beneficial?"

[Varric]

Varric laughs softly, sitting back down on the bed. "Typically yes. For me, not so much. Not much for touching. But... one-armed maybe." He gestures at the spot next to him to indicate where they would be.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene neatly sits beside him, leaving space between their thighs, and carefully, without committing too much, drapes an arm around his shoulders. "Is this sufficient?"

[Varric]

"Yeah, that's fine." He glance at them, brow furrowing. "You alright?"