Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Damnit, what did I just- "Skip the build-up," and put-downs, "and get to the meat." His voice isn't sharp, nor curt, but rather firm.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head. "This one does not feel that Carver is impaired to the degree that--- that some are. But this one has noticed distinct tendencies and this one has deployed alternate teaching methods that... that have borne fruit. This one can provide a list of suggestions that may prove useful for his continued tutoring, and suggestions that may be useful should his... should his condition worsen."

[Varric]

Better. "I would like to discuss your own... issues, what can be done to help and assist by a friendly external agent, and your perception of how this condition affects your self-worth, but that can occur at a later date. For now, please continue to explain what you've noticed in Carver." Hopefully that came out right- talking formal and precise like this (without money involved) isn't my norm.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene worries at their bottom lip, taken off-guard. "Ah. This. It is... This one would prefer... The damage is more extensive in this one than this one allows Mister Tethras to..." 

They shake their head. "Carver may not be as damaged," they say instead of finishing. "There is, in some percentage of youths -- often boys -- there is a tendency to, a restlessness that disturbs the ability to learn or sit still. Many go on to be adventurers but often the type that uses physical strength rather than intellect, and many do not complete their schooling. The, the name most often associated with that condition in Drasslina is Teiris-touched."

[Varric]

That... I think I've run across that term before but... "Wanderlust, high energy and easily tricked or distracted... if not for his unshakable loyalty to Beth... I've read a few biography's with that term in them, but they don't really explain it much. What does that entail?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Difficulty in sitting still for long periods to work on assignments. Difficulty taking auditory direction, often. Difficulty with group work. Difficulty not being a distraction to other students."

[Varric]

"That... all does sound familiar, yes," Varric allows. "Any other symptoms or the like? Is it purely a mental and behavior thing or are there also physical maladies that might manifest?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is no expert, but if this is merely Teris-touched, the condition is purely mental." Helene gives a bow again. "This one apologizes for the news."

[Varric]

"Didn't realize you had that kind of pull with Alydra," Varric says with well faked surprise coloring his tone.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Pardon?" Helene blinks, straightening. "This one does not understand your meaning."

[Varric]

"Well, you're apologizing for Carver's condition like you had a hand in it. And it sounds like this is an innate thing, from birth. So... you must have gotten a favor cashed in or something to tweak his birth, right?" Varric seems have to decided to forgo much in the way of subtlety there. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Their cheeks flush a deeper blue. "This one did not," they admit. "But this one knows that such news can be... distressing. This one apologizes for the distress."

[Varric]

"Ah, more of a 'I share your pain' than a 'I caused this and regret it' sort of 'sorry' then. Alright, that's fine, just wanted to be sure you weren't being silly and feeling guilty or something over this," Varric says gently. "So. Teiris-touched. What else do I need to know to help him? 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene slips a bit of parchment out from between the pages of their sketchbook, offering it to him. "This one took notes, including references. But... this one must... this one must suggest warning signs. If there is something more, ah, the progression might... this one recommends keeping watch for signs of... if there is repetitive motion, particularly the self-injurious kind, such as banging the head against the wall, or if there is signs of hallucinatory behavior or, or, ah, a seeming inability to speak..."

[Varric]

Varric winces a little. "I can't say I've seen anything like that," he says slowly, taking the paper. "He sometimes fidgets with his hands, but that's mostly just when he's had to be still for a while. Or he's upset. No self-harm of any kind and he has the opposite of inability to speak."