Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Another headshake. "He... he went out the front door."

[Varric]

"You be okay here for a few minutes while I go check on him?" Varric asks with some concern. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Another short nod -- though, notably, no speech.

[Varric]

"Helene, I know how Zone of Truth works," Varric says dryly.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene flinches. "This one will be present," they manage, after their mouth works a couple moments. 

[Varric]

"...alright, Seeker. I'm glad you'll be here," he says with magically proven truth. "I'll be back shortly." With that, he heads for the front door to check in on Carver., just in time to see him turning the corner down the street with... "Lawful? Huh. Well, not going to get in much trouble with her," he mutters, shrugging. Mostly reassured, he heads back to his office. "He's fine. Lt. Vallen is with him."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene breathes deeply, eyes closed, sitting up against the desk. They give a small nod. "That is good to hear."

[Varric]

"How're you doing?" he asks.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Improving."

[Varric]

"Improving is good," Varric replies promptly. "Anything I can do to help with that?"

[Helene Dakesh]

They shake their head. "Carver is... alright?"

[Varric]

"He was taking a walk with Lieutenant Lawful and wasn't in cuffs so..." Varric shrugs. "It might do him good to talk with... someone with some distance from things."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Are... is he.... is he going to be.... alright? With, with all of it?"

[Varric]

"Ye- well, I think so. He's stronger than he gives himself credit for. Won't be fast or clean, but it's something he need to get past. Might as well start now, I guess."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "It took this one... decades, to understand what was, how to progress with this... I wonder sometimes how humans achieve anything."