Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes. Any temple dedicated to Alydra will have a place people can give lectures on any subject, so long as they are free for all to attend. You speak with knowledge and passion -- you would be well received at such a venue, as many of the speakers are as poorly skilled at teaching as they are knowledgeable."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran stares a moment, looking poleaxed. "At- a temple of Alydra? Me? I didn't even finish basic schooling. I can read but slowly and complex maths are beyond me. I have no place at such."

[Helene Dakesh]

"But you know things. Alydra does not demand schooling -- they demand learning. This is often entirely different. This one was poorly educated as a child in a rural village, but this one has pursued learning with zeal and dedication, and this one has been no less welcome by Alydra than the sons and daughters of rich merchants who were taught at the finest educational institutions."

[Tethras Clan]

"I... I will think on this," he finally says, clearly hedging. There is no real need to keep a low profile, not anymore but... "On another topic and out of an equal desire not to offend, your words and demeanor and... appearance are somewhat at odds," he comments leadingly

[Helene Dakesh]

They look down at their toes. "This one is an Oracle. As such, this one has been burdened -- in this instance, with the burden of eternal youth. This one has been on this material plane for over one hundred fifty years."

[Tethras Clan]

"Huh." Zevran blinks a few times, not having expected that much of a gap between facade and reality. "That... must impose many hardships. But you seem to bear them with grace."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene blushes faintly. "This one has... many hardships," they say quietly. "But, several of them, this one is working on a ritual to-- this one will always seem a child, but this one must not always seem to be a female one."

[Tethras Clan]

"A female... ah! You are misgendered. May I ask how you wish to be known?" Zevran asks politely, glad he hadn't used any gendered-terms out loud yet.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is neither a girl nor a boy. This one is Seeker Helene, and may be addressed as Seeker, not Mister or Miss. This one uses the pronoun they, them, and theirs in Common." They rattle this off all without once glancing up at Zevran, shoulders tensed for a blow.

[Tethras Clan]

"Understood," Zevran says easily. "I am Zevran the Astoundingly Fanciable, I go mostly by just Zevran. I use he, him and his for pronoun. Did you have any more questions about the lecture? Or perhaps I could be of whatever assistance you needed the good Beth for?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has more questions, if Zevran has time..."

[Carver Amell]

Carver shuffles from foot to foot, Hunter at his side, a basket of caramel twists in his arm. He hesitates as he sees the house he wanted, considering turning back -- but no, this has to be done, if he's going to be able to hold his head up as a man going forward. But what do I say? he asks himself again, for the hundredth time. Start with sorry. Offer the candies. Leave if he doesn't want you here.

Swallowing hard, Carver raises his fist to knock on the door. 

[Tethras Clan]

It takes two bouts of knocking before the door opens to reveal Seli. She's wearing a house robe and looks like she hasn't slept or showered in a few days. She stares at Carver blankly, fatigue-addled mind needing a few moments to identify who she's seeing. "...Carver? Beth's brother?"

[Carver Amell]

"Ah, hello, good morning, is Andy in?" he asks, trying to sound polite. Something's wrong...?

[Tethras Clan]

Her expression crumples and her eyes fill with tears. "A-Andy's dead," she says, hand gripping the fabric over her stomach. She starts to try and say something more, maybe an explanation, but stops as emotions swamp her.