Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene freezes in their tracks, face twisted into a horrified expression. How--? But-- the ritual? I-- there shouldn't be any-- why do they-- 

They swallow, fighting the urge to bolt off somewhere safe to cry about it, and force themself to follow, steps small, stomach churning, head bowed. 

[NPCs]

"Here we are. You just sit tight and we'll send up some wine and snacks, yeah?" the madame says eagerly before leaving Helene.

Alone. For about ten minutes. Just... giving them time to think. By themselves, save for a thirty second interruption for someone to bring up that tray.

[Helene Dakesh]

There's only one thing to do that might stop their brain from churning endlessly on the issue of gender and fairness and what more do you want?! and maybe it's me and maybe I'm just delusional about this whole gender thing--

Which is why, when Zevran enters, he finds Helene stretched out before a sketch of Alydra's holy symbol, hands clasped in silent prayer. 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran pauses a moment in the doorway, studying this. Afterwards, he slowly approaches, kneeling next to them. "Bonjour, mon petite amie. Something troubles you?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene straightens, wiping a flood of tears from their eyes. "Th-th-this one-- this one came on b-behalf of Varric-- this one-- please excuse this one's behavior--"

[Tethras Clan]

"Shhhh, shhh," he says gently, reaching out to gently stroke Helene's hair. "I am unoffended, I assure you. Take your time."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one-- this one is--" They sniffle, wiping their eyes again. "This one was still gendered female," they whisper.

[Tethras Clan]

"...ah." Zevran take a deep breath. "That... is simply going to happen. I am sorry, but the majority of people in the world do not even realize that mortals can be something other than male or female. If they cannot tell, they guess. Illogical and... hurtful, but it will happen. I am sorry. If it helps, I have been gendered female as well."

[Helene Dakesh]

"All of that... all of that, and this one is still..." They sniffle, wiping at their eyes. "This one no longer has lust, at least. This one no longer notices how distracting Zevran can be. But that is all. This one risked all, nearly died, and still-- still!"

[Tethras Clan]

No longer- pin it, Zevy, pin it for later. "I am sorry that your suffering has not born the fruit you hoped for," the merikos drow pretending to be a merikos elf says gently, still combing his fingers through their hair. "Your appearance is different. I suspect the madame just flipped a mental coin, perhaps weighted due to your pick of whore. And perhaps because robes are closer to dresses than trousers. Silly reasons, but... people are often silly. It is not your fault."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods again, letting the fingers in their hair soothe them, letting their sniffles slowly die out on their own. "This one apologizes," they sigh finally. "This one appreciates Zevran's comfort."

[Tethras Clan]

"I am glad to give it, mon bel ami bleu," Zevran says gently. Rising to his feet, he sits in the plush easy chair and pats his lap in offer, the gesture seductive but lightly so as it's more natural instinct than anything else. "Sit with me?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene moves to sit on his lap, climbing up awkwardly. "This one also appreciated Zevran's visits while this one was... indisposed. The offers of things to draw were very much appreciated."

[Tethras Clan]

"I am glad," Zevran says quietly. "That was... I have never been in that position. Of having a friend, a real friend... in such a condition. It was... distressing. Having some small way to help was..." He makes a face. "Helpful."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one apologizes for your distress," they say quietly. "This one is particularly grieved for Varric, as he is in a similar position twice in rapid succession."