Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"I'm not addicted," Varric snaps, deeply offended. I drink nearly every day (hmmm) and never get drunk. I can count on one hand the number of times I've even been more than lightly buzzed (well, dwarf) in the last two years. Maybe three. I'm not an addict (but Helene is suggesting you are and..). "I just- just didn't want to have to get up. And today's been shite, I deserve something enjoyable." Why am I fighting so hard for this (pride? Stubbornness?).

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Understood. This one will prepare a drink of spices and chocolate that will help Friend Varric relax," they say, getting to their feet. "Friend Varric shall accompany this unworthy one so that this one can be sure Friend Varric is safe?"

[Varric]

"Stubborn meat-bag," Varric mutters in draconic, the last word an unflattering but non-insulting (by dragonic standards) word for non-dragon sapients. He sighs a little. "Sure, why not," he finally says, annoyed but not up for more arguing, and rises to his feet.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene leads him to the kitchen, taking the time and care to measure out spices, finely chop and melt chocolate, and mix in milk to make two frothy, delicious, and entirely non-alcoholic drinks.

They hand him one mug, taking the other for themself, and settle them at the kitchen table. "This one would like to request a review of this one's helpfulness as a..."

Helene frowns, then, staring at the mug. "This one would like to request clarification as to what the appropriate label is for this one's relationship with Friend Varric."

[Varric]

Varric had been... distracted is a good word for it, even if that undersells the level of his preoccupation, during the preparation of the spiced hot chocolate. As such, Helene's question catches him entirely flat-footed. "What?" A blink. "Now? You want to do this now?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene flushes deep blue. "N-no, of course-- of course not. This one, this one was merely distracted by the question. We can discuss whatever Friend Varric wishes."

[Varric]

And now I smacked a blue pupper (what). I mean puppy (Merrill can never know (Merrill...) I thought that). Varric groans a little, grinding the heel of his hand into his temple. "No, now is... I was just lost in thoughts. Start over?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one intended to query if this one was fulfilling this one's duty, but this one would like to be clear on what this one is to Friend Varric so this one can ensure that this one is supporting in the correct ways."

[Varric]

That... makes more sense than it doesn't, Varric allows. "Alright... well... what do you want this to be?" he asks after a moment.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene glances away, still blushing. "Please enumerate the possibilities."

[Varric]

"Well... I suppose... there are... four different... Supergroups, if you will," Varric says slowly. "Foe. Stranger. Friend. Family."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one had counted on being in the 'Friend' grouping but this one... after this one was... ill.. Friend Varric mentioned family and... this one... this one wishes to be family." 

[Varric]

"Alright," Varric says carefully. "That's fine with me as well. Do you have any thoughts on the... drill down?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene frowns, thinking. "This one is not a child," they say slowly. "And this one is older than Friend Varric, but not enough to be a generational difference. This one would therefore be approximate to a sibling, cousin, or... or partner of Varric's." The last bit is said slowly, carefully, almost delicately. 

[Varric]

And there's the explosive. "That... is sound enough logic, yes," Varric agrees, taking a sip of... Huh. This is pretty good. "You... have we ever... discussed my, ah, preferences?" he asks, studying the contents of the mug.