Blood from Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene, startled -- they hadn't thought anyone was home -- looks up, eyes wide in panic. They say nothing, looking down at the sketchbooks in shame. They hadn't wanted Merrill to see them like this. They hadn't wanted... any of this.

[Tethras Clan]

Forcing their chair the rest of the way over, Merrill tumbles herself out of her chair to sit next to Helene. "Are you hurt?" Her voice is low and gentle, soothing, and she doesn't look directly at nem. "You can just nod or shake your head. Or grunt twice for yes."

[Helene Dakesh]

They do neither -- but they do flinch back a little from the sound of Merrill's voice. Overload, then -- due to stress and emotional pain, they're struggling to find their equilibrium. Normally what they'll want is to be left alone in the dark for a few hours to recover. 

And yet, as Merrill sits with her tuiste, she witnesses something remarkable. Through some herculean effort, Helene manages to calm themself, humming faintly and tunelessly. There's a bit where they slam their fist into their leg repeatedly, but after that, things seem to settle rapidly. 

"Broken," they finally whisper, breaking the silence with a whisper like the sound of dead leaves on paving-stones. Then, "Varric," in a plaintive whine. 

[Tethras Clan]

Biting her lip, Merrill nods slightly to herself. "I'm really sorry if this isn't okay but..." Shifting a little, she makes a few gestures, then whispers in sylvian, "be still as stone and serene as pale blue skies." As the Calming spell takes effect, she offers a weak smile. "What about Dad? What's broken?"

[Helene Dakesh]

It takes another agonizingly long moment for them to speak up: "this one. Broken." A deep shuddering breath.

[Tethras Clan]

The shaman's eyes widen a bit at how Helene is still struggling despite the Calming spell. Not just emotional then. Their thoughts are in disorder as well. Oh Tuiste... "Take your time, Tuiste. Do you want to be held? May I heal you? Your hair is matted in the back."

[GamesMaster]

They lean against Merrill just a little, just enough for comfort. After a long moment, a nod -- but to which question? Another long moment and they add, "varric is moving to Orzimmar."

[Tethras Clan]

Taking her cue from the minimal contact Helene initiated, Merrill decides the nod was for the healing. A modest cure spell later, she addresses the verbal response. "Moving... like... a business trip?" 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head.

[Tethras Clan]

"Ummm. Like... a... political... thing trip?" She swallows tightly, reading the answer with ease. "Oh. Ummm. I don't.... What did he... say? About... why?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"He didn't," they whisper. "Can't find."

[Tethras Clan]

"Oh. Then how do you know?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Dwarves." They shudder, taking another deep breath. "Need help. Cannot find Varric."

[Tethras Clan]

Dwarves? What do they mean by... some other dwarf- or dwarves?- told them this? Weird. "Alright. Where have you looked so far?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Here," they admit, in a small, dismal voice. "Scry," they add, a moment later, with a head shake.