Blood from Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Ah, this one understands. This one has discovered information about Cindy."

[Tethras Clan]

"Ooooh. That's a toughie. Lowering her voice, Merrill whispers conspiratorially, "she's a little prickly." Louder, "umm, for her... I would say make it formal. Request to go over for tea when Liz will be there. But not too formal. Like... Do the invitation letter thingie, I think she misses some of the pomp, but sign it as Helene Tethras, no Seeker or zi. Family formal. And... If it's sad news, bring dessert. She likes caramels. Well. Being dessert anyway, dessert is grand but bring extra good desseedif it's sad."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is uncertain if the news is sad. This one is... It is a strange bit of news, to be certain."

[Tethras Clan]

"Strange can be good or bad," the elf allows, sighing a little with contentment as Helene pets her. Brushes her hair rather. Is it a secret thing? Wait, that wasn't out loud. "Is it a secret thing? Or a need to tell her first thing?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is uncertain the typical protocol. This one has discovered facts relating to Cindy's parents that this one has reason to believe were previously unknown to her."

[Tethras Clan]

"Hmmmm," Merrill ponders, making faces back at the wall as she considers it. "I think... it would be wrong to gossip about it at all, wrong to share it about before telling her but okay to share it if you need help in knowing how to share it with her," she finally decides, offering a smile as apology for having to refocus back on Helene.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one was testing this one's spells for divining sibling bonds and locations. This one attempted to use Cindy as a known control element, but the results were surprising. This one discovered siblings this one does not believe Cindy knows she has."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill blinks a few times. "Oh wow. Yeah, that's a big bit of news," she agrees. "I don't think she's going to be happy about not knowing about them."

[Helene Dakesh]

"How does this one minimize her discomfort?" asks Helene, fingers snagging a little on Merrill's hair as she smooths part of the braid.

[Tethras Clan]

"Umm. Totally have Liz there. And have drink on hand, just in case. But not too strong. Fudge is double yes. Hmmm. Oh! Warn Liz," Merrill says proudly, pleased at thinking of the idea. "Just, like, when you get there, quietly warn Liz that your talk might be kind of tense or rough for Cindy so she's ready with the hugs or whatever."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," replies Helene, greatly relieved. "Anything further?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Give enough context so she understands but get to the meat before details. She'll want to know, but she's not you or Dad," Merrill advises. "Summary first, then let her ask questions. Oh, and she might get rude or even angry, 'cause people do that and she seems like the sort that gets all 'grr' when they're upset because angry is less scary than scared or sad."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," says Helene slowly, dubiously. "What does this one do if that occurs?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Uh, well, with Carver, I used to kiss him," Merrill muses. "But I don't think that would work well with you and Cindy. Nowadays, I give him a sad look and wait patiently for him to bluster himself out. Which is much faster these days! Umm. Letting them shout is usually good... be polite and stuff, duh, like you're ever not polite," she adds, tilting her head a little to grin at the oracle. "And... offer to let them have a moment in private can help, if she really gets going."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," says the Seeker once more. "Do you... wish to be present? To give further advice?"