Blood from Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Can you try and describe Liz's reactions? Don't worry about interpretations, just describe it," Varric asks.

[Helene Dakesh]

"When Cindy spoke thus, she became... I was put rather in mind of a mouse. She drew her body in close, folding herself as small as she could get, with her hands in her lap like so. Merrill accused Cindy of being abusive, and that's when she behaved as her mother had, drawing herself up, insisting that it was wrong to accuse her of such a thing."

[Varric]

Varric winces. Yeah, there it is. "Ah. They... Have you ever..." He coughs a little. "Are you- have you ever done any sort of study on... non-typical sexual practices?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes," they reply simply. 

[Varric]

"Are you familiar with the terms or roles called 'submissive' and 'dominant.' Or, uh, 'authority play?'" Gods, why me?

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene stiffens. "Is that... This one had assumed that was a sex thing and thus not fit for tea with company."

[Varric]

"It... can be," Varric replies. "Just a sex thing, I mean. Some people... go for it full-time. Mostly full-time I mean. More of a lifestyle... thing rather than a kink, that is. Umm. I, uh, I spoke to Zevran about it. Probably best to... ask him directly, if you want to know more."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," they say mercifully, with a nod. "This one shall perform additional follow-on research. But... This one is still concerned about Liz. This one rushed here."

[Varric]

Varric sighs softly. "Yeah... yeah, concern is... not unwarrented. I... I know Cindy isn't abusing Liz, not directly or on purpose. I think she... doesn't know what she's doing as much as she tries to portray. Mostly because she doesn't trust any of us save Liz herself. Her ability to trust is... badly damaged. Real bad. So she's afraid to show weakness or uncertainty. So she doesn't ask for help or advice."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods slowly. "I will also ask Zevran his opinion on this matter, in addition to the explanation. He interacted with the figment of Lady Blacquin more directly."

[Varric]

"Boy's pretty good at reading people," Varric agrees. "And knows that sort better than either of us, in all the worst ways." He studies them for a long moment. "How're you holding up?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Frightened," they admit. "Better now that I've had an explanation and a.. a moment with my husband."

[Varric]

Varric smiles crookedly. "I'm glad," he says softly. "You want to hang out in here for a bit? I should pop out to check on Merrill but you can stay until I get back." He clears his throat. "If you want. You don't have to if you had plans."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head. "I would appreciate the time to calm myself. Thank you."

[Varric]

"Of course," Varric says simply, smile smoothing out a little as he heads for the door to track down Merrill and make sure she's okay.