Blood from Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Not everything comes back to magic," Varric says curtly. "Most people get diagnosed by conversation and observation."" He pauses, then adds, "besides, if you want speed, we could just Delve. You're strong enough that I could do it." He blanches then, averting his gaze. "Or- or whoever. If you- others could do it if- if you wanted. Prefered."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's pencil scratches, but before Carver starts to speak, they cross out the words, leaving Carver looking nonplussed. 

Another few words, then more violent scratching. 

Finally, more writing, though they hold up a finger for Carver to wait while they consider further. When the finger comes down, Carver is relieved to read out, "Query: opposition to Draslina reasons requested." 

[Tethras Clan]

"It's not here," Merrill mutters sullenly. 

[Bethany]

"That- yes, that is a consideration. You would be missed, a great deal. But if you needed to go, then... we manage when Carver needs to wander. So we would miss you, and be lesser without you, but we would still love and support you." Beth ignores Merrill's grumble, knowing the elf would do just that if needed. "But in addition, I do not see a reason to travel. You would be removing yourself from your support system- a very, very well documented boon in mental and emotional healing- as well as healers that are already well familiar with you and your condition in its most recent form. What would you be gaining?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene scribbles faster, slowing down a little when Carver grumbles, "I can't read that." More carefully, they continue, and after a long moment, Carver reads out, "Expertise. An established program. The Temple has been treating patients successfully for centuries. Widely regarded as best in field. Helped this one before, when this one was young, so has familiarity with patient."

[Varric]

"Helped. Like breaking a horse to saddle," Varric grits out, unable to look at anything except the far wall.

[Bethany]

"What do you mean?" Bethany asks sharply.

[Varric]

"Behavioral conditioning. Punishments for... non-typical behavior. Not outright torture, but mild pain, deprivation of luxuries and rights, public humiliation and censor, restriction of liberty and sovereignty of choice. Designed to force a person to act normal." That last word is sneered out.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's pencil jabs angrily at the sketchbook even before Bethany speaks, and they add helpful underlines, coming just shy of breaking the pencil. Carver is thus able to read out the sentence with spot-on inflection: "This is not better."

[Varric]

"Then why are you setting yourself up for a repeat? Draslina failed."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene swallows, hard, and for a moment it seems that's worked -- the pencil remains dormant. Then, slower, as if more calmly, they write.

Carver reads out, his voice catching a little, "Draslina got me you. Oh, Tuiste..."

[Varric]

Varric is quiet again, for several long moments. Beth starts to speak twice but can't bring herself to interject. Finally... "How long? Will it take, I mean." His voice is not... resigned, nor that of surrender, but more like he's gathering data points for a plan.

[Carver Amell]

Carver reaches to put a hand on Helene's shoulder, but stops short, instead reading out the word written gently on the page: "Unknown."

[Varric]

"Inconvenient," Varric murmurs. "I'll have to step down then. Oh well."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene starts, the jolt shaking their whole body. The pencil scribbles frantically.

Carver frowns. "They say, no such sacrifice is required."