Blood from Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes," agrees Helene. "The things the devil said frightened this one. This one has long been afraid that being with Varric is... that this one is neglecting this one's health by being as this one is. That this one is damaging this one's self. And that may still be the case. This one had expected to hold out longer than this one did, should something like this occur. But... this one is no longer eager to take a course of action a devil clearly led this one into taking. This one is uncertain how to proceed."

[Varric]

"Well... A good method- and I am aware of my own hypocrisy here- to use when you're not sure what to do in a given situation, is ask for advice. In this case, you know a good half dozen mind healers. Plus you can talk with other Seekers or...'' His eyes flick upwards. ''Given what just happened, I think your concerns about not being important enough can be set aside for a bit.''

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is afraid," whispers Helene. "The last time a crisis of this magnitude affected this one, this one lost Varric. Alydra is fair, and often kind, but at times, what must be must be. This one was afraid to ask in case this one... in case this one was called upon to sacrifice further."

[Varric]

Varric nods slowly. ''I can see that worry clearly.'' Leaning back in his chair, he considers a moment. ''But... but we're good now, right? I mean... things are pretty well over.''

[Helene Dakesh]

"May Alydra record those words as truth," whispers Helene fervently.

[Varric]

''Here here,'' Varric murmurs. ''I... I don't have a brief written up. So... your turn, I think. To ask.''

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene frowns, mulling things over. Finally, hesitantly, ne asks, "Were you serious? About going to Draslina? Or was it a tactic?"

[Varric]

Oof. Right to it then. ''I... I'm not entirely sure. I... in the moment, yes. When I said it, I was focused on you, on your need. The kids... I was trusting Carver. He was hurt by Gamlen dying, but... more in a soft way. Like news of bad things, given how close they were't. He would take care of Beth and Liz until we got back. Don... him needing her would help Beth. And her needing him would help him. I didn't think that all out precise, just... calculations in the background.''

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, slowly. "Understood," ne says, quietly. "I would have let you come," ne adds. "I would have trusted you to make the right decision."

[Varric]

''...not sure if you should,'' he murmurs. ''Not sure if... I deserve that much trust.''

[Helene Dakesh]

"You do," Helene says firmly. "You have never once been selfish or put your wants over the needs of the family. If you had honestly felt the family needed you to stay in Nyra, you would not have gone with me to Draslina."

[Varric]

''Wants... maybe not. Ego?'' He grimaces. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"Elaborate?" asks Helene, and nir voice is gentle, inquisitive.

[Varric]

''The last week. Trying to do it all myself. That was me putting my ego first.'' He waves his remaining hand. ''Good intentions maybe but still.''

[Helene Dakesh]

"Only the past week?" ne asks, merciless in nir gentle teasing.