Blood from Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Varric is more than willing to take a few moments- minutes even- for them both to center.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shudders, finally getting hold of nemself -- all without rocking or tapping, not that ne seems to notice. "This one apologizes," ne whispers. "This one... wishes this one had broken more of Bartrand's bones."

[Varric]

''I... I am giving serious thought to using magic on myself to... remove certain memories. I... Bartrand is attracted to females. So the curse...'' His fist tightens painfully. ''I don't want to remember the thoughts I had about Captain Vallen.''

[Helene Dakesh]

"Nor should you," agrees Helene readily. "This one would happily assist however necessary." At least it was Captain Vallen and not this one.

[Varric]

''I'm just glad I... that I had control enough to not... any of the other females around. Thinking of my daughters like that would-'' He cuts off, rising to his feet abruptly and turning away. Doesn't leave, doesn't move much at all. Just rises and turns slightly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," says Helene rapidly. "This one reminds-- May I remind you that it was not your doing. This was not your fault, nor should it have been your burden to bear. This one may not have sexual feelings anymore, but this one recalls what it was to have them, and that... what you describe is not healthy or normal. Bartrand was a disturbed individual and that must have carried over."

[Varric]

Not normal? Wait. I was badly wounded, blinded, bound (couldn't move couldn't move!), had gone without food and potable water for more than two days or any restful sleep. "That... Curse. Curse. Right. Obvious. Wouldn't be be... natural. The... lust. Distorted for effect."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes," agrees Helene. "This one is also attracted to females and has not dealt with unnatural lusts toward family members or healers while injured. This one believes that if Varric were capable of such desires naturally, he would not have suffered from desiring his children. Or any children."

[Varric]

Varric nods, the movement awkward and hurried. Something eases in Varric as understanding replaces speculation. People (my family) don't feel like that all the time (not how I'm supposed to be). "Alright. Alright. That... Makes sense." The relief, the easing of disorientation and tension is clear in his bearing.

[Helene Dakesh]

He was worried. Varric... Helene nods, drifting back and forth a bit in a slow, tiny rock. "So," ne says firmly. "This one would like to investigate the phenomenon of Garrett today."

[Varric]

''Phenomenon of Garrett's creation. Pretty sure he counts as a person that he'd fall under Tagar's Rules of Ethical Academic Recording.'' Varric pauses a moment, considering. ''At least... I know outsiders of all kinds are covered, but not all familiars are so... do you recall where eidolons fall?'' Going to person him regardless, given what I suspect (dread) what Liz (Marian?) has been up to all night.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Covered," says Helene. "Still a phenomenon. Should be impossible."

[Varric]

''Yes, very much so. But I think we're not supposed to call him a phenomenon. His creation, sure. Also a miracle and a puzzle mixed with a challenge.'' Varric turns and leans against the table. ''You know rituals better than me- what should I be doing to prepare for... getting restored?'' It's entirely true that Helene knows more about magic in general and rituals in particular than Varric, but there's some extra meaning in the fairly simple question that he hopes ne gets.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Pray. Fast. The ritual is the problem element -- like my own, it requires nudity, during the actual casting. This one will see if it can be modified."

[Varric]

''I know. Why I asked you. Trust you.''