The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has no friends," she whispers. "This one has those willing to be friendly with this one."

[Varric]

"By what standard are you making that evaluation?" Varric demands. "Where's the line, what's the mark we have to pass before you grace us with the title we've already earned?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Now she looks up, startled, eyes wide. "You... wish to be... friends with me? Consider me a... friend?" she asks, her voice small, hesitant, making her seem truly the child despite her years. 

[Varric]

"...are you ser-" Varric rubs his forehead. "Yes, Seeker." Huh, nickname is back... "That is, in fact, what I've been saying for a few weeks now."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one... Struggles at times with reading people, understanding their emotions and... And intentions," Helene whispers. "This one thought this one had misread the signs."

[Varric]

That... is actually pretty plausible. Right. "Fair. I'll... try to be more direct in the future. In exchange, if you're not sure you're reading me- or hells, someone we both know- ask me and I'll give you my take on things."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a deep breath. "This one's apprentice lies," she whispers. "Frequently, to this one's face."

[Varric]

"I lie a lot too. Generally prefer to avoid actual false statements, as they can be disproved. But- oh sod it. You're a Truthist, aren't you?" He frowns, lowering his hand to look at them directly for a few seconds. "Alright. I can... start taking that into account."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one's apprentice lies. This one's apprentice prefers the company of others. This one's apprentice does not, will not, consider a future with this one. This one's apprentice... Does not like this one." Helene glances up to him again, as if asking for confirmation.

[Varric]

Varric considers this for a long moment. "Most of that is not inaccurate. But it is incomplete, like... saying that... the samsaran birthrate is the lowest of all mortal races. It lacks context and can lead to incorrect assumptions and conclusions. Marian... how much have you been following of our investigation slash infiltration?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Little," admits Helene. "The apprentice clearly prefers Varric, tells him truths she has yet to admit to this one. This one is aware she is trying to infiltrate her true family. This one assumes she is preparing to leave this one."

[Varric]

"Well, you heard me earlier now, about her family- and keep in mind, I only know this because she needed to tell me for this. Her uncle tried to erase her, certainly in regards to records, possibly mortally. Mother shipped her off without a second thought. Considered her a shame on her house. A flesh and blood reminder of her past, her biggest regret. An embarrassment. Can't imagine how that would shape... well, I suppose I can- it would shape someone into Marian. The twins- her beloved twins, the only people that loved her as a child, forgot about her." Varric laughs softly. "The two of you are pretty similar actually. Neither of you is willing to take the chance of reaching out to someone, too worried about being hurt again. Of being left again."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has never had family. Not by blood -- samsarans do not -- and not by adoption. This one has always been alone save for Alydra. Thie first one to truly care for this one's well being was the Ancient One, who saved this one's life by allowing this one to serve. This one does not understand the nuances of family, of love. But this one understands pain, and rejection."

[Varric]

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess... in our own ways, all four of us do," Varric murmurs, eyes closing briefly. "So... so that's why. Marian is making plans to live on her own after, because she expects you to kick her out. Because everyone else has. She's told me more because she has to. And because I'm really good at getting people to talk to me, even about things they didn't mean to. She does lie. She does like the company of others- Marian is intensely social. She thrives when in the company of others, as varied as possible. As hungry as she is for love and acceptance, I suspect she would go with and stay with anyone that break down the wall and convinced her they mean it. The more you pull back because she's pulling back, the more she pulls back and makes you pull back. One of you is going to have to take that leap of faith first."

[Helene Dakesh]

Faith ...

Helene's eyes widen, and she swallows hard. "Have faith, little Seeker," she whispers. "There is faith outside Alydra. This is what He meant. Faith in the future, in other people."