The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene is quiet for a moment, waiting. When he doesn't continue, ne says quietly, "Rest and isolation. Wool blanket. Letting myself read, brew, grumble. Having someone that cares to be around. Making sure food is available. Reminders that someone cares. Maths."

[Varric]

Varric laughs softly, a fond smile forming. "Remember all that huh?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Varric," ne adds, as if that explains everything.

[Varric]

And by the cough, blush and embarrassed shuffling of feet... it does.

"...anyone using the study?" he asks after clearing his throat. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes nir head. "Food is available," ne reminds him. 

[Varric]

"...not up for company right now," he admits in a low voice, clearly not comfortable with admitting the weakness. "Study is quiet, private, two windows." He flicks a faint smile. "Desk big enough for two..."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene smiles at him, a warm, relieved, genuine smile. There's no hint of subterfuge or malice in it -- just a broad, wide, innocent smile, such that could only feel at home on the face of a child.

Maybe that's why that particular burden is nirs to bear -- because in moments like this, it suits nem.

[Carver Amell]

Carver is a little late for dinner; he feels better, at least, in clean clothes and with his wounds freshly bandaged. And what a world of difference, having nothing there to cut. He'd spent some time looking in the mirror after, flexing, imagining what it would look like with more muscle and that handsome chest bandage on. Rugged, masculine. A guy could get used to that. 

Not that he didn't still feel bad. In fact, he'd made up his mind to apologize to his twin after dinner, discreetly. Thinking it over, I'm not sure I really got across why I was so... how bad I felt about it. How it can't happen again, but I'm really sorry I ruined the end of it. That I didn't get to finish her the way she'd done me. That-- no, that's no good. Just stick to the facts: I hurt you, I'm sorry, and separately, we can't do that again, because it's sinful. Stay firm, apologize, listen to her if she needs to rant. And definitely try not to imply she's a slut. Gods. I'll do my best.

The sight of an empty chair instead of his twin nearly stops his heart. He searches people's faces from the doorway, stomach dropping, praying someone has a good explanation for where she is, what's happened. Even Shiori is seated here -- meaning they're not off crying together. So where... Beth. Beth.

[Haliel Lightsong]

Lightsong's afternoon had been... interesting. Coming back from her room after dropping off her painting supplies- and hasn't that been a thing in its own right- she had noticed that Beth's door was partially open. Glancing inside, she'd seen the human laying on the ground, crying. She'd spent the rest of the afternoon with Beth, the younger woman pouring out a veritable sea of pain, regret, shame, worry and confusion. Haliel didn't have solutions or answers for all of it, or even most of it, but even just having someone hold her close and listen seemed to help the worst of it. A bit of ginger probing had brought forth the realization that Beth had evidently not talked to anyone in depth about her rape besides that brief talk with Shisou in the woods. Bethany had not been very receptive to talking about it, evading and then getting waspish, but paladins are a relentless bunch, even when they're Bastionite. 

She needs to talk about it with Carver again, because I think there's still some misunderstandings there... and probably Shisou, if they're going to been in a sexual relationship. That bit about how she responded to Carver pinning her was... telling. Haliel rubs her face, sighing silently. And... Gods. That entire debacle. What in Ciren's name possessed her to do all of that? I get the impulse of wanting to finally be able to offer a solution to a problem- Bastion (and Astea) know I might be just as dumb if I got a chance to actually do something significant for Marian but... that much, that fast? She's young, even younger than me, Haliel reminds herself. Even if she's less sexually sheltered, emotional maturity can't be forced, not really. 'Trauma causes calluses and coping method, not growth' after all. Well, I should fix a plate for- Carver. 

Seeing his expression, the paladin moves to him quickly, a smile in place. "Oh Carver, Beth wanted me to mention she's having a nap. She... also asked if you wanted to come up after you eat? But only if you're not... tired."

[Carver Amell]

Carver's shoulders slump in relief, and he nods, two jerky, awkward nods. That said, he moves to sit at the table, taking a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself. 

Over the next twenty minutes, he manages to more or less act normal -- though Lightsong can tell he seems off. Guilty, if nothing else. When they disperse, he offers to help wash dishes, and so does she, letting them get a chance to talk in somewhat privacy in the kitchen. 

"Beth's really okay?" he asks, as soon as she enters. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

Haliel had been watching him carefully through the night, worried about his emotional state. Good thing Mist- err, Varric wasn't at dinner, he would have noticed for sure, I'm terrible at spy stuff. At his instant question, she smiles faintly. Good, he's worried, not angry. Upset and wary too, but not angry. That'll help, I hope. "Yes, she's... okay is true. Hurting, guilty, ashamed, upset, tired and worried about you... but okay." Stepping closer, she rests a tentative hand on his upper arm. "How are you doing?"

[Carver Amell]

"H-huh? F-fine," he stammers, turning to plunge the plates he's holding into the soapy water. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Carver... please talk to me? I want to help." She pauses, then clears her throat. "I... spent most of this afternoon talking with Beth. She... explained about your... lesson. I... can't say I approve but I don't think less of you, of either of you, for it."

[Carver Amell]

He flinches. "I-- I plan to-- we can't d-do that again," he says, quietly. "Um. By the way, I-- I scraped up my knees some, earlier -- I don't suppose you can, um, h-heal me?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

"On purpose?" Haliel asks, voice still low and gentle.