And it's the stars, the stars that lie to you.

[neverheardofhim]

[This week, Varric opted to take a page from Vanille’s book. Gathering everyone together after the roller-coaster that the first trial had been proved to be somewhat cathartic for himself. He hoped that it would prove to do the same for the others.]

[He wasn’t alone, of course, having found himself blessed with the most ragtag team of chefs and party-planners. He might have had words for and thoughts on Elda and Kimbley, Mikazuki was welcome company, and he wasn’t about to turn away potential allies, even in a fight as simple as cooking dinner.]

[Once everyone’s set to a task, baking a cake, brewing tea, or stirring stew (the only task Varric could think to assign Elda to), Varric excused himself to his room. His first task was writing up cards, each personally titled and signed by Varric.]

Food in the Library. 5 p.m. Don’t spend the night alone.

[Each note was slid under a door and accompanied by a single rap on the wood.]

[With his tasks completed, Varric returned to the kitchen to put out any potential fires and, with luck, set the food out. A table in the library would be adorned with plenty of tea, cake, pancakes courtesy of Viktor, and stew thanks mostly to Varric (sorry, Elda).]

Comments

[elepe]

[If there's one thing Clefable can do, it's serve as a distraction. She'll be nice and still for Estelle.]

Alright. If there is anything I can do, please let me know, hm?

[If nothing else, it seems like it was an okay decision to come by this time.]

[firstaid]

[Estelle shakes her head.]

I'm not the one who needs comforted.

[Well, she does, but she doesn't believe she needs it as much as many others here do.]

[elepe]

[That's...]

...I trust that you are being truthful in this matter, but I am not doing this out of obligation. I'd like to help, if I can.

[She doesn't believe that Estelle isn't at least somewhat screwed up by this, but...she's not going to be forceful.]

[firstaid]

[Naturally, she is, but she keeps her focus on Clefable for now and continuing to pet her gently.]

I just want to do what I can to help others.

[Even if it means shoving her self-care aside just for a bit. She'd be fine.]

[elepe]

Which is an admirable trait, certainly.

[...she's just like Vanille. She almost wonders if Estelle will be the one who won't make it to the party next week, if she goes like this.]

But...simply don't burn yourself out, Estellise. It won't end well for anyone.

[firstaid]

I promise that I won't. I'll be fine.

[Says the girl that's passed out from overworking herself many times before.]

This is a time to take care of those that need it. While I certainly do not like all this death and killing, some of us have to be there to support others who are hurting the most. Right now, I can do that for those who need it. Just as you are now, right?

[elepe]

[...Estelle, honey--

Well, Lusamine can't exactly argue that and relents. Just a little, at least.]

...I suppose you are right. It may simply be me living too closely to my title. The last thing I want is to see such a wonderful girl wind up losing herself to this mess.

[Even so...]

But I believe in you, Estellise. In your ability to assist those who are hurting.

[firstaid]

I won't lose myself, I promise.

[She gives Lusamine a smile. The expression she has on her face is resolved.]

And thank you for being there to comfort others. I'm glad there's someone like you here.

[A mother figure. She barely remembers her own mother, the only thing left she has is a memento, but she doesn't have it with her.'