faderift | [closed-ish] all you can do's try to know who your friends are

WHO: Sina and close CR
WHAT: Explaining an upcoming experiment. It might make her better, it might kill her.
WHEN: late August
WHERE: hither and thither
NOTES: Warning for mention of death/sickness, possibly body horror?

Sina has a lot of ground to cover, and has requested that Adelaide hold off on meeting Fenris until she can make sure she's gotten a chance to put her affairs in order, as they stand.

She looks deceptively healthy for the news she's about to give, and this is why now is the time: not after there's another accident or illness, but now, when she's at what is potentially her peak health with the shard present. They might have a solution, but if they should go through with it, it will be risky.

Each friend she approaches gets the same explanation, before they can interrupt or ask questions: she and Adelaide are going to meet Fenris, and explore the possibility of whether he can use his lyrium tattoos to extract the shard. There's no way to know how it will react, but if this works, she has a chance at a full life and the Inquisition will be armed with more knowledge on how to help the Rifters.
She could also just die from it, she concedes with shaking hands and a distant look, but they'll be conducting some tests first to lessen the chances. This isn't goodbye, or even approaching one, because goodbye means there's no hope, and hope is what brought her across the Waking Sea and half of Ferelden to meet all of you.

(variations in her approach:)

Nari is asked to be present for the meeting, having been Sina's constant companion and source of strength in all things.

Ellana is approached with some amount of awkwardness, but perhaps it's time to put all that aside.

Bruce, Anders, Vivienne, and Pel are told in the context of seeking additional insight or knowledge on how it could go more smoothly, or any other factors they might need to keep in mind.

Araceli and Samwise are told somewhat gently, and perhaps with additional reassurance, being that they are in general quite sensitive people who share Sina's fear of the shards.

Beleth, Korrin, and Jamie are told more directly, with the implication that she finds her own strength and humor in theirs. She feels safer knowing them.

Additionally, there is a note to Leliana explaining the purpose and potential of what they're doing. She is asked to be circumspect and not discuss it with any other influential figure until the procedure is completed, for better or worse. She is also thanked for her help and encouraged to continue fighting for the Elvhen, even if Sina should be absent in the future.

[if I missed anyone please speak up!! I definitely didn't omit you on purpose, I'm just doing this off the top of my head]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hearing that puts Korrin more at ease; the tension won't entirely vanish, not when the risk is strong and nothing Sina says can diminish that. Still, being open and honest about what she's doing is very much appreciated, and she won't return that by denying Sina her right to decide for herself.

A small smile forms, even as that concern lingers in her eyes. "I'm glad to hear it. If there's anything I can do to help, you have but to ask. I know it's not my area of expertise, but if this is happening soon, I'd still want to find some way to make it easier on you."

The smile on Sina's face remains, but diminishes some as she nods. "If an opportunity should arise, I'll let you know," she says softly, "...and for now, all we can do is have patience. Serannas, Korrin."

And though Sina stands to gain -and lose- the most from the venture, Korrin's thoughts naturally turn to her kadan. "Araceli should know. Do you want to tell her, or prefer me to do it?" She remembers how upset her love was after finding out about Sina's near-death experience, so regardless she'll talk about this with her at some point. But she'll respect Sina's wishes and wait, if that's what she wants.

Sina shakes her head. "Let me," she insists, "if she has any questions you can't answer, better I be the one to tell her." She touches Korrin's hand lightly. "I will keep you both informed."

Korrin relaxes at that and nods, seeing the logic in it for all that she would have taken the role if Sina had decided otherwise. "Thank you, Sina. It means a lot to hear that. You're important to us both...and Lux, too." Never forget the fox, he would be so offended. "I assume this isn't news you want widely shared or it'd be over the crystal. So I can keep it to myself and whoever else you believe needs to know."

Sina will never forget Lux.
"Yes... I appreciate it," Sina says, smiling with mild relief. "There's no reason for everyone to know yet. I don't... I don't want anyone getting their hopes up. About the shards."

"Fair enough. If it works, then you can tell everyone ever and we'll celebrate. I'm not sure just how yet, but trust that Araceli will come up with something outlandish and I'll help her with it." Yes, try to focus on that outcome instead of...well, the other one. "And how is Nari?" Sina isn't the only one Korrin's worried about; she's grown fond of her clanmate as well, and makes a mental note to check up on her, too.

Nodding mildly, Sina's brow knits in sudden concern when Korrin steers the topic elsewhere. "She seems..." she says, and trails off, chewing her lower lip. "...perhaps down. It's not fair to her, always feeling responsible for what happens."

Sighing, Korrin nods. "I can see how she'd get that way. I'll check in on her, too. She doesn't have to carry that all on her own. Araceli and I will help her as much as you. We wouldn't forget her, alright?"

"Good," Sina sighs, "make sure she gets more rest, while you're at it."

"I'll promise I'll try, at least." Korrin leans in to hug Sina, gently. "I'd better get back to training, but you know where to find me."

[closed-ish] all you can do's try to know who your friends are

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want to leave it here?

Sounds good!