Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Bay, then fight," Varric mutters as he yanks the window open so he can half-climb, half-drop down to the ground. He rushes towards the canine, only considering that his healing potions are not just unsuited for a ghost, but also potentially harmful.

[GamesMaster]

The pair head into the woods around the property, more running than fighting; Varric gives chase, but even his flight spell suffers with the thick underbrush and tangled branches of the woods. He's only just lost sight of them when an even more chilling sound reaches his ears: a girl-child, screaming. 

[Varric]

Head snapping back towards the house, Varric snarls an oath in ignan. Despite his distaste for heights, he launches himself above the trees and bolts back at full speed.

[GamesMaster]

When he reaches the house, it's on fire -- not just a little fire, but a blazing inferno. There's no way it's safe to enter. He could easily succumb to smoke inhalation, or be horribly burned, or...

[Varric]

A quick Resistance infusion takes care of the heat and fire. Smoke is more of a problem, but a wet strip of cloth across his face and his sturdy dwarven heritage is enough of an advantage that he's willing to enter wiwithoutth much concern. He won't be long after all, he just needs one thing really.

"Emma!"

[GamesMaster]

As he makes his way toward the library, two sounds greet him: a childish scream from somewhere below him, and the sound of nasty, hacking coughs from the library itself. 

[Varric]

Time slows, almost stops. He knows what the sounds mean. He knows who and what, at least well enough that further details aren't needed. His instincts, dulled by grief and anger, have revived enough that their screaming, their demands, is almost overpowering. And yet. And yet. Emma needs me (have to choose)! But Bethie (what happens if the house burns down with you in it?) is in more danger. Emma is smart, a survivor, she can last, right? But-- I can't lose someone else. I need to--  No, have to be logical. Need to reason. Need to think (clearly). Bethie has more need, is less able to help herself. Get her, then get to Emma. 

For the second time in less than that many weeks, the door to the library is shattered to allow Varric rapid entry. He's already scooping Emma up and barreling for the window before his brain notices that he's no longer frozen in the hallway.

[Marian Hawke]

Emma clings to him, hacking violently, as they burst out the window into the yard. The screams die down as the flames intensify, some of them taking on a greenish hue as they consume his alchemy supplies. Emma shivers, refusing to let go of him, her skin clammy and cool despite the heat. 

"I don't-- I'm not-- I don't feel so good," she manages, teeth chattering.

[Varric]

"Not surprised," he replies, voice muffled by the cloth across his face. The fuck did she get a whiff of (she's ice-cold) in there? "Try to explain what you're feeling."

[Marian Hawke]

"Dizzy," she murmurs. "Sick."

[Varric]

"Sick how?" Varric demands as he lands near the barn.

[Marian Hawke]

"Stomach."

[Varric]

"Do you taste anything? Do your fingers or toes tingle?" Even as he snaps out questions, he's mixing reagents for a purgative and antitoxin.

[Marian Hawke]

"Weak," she murmurs. "No tingle."

[Varric]

I hope that means a 'no' to my first question then. "Alright. Need you to swallow this. Gonna be bitter, sorry."