Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Assuming you mean 'radical thinker that doesn't shy from agitating for change' and not 'arsonist' then I can work with that," Varric says with a faint smirk. "Everyone gets on my nerves from time to time, even my--" He changes words smoothly, seamlessly, "self or the people I know and like most. I'm not shy about telling people to piss off if I want space."

[Marian Hawke]

"Then-- I can stay? Really? I can't pay you, I don't have any money..."

[Varric]

"Place is a mess. Neglect mostly. Can you use a broom? Scrub floors, wash linens, haul out junk?"

[Marian Hawke]

She nods, silent, wary. 

[Varric]

Varric studies her for a moment. "Any of that better or worse than the rest?" he finally asks. "Got any more interesting skills?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I can do chores," she admits. "I got good at them." Astea knows I got enough practice.

[Varric]

Varric smiles faintly. "I vaguely recall how that went as a kid. So how about it? You help me straighten this place out and you get room and board out of it. Even toss in a few coppers a week so you can get any whatevers you need."

[Marian Hawke]

"I won't need the coppers. I don't go into town." Again that strange near-panic in her eyes. "But I'll help around the house iffin that's what you like."

[Varric]

"Never heard of mail order?" Varric shrugs. "Use the coin or just toss it in a hole."

[Marian Hawke]

"Why are you being so kind to me?" she asks, frowning. 

[Varric]

"Why not?" Varric says after a slight pause. "Doesn't cost me much if any more than kicking you out does."

[Marian Hawke]

"Most would be angry at me for stealing."

[Varric]

"Stealing what?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Books. Food. Space." Air. Life. 

[Varric]

"Books are still here, so that's not theft. Food've spoiled by the time I got here if you hadn't eaten it," not that it looks like you ate much, "and same idea goes for the space. I wasn't using it yet. And now you'll be renting it with your labour."