Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Anything you can think of that would make it better? Something you'd like to do? Something for dinner that interests you?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Can you find me a good book? Preferably in that half of the room, where I haven't read many."

[Varric]

"A good book, hmm? Maybe something--" A strange expression crosses his face for a moment, then he nods firmly. "I know just the thing. Back in a few minutes," Varric calls to her as he hurries from the room. 

He returns as promised holding a heavy leather-bound book no taller than his hand and less wide but nearly four inches thick. When he holds it out to her, she can see that spine has 'Chronicles of Seeker Avanti-who-was-Eden, Vol I' embossed in silver. "It's a copy, of course," he adds almost guilty. "But I think you'll enjoy it."

[Marian Hawke]

She takes it, running her fingers over the silver embossing. "Thank you. And-- thank you for helping me, even if I kind of hate it."

[Varric]

Varric hesitates, just a second, before letting go. "Be careful with it? I mean, I know you are. You're always careful with the books. Just... be careful with this one especially." He clears his throat. "Curious to see what you think of it, when you're done."

[Marian Hawke]

"Okay. I will." 

Emma curls back into her nest, reverently opening the cover to begin reading.

[Varric]

Varric doesn't watch her start, just turns to leave the room with a bit too much hurry in his steps. So he's not watching when Emma opens the book and sees the title page. And more importantly, the subtitle.

~*~

Being the Compiled, Recovered Works of Seeker Avanti-Who-Was-Eden, gathered and formatted by Varric Tethras for his Spouse on their Tenth Anniversary.
'So Ne Never Need Fear Forgetting Nir Past Selves'

~*~

[GamesMaster]

Dear Daddy: Today we are going to church, begins the diary Varric is reading while he lets Emma read the diary he compiled. It isn't worship day. I hate wearing my nice dress and so does Car. Why do we have to go to church today?

The next entry is dated the same day, but marked 'later'.I found out why we have to go to church. It's because of Car...

[Bethany]

"Bright Braiden, you forget your station!"

Beth's eyes widen as she stares at her twin sitting opposite from her on a pew. At their mother's second shout, she flinches and peeks up over the back of the pews to look at the door leading to the office where the adults were 'discussing matters too complicated for little ears.'  After a few more seconds, Bethie's expression shifts. She had looked frightened, almost panicked, but now? Her twin isn't sure what this very new expression means.

[Carver Amell]

Car pokes Beth, frowning a little. What's going on?

[Bethany]

She flashes a grin at him before easing off the pew to tip-toe towards the door. Peeking is what's going on evidently.

[Carver Amell]

I really hope Bright Braiden's penis isn't involved, thinks Car, as he tiptoes after Beth. 

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

They press their ears to the door in time to hear their mother fire at the priest. "-ce and council, not sly insinuations and demands. My Lord," as always, Leandra places a subtle emphasis on the title, "husband is already aware of Carol's-- Carol's belief, thank you, and is reserving judgement on the matter for now."

[Carver Amell]

Car winces. I told Mother it's Car now, not Carol...

[NPCs]

"Astea made her as she is, Lady Verberry and thus she should remain. Unless you think our Lady of Life and Love was in error?"