Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Yes? Why wouldn't it? I mean, yes, your memory problems could be problematic, but so far your judgment and reasoning skills seem unimpaired. Aside from a low self-worth issue and your phobia about magic." He raises a hand. "Not saying you don't have reasons for it, just that it affects you pretty strongly."

[Marian Hawke]

"It's never once my whole life mattered what I want, not even to you. Why should it start now?"

[Varric]

Varric's eyes narrow. "Because until now, I didn't realize that you wouldn't stand your ground if I pushed. I've cared about what you want before now. Just... not used to people that don't argue, one way or another." He rubs the back of his neck. "This has already probably doubled my lifetime counter of time I've spent in close contact with someone underage."

[Marian Hawke]

"Under-- I'm nearly eighteen!"

[Varric]

Varric squints a little. "You need to eat and work out more," he says bluntly. 

[Marian Hawke]

"What, I eat! I eat plenty! Just not... you know. Before you came."

[Varric]

Varric snorts. "If you say so," he singsongs. "Still eighteen isn't that far off."

[Marian Hawke]

"I'm an adult. I'm not underage."

[Varric]

"You're an adult," he agrees with a faint smile. Which is very nearly the least adult thing one can say.

[Marian Hawke]

"All this is beside the point," she says, sulkily. "Yes, I want to work on it. I don't like the feeling that I don't have memories." And I don't like you being the one to fix it, but beggars can't be choosers. Smug git.

[Varric]

"Understandable," Varric replies with a nod. "It would terrify me. Do you have any particular approach you'd prefer to take?"

[Marian Hawke]

"If anything's ever worked, I've forgotten it. What are the options?"

[Varric]

That gets a snort of amusement. "That's a good point," he agrees, stroking his chin as he considers the question. "In broad strokes? Conversation, meditation, vision quest, ritual, divine intervention."

[Marian Hawke]

"We've been doing a lot of conversation, nothing's changed," she points out. 

[Varric]

"Targeted conversation. Painful targets."