Ghost Story

[Varric]

Even now? Even after-- even now you're (helping) making me look slow? Overachiever. "That's good. Real good. Remembering, I mean. What was her name? Try and focus on-- don't try for a name directly. Try and focus on her, umm, breaking something. Or taking something from your room. What are you shouting?"

[Marian Hawke]

She shakes her head. "She doesn't. Sis wouldn't do that. She's really conscientious of people's stuff. It feels wrong to shout at her when it's my fault she's dead."

[Varric]

Your fault? "That's understandable. Pretty lucky, having one like for a sister. Never had one myself but I hear the 'borrowing' can get really heated. She academic like you?"

[Marian Hawke]

"No. She was more like my brother."

[Varric]

And a brother. Progress, solid progress. "Yeah? How so?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I-- I don't-- I was the smart one, I think. I was the odd one out in a lot of ways. It's slipping away, I'm not sure..."

[Varric]

Still speaking in an interested, unworried voice, Varric asks, "you have a pet? Seem like a cat person to me but I could be wrong."

[Marian Hawke]

"Not now. I-- I don't know. I don't think so, but... I don't know."

[Varric]

"That's okay," Varric assures her. "Would you be interested in getting a pet? Now, I mean."

[Marian Hawke]

"I.. I might like a dog," she admits.

[Varric]

"A dog, eh?" Varric strokes his chin. "Wrong about the cats, huh? What kind of dog?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I mean, I hardly deserve a Mabari, so just an ordinary dog," she admits.

[Varric]

Mabari? Where did that come from? "Mabari? Any reason that particular breed came to mind?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Mabari aren't just a breed, they're the ultimate dog. Loyal, intelligent, magical-- if I thought I had half a chance of bonding one, that'd be the dog I want."

[Varric]

"Know a fair bit about them," Varric notes neutrally.