Ghost Story

[Varric]

There's a flicker of a smile before Varric blanks his face again. "Understood. 'Safe' might not be possible, but I think 'able to heal' is pretty doable. I'm a tough old bastard."

[Marian Hawke]

Emma nods, making only a little bit of a face. "Just so we're clear."

[Varric]

"Clear as an empty cave," Varric assures her gravely. "Now scoot. I have some prep to take care of, then I'm heading into town. Don't be worried if I'm not back by tonight, I might need to take my time on this."

[Marian Hawke]

"Of course I'll worry!" she snaps, but she turns, heading for the kitchen. 

[Varric]

"She's a good kid," Varric murmurs to a soft eyed, keen minded soul he's still not entirely ready to think about directly. "I just wish..." What? That you'd come here earlier? That they could have met? That mana would fall from the sky and no child would ever starve again?

(Well, yes. All of that and more.)

Get to work old man. Day isn't going to save itself.

[GamesMaster]

There aren't any children playing outside despite it being a weekend. That's the first sign he can see that something is drastically wrong; there's always children playing on the weekends, kicking balls or playing tag or whatnot. But today, everyone's keeping their children indoors. 

The second sign is that the bells begin to ring, just as he's passing the general store. 

The third sign, as he breaks into a jog, is the flames licking at the roof of the guard station. 

[Varric]

It only takes a moment to mix up some Fire Resist-- and only two more to gain Flight and Freedom-- as he hurries towards the fire. Well this (whatever this is) is going to be interesting. Another attack? Rebellion? Kid fighting back?

[GamesMaster]

He finds the sheriff and three of the volunteer guard organizing a bucket brigade outside the guardhouse; worryingly, there's no sign of John or Marc.

[Varric]

"Who's still inside?" Varric barks out in a tone of pure command, one deliberately crafted over the decades to instill obedience in townsfolk and civilians during a crisis.

[GamesMaster]

"Rhea's kid and John," comes the reply from the sheriff instantly. "They're in the basement."

[Varric]

"Focus on the back right window!" Varric orders as he simply rushes into the building without hesitation. Kid first (paladin should be able to handle himself) and out.

[GamesMaster]

The flames haven't spread too far; the interior is more smokey than hot, making it hard to see where he is going as well as hard to breathe. He makes his way to the basement stairs, the handle being hot to the touch when he gets to the bottom. The fire must have started down here in the basement

Before he opens the door, he can hear the sounds of battle -- a child shrieking in terror, a grown man pronouncing judgement in an even, cold tone. He opens the door to see Marc cowering in the back of his burning cell, too close to the flames as he tries to get further from the door; John is unlocking the door with his off hand, his Warhammer in his good hand at the ready, already glowing with mystical power.

[Varric]

Varric does something rather unusual, at least for him, in that moment; he acts without considering the repercussions of a plan of action. A bolt fires, hitting John just under the shoulder blade of his dominant hand. The dwarf doesn't spare him another glance as the man crumples to the ground, instead heading to the jail. "Marky," he calls softly. "Remember me?"

[GamesMaster]

The child cowers back, closer to the flames, coughing from smoke inhilantion.

[Varric]

"Here," Varric says swiftly, removing his amulet and offering it to the boy. "It's blessed by Teiris," he lies without shame. "Sweet air, no matter what while you're wearing it. Go on, put it on."