Ghost Story

[GamesMaster]

In the morning, just after dawn, another knock at the front door -- but hushed, almost, nervous. It's Rhea, again, this time bearing a large basket of goods: a five-pound sack of flour and one of beans, two pounds of butter, three freshly-killed chickens, a couple pounds of cured bacon, plus some of the alchemical reagents he'd mentioned being useful for rat poison and healing compounds. "This was all I could smuggle, I didn't dare risk the donkey cart," she murmurs, quietly. "There's a caravan due today, I can ask about anything extra you need then."

[Varric]

"Come inside," Varric says, voice just as low as he looks past her into the woods. "Safer. And some tea seems the least I can offer you for making the trip."

[GamesMaster]

Rhea follows him to the kitchen, unpacking the things onto his counter out of need to keep busy. "Thank you so much for what you did for my boy. I shudder to think what could have happened."

[Varric]

"I just wish I'd handled it a little better. I'm sorry he's going to be sent away. How long do you have until..." He trails off awkwardly.

[GamesMaster]

"I have to send him with the next caravan. It's enough. I'll be able to write to him, and..." She shakes her head. "I was always going to lose him. Who would have thought he really did have magic? But you gave me the time I needed to save his life."

[Varric]

"Would it-- would it help to know more about how his magic works, what it is?" Varric asks tentatively, reaching into his satchel as he speaks. 

[GamesMaster]

"Yes," she says firmly. "I need to know what to watch for in his brothers."

[Varric]

"Highly unlikely they'll Snap as well," Varric says instantly. "Sorry, that's what it's called for-- From the beginning. Your boy is a kineticist. Mildly misleading name from way back when they thought Air was the only element possible and assumed it was direct creation of momentum as opposed to elemental control and manifestation." Losing her, simplify. "Marc has an innate connection to the Plane of Elemental Fire. Think of it like, like a hose or pipe. He's not producing the fire or the magic himself really, just channelling it. The connection could have stayed sealed his entire life; that sort of thing doesn't just open by itself easily. A teacher can slowly coax it open safely over time-- not sure exactly how long-- which is the normal method. What happened with Marc is a Snap; when the connection snaps open in an instant due to some great stress or trauma. A Snap always causes a disaster related to the element, in this case the building catching fire so rapidly despite the lack of fuel or accelerate."

[GamesMaster]

Rhea nods. "So if he'd never been taken, he'd not be a wi-- kineticist?"

[Varric]

"Unless something else of equal stress happened to him, correct. Good ol' Johnny boy is responsible for your son's Snapping," Varric confirms with a sharp nod. Self-fulfilling prophecy in a way. "There's no bargain or tether to any sentient power by the way. He can continue to worship Astea," and hopefully finds himself a (much) more progressive temple, "without any trouble at all."

[GamesMaster]

She gives him an odd look. "He doesn't have to worship Alydra now? Or-- sorry, that's Wizards-- Kato? For fire?"

[Varric]

Varric rolls his eyes a little. "Alydra isn't the deity of magic, though that's a common misunderstanding. And no, Kato doesn't have any claim on him. Wouldn't turn him down, I'm sure, but no claim. No, Marc can stay with Astea if he wants."

[GamesMaster]

"Wizards use their intellect to cast magic, though. My sister said they do, anyway. Real clever, the lot of them, and all with wards around their houses. Not that I'll tell anyone, of course."

[Varric]

Varric smiles at her, chuckling. "Not just wizards. Alchemists with the right materials and knowledge can do wards too. Anyone can do ritual wards, if they're diligent, patient and dedicated enough." His smile broadens into a grin. "Alchemists are damn clever too, mind you."

[GamesMaster]

"I can see that," she agrees, mollified. "I know I can never really repay you, but is there anything else you need? Like I said, there's a caravan due in today, might be delayed till tomorrow but..."