Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Actually, I have this-- these-- for you," Varric replies, offering the two letters he's written out last night. "Got a letter of introduction to a preparatory school, help him catch up in academic side of things; that's free, available to all Nyrans under the age of majority. Second one is a letter of introduction to an old colleague who works as a tutor broker. He'll be able to find someone to help start training Marc to control his powers so there's no more, ah, flare ups."

[GamesMaster]

Rhea presses a hand to her mouth, eyes tearing up. "Thank you. Thank you so much. Anything you need, ever, you come to me. Your money's no good with me." She takes the letters, tucking them into her shawl. 

[Varric]

Varric shakes his head. "At least some of this is on me, Rhea. If I hadn't antagonized Johnny, if I hadn't told Marc stories about Nyra, if I had handled his rescue better..."

[GamesMaster]

But she shakes her head. "You saved my boy. He told me what you did for him. And now you're in trouble with Sheriff Bart over it. No, you're a hero, plain and simple."

[Varric]

"Been in trouble with the law before," Varric protests, averting his gaze. "Never all that bothered with breaking a few laws to get done what needs doing."

[GamesMaster]

"About that..." Rhea hesitates, looking down at her shawl for a moment, then shakes her head. "I don't really believe it. But I have to ask anyway. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't. Does anyone else know about your ward?"

[Varric]

"Marc, obviously," Varric says, giving her a puzzled look. "She's not my ward though, she's my apprentice. She's of age."

[GamesMaster]

"She is? That's good to hear," says Rhea, shoulders sagging a bit in relief. "Formal apprenticeship then? I'm sure you went through all the appropriate registration or whatever?"

[Varric]

"Not yet; I just asked her today actually," Varric says with a pleased smile. 

[GamesMaster]

"So you were living together before your apprenticeship?" she asks, carefully. "Do you mind if I speak with her alone for a bit? Just to clear up a few things?"

[Varric]

His smile fades, becoming a half frown. "If she's willing," he says slowly. "She's had a rough life and isn't much of a people person." What is she worried about?

[GamesMaster]

Rhea nods. "I promise, I'm not trying to spook her. I'll be gentle."

[Varric]

He eyes her for a moment, then shrugs. "Alright. Go ahead and pour yourself some tea. There's fruit and some nutbread in the coldbox," he adds, heading upstairs to get Emma.

[GamesMaster]

Emma is roused, and agrees to speak with Rhea; Varric busies himself in the kitchen putting away his new goods while the pair slip off to the study to speak quietly for a few minutes. When she comes out, Rhea is sporting a frown and a red smarting cheek. "Right," she says, spying Varric. "Thank you, but I've got to get back to the store now."

[Varric]

Varric stares a moment. "The fuck?"