Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Fuck this kid," Varric mutters as he closes the book, having had his fill of the boy for now. I get that he's grieving (gods I get it) but she lost her sister too. Supporting each other (if only) would be better than fighting (doesn't realize how lucky he was). Explains why he left though; hates his living sister, haunted (hah) by the dead one, mother's shit and the dad is absent nearly all the time. All too common story really; details vary (like with Emma not having a dad around at all) but the theme? All too common indeed. Shite. I want (whiskey) a drink. 

Rising, he goes downstairs to make more tea.

[GamesMaster]

He's had a single sip of tea when there's another knock on the door, a firm one, just a few raps. So it's going to be that kind of day, apparently. At the door is Bright Margaret, dressed in her full Astean robes and wearing a holy symbol prominently displayed. 

[Varric]

Scowling as he steps back from the window, Varric quickly makes his way up to the library. He knocks twice, cracks the door open and warns Emma that she needs to stay hidden and quiet. That handled, he heads back downstairs to open the door. "Yes? Bright Margaret, this is-- well, it's deeply surprising to be honest."

[GamesMaster]

"Forgive me, I am sure this must come as a surprise. I know you and my Johnathan have had your differences, but rest assured, I am not here about him or anything that you two have discussed. May I come in?"

[Varric]

Varric studies her for a long moment, then steps back to give her space to enter. "As long as it's not for long," Varric says shortly. "I've been having a long couple of days."

[GamesMaster]

"Of course. I can only imagine." She smiles at him as she enters. "Hopefully Astea's love shines upon you in the near future."

[Varric]

"I prefer shady area," Varric says noncommittally. 

[GamesMaster]

"Not an Astean then? I do hope you're not offended by my blessing," she replies, still cheerily. 

[Varric]

The dwarf gives an indifferent shrug. "Depends on the blessing more than the god, I suppose."

[GamesMaster]

"My statement remains." She sits in the parlor, then, smiling at him. "So. How are you holding up?"

[Varric]

He snorts, though it's more amused than disdainful. "Wonderfully. Love house arrest. Not that there's much in town to miss, mind you. Not exactly a nexus of entertainment."

[GamesMaster]

"It must be difficult, feeling as though the town has turned against you," she comments, still smiling. 

[Varric]

"Not really," Varric replies with surprising honesty. Only person I can say I actually like (Rhea) isn't caught up in all this. "I'm pretty content as is."

[GamesMaster]

"That is good to hear." Her smile never wavers as she asks, "and how is your apprentice handling the isolation?"

[Varric]

Dammit Rhea. "Sorry?" he asks curiously, head tilting to the side.