Ghost Story

[Marian Hawke]

Emma nods. "We can follow that up with contacting a Tulwath, make a day of it."

[Varric]

"Could call one to stand witness maybe?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Could do," she says doubtfully. "But I think making your first act post-ceremony to be a direct seeking of knowledge fits better."

[Varric]

"Then that's what we'll do," he replies with a nod and another sip. "Any other thoughts?"

[Marian Hawke]

Emma shakes her head. "Thank you for trusting me. I'll get right on designing that ceremony after I eat."

[GamesMaster]

Dear Beth,

The weirdest thing happened today. You know how Dad and I haven't been getting along very well? I almost never see him anymore, because he's always in his study and I'm usually out of the house anymore. I'd expected the dog to come with me on my adventures, but she likes Marian better for some reason, and is always in the library with her. Stupid dog. Can't she see I'm the one who needs a partner? I don't know how to be by myself, without you. It's all Marian's fault. 

Anyway, today when I came in I was covered in mud -- I got into a fight with Joey and he pushed me down a muddy slope. I figured I'd clean up out back and nobody would know, but Dad was in the kitchen and he saw me. He came outside to talk to me...

[NPCs]

"Bit old to be playing in the dirt, m'boy," the Lord Verberry says with a slight frown, which deepens when he spots the bruise on Carver's cheek. "Or perhaps not play, hmmm?"

[Carver Amell]

"Had a fight," Carver admits, his tone sulky. 

[NPCs]

"Did you win?" he asks curiously.

[Carver Amell]

"Not really," he admits. "But I got a few good hits in."

[NPCs]

"Not yet," he corrects Carver. "A Verburry never loses, they simply haven't won yet."

[Carver Amell]

Carver bristles. Too bad I'm a Hawke. "He's twice my size."

[NPCs]

He scoffs a little. "As if size is the greatest factor in power. You're a Lord's son, m'boy, not some common thug. If he's bigger than you, get a weapon. Or pay some others to assist you. I doubt he's big enough to beat a half dozen lads willing to take some lumps for a handful of coppers."

[Carver Amell]

"I have a weapon -- my dagger." Carver scowls. "Not that it did much good."

[NPCs]

"Dagger?" he asks, brow furrowing. "Show me."