Ghost Story

[Carver Amell]

Beth, I don't know what to think. I guess all I really can do is learn all I can, so I have options. I'm sorry if it's not what you wanted, but if you wanted a say, you should have stayed alive to say it. 

I miss you. More and more all the time. I'm starting to forget your smile. I wish...

I love you forever.

-Carver.

[Varric Thedas]

Reading between the lines, the good Lord Verberry was a cruel fucker. I hope (more for Bethie than his own sake) that Carver managed to leave before he was twisted too badly. (But also for his sake (smile fading)). Can't say I disagree with having options but fourteen and grieving? Bah.

[Carver Amell]

As he turns the next page, he finds, unexpectedly, the last diary entry. This one is short, taking up only half a page, and it's not even dated:

Dear Beth,

I've made a horrible mistake. I'm sure you know what I've done. I'm just as sure you'll never forgive me. I can't--

I have to--

I have a choice. Once upon a time, I'd have done the right thing. I'd have paid the price for what I did. But now? I can't, Bethie. And it feels like burying you all over again, but I can't. I have to live, now. I can't even claim I'm doing this for you, or for the family, or for anyone but myself. I have to live. I'm past being the person I was. I have to live, and keep moving forward.

I'm leaving Golden Shores. Probably forever. When I get to Nyra, I'll leave the last of my pocket money as an offering at the Temple of Mileen for you. Then we'll be over with, forever. I won't tell anyone I'm a twin. I can't stand the idea of strangers looking at me and trying to see you.

Carol died in Raplin's Oak. Carver Hawke died with you. Carver Verburry has to die now, too. From now on, I'll be Carver Amell, survivor.

I will always love you. I'm so very, very sorry.

-Car

[Varric]

Fucker killed someone. Gods dammit (knife happy rage monster) kid. Fucking Verberry didn't help, teaching him ruthlessness and 'ends over means' mentality but he came with the anger (needed rage-channeling lessons, maybe orcish totem style?).  Varric sighs softly as he closes the book and studies it for a moment. "No wonder this place is haunted," he mutters. "Spy, murderer, manipulators-- guilt and greed-- and victim. You couldn't write this shite and have it sell, it's so damn perfect. Fucking life."

[GamesMaster]

As he's considering what to do with the rest of his day, there's a knock on the door. It's Rhea again, carrying her basket once more; there's traces of tears on her cheeks, but she holds her head high regardless. 

[Varric]

"Rhea," Varric says neutrally, giving her a long, considering look. "Wasn't really expecting you back."

[GamesMaster]

"The caravan declined to stay the night," she says, swallowing. "They left. I got your alchemy supplies." 

[Varric]

So what? Why is-- "Oh. Right." Varric hesitates a few seconds. "It go well?"

[GamesMaster]

Rhea nods. "They took him with them, and I sent your letters along with. I made him memorize my sister's address so he can ask the guard to help him find her. Now all that's left to do is pray."

[Varric]

"Good, that's good," Varric says awkwardly. "I hope he has a fun trip and settles in well."

[GamesMaster]

"How are you and Emma doing?" asks Rhea.

[Varric]

"She's still rather upset about," Varric fades out for a second, then finishes, "certain topics she'd have prefered not been brought to my attention, but we've dealt with it."

[GamesMaster]

Rhea nods. "I'm only looking out for her. I told Bright Margaret about my concerns, and as far as I'm concerned, it's her problem now. She's trained for this sort of thing."

[Varric]

"Seems to me that this village could use less worrying about other people's private lives and more focus on being good themselves," Varric grumbles. 

[GamesMaster]

"How can we be good if we don't look out for each other?" wonders Rhea. "It's always the most isolated families that have problems. Maybe if people checked in on each other more often we wouldn't have so many issues here."