Ghost Story

[Varric]

"Only mortal, love," he says sadly, then snickers. "Unlike you. Pretty short name for a newly remade mortal, I can't help but notice. Guess you impressed Nem?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Classified," ne says, with a smile. 

[Varric]

Eyebrows rising sharply at that reply, Varric cocks his head to the side. "That one's new."

[Helene Dakesh]

"It means, I know things and you don't," ne teases. "I like it."

[Varric]

"Things really have changed," he banters right back, knowing full well that Helene has always been the more knowledgeable one of the two of them. He's more clever, yes, and often more able to apply knowledge, but Helene, well... Ne being a tulwath of Alydra was always a given really. Ne's always been a being of knowledge and curiosity. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"They have. And yet, they have not. I have to go." Helene sighs. "You'll call again?"

[Varric]

"What're the rules for that?" Varric asks suddenly, looking a bit puzzled. "Spouse summoning, I mean." He winces. "Ah, ex-spouse?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"The same as any other summoning. If there is other work to be done, this one may not answer the call. And Alydra may grow impatient if summoning is done too frequently. But this one can visit. It is a priority for this one."

[Varric]

"Yeah?" Varric's smile turns a bit goofy. "Priority. You've always had your own way with words, my love. I missed it." He takes a slow breath, trying to remind himself they're on a timer. "There's more happening than a simple haunting, isn't there? More than even two or three hauntings."

[Helene Dakesh]

"You have to find the truth, Varric Tethras. I believe you can do this."

[Varric]

That sounds like a 'yes' to me. "Got any tips? A hint or two?" he asks almost whimsically. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"Question your assumptions." Helene smiles. "As always."

[Varric]

"Still?" Varric blinks, then shakes his head. "I mean, good general rule, but for this specifically? Interesting."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one must depart. I love you, Varric." Helene moves back to the summoning circle, blowing a kiss to Varric. 

[Varric]

A million questions, a million probes and sly measures to elicit just a little more information well up in Varric's mind. And each and every single one of them is just the same excuse clothed in a different disguise.

"I don't want you to go," he whispers, though he makes no move to stop nem.