Ghost Story

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't--" A couple of coughs. "I don't know what a phobophage is."

[Varric]

"Do you not remember when you got sick on Mileen's day? And you woke up in the ritual room, where I told you that we'd been attacked and under siege all night?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I.. I think I remember being sick... and you taking care of me."

[Varric]

"I think your memory is getting worse," he says quietly, worry etched in his expression and voice.

[Marian Hawke]

Emma nods. "If I don't make it, it was nice. Being your apprentice. Getting to meet Helene."

[Varric]

Varric sucks in a breath, the sound a pained hiss. "I-- dammit Emma, don't--" Varric, stop it. "Thank you. I don't want-- I'm not giving up on you. On giving you a real chance. But thank you. Not just for helping me with Helene, with pushing me back into living. But for being you. For accepting the apprenticeship."

[Marian Hawke]

Emma takes his hand, her grip weak. "Will you help me dedicate myself to Alydra? I want to be with you and Helene if... when... when this is over, whenever that is."

[Varric]

Oh. Oh damn. I-- wow. "That's... a big thing. Are you sure? Really, truly sure? It shouldn't be just about us, it should be for you too," he says in a tight voice.

[Marian Hawke]

"I--" she begins, her voice faltering. "I don't know. It's so hard for me to focus right now. And, and I can't remember much of my past. I don't know if it's the right decision, but... but I know Helene seemed happy. I want to be at peace like that, happy, with a purpose."

[Varric]

Gods, how am I supposed to handle this? "Alright," Varric whispers softly, reaching out to stroke Emma's hair. "Pray to Alydra. Ask Nem to accept you. Offer an explanation, lay out the reasons you deserve it, why it fits you. And after we rescue Bethie and you're feeling better, we can talk it over again and make sure you still want it. Okay?"

[Marian Hawke]

Emma nods. "I  need to rest," she mumbles. "But when I wake up. We'll come up with reasons. Together. Okay?"

[Varric]

A sharp pang of worry stabs through Varric at the thought. "Emma, no. Pledge now, first. Just in case, alright?"

[Marian Hawke]

Emma nods, eyes drifting closed. "I swear. Oh Muse of Dreams, please accept this humble.. humble petitioner. I want to be with my family, my real family. And Varric says I'm brilliant, even though I barely believe him. I love learning things. I love studying and finding things out. And I love Varric. Please let me be Alydran."

[Varric]

Hands trembling, Varric gently grips his hands around Emma's, slipping the holy symbol into hers as he does so. "I'm sorry," Varric whispers, voice cracking. "I'm sorry I turned away. I'm sorry I blame you. But please accept Emma. Please take me back. I still have-- have issues, with what happened. With what You needed done. With what you asked of Helene. But there's too much at stake to let my pride and grief stand in the way anymore. So please."

[Marian Hawke]

The symbol in Emma's hands begins to warm, faintly at first, then more rapidly. Finally, it gives off a faint glow -- a good sign if ever there was one.

The way Emma's hands go limp in his, her face going slack, isn't so good of a sign.