Ghost Story

[Helene Dakesh]

"No?" asks Helene, tilting nir head. "She's gone on to her rest. What remains?"

[Varric]

Varric's complexion loses a few shades and he sags against the chair. "She's... gone on? Gone-gone? I thought-- I was going to... try."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Oh, no no, let this one clarify this one has not verified any final destination of the soul formerly known as Marian Amell. This one merely meant, she is no longer trapped on the material plane."

[Varric]

Varric lets out a sharp breath and his eyes close for a moment. "Can you? Check? Ask if-- ask if she'd want to-- to come back, if she's allowed."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one can," says Helene slowly. "But once a thing is known, it cannot be unknown. Art thou certain?"

[Varric]

(That has interesting implications in regards to memory magic). "Yes. Sure enough to act anyway," he admits because it's Helene. "Better to know now whether I-- To know how good a priest I need."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods slowly. "No priest can retrieve her if she has gone on," ne warns. "But I can find out." 

Ne slips off his lap, then, taking a step back. Nir eyes glow faintly, shifting a little in that way that suggests they might be rolling back into nir head if ne had pupils, and nir mouth opens just a touch, tongue slipping out in a look of concentration. 

"Hawk crushed by dog's teeth,
still hast breath; hope is not lost
for the lonesome stone"

[Varric]

Varric's breath slips out in a shuddering steam. "Thank the Bright gods. Thank you, amata." Been a long time since I was 'stone.' Rather (nice really) nostalgic. "Can-- Father Lelldorin's gone now, I don't know any other Seekers with the power to raise someone. Can you? Or can you, uh, put out an invite to one?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"I can, if you pay the costs. But it will put you in my debt," ne warns. "Some day Alydra may call upon you for a service."

[Varric]

Varric quirks a fond smile at nem. "So... basically like our entire marriage again?"

[Helene Dakesh]

But Helene doesn't smile back. "Or perhaps like the end of it."

[Varric]

His smile doesn't budge. "Not a price even Ne can ask for twice."

[Helene Dakesh]

"If Ne asks for Marian to repay it? Will you flinch then, and turn from us, and be lost?"

[Varric]

The smile takes on a shadow of pain but stays intact. "Wouldn't be her price to pay, given that I'm the one asking."

[Helene Dakesh]

"But she is receiving the benefit," says Helene quietly. "This one knows not what may be asked in the future. This one only worries for losing Varric."