Stone's Throw

[GamesMaster]

The answer comes back the next day: the problems filled out, then another, completely different sort of problem: a matrix operation problem, one that relies on some basic spellcraft principles to work out, but which has been worked out as though it were a mere calculatory matrix instead, leading nowhere. 

[Varric Thedas]

Delighted, Varric tries a different tactic for this one. With detailed instructions and explanations, he writes out a basic but expansive spell construct that uses the needed principals for its primary function. Then, at the bottom, he writes a single line.

Math is absolute in the mundane but must bend-- but never break-- to magic.

Somewhat belatedly, he also writes up copies of each sheet to leave on Helene's desk for when they get home from the temple, along with an apology note for getting caught up and responding on his own.

[GamesMaster]

A paper is slid under his office door some hours later. It's full of scribbles and crossed-out expressions and attempts at resolving the dichotomy. There's just not enough baseline knowledge to solve this. Whoever it is hasn't been paying attention in class; Helene's definitely spent enough time going over basic spellcraft fundamentals to make any of them able to solve this. 

The pitter-patter of feet shows that the author slid the note and then booked it, fleeing the house entire. 

[Varric Thedas]

Light, rapid steps (younger/smaller). Time of day means-- With a very deliberate effort, Varric forces his thoughts away from identifying his 'pen-pal' and back on the paper he'd just bent down to retrieve. "Hmm. Not a bad effort," he decides after the first read through. He starts to sit back down, to plan out a response, but stops himself in time. 

"Right. Helene." He barely even considers the pile of paperwork on his desk before opening the door to track down his spouse.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene, having just a few moments ago dismissed the children for the day, is knitting alone in the schoolroom, enjoying the peaceful quiet. Ne looks up when he enters, raising an eyebrow. "Something amiss?"

[Varric Thedas]

"Another letter," he replies with banked excitement, offering the newest sheet, then waiting with mild impatience for nes response.

[Helene Dakesh]

Ne looks over the sheet, frowning, mentally correcting for errors here and there, including one transposition of numbers. But that's still not enough to... "Why did they not apply Mordenkainen's Transfiguration here, as I taught?"

[Varric Thedas]

"Keeping the speculation generic, I'd say... either they weren't paying attention or they only learned it instead of understanding it." Meaning they can't apply it outside of the specific uses from the lesson. "Or it's a friend of one of ours," he adds, skirting his self-imposed rule of not trying to identify the author, who clearly wants to be anonymous.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Hmmm." Helene frowns, looking over what's there. "This twist here, where they attempted to solve it using the Bernard Principle, that is a surprisingly intuitive attempt. Not many would think of it."

[Varric Thedas]

"It is, isn't it?" Varric had noticed the attempt, but he's not as good as Helene is at judging what... less Alydra-blessed individuals are likely to think of or not think of in matters of academics. "So it's not a matter of poor thinking or cleverness, just... knowledge, I suppose. Or focus in gaining knowledge perhaps."

[Helene Dakesh]

"If they would reveal themself, we could speak on the matter," Helene says, a little frustrated. "Barring that... perhaps... I have an article here they might be able to borrow? Where did I put it...."

[Varric Thedas]

"You don't find the mystery of it interesting?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Ne smiles indulgently. "I have plenty of mystery in my life. I had not realized that you were becoming... bored."

[Varric]

Varric shrugs a little, his own smile a touch sheepish. "Not... bored, exactly. Just, hmm, I suppose 'restless' fits well enough. A nice, harmless, mystery like this is a welcome change of pace from endless meetings, paperwork and speeches at the Lantern." People have learned by this point that Varric places a large penalty on any proposal or offer that comes only after wading through hours of pointless socializing. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "It has been some time since I was given a vision that I required assistance with," ne muses. "Well then, enjoy the mystery while it lasts you," ne adds, sounding genuinely happy for him.