Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

"I've heard of herbalism but I'd have to apprentice for that," she says slowly. "Chemistry is when they make potions?"

[Varric]

"Sort of," Varric says, wavering his hand back and forth. "Potions involve adding magic to herbalism and chemistry. Chemistry is... hmmm. Chemistry is the study of physical objects, their properties and how they interact with each other. You ever mix backing soda and vinegar?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Yeah, we did that." Carver loved it, went around leaving surprise bombs all over the house for a month. "Why are we talking about chemistry?"

[Varric]

"Because you didn't know what alchemy was and chemistry is part of that," Varric replies. "As for why I asked about alchemy, it's because this conversation is the most mentally stimulating talk I've had since arriving in Golden Shores."

[Marian Hawke]

"...That can't be right. I'm thirteen." 

[Varric]

"And yet the storekeeper had to get out a slate to figure out how much change to give me just yesterday," Varric replies with a shrug. "And your mayor... nice woman, sure, but her response to me pointing out she was using circular reasoning to argue against bringing in outside labour was to thank me. Evidently, circles are 'noble' shapes so that must have been a compliment."

[Marian Hawke]

"What?! That doesn't even make sense, how are any shapes more noble than other shapes?"

[Varric]

Varric spreads his hands helplessly. "Because Astea's symbol has two circles that are 'kissing,'" he says flatly.

[Marian Hawke]

"What." Marian stares at him. "That's not even how you draw the lemniscate!"

[Varric]

"And that's your elected leader," the dwarf reminds Marian. "Lovely thought, isn't it?" He smirks a little. "Nice vocab word there, by the by. Most people, even Brights, default to 'infinity symbol.' Which isn't wrong, but still."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian blushes. "I-- I should get home."

[Varric]

"Eh, pull up a chair, you can do your homework. Or maybe help your sister finish with the baking." Varric sniffs. "Evidently, my own skills in that area aren't welcome."

[Marian Hawke]

"I have to clean before Mother gets home. Another time?"

[Varric]

"Sure. Be good to have some decent conversation. Why not come with your sibs tomorrow?" Varric suggests. "You don't have any debts to pay back, so I'd pay you for your time, in trade or coin as you like."

[Marian Hawke]

She looks at him for a moment, and he can almost see gears turning. "Maybe," she says, finally.