Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

Varric considers that for a moment, letting the other topic drop rather gratefully. "Well... I'd like to start you on some basic magic lessons. Try and see if we can get you more control so we don't have anymore frozen tea or worse."

[Marian Hawke]

"How does using more magic prevent me from being caught?" Frozen tea? This tea is plenty warm....

[Varric]

"Right now, your magic is controlled purely by instinct, which can be subverted by extreme emotion or stress," Varric explains. "And that sort of thing can become... locked in, if it's allowed to build. Normally, an innate talent can be brought entirely under the caster's control but if it's left wild for too long..."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods slowly. "So if I can retain it to be at my command, I can stop the leaking entirely."

[Varric]

"More or less, yes. If you never use it, that control can deteriorate, but at least that way you can control when it happens," Varric explains with a nod. "And the sooner the better."

[Marian Hawke]

"Okay. But we have to keep it secret. Alright?"

[Varric]

The dwarf winces a little. "You realize your sister will need lessons too, right?" he asks carefully, watching her intently.

[Marian Hawke]

She flinches. "Let me see what it's like, first, before I... I want to be able to tell her for sure it's safe."

[Varric]

"That's fine," he agrees. "She's younger than you, obviously, so there's time. Just... she needs an outlet. For when she gets upset or hurt, frustrated. Bottling it up like she does will make it more likely she'll have outbursts. Not perfect, but it'll help a little."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods. "Alright. I-- alright."

[Varric]

"So... when you said 'keep it a secret' what did you mean, exactly? Even from the twins? Details or everything?" Varric asks. "Just want to be sure we're on the same page."

[Marian Hawke]

"Everyone. If I-- when I'm ready to include Bethany, I'll tell the twins. Don't tell-- especially don't tell Mother."

[Varric]

"Yeah, I got that impression," Varric mutters. "Alright, we got a deal then? Any more questions or... worries you want to talk over?"

[Marian Hawke]

Marian glances down at the pouch, then shakes her head. There's another pause, before she asks, her voice small, "Can we... start over? I... would like to be friends."

[Varric]

Varric smiles. "Like I'd pass up the only intelligent conversation to be had in this entire town. The twins are alright, don't get me wrong, they're pretty good for kids. But..." He shrugs a little, hoping she gets his meaning. There's just something about talking with someone that can follow you as high as you go.