The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[NPCs]

"They seem to have changed you," Roland says simply.

[Marian Hawke]

She blinks. "Did they?" she asks herself, tilting her head a bit.

[NPCs]

"Are you the same person you were before you met them?" Roland gives her a look. "Are they?"

[Marian Hawke]

She blinks again. "I... thought so? I mean I... I've always been this way. Careful. Clever. I... I mean, I guess it's gotten worse, because of all the shit that's happened."

[NPCs]

"Always been this honest and willing to talk about your problems then? Or how about the skills in alchemy and such you've picked up? How about all this gender stuff? Would the you from a year ago be so at ease with all that? Or shit, how about merikos drow? Sounds like you've grown a bit there, yeah?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I... I changed my opinions, I suppose. But not my goals. They're not going to want me just because I ask."

[NPCs]

"Doesn't sound like you have goals."

[Marian Hawke]

"Of course I do. Stay alive. Find a place to belong." She shrugs. "Same as any other mortal."

[NPCs]

"Staying alive isn't a goal, it's instinct. Animals try to stay alive, but they don't have goals. Finding a place to belong... That one I'll give you. Still, hasn't that goal... been modified, even if the end of it's the same?" He shakes his head, waving it all off. "How about the others? Any idea what their goals even are?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Master's goals are all around knowledge. That's why sh-- ne doesn't want me around -- I get in the way, I cause nem to go out of nir way and have to deal with me. Ne was more than happy to be rid of me when ne had a chance. Varric... has all sorts of goals around his job and family and stuff, and again, he wants to get back to Orzammar, and I can't go with him, I'm not his kid. Lightsong is a paladin, her goals are around bringing happiness and love to the world or whatever, and I'm just this constant disappointment to her. Beth wants to open a tavern and live there with her twin -- and again, I'm just in the way. Car... I don't know. I haven't really talked to him. He's been too upset."

[NPCs]

Roland frowns slightly, mulling that over. "Seeker... can't say much on nem. Quiet and not all that sociable really. Varric... you ever ask him about going along with him? It's not easy, but non-dwarves can get in. I've been. And if you're with him, should be thrice as easy. As for Lightsong? Marian, that girl loves you. Not saying you could get her to give up her vows or nothing, but if you told her she was hurting you by... pushing you for more than you can give, then I really think she's simmer down on it. Beth... Beth just needs to relax. Needs time, mayhap, to realize shes free of her mother and the rapist asshole. And maybe need someone to rein her in a bit."

[Marian Hawke]

"She... loves me?"

Marian's voice is small, fragile, the most child-like he's ever heard her. She sounds as if she fears she might crack in half if she dares believe it. 

[NPCs]

"No skill at mind reading but... yeah, I would wager... well, not rich either, but I'd wager what I do own on it and chuckle my way to my winnings."

[Marian Hawke]

"I..."

She glances away again, down at the leaves, then back up at him. "I should head back. If she's been by three times..."

[NPCs]

"You really didn't..?" Roland shakes his head slightly, amused and a little sad. Girl should know more about love and such. Damnit Mal... "Suspect you might get stopped by our squirrel scaring shadow afore you get to her though. Unless you want me to distract him for now?"