The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Marian Hawke]

"You could... wait in the other room?" offers Marian, already knowing she's lost. She can't stand up to the pout. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

"How about... if you feel better by tonight, we can trying having me or Mister Varric reading the questions out to you? See if it's visual?" Haliel offers somewhat impractically. 

[Varric]

"Varric is fine with me too, you know. In fact..." Varric glances around. "Anyone here not prefer Shiny using their first names?"

[Shisou]

"I'm good with it!" chirps Shisou.

[Bethany]

"I already said to use Beth," her girlfriend adds, glancing at Helene.

[Marian Hawke]

"Alright," whispers Marian, lowering her gaze. "Let's go lay down, then."


The next day finds Marian morose, quiet; she claims to be out of pain, but she doesn't say much else. She looks up, hopefully, as Varric enters -- she doesn't really expect him to keep Lightsong's suggestion about giving her the test verbally, but she hopes he will. 

[Varric]

"So I just had a chat with Daughter Minerva," he begins without preamble, knowing she'll do best if they get right to it. "Do you recall what she said about the aftereffects of your aborted Snapping?"

[Marian Hawke]

She does, judging by the whimper she swallows. "Please, it might just be reading it, maybe it's the fine print.."

[Varric]

"I brought it along," Varric allows. "I'll try reading it to you- but you have to promise to be honest about how it's affecting you. We can't figure out how this works, the limits, the boundaries, the workaround, unless we have solid, reliable data. Agreed?"

[Marian Hawke]

She hesitates. "I can do it. I know I can. There has to be a way. I won't-- I won't give up on this." 

[Varric]

"Oh what exactly?" Varric asks curiously, taking a seat.

[Marian Hawke]

"You said--" 

She takes a deep breath, hesitating. "I know I can be good at it. I summoned one hell of an elemental. I know I can do magic. I just need to figure out how. And I can't figure out how if I can't finish the test."

[Varric]

Varric nods slowly. "I'll make a bargain with you." The words sound formal, almost ritualistic, and he straightens in his chair. "I promise to help you find a path forward to magic, whatever form it is. In exchange, you are honest with me in all regards to the search for that path. Your pain, your struggles, your successes, your talents. We do this together, in good faith and partnership."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian is silent for a moment. Finally, she shakes her head. "I can't. I can't take that deal."

[Varric]

"Why not?"