Stone's Throw

[Helene Dakesh]

"Oh," says Helene softly. "I am so sorry for your impending loss, Andreas, Bethany. Cadmus is a good man."

[Bethany]

Beth can't help herself from snorting. "Good leader sure," she mutters, arms crossing. I know he's the reason why Don... Ugggh. I hate even thinking about this bullshit.

[Andreas Amell]

At nearly the same time, Andreas mutters, "I wouldn't know, would I?" And I can't tell if that's more mother's fault or catfolk culture. Or if it's both or something else entirely... because everyone decided to keep it a secret from me!

[Helene Dakesh]

"He risked much for you," snaps Helene. "Whether you agree with his religion or not, he always treated you well."

[Bethany]

"It's not his religion I have a problem with," Beth fires back.

[Helene Dakesh]

"This petty bickering changes none of the facts. It is your prerogative to hate whom you will, but it is counter-productive to attempt to enlist other members of the family in your personal vendettas."

[Varric Thedas]

"Oh so what? I can't share how I feel about--"

"Beth," Varric says quietly, having moved without anyone noticed until he's already pulling his daughter into a hug. "I know it hurts, but you shouldn't burn pain away with anger. You know better than that, love." Expression conflicted and hurting, Beth twists so she can bury her face in her Papa's shoulder. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene averts ner eyes, seeming slightly uncomfortable with the raw emotion on display. Helene has never been the emotional sort, though Varric has grown to be more comfortable with it since The Riots. 

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas isn't all that much more comfortable than his grandne, truth be told. More because it's his mother that's breaking down, but still. "Umm. So, umm, ritual?" he asks Helene quietly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Right. It's... complicated, but I suppose the important part is that we'll be gone a few weeks, so you'll need to stay with your uncle."

[Andreas Amell]

That's not... Wait. Hmm. "Does it have to be with Uncle Carver?" he asks thoughtfully.

[Helene Dakesh]

"If your mother agrees, you could stay with a friend, I suppose."

[Andreas Amell]

"How about... a different relative?" Andreas suggests tentatively. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"...Marian? I'm not certain if she is willing."

[Bethany]

"Andreas," Beth protests weakly, head lifting. "You don't mean..."