Stone's Throw

[NPCs]

Cadmus takes a moment to respond as well. "She grieves. She has always been one compelled by passion, has she not? Regrettably, that is a reaction I have seen play out in the past. For some, having a face to put blame to is... easier to carry than aimless hatred or fury."

[GamesMaster]

"How can I support her when I did this to her? Both the pregnancy and... After?"

[NPCs]

"I'm afraid I'm not well suited for advice on that sort of thing," Cadmus admits. "All I can really suggest is... be there for her, I suppose. Be strong when she needs you to be. Make sure she's safe and well cared for. Not well suited at all really."

[GamesMaster]

"We aren't meant to be coupled," he sighs. "cats do best alone."

[NPCs]

"Perhaps, perhaps not," Cadmus says slowly. "I have seen it work but..." He shrugs a little. I have seen it not work even more often."

[GamesMaster]

"You and Miki's mother made it work. Near each other but independent. Beth cannot understand that way of life."

[NPCs]

"I agree," Cadmus admits. "She is very much the sort to settle for either all or only her pride."

[GamesMaster]

Don sighs, dropping his head into his hands. "Can I.. stay the night?" he asks quietly. "It gets so quiet in the house when Beth's gone to her father's."

[NPCs]

"Always, my son. Always is this your home, no matter your age or path."

[GamesMaster]

"Thank you, Father."

[Carver Amell]

Aveline's on the night shift again, and Carver doesn't feel like sleeping alone anymore -- not that he sleeps much -- so he's at Varric's as well, when Beth and the baby arrive. He hovers awkwardly, giving them space, until eventually Beth seeks him out in his bedroom where he's trying to decide if it's too early to try and get some sleep. He's just taken off his boots when she knocks on the doorframe and hovers in the doorway. 

[Bethany]

"Umm. Hey," Beth whispers softly, looking so much younger than she should be, especially with a babe in her arms and looking so worn down. "You... you awake enough to talk some?" Andreas appears to be asleep, wrapped tight and held warmly against his mother's chest. Beth herself is dressed for bed already, a simple cotton gown with some leggings for warmth.

[Carver Amell]

"Beth," he sighs, and her name is a caress. "Come in, sit down. How are you holding up? Do you need anything?"

[Bethany]

My babies safe and in my arms. "I... We're alive," she says, tone laced with a bitter flippantly. She moves into the room, her every step slow. "I feel so lost, Carver," she whispers once she finally reaches the bed.

[Carver Amell]

He wraps his arms around her tightly, petting her hair gently. "Oh Beth," he whispers, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "I'm so sorry."