Stone's Throw

[Andreas Amell]

"I mean, I know the grower..." Then he stopped, eyes narrowing as he glared at his uncle. "And art is more important than mere work."

[Carver Amell]

"And so it's more important to do it right."

[Andreas Amell]

"Yes, of course," was the natural reply. "...ah. You think herbal aids are cheating? It's still my skill and talent, my passion."

[Carver Amell]

"Your skill and talent come from your  mind, which you are altering to enhance performance. It's no different than using a Strength boost during athletic competition."

[Andreas Amell]

"No, no, no," Andreas insisted. "It's like drinking a carefully crafted berry and ginseng tonic to replenish yourself. Or something like that, I don't know what jocks drink to perk up. It's all-natural, not magical."

[Carver Amell]

"First of all, there's magical plants and animals, just because something's all-natural doesn't make it not magic. But in this case it's more like an alchemical stimulant, you're correct."

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas blinked a few times. "That's... fair," he mused, head tilting to the side. "Never thought about it that way. The all-natural can be just as magical as a potion thing."

[Carver Amell]

He nods. "So you'll stop doing drugs?"

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas squinted at Carver. "...is there any situation where someone would say 'no' to that sort of question?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver looks sad. "I had hoped you could tell me the truth..."

[Andreas Amell]

"What? I didn't-- I just meant--" Andreas took a deep breath. "Someone planning to ignore you and keep doing it would almost certainty also be willing to lie about it. Someone planning to take your advice and stop would... also say no but mean it. Err, would say 'yes I'll stop' I mean. Either way, same answer?"

[Carver Amell]

"I would hope if you were planning to continue you'd have a good reason and we could talk it out rather than just lying to me. But I can get Lina and have her cast a Truthing. It's up to you."

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas jolted in place, eyes going wide. "Wait, what?" Another beat as his brain churned. "Wait, no, I wasn't-- I just got sage-sniped."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods a few times, waiting for a real answer.

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas shifted in place and his face wrinkled as he worked through his thoughts. "I'm not sure I agree with you," he finally decided. "About herbal or alchemical influences being any different than specific diets or... listening to music. But, especially for right now, given, uh, things, I think being very, very sober all the time would be smart."