Under Darkness [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"No, I... I understand." He takes a deep breath. "It's time for me to protect her, now. For me to be the man of the house and not a scared little boy. To prove to her that she's family, really family."

[Tethras Clan]

"...yeah," Varric says. Weird focus on the whole 'man of the house' angle but... eh. "It'd mean a lot to her to... to have you back. Look, take a few days to... process this, maybe see Hawke for an actual talk, then maybe you, Isabela and Zevran can head back to Nyra to settle things there. If- and it's... a pretty big if- we ever go back, it's not going to be for years yet. Merrill won't want to leave the Oak and Hawke won't leave Merrill unless she thinks she has to- which, given that Merrill needs Hawke, won't happen unless we royally botch things. So we're probably staying here, if not for good, then for a real long time. Don't suppose you're any good with building?"

[Carver Amell]

"I've done some construction work from time to time," he admits. 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric nods. "Good, good. I hired some locals to build the cabin," explains with a gesture at the building they'd just left. "As it looks like we'll be here for a bit, I was thinking we should add on and probably make a few more. The tavern's spare rooms aren't really that great for long-term. If you know what you're doing, you can help out with that, save some coin. And it'll give you something to focus on, which... helps. Trust me."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Okay. I'll-- okay." He takes a deep breath. "I have to let Hunter out. He's been going crazy, cooped up in the tavern."

[Tethras Clan]

"Hunter..? oh right. Actually, swing by here, he can play with his sister," Varric suggests. 

[Carver Amell]

"I might at that." He sighs. "Thank you. I know I've been an ass, but... thank you." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Everyone's an ass when they're young," Varric says with a shrug. Most people avoid stabbing people (in the gut with a sword) mind you... "Point is, you're growing out of it."

[Carver Amell]

He smiles. "Let's hope." 

[Tethras Clan]

The following morning, Varric waves a greeting to Carver as the young man nears the cottage. All three mabari are with him, or close enough. Mabari love their people, but being able to run and romp with a pack of other mabari is great fun and the littermates are having a grand old time taking turns playing chase and tackle. Should probably arrange for both (of my girls) Hawke and Merrill to get a chance to see this. Maybe even at the same time (gods willing)... have them do some catch together (childhood neither got to have/finish) or throw for the mabari, given them something to do together that's (not broken) simple and clean.

"Morning," he calls to Carver softly, filing away that thought for later. "Sleep well?" he adds, offering a steaming mug. "Chava, plain. Got honey and cane sugar if you want it though."

[Carver Amell]

"Plain's fine," he grunts, taking the mug. "I slept." 

He hadn't slept well. That's not even close to an accurate description. But he'd managed to clutch at some sleep, tortured and trying too hard to be restful. He'd woken shouting, once, and woken sobbing, once, and paced for hours in between attempts, but he'd managed to get some sleep. Maybe the healer can give me a tonic or something. I'll want to be well rested if I'm to take care of Marian.

He'd made up his mind, during the wee hours of the night. He was going to act as though the previous few years had never happened. Sure, it wouldn't bring Bethany back. But he would be damned if he lost another sister, not ever again. So what if she abandoned him? So what if she had a new family now? To the hells with all of it. He was going to be the responsible one, and she was going to get better. She was never, ever going to look at him like that again if he could help it. 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric studies him for a moment, then grunts. "When we go in, I'll get you a moment with Aveline so she can heal you. One of her Mercies removes basic tiredness," he explains. "If you're anything like your sister, being tired brings out the worst sides of you. Not that it helps anyone really. Anyway... you have any questions to start?"

[Carver Amell]

He rakes a hand through his hair. "Ah..." How do I make sure she never looks at me like that again? "What can I do to... put her at ease?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Well... most of it is pretty obvious when you think about it. Talk softly, don't loom over her, give her space. Don't get aggressive or demanding. Some of it less so: don't mention Merrill or, gods, Jadan. If she goes quiet, call her name- Hawke- loudly but not yelling. Tell her to focus on here and now, tell her to focus on things she's touching. Like... for you, I'd say, focus on the warmth of the mug in your hand. Feel how smooth the ceramic is. Ground her in what her body is feeling, not her memories." Varric sips his own chava. If it starts to get cold, give her more space and let Aveline or me take over. If you see snow or ice, get out of the room. She hasn't had that happen except at night, because of a nightmare, but figured I'd warn you just in case. Try and keep things light, especially on your first talk. Let her guide the topic for the most part, but if she drifts or seems lost, go for something light and casual."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Light and casual. Got it. Anything else to worry about?"