Under Darkness [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"Come on, let's finish up the kitchen."


Three days later, when Seli has finally discharged the last of her duties and Isabela sent word that they were leaving, none of them truly expected Carver to show up. Or if he did, they expected him to be defeated, giving up on Andy once and for all.

Instead, he turns up with a donkey and a cart full of possessions, Andy freshly clean, sober, and well-dressed at his side. Carver gives the three of them a salute as they approach, Hunter's tail wagging to see them again. 

[Tethras Clan]

Seli stares at Andy for a moment, then very pointedly climbs into the wagon they'd gotten for everyone's things- and a crib for the babes- without a word. Andy reacts as if struck but... he was also very much expecting that from the way he'd braced himself.

Zevran gives Carver a questioning look as he approaches the pair. "Ah... everything handled on your end then?"

[Carver Amell]

"All handled. The house is closed up, all the important things are in this cart, and Andy's coming to Raplin's Oak to ask the druids there for guidance since I'm not a miracle worker." He shrugs. "He's not allowed any alcohol whatsoever in the meantime, so keep him out of the ale stores."

[Tethras Clan]

Andy nods stiffly. "And... anything else like that. Just in case," he says softly.

The merikos drow nods slowly, wishing he'd pressed Seli a little about what had occurred to cause the split. "Very well... I hope one or both of you is better with the mules-"

"-donkeys," Andy corrects Zevran. "They're donkeys, not... mules. Sorry."

"No, no, you named them, you get to make them not bite or kick me," Zevran says quickly.

[Carver Amell]

"Agreed. Andy's in charge of the mules, and digging latrines when we camp. And when we have downtime, he and I are practicing bladework some. It's best to keep busy," he adds, glancing at Andy. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Exhaustion does help with... dealing with distress," Zevran agrees. "Can you check over our mounts now, Andy? It was a good stable we got them from but..." He shrugs.

"Yes, of course," Andy says a bit eagerly. Moving, doing, being productive had helped a great deal these last few days. It's when he stops, when he can think, that things get... bad.

After he moves off, Zevran steps closer to Carver. "....so... what's going on with him?"

[Carver Amell]

"Grief," he says quietly. "It's hit him hard. I'm working on it." 

[Tethras Clan]

"That look on Seli's face seemed like there was more than grief in play," Zevran asks softly. "And your talk of drink... is he a danger?"

[Carver Amell]

"He'd best not be," he growls. "I've been kicking his ass for three days. He gets it, I think. He only gets one shot to be a father to his twins. He wants them to have him in their life, not grow up thinking he abandoned them."

[Tethras Clan]

That sounds... familiar, Zevran thinks. Does explain why Carver is so invested in a stranger. What would Carver give to have had someone do this for his father a decade or so ago? "I see. Very well. I trust you'll be keeping an eye on him so I'll trust your judgement on the matter. Just let me know if things change. I'll... I'll try to talk with Seli."

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, of course." He frowns. "I don't think he'll try anything, but let's keep him away from Seli and the twins until we're sure. Just in case." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran nods and clasps Carver on the arm briefly before heading to the wagon to fill Isabela in.

[Carver Amell]

They travel most of the day, Carver breathing a little easier now that his sword is loose once more. When they stop to camp, Carver pitches a two-man tent for himself and Andy, not wanting to leave the man alone at night. Not so soon.

Before too long, the two men are the last ones up, taking first watch by default as they stare at the dying embers.

[Tethras Clan]

"...nice out," Andy murmurs after the silence grows too deep. Or perhaps when the noise in his head grows too loud.

[Carver Amell]

"Sure." Carver rolls his shoulders. "C'mon, you want to spar some?"