Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

Mr. Tethras's house? "I said to be silent, girl. Can't you even obey a simple order from your mother?" she despairs. "Who is this Mister Tetras?"

[Marian Hawke]

Do you want me to be silent or answer you? she wonders, but doesn't say aloud. Doesn't dare say aloud. "The twins have been working for him for pocket money. He lives two streets from home."

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"They've been what? Since when? Who-" Leandra takes a deep breath as she realizes she's about to start shrieking in public. "Take me there. Right now."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods, too stunned and heartbroken to protest. She leads her mother rapidly, head down, eyes burning with tears she refuses to let fall. My life is ruined. 

[Varric]

Golden Shores isn't that big, so it doesn't take long for them to arrive at Varric's place. As they near the house, the pair can hear voices coming from around back. A deep bass voice with a pleasing cadance despite the curt accent and a lighter voice that is mostly giggles to be honest. "-didn't have a thing to say in reply, just stood there gaping! Can't hardly blame him, to be fair, not often you're faced with the realization that a slightly too dry quill resulted in you purchasing ten thousand gold pieces worth of dresses when you own a chain of furniture stores."

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

Leandra's mouth tights, a scowl forming. He sounds older and large- Sweet Astea, Marian, what were you thinking to allow your sister- and brother- to sneak off here. Who knows what could have happened? Giving Marian a glare, she sweeps around to the side, intent on challenging this strange man with far too much interest in her daughter. And son.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian tags after, biting her lip to keep the tears in place. Stay strong. You can do this. Just make sure Bethany is safe and Mother doesn't get too angry at her. 

[Bethany]

Bethany has her back mostly to the gate, so she doesn't notice her two family members approaching. She's wearing a different shirt, an unfamiliar one, that's far too broad across but not quite long enough for her. It covers her stomach, but it wouldn't if she lifted her arms up much. It would, however, fit the dwarf sitting across from her. They're both seated at a small outdoor table, a plate of cookies between them. Bethany is sipping from a cup as her mother takes all this in, looking ten times happier and less pained than when Marian last saw her.

[Varric]

Varric spots the two instantly, eyes flicking from the mother to the daughter and noting their expressions with concern. "Marian, welcome back. Missus Hawke, I gather? Nice to met-"

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"Who in the Abyss do you think you are? What're you doing with my daughter? Bethany, get over here this instant!" Leandra shrieks.

[Bethany]

The youngest Hawke jumps, spilling her drink, as she twists around. "M-Mother?" she stammers, eyes wide and scared.

[Marian Hawke]

"It's my fault, Mother, I brought her here," says Marian quickly, stepping up to get between Bethany and Leandra. Just a little; she doesn't thrust her hands out or anything, but she moves a step ahead of Leandra, her shoulder clearly between them. 

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

Leandra doesn't so much as break her rhythm. "Bethany Willow Amell Hawke! Did you hear me?"

[Bethany]

"Yes mum! Sorry!" the young girl blurts out, scurrying over.

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"What are you wear?" Leandra demands. "What did he do to you?"