Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

He shudders. "Elves. How long is that in human-years?"

[Varric]

Ah. "A few months shy of seventeen. She's just a bit younger than you, comparatively. But that half a year means she's still underage- and as my ward, I can and will block her from going to the brothel until she's of age."

[Carver Amell]

He looks relieved. "Thank you. That gives me time to work on her."

[Varric]

"Maybe let me take point on this," Varric suggests. "You don't have to stay mum or anything, just... follow my lead maybe?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods vigorously, then mimes buttoning his lips shut.

[Varric]

Varric rolls his eyes, though he's smiling a bit, as they walk inside. "Ladies," he greets the two easily.

[Bethany]

Merrill gives him an excited wave, then peeks at Carver nervously. Bethan is... more direct. "I'm sorry Carver. I didn't mean to cause a fight, today of all days. Need a few more minutes for the first batch but..." She sticks out a spoon with a dollop of raw dough on it. "Treat while we wait?"

[Carver Amell]

"I'm sorry too," he says, glumly. "I just... worry."

[Varric]

"Understandable. Life's been hard for the lot of you. So. I've heard Carver's side of things. Beth?" 

[Bethany]

At the dwarf's prompting, the newly legal woman sighs.  "You heard how I wanted to go back to helping at the brothel. And that Merri wants to help too. But Carver jumped in and forbid it as if he has the right to order her about." Beth cuts herself off, taking a steadying breath. "He- he acted like I'd toss her naked into a pit of rapists without so much as a word of warning. Like I'm Lea- some kind of monster."

[Carver Amell]

Carver scowls, but looks away instead of defending himself. I'll only make this worse.

[Bethany]

Beth runs a hand through her hair. "I know- I know he didn't mean it like that," she continues, giving her brother a sad look. "I just... it hurt. And I got upset before I could think past it. I was just going to show her around, introduce her to the workers, maybe have her heal. At most, maybe work the downstairs as a hostess or tend bar. Not... anything private." Reaching over to pat Merrill's hand, she smiles. 

[Varric]

"Except no," Varric says firmly, getting a scowl from Beth. "Must have slipped your mind, but Merrill is still under age by about ten months" he continues, her face going pale. "Yeah. So... no brothel for Sunshine. If you need help healing, Merrill can help out but either here or at the temple. "

[Carver Amell]

"You said much the same, and now you're seeking to whore the instant you're of age," says Carver. "Ten months isn't long enough to be sure she'll understand the dangers, but it's plenty long enough for you to turn her head."

[Varric]

Carver... think, then talk. "I suspect she's not... Bethany, do you plan on trying to convince Sunshine to whore?" Varric asks evenly, giving Carver a pointed look. Ask, don't assume.