Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

He can see the muscles rippling as Carver struggles mightily -- but he can't break the spell, can't do anything but whimper and strain.

[Helene Dakesh]

"There has been an accident," says Helene bluntly. "You have been injured, and appear to have a memory impediment. We have been caring for you while you have been unconscious."

[NPCs]

"Oh," Merrill says in a small voice. "I... that's not good. Umm. Is... is my boyfriend here? I... I would like a hug very much right now. I would really like Carver to hold me right now."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Carver just stepped out," Helene says gently. "He's been waiting for you to wake up."

[Varric]

Varric, now close enough to hear that, looks at Carver. "Well? Is she going to get the hug she needs or are you going to hurt her?" Again. More. He doesn't say the words but...

[Carver Amell]

Carver stares at him, panting, wide-eyed, desperate. Finally, something wild and terrified dims out of his eyes, and he stops struggling, slumping against the magical restraints.

[Varric]

"Thatta boy," Varric says softly, dismissing the spell. "We can talk later. You can fall apart, cry and rage, later. For now... you have to be strong for her. I know you can do it."

[NPCs]

Merrill perks up. "Oh good. I... I really miss him. Which is weird because I was with him just last night? Or well, the last time I was awake anyway."

[Carver Amell]

Carver says nothing; he shifts back, swallowing hard as he turns to walk into the room. He stands in the doorway a moment, watching Merrill, his heart breaking. I did this. I did this.

"It's good to see you awake," he says quietly, his tone flat, his eyes empty.

[Bethany]

Bethany's twists around to look at the doorway, deeply conflicted about this. Merrill... doesn't remember anyone but him. He's a person again (wouldn't do it for me but-). He sounds so broken... "Hey... Hey Carver. Umm. Merrill's awake."

[NPCs]

"Carver!" the elf says with deep affections and relief. Already sitting up, she tries to wiggle over to the side of the bed with... very little success. "Ummm. My legs feel..." Frowning, she flips the sheet off to reveal her nightgown clad body. Leaning down, she pokes her leg. "I can feel that... and feel the bed but..." Strangely, she doesn't sound worried or upset but rather perplexed.

[Carver Amell]

"Do you remember what happened?" He asks quietly, making no move towards her.

[NPCs]

"Nooo... I remember falling asleep last night with you after sex, then waking up now. What happened?" She stops poking at her legs and looks at Carver, arms open in silent request for a hug.

[Carver Amell]

His face twists in pain. "I hurt you," he whispers. "I did this to you. I'm no good for you."

[Bethany]

"Carver! You fucked up, yes. Kind of badly. But you didn't hurt her like this on purpose. You were hurting and you got stupid and it- it went real bad." Beth swallows down tears and curses both. "But don't make it sound like you meant... this."