Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Ten seconds in the first ritual, Bethany moves over to grip Carver's hand tightly. "I can't fathom how you do this," she whispers, unable to look at varric. "How you can be so strong."

[Carver Amell]

"I'm not," he whispers. "I just can't let myself turn away. What if he..."

[Bethany]

"I mean... all of this, not just now. I've been scared stiff almost this whole time. I just- adventuring. I can't understand how you could want it." She winces. "I don't mean- that is, I'm not saying you shouldn't. I'm just not... I'm a coward really."

[Carver Amell]

"You're not," he says quietly. "I could never be a whore, not even a little bit."

[Bethany]

"But that wasn't bravery. I wanted to help, I wanted respect and instead of fighting for it, I tried to... buy it, I suppose. It was easier to just... fit in, than to hold my ground and do the work," Bethany says, shivering a little. "You were right. About that."

[Carver Amell]

"It needed to be done, so you did it, nevermind the possible cost to yourself. That's all bravery is, really, at least when I do it."

[Bethany]

"I suppose. I like it when it just costs me. Rather than you or Dad or Sunny or..." She smiles weakly. "Anyone really. I think it might be a family trait. That skips generations, clearly."

[Carver Amell]

"Perhaps." Carver sighs, reaching for her hand again. "I won't let you get hurt, Beth. Not while I have any say in the matter. Okay? I just can't. I... could do a lot better at protecting myself, but I can't let you suffer."

[Bethany]

"I hate that a part of me, sometimes not a small part, is so glad you feel that way. I'm a coward. Having a strong, paladin big brother is... comforting," Beth admits. "But then I feel sick, guilty and... cruel, to want you to hurt to keep me safe. Because that's what wanting a protector is- preferring another feel your pain instead."

[Carver Amell]

"No, it's not," he says, blinking. "Because something that could kill you, I could turn into a glancing blow."

[Bethany]

Bethany blinks. "Well... yes, okay, true. But... logic. Emotions. Oil, water."

[Carver Amell]

"I know," he says gently. "I keep reminding myself you're smart and capable and won't get into too much trouble if I look away, but my heart tells me if I leave on a trip I'll never see you again."

[Bethany]

"...even if the worst happened, we would. After Mileen," Bethany says softly. "I'd find you. I wouldn't let us be seperated."

[Carver Amell]

"I wouldn't keep you waiting long," he says, his voice hoarse.

[Bethany]

Bethany smacks his chest, then yelps. "Stupid armour. And don't you dare! If I- if I died young, or even just before you, I want you to promise me you'll finish things. You'll take care of the family still here. You'll live your life and maybe tuck off the ends of mind if you can. You'll be happy and live a long, productive, satisfying life before you find your way to me. Because I'll be watching and I'll be so very pissed if you don't."