Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

There's the feeling of shock, confusion,  but no response.

[Carver Amell]

"No," he growls. "That's not okay, Merrill. Beth is your sister."

[Tethras Clan]

The sound of a well-delivered slap. This is your fault! I can't lose him! I won't!

[Bethany]

Bethany flinches. "I- yes. I... I regret that," Bethany says softly. "I shouldn't have blamed you, it was... easier than blaming Carver. Or myself. I'm sorry."

[Carver Amell]

Carver openly flinches. "I don't know what to do," he whispers. "I can't let you.. I can't let you lose your home, your family. Not over me. I promised you a family and you have one, you have to. But I can't chase Beth away either, can't let her suffer or feel abandoned. I don't know how to get out of this one. I don't... I can't... I can't hold it together, I can't... the family is... everything's falling apart and I can't... I need to cut," he finishes, shuddering, one hand shifting into a claw. "I need to I need to I need to."

[Varric]

"Like hells you do," Varric says tiredly. "You have the two most important people in your world hugging you. And yes, there's a big of shit stinking up the air right now but... Hells. I'll be blunt. Get over it. People fuck up, even the people we love. That one mistake isn't more true, more important, than the rest of your lives together."

[Tethras Clan]

The crying goes silent for a moment, the sensation less 'I feel better' and more 'bwuh?'

[Carver Amell]

"I can't," he whispers, shuddering. "I can't. Beth and Merrill aren't-- can't-- I can't help them both at once."

[Bethany]

"...two paths. You're afraid what... if we disagree again, you'll have to pick which path to walk and who to abandon," Bethany says dully, heart breaking. I... I don't want him to... I want him to be free to love someone but... 

[Tethras Clan]

If I hurt him- or you- like this again, I'd- I'd run first anyway,

[Varric]

"As I recall, both of their responses to that were to immediately scold you for even suggesting it- and that was right after the cutting first came out," Varric points out. "Neither of them wants you to leave, right?"

[Carver Amell]

"Gods, gods, no, of course not, no, Merrill belongs here, with family."

[Bethany]

"Right! I'm really sorry about that fight, for slapping you and saying those things. And Carver is really sorry about what he said and did when he was drunk. But he's sworn to never drink alcohol again. And we worked out the thing that upset him. And we're working on, ummm, all of our issues." Bethany laughs weakly. "We... we ah, we all have a bunch. Like tons of them. Not just you! Carver and I both too."

[Tethras Clan]

You seemed like you didn't need me. I'm sorry. 

Strangely, that line feels... off. Like it's someone else's words but Merrill's voice. Borrowing the sentiment.

[Carver Amell]

"Merrill," he whimpers. "Please. Stay with us."