Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"So you'd just run away from your actions? Not very honorable," the dwarf points out.

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah? Because otherwise I'd get caught?"

[Varric]

"And not being caught is worth more to you than doing the right thing? In standing up and claiming responsibility for your actions?" Varric asks with a frown. "One thing to break a rule and hide it on purpose, but far different tor run away from a mistake or accident."

[Marian Hawke]

"Hey, you don't know our life," argues Marian, defensive of her brother's honor. 

[Varric]

"And you don't know mine. What's your point?" Varric asks with a raised eyebrow

[Carver Amell]

"I don't see why getting in trouble is the right thing," Carver says, scowling.

[Varric]

"There are worse things than getting in trouble," Varric explains. "Keep in mind, just because your mom doesn't know, or I don't know, or even your sisters, doesn't mean the gods don't know. Everything come due eventually, lad. Best you've already tried to make amends for the parts of your life you didn't mean or feel were done wrong before that bill is called in."

[Carver Amell]

"Astea means love," he argues. "And family. If I get in trouble who will protect Bethany?" 

[Marian Hawke]

Marian rubs at her temples. "That's not-- you're supposed to love everyone, and sometimes that means doing things for other people. Like chores to make up for a broken window."

[Varric]

"Family's first, sure," Assuming they're really family, not just blood, "But protecting them can be more than just being around. What kind of message does it send to Bethany if you're a shifty, honorless, faithless piece of- ah, horse dung? Even if you're still around, is that the kind of brother she deserves to deal with?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver jumps to his feet. "You take that back!" he snarls, hands balled into fists. 

[Varric]

Varric stares back impassively. "Take what back?" he asks evenly. "You didn't run. You didn't lie. You accepted the bargain to pay back the debt your accident incurred. Earned. You did what the things Bethany's brother should do."

[Carver Amell]

"I-- you bet I did. I'm nothing like my father!" 

[Marian Hawke]

Marian sighs, a look of strained pity on her face. "Oh, Carver..."

[Varric]

Father? Right, Hawke. Father's some kind of wandering minstrel or peddler, never around. "Blood's important, but it's not the sole determin- sole thing that makes someone family. Love, like you said, counts more. So does loyalty and consideration." That smug ass smile on Bart-

"You're lucky to have the sibs you do. Both of you. You should try and keep that in mind, even when you fight." The dwarf laughs softly, the sound bitter and just a little raw. "Especially when you fight."