Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"Bethany's the best Hawke," says Carver, loyally. "She's perfect."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian rolls her eyes, but doesn't argue. 

[Varric]

Varric frowns at Carver. "That's rather cruel to say."

[Carver Amell]

"How is it cruel?"

[Varric]

"Calling her perfect. That's a lot of pressure to put on your sister," he say soberly. "You're telling her she can never make a mistake. Never be wrong. Never be tired or upset or frustrated. Never be anything less than kind and gentle or whatever you need from her, no matter how she feels." From the doorway, there's a faint gasp, then the sound of footsteps fleeing as the eavesdropper runs off.

[Carver Amell]

"But-- Bethany?" Carver hears the footsteps and bolts, charging after his twin. 

[Marian Hawke]

Marian sighs, letting Carver go so she can turn to Varric. "See what you've done?"

[Varric]

"You're welcome," the dwarf replies with a nod as he pours himself a tumble of whiskey.

[Marian Hawke]

"Not welcome!" she snaps. "You made Bethany cry."

[Bethany]

Bethany doesn't go far- can't really, given she'd fled through the backdoor into Varric's enclosed backyard. She runs to the small... well, it was a garden and could be again, but right now it's a wildflower patch and sinks to the ground, crying.

[Varric]

"Did I?" Varric asks idly. "Then she was due for it, if a stranger's words could cut that deep just by pointing out what's already happening. The pair of them'll be stronger for it. Like tempering steel."

[Marian Hawke]

"They're not your steel to temper! You leave them alone!" Marian shakes her head. "My family is just fine and we don't need your charity."

[Carver Amell]

Carver is right there a moment later, sinking to the ground with her. "Hey, please don't cry. I'm sorry. Whatever I did, please don't cry?"

[Varric]

"Charity nothing- they both owe me a debt. Right now, they're working for me, which means I have a responsibility to them," Varric says firmly.

[Bethany]

Much to the boy's relief, Bethany uncurls enough to wrap her arms around Carver so she can sob into his shoulder.