Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

Marian gives a cry of alarm, dropping to her feet and coming up with fists at the ready, set on taking a swing before someone can hurt Bethany or--

Varric. That's Varric.

That's all she has time for before the full headache slams into her brain, causing a second cry of pain as she drops to a knee, cradling her head. Aw fucking hell son of a bitch motherfucker!

[Bethany]

Bethany lets out a whine, curling into a ball as the sudden movement, the loss of her warm companion and a full bladder jar her from sleep into a nasty hangover. "Marian?" she whimpers, automatically seeking help.

[Varric]

Varric's eye twitches lightly. He takes a deep breath, then shoves a small vial at Marian. "Drink," he snaps, tone making it entirely clear it's not a suggestion nor offer. Alchemist's kindness- not as effective as a Polypurpose Panacea but it'll take the edge off at least.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian uncorks the bottle, lifts it to her lips, pauses. My head. Is this a hangover? It must be worse for Bethany. She turns and corks the vial again, hands it to Bethany. "Here, this will help," she says softly -- implicitly trusting Varric with not just her life but Bethany's. 

[Varric]

"I have two," Varric bites off. I want you both to be able to explain what the hells you were thinking.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian nods and, once Bethany takes the vial, holds out her hand for the other. Handed it, she drinks, some of the tension leaving her as the pain does.

[Bethany]

Bethany needs some coaxing- and help with the cork- but she takes it as well. "Ooooh," she moans piteously., then winces. "'ed bathroom," she mumbles, fumbling to get upright. Does she not realize Varric is here?

[Marian Hawke]

Marian helps her to her feet, making sure she's steady before she lets go. Something's wrong, something I should remember. Her eyes fall on the bottles and she flinches. Fuck. The Premier Cru. I'll have to take responsibility for that. Oh, and I left the shotglasses. Smart one. 

[Varric]

"Get yourselves cleaned up and dressed and then come to my office," Varric says very, very softly. His eyes, however, are hard and cold, like Marian has never seen before. Without waiting for a reply or reaction, he turns and walks to his office, gait jerky and tense.

[Bethany]

The younger woman barely seems to hear the dwarf, instead shambling towards the bathroom awkwardly. Ugh, I feel gross and sticky. Thoughts of Marian's face, the burning warmth curling inside her, flickers in her mind and she smiles faintly. Worth it. Worth it to be loved, to belong to someone. To know what that feels like. My first and only time, probably. But... maybe Marian might... I think she liked it okay so maybe... No, I can't ask that of her. This was already too much.

[Marian Hawke]

Something curdles in the pit of Marian's stomach. Dressed. I'm topless. Why am I--?

Bethany's voice, moaning in pleasure. 

Marian puts a hand over her mouth, then, paling. I'm going to be sick. What-- what have I done? I... for Bethany, anything. But this is... I... I'm never coming back from this one. I'm never--

She swallows, her gut compacting. She pulls on her shirt quickly, neverminding the smallclothes. She slips toward the bathroom, waiting for Bethany to come out before pulling her in for a close, tight hug so she can whisper in the girl's ear:

"Run. Get Carver, get somewhere safe. I'll protect you."

[Bethany]

Bethany stiffens, then yanks back. "W-what?" she asks, brain spiralling. "What are- from what? Why?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Go," she hisses. "Quick." 

[Bethany]

"Why?" Bethany demands back. "I'm not leaving you, not ever for anything." Not after what you gave me.

[Marian Hawke]

"I'll be fine. You won't be. Now go, please, before you make this worse." She beseeches Bethany with her eyes: I will do everything in my power to make sure you don't lose another adult. I can handle it better than you can. Let me protect you.