Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver just nods. The rest of my life will be protecting Bethany. No matter what I have to do to get it, I want the power to protect her. I want to be able to carry her to safety, forever, no matter what. 

[Varric]

Varric frowns slightly, studying Carver carefully. "Not looking so good there, Hound," he says gently. "Maybe spend some time healing before you make any firm commitments, yeah?"

[Carver Amell]

"I know what I want." I know my place: at Bethany's side. Or no: at her feet, her hound. He turns slightly, studying the line of her cheek, the way her hair frames her face.

[Bethany]

"If Carver wants to join Vangal, then he should. It'll be good for him," Bethany says loyally. "And he'd make an incredible paladin. Or cleric."

[Varric]

Right now? I have my doubts. Sure, he'd do great for about a year or so, then he'd snap and either chain you up in his basement and make a bunker out of it to keep you 'safe' or burn out and fall to drink, drugs or some other way of dulling everything until there's nothing. "Just saying, you're not even sixteen as yet, there's still time. Paid for a week here, figured..." Varric trails off as he spots Leandra coming down the steps over the twins's shoulders.

[Carver Amell]

"Figured?" he asks, before turning to see what Varric is staring at. Oh. Mother.

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

Leandra's gaze is unfocused, distant, as she comes down to the main room of the inn. When she finally notices the three of them waiting, her mouth tightens. Talking behind my back, no doubt. Trying to corrupt poor Carver, just as they did sweet, sweet Marian. Hah. I won't have it. Astea, give me strength and help me keep my little boy safe. "Carver..." she says softly, reaching out to stroke his cheek. "Oh you poor thing, did you not sleep at all last night?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver blinks. Mother..? Then, visibly, he relaxes. She must be feeling better now that we're safe. Now that Bethany's safe. You see? She doesn't hate us at all. She's just... grieving. 

"Not much, Mother," he says, leaning into her hand with a small smile. "Did you?"

[Bethany]

Bethany's lips purse and she opens her mouth to say something cutting when she catches Varric's eyes. At his careful head shake, she falls silent, turning away.

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"Nightmares of course," Leandra says weakly. "Only to be expected, I suppose. But we're safe now. Nyra's a place of freaks and degenerates but the wards will keep out demons at least." She gives him a wan smile, then looks at the other two at the table. "Bethany, get you and your brothers things together. The sooner we find my brother, the sooner we can get moved in and settled."

[Varric]

"I've actually paid for a week already, so there's no rush," Varric says carefully.

[Carver Amell]

You see? Mother has everything under control. Carver nods, starting to get up. "I'll help."

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

That gets a thin-lipped and rather frosty smile. "Thank you for your... charity, Mister Tethras but we'll be parting ways soon. My brother will be able to help us find a work for Carver and a convent for Bethany, we've no need of more of your help."

[Bethany]

"A what?" Bethany exclaims, face reddening and fists balling in her lap.

[Carver Amell]

Carver steps between them, scowling. "You can't be serious, Mother. Bethany intends to take vows, yes, but she can live at home after that."