Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"That's a broad promise to make," Lt. Vallen comments. "But we should move on. Tell me about the fall of Golden Shores," she asks, voice losing most of the stiffness, though none of the even tone.

[Carver Amell]

Carver sits back, the eager light in his eyes fading as a surly scowl overcomes his demeanour. "Golden Shores was my home. I belonged there. This city, Nyra, it's not... it's different. I can't figure it out. If I find out who summoned those demons, I'll..." He shrugs, helpless to finish the thought.

"It's not Varric, though. I know that much."

[Tethras Clan]

He truly believes that much at least. "Alright. Can you explain why you feel that way so strongly? Anything at all, no matter how trivial it might be."

[Carver Amell]

Carver shakes his head. "I-- is this confidential?" 

[Tethras Clan]

"As an on-going case, things are kept strictly in-house for now. As a minor, your testimony will be sealed afterwards," Vallen says carefully. "Is that sufficient?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. So be careful, but don't necessarily keep mum. "My... My twin, Bethany. She's... people think she's a witch. They kept saying they'd burn her, she was no good, she was a--" Don't need to repeat that one, he instructs himself, but his eyes burn with repressed anger. "I used to get in scraps, all the time, protecting her. My older sister did too. Then Mr Tethras moved in. He taught me how to fight better, so I didn't get my ass beat all the time, and how to dodge. He took care of the worst bully himself, after he got Marian expelled. Got him kicked out too. Then I beat the next one, using stuff he taught me, and they left her mostly alone after that. Maybe he saved her life, a little." He shrugs. 

[Tethras Clan]

That's a lot of investment for a stranger. Kid seems far too protective of his sister to look the other way on the suspected type of repayment. Not giving any vibe that he's the only paying for it either. Could have been the deceased sister but... then would would Tethras still be looking after them? Better to cut his losses. Still... need to probe a bit more, just to check. People can have the strangest blind spots.

"Commendable- for you, your older sister and Tethras. I can see why you and your sister went through all the trouble, but it's strange that Tethras would bother himself to help out a couple of kids. Any idea why he did all of that for you?"

[Carver Amell]

"We worked for him some, in the beginning. Bethany cooked, I cleaned and helped with the housework. We're friends, nowadays. When Mother--" 

He shifts in his chair a little, looking uncomfortable. "I'm sure Mother will come around. She's not a bad sort. It's just, when Marian died, and... It's just hard for her. So. But. When they started fighting, and Mother wanted to send Bethany away, Mr Tethras took us in. I think he... Bethany calls him 'Dad' now. And he's, he's always been great. Teaches me things. Shows me how to look after people. Helps me work through stuff. He's not my father but, maybe, he kind of is like... like an uncle or something."

[Tethras Clan]

That would explain things, if your accounting and read on his actions us correct. Dwarves are very big on 'found family' so as a bachelor, that would explain things very well indeed. "Has he ever asked, directly or indirectly, for compensation for this help? From you or either sister?"

[Carver Amell]

"Compen--what?" Upon her explanation, he shakes his head. "No. He pays us pocket money for the chores. He was... He was helping Marian study for University before... Before."

[Tethras Clan]

Definitely found family then. Still borderline, given they have blood family but... "Wait- studying for university?" She died in Golden Shores. "So this... fostering was as deeply involved as it is now for some time before arriving here?" At his nod, she adds, "did your mother know then?" Can't imagine how she couldn't...

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, course. He paid Marian's wages to Mother directly. When she got expelled, he hired her as a clerk, tutored her. When we got done school we were all going to move to Nyra."

[Tethras Clan]

Well, that matches Tethras's story pretty solidly. And... That makes him a very poor fit for being involved with the destruction if Golden Shores. He would have been much more careful about keeping the three of them out of danger. "If something happened to you, would you rather Bethany be in your Mother's care or Varric's? Don't think, just answer!" She barks suddenly.

[Carver Amell]

"Varric's," he blurts, then winces. "J-Just until M-Mother calms down some," he adds, stomach twisting with guilt.

[Tethras Clan]

Lt. Vallen offers a sad smile and reaches over to awkwardly pat Carver's hand. "You can't afford to turn away from the flaws and weaknesses of those around you, even if they're family. You need to be honest with yourself in order to be true to your duty, your calling. Doesn't mean you have to give up on them, just... don't expect what they won't or can't do or accept. Just leaves you twisting in the wind. Or worse, leaves someone in your care short in some vital manner."