Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"She's our Mother," he hisses. "She loves us. She does. Losing Marian, it... she wouldn't have wanted our family to go to pieces over her death."

[Tethras Clan]

"Maybe not. I don't know her so I can't say. But... just sharing blood doesn't... guarantee family," Vallen says gently. "The vast majority of abuse, injury and sexual assault on children is done by immediate family. More fathers than mothers, but they're second on the list." She holds up a hand, keeping him quiet with a stern look. "Not saying your mother's done something of that nature. Just... saying that you need to take a clear look at matters and see what is, not what you want to see. I hope you're right. I truly do. Everyone deserves good parents. But not everyone gets them."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Alright. I'll-- I'll think about it. Can I go now?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Not quite yet," Vallen says, tone a touch apologetic. "We need to discuss where you'll be living for the foreseeable future. Recruit Andy says you have some... ideas you'd like to put forth on that matter?"

[Carver Amell]

"We got a place, we're fine." He scowls at her. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Recruit za'Frane mentioned you had some reasonable ideas you'd like to put forth on that matter?"

[Carver Amell]

"That is reasonable! We've been fine on our own since you stole Varric, and we'll be fine until you give him back." He crosses his arms. "It's, what's it called, incendive."

[Tethras Clan]

A long stare. "So your pride is more important than your sister. So much for your conviction," she says, voice edged with scorn.

[Carver Amell]

He bristles. "I can protect my sister better than some stranger can!" he protests. "Someone who doesn't even know her is supposed to be better for her than her family? I don't think so!" 

[Tethras Clan]

"Why not you and someone else? A trained adult, one accustomed to helping and guiding teenagers," the guard corrects him. 

[Carver Amell]

"Adults," he sneers. "Varric's the only good adult I ever met." 

[Tethras Clan]

Noticing that your mother's not on that list. "That is... unfortunate," she allows. "But there are other good adults out there. You'll be getting to know at least one more starting tomorrow."

[Carver Amell]

He crosses his arms. "Fine. You can send someone around once a day to check on us."

[Tethras Clan]

"You do realize that you're asking for a favor, not granting one, correct?" the paladin asks, starting to sound annoyed. "Right now, you're heading for a youth hostel- strict schedules, chore lists, constant supervision, rigid rules and regs. I'm giving you a chance to convince me otherwise. Take it."

[Carver Amell]

"Like hell we are!" He surges to his feet, reaching for his belt knife. "Don't think I'm scared of you! You are not sending Bethany away!"