Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Like I said, I think you just need a different way of learning. You've too much energy, too much need to act, to be happy with sitting at a desk for long." He shrugs. "So I'll arrange for a private tutor. Maybe teach you while you walk around the city or do drills. Something to keep your body active so your mind can focus."

[Carver Amell]

"No drills. I think-- I don't think I'm cut out for fighting."

[Varric]

"Okay, that's just wrong. I've seen you fight, you're solid. Need polish of course, and seasoning, but you're sixteen so that's to be expected. Only started learning, really learning in the last year or so. So it's not about your skill. Why aren't you suited for fighting?"

[Carver Amell]

He paces for a bit, then throws back a gulp of whiskey -- which makes him cough, but only a bit. "I... I fucked up."

[Varric]

"You're sixteen so that's to be expected," Varric repeats with a smile, refilling the tumbler. One more glass'll make him a bit slow and fuzzy, but won't hurt him much. "Everyone fucks up, most of us a few times, especially when we're just starting out."

[Carver Amell]

He shakes his head. "No, I... I really fucked up."

[Varric]

"Last I checked- as of last night- all of my friends and such are still alive and whole, so whatever it was, I'm more concerned with helping you than being upset. Spill lad."

[Carver Amell]

He flinches at 'alive'. "I-- I think I-- I killed a kid, Varric, he was, he can't have been more than twelve, I..." He drinks another gulp of whiskey, trying to settle his nerves.

[Varric]

"Start at the beginning, Carver," Varric says gently as he gets to his feet to fill a glass with water.

[Carver Amell]

Carver shakes his head. "I can't," he moans. 

[Varric]

"Why not?" Varric asks bluntly.

[Carver Amell]

"I'd have to admit... other things... and other things, and you'd be--" he cuts himself off, shaking his head. "Only if you promise I'm not in trouble."

[Varric]

Varric purses his lips. "Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you'll be honest? And that you'll... not take, but at least give real consideration to my opinion afterwards?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver hesitates. "If I'm not in trouble, and nothing of this gets back to Beth or, or hurts her or anything.. okay. Then yeah, I can be honest and.. I'll try to listen."

[Varric]

"Deal," Varric replies after a moment. I might have to break that, if it's real bad but... sounds doable. Damn. The hells happened? "I'll do my best to keep you out of trouble and protect Beth. Can only speak for my own actions but..."