Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver stifles a wince. Seriously? Me? I don't mind fetching but playing nice isn't my strong suit.

"Uh, hi," he says, clamping down hard on anything after that, as he pulls the door open. 

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene decided to wear a skirt today, knee-length, with stockings; they also decided to wear a vest and a cravat, giving them a weird, waist-up butch waist-down femme look that would have gone better if they had exchanged accessories to unify the look. They give a bow upon meeting Carver, saying simply, "This one hopes this one is arriving at the correct time."

[Carver Amell]

This one? What the hell? Carver blinks, still resolving not to say anything that might upset Beth. "Uhhhh, yeah, sure, come in," he says, getting out of the way. There. I was nice, and he's inside. She. They! They're inside. 

[Bethany]

Okay, okay, okay. Roast is resting, sausages and beans are simmering, dumplings are done, the chicken salad was done an hour ago and is nicely chilled. Bread is sliced, potatoes baked, rice done, sala- and they're here. Alright. Alright. It's alright. Show time. Taking a deep breath, Bethany plasters on a broad smile, grabs a tray of sliced meats and crackers for snacking, and heads out to the living room.

"Seeker Helene, so glad you could- oh you look adorable!" Bethany turns beet red. "Um. I mean... you look good? Gods, I'm sorry, I just-" She whimpers, looking mortified.

[Helene Dakesh]

The seeker's cheeks darken, and they bow slightly. "The compliment is appreciated but unnecessary."

[Bethany]

"Right... So...umm. Right! Please, come this way," Beth says brightly, gesturing towards the living room with her free hand. "Here, Carver, take this," she mutters, pushing the tray at him.

When they enter the living room, Helene is treated to the delight that is a bare bones bachelor house given a homemaker's make-over. It's very clean and neat, for sure, but it's also still plain and... To be honest, drab. There's a few flower vases, a knick-knack or two but that's it. Comfy looking sofas though, one sized for dwaves. Or Helene.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene follows awkwardly, unsure the protocol. Sit? Stand? Start a conversation? About what? They shift from foot to foot, trying to figure out how to proceed without making this more awkward.

[Bethany]

"Sit, sit, please," Bethany says, fluttering about slightly. "I'm really pleased to meet one of Dad's friends. Especially one he speaks so highly of! How did you met by the way?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one serves at the Temple of Alydra," says Helene, giving a bow as they sit. "This one was pleased to act as an advisor when Mister Tethras required assistance. He was of great help to this one in return, and this one was pleased to pass along a message from Alydra sending him to Golden Shores."

[Bethany]

Bethany's eyes widen. "You- you're why Dad came to Golden Shores?" she blurts out. You're why Marian had what happiness and success she got before- before? You're why we had choices and options other than Leandra and despair? You're why we were good enough to survive and reach Nyra? You're-

Hopefully Helene handles the sudden tight hug with some degree of aplomb and grace...

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene does not -- they let out a squeak, jumping a bit. "Ah! No. T-th-th-this one was instructed by Alydra t-to p-pass along the m-message."

[Bethany]

Bethany pulls away from Helene with a blush. "Sorry, I just... Varric coming to Golden Shores probably saved our lives," she says quietly, glancing at her twin. "Alydra might have given the message but you were there to take it. So... thank you."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene dips their head. "This one is honored to serve Alydra. This one was only doing the job this one has sworn to do."

[Varric]

"You do more than the job, Helene," a smooth baritone cuts in. "You serve with devotion and consciencessness that goes well above and beyond what is merely 'expected,' even for a cleric. Or oracle." The dwarf has clearly finished getting ready. Hair neatly combed, face clean shaven, clad in a very nice black silk shirt with white trim and leather trousers, the dwarf made at least some effort to look nice. 

[Bethany]

Squeee! He's totally into her. Them. He never dresses up nice like that 'cept for work and he's not nearly as nice to them as he is to Helene. And he never invites them over here.