Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver winces. Then it'll cost twice as much 'cause we can't go the places I was thinking of. "Uh, okay."

[Bethany]

"You won't have any issues with doing some of the shopping in Cattown, right Seeker?" Bethany asks, a not well hidden challenge in her voice. "We like to go there when we can- cheaper, for one, and more importantly, they're friends and they could use the custom."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has no quarrel with cats. Shall we meet at the statue of Leron in the Bazaar? This one lives closer to that statue than to this address and it would be along our desired path."

[Varric]

"...should I arrange for a porter or will Carver be mule enough?" Varric asks wryly.

[Bethany]

"Oh definitely a porter," Bethany says airily, eyes gleaming as she begins planning. "For the doghouses if nothing else, for when they want fresh out but it's hot out or raining."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene swallows a whimper. "This one suggests not purchasing excessive accessories."

[Bethany]

"Huh?" Beth asks, looking at them blankly.

[Varric]

"I think they mean that you should wait to find out what they'll be like, spread the shopping out as you get a better feel for the mabari," Varric tosses in, feeling a bit of shame for pushing Helene in front of the dragon. Not enough to go along or anything but...

[Bethany]

"Oh! I guess that makes sense..." Bethany says slowly.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one will draw up a list of supplies necessary for the care of very young puppies, and the rest can be determined at a later date."

[Bethany]

Bethany beams at Helene, stepping forward to hug them the same as she would Varric. "Thank you!"

[Helene Dakesh]

They tense, but allow the hug, pulling away after a brief moment. "This one appreciates your gratitude."

[Bethany]

"Sorry, I just..." Bethany had noticed the tension, she's not... well, not her brother. "I didn't mean to..." She steps back, expression embarrassed and a little hurt.

[Varric]

"It's not personal. The Seeker just isn't one for personal contact," Varric explains gently, knowing that Helene can struggle with how to explain their quirks.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods, giving a small bow. "Please do accept that I appreciate your gratitude and am fond of you as a person. This one simply is unused to physical contact of that nature."