Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "I will. I swear on my life. This is-- Vangal would want this."

[Varric]

Goody for Him. "What about you? Is what you want? Merrill's been hurt real bad and she's going to need someone willing to not just be patient but also caring, observant and supportive. She's real fragile and more like as not to take every word as a cut against her. You'll have to be gentle but also not just say or do whatever she wants- she needs help, not pandering." Varric smiles gently. "Beth and I will help, mind you, but she looks up to you the most."

[Carver Amell]

"It's not about what I want. She needs help, and I can give it. So I will. And, and the Bandannas will help."

[Varric]

"It is about what you want," Varric snaps. "You're a fucking person, Carver, and you have to understand that! You have value and worth and deserve to be fucking happy too! To have needs and dreams and desires- and the ability to follow up on them. Every time you say that, it breaks-" The dwarf snaps his mouth shut, wresting control of himself. Damnit. This entire trip has been... 

[Carver Amell]

Carver gives him a second, two. Breaks... the rules? Breaks a curse? "Breaks?" he asks, quietly.

[Varric]

"... breaks the hearts of those that love you," Varric finishes quietly.

[Carver Amell]

Carver hangs his head. Beth. He takes a deep breath, his hands flexing, trying to stave off the urge to run off and punch something. Gods. I wonder if Merrill's tip really does work.

"I... I'm sorry, Dad,"  he says, quietly. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm really trying to be a person, honest. And, and Beth said she wants-- I'm trying. But, that's not, that's not what I meant. What I meant is more... I want to serve Vangal. I want to protect Beth, and, and people like Beth. So, maybe it'll be hard work and maybe I'll hate doing it. But it's worth it, because, because Merrill's eyes are like Beth's eyes and I can't stand anyone to look like that. Ugh, dammit, I'm not making any sense." Now his hands ball into fists.

[Varric]

Varric's own eyes soften and he smiles. Reaching over to clasp Carver's arm, he gives the young man a firm nod. "No, Carver, that's just about the most sense I've ever heard Vangal's teachings ever expressed as. They always go on about ideals and noble causes and the glory of serving... Now wanting to see the pain of a loved one echoed in another's eyes? That I can get." He takes a slow breath. "Proud of you... son." 

[Carver Amell]

Carver turns to Varric then, giving a tentative smile that firms up as he sees the dwarf's face, his own eyes misty. "So we can help her?"

[Varric]

Varric hesitates a moment. Lot easier said than done. Unwanted by and large or not, people don't often give kids away to strangers (at least not openly and directly). Workable but not easy or fast (no guarantees). "...we can try. We'll talk to Marethari, feel her out about it. Worst case, I arrange for Kenta to stay here and look after her until we can figure out a real solution."

[Carver Amell]

"If he has to stay, can I stay? I need the instruction anyway."

[Varric]

"If you stay, Beth won't leave. I can't leave the two of you, especially not here. But we'll see," he hedges. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "You'll find a way. You're smart like that." That seems to be good enough for him -- he starts moving again.

[Varric]

...thanks? "Right then." How the hells am I... Sigh. Talk to Marethari in the morning, I guess... "I'll handle that, but you should talk to your sister. Best not to surprise her." Not that I think she'll be all that surprised (possibly upset/jealous though, need to keep an eye out).

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Will do."