Imprints in Stone [AU]

[NPCs]

When neither of them speak, Malcolm shifts uncomfortably. "My old mentor, Blue Crow, he, uh... well, I talked a bunch with him last night," thank the gods for sobering potions, "and... we're going to go for a trip. Full circuit, all the way down to Sweetwater and back, Hoping it... gets my head straight. Helps me figure out what I plan to do with myself. I... I was kind of hoping that maybe I could write? And maybe even, if you want, swing by that way at the end?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver looks away. "You're not coming back," he says,  his voice flat. "You still don't--" want us.

"Fine. Yeah. You can write." he says, his voice sounding tired now.

[Bethany]

He's... running again. Pretty words aside, that's what he's doing. Might actually write, for the first few months but... damnit. Damn you for giving Carver hope and- Taking a deep breath, Bethany forces herself to allow the air to stay warm, to focus on Carver. "La oo, ma'win," she whispers, pressing her face against his shoulder.

[NPCs]

Malcolm isn't a complete fool, he knows what Carver started to say. "I-" He swallows. "I'm sorry Carver. I... I just... I'd do worse staying than going. I'm sorry. I have some... some stuff for you both. Your grandmother's address, some things I meant to send and... didn't. Some gifts for your coming of age- that's this year, right?" he asks, voice nervous as he fears being wrong, of messing even this up.

[Carver Amell]

"Yes," he bites off. "You're probably right. Nobody wants a deadbeat coward for a father."

[NPCs]

Malcolm reacts as if sucker punched, his body curling in and his breath whooshing out. "I... yeah. Suppose they don't. I uh... I ain't got the words to make this close to okay. I just don't. I'm glad you're better than me."

[Carver Amell]

"Did you ever even care? Did you ever love us? Or were we just a stupid accident you're trying to forget about?" Carver demands, taking a step forward. "Beth has nightmares -- I have to be the one to protect her. And before that, Marian had to take care of us, and who did she have to take care of her? Not you. Not mom."

[NPCs]

"I did! Do! I just- I wasn't ready to... To do that. Be that. But I do love you both. I love Marian. I..." Malcolm winces, averting his eyes. "Your mother... No. That was just passion. I'm sorry you're paying for my flaws, my shortcomings."

[Carver Amell]

"If you loved us, you'd be around. You can't protect someone if you're not there for them. If--" his voice cracks, but he pushes on anyway. "If you had been there maybe Marian would be alive."

[NPCs]

"I... I'm no fighter," he protests, then sags. "But maybe... Maybe. How... What..."

[Bethany]

"The town was destroyed by demons. How do you think it happened?" Bethany snaps.

[NPCs]

"Right. Sorry, I didn't mean to... Sorry." Please, gods, at least have made it quick. "I... Well. Did... Did either of you have any questions for me? Least I can give you is the truth."

[Carver Amell]

Carver looks away, swallowing. "The... The whole village went down. Demons in the streets. Beth broke her leg and, and, they were watching the road. Someone had to distract them. So... So Marian did. I was strong enough to carry Beth away and she wasn't. Mother didn't help."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill makes a soft mewling noise and echoes Beth's actions of hugging Carver tightly and burying her face in his chest. She's less practiced at such things, at using touch to comfort (or anything else for that matter) and her posture is stiff, almost tense. Like as not, she's expecting to be rebuffed.

[Bethany]

"Well said, ma'win," Beth mumbles, tears dampening his shirt.