Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Sounds great," Varric says honestly, though he has to blank his expression a touch on the names. Kids. "Same kind of feels I have about Carver, sure- he does some adventuring, mostly local travel stuff- about being juts a little nervous about my kids going off to deliberately find fights and trouble without me there but... Proud. I only know the bare bones of disguise and such, but if either of you need paperwork done up- fake ids or the like, I'm your dwarf."

[Marian Hawke]

"You... can fake IDs?" she asks, her voice hoarse. Yes. Gods above yes. Liz can be real, and Eli, and Quinn. I won't ever have to be Mari(don't) that again. "Good. Cindy will-- Cindy will be pleased." She's dead too, after all. Both of us, reborn. 

[Varric]

"Yeah, it's actually kind of easy. And I can get her legit immigration status pretty easy, given my new status and all," he says, shaking his head a little with still slightly baffled amusement. "You're a done deal really, I uh, well, with the twins' blessing, I had you.... backdated as my adopted daughter. Given the mentorship and sponsorship stuff we already had in place, it wasn't hard."

[Marian Hawke]

"No," she says again. Name's wrong. That person is dead. I'm Liz now. "I.. I should go." There's not much else I can say, not safely.

[Varric]

"You... you got a safe spot to go? Would... I can give you some gold for a few nights, help you get a place nearby so you can have some space but... still visit," Varric offers, trying to not sound too desperate. 

[Marian Hawke]

"Yeah," she says, swallowing. They think Quinn's a merikos catfolk and that's close enough. They'll let me stay a few days at least, if I put up with their evangelising. Then I can figure out something else. (miss Cindy's safehouse). "I'll be safe. I have to check on Cindy anyway, so I'll be... around." Might not look the same. No, safer to just come in the window as Liz, not let him see the others (might have to burn Eli).

[Varric]

"Alright," Varric says softly. The cats are a good sort really. She'll be fine there (hope so). He hesitates for a moment. "I'll try and work from home for the next bit. And... the twins have classes in the morning so..." Don't push, for now. Build some trust back up (gods) then try to ease her home.

[Marian Hawke]

I could visit without running into them. (gods, Cindy, I need you so much). He's letting me go. He's trusting me to come back. ("Please") (knew I could trust him) (my father, my real father). 

She nods, wiping away a hint of tears as she puts down the glass. "I will come back," she whispers. "At least once. I promise."

[Varric]

"Good. Thank you. I... do you need anything? I can... if you need supplies or... medical care, anything, let me know," Varric offers softly.

[Marian Hawke]

"Just... please, take good care of Cindy. She's--" all I have left (not true anymore) "important."

[Varric]

"Your family is my family," Varric assures her. That's not a good mindset (but it's not set in stone, which is good). "She's safe here and in good hands. I promise."

[Marian Hawke]

"Okay." Trust him (no choice, can't hold out much longer) "Okay. Thank you. I love you, and I'm sorry, and I have to go."

She stands, then, and heads for the window.

[Varric]

"Here, " he calls out, tossing a pouch to her. "Coin and healing potions, just in case. Be safe." No dagger this time but...

[Marian Hawke]

She takes it, flashing him a smile, but he can see her recall a similar pouch he threw her once, remembering his words: "That's a final ace. I want your word, Marian Hawke" (Gods, gods, bright gods and dark, please let me stay)

Then she's gone, taking the pouch with her, out the window.

[Varric]

"Thatta girl," Varric murmurs hoarsely, head bowed. Of course you can stay. Gods. Alright. I... I need to thin. Talk to Helene (she asked to not tell the twins (never actually agreed) but can still tell her). Gods. Taking a deep breath, he stands, the movement sharp and abrupt. Very deliberately, he leave the whisky on his desk.