Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Was there anything else? I... I want to lay down," Bethany says abruptly.

[Carver Amell]

The dog immediately gets up, moving between Beth and Varric, as if to say, there'd better not be.

[Varric]

Varric graciously doesn't roll his eyes at the drama-dog. "No, that's fine. Get some rest. We'll talk more later, when Merrill wakes."

[GamesMaster]

Beth curls up in bed, her protective dire wolf on the rug beside her bed, guarding her without letting himself get too close. A few times, when they check on him, Carver is curled up on the floor, fully dressed, passed out; Helene drapes a blanket over him, but it's thrown off later when they check, the dire wolf once again guarding Beth's bed watchfully, both Mabari curled up on Beth's bed to cuddle with her.

The next day, when Beth shows no further signs of leaving bed, Helene has a quick word with Varric. Then, they set upon the room, opening the curtains, tidying, and generally fussing. "This one would like to suggest Bethany and Carver get out of bed. This one is preparing a brunch for the family, this one included."

[Bethany]

"...not hungry," Beth mumbles listlessly. If I jut lay here, I can't make it worse. Can't hurt people. Just... stop doing things.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Well, if that is your wish, unfortunately, you will miss the big announcement." Helene puts on a big show of smiling. "This one could perhaps announce it here, this one supposes, but this one had planned to do so over brunch, as that is the more traditional of situations for such an announcement."

[Bethany]

Beth doesn't react for a long moment, then sighs. "...fine." Moving slowly, sluggishly, she sits up, then stalls out, leaning against an eager to help Hunter.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Let me help you," says Helene abruptly, moving to aid Beth. "Here, will you wear this?" they ask, once she's standing, bringing over a cute sundress. "It matches your eyes. And, may I brush your hair?"

[Bethany]

Since when does... doesn't matter. Better if I just... whatever (is this how Carver felt?). Still not really speaking much, she meekly allows Helene to dress and ready her for brunch. near the end, she surfaces enough to mutter, "thanks" without prompting.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Of course. It is this one's pleasure to serve. Your father is very concerned." 

Helene turns their attention on Carver next; he doesn't need convincing to get to his feet, but no matter how they cajole, he doesn't shift back, finally growling at the Samsaran and snapping in their direction, causing them to back away. "As you wish," they say, giving a bow.

[Bethany]

When the two look back, Beth is back on the bed, hugging her knees with her face hidden.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene rushes over to her, reaching to put a hand on her back. "This one is unharmed!" they assure her. "This one is... please come to brunch?"

[Bethany]

Bethany rocks back and forth for a moment, then slowly peeks out. "...no more fighting?" she asks softly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"No," says Helene gently. "No more fighting. This one will avoid provoking Carver in the future."

[Carver Amell]

Carver backs down, now that he's not being fussed at, and backs toward the door, wanting to get out of the way.