Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Then ask for help," Aveline replies simply.

[Carver Amell]

"I don't-- who would--"

But whatever he might call himself when he was in a low mood, Carver isn't stupid -- or imperceptive. "That's why you're here," he says, stunned. "To help... Me."

[Tethras Clan]

"I'm your teacher," Aveline says with a faint smile. "I take that duty very seriously." I failed Andy. I didn't pay enough attention to the trouble he was getting at work and it cost him his life. Indirectly, but still very fatally. I have to do better. "Not just me either, obviously. Your family too."

[Carver Amell]

"They don't--"

[Tethras Clan]

"Carver, who do you think explained everything I knew before coming out here? They wanted me to know what happened so I could help," Aveline speaks over him. "They want to be a family. That includes you."

[Carver Amell]

"You sure they didn't want you to punish me?" He asks quietly.

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline considers it for a moment. "I think a part of your sister is pissed at you," she allows. "Not so much that she wants you to suffer, per se, but enough that she wants you to struggle a bit." The paladin smiles faintly. "I was thinking she might be pleased to watch us do some... condensed training to make up for the lessons you missed today while they eat."

[Carver Amell]

"No. I won't learn to fight anymore. I don't want to scare them."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline gives him a queer look. "...have they ever indicated that your fighting ability scares them?"

[Carver Amell]

"Merrill, some, when w first met and she didn't trust me."

[Tethras Clan]

"Seems a healthy reaction- just normal common sense to be wary of powerful strangers," Aveline says with a shrug. "That doesn't seem like a good reason to stop learning how to protect people. After all, how often do either of the girls look to you for that? Move closer to you during tense situations, maybe even edge behind you."

[Carver Amell]

"I don't care. If they can't trust me, if I can't trust me, I am not going to study hurting people."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline considers that for a moment, then offers, "alright, how about conditioning for now then? No combat training until you're able to trust yourself again. I'm not happy about risking your skills getting rusty but I'm certainly not about to let you get out of shape, not after all the work I've put into you."

[Carver Amell]

"Ok," he agrees, shoulders slumping. "Thank you."

[Tethras Clan]

"I wouldn't thank me yet. You do realize you just agreed to do wind sprints, crunches and lifts for the next two hours solid, right?"