Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

"Let's... let's take a walk, friend?" he suggests, his knees quivering a little. They think I'm dead. But-- but who do they think I am?

[Tethras Clan]

"Truth be told, if you want to know about your old life, you should speak with, ah, Short Stuff there," Zevran replies, nodding at Varric. "I only met your the once, SS was your mentor."

[Varric]

"I think the part where I've adopted your siblings might be more important at this point but yes," Varric says softly, setting the last shot glass back down on the table untouched. "I wasn't sure if it was you but... I'd love to talk with you."

[Marian Hawke]

Garrett turns, swallowing hard. "Well played, small stuff," he says, casually. "I won't make your little legs chase me all over creation -- come upstairs. Oh, Bartender, put the rest of the bottle on my tab," he adds. I have a feeling we'll need it.

Upstairs, leaving their companions behind, Garrett pours a couple (sloppy, due to shaking hands) shots, throwing one back and refilling it before moving to sit on the bed. "So. I guess you came looking for me?"

[Varric]

"That's the short version, yeah," Varric says quietly. "When we found out you were still alive... best damn news I'd heard since... well, learning that the twins had survived. Then hearing what done to you... gods. I... I still haven't forgiven myself for not being in town that day. I know, logically, I couldn't have known, couldn't have predicted the attack but..."

[Marian Hawke]

That's where he holds up a hand to stop him. "Listen, miss, I don't-- there are things you need to understand before we proceed. Okay? I don't-- I don't know what you... I have amnesia. It's possible I'm literally not even the same person you knew, a new mind in the same body. My name is Garrett Hawke, I've only existed for less than a year to the best of my knowledge. So whatever... whatever name you knew me by back then, that person is dead. I'm sorry."

[Varric]

Amusing that: new mind, same body... "I... I had gathered as much, from listening to you downstairs. But I can promise you this much at least- the person, the... being before me may not have the memories of M-y old student, but you have the same soul. The same... morals. Might not be the life they'd have chosen, but I know you'd be welcomed as a friend, a brother perhaps, if you'd met." Varric takes a deep breath.

[Marian Hawke]

"I hope so," he says quietly. "I don't know that i'm ready to hear about all this. For one, Cindy should be here. I-- what if I -- what if hearing about that person--" He shakes his head. "No. I can't do this now."

[Varric]

Could... actually, yeah, probably. "Cindy's your lover, right? I thought I heard she was on her way back, should be here any time, right?" As I say, so shall it be? I mean, if he buys it, accepts it, then... "I can tell you a bit about the twins until she arrives, then we can discuss you and your past."

[Marian Hawke]

"I-- no, it-- tell you what, small stuff, tell me about you?" He stalls

[Varric]

"...do you do the nickname thing often?" the goblins asks curiously, not sounding at all offended.

[Marian Hawke]

"I uh." He blushes, just a bit. "I forgot to ask your name? At first I was going for this cool big brother thing, but then I realized you're actually a cute girl, and I thought you might-- anyway it doesn't matter hi-I'm-Garrett," he stammers. Demon King indeed.

[Varric]

"Ah. Varric. I was asking because I have the habit of doing exactly that- nicknames. Also... just to let you know? Actually under a... involuntary polymorph. I'm normally a dwarven male." He coughs. "So yeah. I'm Varric of Clan Tethras." A full formal introduction might be a bit much right now.

[Marian Hawke]

"Oh!" he says, startled. "Uh. I see. Thanks. I'm sure, you know, I'm sure you're also cute under all that? I mean. Rugged? Dwarves like rugged, right?" He runs a hand through his hair.

[Varric]

"It's fine. Not... not really interested in that sort of thing, but I appreciate the compliment," he reassures Garrett. "Take a few deep breaths, collect yourself. It's fine."