Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Bethany sniffles a little, then sighs. "...wanna help me finish up here, then..." She pulls back enough to look up at him, a quivering smile on her face. "Maybe we can cuddle for a bit? I'll read out loud?" Like I used to, before?

[Carver Amell]

"I would like nothing more."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill's mindscape is.. very Merrill. The first thing they see when they arrive is the sky overhead, an impossible beauty. To the left is a glorious sunrise, to the right a breathtaking sunset. Set high in the sky, far, far bigger than it truly is, hangs pale-blue Cinera. The sky itself is filled with twinkling stars, friendly clouds, colorful rainbows and soaring beasts. They're standing in a woods that is also a city, an obvious fusion of Meadows and Golden Green- or at least the best parts of them. There's no logic or reason to the organization- Merrill's favorite sweet shop is right next to Bethany's temple which is next to the tree that has Wynne's house amidst the branches whose shadow gives shade to the park Merrill and Caver visit from time to time.

There's no people around, but animals abound. Dozens of dogs, of all shapes and sizes, romp around with each other. Cats perch on window sills and ledges, dozing in the sun. Bird fly and sing, delighted with life. Squirrels and rabbits... play Wicked Grace nearby while an otter dances with a bear. More... alien... is that everything- the buildings, the trees, the moon and even the air of the city somehow gives the impression they have faces, voices, without any reason they can point to.

And then there's Carver, who materialized with not his normal gear but gleaming silver fullplate, an exquisitely crafted (if impractical) greatsword and a burnished silver shield. Despite his lack of training- and the fact that a greatsword should require both hands to wield, this all feels more comfortable than bare skin. He's also a good foot or so taller than normal and radiates a soft aura of power and protection.

[Varric]

"Okay, show of hands, who's surprised?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver flushes, glancing up at the moon for only a moment before looking firmly back down at the ground. "I guess she forgot I... oh, hang on," he says, reaching to see if he can change his hands into claws or not. Metal should prevent that, but he's not wearing real metal in the real world, maybe it'll work?

[Bethany]

The 'metal' of his gauntlets shifts and flows into wicked looking dragon claws.

Bethany huffs, faintly annoyed at him getting super powers, and crosses her arms. Then pauses, shifts, and looks down. "...why am I a cup size bigger?" she asks slowly, a flush creeping up her neck.

[Carver Amell]

Carver's eyes widen like saucers as he stares at his claws. So. Cool!

[Bethany]

Bethany shakes her head rapidly, unfolding her hands to run them down her sides. Yep, a bit hipper too. Is she... is this because she views me as fat or... because she's... idealizing me like she is Carver? Bethany shakes her head again, more rapidly. Nope. Nopenopenope. Not thinking about it anymore. "Right! So! Let's... go... somewhere?"

[Varric]

"Well... conveniently, I seem to have a map," Varric says wryly, holding up an almost garishly colorful map. "Which I obviously did not bring with us." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Sounds like a good plan, dad-person," Hunter comments, his sister nodding quietly next to him.

[Carver Amell]

"What." Now Carver's distracted from his claws. 

[Tethras Clan]

Hunter's ears go back. "Sorry, boss, I just... I'm be quiet now," he mumbles, his sister moving closer to press her flank against his- and glare at Carver.

[Bethany]

"I- umm." Bethany squeezes her eyes shut for a few seconds. "He was just... surprised. He didn't mean to sound upset, umm, Hunter. Because you can talk. That's... new."

[Tethras Clan]

"We have always spoken," Silene murmurs. "But now you can hear."

[Varric]

"...right. Merrill can shapeshift, which allows for speak with her form," Varric reminds himself- and them. "I wonder..." Glancing at the twins, he asks in Sylvian, "this is a test. Raise your hand if you... under..."

"Why do the mabari speak Sylvian?" he asks plaintively, getting a somewhat unsettled giggle from Bethany.