Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

A long, pause, as even the crying holds its breath.

(I trusted you)

Why did you cast me away?

(You trusted me).


If I hurt him- or you- like this again, I'd- I'd run first anyway.

(Get over it).

I'm sorry. I love you.

"I don't know what to trust," the elf in their arms whispers brokenly.

[Carver Amell]

"Trust in family," he whispers. "Don't make the same stupid mistake I did."

[Tethras Clan]

"Family."

The word is... complex. Wonder. Bitterness. Longing. Fear. Hope. Contentment. Pain. Confusion. Love. Lust. Uncertainty.

[Bethany]

"That's... a neat trick," Bethany says weakly, trying to smile. "Seems pretty accurate to me too."

[Carver Amell]

"Exactly right. Exactly right," he whispers.

[Tethras Clan]

"...what should I do?" Merrill whispers after a long span of silence.

[Carver Amell]

"You have to remember your family, even if it hurts. You have to come back to us. Let us help you. Let Dad help you."

[Tethras Clan]

"...no more drinking? Or cutting? "

[Carver Amell]

"No more drinking. I-- I'm working on the cutting, but I might fuck up."

[Tethras Clan]

Bethany growls softly, the sound picked up not by the mabari but the world around them. 

[Varric]

Varric snorts. "I'd work on that real hard, son. If nothing else, you can be damn sure both of your ladies consider you being safe and happy to be a priority."

[Carver Amell]

"I've been trying," he whispers, tears pricking at his eyes again. "I've been trying so hard but I just... it just... I can't. But, but I've been with Aveline. Sleeping in her room, with Si and Beka to make sure I can't sneak out. I haven't cut in days."

[Tethras Clan]

A ripple of shock. "You're sleeping with Aveline?" Strangely, she sounds more taken aback- almost curious- than hurt.

[Bethany]

Beth makes a stranged teakettle noise.

[Carver Amell]

"Just sleep. Not fucking. I sleep in her chair."