Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"He saved Merrill," he says quietly, looking at his feet. "I almost killed her, and because he was there, she lived."

[Tethras Clan]

"They're the best parts of us," Aveline says soberly. "But remember it wasn't you that almost killed her. It was her."

[Carver Amell]

"It was me," he says bitterly. "I-- I ruined things. I made her think I was her family, that the others put up with her because of me. It all goes back to-- I can't regret taking her away from Goldengreen. But I should never have kept her. I should have found her someone else to take care of her. Brought her to you, or Seli."

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, you didn't. So now you have to own that and move on. She loves you now. What will you do about her problems? Your problems?" Aveline demands bluntly.

[Carver Amell]

"I.. we... we fixed her," he says, blinking. "I.. I had to, to threaten myself to lure her out, but..."

[Tethras Clan]

"That's a good first step, though I think we need to talk about your methods. What do you mean by that?"

[Carver Amell]

"When we.... when we got to the final area, we had to find her. Merrill. She was hidden from us. So I... I said I needed her healing, that I was going to cut myself. And it... it didn't work. She was worried but she didn't come out, she sent messages instead. And I was... I was scared we were going to fail and she'd never walk again and I, I had a knife in my hand already and I thought, I can't bear it, I can't bear to fail her like this, and so I... so I... but she stopped me, she showed herself then."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline exhales slowly. "That's not as bad as I feared. Not great, but... well, you've only been working on getting clean for a few days. So that's not all that surprising really, that you slipped when put in a vice."

[Carver Amell]

He shudders. "I... it wasn't the best idea, and it was too easy. But.. but I wasn't bluffing when I threatened to kill myself," he manages, unable to meet her eyes. "And that scares me more than anything else."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline steps over to him, hand gently resting on his shoulder. "Good. Shows you're growing up. That should terrify you. Be glad it worked. Be glad you were stopped. And prepare yourself for a lot of lectures, scolding and groveling, because while I don't know either of them near as well as you, I know both girls are going to be... irate about your idea. You might want to start thinking up what you're going to say to them about it." She purses her lips. "Actually.... maybe you should try writing them a letter."

[Carver Amell]

"Beth wants me to walk her home tomorrow morning. I said if you won't let me, I'll send Hunter. Maybe... maybe I can write something and, you can look over it, and if it's any good, I'll send it with him tomorrow."

[Tethras Clan]

"That sounds like a good idea," Aveline agrees after a moment. "I'm more familiar with reports and briefings but..." She shrugs. "We'll figure it out."

[Carver Amell]

====================================
Dear Beth,

I'm trying something new by writing out my feelings so I don't get all mixed up. Please let me know if this works better for you.

First I wanted to apologize for scaring you in the Delve. I shouldn't have tried to hurt myself. I was mostly bluffing, but I lost control somewhere in the middle. I'm sorry.

I feel out of control a lot of the time. It's really scary. I don't know how to make this stop happening, but Aveline and I are doing our best to make sure it does. I don't want to leave you, and I don't want to keep scaring you like this. Feelings are hard.

Instead of going on a trip I think I'm going to try working with the Guard some, so that I can practice adventuring without being away from home.

How is Don doing? Did he like your proposal for cattown? I'm sure it's really great. Did you remember to eat breakfast?

Love,
Carver
====================================

[Bethany]

====================================
Darling Brother,

This works just fine. I like talking to you, but if this helps you find the words and share them, then I heartily approve. I wonder if this is part of why your Oak trip helped so much? Talking through the slate, I mean.

I... I'm not entirely ready to process how I feel about the Delve yet. I want to talk it out first. I was going to talk with dad last night but he barely ate dinner before crashing. He's better this morning though! So don't worry too much. Evidently he had to force his brain to 'mimic' Sunny's way of thinking to make things work. And, well, they're not exactly similar in their viewpoints. Sorry, digressing, just wanted to make sure you didn't worry. I think I might try and talk this over with Don- unless you're not comfortable with him knowing? Crap, you're probably not- and that's fine! I can talk to dad later. 

I'm really glad Bright's Aveline is able to help. I'm very grateful to her. Please don't hesitate to ask for help from me if you need it though, even if it's just to cheer you on. I'm also glad you're sticking around. I couldn't handle what's coming up in a few days without you with me. I think it'll be good but it's going to be really heavy and probably hurt some too.

Don is good. Very busy and not at all about to be exiled (I'm dumb sometimes, he never was but I misunderstand some stuff). I think I may have overwhelmed him with my proposals- evidently he wasn't expecting that much research and work. Shows what he knows, right? . I did have breakfast though admittedly that might have only been because I wanted to make sure dad ate after not finishing his dinner. How about you? I doubt you're eating well, you never do when you're brooding and worried. Please take care of yourself.

Love from your sister,
Beth
====================================

[GamesMaster]

Don, while not sure how to help with all the emotional problems, is nevertheless able to give Beth a deeply appreciated gift: a much-needed day off.

He introduces her formally to his father, Cadmus, and his father's Guardian, Mriy. He rounds up Ari and Miki, and together with the adults, they lounge around the Naodi family dwelling, playing cards and casually chatting. He keeps one arm around her, which causes Mriy to give him a series of increasingly frowny glares, but he doesn't care: Beth is here, and he's going to treat her well.

"Why do you persist in this dangerous relationship now, of all times?" Mriy asks at one point in Catfolk. "Why not wait a few years for things to settle?"

"Because she's here now, and I love her," says Don, casually.