Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Tell me what you're thinking?" Bethany asks softly, shifting to look at him with worried eyes. "It doesn't have to make sense, just... try."

[Carver Amell]

"I-- I want to do this right. I don't want to-- I don't want to fuck this up again. I went off on Malcolm last time, and, and I didn't help Mother, but, I want to do this one right. So, so whatever Dad thinks is best."

[Varric]

Not pressure there son (but not a bad thing, I think/hope). "Right. Well... First off. Fragile. Not saying you can't be upset about them not coming back or what was done to them or anything like that. But you can't show it to them for now. Second... For right now, she's still... part of what they did to themself to survive was... put on masks. Tell herself stories, about being someone less damaged or more skilled. 'Marian' couldn't do what was needed. 'Marian' is broken and worthless, too damaged to deserve her family. So she make herself into Liz. And then Eli and a host of other people, whatever was needed. So... for right now, try to avoid using names. I don't think that'll last too long but..."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods slowly, eyes widening. "I uh. I'm not. I don't know if I can do this."

[Bethany]

"That's okay," Bethany says gently. "If you need more time before you can... interact with her, then that's what you need. Maybe write?"

[Carver Amell]

"I mean. I'll try, for a little bit. But I'm real scared I'm going to fuck it up. You know how I am about saying things."

[Bethany]

"But you're getting better. Just... if you get upset or aren't sure what to say, then... talk about Hunter," Bethany says. "Or your training. If you really get... twisted up, then..."

[Varric]

"Say you need to use the restroom. Doubt it'll fool anyone, but it's a polite way of exiting the room," Varric offers gently.

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "I want to see her. I do. Maybe.... maybe i can visit and then stay at Aveline's?"

[Varric]

Varric thinks a moment. "That... could actually work. In fact... Beth, any chance you can stay at Adonis's or at the hideout for a bit? Given how skittish they are- the both of them- they'd probably be a bit relieved to have less people in the house."

[Bethany]

"I... yeah. Hideout for sure," Bethany says, biting her lip. "But we can visit, right?"

[Varric]

"They seem better at night, so... maybe we keep up the dinners?" the dwarf suggests.

[Carver Amell]

"Okay. That seems better." He nods. "Be positive, and don't call her by her name."

[Varric]

"Try to avoid talking about.. sceleratis, assault... basically, keep it light. Talk about your day to day life, talk about what you've all been up to but... don't lie, but try to not... bring up anything too heavy or painful."

[Carver Amell]

Again, Carver hesitates. "I uh... I'll let Beth do most of the talking," he admits, hunching his shoulders a bit. "Oh, I could tell her about Captain Vallen. And Hunter and Silence."