Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver flushes, looking startled. "What, r-really? I-- I've been practicing putting words around... I do better with metaphors."

[Bethany]

"Really?" Bethany asks slowly, thinking. "Maybe... maybe you should see about signing up for a free class on poetry at Astea's temple?" she suggests. "It might help you with that. Plus, it's good to have a... hobby skill, I guess. And one that's favored by the ladies at that."

[Carver Amell]

"I uh, I wrote Merrill a poem once. She loved it." He blushes deeper. "I think I just might do that."

[Varric]

"I have a few books of poetry. You should grab one, if any catch your fancy, next time you stop home," Varric offers. "Glad to hear you're finding better... methods."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "I don't want to lose control like that ever again. I-- I guess Aveline probably told you what I...?"

[Bethany]

"No," Bethany says, worry pricking her heart. "What... what happened?"

[Carver Amell]

"The, the first day I was with her, I, I had an accident," he admits, flinching. "But since then, it's been better. Lots of sparring. Lots of cuddling the mabari. Lots of writing -- since the letter helped she had me start a journal. I don't ever want to be that bad off again, to be having accidents."

[Bethany]

"Accidents," Bethany says flatly, knowing full well what he really means. But then she stops, eyes closing. She takes a slow, deep breath. "I am upset. I still love you."

[Carver Amell]

"I'm sorry I upset you. I still love you. I wish I'd written all this down ahead of time," he admits. "I can't figure out how to tell you, only, only I didn't mean to. I thought I was fine. And then I wasn't. And then I nearly passed out."

[Bethany]

"Kind of like how I plan on being all kind and understanding and then I get scared and that scream is there and suddenly Bitch Beth is laying into you?" his sister offers softly.

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah," he says softly. "But worst case you hurt my feelings a bit and then we make up later. I don't want to... I don't want to be Merrill, so delicate I break in half if you have a bad day."

[Varric]

Bethany nods a little, but before she can say anything, Varric asks softly, "Beth, what do you mean 'the scream?'"

[Bethany]

Carver can feel his sister turn to stone against, can almost feel the terror spike in her.

[Carver Amell]

"Marian," he says gently, cradling her, rubbing her back. "Marian screamed."

[Varric]

"I... have you talked with Seeker Lelldorin about..." Varric trails off at Beth's rather violent head shake. "Beth..."