Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"Beth. It's okay," he says gently. "It's okay. Marian survived. She's back. We're all together again. It's okay. You don't have to worry."

[Bethany]

"But it- she- we- Marian died, dad died! Merrill as good as died. We got three miracles, we can't expect- we won't-" 

[Varric]

"You're right. We can't count on being lucky again. On being blessed. But living like we're all about to die? That's no way to live," her dad says gently.

[Carver Amell]

"Beth," says Carver, but his tone is wondering, a little hesitant. "Beth are... when you get bitchy... you're a Bitch and I'm a Hound," he says, as though that makes sense. Praying it makes sense to his twin.

[Bethany]

Varric winces and starts to come up with some damage control but stops when Beth snorts loudly. "Really Carver?" she asks, thankfully sounding more amused than anything else. "I mean... makes sense, sure, but really?"

[Carver Amell]

"We're the same. We're twins. We both hurt together, and maybe we can heal together too."

[Varric]

"Together is good. Just... make sure you're strong enough to stand alone too," he cautions them both gently.

[Carver Amell]

"Together first," says Carver, stubborn. "I keep trying to do this alone and I can't."

[Bethany]

"Together," Beth compromises. "Not as one, but together."

[Varric]

Varric shakes his head, smiling faintly. "Swear sometimes... the defining Hawke trait is honestly stubbornness."

[Carver Amell]

"No," says Carver, shaking his head. "That's the Tethras trait."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Dressing for dinner was comforting to Cindy, by now. It was a ritual she needed assistance with, at least if she was going to dress. But it was a soothing ritual: letting fingers she trusted more than entire city governments lace her in, button her buttons, caress her arm, kiss and nibble at her neck.

"We ought to go down for dinner," she protested, turning slightly toward her lover.

"It'll keep," he said, his voice low as he pressed his hand to her hip, pushing her ever so slightly toward the bed.

"But I just got my gown on," she laughed, looking up into his eyes breathlessly. 

"Then we'll be careful." 

She would have protested further, she told herself. She wanted to make a good impression on the family, wanted them to see her in good health and spirit. But she needn't; there was a knock at the door instead.

Instantly, her lover shied back, looking startled, frightened, young. Garret's face melted away, the few inches of height she had over Cindy vanishing as she became Liz -- no, Marian -- once more. And wasn't that a swift kick in the stomach, to find out even her name had been a lie? Cindy thought she was the duplicitous one, that Liz was sweet and honest and earnest.

There would be time for that later. "Liz," she said gently, then again, firmer: "Liz. Look at me."

"Yes," she whispered, meeting Cindy's eyes.

"There's a girl. Do as I say and you will be fine." Please believe me. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I can't let her see that. She needs to feel as though someone is in charge here.

"Of course."

[Varric]

"Hey. It's Varric," the dwarf calls softly. "Mind if I step in? Wanted a quick chat before dinner."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"One moment!" she calls, her tone bright. In a lower tone she says, "Sit on the bed. Speak with your father. Be pleasant, tell him what he wants to know."

"Of course," says Liz, and the gratitude and relief in her eyes nearly shatters Cindy's heart.  I will shield you, my love. I won't let you face this alone. 

Cindy sits on the bed, holding Liz's hand tightly, and calls, "Come in!"

[Varric]

There's a slight pause when the door opens, as if he's giving them just a few seconds more after the door starts opening to be sure they're ready for him to walk in. Almost like he's wary about seeing something, as if he might have seen another one of his kids in a 'something' he didn't want to see. Offering a smile once he enters, he glances around. "Good seeing you both up and about. How're you feeling?"