Blood from Stone [AU]

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"Is that tea just about steeped?" she asks, cutting into his pleading.

[Carver Amell]

"..yeah. It probably... it probably is, Mom," he whispers, his voice cracking, his eyes burning with tears as he turns away. His shoulders are tense as he finishes making the tea, swallowing hard as he tries to get hold of his feelings. Why can't you just-- why can't you just love us?

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

I'm so sorry Carver. I just... I can't. The things she did... they're not right and I cant accept them. I just can't. The right and wrong mama taught is all I have left of my heritage. I can't give it up. It was wrong then and it's wrong now. I'm sorry Carver. 

"That you, Carver." She licks her lips, then offers, "I... the attendants here have finally gotten me the yarn I asked for." She never calls them nurses or healers, always attendants. Even on her best days, she hates to admit this isn't a simple retirement home. "I've started on making scarves. I know you like a nice bold red... but if you have any other colors... I mean, if you have other suggestions for colors for... whoever..." She coughs. "Best to keep busy, I say. Idle hands lead to mischief and it's good honest work."

[Carver Amell]

"Maybe gold?" Dad's favorite tie is gold with red stripes. "Or, Hunter likes purple," he adds, knowing full well the dog doesn't care one whit about scarves. He'll forgive me the deception. 

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"Hmmm. I have a nice purple already," she allows. "Richer than lavender, it's very nice. I suppose there are a few good things about city life. You couldn't get such a nice color for love or money in- away from the city that is."

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah. Yeah, Nyra's a pretty good place, Mom."

[GamesMaster]

Adonis zi'Goldclaw was really growing into his position as a light. Sure, he'd lost his twin sister, changed his surname, and resigned himself to keeping his relationship with the woman he loves on the dee-ell for the sake of publicity. And he'd never be the spokesman zi'Tethras was, or have the burning passion for magical research that zi'Smith did. But he had a passion of his own, and a good community to represent, and he was making real progress for Cattown -- and all of Coalside with it. 

So much so that he was attracting quite a number of bad folks -- people who were desperate for a handout, or hoped he was corrupt enough to bribe. 

"Really?" he asks, rubbing his nose. "After all we went through together, Brianne?"

"Hey, I'm no Bandanna," she scowls. "I never was. That was Beth."

"Look. You wanna get clean? You come to me. But if you show up here begging again, I'm kicking you out. That shit's beneath you, Brianne."

"Go to hell."

Don's a gentleman. He walks Bri out, noting yet again as she pulls on her cloak how much weight she's lost, how sunken her eyes look. Still nothing but craving in them. She hasn't long, I think. Poor girl. He walks her to the street, pays a hansom to take her wherever she needs to go -- just as Beth is arriving to meet for dinner.

[Bethany]

Sweetwaters, I hope she sees a healer soon. I should remind Don I don't mind looking in on ou- his people if they can't afford a healer. She looked pretty bad. Wild growths maybe? Something long turn. From her fur... her... Bethany's eyes widen a bit and she quickens her pace. As soon as she's close enough for normal conversational levels, she asks, "was that Bri?"

[GamesMaster]

"Beth!" He turns to greet her with a warm smile. "Are you early or am I running behind?" he asks, the tip of his tail quivering.

[Bethany]

"I'm early. You're evading my question," she says, eyes narrowing.

[GamesMaster]

He puts up his paws in a placating gesture. "Pax, pax, I'm sorry. It's been a long week. Yes, that was Brianne, and no, I didn't give her money. Satisfied?"

[Bethany]

"Money? Why wouldn't you- hells, did you see how sick she is?" She glances down the street. "Where did you send her? I still have some spells, I should..." She falters, his expression making her unable to avoid a terrible suspicion. More than that, if she was honest with herself.

[GamesMaster]

He puts a paw on her arm. "Beth... I made it clear if she wants treatment, all she has to do is ask," he says, his voice gentle. "We'd never turn our back on one of the Tribe. But that's not what Tribe money's for. She knows where to turn when she's ready to get clean." If she's ever ready to get clean. Poor girl. I should have pushed her more back in the Shiny Cat days.

[Bethany]

"But she looked... it's that bad?" she asks weakly, blinking rapidly. "What... dee-dubs shouldn't... even bush shouldn't..."

[GamesMaster]

"I don't know what she's on now," he says, sighing. I just know it's killing her. "Let's go to dinner. I can't do anything else for her if she doesn't want help."