Blood from Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Yeah, sure. Granted, that was a law passed first because of humans- all exceptions come from humans." He grins a little. "But yeah. Mind you, I did it at first as a business thing, as a Clanless dwarf can have trouble dealing with Clan dwarves. Just never mentioned the Clan consisted of me and two other faked identities of me."

[Marian Hawke]

Liz tilts her head, thinking. "So.. what does that mean? Being part of a Clan?"

[Varric]

"Family writ large, in most ways. It means that you help each other. That you don't lie, cheat or steal from each other, even if you would if they were someone else, even if it wouldn't get so much as a blink otherwise. Like... how Helene never charges for divinations to family, even though they would normally be worth at least ten gold, even for the cheapest type. Or how Merrill heals everyone. The loan I gave to the Smiths to get them started here in Nyra? Normally, with their assets and standing, a moneylender would normally charge about fifteen percent on the annum. I charged five, because they're... Clan adjacent. If Carver came to me, asking for a loan to start, I dunno, a combat instruction hall, I'd not charge him interest at all. Well. I'd charge maybe three percent, because his pride would demand I get something out of it. But if he couldn't pay it, I'd never hold it over his head. Because he's Clan and more, he's of the next generation. My legacy. Everything I've done, everything I've made or earned, is to support that."

[Marian Hawke]

"Your legacy," whispers Liz. She takes a deep breath, shivering. "I.. I can't have children," she says bluntly, something she's never mentioned before, tried not to think about since it was confirmed. She'd gone to a specialist on Merrill's suggestion, but she hadn't shared the results. "I'll never... you'll never get grandchildren from me, even if I end up with a man."

[Varric]

"Legacy comes in more ways than children. Every deed and accomplishment you're remembered for is part of me. Not my own, not for my honor or reputation but my legacy. Adding..." He frowns, trying to find the right words to explain something he knows best in his blood and bone. "Weight. Not.. justification for living but... post-dated purpose maybe?" He shrugs a little. "As for not being able to bear children... I could point out I have four kids and not a one of my blood."

[Marian Hawke]

"I... I don't think... I won't be remembered, when I'm gone," she says quietly. "I don't add anything to your... your legacy."

[Varric]

"You mean aside from being the reason why Carver and Beth are alive?" His tone is kind but pointed. "There's also the work you've done as Ruby. Legacy doesn't have to be public knowledge to count. Mileen alone knowing is enough. And you're still young and brilliant. Who knows what you could create or discover?"

[Marian Hawke]

"I .. I don't feel young and brilliant," she whispers. "I feel... Adrift. Washed up. How can I be Ruby without Silver? It was his genius, his passion and dtive."

[Varric]

Varric nods a little, shifting just a touch closer so their sides are barely touching. "I know that feeling, a bit anyway. After leaving Orzammar, I spent almost two decades just... Drifting. Adventure work mostly. Ended up basing out of Nyra, then just... Started staying longer and longer. Made business contacts and eventually became a businessman. Still didn't really have a reason for any of it until these little brats broke my window."

[Marian Hawke]

"And I can't..." She sighs. "I... Want children. But it's for.the best I can't have any. I am not... Suitable to be a mother, even if I adopt."

[Varric]

"Well... no need to decide that for sure either way now," Varric points out. "I think you're not in a good place to raise a kind, but I think you could be. And you can... get you feet wet, so to speak, by doing the Auntie thing."

[Marian Hawke]

She flinches. "I get flashbacks, sometimes. What if I hurt the babe?"

[Varric]

"Then you're not left alone with her, him or them until we're sure. We can even make sure Aveline is on hand the first couple of times if you're worried. She's got a spell that lets her... shift damage to her, instead of another. Doubt you have anything that can half wound her in one go so..." He pats their hand. "Seriously, we can figure things out. Don't just... stew on problems. Share them so other people can help work on them."

[Marian Hawke]

"Who.... do you want me to be, while I'm here?" she asks quietly.

[Varric]

"I won't be your Dom, Liz. You need to be able to... Dom yourself."