Blood from Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

Don lowers his gaze, flicking his eyes to Cadmus as he waits.

[NPCs]

"Sorry," he finally says. "Just... thoughts of an old man. Pay me no mind."

[GamesMaster]

"The wisdom of an old man is always valued," sighs Don. "This particular young catcat has no idea what he's doing. Thank you for hearing me out, and for the advice."

[NPCs]

"Always son," Cadmus says simply, smiling, as he looks back up at the starts. Of all our ways, the one I doubt the most, the only one I doubt often enough to really be a doubt, is dividing our children. Would Miki be as insecure of himself if had me to comfort him? Would Ari be so restless if she'd had Mriy to push her, to challenge her? Would Don be so damned selfless if... heh. No, that much I think was a lost cause. My love is no better than I in putting the Tribe first.

[Carver Amell]

The best ice cream in Nyra, according to Carver, can be had near the South gates, in the Bazaar, right near the edge of coalside. Carver buys two in "sea salt" flavor, handing one to Jass, before leading him to one of his favorite people-watching spots: a bench under a large redwood tree that miraculously survived the fire that destroyed Greyrock, earning it a little plaque for tourists to come gawk at on their way into the city. 

"And then we can stop by the Shiny Cat on the way home," Carver is saying as they settle. "Tonight they're doing The Red String of Fate, apparently, which is I guess a play?"

[Jassinth]

"Yes...?" Jass agrees awkwardly, demands and pleas crowding his normally more charming tongue. Damnit Carver. Last night you were distant and stiff, this morning flirty and warm, this afternoon friendly yet... What do you want from me? "I think it... is a romance of some kind."

[Tethras Clan]

"No-one appreciates stories without blood or sex in them anymore, do they?" a voice familiar to Carver says with mock despair. "A nice comedy with generous helpings of drama and romance? Bah! Away with thee! Avant foul culture!"

[Carver Amell]

Carver nearly drops his ice cream, saving it only by sheer reflex. "Malcolm?!" he asks, on his feet. "What-- I didn't-- you're-- you're here?!"

[Tethras Clan]

"Got your Dad's letter, didn't I?" he says with a grin, the word not really even hurting anymore. Cowardly maybe, but it's honestly a relief to the elf to let someone better suited have that role and just be... the friendly uncle of sorts. "Got lucky, I was aiming to go walkabout later this month again."

[Carver Amell]

Carver tenses, just a little. "D-dad wrote to you?" he asks, swallowing hard. "What did he say?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Course he did! I- I know I'm not- well, I'm not good at parenting by any measure worth using, but I couldn't very well not come see Beth," Malcolm says, beaming. 

[Jassinth]

Parent? Is this- ah. This must be Carver's blood father. He is... very young, I think. And for some reason Carver was fine with him being here right up until he thought Varric summoned him for... some reason. Jassinth frowns slightly, trying to stay out of their attention in the hopes they'll speak without thought to his being able to hear.

[Carver Amell]

And sure enough, Carver relaxes. "Oh! He told you about Beth! Yeah, she's, it's a trip. Oh, uh, this is my best friend Jass, he's visiting from the Oak."

[Tethras Clan]

"The Oak? Raplin's Oak? I didn't realize you'd gone back," Malcolm replies, glancing at Jassinth. He's able to hide his instinctive repulsive to the grey skin, thanks to Varric thinking to warn him in the letter. "Malcolm Golden Hawke, of Golden Green."

[Jassinth]

"Pleasure," Jassinth says politely, incling his head. "What's this about your sister?"