Blood from Stone [AU]

[Smith Family]

"Aveline." Getting nicknames from how you say someone's name while drunk is perfectly legitimate. "Kyle and Will are over Seli's, watching the twins with Lovan." Jaina smiles a little. "We told them they need to get some practice. Honestly we just wanted some girl time.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Oh," says Cindy quietly. "I uh... should I... hide in the guest room?" she wonders, sniffling. "It's just, Carver's close with Aveline and..."

[Tethras Clan]

There's a slight shuffling noise in the hall, then Aveline herself peeks in. "I am but that doesn't mean... This is your mother's home, if anyone should be hiding- or honestly, leaving, it's me."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"No, no, I-- this was unexpected, and I shouldn't have intruded," begins Cindy, hesitantly. "I wouldn't want... it's just, I wouldn't want to put anyone in the middle of this that doesn't have to be."

[Tethras Clan]

"You're the daughter of my best friend," Aveline says bluntly. "If I can help, I want to." At Seli's fake pout, she rolls her eyes. "You're my wife, you're a given. Shush. Besides, the connection you mentioned- Carver- means I want to help even more. It's clear as day you're hurting about the seperation. And just as clear you've been trying to help Liz as best you can. It's hard, damn hard, to admit you're not enough. I... struggle with that myself."

"Gods yes." Seli winces at letting that slip out but doesn't apologize or take it back.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Cindy bows her head. "I... in the interests of... of full disclosure," she says, the words tasting unfamiliar on her tongue, like danger and ashes, "she... Liz tried to... she tried to kill herself last night."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline's eyes wide and a flash of... not recognition but something close to that is there for just a second before worry and pain fill them. Next to Cindy, Jaina tenses and lets out a soft gasp. "Is she okay? Wh- you said she's at her father's? Varric and Merrill are taking care of her? They know?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Yes," she says, her voice a dry whisper. "They both helped me save her. I found her... I found her unconscious."

[Tethras Clan]

Seli lets out a slow breath. "Okay, that's... good. Merrill is a fine healer, better than I am and... and... sorry. Gods, you poor girls." 

[Smith Family]

"Have... have you had a chance to... process that? Talk to anyone?" Jaina shifts so she can gently rub her daughter's back with slow, even movements. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

Cindy shakes her head. "No, I... there wasn't time, there was... she woke, and then I had a strange flashback, and then I ... I decided to end it."

[Smith Family]

Jaina makes a soft, sad noise as she continues to stroke and pet. "Go on then. Cry and let it all out. You're safe here."

[Vigile]

Maoing softly, Vigile leaps up into Cindy's lap, having completed his scouting of the building and ready to offer what comfort he can.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Even as she shakes her head, tears well up in her eyes. "I.. I don't want to be... I've caused enough trouble already," she whimpers. 

[Smith Family]

"Pish posh." Jaina scowls at Cindy, reaching up with her other hand to gently tap her on the nose. "Tending the troubles of their children is what parents are for. Let it go, sweetheart."