Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

The paladin winces, looking guilty. Or perhaps a smidge ashamed. "I... I need something of a favor."

[Carver Amell]

"What d'ya need? Only, maybe I can help you get it another way?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline offers a little smile, then leans back against the counter. "I... I assume you remember Auberdine?" Rather doubtful he could forget really and as expected he nods tightly. "He's been fired. Well, he's retiring to serve as the head guard of Lord someone or other." Which even to Carver would shout 'policial!'

[Carver Amell]

"And you want his job?" he asks, frowning. 

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline's lips curls with disgust. "Gods above no. But they've given it to me anyway." She reaches up to rub her face tiredly. "Turning down this sort of thing, a request from not just one but four Lights? That sort of insult could kill any support for Coal for years. But I can't leave my people. I can't."

[Carver Amell]

Carver rests a hand on her arm. "I understand," he says, his voice tight. 

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline shivers a little, eyes showing her gratitude for his instant understanding. Lovan and Seli had supported her wanting to turn what looks like a promotion and honor down but hadn't understood, not really. And she could tell both had a not small part of them that wanted her to take the offer, if only because it's safer. "Thank you."

[Carver Amell]

"Dad will help. I'm sure he will. But let's go talk to my sister, then we'll chase him down at the office."

[Tethras Clan]

Stepping in, Aveline gives him another hug, then almost automatically kisses him on the cheek. Just a brush of lips, then she's stepping back. She takes a few steps towards the hall past Carver, then freezes. "Urk." Both mabari look up at the strange noise, Beka making an inquisitive whine. "Ah... we should..."

[Carver Amell]

Carver, beet red, follows after her. "What?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Sister. Liz. We need to... that. Talk to her." Aveline continues to the office, posture stiff and awkward.

[Carver Amell]

"W-wait.." he stammers, hesitating. "Are you-- do you-- uh-- that is--?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline stops, shoulders hunching. "...do I what?" She doesn't sound upset, or angry. Wary, perhaps. Or perhaps nervous. And she doesn't turn around to look at him.

[Carver Amell]

He takes a deep breath. "You always used to say I was your, uh, your student, so, we could never.. you could never see me as... but... I mean... do you?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Carver..." Aveline bows her head a little. He can see her shoulders rise as she takes a long deep breath. "You're not a boy anymore. Not the angry, lost teen I first met. You've become a fine man. Can... can that be enough for today? We... I promise we can talk later, just..."