Blood from Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Do you not remember going to the Chanter temple?" Beth asks, her tone just as gentle.

[GamesMaster]

"I thought," she says slowly. "It felt like a dream this morning, when I woke up vomiting."

She can watch the tension flow out of Brianne as it finally registers that this is real, Beth is real, she's getting help. She hangs her head as much as Beth will let her. "Sorry," she admits. 

[Bethany]

Beth relaxes as well, a smile forming for real. "It's okay Bri. I know this isn't easy for you." Moving slow, she steps into to hug Bri carefully. "But we'll get through it."

[GamesMaster]

Bri shudders, but clings to Beth, her tail swaying behind her. I hope so. 

[Marian Hawke]

Liz leans against the wall, smiling sadly. Comfort, she reminds herself. Some Cirenite I am. Beth's better at it than me. Maybe... Maybe I should find a new god.

[Carver Amell]

As it turns out, it's good that Carver still wants to talk to zi'Smith. After he and a conscious zi'Magnus emerge from the so-called 'panic room', the latter Light is whisked away for intensive observation and diagnosis -- something zi'Smith cannot be part of, just in case there's an issue that has to be taken care of. He's glad for the distraction Carver, Jassinth, and Aveline present, and is happy to speak with them over tea.

Unfortunately, his advice isn't what Carver was looking for. With the help of a chalkboard, he walks them through the guidelines for involuntary commitment -- specifically, the parts Liz doesn't meet. "I'm sorry, Carver, but she just doesn't present a clear and present danger to herself or others at this time. I agree she needs more help than she's getting, but simply having suicidal ideation does not itself override her right to liberty."

On the second topic, however, he's much more helpful. That chalkboard is put to great use sketching diagrams fit to make Aveline blush; when they leave, Carver has another bag full of condoms, as well as three mason jars with different types of personal lubricant to try out. 

"You'd best help me use up all this stuff before you leave," Carver threatens, as they make their way back across town. It's early afternoon; Carver, deciding that he's calm enough without the training session Aveline offers, suggests that Jass take the bag and Hunter home while he and Aveline stop to talk to Varric at his office. 

[NPCs]

Unfortunately, when they arrive, Varric's secretary informs them that Varric has meetings booked solid until late afternoon. The gnome does add that there are standing orders that any of his children be given immediate access baring a sealed meeting if they insist but it's clear that such an interruption today would be very inconvenient. After some pressing, Lord Twillus (a fourth son of a modest noble family) provides a little more information. 

Evidently Varric is dealing with a diplomatic envoy from Orzammar, something Carver vaguely recalls the dwarf mentioning in passing. Twillus isn't actually sure what the subject or purpose of the envoy is, as Varric has been playing it very close to the chest and handling it entirely by himself, something the gnome seems very disapproving of based on the sniffs and sighs. The best the gnome can offer- other than slipping a message onto Varric's desk in the somewhat vague hope he pops in at some point before four- is that Varric has a thirteen minute gap to eat lunch starting at one oh four. Roughly two hours from now.

[Carver Amell]

Carver makes a face, composing a note to leave him. 

====================

Dad  Varric  Dad,

We stopped by but you're busy. See you at home tonight before dinner. 

We need to talk but it's not urgent. 

zi'Smith sends his regards.

Love,
Carver

======================

"Shall we see if Helene is busy?" he proposes to Aveline. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Any idea what those meetings are about?" she asks instead. "I don't recall any news about anything official with Orzammar, nor any rumor either. Out of habit, she reaches out a hand for him to give her the note to look over.

[Carver Amell]

He hands it over, putting the quill back in the quill rest. "I don't know. Some dwarf thing. There's only, what, two other dwarf Lights? I'm sure they're hoping to get influence."

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline glances down, starts to wince at realizing that isn't a guard report or the like, then double takes. "...Carver, you realize this sounds like a threat? Or a hint that you've made a deal or the like with Light zi'Smith?"

[Carver Amell]

"What?" he asks, turning back to the paper. "No, see, I just wanted him to know I'd been and gone, and there I said it wasn't urgent so he'll know it's not... Crap. Hand that back?" he asks, reaching for the quill. 

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline chuckles softly and hands the paper back. "Maybe add something about talking over options or the like. Did you want to try and come back during that lunch window?"

[Carver Amell]

"Nah, he won't eat if we bug him," he says, casually adding an addendum.

===========
P.S - That wasn't meant to be a threat, I just didn't want to speak on private matters on paper.
===========

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline doesn't giggle as she reads that over his shoulder. In fact, based on the force of her glare when he glances over his shoulder, she made no noise at all. Clearly. "As you wish. Ah, Seeker Helene... I don't think they're still scrying for us so... I have another hour before I have to get to work. I would... be amendable to spending it with you."