The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Varric]

"Shiny, Seeker and Brianne are all there. They'll keep things stable until we get back."

[Marian Hawke]

"Then let's hurry," she urges. "What if something's gone wrong and they need us?" Why won't he hurry? Doesn't he see how important this is, how vulnerable the twins are? (shouldn't have left Beth there alone)

[Varric]

"Because right now, I'm focused on you. I trust Seeker and Shiny to handle things there."

[Marian Hawke]

"Well stop focusing on me! This isn't-- this doesn't matter," she snaps, frustrated. This is nothing, I'm fine, leave me alone and focus on the important stuff (Beth could be hurt what if Jadan found them and took them back) (what if Carol hurt herself again) 

[Varric]

"Yes you fucking do!" Varric snaps, stepping forward. He jabs a finger at her but doesn't grab her again. "You are a person, you are important and you are my gods bedamned friend! You are brilliant, you are loyal and kind and loving and I will not fucking ignore you bleeding out on the cobblestones!"

[Marian Hawke]

She stares at him, gobsmacked. He-- I-- (don't think about it don't think about it) 2 4 8 16 thirty-two sixty-four a hundred twenty eight two fifty six ten twenty four twenty forty eight--

"I didn't jump, Varric," she whispers, shame bringing a flush to her cheeks. "I wouldn't have. I just... I just..."

[Varric]

"You didn't jump. And I believe you that you wouldn't have jumped. Today." Varric sighs a little. "But you shouldn't have to even consider it."

[Marian Hawke]

I don't have to consider it. I'm not doing this to save my family or prevent them from being shamed ('it's best for everyone if you're not around') I  just can't stop, these black moods come over me and I have to fight them off (don't think about it) Gods, I will never live this down, I fucked up in a bad way (pick your head up and keep moving forward) maybe I should run off, just vanish, start over somewhere else (where? nowhere in the world I belong if not here)

She just nods, swallowing hard. 

[Varric]

That is... not good. Fuck, she's as depressed as Carol, ust (much) better at functioning despite it. Well, maybe not quite as depressed, but still pretty badly. "Please remember this, next time you... start looking for stairs. Please remember to come talk to me." I refuse to see someone as bright and loyal as you go the same was as my father.

[Marian Hawke]

If I could talk about it, I would, she thinks bitterly. But she nods, swallowing again. "Can we-- can we please go check on Carol now?"

[Varric]

"I'll help then," Varric murmurs, then nods. "Alright. Let's get going."

[Marian Hawke]

As it happens, the afternoon has one more surprise in store for them: once they return to the Temple, they find a damp, bedraggled feline sitting just outside Lightsong's door. 

"...Beth's cat?" says Marian, tiredly.

[Varric]

"Seems a bit-"

[Vigile]

"I am Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous, sworn to the service of the Vigilant Protector, HE-THAT-IS-VANGAL. I seek my wards, the Ladies Bethany and Carol."

[Varric]

"...talkative," Varric finishes. Okay, that was honestly a surprise.