2/27/15

When the six arrived back in Kirkwall and the Amell house in Lowtown, it was to see the Templars already in place at the door. Carver hurt as his mother cried, almost screaming, and Bethany just looked over in deep sadness. Her eyes saw Marian and she waved slightly, even as the Templars started pulling her away. Carver was surprised to hear a low growl even as his older sister took the weapons from her back and handed them to Nathaniel.

"Mari?" Carver was surprised his questioning tone matched with Nathaniel's as the red-head stepped forward.

"Give me a moment. I know the blonde one."

That was when Carver noticed for the first time his sister had definitely changed. He made a mental note of how she beamed in ferocity. At her arrival the Templars took their hands off Bethany. Bethy and Mari spoke very briefly before Marian took the tall blonde she had pointed out- Cullen, if Carver remembered rightly- and stepped inside the house alone. Carver approached where his mother now held Bethy close and tight, putting a hand on either shoulder.

"What happened?"

"I'm sorry," Bethany whimpered. "I was stupid. A couple of kids nearly died on the steps up to Hightown...I..." She sighed. "I couldn't just let them die, Carver."

The warrior nodded as he hugged Bethany close. "It's alright."

"Marian said she could conscript me right here but...the thought of it scares me." She shuddered. "She said she'll talk to Cullen, at least get us some time before..." Her voice trailed off slightly.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it isn't that bad," Carver assured, though he really wasn't. "And worst comes to worst I'll bribe them to make sure you are treated well."

"You found it then?" Mother sounded surprised.

"What we needed and more," Carver noted. He looked up to his mother with a smile. "You're going home."

Leandra and Bethany both laughed for a moment, Carver joining in. It was a nervous mirth but one they all needed. The laughs didn't end until the door opened, and then they stopped abruptly as Marian exited with the Templar Cullen behind her. The red-head went to her sister, smiling a small bit and squeezing the girl's hand tight as Cullen whispered something to the other two. Those two left, grumbling but following orders.

"Mother, do you mind if Ser Cullen joins us for dinner?" Marian asked lowly. "I'm afraid he quite insists."

Carver met his sisters' eyes for a brief moment and all three quickly shared an understanding. The male then nudged his mother with a nod, propelling her into a bustling acceptance as she went to the kitchen, offering the others a place at the table as well. Anders looked between the Templar and Marian before shrugging and entering. Merrill did much the same thing. Varric looked tempted, but decided on having to get some papers in place, mentioning getting word to the Rivaini they were home.

Mari perked as the group came in, bouncing over to help her mother. Carver had to chuckle, beckoning to Nathaniel to come in.

While the women went to the kitchen Cullen stood awkwardly just inside the door before giving in and sitting with the other men. Carver and Anders immediately took to questioning Nathaniel, quietly, about his relationship with Marian. He wasn't talking. "Yes we are together, but we are very private people."

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Bethany giggled. "His...ass? Sister?"

"Maker yes! Well, that and the area just above it. And below. The whole region, actually." With a grin, she sighed. "I just...it's amazing. Sorry mum."

"No worries. Your father had a nice ass as well."

"Mother!" Bethany laughed, scandalized.

"Is that why Carver's is so lovely then?" Merrill mused aloud. She looked up, noticing the other three were now staring at her. "What?

***. /. $$&. ***

After dinner was shared, Isabella showed up to cling on Carver. And Merrill. She hung on both, often, watching as the four Hawke's laughed merrily. Anders joined in, adding to Marian's stories from their time in Amaranthine. Nathaniel stayed always at her side- much to Carver's amusement. Even Cullen fell into the lightly festive atmosphere, laughing with the rest at the stories and sharing one or two of his own.

But when the night grew darker, Carver watched as their mother cried when Cullen took Bethany by the arm and guided her up to the Circle. Marian gave him a look of warning, and Carver added his own darker glare.

"We are about to retake our place," he told the Templar. "I won't be a good man to have on your bad side."

"Trust me, you already are someone I don't want on my bad side," was Cullen's only reply.