Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Yeah, I'll probably have a word with Minera- one of Raplin's daughters," he adds. "And in the meantime, I'll try to explain to Merrill that offering poison like that is... I'll start with rude."

[Carver Amell]

"Is she.." Going to be alright? Important to my sister's wellbeing? "Always like this?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Merrill... Merrill's always been a bit to the side of normal," Varric says with a wistful smile. "But the, uh, aggression and such is new. Like I said, she's... overcompensating for what happened to her and Hawke."

[Carver Amell]

"Would it be.... helpful to offer to teach her bladework? Or make things worse? That, uh, that really helped me after Golden Shores."

[Tethras Clan]

"Bladework?" Varric asks, caught off guard. "She's not much for that sort of thing but... you think you could do basic conditioning stuff? And it wouldn't be bad for her to get some extra work with her sling..."

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, I can get her started. It helped, to have something physical to do. Wear myself out, but feel accomplished. To get a little stronger every day." He shrugs. "I don't know if she's like me, but I figure if it helps..."

[Tethras Clan]

"I mean, check with Anders, he's the expert and all, but it sounds good to me. Anything that helps her sleep better sounds good to be honest. I worry about how often she needs a sleep aide," the dwarf says soberly.

In the kitchen, Merrill peers at Anders. "What're you looking for? I can help," she offers hopefully.

[GamesMaster]

Anders sighs. "Merrill... do you know how concerned you would be if you heard that Marian had poison?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Not much at all? She's forbidden from... hurting herself," Merrill says, voice quivering a little.

[GamesMaster]

"And if she wasn't? As you are not?" he asks quietly. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill furrows her brow. And then she's hugging Anders, tightly. "sorrysorrysorrysorry."

[GamesMaster]

Anders rubs her back gently. "You gave us quite a scare," he says gently. "But you didn't hurt yourself, and you didn't hurt anyone else. So, you are forgiven."

[Tethras Clan]

"I promise I won't ask for more poisons," Merrill whispers. "...unless Hawke needs me to. But I'll ask Papa first, instead of my critter friends if I can."

[GamesMaster]

"Thank you," he says gently. "Shall we go back to your Papa now?"

[Tethras Clan]

"More hug first," Merrill says, resting her head on his shoulder. She's a touch taller than him, being elven, but she's so slight, she just curls into him.