Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill's own grip tightens however, refusing to let Hawke go far. Her eyes a bit glazed, Merrill moves in to kiss Hawke again- only to be halted when Aveline moves an arm between the pair.

"Merrill, no," she says gently. "Both of you step back and settle. No acting on impulse."

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke hangs her head, pulling back from Merrill. "Sorry, Merrill," she whispers, properly chastised. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill growls cutely, trying to get past Aveline with no success. Giving up, she huffs loudly, then turns away to pout. Aveline sighs a little, wishing she didn't have to be the bad guy. The pair were adorable together but... "If you want to kiss, fine, but agree to it before hand. When you're not swept up in the moment."

"Want," Merrill says instantly in a sullen tone.

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke whimpers, hunching her shoulders slightly. Without another word, she steps forward, ready to resume kissing. 

[Tethras Clan]

And is blocked by Aveline again. "Hawke," Aveline's voice snaps out, her old Captain's voice. "Five steps back, turn around and take three deep breaths."

Merrill turns back around, eyes wide with concern as she recognizes at least that last bit as instructions that Anders often gives her. When she's having a panic attack, or coming out of a nightmare. Or just getting upset. She's told to breath a lot, actually.

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke swallows, meekly stepping back, turning her back on Merrill. Breathe, Hawke. Don't be like this. Don't freak out. Just breathe. You have this. You can handle it. It's alright. 

Slowly, her shoulders untense, and she lifts her head a bit. You can see Merrill, touch her, hold her. Just don't fall back into being her Pet. She doesn't need that responsibility.

[GamesMaster]

Anders moves closer to Merrill, asking her softly, "How are you holding up?"

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill hunches in on herself, then whispers to Anders, "did- did I h-hurt h-her?"

Coming around to face Hawke, Aveline bends her knees a touch so they're at eye level. "Hey. What're you feeling right now?"

[GamesMaster]

"No," says Anders softly. "We both know who hurt her. I'm sure she'll be fine in a moment."

[Marian Hawke]

"Small," murmurs Hawke. "Scared. But getting steadier."

[Tethras Clan]

Nodding, Merrill lurches forward for an Anders-hug, needing the comfort that she can only get from touch. Spending so long with only incorporeal spirits as friends and confidants has instilled in her an association that touching, skin on skin, is the opposite of isolation.

"That's my Hawke. Couple more deep breaths, then we can try this again." Aveline reaches out to squeeze Hawke's arm supportively.

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke takes the breaths as Anders embraces Merrill, both of them feeling all the more solid for it. Finally, Hawke flashes Aveline a wan smile and turns back to study Merrill. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill is clinging tightly to Anders, drawing support and warmth from the human male. She turned partly away from Hawke, her eyes closed, so she doesn't see Hawke looking at her yet.

"Ready?" Aveline asks.

[Marian Hawke]

"Ready," says Hawke quietly before stepping forward. "Merrill, my love?"

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill nuzzles against Ander's neck one last time, then pulls away so she can see Hawke. "Are... are you okay?" she asks timidly.