Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Well... that's something. Maybe. Isn't it? "How are you feeling?" she asks gamely.

Varric glances around, trusting Aveline to... do what can be done with... Hurt. "So... she on her way or was this just a rest break?" he asks Tethras lightly.

[Marian Hawke]

Tethras is waiting by the doorway. "She's probably deeper in. Are you bringing Pet with us or are we leaving Aveline or what?"

Pet swallows. "Fine, Aveline," she says, in the same soft whisper. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Would you like to come with us?" Aveline asks gently. "Or would you prefer to stay here?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Whatever Mistress desires," says Pet, still looking at the floor. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Aveline," the paladin reminds her gently. "And I'd like to know what you desire. Do you prefer company or being alone?"

[Marian Hawke]

Pet says only, "I desire what you wish me to desire, Aveline." 

[Tethras Clan]

Damnit this burns, Aveline thinks, pain searing her heart. "Are you afraid of me? Will it hurt or... bother you to come along with us?" I know this isn't Hawke, not really, but having to walk away from her again, leave her like this...

[Marian Hawke]

"I will obey," says Pet softly. "I am pleased to obey."

[Tethras Clan]

If she honestly doesn't care (can't care) then... I guess it doesn't matter... "Alright... little Hawke. Come on, we're likely falling behind. Stay right next to me and I'll keep you safe, okay?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Yes, Aveline," she says in that same quiet tone. When Aveline begins to walk, Pet falls in line behind her, hands clasped behind her, respectful and silent. 

Tethras rolls her eyes, but leads them through the catacombs. "She's bound to be around here somewhere."

The ermine jumps off Zevran's shoulder, scampering on ahead. Tethras shrugs, following it, until they come to a chamber where Marian sits on a bench. She leans her head on her hand, her elbow on the arm of the bench, gazing at the dark flowers in silent contemplation. 

"Hey, Marian. I brought friends," Tethras says, looking a little unsure of herself.

Marian stirs, glancing up. "Tethras. Pet. Good to see you're both well."

[Tethras Clan]

"You look... preoccupied," Varric observes. "Bad time?"

Zevran continues to stay discreet, out of sight, his eyes flicking to the pale shadow following Aveline.

[Marian Hawke]

"No, no. Of course not." Marian sits up, regarding them. "What can I do for you? Is your tour not going well?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Tethras was a lovely guide," Wynne assures Marian, nodding at Tethras. "But we did have a few questions, perhaps concerns, and it was indicated that you were the one to speak with on the matters."

"For one, that frozen over greenhouse- you know anything more about it than Champion or Tethras?" Varric asks, noting absently that Aveline has slipped a protective arm around Hurt.

[Marian Hawke]

"What greenhouse?" Marian asks, blinking. 

"This again?" mutters Tethras. 

[Tethras Clan]

"...big old green house on the surface. Covered in some really tough ice?" Varric says slowly. "Champion's been trying to get in for what seems like quite a while?"