Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"It's a security check question, Anders," Varric says, rolling his eyes. "Something Hawke doesn't know but that I can feel confident you remember. Unless... what did you leave out of his last answer?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Nothing important." She winces. "Anders, this is why nobody likes you," she snaps, a moment later. 

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline frowns. "I like him," she protests. "He's been very helpful and supportive over the last few months, a consummate professional. That's entirely uncalled for besides."

Zevran and Varric exchange glances. Should we tell her? Nah. "He's growing on me," Zevran remarks. The elder of the pair, however, is considering Aveline's last comment.  That is pretty out of character for (my daughter) Hawke. She snaps when she's pressed (so, so sorry), but normally... let's see how she handles being called on it.

[Marian Hawke]

"No, it's not. He's being a pain for no reason." Marian pouts. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Marian," Varric says firmly. "Anders is a friend," he chides her. Can't believe I'm saying this but...

[Marian Hawke]

She sighs. "I guess. I just don't understand why he's playing dumb games with me instead of just telling me the answer."

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, given the answer was supposed to confirm you were relaying his information properly..." Varric points out, noticing that Aveline is giving Marian a thoughtful look as well. Not the only one that noticed then...

[Marian Hawke]

She rolls her eyes. "He's being paranoid, is all. He wants me to tell you that he's concerned about the destabilizing effects you may have already had and that I might worsen if you leave now. But since I'm a lot more stable than he wants to give me credit for, I didn't think it was worth mentioning." 

[Tethras Clan]

Varric winces a little. "Marian. Do you trust me?" he asks bluntly.

[Marian Hawke]

She blinks at him. "Of course," she says softly. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Then please trust me when I say that, despite how you feel, you're not okay. You've been hurt, and the worst part is that you're prevented from realizing it. I get that you can't notice it. But please trust me that I'm trying to help, that I'm doing all this for good reason," he pleads softly.

[Marian Hawke]

"Trust is one of the Clan words," says Tethras softly. 

Marian shakes her head. "I'm sure you mean well. But that doesn't mean you're automatically right."

[Tethras Clan]

"True," Varric allows. "But I have full access to the Flower World. The greenhouse. And..." he glances at Aveline and Zevran.

"He's right Hawke. Please trust that we know more on the matter," Aveline says softly, Zevran nodding silently.

[Marian Hawke]

"We need to see what's inside that greenhouse," says Tethras. "I'm pretty sure that's going to be key to understanding what's gone on outside in the Flower World."

Marian shakes her head. "That place.. I should burn it down."

[Tethras Clan]

"Pretty strong feeling for something you didn't realize existed five minute ago," Varric observe, glancing at the still present but shrinking rent in the side of the greenhouse. He considers a moment, then nods slowly. "Alright. Just Marian for now. It... it feels best to do this one at a time," he explains, giving Tethras an apologetic look. "And she's in more need of a revelation, so to speak."