Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill shakes her head, still looking at him. "No. No, it's... nice. I can't... I'm scared of women now so it's nice to see that smile, even if it's not really..." She takes a deep breath. "Sorry. That's not... Sorry."

[Carver Amell]

I'm scared of women now so-- "I bet there's magic that could do that. Turn Marian into a man, I mean. Temporarily. That sounds like a thing magic does, right?" Way to be a hypocrite -- as soon as things get rough, you want magic. Just like how you want healing even if it comes from an arcanist and not the gods, so long as you're bleeding bad enough. No, I'm just focusing on what's important. Marian's family, and Merrill's her family, so that's basically family, right? Even if she's an elf. You can't pick who you're related to sometimes. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill stares a moment, blinking rapidly. "Ah... not sure if that's... a healthy long-term solution," Varric says carefully, glancing at Anders.

[GamesMaster]

"It may be a stepping-stone, perhaps. Perhaps a mundane disguise, and a slow transition to femininity?" 

[Carver Amell]

"Great, glad I could help," he says, raking a hand through his hair. "Your Mabari seems healthy," he says, casting about for a new topic.

[Tethras Clan]

"Silence is a great comfort," Merrill agrees, giving the young mabari a warm smile. Silence thumps her tail once and heads over to lean against her leg. "Oh! Right. Guest. Can I get you some water? Tea? I think I might have some apple juice too... Maybe some water for... Hunter, right?"

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, I think Hunter could use some water." The mabari licks his face in thanks, and he nods, patting his back. "Yes, he'll take water. Water's good for me too."

[Tethras Clan]

"Right!" Merrill chirps happily and pops into the kitchen to get the ready, Silence padding behind her.

"Sorry about that," Varric murmurs. "Good thought though."

[Carver Amell]

Carver shoots a wary glance at the Dwarf, still unused to being complimented, still unsure if he's joking. "Thanks," he says a moment later, quietly. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill fusses around in the kitchen for a minute or so, then returns with a tray. Setting a pair of bowls on the ground, she fills them from a jug of water, then passes around glasses for everyone else. Varric looks a bit... put out when he's poured some water, which is amusing, but probably not enough to distract Carver from noticing that the elf has a bundle of dried herbs in her hand along with the jug when she stops in front of him.

"Carver?" she says to make sure he's looking at her. "Are you going to hurt my Hawke?" she asks simply.

[Carver Amell]

He blinks at her. "Huh? What? No. Not on purpose. Why?"

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill peers at him silently for a moment, then hums. "Why are you here?"

[Carver Amell]

"What do you mean why am I here? I got a letter telling me my sister had-- had--" He breaks off, unable to look her in the eye. "After she-- after we almost-- after I almost lost her once already," he manages to choke out. "I just had to come. To help."

[Tethras Clan]

She nods slowly. "Good. Are you going to try and take her from me?"

Varric blinks a few times and glances at Anders with surprise.

[Carver Amell]

"Why--" He swallows, looking back to meet her eyes. "That depends. Are you planning to hurt her?"