Under Darkness [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke smiles, ever so slightly, head leaned against Zevran's shoulder. 

[Tethras Clan]

Scent added, Aveline turns back around, trying very hard not to try and cover herself. Noticing that Zevran is carefully keeping his gaze on her face- and Hawke's body, she smiles faintly. But only for a moment. "This isn't going to work," she says bluntly. "Zevran, look at me."

"I... Aveline, I'm not-"

She moves closer to him, placing gentle hands on the sides of his face. "It's fine. I... I'm okay with you... looking at me. That way."

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke gives a small, wistful sigh. They're alright. My Clan will be alright without me.

She shudders, as the thought hits home. No. I promised, I promised I wouldn't. She lets out a small, nonverbal whimper. 

[Tethras Clan]

"...are you su-" ZEvran cuts off, both of her lovers turning to pull Hawke into a tight embrace.

[Marian Hawke]

Hawke sobs onto Zevan's shoulder, sandwiched between them. "Sorry," she whispers. 

[Tethras Clan]

"You are forgiven, my love. I... I like the cold, remember?" He smiles gamely, leaning in for a soft kiss. As he pulls back, Zevran starts to tense as he realizes where his hand is on Aveline but the paladin speaks first.

"You're our heart, amata. Never doubt that. Together, we can work way through anything, even this," Aveline promises. "And... not just for your sake. But for all of us. I love you amata. And... I love Varric and Zevran," she says softly, not able to meet Zevran's eyes. "Not as much, no, but... more and more. You showed me this, showed me how to love again."

[Marian Hawke]

Now Hawke weeps, silently, but they're not bitter or sad tears at all this time. "My shield," she whispers. "My warrior."

[Tethras Clan]

Both of them takes turns kissing her, gently, almost chastely for a few minutes. Then Zevran gently strokes Aveline's cheek, eyes a wordless question. Aveline hesitates, then nods minutely. "Merci, mon bouclier fidèle," he whispers before kissing the paladin sweetly.

[Carver Amell]

Eight paws thunder against the ground, racing through the woods. The larger canine is in the lead, but the smaller is right on his tail; the more maneuverable Mabari hopes to cut between his master and the tree trunk to shave off a few seconds of time, but Carver is right on him, not giving him room to jockey. It would be hideously unfair to Hunter if it wasn't for the next part: a small obstacle course, one the Mabari navigates with ease. The 800-lb umber-furred wolf, on the other hand...

Hunter is happily receiving his congratulatory pets from the tiefling by the time Carver gets himself unstuck from the wasp nest he accidentally stepped in, growling and snapping at the wasps until they piss off and leave him be -- though not before he's left with a momento for his troubles. With a piteous whimper, he flops down in front of Granny Peli, clearly begging a heal for his nose. 

[Tethras Clan]

Granny Peli cackles, then pokes Andy. "Well, you going to take care of your wulfie or not?" she says slyly.

With a dark look, Andy kneels down to inspect Carver's snout. "Go find some mud to cake on it," he instructs Carver. Once it dries, I can scrape it off, then heal you up. Just make sure it's mud not... what Hunter used last time."

[Carver Amell]

The massive creature lets out a pitiful howl: a soft one, not the earth-shaking howl he's capable of at full volume, but a mournful, expressive howl, with many different vowels in it. 

[Tethras Clan]

"You are a massive baby," Andy says firmly, though he can't stop himself from smile. Or scratching the wolf behind the ears. "Mud first to get the poison out, then healing."

[Carver Amell]

With an exhasperated huff of air, the wolf gets to his feet again, trotting off into the forest for a bit. When he comes back, there's mud all over his snout, and he looks even more pitiful as he flops at Andy's feet once more. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Who's a good boy?" Andy croons playfully, giving Carver a long stroke along his flank. Next to them, Hunter's ears perk up and he siddles closer for his own pets. "Just a moment, Hunter," he adds with a soft laugh. "Let me take care of your boss's ouchie first, alright?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver wuffs, tail beating the ground happily.