The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Haliel Lightsong]

"I know," Haliel says, spreading her arms in offer. "I know. He'll pay for it, for what he's done to you and others."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian buries her head against Lightsong's chest, letting the paladin wrap her arms around her. "He didn't-- he didn't care, it was like I wasn't even a person," she whispers, shuddering. "I-- he's evil."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"..I... it's not a popular opinion... but I've always thought that the evil mortals do is... worse than that of sceleratis. Not- not that mortals do more evil, just that... the same act is worse coming from a mortal. Because they could do better and choose not to." Haliel holds Marian close, rocking slightly. 

[Marian Hawke]

She nods, focusing on breathing for a long moment. Finally, she adds, "i don't think I can ever do that again. Give-- with my mouth, on a man. Ever again."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"That's fine," Haliel says softly. "It's normal to have... scars, from being raped. Acts or... types that you don't want anymore." A short pause. "I'm proud of you. For putting up a boundary to protect yourself."

[Marian Hawke]

Marian is quiet, then, resting against Lightsong, letting her strong arms comfort her.

[Varric]

They stay like that, Haliel rocking and humming softly, Marian resting, for a few minutes. Eventually Varric returns, still a bit ashen, but shoulders set. Still holding his hand, Helene quietly follows. "Sorry about..."

[Marian Hawke]

"It's fine," she says quickly, sitting up. "I wrote down-- he talked. At the party. I wrote down everything I can remember him saying, or someone saying to him. In case it helps. Do you-- are you ready to hear it?"

[Varric]

Varric's grip tightens slightly and he needs. "Yeah."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene runs nir thumb over Varric's hand, trying to impart some measure of comfort and calm to him.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian looks over the page, reading in a flat monotone, as though she's simply -- badly -- reading out what someone else has written. "He greeted his friends when they entered: hey, long time no see. His friends replied, we should do this more often. He replied, you know how it is for someone like me, all work and no play. They laughed. His friend said, how's your wife? we expecting to see her in here soon? Laughter. Bartrand replied, doubtful, but you never know. His other friend added, you planning something fun? I heard the ritual chamber's all prepped. Bartrand replied, you know me, always planning ahead. Laughter."

Marian shivers, looking at her page. "The friend offered, good bit of flesh this time. Bartrand--"

She can't. She stops, lowering the page, shivering. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

Haliel takes the page from her with one hand, pulling Marian against her again with the other arm. "I can finish it, if it's... significant."

[Marian Hawke]

"I--- they discussed --- me. They discussed me. I don't think that's..." she stammers, swallowing hard. "After that, I think they discussed... see what else they said."

[Haliel Lightsong]

Haliel glances at the page, swallowing sharply. "No, I agree. This part isn't... relevant to the case." She swallows again, skimming further down. "Umm. Let me see... They mentioned Tanna having good taste, Bartrand... Bartrand said that... that the other speaker should let her pick out his next mistress, maybe something exotic? Does... does that sound like Bartrand is suggesting the other dwarf take a devil lover to anyone else?"

[Varric]

Varric swallows, then winces. "Maybe... maybe he doesn't... know," he tries weakly, Bianca's hedging about 'foreign' allies crowding  his tongue.