The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Carver Amell]

Carver hangs his head for a long moment. "Fine," he says, his voice dull. "If it would make you happy, we'll do it."

[Merrill]

Merrill whimpers softly. "Carver, no!" 

[Carver Amell]

"Why not? It'd make you happy."

[Merrill]

"B-Because it m-makes you s-sad," she says softly, looking at him with sad eyes. "I n-never want to m-make you sad."

[Carver Amell]

"It must be important, you keep pushing me," he grumbles. 

[Merrill]

Merrill wilts a little. "I didn't m-m-mean to, I just w-wanted to undersssstand," she tries to explain. You said why it would be bad but then we worked out why those things aren't important but it still makes you sad so... I guess there's more reasons?

[Carver Amell]

"It's fine. We'll do whatever you want."

[Merrill]

"Okay- I want you to t-tell me how to m-make you happy." Logic, Merrill-style.

[Carver Amell]

"I don't know. I don't want to fuck men, Merrill, I don't. I can't do that. Okay? I'll try for you but I don't want to."

[Merrill]

But why? You liked it, I know you did... unless.... unless you were lying? Did... does that mean.... I need to talk to Roland. Nodding mutely, Merrill goes back to staring off at nothing.

[GamesMaster]

It takes longer for Marian to write out the details than she expected. She learns to stop when she feels so numb and cold she can't focus; she learns to take a break, sob in Lightsong's arms or fuck Bela or whatever it takes to feel her body again. As such, it's late the day before they're meant to get Bianca that she manages to deliver the information to the Temple of Vangal.

(She throws up, some, afterward. But she smiles when Lightsong reminds her she did the right thing.)

The tests turn out mixed. Some of the lotions and creams are just that; others, however, have bits of aphrodisiacs mixed in. The worst of theses is Lilin Oil, a compound that will inflame desire, enhance pleasure, and leave the recipient feeling bereft and empty afterward -- great for addicting someone to the pleasure. It's in enough things Marian recognizes that she is sure she's been dosed at least once. Likely more than once.

(She throws up again learning this. She tells Varric again that she hates throwing up, but she sounds more like herself than he's seen in a while.)

They don't get the tattoos removed; they don't have time, not with all the other things she needs to get done, and she refuses to prioritize her own safety over getting this information to the church. Still, that can be done at the Oak, if need be. They don't plan to stay in Orzammar much longer, not if Bianca's really in trouble.

Varric slips onto the balcony, ready for Bianca to arrive, eager to see her again. The appointed hour arrives, and then departs; there's no sign of her, nothing to indicate she'll be late or that she's coming at all. He's been stood up. Again.

On his way back to his inn, no longer invisible, he runs into Dandy, who smiles broadly. "Friend! Have you heard the latest news?"

[Varric]

Again. She did it (why?!) again. I can't believe- how did I let (fool) myself- "No." And from his tone of voice, Varric doesn't seem to think the good news is a thing that can exist around him today.

[GamesMaster]

"It sounds like the newest Tethras is coming early," Dandy continues, seemingly oblivious to Varric's mood as he falls into step with the other dwarf. "Timely little bugger, ain't he?"

[Varric]

Varric stares a moment, coming to an abrupt stop. "What?" he says.

[GamesMaster]

"Bianca's gone into her seclusion, maybe yesterday or the day before? Babe must be coming early. We should expect good news any day now." Dandy grins.