Yes, well. The feeling is utterly mutual. Just keep the ladies in one piece and we won't have to avoid other holidays.
You say that like they can't mind their own selves. You ever seen Merrill fight? Most adorable little badass a man ever did see, that one.
Look she-
I-
I like her plenty, she likes me plenty, and I'm glad to have made her feel better. But- uh. She say anything 'bout me?
I-
I like her plenty, she likes me plenty, and I'm glad to have made her feel better. But- uh. She say anything 'bout me?
[Snicker. You're so transparent, Mal.]
She said you're sweet and she likes your accent. And that she was worried about ruining things, because apparently she's never done the date thing before.
She said you're sweet and she likes your accent. And that she was worried about ruining things, because apparently she's never done the date thing before.
They can mind themselves just fine - on a battlefield. Duplicity and playing wise, is your game.
[... Most adorable little what?]
...I have never heard you call anyone adorable.
[... Most adorable little what?]
...I have never heard you call anyone adorable.
[Okay, no more trolling. This time, Korrin is tense, speaking with a forced calm because that's the only way she can get through this.]
Mal, I'm leaving Orlais. I got word that Asher is worse. It's not looking good for him.
Mal, I'm leaving Orlais. I got word that Asher is worse. It's not looking good for him.
...he's with that Spirit Healer, innit he? [ Mal knows they can't fix everything. He knows what wasting death sounds like and he'd thought he'd heard it-
But Asher bounced back. Asher always bounces back. ]
...We'll meet you on the road.
But Asher bounced back. Asher always bounces back. ]
...We'll meet you on the road.
Yeah, he is. Not that it's changing anything. They've worked on him as much as they could, but....
[She sighs.]
Alright, we'll see you soon.
[She sighs.]
Alright, we'll see you soon.
...Don't go look'n too deeply inta that. Just means I think she's cute.
Nah, she didn't ruin noth'n-
Wait, what? Sweet thing like her ain't never been on a date? Shit.
Wait, what? Sweet thing like her ain't never been on a date? Shit.
I know, right? Weird. So, she needs a way more awesome date next time.
Conversations that don't involve death or depressing things, to start with. I don't know what Merrill likes, specifically, but it's hard to go wrong with a picnic at that grove near the fortress, or asking her out the next time we have a shindig around here. I'm pretty sure she won't say no to whatever you'd have in mind, though. And get your mind out of the gutter, Mal, that's not what I meant.
I have never heard you call anyone cute, either.
by raven, unless he's in halamshiral, in which case it is delivered by hand
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eviscerates
2016-08-05 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Dear Mal,
Thank you so much for joining in the giant snow battle. Your team was amazing.
As well as having a tab all organised at the tavern for when everyone is back from Orlais so you can all catch up and relax, please find enclosed an extra prize. It should keep you safe from any nasty chills, and give your attacks a little extra oomph. Everyone in your team is getting one, so you can always remember that you’re all a lot cooler than the rest of us. Sorry it took so long to get it to you, I needed to visit this place in Orlais to get it organised.
Stay awesome.
Best regards,
Ruby
( Enclosed there is a silver ring, with a yellow band running through it that looks like it could be crystal and catches the light.
The ring is cool to the touch, and provides a little boost to ice attacks, or adds an ice element to any weapon wielded while the ring is worn. The ring will also add some protection against cold attacks. It isn’t a super duper powerful ring, but it will give a bit of an edge in a fight, or just make any future snowballs hella hardcore. Damn, son. )
Thank you so much for joining in the giant snow battle. Your team was amazing.
As well as having a tab all organised at the tavern for when everyone is back from Orlais so you can all catch up and relax, please find enclosed an extra prize. It should keep you safe from any nasty chills, and give your attacks a little extra oomph. Everyone in your team is getting one, so you can always remember that you’re all a lot cooler than the rest of us. Sorry it took so long to get it to you, I needed to visit this place in Orlais to get it organised.
Stay awesome.
Best regards,
Ruby
( Enclosed there is a silver ring, with a yellow band running through it that looks like it could be crystal and catches the light.
The ring is cool to the touch, and provides a little boost to ice attacks, or adds an ice element to any weapon wielded while the ring is worn. The ring will also add some protection against cold attacks. It isn’t a super duper powerful ring, but it will give a bit of an edge in a fight, or just make any future snowballs hella hardcore. Damn, son. )
Would you go hunting with me? I need something to bring to Asher's hold, and I'm not really a hunter, and...
[ She swallows. ]
Everyone I know dies or leaves. It'd just- it'd be nice to spend some time with someone I care about.
[ She swallows. ]
Everyone I know dies or leaves. It'd just- it'd be nice to spend some time with someone I care about.
Aw, Chatton-
[ He's been manfully holding up Korrin through the aftermath, trying to do what he can for the Boneflayers since they're Asher's Crew, try'n to not lose his goddamn mind. But it's Merrill and he can't not. ]
Sure. I'll, uh. I'll be right 'round t'pick you and Honeysuckle up, yeah?
[ He's been manfully holding up Korrin through the aftermath, trying to do what he can for the Boneflayers since they're Asher's Crew, try'n to not lose his goddamn mind. But it's Merrill and he can't not. ]
Sure. I'll, uh. I'll be right 'round t'pick you and Honeysuckle up, yeah?
[ She needs to be busy. But she also needs to prepare, and considering the fact that the Dalish and the Avvar don't always get along (story of their lives, she supposes), she feels she needs to make a good impression.
And she needs to make sure Mal is okay. Not just because Korrin asked, but because it's Mal. ]
I just have to drop Barkley off- we're going to see if he can't make Bronson feel a little better. Then I'll be ready.
And she needs to make sure Mal is okay. Not just because Korrin asked, but because it's Mal. ]
I just have to drop Barkley off- we're going to see if he can't make Bronson feel a little better. Then I'll be ready.
Sure, meet you at the stables? I got a hunt'n kit and Jayne-
[ He swallows down something low and wretched that has no place in his throat. ]
Jayne needs a run anyhow. He'll be glad t'see ya.
[ He swallows down something low and wretched that has no place in his throat. ]
Jayne needs a run anyhow. He'll be glad t'see ya.
I'll be glad to see the both of you. Sasha, too.
[ It feels like she should say more. There have to be more words for something like this. But nothing comes, and Merrill disconnects to go bring Barkley to Korrin.
When she goes to the stables, it's with saddlebags filled with rations (just in case), Honeysuckle's soft leather tack (she hadn't particularly wanted to use any on him at all, but he is- spirited) easy to put on now that she's had practice. As soon as she sees Mal, though, she'll abandon it to wrap her arms around him. ]
[ It feels like she should say more. There have to be more words for something like this. But nothing comes, and Merrill disconnects to go bring Barkley to Korrin.
When she goes to the stables, it's with saddlebags filled with rations (just in case), Honeysuckle's soft leather tack (she hadn't particularly wanted to use any on him at all, but he is- spirited) easy to put on now that she's had practice. As soon as she sees Mal, though, she'll abandon it to wrap her arms around him. ]
[ Spear, bow, Sasha tacked up and ready, her soft nose butting into Mal's shoulder as he leans to press his forehead against her cheek. Jayne leaning against his legs in a sign of commiseration. He don't lose people like this.
He loses them, mark his words, they go- but not like this. Not long and aching and drawn out. A quick shot, a sudden blade, a harsh storm. That's how he loses people. To the inevitable, to the fickle fates, to the sea. To something expected. A quick cut that mends clean and leaves another scar-
Not this long, raggedy thing that cleaves deep and won't heal right for some time. He's subdued when he turns to face Merrill, quiet when he loops his arms around her. Dead silent when he presses his face into her hair and takes a slow, shuddering breath. ]
He loses them, mark his words, they go- but not like this. Not long and aching and drawn out. A quick shot, a sudden blade, a harsh storm. That's how he loses people. To the inevitable, to the fickle fates, to the sea. To something expected. A quick cut that mends clean and leaves another scar-
Not this long, raggedy thing that cleaves deep and won't heal right for some time. He's subdued when he turns to face Merrill, quiet when he loops his arms around her. Dead silent when he presses his face into her hair and takes a slow, shuddering breath. ]
[ Some of the people that Merrill lost are people she had to kill herself. Her Keeper, her clan, their swords and bows listed in malice and their hearts shut to her -- she remembers each of their names, carved each into a stone in the garden of Skyhold. Others faded away, vanished into the night like a sheep taken by wolves. Some of them have come back. Some of them are still missing (Hawke is still missing), and on days like this, Merrill doesn't know if they'll ever be found.
She has been the one to leave, too. She left both clans, once because it was her duty as a mage and once because it was her duty as a member of the People, but only one was ever really her choice. There are people she will never see again, people who would not want to see her. But Asher- Asher had been a friend, someone who made her laugh, who didn't care about her vallaslin or her confusion over human customs. He had loved her, in his way, and she had loved him in hers, and there had been nothing she could have done to save him.
(There is still the knife at her belt. There is still the blood in her veins. There is still her magic. But she hadn't tried it, and she will never know if it would have worked, or if it would have been worth it.)
She holds tight to Mal, rubbing his back. As much as she grieves, she can only imagine that Mal grieves more. Warriors are not meant to die slowly in bed, and it is always hardest on their fellows in arms. Even Honeysuckle knows, unusually quiet when he would otherwise be raising a fuss over not being out and moving when partially tacked up; he shifts slightly, but it is background noise that dims under the beating of Mal's heart beneath her ear. ]
Ir abelas, [ she whispers, not even sure if he can hear her, if he knows the words. ] Ir abelas, ma vhenan.
She has been the one to leave, too. She left both clans, once because it was her duty as a mage and once because it was her duty as a member of the People, but only one was ever really her choice. There are people she will never see again, people who would not want to see her. But Asher- Asher had been a friend, someone who made her laugh, who didn't care about her vallaslin or her confusion over human customs. He had loved her, in his way, and she had loved him in hers, and there had been nothing she could have done to save him.
(There is still the knife at her belt. There is still the blood in her veins. There is still her magic. But she hadn't tried it, and she will never know if it would have worked, or if it would have been worth it.)
She holds tight to Mal, rubbing his back. As much as she grieves, she can only imagine that Mal grieves more. Warriors are not meant to die slowly in bed, and it is always hardest on their fellows in arms. Even Honeysuckle knows, unusually quiet when he would otherwise be raising a fuss over not being out and moving when partially tacked up; he shifts slightly, but it is background noise that dims under the beating of Mal's heart beneath her ear. ]
Ir abelas, [ she whispers, not even sure if he can hear her, if he knows the words. ] Ir abelas, ma vhenan.
[ All the languages he'd learned- never much put mind to the elven tongue. All lilting and odd, airy, best spoken in soft whispers not meant for human ears. He doesn't know what it means, what Merrill says. But her arms are 'round him tight and her voice is soft and so maker damned kind that it's like a knife. But she's lost Asher just as much as him. They were friends too. And oh how he'd be laugh'n if he went and fucked this up now, wouldn't he? Sit back and tell him he owes it to them both to be good to Merrill. Show her a good time.
Later, when the hurt's less. When they can both breathe without bleed'n.
His hand comes up to smooth her hair back, head tucking down to rest against her scalp. She's so slim, is Merrill, like most elves. Fine and fair and delicate in ways that say she oughta be fragile. But there's a strength in the arms that cling to him. A braided, whipcord steel that makes him hug back just as tight without think'n. He won't hurt her. Won't bruise her. She's stood up against worst things, he's sure. You don't lose people on the regular without build'n up a little steel. ]
You loved him too, huh?
[ In their own ways. Low and tightly wound and friendly. Asher was like that, pick'n up sorts that cared. ]
Later, when the hurt's less. When they can both breathe without bleed'n.
His hand comes up to smooth her hair back, head tucking down to rest against her scalp. She's so slim, is Merrill, like most elves. Fine and fair and delicate in ways that say she oughta be fragile. But there's a strength in the arms that cling to him. A braided, whipcord steel that makes him hug back just as tight without think'n. He won't hurt her. Won't bruise her. She's stood up against worst things, he's sure. You don't lose people on the regular without build'n up a little steel. ]
You loved him too, huh?
[ In their own ways. Low and tightly wound and friendly. Asher was like that, pick'n up sorts that cared. ]
[ Love is something that Merrill gives freely, without reservation. She knows many don't believe in it the same way that she does, believe you can only love a few people and not everyone. That Mal can ask her if she loved Asher as well is a good sign, she thinks; he loves too, close enough to the same way that she thinks he understands. ]
I did.
[ There's a soft, quiet sigh. Love and loss -- how often they seem to go together. And nothing that she was able to do for any of those she's lost, but she can't stop wondering what if.
One hand reaches up, her fingers gently tracing along the line of his jaw. ]
Do you want to talk about it? About him?
I did.
[ There's a soft, quiet sigh. Love and loss -- how often they seem to go together. And nothing that she was able to do for any of those she's lost, but she can't stop wondering what if.
One hand reaches up, her fingers gently tracing along the line of his jaw. ]
Do you want to talk about it? About him?
Good.
[ Not everyone wants it or needs it but- there'd been a hole in Asher Hardie. Something no amount of fucking and fighting and drinking could fill. Something only family and understanding could manage- only friends and affection could begin to top off. He don't rightly know why he felt so bereft-
But Mal was pleased as anything to offer his share. ]
He needs- needed. It. [ Past tense and that'll always feel like swallowing glass, won't it? Mal distracts himself by turning his face enough, pressing lips that aren't as cut as they feel they ought to be against her palm. Murmurs like it's a secret she oughta hold fast to. ] We'd joke about gett'n married. You ever hear that? 'Bout mak'n an honest man outta him.
[ Not everyone wants it or needs it but- there'd been a hole in Asher Hardie. Something no amount of fucking and fighting and drinking could fill. Something only family and understanding could manage- only friends and affection could begin to top off. He don't rightly know why he felt so bereft-
But Mal was pleased as anything to offer his share. ]
He needs- needed. It. [ Past tense and that'll always feel like swallowing glass, won't it? Mal distracts himself by turning his face enough, pressing lips that aren't as cut as they feel they ought to be against her palm. Murmurs like it's a secret she oughta hold fast to. ] We'd joke about gett'n married. You ever hear that? 'Bout mak'n an honest man outta him.
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