Hawke X Merrill Shorts

Chapter 14

Tending

Summary: Merrill watches Hawke after the fight with the Arishok

There were days when the hunters in her clan would get hurt, be it from a hunting accident or defending the camp from invaders and or bandits, would often be in the aravels in bed or cots, tended by Merrill and the Keeper, though the former was mostly using herbs and medicine to sooth the pain while the Keeper was using magic.

Today she strongly wished she knew at least the basics of healing.

Seeing Hawke in such a state was…horrifying to say the very least. He was in his own bed, well their bed now as he claimed, wrapped in bandages with several bruises on his face, a single stitch upon his left cheek that would no doubt leave a scar, his hair a mess with some dry blood within it. His left arm in a wrapping, a final parting gift of the Arishok.

Anders had managed to stop the bleeding after they managed to carry him back home and did the majority of the healing to ensure he wouldn't die in his sleep. He did stress to her though that he has to remain in bed and that he needed to be watched be her at all times in case his wound opens up or something else occurs. Easier done and said for this elf as she watched over him like his namesake.

Hawke had remained asleep for several hours after Anders had patched him up, he gave him so powerful stuff that had rendered him into sleeping like a rock. The drug wasn't lethal by any means but he stressed that the sleep would be helpful for Hawke's recovery. Since then, everyone else had given their respects to him before leaving him in Merrill's care, while Isabela seemingly vanished from them.

Normally Merrill would go after her but at this moment her heart needed her more than her friend. She was sitting near him on his favourite library chair that he moved up her a few days ago, saying he needed a good chair to cuddle her in…and more than cuddle but she wasn't complaining. She wanted to wash his hair or clean him up a bit but she worries that she'd end up reopening his wound or worse cause him to bleed out.

Still, it didn't stop her from running her hand through his hair despite the knowledge of blood within them, smiling with worry. Champion of Kirkwall…she can't believe the Knight-Commander herself distributed the name to him, a Ferelden refuge of all things considered. Still she believed he damn well earned that name, Creator's he earned far more than that he probably owned the bloody city for all his contributions to protecting and aiding this city.

Gently she moved her hand delicately down to his stubbled cheek, feeling the rough patches of his recently shaved face. Then, she felt his hand on her own, his emerald eyes opened and facing her with his tired smile. 'Hi', he whispered through a hoarse and dry voice. 'Hello', she greeted with a loving smile. She turned and picked up a jug and poured him a cup of water. Gently she helped him drink it, receiving a heavy cough from him.

After downing the water and cleaning up his chin, the elf caressed his cheek. 'Maker…I feel like Ii just took on Aveline's shield bash at full force', he chuckled weakly. 'Well, the Arishok tackled you twice and may have head butted you a few times', she said. He coughed in response as he laid his head back upon the pillow. 'Oh yeah…I fought Arishok didn't I?', he asked. 'Yes, and won too', she assured.

He looked at her with a dumb smile. 'I did? Oh maybe that's why I'm in bed and not by the Maker's side yet….', he laughed. She giggled at him, missing his sense of humour. 'Just as well I won…least I can celebrate with my favourite dalish girl', he said. Gently she pecked his cheek, full aware of what he intended. 'Oh no you don't Ma Vhenan, Anders said no physically activity until your wounds heal up', she said. 'That means no sex'.

'Aww…so I save the city, get some scars and I can't have victory sex with my lover?', he said with a pout. 'It's a very unfair world Garrett', she giggled. As much as the idea of victory sex excited her Merrill was adamant that her lover get better first and foremost, her hormones could wait. 'Could I at the very least get a cuddle?', he playfully whimpered. Merrill rolled her eyes at this and against her concerns, leaned in and hugged him, gently rubbing him on the back of his head gently.

'You had me worried, you know?', she said. 'I know…and I'm sorry', he apologized. 'But hey, Isabela's safe, Kirkwall is free from qunari baddies and I'm finally away from all that junk', he said. Merrill bit her lip at this, debating whether or not to tell him of his new position, but decided against it. He deserved some peace and quiet, and relaxation was needed.

'Get some sleep Ma Vhenan…', she whispered. 'MMM, nah, I wanna cuddle some more~', he said. '…I can do that', she whispered.

It'll be a long time before the warrior regains his strength, but she'll be there for him, every step of the road to recovery.