AN: Finally! Got this out, at last. This is was also made to prove a point (Bert, I told you).
Also, I may have messed up on the one bit of Dalish that Merrill spoke. Sorry. Anyway, please enjoy the end to this little story.

Days had passed by slowly. The motionless body lying on the bed served as a reminder to the pirate of the mistake that nearly cost her little kitten's life. Anders had managed to save Merrill, she would simply have to recover on her own from the fever.

Isabela watched as the elf's chest rose and fell slowly. Her eyes roamed upward, tracing the intricate vallaslin on the young woman's face. It was so beautiful. Isabela had a few tattoos, but none held so much meaning or beauty as those that were upon Merrill's face.

Slightly parted lips caught the buccaneer's attention. They were slightly chapped, but were gaining the usual vibrant pink color. A rush flowed through Isabela as she wondered what those lips would feel like on hers, how they would taste as she devoured th-

Andraste's tits! What is wrong with you?

These... feelings had no place in the pirate's mind. Merrill was sweet, innocent. A strong root that encompassed everything and just made you love her. Isabela was a tidal wave, carrying you away and discarding you at shore when she was done.

Yet despite that, Isabela wanted to take Merrill in her waves, rock her gently and guide her through storms. She hated herself for thinking such absurd thoughts, but she could not deny her feelings. Merrill had nearly died. That sparked Isabela's feelings even more.

A low groan reached the rogue's ears. Merrill stirred, forest green eyes fluttering open.

"I-Isabela?"

"I'm here, Kitten." She reached for a cup of water that rested on a nearby table, sating the obvious thirst from the elf as she carefully lifted the cup into those almost inviting lips that-

"How long did I sleep?" Merrill asked after she had drank, interrupting Isabela's train of thought.

"Two days. I was so worried, Kitten. You had a fever and... and you nearly..." She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. "It was my fault, though. That night I came to check in on you, I should've stayed with you. Had I not left, I would've given you something to lower the fever. You wouldn't have nearly-"

A warm hand grasped her own, silencing her. Green orbs the color of the Brecilian Forest stared into her own mocha colored eyes. She lost herself amidst the trees and bushes of the lush green.

"It wasn't your fault, Bela." Merrill began, pulling gently on the pirates hand so she could sit. "The Dread Wolf was on my heels, and thanks to you he went on his way." A pause. "Ma'arlath..."

A deep red blush rose onto pale cheeks, making them more vibrant than ever. Isabela had no idea what the little elf had just said, but it sounded beautiful. She had not realized how small the space between them was, how much she had leaned in. She caressed Merrill's face gently, the elf leaning in. Those eyes. She needed to get lost in them. A storm rose within the sea, wanting to flood the forest with mighty force.

Isabela's lips fell upon Merrill's. So soft, smooth despite the chapped condition. So warm. A forest fire wanting to claim an ocean wave. Tongues danced as the embrace grew deeper, both women falling breathless until the need to breathe became to great.

The sea receded, leaving behind a dazed Merrill, eyes gleaming in the low candlelight. Any thought that she was wrong flew out the window. Isabela cared for her little kitten, and she swore she would do anything to keep her safe for as long as she could