( for a moment Leliana is shocked to be drawn into the embrace. She's startled, blinks a moment, before her arms wrap around Sara, loose and gentle at first, and tightening, hands pressed to Sara's back. Slowly, her fingers curl into Sara's shirt, and she tucks her head against Sara's neck, eyes shut. It is—

it is a mercy, this. A reprieve.

Or perhaps it is false hope. )

I don't think I would. I like to think that I can find an alternate approach to any situation if only I search hard enough.

( And yet. Her hands pull tighter against Sara. )

I'm scared of what I can do to people, when I set my mind to it. That's why I had to leave, because— I'm like handling a sharp knife, as if you were holding it by the blade with an exposed hand. And if I hurt you, of all people, I would not forgive myself.