Softly, mildly (6)
I believe the answer is:
gently
I believe this is a double definition.
'softly' is the first definition.
(I know that softly can be written as gently)
'mildly' is the second definition.
(I know that mildly can be written as gently)
(Other definitions for gently that I've seen before include "Lightly, mildly, softly" , "in a peaceful manner?" , "Mildly, kindly" , "Mildly; gradually" , "In a mild/kind manner" .)