Aneth ara

(Independant Merrill from Dragon Age 2 RP blog.)

[avannafenris-archive]

Fenris gasped as he clutched at the floor in pain, he made a noise of severe discomfort as Merrill ripped the blade out. He pulled himself up more to receive the liquid that she offered him, he could careless whether or not it was Merrill right now feeding it to him the pain was too unbearable right now. He drank it gratefully as Merrill had tipped the contents up. He laid himself flat back down on the floor as she poured more of the potion directly onto his wound, it caused him to hiss a bit but then he remained silent.

He shook his head slightly as she mentioned getting a healer; he knew what that meant… Anders. “Thank you.” He whispered to her, he looked up at the woman giving her perhaps the most sincere and truly grateful eyes he had ever bestowed upon her. “I will be fine” Fenris said shaking his head slightly, he propped himself up on his arms and then tried to stand… he couldn’t do it all to well and every time he tried his legs would become like jelly and he would just slip back down on the floor. He hissed again his lyrium was still hurting him. 

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"You don't look fine!" Merrill said, watching as he tried and failed to stand. "We have to get you to someone. How far is the Alienage? There's a woman there you can see - she's not as good as Anders but it would save the trip into Darktown. I'm stronger than I look but I can't carry you - I don't think I could carry your sword, either." Her hands flittered around him as she was unsure what to do - she knew he wouldn't react kindly to being helped up, but on the other hand she had to get him somewhere safe, somewhere he could be healed. The thought of what could happen if she just left him here ran through her mind; visions of him being pickpocked, thought drunk and beaten for being an elf, murdered in revenge for the deaths of the thugs around him... "Where are we, Fenris? You have to stand up, or I won't be able to get help!" She crouched down and offered her arm to her fellow elf. "Use me to get up and lean on me."

[dalishlethallan-blog]

((I'm back! Sorry I was gone for so long, I've had some personal and family issues that took up my time and brainpower, but things are getting back to normal now. I'll be slow for a while while I catch up and get back into the swing of things))

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Cassandra was angry now, fuming at how the man wouldn’t cease his advances upon her friend, but she would not let it show. “She said to leave her alone, can you not hear?” It seemed that he couldn’t, now leaning in closer to Merrill, making her squirm and plead with her eyes to Cassandra.

That did it. She had always had a short fuse, but now was the time to show it. The one chance she had given him had gone unnoticed. “Ok that’s enough!” She stood and seized him by the collar, whipping him around and slamming him against the wall. He was drunk, but should have known better. He attempted to protest.

“What?! C’mon man, she’s not with anyone, let me take a crack at that.” She narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth at his foolishness.

“No, She’s with me.” With that, she kneed him hard in the stomach and while he was on the ground, she knocked him out with a firm punch. The Seeker straightened up to her full height, readjusting her gauntlet. Noticing she had onlookers, she pulled her Seeker status. “Seeker business, go back to your business.” She turned an took her seat as everyone averted their eyes.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill watched in awe as Cassandra effectively stopped the man, leaving him curled unconscious on the floor. "That was amazing!" Merrill exclaimed, eyes full of awe and excitement as she leaned across the table. "I could never have done that! I knew I couldn't use my magic to stop him - not in here, it's too dangerous, people would notice - and I have a knife I can defend myself with but I only know how to kill with it and I didn't want to kill him, it wouldn't be fair. I could never do what you just did, I'm not strong enough. People just seem to get angry when I hit them." She took a long drink of her ale to stop herself talking.

[hermortalcoil-blog]

The grin that split across Hawke’s lips couldn’t be helped. While Merrill took a certain amount of pride in her meal, the rogue couldn’t help but feel something similar at the mention of street crime—or lack thereof. Her idle work was being noticed, and for that she was appreciative, though the fact that Merrill had given her the rightful credit for it rather than the city guard hit an unusual spot within her. She was by no means egotistical—no, definitely not—though for a change, said pride rose to surface and reared its ugly head. She was in a good mood to boot, and she could thank Merrill for that.

“Not as busy as I’d like to be.” She finally responded before taking another bite of her bread. Hawke hadn’t realized it, but she was much more hungry than she previously imagined, so when she found her soup bowl drained of its contents, she had been a bit surprised. Nonetheless, the Champion leaned away from the table and rested her back against the chair’s cushion, both feet adjusting on the seat so that her heels held her in place.

“I try to do what I can though. Don’t want you feeling unsafe.” She admitted before popping the last bite of bread into her mouth and pulling the mug of tea into her lap. “I would love for you to teach me a thing or two though. Whenever you’ve got some free time, I’d appreciate it.”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"I have lots of free time!" Merrill said, obviously eager to impart her knowledge. "I don't really do much with my days, I don't go adventuring like you do. I'd like to help you more, will you come and get me next time you go hunting? Not that I think you go out specifically to battle people. But it seems like a lot of your trips you do end up with you doing that. I haven't done anything that exciting in a while." She fumbled with the bowl once she'd finished, nearly dropping it before setting it carefully on the table. The last time she'd been to Hawke's she'd managed to break a cup. She wasn't normally clumsy, she just worried about the crockery that was so much nicer than what she had at home... and worrying about dropping something tended to make her drop it.

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Cassandra watched as the brute put his hands on Merrill, pawing at her like she was his prey. The Seeker felt a strange urge to just deck him one good time in the face, but decided against it, not wanting to start a bar brawl right as they arrived. He locked eyes with her and she shifted her attention to Merrill as she returned with the tankards.

“Thank you, I really needed this.” She took as sizable swallow and gave her old friend a smile. The man was still watching them, no doubt debating on if he should make another move. She figured his stupidity has won him over as he began to walk towards their table. “Looks like he’s back…”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill paused with her mug half way to her mouth.

"Why won't he leave me alone?" She said, more to herself than to Cassandra. She turned in her seat just as he got near to her, sliding his arm over her shoulders and leaning in far too close.

"I've told you before, I'm not interested." Merrill said, attempting to fidget out of his grip. "Leave me alone now, please." When he simply chuckled and bent to whisper luridly in her ear, the strength of the alcohol on his breath making her feel slightly nauseous. She tried to push him away with a hand on his chest.

For all her fierceness in battle, Merrill wasn't used to fending off unwanted advances so wasn't terribly adept at it. In her clan and in the Alienage she was generally unapproached; the former because of Marethari's watchful eye, the latter because most of the elves avoided her.

She sent a pleading glance at Cassandra when her push didn't dislodge the man, but made him grasp her hand instead and hold her closer to him.

[avannafenris-archive]

Fenris glanced back at the bastard who tried to attack him while he was preoccupied with someone else. He glanced over at Merrill, he felt rather thankful but he couldn’t voice that right now. He swung his blade deep into one of the thug’s sides as and deep red blood gushed out. When he turned around the man that Merrill had been holding’s legs had taken this time to ready a dagger which he threw at Fenris. The blade was curved and at the last minute Fenris saw it rotating in the air before it planted itself into Fenris’s thigh. Fenris glanced down; the area was dripping with a green toxic smelling fluid. “Poison” Fenris hissed he swiped his blade at the bastard and took his head clean off.

Fenris attacked the remaining men a couple more times until the last one fell and when that happened so did Fenris. “Augh!” Fenris grunted as he hit the floor. He lit up from his lyrium involuntary and suddenly let out a blood curdling scream. He panted and took off his gauntlet, the skin over his lyrium marking were becoming very aggravated, reddening, and he was beginning to blister at the skin. He panted and the red streaks began to make its way up to his neck and he let out another scream. “Me-Merrill!” he gasped. His lyrium was having a reaction to the poison.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"Fenris!" She called, rushing over to him where he had fallen and taking in his appearance. "What happened?" She asked, her staff dropped to the floor by her side. "You're hurt. Oh. Uhm."

Part of her told her to leave the dagger in his leg, she didn't know how bad the wound was after all - but she also knew she had to get it out before more of the poison could seep into him.

"This will hurt." She said, before yanking it out of his leg and throwing it aside, letting it clatter across the street. She searched the hidden pouch she carried for the health poultices she had made; knowing no healing magic, this was the best she could do for him.

"Drink this." She told him, uncorking one and holding it to his lips. She knew he would be hesitant to drink anything she gave him, so she forced the neck of the small bottle into his mouth and tipped up the contents.She drew her own knife from her belt and slit his trousers to give her better access to the wound on his leg. Another poultice was uncorked and she poured it on the wound, knowing it would help cleanse and clean it, and also help the pain. Hopefully it would do something to the poison that was racing through his body, too.

"Can you stand?" She asked. "You need to get to a healer."

[hermortalcoil-blog]

“Well, I think it does.” She responded immediately, mouth curling up comfortably as she shifted the contents of her soup in attempt warm the liquid at the surface and cool the hot contents beneath. “There’s a reason you haven’t tried any of mine, Merrill.” She responded jokingly, though there was some truth to it as well. One was usually able to tolerate their own meals, but she quickly grew tired and disgusted with her own. It was definitely a skill she would never learn to master.

Tearing apart a piece of her own bread, Hawke followed suit and dipped the part of the crust and part of the bread itself into the contents of her soup. Lifting it out immediately thereafter, the rogue leaned over her knees to consume the piece of bread, though her eyes lifted to look at Merrill as she did the same. She enjoyed it just as well, it seemed. She couldn’t help but grin and cover her mouth at the sounds she made. Casting her eyes away in attempt to leave her satiated and unbothered, Hawke picked up her spoon once again before continuing to eat without watching her friend’s every movements. How awkward it might have been for her.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"I'm sure your cooking isn't that bad! I'd like to try it one day. Or maybe I could teach you how to make something? Stews are easy, you just put everything in a pot with water and leave it for a while."

Merrill didn't notice Hawke's amusement as she ate; as was the case whenever she was eating, the food took up her concentration. Especially when she was hungry. She had been looking forward to eating since she had started making the soup that afternoon, and it was almost perfect. She couldn't help but wish she'd added a little more seasoning though.

A quick glance up showed her that Hawke was just as engaged in eating as she was, and felt a sense of pride that her food was so appreciated. Maybe she could use Hawke to test out new recipes as she found them for a second opinion.

"Have you been very busy?" Merrill asked after swallowing another mouthful of bread. "I haven't seen much crime lately. Usually the streets are quieter when you're out and about."

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Of blood mages, shapeshifters, and other oddities

[suchidlefancies]

Following Merrill’s lead, Morrigan pulled her cloak about her, not especially looking forward to the prospect of being within the city itself.  Her comfort did not matter, though; there were far more important concerns involved.  Far more interesting ones.  

“I have never found the concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ to be particularly useful, myself,” she mused as they walked.  ”Everyone wants something, no matter their intentions.  Once you know what that is and what they are willing to do to get it, you know how to deal with them, and how dangerous they are to you.”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill nodded in agreement, frowning slightly as she concentrated on where they were going, not wanting to get lost and make Morrigan annoyed.

"Anyone can be corrupted. I worry sometimes, if I've done things the right way. But worrying makes me think I'm doing okay, because if I wasn't I wouldn't worry, I'd just do it, wouldn't I?"

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Of blood mages, shapeshifters, and other oddities

[suchidlefancies]

She nodded, satisfied that nothing ridiculously foolish was going on.  If Merrill had been working on the Eluvian long enough to have put it back together, she would have dealt with the spirit for quite some time as well.  If it had not gotten to her yet, she was most likely capable of handling it.  

“I see.  You are wise to keep your suspicions about you.  Will you show me this repaired Eluvian of yours, then?”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"It would be silly not to, I know spirits aren't just good and evil - there's so many that seem one but are actually the other. To trust him would be foolish."

Merrill looked incredibly happy at being asked.

"You'd like to see it? I keep it in my house." Merrill started to lead the way, full of excitement at the prospect of someone who had seen a working Eluvian looking over her handiwork.

[hermortalcoil-blog]

Well, she didn’t give her a direct answer, though the mention of tea was a pretty good one. Perhaps a trip down into the cellar wasn’t needed after all. With a brief shake of her head, Hawke spun around and headed back into the kitchen area in order to put a pot of water on to boil. Her tea wouldn’t be as good as Merrill’s was though, that was for certain. Though she’d give it a go anyway.

It didn’t take her too long, and in due time she returned with the drinks she’d promised. Setting one earthenware mug before her Dalish comrade and the other in front of her own bowl, Hawke moved thereafter to sit upon the chair adjacent to Merrill. A leg lifted to curl beneath her bottom, however. Despite being considered part of the elite society, Hawke retained various casual habits that would not have been accepted in the presence of someone such as the Viscount or the Knight Commander. These sorts of things tended to stand out more when she was home though, and especially when she was comfortable around whomever was in her presence. At least she wasn’t sitting cross-legged or with her knees up against the side of the table with the bowl in her lap like she usually did. 

“Have I ever told you how much I enjoy your cooking?” She complimented her friend between bites, setting the spoon down in favour of pulling the hot tea into her hands. It was all hitting the spot quite nicely, especially considering the frigid weather as of late. 

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill was obviously grateful for the tea, the familiar aroma comforting and relaxing her, helping her to become calmer and fret less as she settled more in her chosen chair. It was big and warm and so comfortable; Merrill wondered if it would be possible to live in a chair. If it was, she'd want to live in this one. She couldn't feel the wooden supports though it like she could her chairs at home, and it was a welcome change. She could feel the wooden supports and slats in all her cushioned furniture; it was all second hand and worse for wear. Merrill blushed when she found herself thinking about how soft and wonderful Hawke's bed must be, knowing that wasn't really an appropriate thought to be having - especially while eating.

"I think so." She replied. "You're always very nice about it, even when I think it doesn't quite taste right." She tore her bread and dipped it in the soup, making a pleased noise when she bit into it. It was like no bread she had ever had before! She would definitely have to see if she could get fresh bread for herself.

[avannafenris-archive]

Fenris sighed; he was pretty pissed off at this mage right now, as well. He turned around again “Follow me.” He said through grit teeth. He didn’t mind the idea of thugs and bandits stealing her away but the thought of Hawke being angry with him quickly faded that idea. He began to walk off in the direction of the girl’s home.

 But something quickly tapped Merrill on the shoulder; it was a thug. He attempted to punch Merrill in the face and with that a whole swarm of them gathered around the two. Fenris quickly unsheathed his sword and began to attack the vermin, he phased into his lyrium state thrusting his hand into the first enemy that came near. His hand went through a thugs head and when he pulled it back out it was covered in blood and brains. The man quickly fell to the floor but another one soon took its place. One of the thugs whistled at Merrill “Let’s keep this little fishy when were done.” He said and wagged his tongue disgustingly at Merrill. He soon came forward and swiped a dagger at Merrill trying to cut at her dress.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"I'm not a fish!" Merrill exclaimed, before whipping her staff from her back and sending a blast of magic his way, knocking him back and the dagger from his hand. She turned, watching another begin to advance on Fenris.

"Behind you!" She shouted, all animosity towards the other elf forgotten in the heat of battle. In this moment, he was her friend, her ally. They would fight together and protect each other, just as they did when they fought alongside Hawke. She slammed her staff into the ground, tendrils reaching through the earth to grasp the thug's legs and hold him in place so he couldn't attack Fenris from behind.

One of the thugs shouted a warning about Merrill being a mage, which made her grin.

"You got more than you bargained for!" She called after him, before sending a bolt of lightning to explode in his chest and reach out to his nearby accomplices. Battle was always so exciting.

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Cassandra nodded. “Yes, but he is my reason for being what I am.” She gave Merrill and smile and opened the door of the pub for the elf. “Let’s just go get a drink and catch up.”

The Hanged Man was dark and dirty, but warm all the same. There was an empty table at the side and she gestured to it. “How about there?”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"He always inspired you." Merrill said, unusually quiet and reflective, before turning to smile at Cassandra. "There's perfect. I'll get us some ale."

She dashed to the bar, ordering quickly and easily once she was noticed. She had to fend off the advances of a man with hands that wandered far too much while the drinks were being poured, leaving her with a sour expression as she wormed her way out of his clutches and back to their table, looking back nervously in case he decided to follow.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

thewitchofthewilds started following you

“Asha’belannar!” Merrill exclaimed, immediately dropping into a low bow full of reverence and averting her eyes. “Andaran atish’an. I did not think I would have the honour of meeting you again.”

[thewitchofthewilds-deactivated2]

“Most do not, such thoughts are expected.” Flemeth smiled, “Stand, dear girl. To bow before me is hardly necessary.” She chuckled. Just because she said such things did not mean she didn’t know why they were so quick to bow, she just preferred they did not.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"I bow to show respect." Merrill replied. "Whether you think it's necessary or not, I'd rather do it than offend you by not."

She stood, slowly, unsure of standing fully in front of Flemeth.

"Can I help you in any way? Not that I think you need my help. You're far more powerful than me you won't need my help. Uhm. Can I do anything for you?"

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Cassandra shook her head and tried to give her a soft smile. “It’s ok, I just wanted to let you know what happened since he looked after us and all.” She watched her friend nervously tiptoe around the subject and opted to pull her into a hug.

“It’s ok, Merrill.”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill nodded and returned the hug, letting out a small sigh of relief that she hadn't messed up.

"It's strange to think of him as gone." She said when she pulled back, looking at her feet rather than at Cassandra. He had always been there, looking out for them and making sure they didn't get too lost or run too far together. Merrill supposed she'd always needed someone to look after her, even then.

"Shall we go in?" Merrill asked, looking up with a small smile. "It's not the nicest inn but I like the ale, and it's warm and comfortable in there."

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

“You remember my brother, Anthony, don’t you?” Cassandra stopped before them before they reached the pub, not wanting to have this conversation around so many people. She looked down at the ground before steadying herself and looked back up into Merrill’s bright eyes.

“He was killed shortly after you left.”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

Merrill gasped and let her hand drop from Cassandra's arm, unsure how to comfort her about it.

"I'm sorry." She said, voice soft and quiet. "I didn't know. How- do you want to talk about it?" Merrill stopped herself from waffling, knowing this was something she should watch her words about. The last thing she wanted to do would be to talk to much and upset Cassandra, or say something insensitive by accident.

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

“Well hello.” Cassandra had chuckled at the small collision, Merrill was the same as she had always remembered. She watched with a smile of amusement as the Dalish attempted to navigate Lowtown to the best of her abilities.

The Seeker had heard tale of Hawke and her involvement with the Chantry incident, but she tried hard to ignore that. Cassandra really didn’t want to think about work right after seeing her old friend.

“Well it’s good that you have someone looking out for you. I had always worried about what happened to you after you left Nevarra..” Cassandra’s mood shifted, it had always upset her that her best friend had left, especially when it coincided with the death of her brother, Anthony, shortly after.

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"Oh, I was well looked after." Merrill said. "I was my Keeper's First, if I hadn't have left I would have been Keeper one day. I don't think I'd have made a very good one though, I'm too curious and would probably get everyone lost when we'd try to move somewhere. I think I would have been good at teaching someone, though. I have so much knowledge that shouldn't disappear with me."

She noticed Cassandra's mood change as they approached the Hanged Man, and paused to place what she hoped was a comforting hand on her arm.

"I was fine. I wasn't mistreated or anything - it was strange and lonely to begin with but it got better. I had friends." She smiled, hoping Cassandra would return the smile after being reassured she was okay, not realising the sorrow was for her brother.

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

Separated || dalishlethallan

[righthandofthedivine-blog]

The Seeker watched her old friend tiptoe nervously around the question, and decided to to press it further. She didn’t want to make this an awkward conversation, after all they had just reunited. “I’m sure you mean well by anything you do. I can’t imagine you doing anything to crazy.” Cassandra smiled and looked over at the Dalish whom was concentrating on the path. “You are far to caring to intentionally hurt anyone.”

When they had finally reached the Kirkwall gates, she turned to the young elf and began to chuckle. “Try not to get us lost, love.”

[dalishlethallan-blog]

"I'll try but I can't promise anything. I'll just have to try and not get distracted."

Merrill looked around them as they walked, gaze flitting between buildings and looking for landmarks she recognised that would take her to Lowtown. She nearly took a wrong turn at one point and walked into Cassandra when she turned to go back, blushing and muttering apologies.

"And exactly. I'd never do anything to hurt anyone - you know that and Hawke knows that. Hawke's my friend, she's looked after me since I left my clan. She lives in Hightown." Merrill told her.