It’s hard not to be taken in by the smile on Merrill’s face, hard not to return it in kind. He’d been full of sourness his first morning in Gamlen’s miserable little home, though it hadn’t been too much worse than the humble lodgings he’d been used to while growing up. It was more the principle behind his uncle’s duress, the idea that mother would have to risk herself among Lowtown’s thugs because of it. As soon as they’re out of that place, Hawke’s going to make a point of replicating Merrill’s enthusiasm for the new experience.
‘Not a single mugging or murder,’ he assures her. ‘Do you think they only murder other muggers? It would weed out some of their competition, and give us room to walk ten metres without being threatened at knifepoint. A better Kirkwall, truly.’
But speaking of better Kirkwalls—-there are some parts of the city that qualify already, places where the buildings aren’t patched together with rotting wood and the dubious stains on the pavements are actually cleared away in the morning. If Merrill doesn’t see them, she’s going to base her entire perceptions of humans based on the types she sees lurking around here…
Based on the way they treat elves, Hawke realises with a slight sinking feeling, and wonders what kind of defence he could make to that.
‘I’m sure you have many fascinating things to be working on here,’ he continues, deciding to dismiss the idea for now, ‘but I’m headed towards Hightown. The view’s better that way, if you’re interested in joining me.’ A hesitation, then. ‘There’s more Templars, mind you, but I’m pretty sure they’re only posted there to look pretty. Wink at them and they’ll leave you alone—-seems to work for me.’
His smile was so beautiful, like he really meant it. Not like the smiles she was used to getting from her clanmates; awkward, apprehensive smiles, that gradually became more and more nervous before transforming into full-on contemptuous glares. She hoped he never looked at her like that...
Winking? Would that really make a difference? The Templars were by far the most terrifying people in Kirkwall - even the muggers and murderers couldn’t compare. Merrill wasn’t particularly worried about herself personally. She knew how to handle herself in a fight, better than ever now that she was tagging along with Hawke from time to time. It was the other elves in the alienage she was worried about. Anyone with eyes could see how poorly Kirkwall’s other citizens thought of them, and she had a feeling she wasn’t the only mage hiding in the slums... If she was discovered, it would surly bring the wrath of the Templars down on her neighbors.
Oh well; if Hawke was with her, nothing bad would happen. He always knew what to do.
“I’d love to!” She knows she sounds a little over eager, but she can’t bring herself to be embarrassed about it. For now. “I’ve only been up there a few times; the gardens have such pretty flowers... Are you going to run errands, or is it something more exciting?”
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