we're not lost! we're on an adventure!

[chainlightning]

WHO: Merrill and open
WHAT: Merrill has freshly arrived and is already lost.
WHEN: Mid-Haring
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: c:

[ If anyone has made a map of Skyhold, no one's shown Merrill -- of course, she is rather freshly arrived, having come in during the night with a group of alienage elves. Most were from Kirkwall, but a few had joined up as they traveled from other locations, and all are glad to be off the road and out of the snow. She's spent most of her time getting them settled, trying to prove to whoever asks that yes, they do really all want to join and can be useful. She's mentioned Hawke and Varric more than is perhaps strictly necessary. But if it works, if it helps her people (elves, even though they're not Dalish; her new clan, her found clan), then Merrill is willing to do it.

That's why she had gone looking for the library in the first place. She doesn't appear to have found it, though; she may be in the kitchen, the pub, someone's bedroom, an office, yet another airing cupboard... basically anywhere but the library. And she is completely, utterly lost. ]

Oh, I do wish I hadn't lost that ball of twine...

[ Her sincerest apologies if she's interrupting something, really. ]

Comments

[chainlightning]

[ Merrill takes the offered books with something suspiciously close to a delighted squeal under her breath. ]

And I can just take these back to- um, wherever it is I'll be staying?

[ombranera]

Of course. [ He rests a hand upon her back to steady himself as he stretches up to pull out another, larger book. ] Now this is a translation of Antivan Romance- which is a fair bit more, how one might say, spicy than the rest. It has marvelous pictures.

[chainlightning]

[ The hand on her back is unremarked upon, but pictures? That's getting a remark. ]

Oh, does it really? Which one is your favorite? Will you show me?

[ombranera]

I think perhaps...this one. [ He flips through the book, tilting it to show a lovely woman reclining and a man kissing his way up her thigh. The linework is artfully done and she appears truly in the realm of bliss. ]

[chainlightning]

[ And it's lovely -- lovely to look at, both the whole picture and the details of the figures. Merrill flushes all the way to the tips of her ears, but leans in to try and get a better look. ]

They look like they're both human, but the man is much less- hairy than I thought he might be.

[ombranera]

Waxing hair away is quite popular in Antiva among the nobles. Something about smooth skin being more desirable. Or they are attempting to imitate Elves, who knows?

[chainlightning]

Maybe a bit of both, [ she giggles, tapping her finger against the man's chin. ]

I always thought beards must feel rather- odd, when kissing.

[ombranera]

Depends on the beard. Some are quite wiry and ticklish, some are soft and plush- stubble, now. Stubble is quite enticing, there's an edge of roughness just between you and the other man's skin that is...mmmm. Marvelous.

[chainlightning]

And not just when it's on your face, right?

[ Merrill. She's also aware that what she said is rather dirty, flushing again. She's not exactly used to this, but she does enjoy it. ]

[ombranera]

Mmhmm. [ Zevran chuckles, looping his arm around her shoulders in full. ] It can be quite enticing on one's stomach and inner thighs as well. Should we find you a handsome bearded man to experiment?

[chainlightning]

Oh, um- [ and her flush increases in intensity before Merrill quickly shakes her head. ] I think the books will be good for now. I mean, I don't really- know any of them. I think.

[ombranera]

You do not need to know someone to know them. If that is the case Isabela and I have been doing it wrong for years. [ He gives her a gentle squeeze before stepping away, giving her some space. ] Give it time. They will find themselves drawn to your charms soon enough.

[chainlightning]

But you and Isabela know what you're doing, and you're good with people. [ Merrill really and truly thinks that she'd likely just mess it up. Still, the squeeze is nice, as are the assurances, and she gives him a smile. ] And until then, there are plenty of books.

[ombranera]

Isabela is good with people. I was trained to be good with people. You? Are sweet and kind all on your own. [ And such things are worth more than all the training in the world. ] Which I think is part of your charm.

[chainlightning]

You keep saying that. [ It's mumbled, but she is pleased by his belief nonetheless -- just embarrassed. ] Still, I don't know how to talk to most people, or anything.

[ombranera]

You open your mouth and, maker willing, words come out. They may even be coherent. [ Teasing, teasing, light and easy at her mumbling. ] Speak as you would to Hawke. She liked you well enough.

[chainlightning]

Hawke was special. [ Different. But then- everyone is special in their own way, aren't they?

So she straightens up a bit and nods. ] I'll try, at least.

[ombranera]

That she was. [ Much as it twisted in the back of his mind to consider her gone for certain- they had no way of knowing- at this point? It was the safest bet to make. ] You will find some fine friends here, Merrill. I am sure of it. Who can say no to you?

[chainlightning]

I hope so. I mean, I think they should be able to say no! But I'd like to make friends. [ Beat. ] We're friends, right?

[ombranera]

Of course we are, Colombina. [ Ever fair, ever hopeful. It suits. ] I could ask for no better.

[chainlightning]

"Colombina"? Is that Antivan? [ It has to be, right? ] But- good! I'm glad.

[ombranera]

It is, it means 'little dove'. A sign of affection.

[chainlightning]

[ D'awww. ] Well thank you, lethallin. I'll think of you every time I see doves, now.