Hawke was so important to all of them -- Merrill honestly still isn't sure how she functions without her. She feels diminished, somehow, as if Hawke had made her more than herself and now she's just Merrill. Not healthy, perhaps, but true nonetheless.

"Official, hm? I've never had a title past 'First to the Keeper' before, and that didn't matter to anyone outside the Dalish. And I think I'm less likely to give this position up." It's not a flick of snow toward Herc this time but a small handful, Merrill grinning. You've got a new friend now, Hercules Hansen.