shut up and dance with me ;;

[chainlightning]

WHO: Merrill & OPEN
WHAT: Open log
WHEN: 29 Guardian - 18 Drakonis; can do earlier but then ignore the dragon bits c:
WHERE: Emprise du Lion, the way back to Skyhold, and Skyhold itself
NOTES: probably adorable

[ Victory, for Merrill, has always meant that the people they were meant to help and defend were safe, whether they were refugees or mages or her group of friends. As long as no one has been too seriously hurt, all of them have tasted sweet. This latest, though, is particularly good: the three dragons that had caused so much harm and scared so many in the Emprise have been defeated, and Merrill was able to help in the takedown of one.

She'd had ideas, good ideas. She'd been listened to. Magic and blades and mabari teeth had all flashed and sang and the dragon had fallen, and where Merrill isn't exactly known to make a ruckus, it makes her happy enough that she can be found celebrating -- at the tavern, because it had been insisted upon, but there's also some delighted humming and skipping through camp. This continues as Merrill starts on her journey back to Skyhold, ready for an adventure of a different sort; she's more than happy to chat with others on the road, or help if they need help.

In Skyhold itself, she can be seen with a little mongrel pup following at her heels. She is, if anything, a bit more subdued in the fortress; when she manages to navigate the twisting halls, she tends to be found in the library, trying to find anything and anything related to her people and to magic. It's a slow process, not in the least helped by her abysmal sense of direction or her willingness to be distracted by her dog, the weather, particularly nice stone work, and anyone who looks interesting. ]

Comments

[chainlightning]

[ She. Ah. Well. ]

We have books. And there were more, in the days of old, before they were destroyed. But... you're right.

I've always said that it's a Keeper's job to remember, even the dangerous things. But not everyone agrees.

[ She didn't. ]

[colecomfort]

Have you found anything new here?

[chainlightning]

About my people? No. Mostly I've been fixing what other people have said.

But there are some interesting things about magic, and about dwarves, different human cities, Qunari...

[ A pause, and Merrill offers a soft smile to the boy. ]

And I've made friends, here.

[colecomfort]

Yes. You're good at that.

[He smiles back. It's something he can sense from her, yes, but also... just an observation. She didn't act surprised when he appeared, hasn't been treating him like some strange thing. She hasn't even asked his name... Which in itself is strange, since most people do, but at this point, it's become comforting.

He sees the opportunity to introduce himself on his own terms. And so:]

I'm Cole.

[chainlightning]

[ It's still something that strikes her as wrong -- being good at making friends, being good with people. She still says she isn't. But she is much better than she once was, having grown during her time in Kirkwall both with Hawke and afterward.

Whether it's meant as a compliment or simply fact, Merrill is pleased by the thought behind it either way. ]

Merrill. It's nice to meet you -- and I cannot believe I forgot to introduce myself until now again.

[ Social norms get tossed to the wayside in favor of interesting conversation. ]

[colecomfort]

[He gives her another smile: small, but sincere, looking at her with pale blue eyes from behind his bangs.]

I've seen you. [Around Skyhold. In others' memories. She's better than she thinks.] Always looking for the light. Stretching toward the sun, wanting to brush it even if it burns.

[A pause before he adds:] It's nice to meet you, too.

[chainlightning]

And I haven't seen you. But I wouldn't mind seeing more of you, if you don't mind.

[ Just as sincere, smile and all. ]

And- well, hopefully the sun doesn't mind.