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

[harthad_uluithiad]

[ He may worry overmuch when it comes to Frodo, but the thought of him is never depressing. Sam smiles fondly and nods. ]

Oh yes; Mr. Bilbo's nephew he is, and my employer. [ Best to get that out of the way quickly, and avoid any more misunderstandings as to what Master might mean. ] And no one could ask for a better!

[chainlightning]

Do you garden for him, then? He's very lucky to have you!

[ Whether Sam gardens for him or not, she can't imagine anyone being unlucky to have Sam. He's a very kind, devoted hobbit. ]

[harthad_uluithiad]

Yes'm. Leastways I did, back at Bag End; and then I was to go with him to Crickhollow and do for him, as they say. [ He blushes, ducking his head at the compliment. ] Well I don't know about that; but the gardens at Bag End were the finest on the Hill, and I don't mind saying so - even the Gaffer couldn't say otherwise.

[chainlightning]

The- who?

[ Sam pls explain your weird hobbit words. ]

But yes, [ she says, more firm this time. ] Very lucky to have you, as a gardener and as a friend. Anyone would be.

[harthad_uluithiad]

The - oh! The Gaffer. That's my da.

[ please don't ask him to explain why he's called "the Gaffer," Merrill, even Sam doesn't know.

He blushes again, turning bright red and averting his eyes as he mumbles a response. ]

Well, it's very kind of you to say so, anyhow, Miss Merrill.

[chainlightning]

Does your father often say otherwise about your work?

[ NOW SHE'S CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT ]

[harthad_uluithiad]

What?

[ He honestly just looks puzzled. ]

Only when it was otherwise, of course!

[ The Gaffer had never coddled Sam, or shied away from the truth, but he isn't cruel. ]

[chainlightning]

Oh! Well, as long as it's constructive.

[ Or something.

Look, she only had the Keeper for a long time, and look at how that turned out. ]

[harthad_uluithiad]

Oh no - I'm a gardener. That's not to say I haven't helped build a few sheds in my time - we all help out when there's a need of course. But mostly I'd rather have a trowel in my hands than a hammer, as you might say.

[ But what's that got to do with his Gaffer?? ]

[chainlightning]

What?

[ someone please help them ]

No, I mean- it's helpful, what he says?

[harthad_uluithiad]

Oh! Well of course it is; otherwise it wouldn't be much use, him saying it, would it? [ He smiles reassuringly at Merrill, still not quite understanding what she's so worried about. ] Anyhow enough about the Gaffer; we'd best get on, or we'll never find our way out of this place!