A/N
Hey Guys!
Welcome to my first Fan fic. Constructive criticism is welcome since I'm new here, and would be greatly appreciated. The PC will be M!Hawk and a mage, (it adds some interesting dialogue, for those of you who play DA2). Anyways I hope you enjoy it, and please R&R.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age II or any of its characters.
Ch. 1- First Encounters
Merrill examined the shard of the Eluvian closely, as it cast a glowing light upon her features. It hummed a strange noise, as she examined her reflection. She paused for a moment, thinking about her decision to leave the clan. Marethari had expressed her disapproval clearly, giving Merrill pause as she crouched at the misty path that led to the foreboding summit of Sundermount. 'Was she doing the right thing?' she wondered. She pushed these thoughts aside, asserting her own views, "No, I must do this for the sake of our people, whether they approve or not.' She quieted the conflicting thoughts in her head as she heard the sound of swishing robes, the clink of weapons and armor, and the plodding of combat boots.
As she turned around she was greeted by the sight of three men, two being human, the other a dwarf.
"Oh, hello" She began awkwardly, "Forgive me, I am not that familiar with the interactions of humans, a friend of mine was taken away by one once." Realizing that she hadn't introduced herself she blurted out, "I'm Merrill, but you probably already knew that," she said, rubbing her neck sheepishly. "What's your name? Or… Is it rude to ask a human's name" she inquired, seeing an opportunity to learn human interaction, as well as not make a fool of herself any further.
One of the human's stepped forward. He was tall, with bronzed skin, and dark hair, slicked back carelessly, with bright amber eyes. He carried himself in a confident manner, in a way eerily similar to her old clan mate, Mahariel. He smiled at her suddenly, saying, "Relax Merrill," he said in a cheerful disposition, "You can call me Hawke, nice to meet you. This is my brother, Carver, and a new friend of mine, Varric" both men responding with a short wave.
"Right… Are you from Ferelden, I lived there most of my life." Hawke nodded, so she continued, "Have you been in Kirkwall long? How do you like it?"
Hawke shrugged, "Could be better, could be worse," he said, his tone light. "Kirkwall isn't brown enough for me," He added jokingly.
"Ferelden wasn't all that brown. Besides it added character. I miss it sometimes… Err, I'm just babbling like a fool now" She said shyly. "We should probably complete the task, it's not wise to keep Asha' Bellanar waiting" she said, gesturing up the path. Hawke nodded and with that they begin their trek.
Suddenly, the restless spirits of the mountain possessed several corpses, and they begin to growl threateningly, as they shambled towards the group. Each person drew their respective weapon, and took combat stances. Hawke suddenly conjured a roaring fireball, and sent it hurtling towards the fiends. Most of them fell in the blaze, however, some continued advancing. Suddenly, Merrill sent out a spirit blast, eliminating the remaining foes.
"Well, It appears that there is another mage amongst us" Hawke said, his arms spread gleefully. "Thanks for chipping in back there," He said more seriously.
"You're welcome… I wasn't sure how I would do, I've done most of my fighting alone" Merrill replied. "I'll try not to hit anyone" and upon realizing what she had quickly added, "On our side I mean. All keepers know a bit of magic. All of Elvhenan used to have the ability, but like many things of our culture it was lost. It's our job as keeper to remember, to restore what we can. We should keep moving, the main path is blocked from a landslide that happened recently, their should be a passage farther up."
"I tend to have an aversion to creepy caves," Carver muttered.
"Don't soil yourself kid, Bianca and I have your back, and your brother will roast anything to ashes that we manage to miss," Varric said upon hearing him, to which Carver responded with a venomous look.
"Let's not make a habit of that," Carver said, wiping off some webbing that had stuck to his clothes.
"I think that the poison stains and spider innards add character," Hawke said, as the group advanced to what appeared to be a barrier.
"I'll handle this," Merrill said, and she approached the barrier. Suddenly she pulled a knife out and quickly sliced it upon her wrist splattering blood into the air. The barrier fell, and Merrill turned around to gauge the party's reaction.
"What was that? I felt a shift in the veil… Something was here" Hawke said, suddenly serious.
"It was a spirit, it helped us didn't it?" Merrill said, making sure to be as vague as possible.
With an eyebrow arched, Hawke replied, "The barrier is certainly gone, yes. Here let me take a look at that" He added gesturing her to come to him.
She approached hesitantly, holding out her wrist. Hawke ran his hands over the wound, and enveloped it in a blue aura. When he pulled away, the scar was gone. "Good as new," He said smiling, returning to his previous demeanor.
Merrill blushed, unable to respond for a moment before managing, "Thank you." Hawke smiled again and gestured to move into the mountain graveyard.
"The ancestors used to sleep up here. But now, they don't sleep peacefully anymore."
"The veil feels thin" Hawke observed, "Spirits probably pass through frequently."
Merrill nodded, and gestured toward the altar. " Place the amulet on the altar, and I will begin the rite."
Hawke complied moving forward and doing as instructed. Merrill then approached the alter and began to chant. When she finished, a bright light illuminated the area and a form began to shape. Suddenly the Witch of the Wilds appeared, in the flesh.
"Greetings, Asha' Bellanar," Merrill said, kneeling as she did so.
"One of the people I see. Stand, the people bend their knees two easily. How refreshing that someone keeps their end of the bargain. I half expected my amulet to end up in the hands of some witless merchant."
"The whole, comes with a witch that roasts darkspawn on a regular basis kind of scared off any potential buyers." Hawke replied.
The witch chuckled saying, "I can imagine so." She turned around gesturing dramatically, "The world is on the cusp of change. When you see an opportunity, do no hesitate to leap. Only then will you see if you can fly."
"Says the dragon lady with wings," Hawke quipped.
"You have my thanks, clever child. Before I go a word of advice," The Witch said gesturing toward Merrill, "Tread carefully child, no path is darker, than one in which one keeps their eyes shut." The Witch said, again addressing Hawke.
"Mas surannas, Asha' Bellanar," Merrill said, having the sinking feeling she knew exactly what the Witch was referring to.
Merrill had said her goodbyes to the keeper and clan. Most were happy to see her go, and she couldn't help but feel slightly hurt at this. Hawke and the others seemed friendly enough however. They finally arrived into the city alienage, and Merrill took a moment to observe her surroundings.
"Is this really were the elves live? I've never seen so many people all packed together at the same place before."
"It's unfortunate really the way that elves are forced to live," Hawke sighed. "I'm live not to far from here though, if you need anything," Hawke added, gesturing up the street.
"I…. thank you, that's kind of you to offer," Merrill replied, surprised that someone, a human no less, was being so kind, when they hardly met.
"Well, I'll let you settle in, me and the boys probably have some trouble to stir up," Hawke said.
"Will you visit me?" Merrill blurted out," Not today I mean but, sometime maybe?" She said, waving her hands frantically.
"Of course," Hawke said, smiling. "See you later Merrill."
Merrill watched him and the others go, perhaps she had made a new friend?
A/N
Alright guys, so how was that? Bad, Okay, Good? I tried to make incorporate more party interaction, but it was more kind of difficult to weave in. That said, although this Fic will be Hawke/Merrill centric, it will also show their relationships, (particularly Merrill's) with the other companions. I would appreciate any constructive criticism that you have to offer. As for updates, I will update as soon as possible, but will most likely post new chapters on weekends. And for those of you that review, I would like to know what kind of relationship Hawke and Merrill should have (Friend/Rival). I am kind of debating on which one to choose so input from people who read this would be taken into consideration. Thanks!
-M/I