Martin was sitting on a crate next to the Hanged Man entrance and observing passersby. Nobody, aside from several prostitutes, noticed him, but it bothered him less than other things. The more he learned about this "world", the less he liked it and the less he tolerated the idea of being stuck in it forever. Mages were severely abused by the templars, and there was no one to protect them. The Mages Underground was destroyed. All the decent enchanters were locked in the Circle. Athena tried to make their life better, but there was nothing she could do at that moment. She supported the idea of the Circle way too long before she realised she was wrong. And she still believed in a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Even Anders took her side, resorting to his manifestos.

"Are you lost?"

A familiar voice made Martin return to the reality. Merrill was standing next to him with a basket of food in her hands.

"No, I'm not," he shrugged.

"You just don't look like you're from here," she observed him with curiosity. "From Lowtown, I mean."

"I used to live here, but it was a long time ago," he moved aside, freeing some space for her on the crate. "A very long time..."

"And now you're back," she sat on the corner of the crate carefully.

"I'd rather stay where I was," he gave her a sad smile. "I was dragged here by circumstances against my will."

"Oh, I know this feeling!" Merrill nodded.

"I bet you do," he said, then added, noticing her suspicious glance. "You're a Dalish Keeper, living in a human city..."

"How did you know I was a Keeper?" she jumped on her feet.

"Your staff," Martin shrugged. "Among your people, only Keepers have them. It does look like a walking stick, but it'd need a better disguise to fool a mage."

With these words he opened his palm, creating a small ball of fire floating in the air. The elf nodded and sat back.

"Do you think I should cover it with something?" she asked.

"You shouldn't take it with you when you're going shopping."

"I'll keep it in mind. I just feel... unsafe. Many bad things have happened recently, and I don't think it's the end of them. This staff, it's the only thing that connects me with my past," Merrill said with a trembling voice. "I... I'm sorry for telling you that. Usually I'm not that open with strangers."

"It's fine," he smiled.

"Thank you, Hawke... I guess I needed to talk..."

"Wait!" Martin almost jumped on his feet. "How did you call me?"

"Oh..." Merrill looked confused. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I..."

"It is my family name," he tried to calm her down. "But how did you know it?"

"I don't know... I have no idea why I called you that. Are you..."

"A relative. Yes. My name is Martin."

"I'm Merrill," she smiled. "I'm sorry, I have to go."

"Should I walk you home?"

"No. But thank you for offering me that."

She grabbed her basket and ran towards the Alienage. Martin looked at her back and sighed. He hoped that somehow she remembered him, or at least knew something about him or the situation he got into. But it seemed to be merely a feeling, maybe, the elf sensed his aura that is identical to Athena's. He fixed the staff on his back and walked back to Hightown.


Fenris asked him once, what should a person do to begin their life anew. Back then Martin was sure he knew the answer. Stop running, take what is rightfully yours, and, if something important should be done, do it yourself. Now following his own advice wasn't that easy. There was nothing that would belong to him, nobody needed him, and the most important things in his life just vanished. Of course, he could accept the fact that this place was now his new home and start building a new life. But that would mean to admit his defeat, and that was not something he was ready for.

However, if he was going to stay at least for some time, there was one thing he had to do. And it was crucial, because Anders already refused to do what was necessary.

Martin turned on his heel and rushed towards Darktown.