We're So Beyond This by The Reason

Merrill shuffled her feet uneasily as the returned pirate bought drinks for the entire group. She liked the Hanged Man, but only when Isabela was there. Unlike the past month, when the pirate disappeared without so much as a goodbye. She was worried, she was terrified, she was bored.

And now the pirate was back, and here she was acting like nothing had happened, and Merrill found herself actually hating the shady place. Isabela was busy flirting with Hawke, much to Fenris' annoyance, Merrill found herself feeling slightly irritated as well. She made to leave the pub, she needed fresh air.

Outside, the last rays of day splayed out across Lowtown, houses and statues creating long, ghostly shadows on the street pavement. She debated making the lonely trek back to her shambled home. So wrapped up in her thoughts was she that she did not hear the door behind her open and close. She did not know anyone was behind her until she felt strong arms sneak around her waist.

She stiffened.

"Relax, it's just me, kitten." Isabela chuckled, letting go of the mousy elf. Merrill would not talk, could not, she did not want her voice to betray in inner frustration that seemingly mixed with relief and a small bit of joy at the fact that the pirate actually noticed she had left.

"Something wrong?" Isabela moved, stepping to face Merrill, who bit her lip and glanced away. "Look...Merrill.."

"You left."

"I had to."

"You left, you didn't even say goodbye, Isabela."

"I left Hawke a note!"

"But that was for her Isabela!" The frustration kept building, "you didn't came to see me, Hawke broke the news to me, I was terrified! I was afraid I'd never see you again!"

"I'm right here, Kitten!" Isabela said, with a reassuring chuckle, "I would have written you, but you know, hooks make for bad penmanship!"

Merrill let out a frustrated sigh, "I'm going home." She brushed past the pirate, half hoping she'd follow her, half hoping she'd go back into the noisy inn and resume her festivities.

When she reached her front door, it was dark out and she could hear the gangs rallying in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims to mug. But, in the shadows there was another presence, eyes that sent shivers down the mage's spine, she did not dare to look back, to search for those eyes.