A/N
Wow, this story caught in reviews much faster than I expected. I appreciate all the kind words, and appreciate the advice. Sorry about the jarring transitions, I had some, but apparently when I uploaded it they disappeared. As for the recycled in game lines, I kind of have a bit of a hybrid of some of it as well as my own. There is more action and Hawke/Merrill interaction in this chapter. Anyways, what you've all been waiting for! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age II or any of its characters
Chapter 2- A New Perspective
Merrill looked around at her new home, dissatisfied. Getting this 'hovel' of hers clean was nearly impossible. Holes riddled the ceiling, and there were also quite a few mice holes. One of these days she was going to have to set apart some space to repair the Eluvian. Her train of thought was interrupted by a knock at her door. 'Of course a guest would come when my home is in a state like this,' Merrill thought, frustrated. She quickly darted towards it to see who it was, and was greeted by the sight of Hawke.
"I didn't think you'd come! Come in, I'll find something relatively clean for you to sit on," Merrill said, beckoning him to come inside. "Do you want something to eat or drink? I have… water," Merrill said, realizing that she didn't have much else.
"Relax Merrill," Hawke chuckled," I came to see you; you don't have to fuss over me. I see you've settled in nicely, no rotting food like at Gamlen's place."
"I'm not a very good host, am I? I should probably be thanking you for bringing me here the other day."
"If you really wanted to thank me, I'm sure I could think of something else," Hawke said slyly.
Merrill didn't quite understand what he meant but the look on his face was enough to make her ears burn hotly. "I… would most likely make a fool of myself," she said nervously.
Hawke smiled, then changed the subject, "So, why exactly was the clan being so… unpleasant yesterday? You seem like a very nice person."
"Ignorance, mostly, and I think the blood magic as well. You… don't have a problem with it? Do you?" She asked earnestly.
"Blood magic is a tricky thing. Most people fear it because of the whole, 'the Maker hates bad magic' thing. However that doesn't make blood mages bad people, you for example. It's really how they choose to use it that defines the user, and I don't see you making human sacrifices to make yourself more powerful, or brainwashing other people and the like," Hawke explained.
"But you don't use it either," Merrill pointed out.
"Ah, that's for several reasons. It would strange for one thing. Have you ever heard about a spirit healer blood mage? Even if you have, I've never really needed that kind of power. Plus, my family spent most of their lives fleeing the templars. We didn't want attract any attention."
Suddenly realizing how much time has passed Hawke interjected, "But this is all boring stuff, I heard that there was trouble in the Bone Pit. Good coin for investigating too, we'll need that for a Deep Roads expedition that Bartrand it funding. Do you want to come?"
"Yes, I'd think I'd like that. It is a bit stuffy in here anyway," Merrill replied.
"Great, just come with me and we'll get the others," Hawke said enthusiastically.
The bone pit had turned out to be more than a simple investigation. As it turned out, the whole place was filled with dragons. After slaying hoards of dragonlings inside the mine, the group had come across a frightened miner, warning of a large dragon further in.
"Are we going to go that way?" Merrill asked curiously, "I've never seen a huge dragon before."
"Sounds like fun, and more exciting than these errands we've been doing." Hawke said, leading the group forward.
The party advanced forward, out into a small area that was outside of the cave. Suddenly a piercing cry rang through the mountains, and Merrill couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. An adult dragon soon descended upon the group, releasing a roaring column of fire. Everyone began to attack the beast, making little headway. Suddenly Hawke froze one of it feet, and then unleashed powerful force magic, shattering the limb and crippling the beast. The group soon managed to overpower the weakened monster, and slay it.
"I think next time, avoiding the huge dragon would be a better idea," Merrill thought out loud.
"We agree on that. Still, all in a days work," Hawke said, putting away his staff and then proceeding to dust of his tunic. "Well, Jevern claimed that he had some work worth doing, said that there will be a dwarf waiting for us at night, lets head back."
The job turned out to be an elaborate setup, in which they met an escaped slave, Fenris. After clearing out a mansion full of demons the mysterious elf had left, and was waiting outside.
Upon exiting, he immediately accosted Hawke, "All my life, I have run from magic, for it is a curse upon my body and soul. And yet now I find myself in the company of more mages," Fenris spat.
"I am no tevinter magister, and Merrill can handle herself," Hawke said pointedly.
"I can?" Merrill said, a bit surprised that Hawke had come to her defense. Upon realizing that her response did little to help Hawke's argument, she quickly blurted out, "I mean, of course I can!"
"A very reassuring response," Fenris said venomously. "It matters not, for all your tainted magic, I appreciate your help, and, should you have need of me, I am at your disposal."
"Are you sure? A moment ago you didn't seem so happy with me," Hawke replied.
"I am no fool; I know magic has its uses. And perhaps you are not some power hungry mage, but I have yet to decide that." Fenris responded evenly.
Hawke, Merrill, and Varric left the mansion on that note.
"Well, it's late and I think that's enough adventuring for today. You can both go home."
"I am not yet familiar with the city, I'm afraid I might get lost in all these streets," Merrill said.
"Well, we can all go to Lowtown and then drop Varric off at the Hanged Man. From there, I would be happy to walk you home."
"Before we go though Daisy, take this ball of twine. Tie it to something, and then follow it back when you head home. You'll be able to get around in no time," Varric added.
Merrill thanked both of them, and they began to make their way back to Lowtown.
By the time they arrived to the alienage Merrill was exhausted.
Stopping outside her door Hawke asked, "So, how was your first day of adventuring?" Hawke asked.
"It was all very exciting, though I admit I am extremely tired," Merrill replied.
"Trust me when I say you're not the only one," Hawke agreed, grinning.
"I shouldn't think so, slaying huge dragons and all," Merrill agreed.
Hawke laughed, and then said, "I do believe you've made a joke Merrill," He said, grinning.
Suddenly excited, Merrill asked, "Really?" Suddenly self conscious, she quickly asked, "Was it bad?"
"On the contrary no, it was not. Seems like Varric and I have begun to rub off on you," Hawke said proudly.
"Thank you, for standing up for me earlier," Merrill said suddenly.
"It was no problem, and besides, isn't that what friends are for?" Hawke said. "Well, its getting late, I better get back before mother worries to much, I'll see you tomorrow," Hawke said, waving goodbye before walking off.
Merrill smiled as she returned the wave, watching Hawke until he disappeared in the receding light..
A/N Sorry it took so long to update, I had most of it done for a while, just needed to polish it up. Anyways, I tried to address any concerns that you guys had in reviews. I appreciate all feedback.