Have you ever read about the Five Love Languages? It’s a breakdown of five distinct types of affection and which one(s) are most comfortable/used by certain individuals. In Merrill’s case, I feel that the biggest two are physical affection and a desire for quality time. Fingertips entwined in hair, soft touches on the cheek, gentle whispers against lips — those are all very “Merrill”. The same goes for non-romantic relationships; expect big hugs and cuddles if you’re a close friend! However, it doesn’t stop at physical contact. She also shows affection by offering her undivided attention to those she cares about. She values togetherness in her relationships and hopes to show just how very special the receiving person is by spending lots of time with them. 

Merrill has a broken geode fragment that she recovered from the old ruins where Tamlen disappeared. It caught her eye even in the relative darkness, the torchlight causing the tiny crystals to glitter and shine, and she tucked it into her pouch alongside the shard from the Eluvian.

I think Merrill’s hair would go grey in delicate, wispy streaks. Subtle enough at first, but quite obvious over time as more and more grey peppered her dark hair. 

Fingertips stained a deep purple-red from the sweet treat plucked straight off the bush. A trickle of juice, the prickle of a thorn — you pick up another from the sun-warmed basket and sigh, contented in the tartness that reminds you of your old home. Of the earth. Of the summer. Of simpler times. 

"I — don’t think so? Unless you’re the one who was complaining about me picking flowers from your garden…but if so, Varric told me to tell you that I definitely was not doing that, even though I was.”

☁ - If they’re caught out in the rain how do they react?

Merrill loves everything about rain. The way it trickles down her face, mixing with the sweat on her skin, making her feel alive and new. The way the earth smells sweeter after the storm passes, everything fresh and somehow greener. The quiet swell of it pattering down on the dirt, or the loud pounding of it against the jagged rocks of Sundermount. All of it triggers “home” in her, every drop of water purging the stifling negativity and rejuvenating her passion for life - past and present. So, when Merrill is caught in the rain, she does exactly what she feels is right; she lets it wash over her until she is absolved. 

✓ - How do they react to praise? 

Oh my, Merrill and praise are a recipe for a bumbling disaster. It’s a rare thing for Merrill to be congratulated for what she does - after all, blood magic and obsession with ancient artefacts aren’t exactly high on the “praise-worthy” list. However, when she is complimented, she is known to turn pink and start rambling nonsense until the other party finds a way to calm her down. 

✕ - How do they handle rejection? 

Rejection is no stranger to Merrill. She has spent most of her life being shunned and isolated in one way or the other - by her clan, by the elves in the Alienage, and to some extent, by her friends in the Kirkwall crew. It would be going too far to say she is used to it, because honestly, how does one ever “get used to” being tossed aside? More accurately, she endures it in stride, but it still stings like an old scab being reopened time and time again. 

☮ - Do they have an idol or someone they look up to?

Merrill looks up to nearly all of her friends for one reason or another. Isabela is interesting, bursting with sex appeal and tales of her adventures out on the sea. Hawke is strong, both in body and mind, and it never ceases to amaze Merrill just how stable they can be amidst the constant chaos. Anders’ dedication and passion reflects Merrill’s own, although the other mage will never see that comparison, and he serves as a silent reminder to Merrill that she must persevere despite the opinions of others. Fenris is powerful - he can command a room just by entering the doorway and Merrill envies that effortless confidence. Varric is warm and fiercely loyal, traits Merrill deeply respects, and he always seems to know what to do, whether that be knowing the right thing to say or the right buttons to push. All in all, there are bits and pieces of everyone she knows that she respects and wishes she could be more like.