The sun is setting, making way for a gloomy evening. You are walking through the rundown Kirkwall Alienage, watching miserable city elves tend to Vhenadahl.

You enter Merrill's shack without a knock - there is no need. Except for you, no one bothers to visit her anyway.

Merrill is sitting on the floor before a giant mirror. She turns to you and tilts her head. "Ah, Hawke. Paying me a courtesy visit?" Her soft smile gives her away - she's glad to see you.