Henri launches into a doubtlessly embellished tale as they walk - from his and Talia's days as smugglers.

Merrill is a rapt audience, gasping in the appropriate places, bouncing excitedly, turning big, wide eyes of amazement on Henri.

Cia is a pretty good audience as well. Practice from listening to Anders.

Blaise listens, but also appears to be listening to everything around them.

Later, into the afternoon, they leave Kirkwall proper, heading up the steep path leading away from the Wounded Coast. 

Merrill, noticeably, stops talking. 

Blaise bites his lip - people don't like it when he echoes their thoughts out, especially not the negative ones.

Rae skips to catch up with Merrill, nudges their shoulders together in solidarity.

Blaise can feel regret, sorrow, longing- but most of all, anger. Defiance. 

Merrill smiles a little at Rae, and nudges her right back.

"We've got your back," Rae reminds her.

Merrill smiles at Rae. "I know."

Her face hardens as they get closer to the camp, and the two Dalish standing guard spotted her. 

"Thought we got rid of you!" One of them calls.

"I am still Dalish, whatever you think of me," Merrill says, and walks straight past them.

"You can't deny blood."

"It's her that has the problem denying blood," the guard says with a sneer. 

Defiance ripples over Raeli's skin, a sneer obvious in eir manner.

"-It's all too much. It's sickening. It's wrong. It's not. It's not."

The guards shrink back from Defiance, snarling. "She brings abominations and monsters and shems in her wake. And you blame us for being fearful."

"Charming, really. Anyway, we'll be about our business."

Ilska glares at that guards as she passes.

The guards glare at the group, but do not bar their progress. 

Merrill is already at the centre of the camp, mid-argument with a older elf, recognisable to Henri and Rae as the Keeper.

Defiance slides away, leaving Raeli.

"Keeper," she greets with a nod.

Cia tucks closer to Ilska's side.

Marethari nods at Raeli. "I feel as if we just spoke, Raeli," she says warmly. 

She looks behind her, to Henri. "And I suppose you're here to help Merrill with this foolishness?"

"You know me and Talia, always up for a little foolishness. But this is a favour for Karl and Blaise." He gestures to the boy.