Tabs frowns harder. “No, this is it. Next to the stall in the corner. Always was.”

Stubbornly, she marches up to the now closed door, and knocks on it. 

She continues to try to appear smaller, and awkwardly waits besides her.

....and tries not to bounce in excitement.

A young girl comes to the door, her bushy black hair tucked behind a pointed ear. “Hello?”

“Hi, sweetheart. We’re looking for Merrill? She’s a Dalish, like me. Is she in there?” 

The girl nods, and disappears.

Soon, a very familiar face is at the door, big green eyes staring at Tabs and Anya with undisguised interest. 

“Hello. I’m Merrill. I’m afraid I don’t know you? You’re not from the clan are you? They must’ve taken in new people, but I haven’t been around in a while- sorry. I’m rambling.”

Tabs is smiling so hard her face is hurting. 

“Its okay! I’m a rambler too, ask anyone. No, I’m not from Sabrae. I’m from Lothorian, in the Dales. I’m Tabs. That’s my friend, Anya.”

!!!!!!

"Am Anya! Hi! Oh, wow, you're adorable. Hi!"

A fierce, bright blush spreads along Merrill’s cheeks. “Oh! That’s...that’s very kind. You’re adorable too? Is that okay? Can I say that to humans? Hawke’s been trying to explain things to me, but I haven’t spoken to many people who aren’t him or his friends or the clan-“

"You can totally say that. Especially since I'm the one that started it. Pretty sure that's universal in flirt-speak."

Merrill giggles. 

“Oh, flirting? That’s nice. That’s, um, that’s lovely! You’re very sweet!”

She gets pushed out of the way suddenly, and two elves apologise as they rush past her. “It’s okay! Good luck at work!”

“Is everything all right? You have a lot of people coming in and out.”

“Oh. Yes, it’s, um, houses in the Alienage, they’re a little cramped. Not a lot of space for a lot of elves.”

"Ah. We probably shouldn't be asking for a place to stay then."

“A place to-?”

Tabs bites her lip. “Yeah. I’d heard that there was a Dalish living here and was hoping we might be able to stay with you? Just until we can find something a little more permanent.”

“Of course you can stay! There’s a communal living space in the middle, or you can stay in my room! Don’t be silly, we all have to look out for each other.”

"Me being human isn't a problem?"

"Not to me! Though, I can't speak for the other elves. They haven't been treated kindly."

"Funny that. When you restrict people to living in only one small space, they start to resent you." 

Tabs wraps an arm around Anya's waist. "It's okay, babe. You're with me. I have clout."

"That's... super fair. Also, relatable. Being imprisoned in a Circle Tower isn't the same... but I can relate a little." The memories of her 'life' are a little vague, but still present.

“You’re from a Circle? My frie- well. Hawke’s friend is from a Circle! He’s very angry about it though.”

Tabs does not react. 

"Fairly. Most people's experience in a Circle is... very of the not good." She does not look at Tabs and sidesteps the Anders Thing. "You mentioned 'Hawke' before. Should we know him?"

“Oh! He’s quite famous! Well, I’m certain circles. He was a mercenary for a bit. I don’t really know much about it. We became friends a few months ago. He brought me here. He’s nice!”

"Sounds like you're making friends just fine to me."