The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Helene Dakesh]

"Are we satisfied in this matter?" asks Helene politely. "This one does not wish to overtax your truthsayer."

[NPCs]

"Merrill?" Elder Marthuc waits a beat, then repeats himself. "Merrill... are there any other... is there anyone else that has committed a crime against you? Anything... as bad or... worse than... what you've already said today?"

[Merrill]

Her mind fills with memories. Shoves, slaps, kicks and outright blows. Of being cheated out of food or other wages for work done. Of having her things taken, ruined. Of being humiliated and shamed, insulted and broken. "...no," she whispers. Nothing is worse than what was already said, because it was all done to her. Today's crimes affected Little Shine and Carol.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian frowns, watching Merrill's face. "Have any crimes been committed against you that... that would be worse if they were done to someone who mattered? Someone like Elder Jorim?" 

[NPCs]

Blossomsong starts to repeat Merrill's whispered answer but stops at Marian's question. Merrill licks her lips, not sure how to answer that- or if she should even try. After a long moment, Elder Marthuc clears his throat. "Merrill... has anyone else ever tried to kill you?" Merrill thinks a moment then shakes her head. "How about seriously injury you? Anything that might have broken a bone, burnt you... poison or a deep cut?"

[Merrill]

"Davon... Davon tried to shoot me with his bow. They were bird arrow though, so... it wouldn't kill a person," she whispers. "Teetok broke my arm once, when I ate some berries from his land. Silverlea held me underwater until I passed out."

[Haliel Lightsong]

A flood of soft golden light that is felt, not seen, covers the clearing and Lightsong bursts into a deep steely light. "Where. Are. They?" the paladin demands in a voice like iron bells.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene starts, suddenly, understanding. "The flower," ne says, glancing at Varric. "Surrounded by thorns."

[Varric]

Varric gives ne a blank look for a second, then nods crisply. Well, that nails it shut, as if it wasn't already dipped in lead. She's coming with us, gods preserve her.

[NPCs]

With Marian- and Carol and Hunter- offering comfort and support, Merrill is able to mumble out some more names. The six names already given for attempted murder or serious injury are joined by four others for less crimes. Mostly horrible levels of bullying, Marian is at least proven wrong in her fears that the elf maid was raped. Sexually humiliated, yes, but not raped. She's been stripped naked a few times and made to scramble to find clothes- a cruel prank made worse by her homelessness. One of the older males in the village spanked her bare ass as punishment when his wife hired her to do chores, but he was able to say under Truthing that it was non-sexual. Painfully, Merrill doesn't even react to him saying, 'who the fuck would look at her and be aroused? Freakishly odd thing that she is, all bones and big eyes.'

Once all the charges are made, most of the party heads back to camp, escorted by the bard, who introduces himself as Roland. Lightsong stays behind however, coldly stating her intent of ensuring this is all handled properly in person. Merrill is completely overwhelmed and exhausted, curling up under the cart with Little Shine and Hunter and silently sobbing herself to sleep.

[Marian Hawke]

As Beth and Shiori volunteer to get the supplies they'll need -- being the least, uh, disliked of the group -- Marian, Helene and Varric set about preparing lunch. Marian manages to make some flatbread to go with the simple stew she pulls together, and they sit to let it simmer, Helene pulling out a book.

Marian sits beside her mentor, after prodding at the stew once more. After a few minutes, she slumps over, resting her head against Helene's shoulder. Helene shifts a bit, and Marian slides down, the girl resting her head on the Seeker's leg. 

"..Do I sound like Merrill?" asks Marian, quietly.

[Varric]

"...about just swallowing the shite that's put on your plate because of your parents? Yeah, a bit," Varric says bluntly. "You're more resigned to her defeated, that's more Carol, but it's close." Please tell me this is actually sinking in. That you're finally realizing this is wrong.

[Marian Hawke]

"It just... I didn't think... It seems like there's two kinds of people, people like me and people like Beth. But... isn't that what Merrill's saying? That there's garbage like her or me, and people like everyone else? That we deserve... but hearing her say it makes me angry. I want to stab everyone who hurt her."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Yes," says Helene. "Anger is the reaction this one feels is most appropriate to your situation."

[Varric]

"I normally prefer a more nuanced approach to vengeance or justice, but... sometimes stabbing someone and stuffing their head in a bucket is just too satisfying to pass up." He doesn't so much as glance at Helene as he makes his observation.