missing one (1) really big qunari

[dalishious]

FORM: sending crystal
SENDER: Merrick
RECIPIENT: all y'all
WHAT: When you can't find a gigantic qunari you know something's up
WHEN: post-Halamshiral
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: sad elf

[ Well here's a voice you don't hear very often. In fact, this is the first time Merrick has addressed the network ever. Are nugs flying somewhere? It's important, though, because while he did make a posting about this, he doesn't feel like it's enough. He mumbles softly in a deep, heavily accented voice: ]

Someone is missing. His name is Metaari. He is a qunari, over two meters tall, with curled horns and-- violet eyes. We got separated at Halamshiral. He has not returned.

I'm going to go find him. But-- [ He says this with great difficulty. ] If anyone has any information about where he might be, tell me.

[ A pause. ]

Please.

Comments

[arlathvhen]

[ Naturally, Beleth's first concern is more Merrick-focused. ]

Merrick, are you alright? Do you need me to come over...?

[gatheringstorm]

[Korrin responds not too much later, weary but definitely concerned. Metaari was known to her--not well-known, but another qunari always catches her attention in Skyhold. They hadn't run into each other often, but she likes the guy nonetheless.]

Metaari? I didn't see him when we were there, sorry. But I'll ask around, see if anyone knows something.

[dalishious]

I have to go find him.

[ Yes Beleth, he probably does. ]

[arlathvhen]

Where are you?

[dalishious]

Korrin, he's--

[ His voice breaks. Damn it. This is why he never uses the sending crystal, he just can't keep the anxiety out of his voice. ]

[mythalenaste]

He's not answering the crystal?

[dalishious]

The battlements. Near the upper entrance to the tavern.

[dalishious]

No.

[ A deep, shuddering breath. ]

He'd answer me. He always answers me.

[mythalenaste]

He must have lost his crystal, that's all. Going to look for him will make it harder for him to find you.

[She finds it best to remain calm in these situations, or Merrick will feed off the other person's lack of calm and be even more upset.]

[gatheringstorm]

[That anxiety has Korrin gentling her voice not wanting to add to it.]

He's somewhere. His crystal could be broken, or whatever. We'll find out what's keeping him, promise. Just breathe, alright?

[dalishious]

I can track people easily. Both of us can. We have to find each other.

[arlathvhen]

Stay there, alright? I'm on my way.

[dalishious]

[ He just falls silent, waiting for her. When she arrives, he's perched on the parapet as usual, staring at the castle entrance as if expecting to see Metaari walk in at any moment. ]

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth doesn't say anything when she reaches Merrick. Instead, she just wrapped her arms around him, pressing a kiss to the side of his head. ]

Ir abelas, ma falon. He will return.

[samahl]

How can I help you look?

Crystal

[sunshinethroughgrey]

I ... haven't seen him, but we know people. I can send the word out, to keep an eye out for him.

[Meaning, she'd ask Carver, who was hiding someplace and had better access to all of Varric's contacts than she did..]

[dalishious]

[ Breathe. It's just like they're back in the Fallow Mire, and water has filled his lungs and he's gasping for air. In and out, Merrick. Don't have a panic attack. Don't-- ]

Fuck. Fuck--

[dalishious]

You don't. I'll go by myself.

[dalishious]

[ He's so surprised to hear Bethany that it actually takes him a second to reply. Wait for it... ]

Thanks.

[samahl]

You're joking.

[gatheringstorm]

You can do this, Merrick.

What helps you focus?

[dalishious]

He does.

[gatheringstorm]

[Oh, Merrick. Her heart breaks a little more, hearing that.]

You still have his dragon's tooth. It was made for times like this, so that no matter how far apart you are, you're still together. Focus on that. It's what helped me when Araceli...well, you get the idea.

Are you alone? [Not inviting herself -though she'd go if asked- so much as ensuring he has in-person support if he wants it.]

[sunshinethroughgrey]

[Oh Merrick, she can feel the pain, how much it costs.]

There is nothing to thank me for. Just let me know, what I can do to help.

[dalishious]

You're the one who bullshits, not me.

[ He's moving around the room, shoving things in a pack. ]

[samahl]

I'll go with you, Merrick. Don't leave without me. I'm on my way to our room right now.

[dalishious]

[ Merrick is taut in her arms, eyes still locked on the horizon. His hand finds the dragon tooth piece at his throat and he clutches it desperately. ]

I have to find him. He has to-- If he doesn't--

[dalishious]

You don't have to do anything.

[arlathvhen]

Lethallin.

[ She's not sure what the right words are to say. She's never experienced...any part of the path of distress that Merrick is currently embarking on. But she has to try to help, anyway. ]

You may search, if that eases your heart, but...If you are unsuccessful, please don't spend too long on it. Don't make it all you do. You have a life, and you have friends here, with or without him. Please don't leave that behind.

[ She sighs, resting her head against his shoulder. Stupid qunari. ]

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Have to? Perhaps not. Want to? Definitely.

[dalishious]

[ There's just some more harsh breathing, and a clattering noise as he drops the crystal. ]

[dalishious]

Just-- tell me if you learn anything. I'm leaving now to go search, and I'm not coming back until I find him.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

If I find out anything, at all, I will message you.

Please ... be careful.