One great fanfiction is 'Hawke and Merrill's Unlikely Bond'. It delves deep into their relationship, showing how Hawke's practical nature and Merrill's idealistic views often clash yet also draw them closer. The story has some really interesting dialogue that stays true to the characters' personalities from the game.
Love and acceptance are also prevalent themes. Their relationship may not be initially accepted by those around them. However, through their own experiences and growth, they learn to accept and love each other despite the odds. Fanfictions often show their journey towards this acceptance, whether it's Merrill being accepted by Hawke's family or Hawke being embraced by Merrill's elven community.
Male Hawke and Merrill's dynamic in fanfiction can be quite romantic. Merrill's fascination with the ancient elven lore and her determination to restore her people's heritage is something that Hawke can either fully support or be a bit hesitant about. Their interactions are filled with moments of tension and tenderness. For example, when Merrill faces opposition from the other mages or templars in Kirkwall, Hawke has to decide how far he will go to stand by her side.
There are several factors. First, the characters of Hawke and Merrill have a certain charm. Hawke can be a heroic figure, and Merrill has her own allure with her elven magic and innocence. In the game, their relationship is left with room for interpretation, which fanfiction writers love to fill. The Dragon Age universe offers a lot of lore and settings that can be used to create exciting scenarios for them. For example, the political intrigue in Kirkwall can be incorporated into stories about their relationship. Moreover, fans are often attached to these characters and want to see more of their story, which fanfiction allows.
One great place to find Dragon Age Hawke and Merrill fanfiction is on Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large collection with various themes and writing styles. You can also check FanFiction.net, though the tagging system might not be as detailed as AO3. Another option is to look for Dragon Age - specific forums where fans might share their works.
The lack of fully explored relationship in the original game also contributes to the popularity of their fanfiction. In the game, there are hints of a deeper connection between them, but it's not fully developed. Fanfiction writers can take these hints and build entire stories around them, whether it's about them falling in love, going on adventures together, or just being there for each other during difficult times in Kirkwall.
One common theme is friendship development. Since Hawke and Merrill are both interesting characters, many fanfics explore how their friendship grows over time. Another theme is adventure. Given the nature of the Dragon Age world, they often go on quests together in the fanfictions. Also, there's the theme of magic exploration as Merrill is a mage and Hawke might be involved in her magical pursuits in some fics.
Well, AO3 is a great resource. It has a well - organized tagging system. So if you search for 'Dragon Age 2' and then look for the tags related to Hawke and Merrill's relationship, you'll find a bunch of relevant fanfictions. Another option is Reddit. There are some Dragon Age - related subreddits where fans might share their own Hawke x Merrill fanfictions or recommend ones they've read.
Well, I really like 'The Redemption of Merrill in Hawke's Arms'. In this fanfiction, it shows how Hawke helps Merrill deal with the consequences of her actions regarding the Eluvian. It's a very emotional and in - depth exploration of their relationship. Then there's 'Hawke's Promise to Merrill' which is about Hawke making a vow to protect Merrill no matter what, and how that vow shapes their relationship as they face various challenges in Kirkwall.
You can start by looking on popular fanfiction websites like Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large and diverse collection of Dragon Age fanfics. Just use the search function and type in 'Dragon Age 2 Female Hawke and Merrill' and you'll get a bunch of results. Another option is FanFiction.net, though AO3 generally has a more organized tagging system for specific relationships like this one.