[HeartsOfFire]

That's odd. My Merrill storyline went nothing like yours.

Merrill spoiler's within:

Spoiler!

I romanced Merrill in my game. I found her bashfulness and constant tripping over herself endearing. True, in my game she was absolutely devoted to restoring the mirror, and I was cautioning her all throughout given her association with demons and the displeasure of her clan, but I trusted her enough that I gave her the tool she requested.

In Act 4, she wanted to call upon the demon she was cavorting with to help her cleanse the taint in the mirror. She wanted my help. I agreed, but made it clear I thought it was a bad idea. Anders and Fenris both shared my opinion. Nevertheless, she was determined to see it through. Though she knew the risks, and made me promise that if the plan should backfire, that I strike her down.

We went to the top of Sundermount before the idol the demon was imprisoned in, but it was no longer there. Keeper Marathari then showed up and explained that to protect Merrill from her foolishness, she released the Demon and allowed it to possess her, imprisoning it within her own body. Unfortunately, this meant that the demon would surely go on a killing spree, so the party's hand was forced: Kill the Keeper Marathari to destroy the demon.

After the demon was killed, Merrill wept for the Keeper, and I gave her an earful about what her obsession cost her. She went on and on about how if there were to be any consequences to her action, she should be the one to pay it, not anyone else. A sentiment I personally agree with, but I explained to her that Keeper Marathari loved her, and couldn't bare to see her making the mistakes she was making.

Upon discovery of the Keeper's body and Merrill's tearful apology to the rest of the clan, she was permanently exiled. Had I not been there with her, she would've surely been executed, she told me.