Anders carefully took Ser Pounce-a-lot from Merrill and placed her on the bed. He leaned forward to hug Merrill. He didn't want to hurt her. Maybe a very small part of him wanted to hurt Hawke, but not Merrill. He couldn't blame her for being in love with Hawke.
"Merrill, I don't understand you. I come here and you call me a 'stupid head' and obviously don't want me here, and now you're begging me not to leave.
"This world is different from back home. No matter how far away I get I can come home within half an hour. I'll always be there if I'm needed."