Lavellan knew that he was treading waist-deep into murky territory better avoided, but there was something … inexplicable about Hawke that told him he had to. They may not be the same, or even close to it, but they had walked a similar path. Perhaps if he’d had more of an opportunity to speak to the last Inquisitor, he wouldn’t be seeking the wisdom of the Champion now. But as it was—"Now, though. Do you think he could be reached now, after everything that’s happened?"
This clearly brought Hawke pain. It was the least Lavellan could do to explain a bit about why he insisted on prodding such a fresh wound. "Ir abelas. I ask because I’m concerned about someone else. He thinks he fights for elves, but his methods will take the lives of so many innocents." He finished the rest of the ale and made a face. "I will stop him, but that might not be enough."
It made the elf wonder whether things might have played out differently had Merrill come to Skyhold. Would she have changed Solas’ perception of the world? Was there something Lavellan could have said that only she would’ve known? "We were too busy fighting a Fear demon to be tempted by anything. And I wouldn’t ask anything of your friends. They’re safer where they are." The elf would bet a fair amount of coin that Varric shared in that sentiment, too.