I have totally not kept up with this thread and I have no idea what's going on!! I did finish Merrill for DragonCon though, here are a few shots:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/3279993/
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/3279766/
The chainmail...I am really happy with the way it looks, but that is the most uncomfortable costume I have every worn. Worse than Leliana, worse than my sawblade mannequin O-o I will not wear Merrill again without some major modifications, so we'll see what happens for next years DragonCon ^^