A/N: This is my first Dragon age fanfic. Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon age origin and any of its characters. I hope you enjoy the story i will try and do the game justice. I am rewriting the bulk of already finished chapters so I have deleted and reposting updated one, I will try to have them updated as quickly as possible Sorry for any grammar, spelling and formatting mistakes

-()-()-

Morning birds sung the song of spring, welcoming new life into the world. A warm breeze drifted pass warping itself around a young eleven woman resting in the high tree top. Through the rustling leaves she glimpses the edges of dawns first light, greeting Denerim. The city was crowed and dirty, off in the distance the royal palace stood as a beacon of wealth. The palace and its nobles put the common folk to shame, taunting people with their wealth and power. Corruption reined unchecked as guards turned blind eyes to the ones suffering. Here in the alienage no human could be trusted. Elves were poorest of the city citizens, suffering the most at the hands of the human nobles. Many women are forced into prostitution or are just raped on the street. This was no way to live to be in fear every day, getting very little joy or hope for a better future.

Resting her head against the cool trunk she left her eyes drift shut. Letting her body relax and opening her senses she felt the thrum of life through the tree. She could hear the scuttling of the squirrels running across the branches. For a brief moment she drifted off into another world, a place free of fear and hatred. In her mind she could hear sweat whispers, someone calling for her. When she dreamed the voices were stronger. Singing to her, letting her name Revas drift through the air. She was no mage but somehow the voices kept her mind clear enough to be awake and aware inside the fade. In the distance of the fade she could a forest it always called to her. No matter how fast she ran she could never get close. The fade always trapped her on an island, hovering over the other worlds. Revas could never see into the other islands, they were always covered by a fog. However there was one that always stayed clear to her. Floating close to hers she would watch its world change each night. Peering as close as she could, Revas could never make out its occupant. Is it someone dream or a realm of spirits? Some nights she would close her eyes and sing to herself, the fade seemed to react to her song. She could feel the ground become soft as newly grown grass, she could hear birds singing in the distance. She could feel someone watching her. Revas would open her eyes and for the brief second and would see a small river and a thick fog off across from it.

Jolting awake she clutched onto the branch as the tree shook. Down below Elven were preparing for today wedding ceremony. Rolling her eyes she watched as they darted around, setting up the stage and seats. Relaxing again she traced her small wooden pendent of a hawk on her necklace. Her mother had carved it for her, the whisper of her mother voice echoed in her mind "Andruil, the goddess of the hunt. She will protect you". When she was young Revis mother taught her the way of the Dalish, their language, tradition, history and their gods. Her mother used to be in a Dalish clan until humans attacked them in the dead of night. She was only just coming to age when her parents were killed. Fleeing into the forest she lived off the land until she reached Denerim. Her mother believes that the goddess Mythal blessed her with her encounter with Revas father. He took her in and fell in love. When Revas came of age mother taught her the ways of the rouge. She learnt to be one with the shadows and wield a bow better than any of the Kings most honored hunters. Wafting into the air the smell of sweet breads made her nervous stomach growl. Slowly slipping into the alienage courtyard the sunlight began to awaken other residence. Father will be awake soon. Sighing she pressed her hand against the flat of the branch "vhenadahl shelter me on this journey I must take. Creators please give me guidance to face the unknown" Taking a deep breath she stood and leapt off the branch onto the close roof tops.

-()-()-

With the noon sun warming the world below the alienage burst with life and song. Men and women sung a merry song as young girl showed off their best dress. The city elves had few moments to celebrate and to feel merry. The traditional spring wedding was the high point for many, saving what little they had to honor the bride and groom with gifts and blessing. Inside a dark room, Revas sat, nervously playing with a small piece of fabric. Her world felt numb and unnatural, as the sounds of celebration became faint. Today was her wedding day, she was to be given to a man she had never met, the idea infuriated her. She never wanted this, is wanted a simple and free life with the Dalish. Turning she gazed at a small painting of her mother, "How can I refuse father of this happiness?" Since her mother's death Revas had fought to keep father happy. For a long time he was a broken man, a shell without the woman he loved. Revas feared that he would to leave this world to be with her in the fade. As time passed his wounds slowly healed but she found that he could never look at her the same.

"you look just like your mother" he would say with empty eyes

Revas knew her father loved her but she could never be a replacement for her mother. The elders would say "When a love bird loses their mate, they tend to lose their will to continue on" Revas hoped for the day she could have a love that strong. The day when the wedding offer came, her father seemed to light up. He accepted it without a moment's thought, Is he happy to never see me again and happy that I can leave this sad place? The thought plagued her she wanted to refuse, to run away but how could she crush his happiness.

Picking up one of her mother's journals she flicked through the pages until she found the map of Brecilian Forest. Tracing her fingers over the sketches of the trees she felt her heart break. Sighing she closed the book, Today is the end of that dream she thought glumly. Suddenly her bedroom door swung open and her cousin Shianni stumbling in, "not ready yet? Come on your groom is meant to arrive in the next hour. You need to be ready"

Revas smiled weakly, "I must of lost track of time"

Shianni eyes darted towards the book in her hand she sighed, "reading your mothers journal again? I know you miss her and we all wish she was here to see..."

"To see me marry a complete stranger" Revas snapped. Taking a step back Shianna was surprised at the sudden outburst. Rubbing her temples, Revas sighed, "Abelas Shianna, I am just not ready for this"

Raising a brow the Elven word Shianna smiled "I understand how you feel"

No you don't Revas thought bitterly as she forced herself to smile, "well at least the people will have something to be happy about, Creator knows they need it." Glancing at the chest next to her bed Revas stood up, "Since you are here mind helping me get ready?

Smiling Shianna strolled to the over to a chest pulling out Revas wedding dress. It wasn't the most elegant dress, it was white and had vines stitched in around the hem intertwining and forming the vhenadahl in the middle, small jewels were scattered around the top of it. The white dress did little to brighten her mood, even with her lightly tanned skin the dress made her look pale. Her hair long brown hair was the only thing that stood out. Snatching up a hair brush Shianna began to style Revas hair into a neat braid.

Sighing inwardly Revas gazed down at the dress. This was her mothers wedding dress, she sowed it herself when her father proposed. Revas dreamt of wearing this on her wedding day. But now it just fill her with dread, this forced marriage had tarnished this dream as well.

There was a light knock on her door as her father, Cyrion slowly entered the room. He was smiling from ear to ear and for a moment Revas heart fluttered.

"Revas you look beautiful just like your mother"

Hugging her father she took this rare smile in, "ma seranas father"

Her father smiled, "ma'arlath emm'asha"

Revas laughed, "You have been practicing Elvish?"

"Oh course how else would I know what you and your mother were talking about"

Cleaing her throat Shianna glared at them, "well umm excuse me could you please keep it in English for those who don't speak Elvish"

Chuckling Revas smiled, "Abelas..." pausing "I mean i'm sorry"

Waving it off Shianna rolled her eyes, "anyway I will give you two some privacy. I'm off to join the others"

Cyrion smiled, "try not to drink too much" Shianna laughed as she exited the room.

Revas smiled at her father, "so has my groom arrived?"

"Yes he has"

"Well then I guess I should go and meet him" Revas moved to leave but her father snatched her arm.

He looked down at her sadly, "I am sorry Revas. I know this wasn't your idea or what you wanted"

She said nothing as she tried to keep her smile from disappearing.

"I know you have given up your dreams for our family and I..."

Stopping him with a light touch Revas weakly smiled, "I have no regrets about this." She was lying but she needed to ease her father guilt and pain, "I love you and I would do all of this again just to see you happy"

Hugging her once more, "Thank you" Cyrion whispered before clearing his throat and putting on a smile, "well your husband to be is waiting for you. Try not to confuse him with the Elven language and please don't scare him with all the rouge talents your mother taught you."

Revas chuckled, "I'll try not to"

"Nelaros is a nice man I hope you like him"

"I am sure I will love him" she said before leaving to face her new life.

-()-()-

.

Blood there was blood everywhere; Shianna shook uncontrollably in her arms. Revas rested her cousin head on her chest and began to rock her, "shoo, it's okay, it's over" staring at the dead human nobleman in front of her she felt her cousins hot tear soak into her clothes. Everything happened so quickly, the ceremony had begun when the drunken noble pricks barged in. They took Revas and her bridesmaids, throwing them into a dark dungeon. The other girls screamed and cried in the cell, they all knew what was going to happen. The guards came and took Shianna that when everything became a blur. Before Revas knew she had fought her way through the castle and into the master bedroom. Screaming and thrashing on the bed Shianna tried to fight back, the man was to strong. Ripping her legs open he positioned himself over her. Releasing an arrow Revas watched as it buried itself into the man's arm. Throwing the bow to one side she lunged at him, tackling him to the ground. Begging for his life he offered her gold, she spat at his request.

"How dare you try and bribe me" she snarled

"You kill me and the guards will hunt you down"

"You think I am scared of you pathetic shems" Revas felt her heart pound in her chest, Shinanna whimpered behind her. Spitting blood up at her Revas just saw red. Ripping a dagger out of her pocket she plunged it into his heart.

Crying harder into her arm Revas, shook herself out of the memory, "We need to leave, can you walk?" Her cousin couldn't find the words, only nodded in response. Standing Revas let Shinanna put most of her weight on her. Their progress through the castle was slow as Shinanna legs quivered and buckled more than she liked. Glancing down at her, "did he finish in you?"

Shaking her head, "no he didn't"

"Good, we will still get the healers to give you some roots"

Sniffing, tears trickled down her cheek, "the guards will hang you for this Revas"

Her heart dropped, "I know but I couldn't let them do this"

"You killed him"

"Less than he deserved" She snarled. Approaching the exit Revas forced Shinanna to look at her, "Get to the alienage, find the healers and father. Please apologies for me and no matter what please stay strong. You cant let these shems take your happiness. They may be able to crush our physical bodies but not our spirits" Squinting at the light as the door opened, Revas spotted the approaching guards, "Go Shinanna I will distract them"

Nodding Shinanna stayed in the shadows slowly moving around the approaching guards. Removing the quiver of arrows Revas kneeled placing her hands behind her head. Cautiously watching the guards surround her, she noticed a bearded man standing to the side of the armed guards. He was different; an unnatural aura surrounded him. Before she could react the pommel of a sword struck the back of her head.

Elven language:

Revas: Freedom

ma'arlath (MAR-lath): I love you

emm'asha (ehm-AH-shah): my girl

Lethallin; Lethallan (leth-ah-LEEN; leth-ah-LAHN): Casual reference used for someone with whom one is familiar. Lethallin is used for males, while lethallan is used for females.

ma seranas: You have my gratitude.

Abelas (ah-BEY-lahs): Sorrow. Also used as an apology.