Prologue: To Whom Much is Given…

9:05 Dragon - Ostwick

Lightning pierced the dark of night illuminating angry, steel-grey clouds over the city of Ostwick. Thunder roared through the sky reverberating through rooftops, its deep throated growls gripping the hearts beneath them with fear and setting nerves aflame. Alley cats and rats alike ran for cover as torrential rain hammered the cobbled streets. Only an intrepid or desperate soul would venture into such a night when others would stay close to home and hearth, fire-warmed and safe.

Cloaked against the squall, a single, lithe form bearing a small bundle and supported only by a tall staff moved furtively among the shadows of the city proper. Occasionally ducking into doorways or under low-hanging eaves to escape the downpour, the form darted to its target destination, pulled the house bell chain and rapped an urgent cadence on the massive red doors of a grand house.

Swiftly one thick door opened to reveal the estate's chamberlain. Bidding the figure enter and fighting the door closed, the bluff, stocky seneschal pivoted to assist his unexpected guest. "Good evening, Valen! It's wonderful to see you! Welcome back to House Trevelyan. What business is so pressing as to bring you out on a night such as this?"

"Well met, Ser Karl." Calmly, a single hand pushed back the rain-drenched cowl and an urbane, familiar voice answered, "It is good to see you too. My visit, however, must be short. I must speak with Bann Aldric posthaste."

Taking in the pale face marked with light sienna vallaslin and the compelling golden eyes fixed on him, the seneschal nodded toward the entry to a nearby room. "You must be freezing. You're welcome to warm yourself in the study. I'll let his grace know you're here."

"Ma serannas. Assure him of the urgency of my errand. I am needed elsewhere and this cannot wait."

The study fireplace blazed with a freshly fueled fire. Valen took a few precious moments to simply stand in the blessed heat. Muttering a quick incantation, his belongings steamed as they rapidly dried in the accelerated warmth. His quick eyes scanned the room and landed on a large empty basket. With careful hands and a gentle touch he deposited the elegantly wrapped bundle he carried into it and placed it near the soft glow of the hearth.

"Valen!" Bann Aldric's deep voice greeted him. Striding toward the elf, he extended his hand and smiled. "It's been far too long. You are most welcome and just in time for dinner! But what brings you out on such a wretched evening?"

Valen clasped the Bann's muscular arm, "Your generosity is as unstinting as I remember, Aldric. Unfortunately, I cannot stay for long." Eyes veiled with sympathy, the elf gestured to the hearth. "I regret that I bear ill news - but I hope what I bring will be a blessing for you." Valen bowed his head, gathering his thoughts, then focused his gaze on the Bann. "I am sorry, my friend. Fara is a year gone from fever. Before her passing, my sister asked that I watch over her legacy, but I can no longer fulfill this duty. My people need me and I must go."

Aldric's eyes filled as the words cut deep. "Fara? Gone? And legacy… what legacy?"

Leading the noble to the hearth, Valen stooped and recovered the bundle. "This – is her legacy." The elf pulled back a corner of the richly embroidered cloth and placed a swaddled baby in his arms. "Her name is Sian. She is Fara's child – and yours."

The stunned Bann gazed at the sleeping countenance of his newly discovered child. The babe slept, undisturbed by being deposited in her father's arms, the noise of the tempest or the presence of either man. Her raven hair gleamed in the firelight. Eyes shut, her long dark lashes lay stark against the pale complexion of her face and her tiny brow seemed knit together in dreamy thought.

"She favors you both – does she not?" Valen softly ventured.

"Indeed," Aldric agreed as he wept and tenderly stroked the child's cheek. "She's beautiful. She has her mother's skin and hair – and apparently my ears… "

"Yes, and your fair eyes as well," Valen remarked with a wry grin. "The children of our unions always favor their human parent's form." Sighing, he continued. "I suppose in this age it is for the best and may prove to be an advantage."

"She never told me. I never knew we had a child. Why? Why did she keep her from me?" The Bann looked up, his temples and jaw glistening. "And – why would your people allow this? Why didn't you come to me sooner?"

The elf searched the man's face. "She knew you could never be together. Fara loved this child as she loved you. She wanted to keep some piece of you, Aldric, at least for a time. She petitioned the Council and because of your kindnesses to us – because of your discreet protection of our people, they honored her request. Fara's intent was that she come of age among my people. When she died, I took Sian in and I have cared for her as my own. But I must go. I brought her to you with the hope that you will claim her and give her a home."

"She is of my blood – and of my love. Of course I claim her, I have no doubt of the truth of your words, Valen." Aldric inspected the child's face, "Does she - is she… a mage?"

"No – she will have other talents." Valen chuckled as he noted the tenderness and concern in the Bann's face. "She carries the blood and spirit of her mother. We have given her as many of the gifts of our kind as can be passed to one so small. Of course, many she will have to grow into without our guidance - for she is not meant to walk the path of my people. But nonetheless, I believe she will find greatness among her father's kind."

"Thank you for bringing her to me. She will always have a home here." Aldric returned Valen's gaze, "And what of you, my friend? You will go with your people. Will I ever see you again?"

"Not in this life. Perhaps in dreams... " Valen vaguely replied, reaching over his back to retrieve the weapon strapped there. "This sword belonged to our father and now belongs to Sian. Give it to her when she comes of age." Then he unclasped an amulet from his neck, "This is my own protection rune. It will give her life and help in the years to come. It is my final gift to her." Gently Valen placed the necklet on the baby's blanket and kissed her forehead. "Dareth shiral, ma vhenan."

"What will I tell her, Valen? … Of you? … Of Fara - of your people?"

"I cannot foresee the future and you now shoulder the responsibility of raising her. You must make that decision, my friend. She carries the blessing of my people – no doubt it will bear her to us in time." Pulling his cloak on, the elf shrugged, then clasped the noble in a brotherly embrace. "Farewell Aldric, may your god bless you and this little one."

As swiftly as he had arrived, Valen took his leave. Aldric watched from the doorsill as the cloaked elf vanished into the darkness and fog of the relenting storm. Quietly latching the door, the Bann returned to the study to begin the task of raising his daughter and mourning for his lost love.

XXX

9:41 Dragon – Kirkwall

Cassandra hated waiting. The Seeker shifted with impatience, her fingers drumming a cadence on the hilt of her sword as a cloaked figure emerged from the crowd at the city docks. Arms lifted and delicately dropped the deep hood to reveal a face she knew and loved.

"Galyan?" She whispered the name as a prayer, her eyes incredulous.

"You got my message! It's good to see you, Cassandra." Galyan stepped forward and opened his arms.

Without a moment's hesitation the Seeker stepped into the warmth and affection of his embrace. The two lingered, then parted. With a gentle touch the mage lightly held her arm and directed her aside.

"It's been too long." Gazing meaningfully into her eyes, he seemed to be staring directly into her soul as a balmy sea breeze ruffled his hair. Sighing deeply, he mused aloud. "When this insanity is over we need to have a long talk."

The years, it seemed, had failed to erase the comfortable short-hand shared by the close friends and sometime lovers. In that single glance, the tone of his voice and the subtle shift of his body, Cassandra perceived his intent and felt her own hopes rise.

Since her elevation to Right Hand of the Divine and his promotion to full Enchanter their duties had taken them far from each other. The few stolen moments of their youthful past were like wellsprings for the Seeker's sanity. She came to rely on the memories of each and every one in the performance of her tasks as the Right Hand. In her daily life and duties she was often called upon to make swift, hard, sometimes violent decisions - to be the Sword of the Divine. But with Regalyan she revealed her softer, caring self, the part that dared to dream of family and a place to call home. In his arms she was no longer a sword – but simply a woman. She allowed herself the fleeting thought that maybe this time he would stay - if only for one night.

Out of habit she drank deeply from his presence, drawing on all of her senses to record every detail for safekeeping. "I would like that." She murmured.

With his staff he gestured toward the open waters of the Waking Sea. "Most Holy knew you wouldn't be pleased with the arrangements for the mages' security so she asked me to step in." Playfully, he added, "Of course, I would do anything within my power to make you happy so I agreed to meet them in Haven."

Lightly Cassandra smacked his arm and snorted. "Clearly. I have been elated that your travels have kept you from me these past years."

An irrepressible grin painted his mouth. "Exactly. I wouldn't want you to think I was easy."

The Seeker could not keep herself from smiling. "Well, I happen to know that you are – easy. But I will let that pass for now." Eyes narrowed she pointedly asked, "Where have you been? If I didn't know better – I would say you smell of wet dog."

"What a keen nose you have!" The mage teased, his eyes twinkling. "I don't suppose you would believe it if I said Antiva City or Starkhaven?"

"Ugh – as childish as ever." Cassandra crossed her arms and fixed him with a mock glare.

"No?" Galyan laughed, then leaned to her and whispered in her ear. "Well – then I will confess that I have been in Ferelden issuing invitations to the Divine's Conclave."

Dropping her defenses, the excited Seeker grasped his upper arms. "Were they accepted?"

Beaming outrageously, he answered triumphantly. "Yes!"

"That is a relief!" Cassandra impulsively pecked his cheek. "Are you able to sta…?"

Pressing his fingers to her lips he stilled her tongue, and as happened so many times upon meeting – dashed her hopes. "Cassandra, I leave with the tide. " Nodding to a well-appointed sloop at the pier, he continued. "My passage is booked on that ship. But, you are attending the Conclave, right? So, I will see you in Haven."

The Seeker cast her eyes to the ground and sighed heavily. "Evidently, that must suffice. Leliana is due back tonight. We will not be far behind you."

Gently, Galyan took her hand and drew her into his arms. "There. See, we both have something to look forward to."

Cassandra noted the sloop's sailors preparing the ship to cast off and realized that their brief visit was swiftly drawing to a close. She felt her heart clench in her chest. "I know you must go. However, I will hold you to the promise of that conversation." Not trusting herself with deeper sentiment, she simply held him, breathing the scent of his robes and absorbing his presence. Tears threatening, she bade him farewell. "Maker go with you. Take care of yourself. I will find you in Haven."

"Seems I must – and He will. I'll see you soon." His eyes danced impishly as he caressed her scarred cheek and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. She heard his faint whisper at her ear as he held her close. "Goodbye, my love." Then, he was gone.