Prologue:

Matthias Trevelyan is my name. I am a Free Marcher born and raised in the peaceful quaint city of Ostwick of the Free Marches.

I am the youngest child born into the main branch of the Trevelyan family bloodline amongst siblings of four, with myself included. My father Bann Trevelyan, the head of the Trevelyan Clan, and my dear loving mother, Lorene Trevelyan are pious people that follow the Andrastian faith.

The Trevelyan noble family have been inexplicably involved and been part of the chantry for many centuries, since the early days of our ancestors, maybe just after when the Tevinter Emperium were driven out and Holy Andraste had spread the chant across most of half of Southern Thedas.

Many family members of the Trevelyan line, those not intended to inherit any important family title, devote themselves to be part of either the chantry or the templar order. Whether they believed it was their duty or not, this grand tradition of the Trevelyan clan has been upheld for ages. The tradition and practise has scarcely been broken. It has been part of the expectation and responsible a Trevelyan must follow. This is our family's unspoken oath to serve the Maker and his bride, Andraste.

As part of the main family branch, my siblings and I have to be the core example and representatives of our family, and follow the expectations. As the youngest child, I knew my place well in the family order and I was proud because it felt like it was my duty as being a Trevelyan. I am proud being a Trevelyan.

My mother knew it was to be expected of her children, but she loved us too much and not wanting to see us devote the rest of our lives to the Chantry and Andraste. She is a believer and follower of the faith but she wanted us to do more. She wanted us to live a life, a life outside the Chantry bounds and to see the world. There was a lot out there for us to experience.

She managed to convince my sister to marry a minor Nevarran noble, a wealthy merchant, instead of her becoming a chantry sister. My sister was able to live a life outside Ostwick and beyond the borders of the Free Marches. And so far she seem to be fairly happy with how it went.

My father wasn't too pleased with the arrangement, but he could never deny my mother anything she wanted. She had a will harder than iron or steel. And my father isn't an easy man to persuade. His will is also known to be tough as dragon hide, but it can't be said he didn't love his wife. Only with her will he buckle under and allow to soften his harden edges.

If there was anyone in my family that has the equal and matching stubbornness of my mother is my older brother Glen, the second son. He trained most of his life into becoming a templar. He felt it was his duty since he has the skills of a good swordsman. My mother tried her best to marry him off but he refused and continued training under the approval eye of my father.

Stephan, the eldest, he wasn't expected to follow this path. He had to inherit the title as head of the family from father. So he remained with the family learning to becoming lord of the Trevelyan household. Mother was more than happy to find him a suitable bride, sweet and dear Anna.

As for me, it had been quite a battle and there were doubts I could become a templar. As the youngest son of the three, I had to become part of the chantry. This grand family tradition had another purpose. It supposedly helps to quell sibling rivalry and disputes of inheriting the family title. I had to become a templar or join and be a brother of the chantry. All so I won't be of any threat to Stephan's claim as the future family head.

The huge problem was that for most of my childhood I was a sickly child. I spent a large part of my early life in bed, often stricken with a fever or sudden bursts of dizziness. Physically I was weak and wouldn't make a very affective templar. The healers suspect my condition could be due to my white hair and light blue eyes, but they could never explain fully why.

My mother often kept me within the family estate, tending to me as if a delicate piece of glass. Even when on the rare occasion I wasn't so sickly and was healthy enough to go outside. She wouldn't allow me to go outside to the gardens and play with my other siblings. All simply because she feared I could get sick again, which was a regular occurrence.

I hated staying indoors. I felt confined, even at times caged. As a child I found it unfair that I was kept in however my siblings were allowed outside and I was not. Even very young, I found ways to escape, and often had little help from my sister. I needed the air, couldn't stay cooped up all the time.

On one of my many escapades, I once got myself lost in the forest that bordered the south of Ostwick city. I was lost for two days but was found by a Dalish clan. Their keeper healed my wounds and returned me home. She did even more than that for me, using knowledge she still retained from the days of Arlathan before its fall. She helped explain my condition. I was weak to a large amount of sunlight.

She informed my parents my condition can be managed as long as I was cautious with exposure to sunlight, ate the right foods and drank the right potions, it could be manageable, I would get less sickly and in time hopefully when I grew older the affect wouldn't be as severe as when as it was when I was a child. It could all most disappear even in some cases.

Her suggestions worked and became sickly not as regularly. Over time I did become a little stronger physically. I could play outside more often. Though my mother stills worries for me and prattles about every scrapes and bruises I earned while wrestling with my older brothers in the garden. Mother often scolded them for being careless, and as the cheeky child that I was, I would tell her off because I didn't understand her insistences of still keeping me always locked inside the home. My brothers found it amusing at how I could get mother frustrated in my refusal to remain inside the family house and be a bit of a brat.

I still find it amusing at seeing her shocked face as the young me exercised my tongue at her. I would often be sent to my room for being rude and disobedient, accompanied by with a few slaps on the hand. But that never stopped me from being able to sneak out and play outside with my siblings without permission. In fact my siblings encourage it and often helped me escape. Evelyn was a master at unlocking my door and aiding me in my escapes.

When mother found out she would be furious at all four of us. Father would give us a lecture, but we could see he wasn't too unhappy about it all. He didn't dote on any one of his children but gave each his equal attention. As much as he could, but we knew he loved as just as our mother did.

When I was sick, he often visited my room and tells me stores or brings me books to occupy my time. But after listening to the Dalish keeper and I slowly became stronger. He hardly told be stories anymore and pushed me more to go outside and start training. He didn't give me any more special treatment as my potential still remained at becoming a templar now that my illness became manageable.

Father ensured we, his children, were educated and well-rounded in many subjects we could understand. We had the best tutors and were often sent to do charity work at the chantry to learn some humility. We may be nobles but it doesn't mean we should abuse the title and take it for granted. My father's form of punishment wasn't like our mother's. He had us aid the servants on the estate in their work. We had to do labour work. The true purpose was in giving us a whole new perspective that few noble children get to witness.

It humbled us the Trevelyan siblings, and made our family motto so much clearer to the mind, "modest in temper, bold in deed."

The experience made me appreciate the servants more. I don't know if it was the same for my siblings.

It could be the main case that made my brother Glen so set on becoming a templar. I wanted to join too, despite my mother's protests and weakened body. Every year I grew stronger and I knew I could serve when the time came.

My mother would've preferred we both became chantry brothers and serve the chantry, if we intend on serving Andraste. Though I think she was more afraid of the lyrium addiction that would form later on when becoming a templar. But that was the risk we were willing to take and so many of our ancestors did as well, before us.

In my teen years when I was physically capable I began my training. I started later than most recruits but as long I had the passion and will, they allow me to try. Though more skilled and more advanced than me, my brother Glen helped with my training when he could. We often mock dueled together for practise. We also trained sometimes with Stephen, when he had the time and not busy learning to be the head.

I was a good shot with the bow. I often visit the Dalish clan that saved me, clan Lavellan is their name. They often traveled through my family's land near the city, my father granted them immunity as appreciation for saving me.

I had become close friends with their clans first. I wasn't truly welcomed at first but I visited so often they just accepted me, and some of the hunters even gave me a lesson or two on how to use a bow. Where else to learn the best archery skills than the Dalish elves?

But Glen managed to steer me away to the double duel blades as my preferred attack weapon. As he said, I was only good as the many arrows I had, when I ran out then what? I would obviously turn to the blade as the backup to protect myself and to attack my enemies. So why should I not train with them from the very beginning? It was sound advice, I followed up on it.

I was happy and excited for Glen as he was nearing his time of taking his vows and completing the ritual of becoming a full fledge templar knight and be fully welcomed into the order. However, that was not to be as then the mage and templar war erupted. The explosion at Kirkwall sent a shockwave throughout most of the Free Marches. The ensuing chas that followed was rapid and astute and there was hardly any breath that could be taken before it erupted into full rage and horror.

Templars started abandoning their post and mages escaped their circles and began running rampant across the country side. Templars and the mages became independent and removing themselves from the control of the chantry. The two sides would kill one another on contact and involve the innocent as collateral damage in their madness. And their war went beyond the borders of the Free Marchers and spilled over to nearly all of Southern Thedas.

My family did their best to welcome the refugees that took safety in Ostwick, trying our best to protect the people from these madmen. My family had their own soldiers but it is a small military force, we were stretched thin trying our best to protect Ostwick city and also housing flow of refugees.

We managed to housed most of the mages from the Ostwick circle that did not want any part with the rebellion, or voted for independence. There were also some of the templars that didn't follow the order to withdraw and remain vigilant to their duties to watch the mages and protect the innocent, even from those of their own order that wanted to inflict unjustifiable harm to the wrongly accused.

We, the Trevelyans weren't looked too favourable by the other nobles of the Free Marches, because all they saw was us aiding the mages. But for the time being our city held a tentative peace with both the templars and mages that still resided in our city. There was a lot of mistrust but everyone did their best to aid in some way. We were at least not slaughtering each other unnecessarily.

There was no 'caging' the mages, as most would hope or expected that should be done. We allowed them to use their magic for what it was intended do as Andraste said, "...to serve man." A mage's purpose is to aid the common folk and we put the mages to use, more than they ever did in their circle. The templars were there encase the unfortunate happen, which it didn't. From what I witness, the mages were proud they had a purpose, a role, instead of being the scorn of society and had a chance to rightfully earned some respect in the city.

This fragile balance we achieved in Ostwick is what made my family believe the reason why we were invited to attend Divine Justinia's conclave. She has managed to call upon both leaders of each factions, templar and mage, in hopes in discussing a peace treaty and stopping this war.

My family never believed that we found the answer but we had made a good effort to a start. We showed the possibility of co-operation between templars and mages.

My father and brothers agreed a representative of our house had to attend the conclave and lend a voice. We could show that a sort of peace could be achieved if both sides gave it a chance.

However, my father wasn't in the good health to travel to Haven, to the Temple of Sacred Ashes where this gathering is to happen. Stephan was to be busy leading the family forces in my father's steed and Glen is putting his skills to use by defending the defenceless against unwanted bandits and crazed mages and mad templars. My brothers were desperately needed to defend the city.

It becomes the most obvious conclusion that I had to represent my family at the conclave. It was a big task handed to me and I wore the responsibility with pride. I wanted to end this war as much as anyone else. I never killed someone until this war began.

Mother could see the importance and sent me off with a blessing. It was fortunate my sister was in Nevarra with her husband's family and busy taking care of her son. She was at least somewhere relatively safe, and appears to be in good health. She is of course worried about us back home but what is important is she should take of her son, young Davian.

I was sent off on my own with the fastest steed in the stable, leaving behind my own personal mount, a hart, named Swift. Unfortunately speed is the essences here and as much as I would prefer riding my hart, he isn't as speedy as a well-bred horse. There also weren't enough people that could be spared that could come with me on the trip to provide safety against bandits. But I wasn't worried, I was confident enough with my skills that I honed for many years, to keep me safe.

The family smith crafted me light but sturdy armor and a pair of fine twin blades to protect myself on the journey. I had to be light and swift, the least amount of attention brought to myself the less likely I'll attract an unwanted fight and attention.

In my pack I had written notes on what I should speak about at the conclave. My father, brothers and I went through it together and when we were all satisfied I went on my way quickly as possible.

It was a tough journey, but I made it to the conclave and arrived at village called Haven, it lay at the foot of the mountain where the Temple of Sacred Ashes stood.

There were already a number of people that have already arrived at the village and the tension in the air electrified the air. It was present and it really made the cool air heavier to breathe in than normal in this snow covered area.

The guard at the gate let me in without fuss when I presented my invitation, though it didn't mean he didn't give me a glare, probably being suspicious about me. I was some high noble, alone, and not companied by some small armed guards. But everyone was suspicious about everyone. The templars and mages had arrived before me, and it was a miracle a fight didn't already break out between them with everyone just sneering at one another.

Thankfully, I managed to procure a room at the inn, a narrow and dusty thing, but at least there was a bed to rest. I tried my best not to associate with anyone. That was the best course at not getting myself involved in any trouble before the conclave actually began.

It was good to see there was another military force that was keeping the peace. A guard that did not appear to be carrying the colours of the templars, but of the chantry, I assume. It must be Divine Justinian's own guards that were loyal to her alone.

Whoever they are, I am just glad they were keeping fights from breaking out and keeping the refugees and pilgrims safe. The village was packed. There were tents scattered about, and it surprised me at my luck at procuring a decent room at the inn. I would expect it to be busy with the amount of pilgrims or refugees pouring in continuously. But I suspect it had to be due to the very high price that kept the rooms from being fully purchased. It was quite "pricey" considering the state of the inn and what you were provided. But I won't complain.

I had to wait two days but the conclave begun and all representatives were allowed in into the temple to begin the discussion of the talks. As was expected, the way to the temple was heavily guarded and not just anyone was allowed in.

It was fortunate enough that I was on the guest list and had the invitation as proof. I was allowed in without incident.

The temple, I admit was amazing. When the temple discovery had to been announced just after the blight ended in Fereldan and defeated by the fable Warden Hero. It caused quite a stir among most of Thedas. There was a mass pilgrim to see the final resting place Andraste, and to pay respect to her final resting place.

Much too many disappointments the urn that held the ashes disappeared, but that didn't mean the temple couldn't be treated as a sacred place of worship. The temple was sanctioned as holy and the Divine herself decreed that would be the most sacred place for the Andrastian faith followed by the grand Cathedral.

I heard rumours and stories about the temple, and how grand it is. The the ceiling rose high, a bit far for the eyes to see, and nestled nicely in a tall mountain covered with a thick layer of snow. It took time for it to be fully excavated and much of it needed to be cleaned and tended too before it was ready to receive the pilgrims.

But the chantry did not hold back in spending of renovations and made the temple the most beautiful sight in all of Southern Thedas. At this point I had to agree. There were tall solid stone walls covered with the deep chantry red tapestries that lined the wall with golden thread of the symbol of the chantry gleaming in the firelight. It really felt like you were in the presence of Andraste herself with the area glowing with bright light.

It felt like her spirit dwelled in the walls, and it felt like she was blessing this conclave with good fortune. There was a sense of authority and strength in the stones and rocks used in the temple's construction. I could see they stood solid and resilient. This place was intended to endure for centuries and it appear it will for many more ages to come.

I spotted the sight of many Chantry Mothers all dressed in their beautiful robes walking about, talking to those I assume represented the templars and mages, or they could be like me, people who come to lend voice to this war and hope for its end.

There were people of all races. And from the small conversations that were drifting from across the main hall, I could hear the distinct accents from different parts of Thedas. I could, if I didn't already, gather this was going to be a big deal. Almost everyone from across Thedas had attended. I saw not just humans, but there were elves, dwarves and what I assume are qunari? People with large horns and stood a good seven feet tall, a good head taller than a tall man. I was in amazement. This would be quite a tale when I get back home.

I wonder why the qunari where here. What I knew about their kind is they don't follow the Andrastian faith but that of their own called the 'Qun', if I remember correctly. They were quite intimidating group and their height added to that fact and the large weapons they carry. Almost everyone was giving them a well deserved wide berth.

If they were allowed to carry arms, I gather they were probably mercenaries hired for security purposes. It's the templar order's duty to protect the chantry but since they forgotten that duty, I guess someone else has to provide the protection. There was nothing wrong with a few qunari mercenaries as body guards. They could stand there and do nothing and the opposition is already scared. They were very effective indeed.

Anyway I was very glad that the talks were being taken serious by nearly almost everyone, especially the mages and templars, and there seemed to be hope for a resolution to the conflict. I could feel it.

Being naturally curious, I thought before the appointed time I would explore the temple a little more. My sister wondered about this place, she wanted to visit it when she had the chance. In her last letter she told me to take in the sights and make sketches whenever I could of the places I've been and send her the finished book.

Sketching is a hobby of mine. To me it's like drawing my own personal journal. I'm not so good with words but skilled enough with sketching a scene. It is enough for me to recall the event. And that is what a journal's purpose is for. For the user to jot down memories before they forget and help recall those memories.

I grew bored easily when stuck in bed with a fever. And my mother introduced this hobby to me as a way to entertain myself that didn't need me to exert too much energy. I took it fast, and the rare occasion I was allowed outside, I would sketch what I saw. A record of sorts of what I experienced before I was locked up again, sick.

During those down times I would have a look at my drawings and recall my time in the outside world. Sometimes when locked inside for so long you can forget what the outside world can be like, and it felt like that for me a lot as a child.

Even though I've been allowed outside into the gardens more frequently when I grew older, I never really gave up on sketching. It held a very special meaning and outlet for me, other than maybe reading.

My sister has always been my biggest supporter, she loved my drawings. It is why she often bailed me out and helped me escaped outside when mother locked me in my room. She enjoy leafing through my sketchbook and seeing the wildlife and natural surroundings I captured on the page from outside. She loved seeing what I would bring back after the 'expedition' and my made up tales that followed them.

I did please my mother with sketching of her and the family, but I love to sketch down many things. Often why I enjoyed going on family hunts, when well enough, because when resting I would sketch what piqued my interest around me in the woods, and help recall events I want to remember.

Father allowed me draw as long as it was a hobby. It always was. I never intended to make a career as an artist. It was just my way at keeping memories in my own unique way.

I managed to sneak myself away from the watchful eyes of the guards at the temple to a quiet area. A specific hallway that was surprisingly unoccupied or guarded, but it has a beautifully carved statue of Andraste holding a bowl of flames in the centre. It made an interesting subject to sketch, also this is the Temple of Sacred Ashes, where Andraste's final resting place. What better subject to sketch than something related to Andraste herself. I have plenty of pages to fill in my book so this one can take a page.

I sat on the floor and took out my book and pieces of charcoal and began to sketch. The flames gave the statue a very dramatic lighting on Andraste's face. It had very distinct dark shadows that gave quite a sharp feature to the statue.

Turning through pages already filled with sketches, I started when I came to a blank page. It took few minutes and I was finished with the sketch. Pleased with it, I decided it was time to head back to the main crowd. I suspect the conclave was nearing the hour to begin and they probably wanted to start seating everyone for the discussions.

As I made my way into the distance I heard a voice. A woman's voice, it sounded like it was in distress. Without thought and merely by instinct I went to investigate. I came across huge wooden double doors and could hear the voice from the other side and there was a deeper voice resonating.

Hearing the voice again, I opened the doors...And such begun my journey.

A/N: Greetings all! It has been awhile since I wrote any fics. Been rather busy of late. But I couldn't resist writing this one. I am a big fan of the Dragon Age series and too my disappointment I'm not able to play Inquisition on my PC. It's too outdated and I don't own any of consoles that can play the game. So I'm saving hard until then when I will be able to play Inquisition on my own and not be envies of my friends and trying to soothe myself by watching youtube and walkthroughs ~sigh~

So this fic is just me being slightly depressed, and me imagining the Inquisitor I would create and relationships he will have and his own unique backstory. I hope you all will enjoy getting to know him as I had the fun of imagining him.

Forgive all grammatical and spelling mistakes you come across. I do my best in editing but I'm just a simple shemlen. LOL