I do not own Dragon Age: Origins or Dragon Age 2. I'm taking liberties with them but isn't everyone here?

Prologue

On the ship to Kirkwall, in a fit of grief and anger, she shaved her head. Afterwards, she threw the massive bundle, wrapped in rags, over the side of the ship. That was the last of her life before the dawn. She had given the necklace her mother gave her to the captain for passage north, to Kirkwall. Her armor was stolen and the sword and shield were not hers either. The voyage was both short and long at the same time. Grief dug itself deep into her heart as they sailed.

The City of Chains was still open to outsiders and the Captain was glad to be rid of her. The guards gave her a wide berth and none approached her. She made her way from the docks, higher up the mass that was the port city to where the Chantry sat.

Her bald head gave her sharp face and obsidian eyes a fierce turn making her seem as if she would ravage the land if she saw fit. She laid her sword and shield before the entrance and came into the Chantry. The Sisters and Templars eyed her with a mix of pity and wariness, she could feel their gaze but she did not react. She kept her eyes downcast as she climbed the steps to the giant statue of Andraste and the ever burning flame. She lit a candle went to take a seat in a darken pew.

A blonde Sister spied her from the other side of the Chantry and turned to say something to the older woman next to her. The woman wore the robes of a Grand Cleric and on her face was warmness and strength. She crossed the divide between herself and Elissa Cousland and sat down next to the young woman.

"This is a place of peace and healing child." Grand Cleric Elthina replied as a greeting.

"Both would be a welcome change, Your Reverence." Obsidian eyes lifted to meet hers. "I would lay my weapons down and serve Andraste and the Maker for a long time."

"You ask for succor?" the Grand Cleric asked her.

"Yes Your Reverence," Elissa answered quietly. "I watched as my family and friends were slaughtered by the soldiers of a man my father called friend. I don't know why he did it and to escape death I had to take life instead. I wish to do some good and heal my wounds."

Elthina placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And you shall, child. I will grant your request for succor. Come let us get you ready.