Qunari Do Not Love

You wish to hear a story?
Alright, let me tell you about the time the Champion and the Warden...
Oh? You want to hear a new story?
Well... let me think...

The night was late, and still young Taurus did not sleep a wink. He stared grumpily to the roof of his bunk bed, listening to the slight breathing sound of the sleeping babe above his head. How he wished he too would fall asleep. But no luck, not this night. No, this night his head would be plagued with a horrible aching.

He brushed his silver hair back away from his face, then had to do so again as the strands returned to their original position. He groaned, he needed a haircut. No doubt his parents would protest, it was against their preferences. But he detested his hair being long.

The young boy wiggled about tirelessly in his small cot. His head throbbed with the prospect of his oncoming adulthood. He cursed secretly into his pillow, he doubted many other boys his age felt such agony. But, his Papa always reassured him when he reached maturity, he too felt similar pains. Growing horns tended to do that.

…

Ah, I see you are now confused. Here, let me start over. See, this boy was no ordinary boy. This child, was of Kossith race. Kossith, you do not know what that is? Oh, I see… I suppose, it is not a term commonly used. You might know him better as a Qunari. Ah yes, I thought you might recognize that name. No doubt you have heard many nasty tales of the Qunari. One perhaps involving a certain Champion of Kirkwall? The fearless rogue who slayed the evil and merciless oxman leader, the Arishok. Or the stoic and dangerous Qunari who travelled with the Hero of Ferelden, serving his penitence for murder?

Yes, many have heard of the fearsome horned brutes. How they come to our shores in the dead of night, how they pluck innocent children from their homes and make them submit to their barbaric religion. How they torture and maim their own people, if they so much as smile or speak out of term. Apparently they do not even care for their own offspring. How could they? Qunari feel no love.

Well, my dearest one, I can assure you, many of these tales are a farce. I know for a fact, that some of these horned devils were not in fact beasts, they are men, women and children. Just like you and I. This tale I wish to tell you, well, it is all the truth. How do I know you ask? Well, let's just say… I was rather close to the source.

…

Indeed, his Papa reassured him what he felt was natural, nothing to worry over. But he could not for the life of him, ignore the constant ringing in his skull. Perhaps, fresh air would have done the trick. Nothing like the cool Orlesian air to calm his mind.

Creeping from under his blanket, the young grey skinned boy quietly slumped to the floor. As his heavy feet touched the floorboards, they creaked under stress. His face screwed up in a wince. His current home was far too rickety, he would surely wake his parents up if the noise continued. Or worse, he might have awaken…

"What are you doing?" a small voice peeped from above. "Where are you going?"

"Parshaara." He hissed. "I wish to get a drink. Go back to sleep, little Ash."

His little sister scrunched her face up in protest. She didn't like it when her big brother lied to her, and she always knew when he lied to her.

"I'll tell Mamma you are sneaking out again." She pouted.

"No, please don't." he desperately waved his hands about. "Please, I am just getting a drink. Honest."

"You are a stupid horned Qalaba…" her eyes watered. "You never tell the truth. You stink, and I hope you grow little curly horns."

Taurus groaned. Though he loved his little sister, she was a pain in his grey ass.

"Alright, I'm sorry I lied Ash. I just want to get some fresh air, my head is killing me." He rubbed his forehead where several armored plates began to sprout.

"Please don't go…" her lip quivered. "I'm scared."

"Of what, little Imekari?" he tilted his head up.

"Of the bas…" she visibly shivered. "I heard Papa tell Mamma today that humans tried to hurt him. They called him a 'filthy bison' and told him we had to leave, before they cut his horns out…" her voice near squealed.

Taurus clambered up the ladder, gently shushing his sweet little sister. He stroked her short silver hair all tied up in a messy ponytail. Being so young, she could have been mistaken for a human child in dim lighting. Sadly, this would only be temporary. Eventually, she would look just as their mother did. And share the same curse. He sighed, luckily he was spared that little 'gift', but sweet Ash had not.

"My little snoop." He cooed lovingly. "What have we been told about spying?"

"To not do it, especially on grown-ups." She sniffed.

"That's right." He suppressed a chuckle. "Besides, you could have easily misheard Papa, you don't always listen when you are supposed to, let alone when you aren't."

Ash pouted, then wiped her watery eyes.

"But what if I did? What if people come for us… like they did last time?" her lip quivered.

"Then, we shall leave again." He shrugged. "No biggy."

"But what if they get mad…what if…"

"Hey, Papa won't let anyone hurt us." Taurus shook his head. "Those bas wouldn't stand a chance against the mighty Arvaarad of the Tal-Vashoth." The young oxman grinned devilishly. His little sister giggled.

"Papa doesn't like that name."

"Well, that's what the humans would probably call him. Or 'Qunari'." He shrugged. "Besides, Mamma is more than capable of zapping a few stinky bas. And, what have I told you to do if you get into trouble?"

"Close my eyes, take a deep breath, then do this." She lifted her tiny hand, several little sparks left her fingers. "Then, run like a bull on fire."

"That's right." He lightly bumped his sibling's forehead with his own. "Now, go back to sleep. And when you awake, we shall play horseback. In exchange for not telling on me?"

"Alright." She giggled and laid back down on her pillow. Her older brother lifted the blanket up and wrapped it snuggly around the young one, then returned her small stuffed rabbit to her hands.

With a last wave goodbye, the boy quietly slide down the bed onto the floor. Quietly, he sneaked to the windowsill. Luckily their mother had left it open that night, no need to yank it from its squeaky base. Deciding to go out only in his shorts, the boy clambered over the windowsill. With a quick look over the shoulder, to ensure he was not to be followed, he gracefully flung out onto the wall.

Now, his body was not built for such maneuvers. No, it was built like a strong young Kossith should be built, as his father would proudly claim. As each day passed, the boy grew larger and stronger. And yet, he still remained as graceful as the smallest of elves. No doubt that helpful trait would be lost with age, along with his innocent mind. Already he sensed the severity that came with being a part of his race.

As he climbed down the stone wall, he could hear the faint snores of his father echo the lower part of the house. Papa fell asleep keeping guard, he thought. This confirmed what Ash had overheard. The humans had threatened their stay. No doubt, the family would have to pack up and leave again. He wondered where they would go this time. Probably Ferelden, it would be closer than anywhere else. The thought was exciting, another land for the young boy to explore.

He clambered easily down the wall and landed with a slight thump to the earth. He moved with great ease and stealth, almost as elegantly as a little spider. He chuckled. He should have nicknamed himself Spider, rather than another name for bull. Well, it was more so from the constellation his father had pointed out. From that moment on, he wanted to be called Taurus. Too bad he didn't have friends to oblige with that request.

He was Kossith, who would care for him? Even his own kind found him repulsive. Once on their travels they had come across people of their race, and yet they were not. Tal Vashoth, his father called them. A past their Papa was never proud he took part in. But what choice did he have? What choice did his mother have? Love was not accepted in their race, nor was betraying the Qun.

Qun. Taurus spat onto the grass. All the boy knew of it caused him to despise it further. His father detested the mention of the belief in his presence, but their mother still held some of her belief. How could she not? Saarebas found it hard to completely break the chains of their past endures. Some nights he would sneak out to find his mother curled by a fire, huddled into herself, fingers tracing the marks left upon her grey lips. Scars, that would never heal. Just like her horns. He remembered the awkward occasion when Ash asked if she would have no horns like Mamma. Their mother simply shook her head and stated she would have lovely horns when she came of age.

Horns, the thought of the word brought pain to the boys mind. He wished he wouldn't have been burdened with the blighted things. He was informed, much to his distress, that no doubt he would grow ones the size of their fathers. Joyous, considering the size of the senior oxman's horns allowed his kid sister to ride him like a swing. Apparently this was something to be proud of. In Par Vollen, the bigger the horns the more power you held. Bah, what would Taurus care for power, or for his races home land? He would never belong there. He didn't belong anywhere.

He continued to walk. The cooling breeze was doing wonders, just as he suspected. His large feet left marks in the damp grass with each step. The starlight reflected of his grey skin, smooth and unblemished. He was still very young and had never seen battle before, so of course his body would appear perfect. That would soon change, with the growing of his horns came the training. Something his father had obviously been excited for since the day of his birth.

Taurus didn't want to learn how to fight. He didn't like the idea of hurting someone, even if they deserved it. He snorted, how un-Qunari.

Suddenly, his pointed ears pricked up. Something was moving in the trees nearby. Something close, something large. He sniffed the air. Whatever it was, it smelt of blood and death. He slowly crept back into the shadows, he couldn't fight, but boy could he run.

There wasn't a need though. Out from the trees, a large four legged beast stepped. The catlike creature sniffed the air, sensing it was not alone. It eyes stopped on the Kossith boy hidden barely within the bushes. It took a seat, declaring it was either unfazed or curious with its company.

Taurus stepped forward. He hadn't seen an animal like this before. Its large ears pointed upward as it focused on the boy, who slowly moved closer and closer. He held out a hand, as if inviting the beast to approach.

"Hello." He quietly said. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. As long as you won't hurt me." His voice was calming, soothing and neutral. A trait well known for with his kind. The cat's ears twitched.

He crouched before the animal, now showing himself to be equal with the creature. The cat remained still. He smiled, trying to reassure further he was no threat. The beast cocked its head, Taurus did the same. The beast snorted, clearly not amused by the exchange. The boy near laughed, but didn't out of respect.

"Do you live around here?" he asked. "Do you have a family? Were you hunting tonight? Catch anything good?"

The boy knew he would receive no answer, but continued to ask regardless. It wasn't often he was granted a chance to speak with someone other than his family. Even if it was a wild animal. The cat's ears pricked up once more, with a quick jerk it looked past the boy. With a quiet hiss, the beast leapt back into the direction it came from. Taurus quickly realized he was not alone.

"Imekari, why are you out so late?" a soothing voice asked, not a hint of anger in it. Taurus froze. He was not afraid of the animal, but he was certainly afraid now.

"I-I was just…" he lowered his head. "I needed some fresh air…"

"Couldn't sleep, my little Adaar?" she asked stepping closer to her son. "Still, I wish you wouldn't wander late at night."

"I am sorry, Mamma." He cringed, he didn't like it when she called him by his true name. "Are you angry?"

"No, my dearest." She shook her head. Taurus turned and looked up into the pale, stone like face of the woman who birthed him. He had long ago been told if he was born within the Qun, he never would have known her under any other description. "Just concerned."

"I am sorry… my head was hurting again…" he murmured to his feet. His mother stepped forward, with her scarred hand she began gently rubbing her son's scaly forehead. A sight which would have made any fully-fledged Qunari cringe.

"I know, my little one." She soothed. "Come, let us return home. We are not safe here, not anymore." She took her boys hand and led him back to the house.

"Mamma… how did you know I was here?" he looked up. Her lip twitched. Taurus had never seen his parent's smile, another price that came with the life they were born into. But their eyes and certain movements would sometimes betray their feelings.

"No, little Ash did not tell me." Her voice still neutral. "I was out this night on my own. I noticed someone sneak from their bedroom, and come this way." She looked down to him. "You soon won't be able to do that, you know little Adaar."

"I know." He sighed. "And I will have to use a Sata-kas… just like Pa."

"You do not want to learn how to fight?" above her eye twitched. "Why is that little one?"

"I don't want to hurt anyone… ever… why do I have to fight?"

"Because, little Adaar, we have to survive. Someday you will learn, our kind are not welcome. I do not wish to hurt anyone either, my little Imekari. But… it is in my nature. I am Saarebas."

"You don't have to be." He stopped. "I chose my name, Pa chose his. We don't have to be dangerous."

"Little one," she turned to him, eyes of stone. "Your father may call himself by another name, but he was always be Arvaarad. And now, we are both Tal Vashoth. These titles will follow us to the beyond. They are not our name, they are who we are. Just as you, are my little Adaar."

"I don't want to be your 'fire thrower', Mamma." He pouted.

"You will always be the fire in my life." She did not hug her child, but kneelt down and placed her forehead against his.

"I don't want to be dangerous…" he frowned.

"I know." She nodded. "But, it is who we are. It is all we know. As long as no one disturbs us, we won't have to be. This, my child, is a luxury."

"I know…" he sighed in defeat.

"I apologies, my child, for the life you will live… will forever be hard." Her eyes went distant. "But, it is a life your father and I chose for you both, and it is a better one… Trust in me."

Taurus's eyes lingered on the hollow shells sprouting from his mother's forehead. Then down to the deep scars upon her lips. He shivered, in another life, this fate would have befallen little Ash.

"Are you cold, little Adaar?"

"No, Mamma." He shook his head.

"Then let us return, before your father awakens to see empty cots."

"Mamma?" Taurus pulled his mother's hand back, for just a moment.

"Yes, little one?"

"Can I hear the story of how you and Papa fled the Antaam?"

"Little one, do you not tire of hearing this story?" her lip twitched.

"Never." He grinned, a sight no doubt frightening to his Qunari race. "I like hearing how brave you both were."

"Brave, foolish… and tired of certainty…" her hollow voice almost sounded heavy. "Very well. But, it is a long story."

"I don't mind." He pulled his mother along.

The two walked in unison that night, returning to their temporary house. A mother Tal Vashoth, and a Saarebas no less, held the hand of her young wide-eyed child. She retold the story that night, of a dangerous venture. One that started out as rebellion, a rebellion against the torture and pain of a life the two Qunari knew only of. And eventually, grew into something more. Qunari are not designed for love, people believe. They are only designed for killing.

And yet, that young Kossith never had a dangerous bone in his body. Sadly, fate holds different paths for everyone. Taurus Adaar's path, would lead him to somewhere, beyond dangerous.

What's that? You wish to hear that story? I'm sorry my dearest one, but that is a story…. For another night.

A/N:

Based in the Dragon Age Universe, some time before the Blight and the Breach. The main character is the Kossith Inquisitor as a child.

Just a little something I came up with on the train this morning. I have no idea about the origin story for Inquisitors in the game, but I thought of this story and kind of just rolled with it. Taurus will probably be an Inquisitor I play as. Hope people like it :)

Ash is a Qunari word for 'to seek'. I figure in another life Ash would become the Inquisitor, but in this play through it is Taurus who witnesses the Breach. If Ash was born in the Qun and wasn't a Seerabas I would dear say she would become a Tallis (due to her inquisitive nature)