It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Marianna Ravenclaw is an anti-slavery activist and magister in Tevinter, but things were not always so. She originated in Lothering as a lowly and fearful apostate. When a young apprentice is taken by Kirkwall Templars on a mission, Marianna is determined to rescue the lad from what is, in her opinion, a fate worse than death. Only time will tell what sorts of adventures travelling to Kirkwall will bring to the raven-haired mage. Lots of OCs. Takes place after the events of Nightmares Should Really Stay in the Fade, but reading that is not really necessary.
Chapter One
Sudden Departure
"Marianna, are you really leaving, messere?" Bernadette asked.
The ex-slave was somewhat fearful, having never been away from somebody who could guide her. Her life as a slave had been harrowing, but Lady Marianna had showed up at a slave auction and bought several slaves, setting them free the moment they were out of sight. Most of them had been elves, who left the Tevinter Imperium to escape being enslaved again. Bernadette had stayed with Marianna and worked as a housekeeper.
"Yes, Bernie. Did you see that poor apprentice? Pulled off the streets, scared out of his mind? I remember Fereldan's Templars. They had never been so cruel! Perhaps these are from the free Marches?" Marianna said, disgust evident in her features.
"Perhaps so, mistress, but what do you intend to do? Fight Templars?"
"Exactly." The raven haired magister said, grabbing her wooden staff off a shelf and walking out the front door of the mansion the governor had given her when she became a magister.
"But why?" Bernie asked, frantically chasing Marianna out the door towards the stables.
"Because the Circles are as good as the very slavery I saved you from." Marianna said, looking Bernadette in the eye.
"Shouldn't I come with you?" Bernie asked.
Marianna shook her head and saddled Mercy. Mercy snorted as her mistress tightened the girth on the saddle and fixed a strap on one of the stirrups. She whistled, and a large Mabari came lumbering into the stable yard. His tan coat glistened in the evening light, his bright eyes alert, staring at his mistress.
"Good boy, Hugo." Marianna said, stroking the dog affectionately on the head before mounting her horse.
"Take care of things while I am gone, Bernie. Any money I left behind is yours. Kirkwall is in need of my help. Perhaps someday I will return to Tevinter, but until then, I bid you farewell. You have been a wonderful help, and a loyal friend. Thank you."
And then, without another word to Bernadette, Marianna galloped off, with Hugo slightly behind Mercy's flying hooves.
A/N: I know I should finish Nightmares before I start something new, but gimme a break, I just have to uplopad the last chapter! Hope you liked it, and don't forget that review button!