TRAGIC ENDING, NEW BEGININGS
Alright this is my first Dragon Age fanfiction, and my first gaming fanfiction! This story sets off a year after the blight. Alistair left Ferelden, before Anora could banish him. Hopefully I got their personalities correct…please tell me if I didn't.
Chapter one
Mitsu no Yoake
Enjoy :D
The northward wind blew the sails out as the crew aboard the ship prepared to set sail. They checked off the remaining food and drink that would have to last them the next few months…
…now all they need was their captain. It wasn't unusual for their captain to turn up missing before they set sail. She normally wandered around the city or Port they were docked in. Her crew always thought she went shopping since she was a woman, but they were only half right.
A young girl walked through the thriving foreign city. She stood out in the crowded streets she was walking through. Now what made her stand out was not only her dark maroon hair but the outfit she wore. Her eyes and a few loose strands of hair were the only parts visible thanks to the long dark cloak that brushed the ground. She wore a hat that tied around her head and hung down.
The town's people stared at her, unable to look away; it was as if they were captivated by her luring gaze. Not many of the villagers had striking green eyes, it was a rare occurrence along with the girls hair, even though they couldn't see it, due to the face that most of her hair was tucked up underneath the hat, they knew it was a strange color.
The way she held herself was like she had been from a wealthy family, but her tattered clothing seemed to all but prove that idea. There was something different about this girl, something almost dangerous as they watched her make her way towards the docks.
The girl under the scarf that covered her nose down to her neck smirked wickedly underneath the fabric. Listening to the villagers whispers; "She's heading to the docks…" She heard a man whisper. With her good hearing she continued to listen, even though she was walking about. "I bet she's a pirate, just look at what she's wearing."
She also heard the women that the man was talking to answer, with fear laced in her shrew voice. "Not one of the pirates that are part of that ship. You know….the wardens…"
Another man had joined into the conversation, "Should someone get the guards…"
The girl smiled darkly as she finally was out of hearing range. It wouldn't have done them any good if they sent the guards after her, she wouldn't only win. But they did have the right to worry. Who knew the Orlaisian's were cowards. Leliana was nothing like these people.
She had made her way to the docks and looked up at the giant ebony boat before her. This was the ship that had become a home to her in only a year of living on it. It was a proud ship, which struck fear into all the hearts that happen to sail past it. This was the pirate ship called the Wardens, and its fearsome crew, The Griffons.
About to find a way up to the ship she heard a voice call out to her from above, thick with a deep Antivan accent. Looking up she smiled at the ex-crow assassin, who had become a dear friend. Who stayed with her when she left Ferelden. "Ah my fair captain, you have finally returned!" He laughed full-heartily as he lowered down a rope to her. "I know who much my dear friend likes to make a scene with her amazing talents, yes?"
She blushed when she let out a small laugh, once she grabbed hold of the rope she greeted him back, "Zeveran it's good to see you too!" She then began to climb up the thick rope that was used for securing the mask together. "You defiantly know me too well!"
"I make it a point to know who I work for!" He joked as he offered a hand to her aboard. "So my minx, where have you graced your presence with this time?" He gave her a brilliant smirk, that would have made any other girl swoon, but she had built up immunity to his dazzling good looks and his devious flirts.
She laughed at both his expression and his joke. "Don't you mean frightened?" She laughed taking off her hat, and letting down the rest of her hair down. "Zeveran, am I scary?" She asked, while taking off her scarf, giving him a naive expression.
He gave her a soft laugh as he took her hand, "Sage, my dear, you are only scary when the person is on the other side of your blade. "
She pulled away and huffed, giving a pout she turned away from him. "You're just saying that."
"My dear as one of the men that was on the other side of your sword, I can assure you I am telling the complete and honest truth."
She smiled, and walked toward the front of the boat. "Are we set to sail?" She asked as she twirled around on her heels to face him.
Zeveran smiled, "Aye mon' capitan." He said using his best French accent, she laughed and smiled at him.
"Good. Now…" She trailed off gazing out at the vast blue horizon. "Let's go claim the seas, and wreck hacek on t pathetic navy scum!" She shouted as her crew gave a shout in agreement, and set off.
She turned back around and sighed. "Well I'm heading to my room-and no I don't need company, or a watch-whore." She said curtly before Zeveran could even propose the ideas, she knew him too well. She turned away towards the direction of her room, but before she even took a step she realized someone was missing. Turning back around she looked at Zeveran and asked, "Hey where's Leliana?" She had wondered where the bard had gotten too.
"Oh, the other foxy red head." He started. "Hm, I think she fell asleep in the crow's nest? This is what she gets for staying up too late telling her stories to the crew, no?"
She rolled her eyes. "Leave her stories alone. There quite interesting when you actually listen." She scolded, but with a slight humor to it. "I'm gonna go relax for a bit, keep a watch on the skies. I heard in town that there's a storm heading our way."
Zeveran gave her a brisk, mocking bow. "Of course Malady." She huffed and walked into her cabin.
Once inside she let out a breath of air as she made her way to her desk. She looked at her bed and saw her Mabari war hound lying happily on it. She smiled, Zane was the only memory and reminders she had of her old life, before her family was murdered and before she became a grey warden. And he was the only reminder of her life in Ferelden before she left.
It was only a year ago when she had made one of the biggest mistakes of her life, she betrayed the man she loved. It happened before her and the "hero of Ferelden" killed the Arch-demon.
Her, Alistair, Zeveran, and Morrigan had arrived at the Lands meeting a few minutes late, what else was new? When Loghain, Aka the "Hero of Ferelden." (More like the traitor and turn coat of Ferelden Alistair scuffed.) Began to accuse Sage of being the traitor, she had manage to turn the discussion back around much to Loghain's dislike. The Darkspawn were the real threat, not the Orlaisians.
She managed to gain the support of the Lands meet and after a quick duel that she fought, he finally surrendered. She remembered how Alistair demanded her to finish Loghain off, while Anora begged for Mercy for her father. She felt her lip quiver when he spoke to her, "Daughters never grow up, Anora. They remain six years old with pig tails and skinned knees." Just hearing him say that had brought back not only memories of her own father but tears that had burned the corners of her eyes. That when her blood ran cold, at the realization, if she killed this man, she would be no better than Howe, the man that had slaughtered her friends and family.
She looked at Anora who like herself had tears forming at the edge of her eyes. She knew what Anora was going through, for she herself had gone through the same thing by leaving her parents behind to meet their fate, while she had freedom.
She looked back at Loghain with a million thoughts running through her head. She remained quiet, as she raised her sword above his head. Through the corner of her eye she saw Alistair's approving looks, as if satisfied with the fact that she was going to murder a man who had surrendered. She then looked at Anora, who wasn't looking away; she seemed frozen in the spot she was in.
She finally looked back at Loghain; he held his head waiting for the contact the sword would make. Whispering to herself she said, "Maker forgive me..." But right as she was about to strike, something flashed before Loghain, her eyes were playing tricks on her. Instead of Loghain kneeling before her blade it was her father, who was trembling, holding her mother's hand. Glaring up at her he mouthed…
"Monster…"
She dropped the sword which caused different reaction to form though the crowd. She dropped down to her knees, clutching her hand that once held the sword she mumbled, "I can't do it…I can't!" She was trying to hold herself together, though the tears were burning her eyes.
Immediately Zeveran, and even shockingly, Morrigan dropped down to her. , while Alistair stood in Horror at his lovers actions. "Then I will." He threatened.
Sage whipped her eyes and stood up, she knew he wouldn't give up, she made her choice, and she knew what she was about to lose, even though she didn't want to realize it yet, she still spoke strong. "Alistair, no! He surrender, there's no honor in killing a man who gave up!" She reasoned, while Zeveran had placed a reassuring hand on her shoulders. She gave a sad smile, "Please Alistair, revenge won't bring Duncan back." She stepped in forbidden territory just by saying that sentence.
He stomped over to her and grabbed the part of the cloth that stuck out from underneath her armor. She flinched at his grip and the anger in his eyes. She never saw him like this. "Yet you killed Howe, you got your revenge didn't you!" He shouted. "So let me get mine!"
She coughed as his grip tightened, "He gave me no choice!" She cried out, trying to make him understand.
He dropped her, but before her body could make contact with the ground, Zeveran caught her. He wanted to yell at Alistair, but decided to take the Assassin's approach and remain silent. Alistair, once again was letting his emotions cloud his mind and judgment.
He glared down at the two, "I didn't think you would act like this Sage…" He spoke in a low frightening whisper, while a shadow crept over his face.
She stood up, she was a Grey Warden, and she needed to stay strong while other crumbled. She didn't like being a grey warden, but still it was her duty, even if Alistair forgot what being a grey warden was about, she needed show him. "Alistair, "She started, her voice quivering. "Remember what you are, you are a Grey Warden, think, would Duncan really wanted you acti-"
She was interrupted by a something like a face making contact with her cheek, and then the next minute she fell back into Zeveran's arms. She looked up at a shocked Alistair, who just punched her in the face. She saw something flash over his face, guilt? Remorse. But soon it was replaced by another emotion, rage. "Don't you dare talk about Duncan like you know him!" He shouted darkly. "That's it, if you're willing to let that traitor live, than I'm gone! So chose" He demanded, glaring down at the girl, who held his heart.
She looked up at him with despair glazing over her eyes, "Alistair, please, I'm begging you. Don't make me do this. Please don't walk out of my life…" She whispered, still holding back the tears.
"Then chose me…" He whispered.
She looked away from him, "Alistair...you can't…I don't want to kill him…." She stuttered.
He turned his back to her, "Than I'm leaving." He then walked away, ignoring Eamon's orders. "Have a good life…." And then he was gone, he had walked right out of the Lands meet and out of her life.
Right after she had wanted to search from him, but she couldn't. She, Loghain and the others had a bigger problem to face.
(Now I'm just gonna skip the whole asking Morrigan asking if you will order Loghain to have sex with her….yeah he said no by the way, and I didn't even try to pester him. Oh im evil)
Sage looked around, Loghain, Morrigan, Zeveran and even herself werepretty banged up. Sighing she looked up at the Arch-demon who growled at her with such fierceness that it sent shivers down her spine. Seeing it in real life was much more terrifying than in her dreams.
She shook off the paralyization and stood up, ignoring her injuries. She would make the final blow; she would be the one to sacrifice her life, for she had nothing left. She glanced over in Loghain's direction; he too was standing on his feet, making his way over to her. He still had a daughter to watch over, what did she herself have? She lost her family to Howe, and she lost the man she loved to Loghain.
"I'll take the final blow." He ordered, snapping her out of thoughts, she realized he was standing in front of her.
She twitched, as she glared at his back. "No! As the senior Grey Warden here it is my duty to!
She yelled, pushing him aside.
But right as she was about to run at the dragon she was thrown down to the ground and both of her swords kicked out of her hands. She glared up at him with both distance and rage. "What the hell Loghain?"
He smirked down at her as he placed a gentle hand on her head. "I'm an old man, I've lived my life. Now's your chance to find your lover boy." He then turned back to the Arch-demon, removing his hand from her head he spoke in voice she had never heard him spoke with, it had such a gentle, accepting tone. "And anyway, I need to redeem myself."
"LOGHAIN!" She shouted after him as he ran towards the demon lord.
After the fight and a few days to recover, Sage had left in search of Alistair with only Zane, he war dog, by her side.
Gripping her fist till they turned white she remembered something horrible that she had tried to forget for the longest time, slowly she undid the bandages on her arm, showing purple hand prints that would never heal, and deep scars that followed up throughout her body on both arms. Just looking at the scars brought back the herendous and terrifying memories. These scars weren't from the arch demon, or from a battle, but from a man who is probably doing the same thing that he did to her, on a poor girl.
She shook her head to free herself from the horrible nightmare that plagued her thoughts constantly. She had always tried to preoccupy her mind, but when she was alone or in the fade, it always came back to her. Would she ever free her mind of the images that had taken root in the front of her mind.
She sighed as she rewrapped her bandages, she gave a sad smile, and only one person knew what happened to her, he was the only one she could tell. The only one who wouldn't look at her different, with shame and pity. Even though he flinched each time he saw the scars, he was still the same person, he best friend Zeveran. She looked over at her bed where Zane was sitting up and looking at her with concern. She sighed, "Hey boy, can you go fetch Zeveran and Leliana for me?"
Zane wagged his tail and jumped down from her bed, with a happy bark he left the room. She rubbed her temples in frustration, trying to calm her nerves.
Standing she went over to her table that sat besides the window to the left. She took out three glasses and poured in each some of the Gin they had come into possession with then they stormed another Pirates ship that was heading to Antiva.
She put each of them down on her small round dining table, she then took a seat and lied down the map of the world and waited.
Meanwhile outside the captain's quarters, Zane was barking up a pole to get Leliana down from the crow's nest. Zeveran sighed as he placed his hand on his forehead. Leliana was probably the strangest woman he had ever met throughout his travels. "Leliana, our dearest captain calls for us!" He shouted up to her.
He saw her pop out from the nest, looking a little groggy. "I'll be down in a minute!" She shouted back to him.
He shook his head, almost every night; Leliana would stay up late, telling stories to the entire crew, and even Sage some nights. Then she would sleep almost the entire day. Falling asleep when she should be watching the sea was very irresponsible, and cause Zeveran to get very frustrated. He also didn't like the fact that Sage allowed her to stay up late, and even allowed her to sleep when she should be keeping an eye on the waters. But what could he do? Sage was the Captain after all, and he was her humble first mate.
He watched Leliana gently climb down the mask, and pet Zane on the head. "Good Boy!" She encouraged, glancing over at Zeveran she sighed. "Zeveran, I was wondering if you could tell me something, since Sage confides in you…"
He smirked; Zeveran knew how much it annoyed Leliana that Sage trusted him with a lot more than she trusted Leliana. "What do you want to know?"
"How did Sage become Captain of this pirate ship? She never told me…she just asked if I would come along for an adventure."
He smiled at her and sat down on the side of the ship and motioned for her to take a seat next to him. She was skeptic at first, but slowly took a seat next to him. He looked up at the big fluffy white clouds, which were being blown away by wind. He was wondering, what parts he should keep quiet about. "Well it was a few weeks after the blight; she went out to look for him. She told me she went to the harbor in Denerim, following a rumor she heard of a drunken man in his early twenties, bragging about being an Ex-Grey warden. When she got there she was….attacked…" Zeveran trailed off, he was the only one who knew the real story of what actually happen. She only told him, and no one else. He smiled, she only told him, because she knew he wouldn't treat her with pity. Everyone else thought she was mugged, or got into a fight with a huge group of bandits; she hated lying to her friends and still regretted it. Once Sage told him the vulgar story, he had set off in search for the man, but to no avail. It was as if he had disappeared from all of Ferelden. He continued on, keeping a stoic face, hiding his true feelings of anger. "She told me that when she blacked out, an old man with a long brownish red beard was looking down at her.
"She soon woke up and found herself on a ship, in the middle of the ocean. Frantic she ran out of the room, and found herself face to face with the man she saw, before she blacked out. The man looked to be in his early forties, with brown graying hair, and a long curly brownish red beard. His height was astonishing for he toward over her; he had a height that would have put Sten's to shame. He wore nice clothing for a sailor, but Sage knew something was different about this man and the ship she sailed in.
"She told me that he had saved her from dying on land after the attack, and that they would bring her back to land once they made their trip to Rivia. I bet you knew how Sage reacted to the news, no?"
Leliana laughed, "Let me guess she through a fit, demanding that she was brought back to Ferelden?"
Zeveran smiled. "No she called the man a kidnapper and demanded to know why he brought her with them." He looked over at his captain's door to her room. "She told me the captain's name was William Blood, or Captain Blood, of the Death Reapers. He had saved her because he saw something that intrigued him, and didn't want her to suffer, so he brought her to the ship and took care of her for the eight days she was unconscious for.
"For a few days, she had refused food, and barely talked, until one day the captain told her to go down the brig, she followed his orders. Once down there, she was attacked by none other than the Captain Blood himself. She demanded to know why, but continued to defend herself. He had told her that the best way to forget something horrible was to clash swords with a touch opponent. She smiled, and the two began to duel.
"That was the day she became his apprentice. He had taught her many things, like the deadly Dance of the twin blades, a deadly pirate technique only past down to the elite. They had become close, she thought of him as a father figure, and it had warmed his heart that she thought so.
"Sage told him about Alistair, and soon the captain had changed the direction of the ship, to help her look for him. But soon when they arrived back in Denerim, dear old William had fallen ill, and was to remain in a Inn in Denerim, leaving Sage as the ships new Captain.
"So Sage got a brand new crew, and you know the rest, she went to Redcliff and got the two of us-"
He was then interrupted by a loud furious bark, turning he saw Zane growling at him. Rolling his eyes, he added, "And her trusting Mabari hound Zane."
Zane barked happily and laid back down, letting Zeveran finish. "And here we are, at the end of the tail."
Leliana was quiet for a moment, letting the tail sink in. "Wow…but my question is, why didn't she tell me, and why did she bring only us?"
"That is a good question, I believe it slipped her mind. "He smiled. "And to answer your other question, Oghren would have gotten sea sick, though she did want to bring him, Wynne would have defiantly disapprove of her living the life of a pirate, Sten had already left, Morrigan ditched us, Shale would have caused the boat to sink, and you already know about Alistair."
"Oh…" She answered half heartily. Standing up she looked towards Sage's room. "So why do you think she wants to see us?"
Zeveran shrugged as he stood up, and began to walk towards the room. "I'm not particularly sure." Zeveran looked off to the sea and sighed. She probably remembered something she wanted to forget…and wants to distract herself.
Once inside they say Sage pouring another glass of alcohol for herself, and reading the map before her. They both noticed she had a slight tint of pink of her cheeks, but knew she could hold liquor pretty well. Zeveran sighed; Sage defiantly had something on her mind.
He looked down and saw two glasses, meaning she wanted them to join her. Taking a seat before Leliana he smirked. "How drunk are you?"
She gave him a crocked grin, as she leaned into him, where they're noses were touching, whispering in a low and seductive voice she answered. "Still not drunk enough to sleep with you." She mocked.
Snapping his fingers he leaned backwards in his chair. "Then maybe you should have a few more."
"I think I will, but not for the reason you think." She smiled as she took another sip. She then looked up at Leliana and smiled gently, "Take a seat Leliana." She offered.
Once Leliana took her seat Sage smiled picking up the map. "Alright I have plans, from what I heard from…Blood, there's a mystical healing spring that can replenish, heal and cleanse someone who is either dying or has been poisoned, and after hearing legends of it were about, I manage to make a place on the map where I could be." She paused, resting her head on her folded hands. "I want to bring back some of the hot spring water for him…"
Both of the rouges before her smiled, Leliana had beaten Zeveran in answering her. "Of course Sage, and what else do you have planned."
Slowly a shadow crept over Sage's face, giving her a sinister look. "To find Alistair."
Zeveran shook his head. "Sage, we've been through this, we have no idea where he went, hell he could be in Antiva for all we no."
She chuckled ominously at his remark. "Oh Zeveran that's where your wrong."
Leliana jumped in once again which had caused Zeveran's eyebrow to twitch. "Does this mean you know?"
"Yup." She smiled. "When we were docked in Orlais, I heard another rumor about a man who paid a Navy ship to take him to Kirkwall in the free marches. Who knows why he wants to go there."
Leliana sighed as she glanced down at the paths, if we're going there it should be before we get the water after. And we also have the problem of the terrain. The walls of Kirkwall are gonna be tricky to get past. It's a narrow passage way that last for miles. If the boat happens to graze past the side, the ship will sink."
Sage nodded her head in response. "So then well be extra careful…but I don't think we'll be heading into the city, for you see I also heard he left the same day we did, so whatever boat you see, it could be him."
Zeveran smiled, "So what are our options when we board this Navy ship?"
Sage laughed before she answered him. "We will only kill if provoked, spare those who surrender and steal all that is worth something." She paused, "As for Alistair, if we see him, capture him, what else?"
They have been traveling till dusk and still no boat in sight, just the vast open seas, and the darkening clouds in the skies. Sage turned the wheel of the ship, as she glared out at the clouds. At least one of the rumors she heard was true. Shouting out to the crew she yelled, "Prepare the sails, a storms on the way!"
"AYE!" He crew said in unison, as they began to secure all the lose items on the ship, fixing the mask so it wouldn't move in the strong winds that would blow. She looked over at Zeveran who was walking over to her handing her a leather rain cloak. She smiled and shrugged it on. "Thanks Zev." Looking up at the skies again she sighed. "I'd say we have three hours before we sail into the storm, hopefully we'll find the shi-"
"Captain!" Yelled one of her crew members. "A boat off the port bow!"
"What?" He and Zeveran shouted in shock as they looked, and there it was, a big blue Navy ship, that had a yellow decorative design on the sides. "Perfect." Sage smirked, turning the wheel sharply, causing the crew to fall over. "Full speed!"
"AYE!"
After each chapter I will post lyrics that correspond to the chapters like with this one it's called Mitsu no Yoake by Arai Akino. Basically the song goes with the chapter. I don't own the song or the game.
"English"
From the sleeper's breathe the morning quietly comes
Right now, your dreams race in the forest
In search of the awakening light
If it is lost, it shall be found
Hidden within our future.
Hey, in this place,
Once hands are held, don't let them part.
With you, far away
Memories bloomed within the distant day.
A blue country comes into sight, STORY
Your brilliant eyes do tell.
A sweet and misty hum grown cold
Upon quivering shoulder-tops, love pauses.
Memories…Ah, who is it that's restraining them?
If the day shines, then don't return to the past
It may be a mistake, but I will walk upon the chosen road.
I've heard the most important words
The wind carries the sky's promises
Say if time takes you away..
Right now, like this, it's simply the two of us.
Simply the two of us.
Your smile is a thing to protect.
Shall we try out the heart's strength
Ah, you turn about-
And now the commencing morning's birds sing.
Hey, in this place,
Once hands are held, don't let them part.
With you, far away
Memories bloomed within the distant day.
A blue country comes into sight, STORY
Your brilliant eyes comes into sight, STORY
Brilliant eyes, tell me about that song.
