Left Behind

Summary: Amelia was able to get between the ogre and Carver in Lothering, saving his life. But was she really dead? Her family believed she was, and is now trying to survive on their own in Kirkwall. Carver tries his best to lead, but sometimes that's just not enough.

I am a Fenris fan, he had me completely smitten the moment his hand crashed through the slavers chest. So this story will also run around him, and someone he 'Left Behind'... FHawke/Fenris pairing.

(This is my first Dragon Age 2 fan fiction so i'm giving it a whirl. Negative comments are as good as positive one's. So please leave me a comment if you read.) Yall know the drill, but I'm going to type it anyway. Bioware owns Dragon Age... I'm just having fun with their characters and settings. Think this will be rated M, just in case. Stay Warm!

Around Lothering, three weeks ago...

The world was empty... nothing but a dark void. Dark shadows rocked soothingly. They seeped into her mind; enticing her to forget reality, but gradually a burning sensation in her limbs swept the darkness away... leaving pain in its wake. Splinters shredded her brain, clearing the fog, making her gasp and choke. A sharp pain was logged in her chest, making it hard to get air in and out. Her mouth filled with a bitter copper taste, which she tried to spit out to get air easier. She struggled to open her eyes, but the world was a blur. The hum of noise slowly changed into a voice hovering above her.

"-notify the magister that she is awake, slave, and be quick about it." A woman hissed menacingly. She didn't recognize the voice.

"Yes mistress!" Someone gasped, scrambling out of the room.

Her body felt like it was filled with lead, even as her brain slowly became coherent.

"You were quite a catch... The magister will be very pleased with you, and you will please him if you wish to live girl." The last word was filled with hatred.

A hand was placed firmly on her brow causing her back to arch, forcing a scream to pierce the air. The scream coming from magic, and the act of moving. It made her aware that her body was severely stiff.

"Yes... scream for me slave. It is a symphony to my ears, and as delicate as a fine wine."

She heard the blood pounding in her ears with each heart beat, felt the boiling fire in her veins burning her alive. Her flesh felt as if someone was peeling it off slowly. The darkness that had once held her fought to drag her back. It caressed her tired body, enveloping her... she was tired, hungry... but before she could give in a harsh male voice penetrated the air.

"What are you doing!"

The pain immediately stopped. A weak feeling of nausea filled her, giving her enough time to turn her head. She violently coughed, throwing up over the side.

"I... I was just-"

"Get out. We will talk later apprentice."

"Yes Magister!"

The lights in the room dimmed for a minute. A rough cough still shaking her. A door opened and closed, leaving the man and new slave alone. Soon a gentle hand was placed upon her forehead.

"Rest now my dear."

Arriving in Kirkwall, 2 weeks later...

Carver gently helped his sister and mother off the boat. It had taken a taxing two weeks to reach Kirkwall, having been cramped with the fearful and desperate. They had all been located below deck, in cells, with a single blanket and chamber pot. It had been dark, and wet; moss could be seen growing on the floor and walls. Storms had plagued the sea making his sister lose her sea legs, but even so they had made it. Kirkwall was within reach, their eldest sister's sacrifice would not be in vain.

oh Amelia... why did you do it?

That thought ran through everyone's mind, but in the end the answer was always the same... She was a warrior; a fighter and protector to the very end. Carver had always felt in her shadow, he had hated that; and despised her for it. Now though... he wished she were here. She always knew what to do... and he had hated that too.

Kirkwall, One year later...

Carver sat with his back against the wall, if one could call it a wall. He was surprised it hadn't fallen apart yet. Bethany had gone to the market with Mother to buy bread materials, fruit, and cheese. It was a miracle they were able to find a safe place to save coin. Gamlen had a horrible habit of spending everything, and it was ticking him off. Now he knew how Amelia felt when he had taken money without asking...

Karma was a tricky thing indeed

Money would get no better either, unless he could get on that blasted deep roads trip. Then... maybe things would look up. He banged his head against the wall a few times. Mother did not need to know about the trip... not until it was too late to stop them.

Bethany and mother walked through the door, making him stand up.

Mother smiled, but her eyes were still haunted, "We were able to pick up everything we needed. The prices were reasonable today."

Bethany gently placed her hand on his shoulder, "Hello Carver." She made her way to the fire after giving him a gentle squeeze.

Things had been much better between him and Bethany. They had found a common ground. A knock on the door got his attention, "I'll get it mother."

Carver strapped his sword to his back, and quickly opened the door. A lone dwarf stood, with a pouch in his hand. He had brown eyes, pierced ears, but no beard, just a little stubble. A huge crossbow was on his back. He tossed the pouch at him.

"You lost that in the market. I'm Varric Tethras, how do you do?"

Carver quickly patted his body, but found no pouch.

I had been pick pocketed...

He rubbed his temple, trying to tempt the coming headache away. This had been the last pay check from the Red Iron... and they needed every scent.

"Carver."

"I apologize for Bartrand. My brother won't recognize a good deal even if it hits him in the jaw. Or any other area for that matter."

"And you would I take it?"

The dwarf's eyes twinkled, "I would! He doesn't understand that we need you. Nor would he ever admit it- too proud. I, however, am quite practical." he chuckled.

Carver turned his head, "Mother I'll be right back". He closed the door, and moved to stand near the dwarf.

"What are you playing at Varric? You don't even know me."

"On the contrary, you have made quite a name for yourself. 'Carver ' is on many lips these days."

Inside he grinned, but he kept his face casual. Him and Bethany were making this work... Amelia would be proud.

"Look, Bartrand is not looking for another guard, but a partner! Truth is, he has been going crazy trying to fund this expedition. He can't do it by himself. Invest 50 sovereigns, and he can't refuse. Not with me there."

That headache was coming back. "If I had that kind of money I wouldn't need to go on this expedition."

"We work together, you and I, and before you know it, you'll have all the money you need. What do you say?"

Carver looked at the sky. They needed this, and Bethany would want to do this anyway...

He held out his hand to the dwarf, "We'll do it."