A/N: This is my first attempt at writing, I hope you enjoy Amalyr Hawke's adventures as seen through my eyes. My thanks to my Betas Witchy Bee and Kira Tamarion who have made this a pleasurable experience, and Bioware who owns everything I just get to play with their characters.

Dalish

"Amalyr, grab Bethany and your gear. You two are coming along," her father said.

"Really?" Amalyr didn't wait another second. She dashed from the family room to the room she and Bethany shared, squealing with delight and telling her sister to hurry before he left without them.

Malcolm chuckled; he had promised to take both girls with him when he took Bethany to see the Dalish and he always kept his word.

The trip had taken a little more than half a day, a little longer than they were used to. Malcolm had instructed Bethany and Amalyr to stay by him until the sentries escorted them to Keeper Marethari and had been formally welcomed by the Dalish.

Bethany, followed Malcolm's instructions, and stayed by her father, she was relieved to sit and relax her sore legs. Amalyr, still full of energy, wanted to scout around the edge of their small clearing.

"Bethany I think we should take this time to work on your concentration. It seems to me you were having trouble staying focused when attempting your new healing spell."

Bethany looked up. "But Dad!" she whined.

Malcolm's cerulean blue eyes sparkled. "This is the perfect time to practice. You may one day find yourself in a situation where you or those around you need help only you can give." He held up his hand before she went into full pout, looked his daughter in the eye and admonished her, "Remember, magic is a gift you must use to always help others. As caretakers of magic, it is our duty to serve man and to carry through with this responsibility."

Bethany still pouted, and then shot a pained look at her twin across the clearing. "How come Lyr doesn't have to?"

"Your sister's talent lies elsewhere." He smiled and ruffled Bethany's thick hair; he glanced at Amalyr. "Your sister will go over her herb and potion making lessons while we work on your concentration."

Malcolm hid a smile and shook his head. He never would have imagined when he left the Kirkwall Circle to come here with his love Leandra that he would have three wonderful children. Carver, their oldest, mad for the guard spent all of his time watching the local militia train and sparing with Amalyr trying to learn the same moves he had watched the guards performing.

Then there were his girls. To look at them you never would have known they were twins. Both being fair-skinned; Bethany had shoulder length midnight black hair and his cerulean blue eyes while her older twin Amalyr had long deep auburn locks, big forest green eyes and an innocent smile. He was certain both would break many hearts when they got older.

Malcolm watched his little rogue rummage through her pack. She was quick, nimble and smart as a whip when it came to herbs and dagger play. He was just thankful only one of his children had shown mage talent. Bethany's talent awakened last year when she accidentally set the kitchen table on fire. Malcolm being very good with combative elemental magic's had no trouble teaching his daughter control and how to hide her gifts. Never would the Templars take her nor would she fall victim to some demon and become an abomination.

As Bethany progressed with her training, however, he noticed her magic leaned toward healing. Having only a talent for basic healing spells and potions, he had gone to Keeper Marethari, just outside of Lothering, and spent the better part of last summer negotiating training sessions with the nomadic forest elves. The Dalish having no love for the Chantry were not likely to turn Bethany or him over to them as apostates and he could see that Bethany received much-needed training in the more advanced healing arts.

Amalyr had thought being able to meet the Dalish would be something new and exciting. She didn't think she would have lessons to worry about today. She sighed and gave Bethy a wink and a small grin. She knew her sister wanted to explore as much as she did. Amalyr moved to her pack; she wanted to make sure she had remembered her notes on elfroot, deathroot, and deep mushrooms. Once she found them, she wedged herself between the roots of an old gnarled tree, making sure her prized daggers where secure and quickly began to lose herself in her studies.

Her father may spend a great deal of time making sure Bethany had full control of her magic so she would never give herself away to the Templars, but that didn't mean she could neglect her studies and for much the same reasons her father gave Bethy.

Not far from the small clearing, three young hunters were on their first scouting mission with Junar. Fenarel, Tamlen, and Safyre were granted their hunter status last week, each of them where excited to scout with an experienced hunter, getting the chance to practice their skills.

They had been scouting for about an hour when Junar motioned them to stop, and pointed to the clearing that was just visible from the tree line. The four hunters crouched, silently and studied the small group. Fenarel had never seen a shemlen before. It was an older human and two young human girls.

He glanced at Tamlen and Safyre to gauge their reactions. Tamlen was scowling and Safyre seemed unconcerned, watching Junar for direction. Junar glared at the shemlens, stepped through the underbrush and motioned for the hunters to follow.

"Hold shem!" Junar stated in a low but menacing voice, which caused Amalyr and Bethany to jump like startled deer as they watched four elves with drawn bows materialize out of the forest. "Your kind are not welcome here. Leave!" Junar and Tamlen continued to glare at the small group.

Malcolm placed a comforting hand on Bethany's shoulder and sent a reassuring smile in Amalyr's direction. Turning to the elves he stated calmly: "Keeper Marethari is expecting us."

Junar twitched, and then slowly lowered his bow. "Adaran atish'an, travelers. Pass your weapons to us and we shall bring you before the Keeper." He gestured for Safyre to collect the weapons.

While his friend went about her task, Fenarel studied the shems with poorly disguised curiosity; he had never been this close to a human before. The dark-haired man was very tall and seemed confident with eyes that seemed to miss little.

A man to watch.

He then glanced at the two girls. He guessed they would be around his age, maybe a year or two younger, attractive and very delicate. The dark-haired girl stayed close to the older human, while trying to avoid staring at the elves. The one with hair the color of autumn leaves and soft curls seemed just as curious about the elves as Fenarel was with the shemlen.

Junar took the lead. Tamlen fell in beside him, placing the humans between Fenarel and Safyre.

Amalyr couldn't believe it. These where Dalish! Dalish! Masters of the bow and sword, unparalleled in stealth. They were nothing like the elves in Lothering. These are real Dalish! She couldn't help it; her eyes were wide as she stared at the four elves. Each wore light armor with coloring that blended in with their surroundings, and carried short bows. The older elf and the one next to him carried a long sword. The female elf carried a short sword and dagger while the other elf walking with her carried two long daggers. They moved with the grace and confidence of warriors, more so than the guards at home. They looked wild. They looked free.

Fenarel smiled and winked at the pretty green-eyed girl when he caught her trying to sneak a look at him. This caused her to blush prettily. His smile turned into a grin when she looked quickly away.

She glanced back at her father. Malcolm winked at her but didn't seem concerned. Amalyr bit back a giggle, her father, even without his staff, was a powerful mage. She had no doubt he had everything under control.

Marethari held out her hands towards the family and nodded in greeting. "Adaran atish'an. You are welcome before the eyes of the Sabrae."

"Greetings Keeper, you honor us," Malcolm returned with a small bow. "These are my girls, Amalyr and Bethany, who we've spoken of."

Marethari held out her hands to both girls, studying each in turn. Her gaze paused on Amalyr. She tilted the child's eyes to meet her own. "I see much strength and kindness in you, child, it is something this world needs more of." To Bethany she smiled. "You have the potential to be a great healer and it will be my honor to help guide you in your journey."

With those cryptic remarks the Keeper looked back to the hunters. "Ma serannas. You may return to your duties."

Fenarel, turning to follow Junar and his friends, looked over his shoulder to watch the red-haired human disappear into the Keeper's aravel.

He sighed causing Tamlen and Safyre to shoot him a questioning glance, he smiled, shook his head, and turned his attention back to Master Junar. Never thought a shem could be attractive.

Over the last couple of years Amalyr her family paid regular visits to the Sabrae clan; she had even managed to convince Carver to make the trip. He was positive he could convince Master Ilan to part with one of his iron bark blades. Bethany was showing remarkable progress with her arcane studies and her father and Marethari could not have been happier.

Amalyr only having a knack for herbs and potions quickly became bored. She had taken to walking along the Halla enclosure watching the beautiful animals while they grazed. Today she had decided to watch the hunters' practice their archery, wishing she had the nerve to ask to train along with them.

She had been watching Tamlen and Safyre bantering on who would make best shot. They make a striking couple. Only a few of the elves had been welcoming or at least tolerant of her family. Safyre was friendly enough, but she spent most of her time alternately flirting then teasing Tamlen. Amalyr had no intention of receiving one of Tamlen's glares. She was pretty sure he would have no problem putting an arrow into any of her family had the Keeper not welcomed them.

Grimacing, Amalyr rolls her eyes. We still get the stink eye from most of them. I'm more likely to be ignored or glared at if I asked.

"Adaran atish'an. You're Amalyr, right?" a soft male voice said, causing her to muffle a squeak as she quickly turned around. He was a little taller than most of the elves she had seen. Shoulder length hair almost white, startling pale blue eyes and it looked like he was trying to keep from laughing.

"Y-yes," she stammered, still trying to get her heart out of her throat and back in her chest where it belonged.

"I apologize. I did not mean to startle you. I am Fenarel." He gave her the same smile that usually got him out of trouble, the few times, he had managed to catch Safyre off guard.

She smiled back at the elf, eyes full of mischief. "Uh-huh, you don't look like you're sorry… but...maybe you could make it up to me?"

"And just how would I make up for making you jump out of your skin?" His blue eyes danced.

Huh, I wonder if I can get his help; it's worth a try. Amalyr gathered her nerves, looked at the elves who had taken to sparing and blurted, "Teach me to fight as you do. With daggers and a bow."

Fenarel leaned back against a tree, considering her request. She was about a hand span shorter than him with an athletic build. Her small form would be perfect for stealth training. It would be interesting if I can teach a human to move as quietly as we do.

"I can do that." He watched her eyes widen. "I'll need to see what your current skill level is. Hmm, we'll go out some distance from the clan to work on your stealth and...observation skills." This time he did laugh.

Amalyr liked his laugh, warm and friendly. She aimed a playful scowl at Fenarel, and then gave him the most startling smile he had ever seen. "Thank you."

"Have you ever used a Bow?" he questioned.

She shook her head causing hair to fall across one of her eyes. "No."

Fenarel resisted the urge to reach out and brush the errant lock back. "Then I think that's where we should start." He caught sight of Safyre motioning for him, and started to move toward his friends he glanced back to Amalyr. "I'll meet you here tomorrow?"

Smiling all she did was nod as she watched Fenarel join his friends.