Disclaimer: I do not own the dialogue, characters or locations in Dragon Age: Origins. I also do not own the heading quotes or songs in each submitted chapter. This is purely a re-telling of a story from my own point of view and purely for entertainment reasons. Any feedback is welcome but please keep it civil if there are issues with what has been written. Thank you and enjoy!

I still remember the world
From the eyes of a child
Slowly those feelings
Were clouded by what I know now

Where has my heart gone
An uneven trade for the real world
Oh I... I want to go back to
Believing in everything and knowing nothing at all

I still remember the sun
Always warm on my back
Somehow it seems colder now

Where has my heart gone
Trapped in the eyes of a stranger
Oh I... I want to go back to
Believing in everything

[Latin hymn:]
Iesu, Rex admirabilis
Et triumphator nobilis,
Dulcedo ineffabilis,
Totus desiderabilis.

Where has my heart gone
An uneven trade for the real world
Oh I... I want to go back to
Believing in everything
Oh, Where

Where has my heart gone
Trapped in the eyes of a stranger
Oh I... I want to go back to
Believing in everything

I still remember.

*Evanescence - Fields of Innocence

--13 Years before the Blight--

"Have at you!" Fergus cried as he pointed the long stick at Evelyn as she scurried about the courtyard at Redcliffe Castle. He laughed evilly as he gave chase to his baby sister and took swipes at her legs as she attempted to climb the tree. "No fair! Cheater!"

Evelyn stuck her tongue out at him and climbed high to find a stick to use against Fergus. A blond haired boy near Evelyn's age watched from afar, interested in what was going on. Fergus circled the tree, "You can't stay up there forever you know."

While he circled Evelyn had managed to climb onto the stone wall and sneak around with a mischievous grin. She had one short stick and a longer one that was thin but sturdy. As she snuck down the steps a few of the servant's children came to see what the ruckus was about before they looked at each other taking small bets.

"I'll bet a whole silver the little one takes out the big one." One boy named Julian grinned before shifting his attention to the blond hair boy watching the scene intently, "Alistair, you want in?"

"Huh? In on what?" Alistair looked confused.

"Nevermind."

Evelyn climbed the stone railing and leapt when she saw Fergus, "Ah ha!" She shouted and lightly slapped his hand with her stick.

"Ow!" Fergus growled and looked at her, "You sneaky git. I'll get you!"

"You have to catch me first big brother." Evelyn taunted. She grinned gamely before running off past the gate towards the stables. They took swings at each other and jumped off anything sturdy or that would hold their weight. The children cheered on the two who were guests at Redcliffe. A few of the girls watched in awe and coo'd over Fergus and Evelyn.

"The one with the shorter hair is just too cute!" Coo'd one not realizing she was admiring one of her own.

With a flurry of moves Evelyn became the victor just by mere size and speed. She grinned down at Fergus, "I promise not to tell father."

"Ha!" Fergus laughed and got up with Evelyn's help before dusting off. He noticed the small gathering of children and playfully bowed before jabbing Evelyn in the side to do the same. She did reluctantly then heard Julian call out, "Can we play too?"

"Hm…well I suppose we could use some help in our army eh baby sister?" Fergus replied as he looked over to Evelyn.

"Sister? I thought that was your brother." Julian shouted while looking confused as he walked over to Evelyn and poked her with his finger.

She swatted it away and glared defiantly, "Hey!"

"You mean to tell us that a girl bested you in a stick fight? Ha! That's laughable." Julian continued as he circled Evelyn and sized her up before flicking her short hair, "Looks to me she doesn't know her place."

"Leave her alone." Alistair came out from the crowed and glared a bit at Julian.

Evelyn looked at Alistair and tilted her head a bit wondering why he would defend her. She was able to defend herself and besides she had Fergus at her side too. Her eyes shifted to Julian who hm'd at her before looking at Alistair.

"I've got an idea." Julian grinned and looked at Alistair who gulped. Usually Julian's ideas led to trouble and this time was no exception. "We'll settle who is better in a stick fight," He picked up a stick and tossed it to Alistair, "This girl from Highever or the boys from Redcliffe."

"You got it!" Fergus agreed despite Evelyn's protests. She glared at her brother and was suckered into a silly honor fight. Her eyes shifted to Alistair who looked reluctant to take part. She sighed wondering if she should just let him win but the look on Fergus's face told her he wanted to win badly.

"Terms of the fight are as follow. First one to fall loses. No tricks. It will be a straight fight." Julian stated as he paced between the two with a wistful grin. He stopped in front of Fergus, "Loser has to be our slaves for the rest of the week."

Evelyn glared, "Slaves?!"

Fergus didn't like the sound of it either and shook his head, "No…Loser gives up their allowance." He pulled out a sovereign and showed the group.

"Deal." Julian nodded and let his greed show. He walked over to Alistair and put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't screw this up. She's just a girl."

"One that can kick my ass." Alistair muttered.

"Just think of this as your one last hurrah before being shipped off to the Chantry." Julian said casually before moving away.

Fergus looked at Evelyn and frowned a little, "Sorry, Evie. No matter what happens you're still my baby sister. Just do your best."

"No pressure…" Evelyn quipped then looked at Alistair as Fergus moved to the side. She saluted Alistair properly then walked a circle around. She tuned out the jeers and cheers from the side. Her blue eyes were intense as she looked at him. He countered her movement and seemed nervous. She knew that a nervous mabari could prove to be a hell of a fighter in the end. Ser Jean told her never to underestimate her opponents.

Alistair felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead as he watched Evelyn's movement. She was a pretty girl despite having her hair cut like a boy's and her eyes seemed to bore a hole into his soul. It made him uneasy.

Way to go Alistair…Open your mouth and see what it gets you? A sound thrashing from a girl who's probably younger than you are. Can't wait til Arl Eamon hears this one…or worse yet if the other kids in the Chantry hear about it I'll never live it down.

Before he could finish his thought he was locked in a fight with Evelyn. Their sticks were locked and the determination in her eyes made him realize the passion she had for the game. He didn't want to hurt her but he didn't want to be made a fool either.

Forgive me…

He pushed hard and managed to knock Evelyn back a few steps. Quickly he swung at her and she hopped back. It was like watching a dance as they took swipes at each other landing hits on each others legs and arms. The two were evenly matched but Fergus knew better. Evelyn wasn't giving it her all out of pity for Alistair and Alistair was holding back out of fear of hurting her. The two carried on and ended up near a large outside the stables where a large puddle of water seemed to be awaiting them. Alistair pushed Evelyn towards the muddy puddle using swings to guide her before guilt set in again. Evelyn could see the hesitation and shook her head slightly as she ducked one of his lunges causing him to tumble over her into the puddle.

"Gah!" Alistair cried sat in the mud and looked up at Evelyn who frowned. She offered him a hand calling a truce. As he reached to take it Julian scoffed. He looked down feeling like a loser and it was at that moment Evelyn pivoted and looked at Julian. She hated it when bullies picked on her and it made her blood boil when they picked on others.

Julian laughed as Evelyn walked over to him and growled. He looked down at her seeing her anger, "Awww the little tomboy is angry. What are you going to do? Poke me with that stick of yours?"

Her anger faded and she looked at him calmly while Fergus helped Alistair up. Fergus didn't like what was going on and apologized to Alistair before looking at Evelyn. He knew that look and tried to get to Evelyn before it was too late. Just as he reached her a loud crack was heard and the legs of Julian flew over his head as he flipped backwards into the wheelbarrow that held the manure from the horses. The children roared with laughter as she glared at Julian, "Never assume that just because I'm a girl that they can't kick your bloody ass you…."

What followed were a slur of curses that Fergus quelled by covering her mouth with his hand. Laughter came from the stables as Bann Teagan and Arl Eamon watched the whole scene. Eamon looked at Alistair and chuckled a bit, "Come now, Alistair. We need to get you cleaned up. The templars are here."

Bann Teagan looked at the children and laughed again, "The girl is spirited."

"That she is, Teagan. More than her mother would like." Bryce Cousland replied as he came into view and looked at Evelyn sternly. She frowned and hung her head immediately while Fergus seemed unsure what to do. Bryce moved forward and tousled Fergus's hair then looked at Evelyn, "Alright pup…Go on inside now and get cleaned up. We'll be leaving too. Your mother has sent word that I need to head to Denerim to meet with the other Teryns and Arls."

"Yes, father…" Evelyn whispered and walked with Fergus towards the castle. She stopped by Alistair and smiled softly then nodded her head respectfully to him, "May the Maker watch over you, Alistair."

"And you…" Alistair whispered and he watched her go. He felt his cheeks redden when she looked back to him with those blue eyes. His eyes shifted to see Julian sitting up with a bloody nose and he muttered before running off to his mother. Alistair grinned and left to get cleaned up.