Author's Note: I felt I needed to place this here for one particular reason. Looking back, I find that the first two chapters of this fanfic are long. Almost ridiculously so, even though I tried to cut down on the content as much as humanly possible in the second chapter (unfortunately cutting a lot of the action out as well). Don't fret, though, as from chapter two onward, they should be moderately reduced in size, but this is just a small warning to all those who are reading. I just wanted to make sure that I at least got through the Origin story as quickly as I could while still being as thorough as possible.
Also, I understand that a vast majority of the first two chapters contains almost by-the-book in-game character conversation. This will be fixed later on, however, as the story will become more original and less canon from chapter 3 onward, this I promise. But until then, enjoy the story! (Those who review may be subject to an imaginary cookie as a reward... MAYBE.)
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age Origins, nor any of the plots or characters mentioned in the story aside from Darrian Tabris.
"Wake up, Cousin!"
The ever-present, friendly - albeit slightly annoying - voice loudly awakens the Elf man lying in bed. He sat up slightly, long dark red hair flowing behind him slightly as he did so.
"Why are you still in bed? It's your big day!"
"What..." The Elf shook his head softly, turning to glance up into the eyes of his red-headed, female cousin.
"Why are you in my room, Shianni?" She merely chuckled at his confusion, staring down into his eyes, arms crossed with an amused look displayed upon her fair features.
"What, you're shy now? I sweet-talked your father into letting me share the good news... You do remember what today is, don't you, Darrian?" Darrian glanced down at the floor, deep in thought. For some odd reason, he just couldn't remember what the day held for him... According to Shianni, it was obviously important, but his memory seemed to fail him at the moment. Perhaps he shouldn't have tried that ale the other night after all...
Nevertheless, Darrian glanced back up at Shianni, a half-smirk taking over his face.
"Well, according to your breath, Shianni, it's get-drunk-before-noon day." Which was partially true, as he could indeed smell a slight stench of alcohol eminating from his cousin's position. Alcohol was the fiery redheaded Elven woman's one weakness, and her occasional drunken ramblings gave Darrian an almost endless supply of ammunition with which to tease her. Mercilessly.
Shianni sighed exasperatedly, rolling her eyes at him and pretending to look angry, though her eyes still retained obvious humor within them. Thankfully, she didn't take the jokes seriously as others often did.
"No, you idiot, you're getting married today! And Soris is, too! That's what I came here to tell you... Your bride, Nesiara, she's here early!" Darrian groaned loudly, falling back onto his pillow and covering his face with his hands as the memories began returning. His father had arranged the marriage between him and another Elf girl from the Alienage in Highever, further to the north. But the wedding had to be today?
After a few seconds of mentally cursing himself and his poor luck, Darrian finally spoke up again.
"I really, REALLY don't like the whole idea of this... Arranged match business." He said, dread oozing from every word.
"And just who else are you going to marry? Besides, I already snuck a peek... She's beautiful!" Darrian raised an eyebrow, trying to decide whether Shianni was actually telling the truth or merely just getting his hopes up in an attempt to play some sort of mean prank on him. He kept his silence as Shianni continued, gushing in a fashion similar to a princess who had just recently met Prince Charming himself.
"There's going to be traditional Elven music, decorations, feasting... Weddings are so much fun! You're so lucky, Cousin!" Darrian sighed loudly, sitting up and staring into Shianni's eyes, a retort already on the tip of his tongue.
"You're so enthusiastic about all this, maybe YOU should be the one getting married today. Not me." Shianni merely chuckled, waving him off.
"All in good time, Cousin. It's your day, not mine!" Try as he might, Darrian simply could not hold back the grin that spread across his face. The two sat there in silence for a moment before Shianni spoke up again.
"All right, I'll stop tormenting you... For now. I should probably go talk to the other bridesmaids and find my dress." She turned to leave, but glanced back at Darrian after a few steps.
"Oh, almost forgot. Soris said that he'll be waiting for you somewhere outside. So get a move on!" And with that, she was gone. Darrian got out of bed, walking over to the trunk situated on the other side of his bed and grabbing his wedding clothes from the confines within and tossing them onto his bed carelessly. The clothes were fashioned similarly to those that the human nobles wore. Needless to say, Elves only went out of their way to raise money and buy such things when important events such as weddings were taking place.
Putting on the puffy shirt and the pair of trousers, Darrian sat down in front of his mirror and began braiding his shoulder-length dark red hair in its usual fashion: braided around both sides of his head before going down in a straight line on the back of his head. Two long strands were left flowing down both sides of his face, giving him something of an Antivan look; or so he had been told by a few people in Denerim, at least.
Finally finished, Darrian stood and took one last look into the mirror. Despite wanting to sneak out of the marriage through any means possible, for some reason he couldn't help but feel as if these were going to be his last few hours as a free man. With a heavy sigh, Darrian closed his eyes and began walking into the living area, seeking his decent pair of boots. His father was waiting for him, sitting in his chair and reading a book of some sort. Upon noticing Darrian, Cyrion rose up from his chair, smiling from ear to ear as he strode across the room and swept his son up in a bonecrushing hug.
"Good morning, my son! It's your big day!" Cyrion released Darrian, who gasped for breath loudly, keeping his hands on his shoulders as he looked him over.
"How handsome you look in those fine clothes... Oh, how I wish your mother could have been here to see this day!" Darrian smiled, tugging at the uncomfortable collar of the almost ridiculously extravagant shirt. He would almost consider giving it to King Cailan Theirin, were it not for the fact that even that over-the-top royal bastard would likely laugh and toss it aside and the fact that he would likely never even get close enough to present the fool with such a gift.
Darrian's smile subsided as he began thinking of the wedding again.
"Look, Father, could we please talk about this arrangement for a moment or two?" Cyrion's smile also faltered slightly, but did not disappear completely.
"Still not pleased with it, I can see... Of course we can talk." Darrian shifted feet, continuing to look up into Cyrion's eyes.
"Do I really have to run off and get married, Father? So soon? I was still enjoying my independence..." Darrian trailed off.
"It's time for you to live your own life, my son. Unmarried, you are a child forever. And at any rate, the dowry has been paid, the Chantry has issued the permit, and everything is almost ready. All we need now is you and your cousin Soris." Cyrion replied. Darrian raised an eyebrow. His father had "bought" his bride?
"...You mean you paid a dowry for my bride? Truthfully?" He asked. Cyrion sighed wearily. The whole ordeal of getting everything ready seemed to have taken its toll on him.
"There's a lot more to arranging marriages than you think, my son. The biggest factor of all is deciding which spouse travels to which Alienage..." Darrian nodded.
"Yes, I believe I understand. One side gets new blood and a new face, but the other side loses a member of their community." Cyrion nodded, slightly impressed with his son's insight into the matter.
"Indeed... Which is why the dowry is traditional. It helps to even things out between the two communities."
"But I don't want to get married, Father." Cyrion laughed loudly at this.
"Ah, yes, I understand. Before I met Adaia, I was ready to go try to track down one of the Dalish tribes. Just be glad I chose the match for you. Without parents to represent you, children like your cousin Soris end up marrying whoever the Elder can find."
"So who did the Elder find for Soris?" Darrian asked, backing up a step or two and leaning against the wall. Cyrion shrugged.
"I dont know, I haven't met the girl. You should go see for yourself, if you're really curious." A pause.
"Well, it's time for you to go find Soris. The sooner this wedding starts, the less chance the two of you have to escape." Darrian smirked, shooting Cyrion a mischievous look.
"A small chance is still a chance, old man..." Cyrion chuckled at that.
"Ah, still have your mother's smart mouth, do you, young upstart? Oh, one more thing, before you go." Darrian grabbed the pair of his slightly decent boots, ones that had been completely covered in dust and grime yet.
"Yes, Father?" Darrian asked, sitting down in a chair and beginning to put his boots on.
"Your martial training... Swordplay, knives, bows, and Maker only knows what else your mother trained you in... It'd be best not to mention it to your betrothed."
"She'll find out about it sooner or later though, Father. That isn't something I can keep hidden for too long... Especially not in a place like Denerim." Darrian responded.
"Later. Definitely later. We don't want to seem like troublemakers here, after all... Adaia made that mistake." Darrian stopped pulling the boot up, a grim expression overtaking his features. His father never really spoke of his mother much after she died. Now, being older, he had little information about what she was truly like in person. To him, she had always been "Mother". Nothing more, nothing less.
"The humans who killed her made a bigger one." He said.
"Our world is full of so many injustices..." An uneasy silence engulfed the two. Cyrion walked out of the room, returning soon afterwards with a pair of leather boots, which he handed to Darrian. They were decorated with patterns of vines; obviously not standard-issue around Denerim.
"Your mother made these before you were born. She said we were going to give them to you on a special occasion... But I know she would have wanted you to have them, and I can think of no better time to give them to you than now. It's the very least I can give you as you start your new life." Another pause.
"Now, run along. I still have some things I must take care of, and Soris is no doubt waiting for you." And with that, Cyrion left the room, leaving Darrian alone with his thoughts. His grip tightened on the smooth leather for a moment, and he stared at them for a brief time before putting them on. They were much more comfortable than the shoes he typically wore, and they fit his feet perfectly, he noted. It was indeed a strange coincidence...
Exiting his home, Darrian could feel the warmth of the sun on his face once again. It was hot outside, almost unusually so, he noted. Elves were rushing about everywhere in the Alienage streets, putting the finishing touches on everything for the wedding. Dodging past well-wishers and other friends, Darrian finally found Soris, dressed similarly to himself, standing off to the side, away from everyone else.
"Hey, Soris!" Darrian greeted his cousin and best friend with a wide smile, which was mirrored by Soris.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my lucky cousin. Care to celebrate the end of our independence together?" Darrian punched Soris in the arm playfully.
"Getting cold feet, Soris?" Soris raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightheartedly.
"Are you surprised at that? Apparently, your bride's a dream come true. Mine, on the other hand, sounds like a dying mouse." Darrian threw an arm over his cousin's shoulders.
"Ah, look on the bright side: you just might get a cage as a wedding present." This sent Soris into a much louder fit of laughter.
"Oh Maker, that's terrible! Ah, well, come on. Let's go introduce you to your dreamy betrothed before you say "I do"." Soris said.
It didn't take long to find them, as Shianni immediately began beckoning the two over as soon as she saw Darrian and Soris. What she didn't see, however, was the group of three humans walking up behind them. One of them grabbed one of the Elf girls rather inappropriately, who immediately began thrashing about in an attempt to escape.
"Let go of me! Stop, please!" Finally, she managed to break free, running forward and cowering down just behind Darrian and Soris.
"It's a party, isn't it? Grab a whore and have a good time." One of the humans laughed loudly; from the looks of things, he was obviously the leader of the pack of animals.
"Savor the hunt, boys. Take this little Elven wench, here... So young and vulnerable..." The human said, gesturing towards Shianni.
"Touch me and I'll gut you, you pig!" Shianni fired back. Maker, that woman had a tongue on her at times... She did indeed lack many social graces, but that was one of the things Darrian liked about her. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
Another Elf, however, wasn't nearly as brazen in his words.
"Please, my lord! We're celebrating weddings, here!" The human, obviously undeterred, merely strode up to the man.
"Silence, worm!" Was all he said before delivering a rather strong backhand to the man's face, knocking him to the ground. Darrian merely watched the scene, feeling anger welling up inside him. Soris walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Look, I know what you're thinking, Cousin, but maybe we shouldn't get involved..." Darrian merely shrugged his hand off.
"Objection noted, now get out of my way, Soris. I won't let these humans abuse our women." Soris sighed in defeat.
"Fine. But let's at least try to be diplomatic, shall we?" Darrian began walking towards the human in the orange clothing. His ludicrously extravagant outfit identified him obviously as some sort of noble, and though Darrian was going to attempt to be "diplomatic", as Soris said, he knew deep in his heart that the only way the human would leave the Alienage would be if they ejected him by force.
The noble apparently recognized Darrian and Soris, as he began walking over to them, getting in Darrian's face. Darrian glared up at the human standing before him, no signs of intimidation on his face.
"What's this? The two grooms come to welcome me personally?" The man's breath reeked of alcohol; apparently he had had one or two before coming into the Alienage.
Undeterred, Darrian spoke up.
"You need to leave. At once." One of the humans behind the noble laughed at his words.
"Ha! You hear that, Vaughan?" The noble scoffed at Darrian's words as well.
"Do you have any idea who I am?" Darrian glanced over to the side, briefly noticing Shianni running off somewhere before returning his attention to the disgusting brat of a noble in front of him. Vaughan apparently saw the direction in which he looked, as he turned around to see just what was so interesting to the "pathetic knife-ear".
The sound of clay breaking into thousands of pieces echoed throughout the Alienage as Vaughan fell backwards, hitting the ground with a dull thud. Shianni was standing there, glaring at Vaughan and holding a piece of the broken jar she had used to bash his brains in with. Darrian glanced down impassively at the spoiled brat of a noble. He was out cold.
One of the humans that had accompanied Vaughan, a man dressed in red, came running up. He obviously didn't share the satisfaction Darrian was feeling after having watched his friend get his skull crushed by a woman. An ELVEN woman, at that.
"Are you people insane? This is Vaughan Urien, the Arl of Denerim's son!" He said. Shianni hid her face in her hands, the reality of what she had just done sinking in.
"W-what? Oh, Maker..." Darrian wasn't nearly as regretful as his cousin was.
"Well, maybe his high and mighty father should've taught him better manners... If he had, then we likely wouldn't be in this situation right now, now would we?" The two humans obviously weren't amused by his insult to both Vaughan and his father.
"Y-... You've got a lot of nerve, knife-ears! This'll go badly for you, I swear it!" Darrian merely made a "friendly" gesture with one of his fingers as the two humans carried their disgusting friend towards the Alienage gates.
"That's right, get outta here! You humans make my stomach sick!" He yelled after the human's retreating forms.
Shianni walked over to Darrian and Soris after the drama for the day was - hopefully - finished. She was staring down at the ground, apparently still in disbelief as to what she had done.
"Oh, I really messed up this time..." Darrian put and arm around her shoulders.
"Don't worry about it. You only did what I was about to do. That pig deserved it." He said. Soris nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. Besides, it's not like he's going to tell anyone an ELVEN woman took him down." Shianni still didn't seem to share in her cousin's optimism.
"I hope so... I should probably go get cleaned up." Shianni then left the two grooms alone for all of about two seconds.
"Is everybody else all right?" Soris asked the small crowd of Elves. One woman stepped forward, dressed in rather extravagant clothes... Though she was slightly on the homely side of things. Another stepped up as well, though she was very pretty. Shoulder-length blonde hair braided in a traditional Elven style with plenty of green eyeliner, and a very fair complexion.
"I think we're just a little shaken... What was that all about, anyway?" The first woman asked. Soris laughed, sounding somewhat nervous.
"Ah, looks like the Arl's son started drinking too early. That's all." A pause.
"Um, well, let's not let this ruin the day. Uh, this is Valora, my betrothed." Soris continued, gesturing toward the first woman who had spoken up. Darrian raised an eyebrow, turning towards the pretty Elven woman that had arrived.
"Oh? Then I suppose this beautiful vision must be Nesiara..." He mused, watching as a light blush overtook the young woman's features.
"I am lucky to finally see you with my own eyes. Father told me much about you, but I just had to see for myself..." Soris cleared his throat loudly, getting the attention of everyone there.
"I'm... sure the two of you have a lot to discuss." He said, bowing respectfully before walking off to the side with Valora and leaving Darrian and Nesiara alone. There was a brief moment of silence between the two.
"Well, here we are... Are you nervous?" Darrian gave Nesiara a warm smile. He was actually starting to come around to the whole idea of the arranged marriage, despite his strong feelings beforehand.
"I was... Until I saw you, that is. Now I can't wait to get started." Nesiara's eyes widened slightly, her blush growing a bit deeper.
"I... I'm speechless. I hope I'm worthy of your affection." She said. Darrian nodded.
"As do I." Before they could speak further, however, Soris spoke up again.
"Come on, Cousin. We should let these two get ready." Darrian was about to refuse, but finally just nodded. There would be plenty of time to talk after everything was done.
"We'll see you two in a bit. Don't disappear on us." Valora said.
"Or we'll hunt you down!" Nesiara said, laughing loudly. Darrian chuckled as well. It would likely happen if they did try.
"Er... Don't look now, but we have another problem." Soris said after Valora and Nesiara had disappeared into the crowd. Darrian walked over, seeing another human off in the distance. He had a scruffy black beard on him, with dark black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He had a longsword and a dagger sheathed on his back, and was wearing a strange set of armor, like none Darrian had ever seen before. Perhaps custom made for him.
"I wonder who he is..." Darrian mused. Soris shrugged.
"No clue. Could be one of Vaughan's or just a random troublemaker. At any rate, we should probably move him along before someone does something stupid." Darrian nodded.
"Right. Let's go talk to him and see what he wants." The two stepped around the Vhenadahl, walking up to the human. He bowed respectfully in front of Darrian and Soris.
"Good day. I understand congratulations are in order for your impending wedding." Darrian nodded, deciding to at least return a slight measure of respect.
"Thanks, but please go. I'd rather avoid any further... Unpleasantness." The human raised an eyebrow, looking slightly confused.
"What manner of "unpleasantness" might you be referring to?" He asked. Darrian shook his head.
"The Alienage just isn't a good place for humans to be. Especially not now. If you have business here then finish it and leave." He commanded.
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving." The human responded. Darrian's frown grew a bit deeper.
"Fine... Perhaps we can agree to compromise? Somehow, at least." He asked. The human nodded, apparently impressed with Darrian's bravery.
"He keeps his composure, even when facing down an unknown and armed human... A true gift, wouldn't you say, Valendrian?" Now it was Darrian's turn to look confused as the Elder came strolling over.
"I would say the world has far more use of those who know how to stay their blades. It is good to see you again, my old friend. It has been far too long." Valendrian said. Apparently the Elder knew this human... Somehow.
"You... You know this human, Elder?" Darrian asked. Valendrian nodded, motioning towards the human.
"May I present Duncan, head of the Grey Wardens here in Ferelden." Darrian raised an eyebrow. A Grey Warden? In the Alienage?
"Forgive me for sounding confused, but... Why would a Grey Warden be here in the Alienage, of all places?" Darrian asked.
"The worst has happened: a Blight has begun. King Cailan summons the Grey Wardens to Ostagar to fight the darkspawn horde alongside his armies." Duncan replied. Though that still didn't quite answer Darrian's question, he was still satisfied with the answer. For the moment, at least.
"Yes... I had heard the news. Still, this is an awkward time for such things. There is to be a wedding here... Two, in fact." Valendrian replied. Duncan nodded.
"So I see. Please, by all means, attend to your ceremonies. My concerns can wait, for now." Valendrian nodded.
"Very well. Children, treat Duncan as my guest. And for the Maker's sake, take your places!" Darrian glanced back at the stand, seeing that a few members of the crowd were motioning for him and Soris to hurry up and get up there.
"Please, do not let me interrupt further. We can speak more after this is finished." Duncan said, apparently figuring out what Darrian was thinking. Darrian grabbed Soris by the collar, hauling him off to the stand and taking his place beside Nesiara.
"Oh! Soris! There you are. I was afraid you'd run off..." Valora said. Soris chuckled slightly.
"No, no, I'm here, fellow groom in tow!" He replied.
"Good. I'm so pleased to finally do this!" Nesiara remarked, glancing over at Darrian somewhat shyly. Darrian looked over as the priest from the Chantry stepped up onto the podium.
"Well, it looks like everyone's ready." Soris remarked as the crowd settled down.
"So it seems. Good luck, Soris." Darrian remarked. Soris mirrored his smile.
"You too, Cousin. Maybe this won't be so bad after all." Valendrian stood up to give his speech to the Elves gathered around. Darrian merely turned his attention back to Nesiara, smiling dumbly as Valendrian droned on and on about Andraste and the freedom of the Elves and tradition.
Finally, the priest stepped up in front of the four betrothed.
"Thank you, Valendrian. Now, let us begin. In the name of the Maker, who brought us this world, and in whose name we say the Chant of Light, I-" Soris stopped the priest, pointing behind her. Darrian furrowed his brow. Stomping through the crowd of Elves was Vaughan and his friends, backed by a contigent of the town guards.
"Milord? This is... An unexpected surprise." The priest said softly.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mother, but I'm... Having a party, and we're dreadfully short on female guests." Vaughan said with a laugh as he stepped up onto the podium, standing behind Soris and Valora.
"Milord, this is a wedding!" The priest said, attempting to reason with the noble.
"Ha! If you want to dress up your pets and have tea parties, that's your business," Vaughan said, getting in the priest's face, "But don't pretend this is a proper wedding. Now," Vaughan turned towards his friends next, "We're here for a good time, aren't we, boys?" The one in the red shirt chuckled, sounding somewhat evil.
"Just a good time with the ladies, that's all." He said. Vaughan began pointing towards the ones he planned on taking.
"Let's take those two, the one in the tight dress, and..." He paused, looking about for someone in particular, "Wait... Where's the bitch that bottled me?"
"Over here, Lord Vaughan!" The other human said, grabbing hold of Shianni, who had been standing off to the side. She immediately began trying to free herself from his grasp.
"Hey! Let me go, you stuffed-shirt son of a-" Vaughan laughed loudly, cutting the fiery redhead off mid-profanity.
"Oh, I'll enjoy taming her. And see the pretty bride..." He said, motioning towards Nesiara, who unconsciously hid behind Darrian slightly.
"What do we do?" Soris asked. Darrian motioned towards Shianni, who was being dragged off to the side.
"Soris, they're taking Shianni! We have to-"
"Ah, yes... The uppity runt that thinks he's worthy of speaking to me." Again, Darrian found himself staring up into the eyes of Vaughan Urien.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll return whatever's left in time for the "honeymoon"." Vaughan said.
"You have no right to do this, bastard!" Darrian spat in his face.
"Ah, every time a knife-ear says that, it makes me smile..." Vaughan said, stepping back as one of his friends walked up.
"Back to the palace, boys!" Was all Darrian heard before a backhand came out of nowhere, knocking him flat on his ass and sending him into the realm of unconsciousness.