Ch. 1
As the morning light bathed across the land, the white-haired elf awoke from his light sleep. Standing up, Fenris dusted the dirt and grass off his clothes and armor. Without a moment to waste, Fenris picked up his traveler's sack and continued along his trek. After having long left the fringes of the Planasene Forest behind him, the elven warrior then began heading for the city of Cumberland in the city-state of Nevarra. His journey along the road would take a little more than half a day's travel if he kept a good pace.
While he walked, Fenris started thinking about the past again, predominantly the events involving Kirkwall. Three months have passed since the destruction of the Chantry, the downfall of Kirkwall, and the start of the war between Mages and Templars. When the time came to choose sides, Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall, made the decision to defend mages and battle against the Templars. Fenris, despite his negative feelings and overall hatred of mages, chose to stand and fight by Hawke. Together, Hawke and his companions along with the remaining mages were able to push back and defeat the Templars at Kirkwall. However, both sides suffered great losses not only in casualties but also in leadership. The Mages had lost First Enchanter Orsino who thought the only way to prevail was to use blood magic leading to his death by the Champion and his friends, the very allies he had come to gain. Knight-Commander Meredith was overtaken by the evil power from an ancient idol resulting in an overwhelming madness taking over her. Meredith's end was also met by the hands of Hawke.
Stopping his train of thought, Fenris could not help but to place blame on magic for escalating the situation to these current and unfortunate circumstances. 'Magic.' thought Fenris in his head with utter disgust. Just thinking about the word filled the former slave with hatred and fury. 'Magic is the reason behind Meredith's insanity and downfall. Magic is what led to Orsino's corruption and turned him into a monstrous abomination. And magic is what caused the deaths of so many innocent lives at the Chantry.' Thinking those last words, Fenris stopped walking and forcefully punched a nearby tree. "Anders." spoke Fenris rancorously. "I will never forgive you for what you have done." The white-haired elf just stood there on the road for a few moments allowing his anger to subside before continuing on.
After Kirkwall, everyone went their separate ways. The only ones who remained together were Hawke, Isabela, and Bethany. As for everyone else, Fenris could care less what they did or what happened to them. All Fenris knows for sure is that, with the exception of Sebastian, each one of them is wanted as fugitives by the Templar Order and the Chantry. At this point, the warrior elf basically had an idea and plan on where to go. His two options were to either head south and live amongst the Wilds or head north and live near the Qunari. Thinking about the land of the Qunari caused Fenris to remember his time with the Fog Warriors, a decision he will never forget and always regret for the rest of his life. Knowing and recalling his betrayal, the elven warrior knew he could not handle facing them after what he had done. So Fenris chose to head south by land. He knew using boats to travel across the Waking Sea would only allow the Templars to easily find him. After he finished reminiscing about his past and what path to follow, Fenris realized he was nearly right outside Cumberland.
Entering the city, the white-haired elf gazed upon and observed the environment around him as he walked through the streets. The city had grown tremendously over the years. With large buildings constructed all around and with a vast variety of society and trade, Cumberland was quite similar to Kirkwall due to their close proximity to each other. Like Kirkwall, Cumberland was also a port city hence the relatively high success and thriving economy. Along with its constant success and massive expansion, Cumberland like its mother, Nevarra City, also had beautiful artistry and architecture. Many finely crafted statues and elegant architecture were laid out across the streets. As he passed into the city, Fenris could not help but notice the large glittering golden building that was the College of Magi causing him to scowl at the sight of it.
Continuing his way through Cumberland, Fenris checked the bag of coins at his side to see how much he had remaining. '7 sovereigns, 45 pieces, and 63 bits. I can't spend much. Need supplies first then I need to find a place to sleep.' Traversing from market to market, Fenris bought supplies of healing potions, stamina draughts, water, dried meats, and other basic essentials. After his supply run, the warrior elf noticed dusk was starting to darken the horizon. Feeling famished from his travels, Fenris decided to visit the nearest tavern for food and drink. Walking only a few blocks, the elf traveler discovered a small tavern called the Mad Drunkard. 'What a ridiculous name, but it'll have to do.' Entering the establishment, Fenris soon understood why the tavern had its name. Almost everyone in the Mad Drunkard were angry, heavily intoxicated drunks who were fighting amongst each other. Besides that, the tavern was quite loud and some parts of it resembled a pigsty. Fenris knew he just had to remain calm and not become involved with anybody there if he wanted to leave without anyone taking notice of him. As he made his way past a large, burly man punching a fat man in the face, the elven warrior eventually made it to the bar counter and a woman bartender.
"What'll you have?" spoke the woman bartender with her voice raised so she could be heard.
"Bread, cooked venison, and brandy." replied Fenris in a loud tone.
"Be right back." responded the bartender.
When she left, Fenris took a moment to look around at all the chaos around him. As he looked through the commotion, his dark olive green eyes focused on someone who had just entered the door to the tavern. Realizing immediately who the person was, the white-haired elf casually turned back towards the bar and pulled more of his hood over his head so as to hide his face. 'Of all the places, why did she have to show up here?' thought Fenris loudly with irritation. Staying calm, Fenris remained in his seat and hoped the female that just entered would not sit near him. Unfortunately for him, she sat right next to the elven warrior.
"Here you go." spoke the bartender as she brought over Fenris' meal. "And what'll you have, little lady?" questioned the bartender to the patron.
"I believe I will have the soup, no wait, steamed potatoes and carrots, on second thought, maybe a biscuit and some meat." said a sweet, gentle voice with a Dalish accent. "What would you recommend?"
Still baffled at how fast the elf girl could speak, the bartender at first just stared at her with an open mouth before responding. "Umm, well, I would say the…"
Before the bartender could finish, an unkempt drunk man dressed in excessively unclean lower class clothing approached them and interrupted. "She'll have some ale. That's what you want, ain't it?" slurred the middle-aged man sternly.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure about that." answered the Dalish girl timidly. "I actually just want something to eat, if that would be all right."
"No! You want some ale!" commanded the drunk causing the bartender to back away from the rising situation. "And you want to come over and share it with me and the boys."
Hearing the hostility, Fenris looked over to see that Merrill did not have her staff to defend herself. 'This is not going to end well.' thought Fenris annoyed. Knowing that Merrill would likely use her magic, Fenris grudgingly knew that he would have to step in to stop her if she did.
"Now you listen up, knife ears." demanded the drunkard. "Me and my buddies here just wanna have a good time, and if you know what's good for ya, you'll come with me." shouted the tipsy man as he grabbed a hold of Merrill's arm.
"Let me go!" exclaimed Merrill defensively. Raising her right hand, Merrill prepared to cast a bolt of spirit energy.
Acting quickly, Fenris went over and grasped the drunken man by his throat causing him to release his hold of Merrill.
"Hey!" choked out the man before being left unable to speak anymore. Seeing their drinking buddy in trouble, the five other guys at his table approached Fenris angrily.
"Let'm go or things are gonna get ugly." said one of the drunks.
"Yeah, what he said!" added another intoxicated man.
Loosening his grip on the man, Fenris threw the drunk over to the piss-covered ground in front of them. "Take your friend and leave." commanded Fenris assertively as he turned away from them.
After being helped to his feet, the inebriated man that had been choked by Fenris ignored the elf's words and began moving towards him. "You'll pay for that!" yelled the drunk as he ran toward the warrior elf and threw a punch.
Quickly turning around and catching the man's fist, Fenris retaliated with a glowing right hand preparing to strike down the man. Seeing the glowing fist, the man immediately became fearful of Fenris, and Merrill instantly knew who the elf sitting next to her was. Realizing what he was about to do, Fenris returned his fist back to normal and struck the drunk in the face with a regular fist. Within seconds, the other drunks rushed towards the elven warrior tackling and piling on him. Allowing his rage to take over, the white-haired elf activated his lyrium aura and released a pulse of energy causing the drunks to be thrown off him. Not sure what was going on, everyone in the tavern started an all-out brawl. A frenzy of fists, kicks, bites, and headbutts were met by nearly all. Not having much choice, Fenris fought his way through several intoxicated fools to get to his traveler's sack that had also got pushed away by his blast. Aggravated of having to fight his way through again, the warrior elf used his lyrium aura once more and unleashed another, even stronger burst of spiritual force to clear a path for him to leave. The aftermath of Fenris' blast caused many injured drunks to be knocked all about and sprawled on the ground. Satisfied with the clear path he had made, Fenris left the building without a moment's notice. As he walked out, many of the patrons stared at him but Fenris simply ignored them and continued walking. Upon reaching outside, Fenris instantly saw Merrill who was standing a few feet away from him.
Seeing him outside, Merrill walked over to Fenris. Before she could say anything, Fenris spoke first. "Leave me alone." stated Fenris coldly as he began walking away from Merrill.
"Now that isn't a way to greet an old friend." responded Merrill with slight irritation.
"You're not my friend." replied Fenris in the same tone as before without even looking at Merrill.
Ignoring his rude remark, the Dalish mage continued to walk beside him. "Where are you going, Fenris?" asked Merrill kindly.
"Somewhere away from you."
"What brings you to Cumberland?" questioned the elf girl curiously.
"Templars." stated Fenris bluntly.
Hearing that word caused Merrill to stop in her tracks.
"So they have come after you as well." spoke Merrill nervousness clearly showing in her tone.
"Several times." said Fenris who had also stopped walking. They stood together in silence for a few seconds before the Dalish elf spoke again.
"Why don't we stay together?" suggested Merrill enthusiastically.
"No." replied Fenris almost immediately then started walking again.
"If we stay together, the Templars will have a harder time taking on the both of us, strength in numbers." said Merrill as she started walking also.
"No." repeated the white-haired elf.
"Plus we could talk about the past and enjoy each other's company." added the elven mage.
"No." spoke Fenris once more.
"Fenris." exclaimed Merrill running up in front of Fenris to stop him.
"Move out of my way." commanded the warrior elf annoyed.
"Fenris, I'm worried about you, I'm worried about all of us." spoke Merrill kindly and sincerely.
Hearing her words, Fenris could not help but to look into her eyes and try to read her motives. Despite the truth he saw in her bright amber eyes, Fenris did not desire her help or her worry.
"I do not want nor do I need your pathetic concern. What I do want is for you to leave me alone." declared Fenris harshly.
Fenris' words pierced through Merrill as a blade through a body. Despite his words causing her to feel deep emotional pain, Merrill would not reveal it to Fenris. Instead, she simply accepted Fenris' resolve.
"I understand." replied Merrill disheartened.
'Finally.' thought Fenris satisfied he got to her.
"At least…" trailed off Merrill.
"At least what exactly?"
"At least allow me to thank you properly for protecting me back at the tavern." spoke Merrill almost cheerfully.
"I wasn't protecting you, I was making sure you wouldn't use your magic to draw attention, which nearly happened. If you had used magic, the Templars would be here right now hunting us down again." scorned Fenris.
"Well, either way you see it, you helped me so I will help you." replied Merrill kindly.
"And how will you help me?" questioned the elven warrior doubtfully.
"Have you found a place to sleep yet, or a good meal to eat?" asked the Dalish girl caringly.
"You ruined my meal, and my appetite." answered Fenris apathetic in his tone. "And I plan on sleeping in the woods again. After you caused me to reveal my abilities to those fools, I'm sure one of them is going to report me, which will only lead to Templars."
"I'm… sorry, Fenris. I did not mean to cause you any trouble." spoke Merrill sincerely.
"It doesn't matter anymore." replied Fenris coldly. "You've already been enough of a burden to me."
"Please, allow me to make up for my mistakes." pleaded the elven mage apologetically.
Staring at her once more, Fenris could not help but feel a slight pity within himself for her. 'Damn you, Hawke.' thought Fenris. Over the years, Fenris could feel himself becoming more tolerant of Hawke's companions, a direct result of the friendship he had forged with the Champion of Kirkwall. Despite his feelings, the hardened warrior elf would not reveal his emotions to Merrill, or anyone else. Releasing a breath, Fenris decided to give Merrill a chance. "Speak quickly, I will not have more of my time wasted."
Hearing his words, Merrill's demeanor returned to a gentle expression. "Ma serannas." responded the Dalish girl kindly. "Well, you could stay with me, I'm staying at an abandoned house on the outskirts of the city, it would be safe there, and I could also make you something to eat."
Thinking for a moment, Fenris pondered her invitation before coming to a conclusion. "Don't speak another word to me on the way there." stated Fenris in his usual tone.
"So you will come?" questioned Merrill almost excitedly.
"Stop talking and lead the way." replied Fenris slightly irritated.
"All right then." declared Merrill with a smile.
With enough said, the two elves began making their way over to Merrill's temporary lodging that resided on the outskirts of the city. By the time they reached the aged two story wooden house, night had already dawned upon them. Entering the house, Merrill quickly made her way over to a lamp and lit it. As soon as he stepped a foot inside, Fenris instantly detected the smell of ancient dust. Looking around, the white-haired elf noticed that the home had been abandoned for quite some time but despite that fact, much of the wooden furnishings still remained. Realizing that Fenris was observing the unclean surroundings, Merrill noted on it.
"I'm sorry about it being so filthy in here, I didn't plan on staying all that long."
"I've had worse."
"I'm glad it doesn't bother you." said Merrill in a kind tone. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable upstairs."
Without another word, Fenris walked upstairs and entered the only other room available which was directly across from Merrill's. Lighting a lamp and setting down his traveling pack, Fenris sat upon the unkempt bed. 'How, and why, did I end up in this dilemma?' thought the elven warrior. 'I blame the Maker for this.' After unpacking and putting away his sword, Fenris slipped off his hooded cloak and made his way downstairs. When he reached the bottom, his senses were struck by the smell of food cooking. Fenris, walking into the kitchen, found Merrill preparing a broth. As he pulled out a chair to sit down, Merrill became startled by the sound of it sliding harshly across the wooden floor.
"Oh, Fenris." spoke Merrill still slightly shaken. "You surprised me."
Ignoring her words, Fenris merely sat down in the old wooden chair. "Explain." demanded Fenris in his cold voice with a penetrating stare.
"Explain what?" asked Merrill confused.
"Explain to me why you chose to come to that tavern instead of remaining in this house." ordered Fenris in a more irritated and demanding voice. Hearing his tone, the Dalish girl soon understood what he meant.
"You're wondering why I went to a tavern when I could have just remained here, safe in this house." replied Merrill understandingly.
"Answer me, now." commanded Fenris in the same tone as before.
"All right." agreed Merrill without hesitation. "I was on my way back from exploring around the city when I spotted that tavern. I don't know how to explain it but… I just felt drawn to it, as if it was calling to me, or rather a voice was calling to me, a woman's voice I've heard somewhere before but I can't tell exactly who it was. That is all I can say about it." Merrill finished speaking with only silence following afterwards. After a few moments, Fenris finally spoke.
"Are you lying to me?" interrogated Fenris in a calm persona.
"No, I'm not lying. But I do not expect you to believe me either." answered the elven mage honestly.
"I don't believe you." replied the white-haired elf cautiously.
"I understand." responded Merrill sorrowfully. "And I would also understand if you wanted to leave here as well." added the Dalish elf as she turned her attention back to the broth. More seconds of silence passed between them before someone finally spoke.
"I will leave." stated Fenris bluntly.
"I see." spoke back Merrill. "I guess…"
"But not until the morning." interrupted Fenris apathetic in his tone.
Realizing his words, Merrill turned around shocked at Fenris. "So you will stay then?" questioned her surprised.
"I won't repeat myself." replied Fenris annoyed. "Is the food ready yet?" asked the elf warrior changing subjects.
"Oh, yes, the food is ready to eat." said Merrill happily. Scooping the soup up, Merrill brought a bowl over to Fenris and then she prepared another bowl for herself. After Merrill sat down at the table, the two allies began consuming their hot meal. While the elves ate, they remained silent. Only with the occasional stare or look did they acknowledge each other's presence. Eventually, Merrill attempted some after dinner conversation with her fellow elf.
"So, did you like the meal?" asked Merrill when she noticed that Fenris had finished eating.
"It was… satisfying." answered Fenris genuinely.
"I'm glad you liked it." replied Merrill cheerfully as she got up to pick up his bowl. "It's an old Dalish recipe I learned from… Keeper Marethari."
"It's good." responded Fenris with almost a hint of emotion.
"Ma serannas." stated back Merrill as she cleaned the bowls with water from her waterskin. "Marethari would have appreciated the compliment."
Standing up, Fenris decided to put an end to the conversation. He took only two steps before stopping and turning back to Merrill. "You should get to bed soon." stated Fenris before walking off. After hearing his words, Merrill turned around to tell Fenris something but he had already left. After quickly cleaning up, the Dalish girl made her way upstairs. Once she arrived outside of her door, Merrill noticed that Fenris had shut his. Merrill slowly walked over to the warrior elf's door. She was hesitant but she knew she had to knock. Standing in front of Fenris' door, Merrill gently knocked on it. To Merrill, the longest seconds of quiet passed before Fenris finally opened the door. After opening his door, Fenris only stared at Merrill surprised in his own mind.
"Is there something you need?" questioned Fenris in his usual tone.
"Umm, yes, well, why are you acting strange?" inquired the Dalish mage earnestly.
"And what do you mean by that?" asked Fenris in a similar way to Merrill.
"First, you act like your normal self when you arrive, next you start questioning me as to why I was at the tavern, but you suddenly stop talking about it, then after we eat you seemed as though you were trying to be nice, and now your acting like yourself again." explained the elf girl in detail.
"And?" questioned Fenris apathetically.
"Why, why did you not question me further, or leave?" asked Merrill with great curiosity. Fenris looked away at first then he returned his gaze back upon her. As she stared into his eyes, Merrill felt partially overwhelmed by Fenris' presence.
"Because of Hawke." stated Fenris truthfully.
"Hawke? What does he have to do with this?" asked Merrill confused.
"Hawke told me before he left, that I should have more faith in the people around me." spoke Fenris almost grudgingly. "I'm guessing he wanted me to be… more trusting of the ones I had come to know over the years."
"Did Hawke really say that?"
"He did." stated Fenris with some resentment in his voice. "But do not mistake my intent as me being sympathetic or kind. I still don't trust you. The only reason I continue to remain here, and not question your motives, is as a personal favor to Hawke."
"I see… so you were not acting as a friend, but because you felt compelled to fulfill an obligation to Hawke." stated Merrill with a smirk.
"Yes." replied Fenris in his normal voice. "Does that bother you?"
"No, not at all." answered back Merrill in her usual tone as well. "You haven't changed one bit, Fenris."
"Did you expect any differently?"
"Oh never." replied Merrill with a small laugh following her words. "You're still the same brooding, magic despising elf that I remember." spoke Merrill teasingly.
"Don't test my patience." responded Fenris annoyed.
"I'm glad to have found you, Fenris." said Merrill almost happily. "It's… nice to know that some things haven't changed."
"I can't say the same." spoke the warrior elf bluntly.
"That's all right." replied Merrill understandingly. "So you're leaving in the morning?" questioned the Dalish mage changing subjects.
"I will be gone before you wake." answered Fenris honestly.
"I see, well, I guess this is goodbye then." spoke Merrill with slight sorrow in her voice.
"I suppose so."
"Sleep well, Fenris. And take care. Dareth shiral." said Merrill kindly with a smile.
"What does that mean?" questioned Fenris slightly curious.
"It means 'safe journey' in Elvish." answered back Merrill.
Fenris didn't say anything in return. Instead, the white-haired elf gave a simple nod then reentered his room and shut the door. Fenris at first stood in his room without making any motion toward his bed. As he stood there, Fenris heard Merrill's words return to him once more.
'It's… nice to know that some things haven't changed.' spoke Merrill's gentle voice in Fenris' head.
Hearing those words echo in his mind, Fenris couldn't help but to allow a small smirk to come across his face. Afterward, Fenris walked over to his dusty bed and sat on it. Reaching for his traveling sack, the elven warrior pulled out a book wrapped in soft brown cloth and began undoing the wrapping. Once the cloth cover was removed, the text was revealed to be the Book of Shartan, a gift he had received from Hawke. Opening the book up to his original place, Fenris started reading.
'I am, but a mere mortal…'