(9:41 Dragon. 9th day of Drakonis? Phaedra)

"I am not entirely sure." I heard someone say. I looked down, there was a dwarf female, I was drawn to a light in her hand.

"Ah, you must be the Herald everyone was jabbering about." I said.

"I am…" I began.

"Phaedra? Right? Mother to Bryce and Oisine?" She asks.

"One of their mothers, yes. I mean, they are both mine. I gave birth to them. My wife is their other mother. And you are?" I asked.

"The Herald of Andraste, you said so not two minutes ago." She says.

"Bah! I hate titles. I would like your name please." I said.

"Malika Cadash. Cadash to you for now." She says.

"Atrast Vala, Lady Cadash." I said. Bowing to her. She seemed shocked.

"Oh goody, we found another friend." A Mage said. He was rather handsome, black hair on top cut in a very Tevinter style. Head shaved from ear and a little above it.

"I never said anything about us being friends Vint." Cadash says. Before anything else was spoken, a group of 3 guards entered our landing spot.

We each took a guard, and in seconds they were dead. Sadly, though they died in the water, but their clothes were also not my size.

"That is a good idea, loot the bodies, maybe we can learn where we are." Cadash says. It was not the first time I had caught her staring at my barely clothed form.

"True, but I was looking for clothes." I said.

"Oh? Umm… Sorry. You are just very beautiful." Cadash says her face turning red.

"Thank you, but if it is all the same to you, I would prefer not getting sick again. It is no fun lying about in bed all day without a beautiful woman in my bed, or two. If my wife agrees that is." I winked at her. Her face blushed redder.

I looked at the beautiful man. "Hey Pretty Man Mage. What is your name?" I asked.

"Pretty Man Mage?" he asks.

"Well, you're pretty, a man and a mage. Or would you prefer Vint?" I asked.

"I would prefer Dorian." He says.

"Well, Dorian, it is nice to meet you. I am Phaedra Amell." I said shaking his hand. Then I blew a kiss to Cadash. "Shall We?" I ask. She shakes her head and leads the way.

"Lady Cadash, which way are we going?" I asked.

"Uh, well, I was thinking to see if any other companions of mine were here, maybe imprisoned." She says.

I point to a door to her left. "The other cells are that way." I said.

"But there is a door here too? Would you happen to know where it leads?" She asks.

"More cells. But it is also blocked by red lyrium, I would prefer to keep my distance. I have seen what it can do." I said.

"You know more of the red lyrium?" Dorian asks.

"Not really. I know it has a strange song that drives dwarves mad. It can also turn a human in to lyrium statue." I said.

"So, you know has much as Varric does." Cadash comments.

"You know Varric then? Or have read the Tale of The Champion?" I asked.

"I know Varric. I have not read the book yet." She said. I nod in understanding.

"How is my paragon of manliness?" I asked.

"Huh?" She asks.

"Varric. He is the unofficial Paragon of manliness. I mean, that chest hair, just wow." I said she chuckled.

"Wait, are you serious?" She asks.

"I never joke about Paragons." I said smiling slyly.

"I am so confused." She says. I hear a familiar voice and follow it to Fiona.


My eyes widen in horror, how did this happen. I had just seen her this morning. "Is that Lyrium growing out of you?" I asked.

"Phaedra? What are you doing here? They said you died a year and seven months ago. You killed a guard, and everyone assumes you were killed during escape." She says.

"So, we were sent into the future. Grand Enchanter, are you ok to tell me what has happened since I died?" I asked.

Cadash being kind enough to let me speak with her. I listened intently. She addressed Cadash. "The surviving members of the Inquisition are in the lower cells. The Spymaster…ugh!" She grunted in pain.

"Where is Leliana?" I asked.

"Torture Chambers… please Phaedra, end my suffering." She pleads.

"I will. You have my word, but I must ask one last thing. My children and Brother? Where are they in this reality?" I asked.

"Calvin…was fed Red Lyrium... he died a week ago. Your children, have been sent to Tevinter. To become slaves." She said.

"Thank you, Fiona. I will keep my word." I said. I picked the lock, entered her cell, and drew my blade. I sunk it into her head. Both of my companions looked like they were going to be sick.

"If I could have done it less gruesomely I would have." I said and exited the cell making sure no red lyrium had grazed and opened my skin.

I had stared at her closed cell and felt a prickle in my mind. The Fade reaching out, so I can 'see' what had happened.

The veil had become nearly paper thin, and it took almost no mana to close my eyes and relive her memories.

I felt tears and opened my eyes looking directly into the cell across from Fiona's. I opened that door and broke apart the Lyrium chunks I needed until I found what I was looking for.

The amulet, had stayed as shiny as the day I had given it to him. I searched for the hasp and opened, our family portrait was intact as well.

I closed it and held it my chest, thanking the Maker for at least this small part of him and the enchantments that had preserved them. I put it over my neck. "I am so sorry, Brother. But I will make this right." I said.

"The lower cells are that way, if my memory is correct. Lead on, Lady Cadash." I told her. She nodded, as if understanding I needed time to get my head back on our current task.


I passed by several cells. I stopped at three more, that I knew. And one, I felt I should know, but didn't.

Each of those cells were opened. A trinket removed from each, at this point, I no longer cared if I had clothing, since my rising anger was doing plenty to keep me warm.

A bracelet that had been Bethany's. A Templar amulet that had been Cullen's and another locket that I had given Cassandra. Two rings, one that had been Rilia's and the other Merrill's, their wedding rings.

The last cell I entered it felt more like Leli had known this person, I retrieved a Halla antler quill. It was my work, Leli had asked me to craft it for her friend as birthday present.

"Josephine." I said remembering her name. Once again, I had to relive their memories. Cadash and Dorian had gotten further ahead. They had stopped at another cell. A bearded man stepping out.

I can barely stop myself from weeping. The next cell before them, I see Bianca almost covered by the red lyrium. I broke it away and took her, strapping the beloved crossbow to my back. I shake away the memories. Bianca would see to his vengeance.

"Sera!" Cadash says running to the door. By their exchange, I could tell Cadash cared for the elven woman deeply. She steps out, shakily she steadies herself on Cadash's shoulders while Cadash holds her hips.

I could feel Leliana getting closer to me. I am sure she can feel my rage bubbling to the surface, and at the same time I can feel her deadly calm in my heart.

I had never felt so raw, all the memories of those I knew, were overwhelming me. I kept trying to urge us on. "We need to find Leliana quickly." I said feeling the dredges of my control slipping.

I dare not use magic now, for until I find my balance, I will do more harm than good.

Once the last bridge fell and the guards that had swarmed us were killed, most by Bianca as I wielded her in the name and memory of Varric. Through the torture chambers.


I was teetering on a very thin edge. I could hear her voice now, I moved faster, then I heard something I had prayed to never hear.

"We will break you, Nightingale, and seeing as how torture isn't working. Other, more drastic measures will be taken.

You will not enjoy this as much as us though." I heard him laughing. In that moment Leliana lost control of the wall she had built.

Her eyes unintentionally became mine. I saw what his intentions were. "No!" I growled.

I lost any control I had. The magic dancing around me through me. I was sure my eyes had become filled with the light of my mana. I tore well ahead of Cadash and the others.

Her door was to my left. I heard fabric tearing. I kicked it off the hinges it flew hitting a few of the, would be rapists.

The ripped fragments of her small clothes were on the floor and her dress was bunched up over hips. A mindless rage overcame me even stronger than before.

I flew at the one in the middle poised to enter her. A fade shift later, had my fist halfway through his chest. "You will never touch her again!" I screamed and made his body explode around my fist.

The pieces of his body rain down all around us in ashes. I find the other two, mana claws tear out their throats.

The next four who come in, I see in a haze, I get ready to attack and a voice reaches my ears. It is hoarse, but I feel it in my heart. It was familiar, beautiful and the world stopped again.

I felt weak. I collapsed on to my knees. Four sets of feet run by me, a chain rattles, and then I feel her arms around me. Her scent fills my nose. Leli's heart is beating against my back.

I turned to the warmth, I push her over, our lips crashing together, her body beneath mine. Neither of us caring the others mouth tasted sour.

I felt the need for more. I needed to see if I was not dreaming this. My hand slides up her thigh, so familiar despite being smaller framed than before.

She knows what I want, she wants it too. She stops my trailing fingers. "We have an audience Mon amor." She says short breathed.

I clamber off her and sit on my knees. "My apologies, Ma Vhenan. Lady Cadash." I said. I stand weakly myself, but my love steadies me, physically, emotionally and mentally.

The magic subsided, control had been regained. "What just happened? You were all glowy and then you were just gone." Cadash asks. Sera smiles at her term.

"I lost control momentarily. I am in control again. I will explain later, but please we need to leave, before it becomes too much again." I pleaded.

"What becomes too much?" Cadash asks.

"I-I can't stay here. I need to be out of this area." I said storming ahead of them to the next area. I manage to calm more, but still I am on the edge.


"Phaedra?" Cadash asks. I gulp and look her in the eyes.

"Leliana, explained very little. She just said you were very sensitive to the veil." She says. I begin walking with her, until my love catches up and puts her arms around me.

"You are hurt ma vhenan'ara." I said.

"Yes, but you cannot heal me. The damages are too old." She says. I begin to weep.

"Ma sa'leth. This is not your fault." She says.

"We can undo his magic, I just need his amulet. Then this will have never happened." Dorian says. I glare at him.

"What? I thought it would help." He says as I walk away to a fight I could feel coming. I felt the fade too much. I could feel everything, and everyone. I hated it.

"She will remember. This reality will haunt her for the rest of her life. Just as you will remember. But she will feel it." I heard Leliana say. Before she comes back to me again.

I kiss her scarred cheeks. "You still find me desirable." Leliana says.

"Aneth ara, if we were not amongst others I would take you to the ground now and claim you until we are too tired to move." I said. She blushed.

"I saw everything you saw and heard, when we kissed. Promise me, amor. You will go with the Herald, no matter what happens to me here. Return to the past, stop this mess. Save our children." She says.

I sighed. I knew I had to go. "I promise ma vhenan." We sealed it with yet another chaste kiss.

"So, these shards will open the door, which will bring us to Alexius. Then we can get his amulet and reverse the spell." Dorian said.

We had hoped, at least.


It did indeed open the door. Then Leliana killed Felix, Alexius's son. It was a mercy to me, but Alexius became enraged. By the time our battle with him had begun, my body had adapted and could resist the pull to enter the Rifts.

A noise and shouts echoed through the castle. Blackwall, was the bearded man let out of the cell, and Sera the elven woman tensed as if they could sense something.

"He is coming. The elder one is coming." Blackwall said.

Sera walks up to the Herald, grabs her and plants a kiss on her lips. "Just wanted to do that, at least once." She says. Cadash is stunned.

I knew the kiss for what it was a farewell. Her and Blackwall left the room the ornate doors closing behind them. "How much time?" Leliana asks.

"I don't know, an hour." Dorian answers.

"You have enough time, as I have arrows." She says. Before she gets too far from my reach I grab her and kiss her in farewell.

"Sing for me, my love." She pleads. "Always, ma sa'leth." I reply.

I step up towards Cadash and Dorian. I close my eyes and will the power from the weakened veil to enter me. It will keep us safe from long range attacks.

I sing her favorite song and always the one I sing before our children sleep, and even slower than the version, I sing to the children.

"Elgara vallas, da'len." She breathes deeply centering her whole being. And I continue to sing.

"Melava sominar." I fight back my own tears. Closing my eyes briefly, I add more magic.

"Mala taren aravas" Waving a hand, I show her pictures from our lives. I was not sure how I did, but I think it had something to do with the veil.

"Ara ma'desan melar." She kept fighting. My words were her peace.

The song was finished just as the portal opened and I was pulled through but not before making eye contact with her. Then seeing my wife ripped apart by a terror demon's claw.

I collapsed, weeping, I could hardly breathe, as the memory of feeling my beloved die overcomes me. Quiet sobs continue as Cadash speaks.


I cannot say I was pleased Cadash chose to spare the man. Or give him a trial first. I would feel everything and see everything that dark future held, but today he was innocent of those crimes.

I had felt myself being lifted to my feet, by Dorian and he sat me out of the way. I felt two bottles in my hand. One blue, one red. I drank them both and continued to sit.

Awkwardly, Dorian tries to comfort me. A marching of many armored feet reached our ears. I feel relief when I see Alistair and Anora. They are not pleased.

"Help me stand." Dorian does so, and I walk sure footed to them.

"Your Majesties." I bow to them.

"Phaedra!" Alistair shouts and takes the traveling coat off a soldier near him. He wraps the cloak around me.

"What Happened?" He asked his ire raised further.

"My own fault. I refused to bow to the Venatori. They imprisoned me. They didn't mistreat or torture me, just cut me off from the Fade." Alistair's hand gently encircles below my wrist.

"I managed to escape, but I got a bit banged up in the process. I found it amazing how none of the Venatori I killed matched me in size." I said.

Once cloaked. I cleared my throat and bowed. "My King and Queen, these Mages, were coerced by the Venatori into indentured servitude." I spoke with a formal tone.

"The Herald of Andraste came to find a way to free them. I have spoken with the Herald of Andraste Lady Malika Cadash and believe her judgement to be sound." I said.

"Very well, Lady Amell. We will address the Mages future with the Herald." He said all king like.

I winked and smiled that secret smile that told him he sounded Kingly. After we parted ways and he went to speak to Cadash.

I found the nearest wall and began following it, my goal was my room, where I had placed a ward on the doors.

I knew it was my lack of food and water that made me so weak, but I needed clothing. I smelt her near. Her arm wraps around my waist.

I smile at her weakly. "Hello ma sa'leth." I said. I showed her where I need to go, before abruptly passing out.


(9:41 Dragon. 12th day of Drakonis. Phaedra)

When I awoke, my head was laying, in a soft lap. That same head, felt like it was splitting in two.

"Hello Mon Ange." My bard says, she holds a cup of water and I can smell the root that eases pain in the water. "Do you remember what happened?" She asks.

"I remember everything up until I passed out on the way to my room." I replied.

I felt a draft. I tried to find the source of it. I finally realize, I am naked. "Your clothes are on the bench over there, as is everything we found on you. Including a crossbow that looks suspiciously like Bianca." She says.

"That is because it is." I said.

"But Varric has his, see?" She says.

Helping me sit in the covered carriage and making sure my nakedness was covered. I looked out the carriage. Sure enough, not far ahead of us is Varric sitting and looking mighty uncomfortable on a horse.

I chuckle a bit, he looks back at me. "Storm Shooter, you have rejoined the land of the living. It is about time." He says.

"Paragon Varric. I see your manliness is still very much evident." He chuckles.

"Aye. That it is. Get some more rest Storm Shooter, we'll be in Haven by tonight, and I do believe you owe me a game of wicked grace." He says. I nod.

"Did you get the kids, I would think they would be in here with us?" I ask.

"My scouts say the children and Calvin have made it safely to Haven." She says.

"How long have we been traveling?" I ask.

"Three days, it is slow moving with so many behind us." She says.

I looked at the seat across from us there was four rucksacks. "How did you manage to carry the rucksacks and myself?" I asked.

"I didn't. Well, I carried your rucksack. Cadash carried Oisine's. Dorian carried Bryce's, and Blackwall carried you, and Calvin's rucksack, after I wrapped you in a blanket." She kisses my head.

"It would appear your body has changed again. I am very jealous that everyone saw most of your body before I had seen all of it." She says. I blush, the chaos in my groin and heart beginning.

I stick my head out of the carriage again. "Hey Paragon, can you get Cadash for me?" I asked.

"Sure thing, Storm Shooter." He said. Before he got too far.

"I love my nickname by the way." I said.

"You earned it." He says and trots off.

In a less than a minute, Cadash is at the window. "How may I be of assistance Lady Amell?" She asks teasingly.

"You know how I feel about titles, Herald. Do you think we could stop somewhere, so I can relieve myself and get a quick bath?" I asked.

"Sure. We are breaking for lunch soon. There is a stream near." She says.


We ride for another few miles and stop. With a blanket wrapped around me and Leliana carrying my rucksack, I head to the stream.

I relieve myself in some bushes as my wife guards me, and I assume uses her glare to chase people away.

I had heard fleeing footsteps a few times. I groan as I see the stream full of people. All women.

"What is wrong my love? I thought you would be in paradise with all these naked women." She teases.

"I would rather be in paradise with you. And only you." I said.

"Well, that can be arranged. You still know that strong muffling spell. We have a carriage to ourselves." She says. I jump into the stream, she follows me in.

She gets a mischievous glint in her eyes. She comes closer to me. Her fingers dart to me tease me to near completion before she slides away. I tried even harder to get clean faster. Once clean, I dress.

She whispers in my ear. "Make sure that it loose enough to come off when I tug at it." She says. My mouth goes dry and I tie my tunic and breeches to her specifications.

We decide to fore go lunch, for two reasons. The first was, the meal was too heavy for me to eat without getting sick, and two our hunger for each other had almost reached the point of breaking.

We enter the carriage and close the curtains completely. I had set up a repulsion ward all around the carriage and ten feet out, then follow it with the strongest muffling spell I know.

We each tug on the other's clothes. A gentle breeze teases our exposed skin. Time seemed to slow as our clothes fall off easily.

Time then speeds up. It would seem Leliana feels the need to be in charge. She spreads my thighs with her knee, kisses my mouth and down further.

When she reaches my sex, she pulls me further down on the seat. Easily she lifts my legs over her shoulders. It takes very little time after she begins to devour my sex before I come undone for the first time.

I take a moment to recover and she meticulously looks at my body committing the newly gained muscle and little fat that still clung to me, to her mind.

"Do you approve my Nightingale?" I ask teasing her and breaking the spell that had seemed to come over her.

"I will always approve, no matter how your body looks." She says.

"Good answer." I reply and push her back against the seat across from us. Repeating her movements, I devour her, she still tasted like chocolate covered fruit.

I too took the opportunity of her recovery to look at her. She had gained some weight, but it was a good weight.

I could still see her muscles flexing and quivering with each breath. I liked the extra softness of her bust, hips, thighs and butt.

"I definitely like what I see, but when it is ma vhenan, I always will." I said. She chuckles.

"Good answer. We should probably dress again. We should be leaving again in ten minutes." She replies. I nod in agreement and start with our tunics, tying it securely this time.

Then came our breeches, as the last tie had been in place we heard voices. I quickly dispelled the wards, just in time. A moment later and Cadash was at the window.


"Here you two are. There are some mages who are feeling a bit drained. Would you two let them have your carriage for a bit?" She asks.

"As you wish Herald." We reply.

"Thank you. You also may want to find a way to cover the smell of sex in here." She says, which has me blushing.

"We will." Leliana replies, pulling a bottle from my bag.

A couple of well-placed drops and the carriage smells great. We hop out and let the mages in.

Shortly after everyone is situated, and I have placed two rucksacks on my horse, Leliana puts the other two on hers. The slow ride begins again. Cadash and Sera seem very interested in me.

"So, are you like an elfy elf, or what?" Sera asks.

"Sera." Cadash says.

"What? She has their face tattoos, and her ears are pointed." She says. Cadash sighs, but I know she was curious too.

"What exactly is an elfy elf?" I asked. "Them Dalish." She says.

"I did grow up among the Dalish, but I was never completely Dalish." I said. I told the short version of my past.

"So, they kicked you out for not killing your girlfriend…Pissers." Sera says. This earns a glare from Leliana. I visibly see Sera quiver in fear.

"It is fine emma lath. I felt the same way at first when I was exiled. But, I am grateful I was." I said.

"Why?" Cadash asks.

"If I had not been exiled, I would not have met my lovely wife. I would not have Bryce and Oisine. I would not have known my human family." I smiled.

"Instead I would have been married to Pol and expected to be the very epitome of Elfy Elfness." I said. Sera grins and says.

"I like you." She even has a cute little blush that crosses her face.

"Well, I do not really know you, but I probably will once we get to know each other better." I said.

"How well do you plan on getting to know her mon amor?" Leliana asks.

"As well as you will let me vhenan. Cadash too. I find her fascinating. I have never been with a dwarf before." I add, with a wink. Cadash turns bright red.

"That seems rather wrong of you." Blackwall says.

"What?" I asked.

"You are shamelessly flirting and propositioning others in front of your wife." He says.

"Are you sure it is not because I am not flirting with you. Because I can, that facial hair looks very sexy on you. Tell me, are you that sexily hairy everywhere?" I said. He blushes too.

"Umm… well… ahem. Leliana, does this not upset you?" he asks her instead.

"Not really. It is just her way. I know whom makes her scream their name, don't I my love?" She asks.

"You and no other, ma vhenan." I said, jumping to her horse planting a passionate kiss on her, and then jumping back to my horse.

He blushes deeper and is at a loss for words. He nods politely and rides forward more.


My eyes kept darting to Varric. I was not sure if I should tell him about Bianca. So far it had been hidden in a secret compartment of the carriage.

"Do you want to talk to Varric about how you got Bianca?" Leliana asks. She always read me so well.

"I don't know if I should. Does he really need to know how I found her?" I asked.

"I don't know mon amour. You still have not told me what you had seen. I have read Cadash's report. It seems vague on the details. I have been trying to see it, but your wall is even stronger than before." She says.

"I knew you were trying to, I just kept building up that wall every time I felt you push." I said.

"We promised to not keep secrets anymore, did we not?" She asks. I sigh, and she knows she has won.

"Yes, my love we did. But, what I saw, heard and smelt is truly horrible. Seeing people's memories has never been a fun gift of being a spiritual keeper." I replied.

"It has you shaken up pretty bad. I love you and wish for this not to weigh on just you. Let me help you bear the burden of what you saw, please?" She asks.

I nod and feel her in my mind, I lower the barrier and grab the reigns of her horse. I figured this would shock her greatly.

My subconscious knows what she sees, for it was in my mind too. The horse snorted a bit as she came back to herself. Her eyes brimming, just about to cry.

She looks around and finds a scout. She needs to be away for a moment to clear her mind again. She heads to the well hidden scout.

"Hey, Storm Shooter, what's up with the Mrs.?" He asks.

"I told her about what had happened in Redcliffe. She needed a few minutes to process." I said.

"From Cadash's report, which I assume is not fully detailed, I think I can understand." He says.

"Listen, Varric, there is something, I wasn't sure if I should tell you. From that future." I said.

"I will assume I died right?" He asks.

"Yes, by red lyrium, please tell me you got rid of that shard?" I asked.

"I did. You weren't there but when I went back because my brother's manor was haunted, Rilia convinced me to destroy it." He says.

"Good." I replied.

"So, was that it?" He asks. I shake my head.

"No, I found Bianca." I replied.

"Which one?" He asks, his body tense.

"The crossbow, I took it from your remains. I used it to kill several Venatori before we got back. And I took her with me. Come with me please." I said.

He followed me to the carriage. After asking some of the mages to move politely, I took her out of the hidden compartment.

"I don't know what you would like to do with her, but she belongs to you." I said. He looked over noticing a few alterations and memorizing them.

"Please, destroy her. I would not want her to get into the wrong hands." Varric says. We ride away from the caravan and find a spot. Setting it on the ground with a pat, he nods at me.

I concentrated fire and lightning on it, until becomes ash. "Thank you." He replies. But I can sense the sadness in him. I nodded.

"How many Vints did she kill in your hands?" He asks after a moment.

"At least two with each bolt from the full quiver, and then another twenty using spirit bolts." I reply.

"Good, that's how she would have wanted to go." He says.

We rejoin the caravan at the end, Leli meets up with us. "All is well?" She asks.

"Not yet, but we're good. Bianca is at peace." I share my memory if laying Bianca to rest.

She nods. "My scouts have reported clear roads. No new rifts have popped up. We'll be home soon." She says and rides off again.