Chapter Two

Two Of A Kind

Ferelden

Denerim

Had it really been five years since he fought the Archdemon atop Fort Drakon?

Alistair stared up at the tower where the old god had fallen and the Blight had ended before it ever truly began but at such a cost. He had watched Darrian die fighting the Archdemon and he had been the one to deliver the speech at his memorial service in Denerim. Alistair had wanted to send Darrian home to be buried but he had died a Grey Warden and the people wanted him to be remembered as one.

A magnificent tomb had been built in his honour and he now lay in eternal rest along with the other four Wardens who saved Thedas from the wrath of an Archdemon. Aedan sighed heavily as he stared up at the gates of this beautiful city now rebuilt after that horrific battle five years ago. Alistair grasped his companion's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze letting Aedan know that he wasn't alone in his pain.

For five years the two of them had gone across Ferelden to help with rebuilding what the Darkspawn had destroyed. Lothering was now a thriving village again as was Honnleth where Shale had been found by the group. They had even gone to Orlais and the Free Marches to see the other Grey Warden factions to help with recruitment. Now that the Blight had ended there was no immediate need to find more new Wardens and Aedan was still anxious about inducting more people via the Joining.

During the five years after the final battle Aedan and Alistair became truly inseparable and the Cousland warrior had even taken his love back to his old home, still a burned out shell of its former glory. It had been hard to come back home but in a way it would help Aedan to cope and heal from that terrible moment in his life.

Their bond was becoming the focus point of stories among the other Wardens. Aedan loved his companion more than words could express even if Alistair sometimes found it hard to say what he truly felt. Aedan still carried the rose the former templar had given to him a few weeks after Lothering had fallen. He treasured this now dried flower but it meant so much to him, that someone could find him wonderful in a world of darkness.

In turn Alistair wore the amulet that belonged to his mother, the same one Eamon had painstakingly glued back together again. They didn't stay in one place for too long but they often went back to Cousland Castle. It felt a little like a home when his lover was with him even though Aedan was too embarrassed to admit that. And now they had been called back to the city that still haunted their dreams a little.

They had gotten word from Leliana that she would be coming to Denerim but Sten and Ogdren were both staying where they were. Alistair didn't blame them for not coming back here and Queen Anora's note had been brief and more than a little baffling. From what she wrote there had been strange attacks on Denerim by use of magic although no mages had left the Tower as of late. Alistair and Aedan didn't think Morrigan had anything to do with this but if it was a Blood Mage then something had to be done about it.

The two Wardens stepped into the city and made their way first to the market district to stock up on supplies. The place was more or less back to normal but the people would never forget what happened here. They had all seen the face of their destruction and had survived because of the Wardens. Alistair felt his heart break when he looked at the marble statue of Darrian Tabris in the heart of the market place.

The elves from the Alienage had demanded that a statue be built of their fallen brother and Anora could hardly refuse them. The statue was simple and elegant depicting Darrian in his favourite leather Dalish outfit that was excellent for fighting and reflexes. There was a small smile upon his lips that promised adventure and more than a little mischief. Aedan sucked in a sharp breath but he smiled a little at the image even though his eyes held that sadness Alistair had become accustomed to over the years whenever Darrian was mentioned.

After getting what they wanted from the stalls they headed back out into the streets and navigated through until they reached the gates to the palace. Anora would be expecting them and they were allowed to head into the throne room once they arrived. Anora may not be his most favourite person in the world but the urgency in her letter had driven both Wardens to Denerim.

They had been helping the elves build their new homes in the Ostagar Ruins and throughout the Hinterlands. The Dalish had arrived to also co-exist with the Alienage elves but their different life styles often clashed and sometimes a little violently. It would possibly take decades before both elves could have a peaceful existence but they were both building a new home atop the site of the battle where King Cailan had fallen trying to protect his people and land.

Darrian would have been ecstatic to see his people being given their own homeland once again. There had been outrage among the nobles of Denerim and as far as Highever concerning the elves but the Queen had pointed out that their saviour was of elvish blood and this was the least the humans could do to honour his sacrifice.

Upon entering the throne room Alistair immediately saw Leliana talking to Shale. She was dressed in a beautiful simple blue dress and matching shoes most likely from Orlais. She loved exotic clothing like that and Alistair realized that the shoes where the ones Darrian had given her as a gift. She smiled brightly when she saw her old travelling companions. Shale simply grunted but the Wardens had long ago mastered the art of Golem Talk and they could tell she too was happy to see them.

There was no sign Zevran, not that Alistair expected him to turn up. The blond assassin had been devastated when Darrian died, even more so than Alistair could understand. Aedan had told the ex-templar that Zevran had been in love. Alistair had never really gotten along with Zevran but he did respect his fighting skills along with the way he kept Darrian happy and content.

The last time Zevran had been in Ferelden was to attend Wynne's funeral. The assassin had looked terrible and more than a little sickly. His hair had grown out but was hanging in tendrils around his thin face. His eyes were dull and as lifeless as a stone and he had lost a lot of weight. It was hard to believe that this shell of a man was once a vibrant, devious and flirty soul who would take anything on two legs to his bed.

Alistair had once threatened to eat his heart raw if he ever hurt Darrian intentionally or not. Aedan had been stunned at Alistair's claim but admitted that it had been a total turn on to see the ex-templar like that, so harsh and demanding. Of course then came the blushing and stuttering. Zevran had gone back to Antiva City after the funeral and remained there still.

"It is so good to see you Alistair and you too Aedan." Leliana embraced the two men. "It has been too long."

"And you are looking as lovely as ever Leliana." Alistair grinned at her when she rolled her eyes.

"Ever the charmer my dear Alistair. How Aedan puts up with you is beyond me." She laughed at the blush that painted his cheeks.

"Oh he has his uses." Aedan teased which caused his lover to blush hotly. He glanced at Shale. "How goes the purge in the Deep Roads Shale?"

"I am enjoying squashing those puny little skulls but it does get a bit tedious after a few weeks." Shale sighed heavily. "At least those evil little flying creatures cannot reach me down there."

"I like the new crystals you have on. Very nice on the eye." Aedan commented. If Shale were still a dwarf he had a feeling she would be blushing.

"Yes well, I found them in the old Thaig. It was a shame to just leave them there." The Golem shrugged but she did flex her arms which were adorned with large white crystals. "But I wonder what that vile woman wants with us now."

"Did you see Anora at all since getting here?" Alistair asked Leliana who shook her head.

"Her letter only stated that a mage was attacking parts of the city. But I have yet to see her myself and ask about this." The bard looked troubled. "It is a shame that Zevran could not come. I do miss him from time to time."

"The elf was a pest but...it was also an amusement." Shale muttered.

"I hope he's fine." Aedan murmured thoughtfully. The warrior had always been like this, worrying over the well being of his friends. Solona had kept to herself mostly but she was a fine dwarf woman and an excellent fighter.

"Did you hear from Solona?" Aedan asked Leliana.

"She is engaged to Gorim finally." The beautiful red head smiled. "She could not come; matters in Orzammar are still volatile."

"Guess that means I'll be challenging you to a drinking contest." Alistair smirked at his lover. "And you know how low your tolerance is."

"Alistair if you want me to sit in your lap and ride you like a stallion you don't need to get me drunk." Aedan smirked when Alistair's face exploded into a bright red colour.

"Y-You didn't have to say that!" he stammered as he wrung his hands. "I hate you now."

"Well your tune has changed." A voice said from behind them. Aedan turned and smiled brightly when he saw Teagan enter the throne room.

"Teagan, what are you going here?" the Warden asked.

"I was escorting a caravan to Soldier's Peak. They're still restocking their supplies so I came here to gather supplies." The Bann replied. "I heard about you arrival and the attacks. I thought maybe I can be of assistance."

"It's great to have to here." Alistair nodded.

"I didn't expect you see either of you here again." Teagan said after a moment. "And I see Zevran is not attending."

"Yeah..." Aedan said softly and Teagan let the matter drop.

"I'll see if the Queen requires some additional help." The Bann offered as the tension broke. He didn't want to upset his friends so soon after seeing them again. "Eamon will appreciate this I believe. His relationship with the Queen is still fragile at best."

"I don't blame him for being cautions. She's a backstabbing power hungry bitch..." Alistair trailed off when he saw the grin on Aedan's face. "Ok, so I haven't gotten over the whole 'trying to kill us' moment she had when we confronted Loghian."

"Well here comes the bitch now." Aedan whispered as the doors at the other end of the chamber opened.

"Ah, you have arrived." The Queen emerged into the throne room causing the merriment to vanish completely. "I am pleased to see the Wardens have come to my summons at least. And you too Bann Teagan, this is indeed an honour."

"What's all this about Anora?" Alistair crossed his arms. He didn't bother addressing her as the Queen. "If a mage is attacking Denerim then you should go to the templars for help."

"Straight to the point I see." The Queen sat upon her throne. "Yes, there have been several magic attacks on Denerim as of late, each of them coming from within Fort Drakon."

"What about the men and women stationed there?" Teagan asked.

"They were removed from the Fort by the mage in question. We have been unable to get back inside." Anora answered grimly. "He has been in there for two weeks now. Frankly the people are becoming terrified."

"So what do you want from us?" Leliana inquired. Shale cocked her head to one side when Anora visibly paled. That was never a good sign.

"But now that you are here you can hear the truth about this mage." She glanced at her guards then motioned for them to leave. When the man returned there was a cloaked figure by his side.

"Who is this?" Leliana raised an eyebrow.

"I have brought you here to see him." Anora stated and held up her hand when Alistair was about to protest. "He would stop his attacks once you were here. I'm sorry I deceived you about this."

"Says the woman who stabbed us in the back twice." Alistair muttered to a solemn Aedan. The former templar turned his attention to the cloaked mage. "What do you want?"

"Zevran is not here..." the man said harshly. "Where is he?"

"That's simple..." the man growled. He reached up and before anyone could react he unleashed a bolt of raw energy at the gathered group. "I want you to suffer for your mistakes."

"What are you doing?" the Queen cried and the guards tried to take hold of the mage. Instead they were sent flying across the chamber and slammed into the nearest wall. "You said that you only wished to talk to them!"

"I want to send them a message, I want them to know that this is retribution." The cloaked man snarled as he reached down and grasped Alistair by the neck. "Send a message to Zevran. He needs to be here."

"Who...are you?" Alistair gasped as he tried to pry those cold fingers from his neck. The man grunted when he felt something tear into his back. Aedan had gotten back on his feet and attacked the mage from behind.

"That was a cheap hit." He snarled as he tossed Alistair aside and advanced towards Aedan. "Bring Zevran here then come to Fort Drakon, to the top of the tower. The place where the Archdemon fell."

"What are you?" Leliana was back on her feet while Shale had also managed to recover from the brutal attack.

"It appears to possess immense power, more so that the First Enchanter or even that vile Morrigan. Now this is interesting." Shale commented. Teagan was pulling Alistair away to safety.

"I want to make sure you follow through." The man suddenly lunged forward and knocked Alistair farther away. He grabbed Teagan by his shirt and pulled him close. "You'll do for now."

"Let him go!" Aedan cried enraged. He managed to dash forward and hit the cloaked man across the chest with his sword.

He reached up and tore away the black cloak hiding the mage's face. Silver hair like moonlight shone from atop a pale face drawn back into a vicious snarl. Blood red eyes narrowed in rage when Aedan stared in dawning horror at his opponent. Bringing up both hands the mage gathered up all his energy and unleashed a tempest attack on the people within the throne room.

He took hold of a still struggling Teagan and raised a hand to create a blue portal. Taking one last look at the group before him he stepped into the portal with his quarry. They would bring the assassin back to Ferelden and come to the fort that he knew without a doubt. And then he could finally fix the mistakes they had made. It was what he had been created for after all.

"Are you alright?" Alistair helped Aedan back onto his feet once the tempest had receded. He felt utterly drained and not in a good way.

"A-Alistair?" the Warden murmured when his vision came back to normal. Leliana and Shale were both struggling to get back on their feet while the guards took care of their Queen. "Is everyone else fine?"

"Nothing that we cannot recover from." Leliana groaned. Shale muttered but she nodded her head all the same. "Does it suffer similar injuries?" the Golem motioned towards the Queen.

"I'll be fine..." she was back on her feet. Alistair glared at the manipulative woman.

"So you were going to hand us over to that thing?" he growled at her. What Cailan ever saw in her he'll never understand.

"If it meant protecting my kingdom then yes." She said without remorse. "That mage will destroy the city if he is not stopped."

"I-I saw his face..." Aedan whispered harshly which caused everyone in the room to look at him. He felt Alistair's hand rubbing his cheek and it comforted him somewhat. "I saw the mage..."

"Aedan, what's wrong? What did you see?" Alistair was really worried now. He had never seen Aedan like this before and frankly it scared him.

"This is a joke...a sick joke. It has to be." The warrior shook his head, his shaggy brown hair falling into his blue eyes.

"Please tell me what's wrong Aedan." Alistair pleaded. Those pained filled blue eyes stared into warm hazel ones then he spoke in a choked whisper.

"It was him...it was Darrian."

Here's another chapter and a big thank you to my reviewers. Lots of love from me!

Coming up next will be the letter Alistair sends Zevran and what exactly ahs happened to our dear Bann Teagan? I love that man 'love hearts in eyes'....anyway leave a review and the next chapter will be out soon.