Suddenly, Qunari Chapter 4: The Road goes ever on and on, a dragon age fanfic

A/N: My dear readers. I'm sorry it took me ages to update.

I've been working on the next chapter though, and it's 2/3 finished. So hopefully there won't be such a long wait until the next one. I'm aiming to get one chapter ahead of the online version, so that there will always be one finished chapter waiting to be published. I really want to create a more even schedule for you guys to enjoy.

I've been doing a bit of planning concerning the whole story, and realised that the this fic will be... long. Really, really long. Longer than anything I've ever written before. Initial length estimation is 35 chapters (about 80K-100K words), but it might be turn out to be even longer than that.

If you like this story, please leave a review. They really make my day!

Since FFN does not allow links, I suggest opening these two songs on youtube before reading.

Voltaire - Feathery Wings
/watch?v=111W8UeA2XY

Miracle of Song - Age of the Dragon
/watch?v=lChS4ZJtTXQ

Chapter 4: The Road goes ever on and on

Ah, the Hinterlands. The least favourite zone. Or at least, least favorite among those players who couldn't stop creating new characters and replaying the first 10 hours of the game infinitely. (Yes, I did that a lot.)

Did I mention we would be walking there? Starting at the ass crack of dawn?

Such fun.

After making myself ready for the day, and double checking I had packed everything Varric advised me to pack, I made my way to the tavern for some breakfast. Although the sun wasn't even up yet, there were couple of stragglers here and there getting ready. I even spotted one two soldiers on their way back from the Tavern, quite drunk. Lucky for me nobody paid me any heed, and I was able to arrive at destination without any unnecessary commotion.

"We need to discover coffee beans," I groaned out, plopping myself on a seat at Varric's regular table, making the poor seat creak under pressure. Right. My new body was made of over 200 pounds of pure muscle.

Look, I'm not going to go into details, but it was pretty confusing (and a little bit exhilarating) waking up that morning and actually taking the time to wash up and dress myself. I spent an embarrassing long time pinching at my rock hard biceps and poking at my impressive, and equally carved out flat chest. I had a six pack, for god's sake. Not to mention the horns and... other parts. It was weird. Not bad, just weird.

It briefly crossed my mind that I had effectively body snatched the main character of the game. But that way lies madness, so I had decided not to think about it too much.

"Again with the mysterious coffee," Varric hummed. "Makes me wonder what we're missing out on."

"It tastes horrible, but it makes waking up early way easier," I said, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

Varric made a thoughtful sound and continued writing. There was an empty tray containing the remnants of his breakfast, including an empty bowl and a cup.

I stared at him for a moment. "Fun or work?"

"Both," he said, not bothering to look up.

"Hmm," I hummed and dropped my chin onto my arms, still keeping an eye on his writing. I wondered if he was writing to Hawke. Or perhaps Merril, or Fenris. If everything had gone as it usually did in my playthroughs, Anders was alive. Still, somehow I doubted Varric kept up correspondence with him. He probably had spies onto him, yes, but I couldn't imagine the two of them exchanging letters.

Flissa delivered my breakfast and distracted me. I thanked her with what I hope at least resembled a smile, and dug in.

"You should hurry up," Varric said after I'd taken a couple of bites. "We're leaving any minute now."

I took bigger mouthfuls of the porridge and a big gulp of the tea. "Yeah," I said after quickly swallowing, "But I can take the bread with me and eat it on the way." Like an anime character late for school, I thought, my lips twitching at the idea.

"Oh, Cassandra would love that," Varric drawled out with a smirk. "You really aren't that good of a mercenary, are you?"

"No," I snapped, already getting sick of the comment, since I had explained it several times. "I am not. But as long as this thing is stuck on my arm," I continued, waving the hand that had the Anchor, "You're stuck with me."

Varric raised his eyebrow. "So it seems," he said, softer than before.

Oops, I hope I didn't scare him off.

We spent the rest of the meal in what I hoped was a compassionate silence, then met up with Cassandra and Solas at the gates of Haven.

"There you are," Cassandra said, scowling at the two of us. "I was thinking I would need to send a search party for the two of you." She eyed the piece of bread I was nibbling. "What is that?"

"The Herald decided to save time and eat the rest of his breakfast on the way," Varric stated seriously, but there was an undercurrent of amusement to his voice.

Cassandra's eye twitched. "Is this your doing, Varric?"

I strolled up to Solas, who was watching the two of them bicker with a bemused expression.

"Good morning," I greeted, and took a bite of the bread.

He nodded at me. "Are you sufficiently prepared for the journey ahead?" he asked.

"As well as I can be," I said. At his questioning look, I explained, "Varric helped me pack."

"Ah," Solas said, falling silent, like that explained everything. To be fair, it kind of did.

"Soooo, are you excited to get out of here?" I asked, bouncing on the balls of my feet. "Can't be that fun to stay in a camp full of trained templars if you're," I did air quotes, "an apostate."

He raised an eyebrow at me. I was unsure if it was because of the air quotes, or because of what I said. "It will be pleasant to be moving again, that much is true."

I stared at him. He stared back.

"Cool," I said, already feeling awkward. "Hey Cass, are we going or what?" I called out.

Cassandra straightened up a bit, and turned my way. "Yes, we should depart. Do you have everything you need?"

I nodded. "I think so."

"Good," she said. "Scout Harding and her team will meet us at the rendezvous point near the Crossroads. If the weather keeps well, we'll be there in nine days."

"Nine days?" I said weakly. "That's... great."

I already missed cars.

We spent the first half of the day in silence. I felt awkward, both wanting to speak and not wanting to speak at the same time. I wanted to ask them personal questions, some of which I already knew the answers to, and questions that would have made no sense coming from someone who was pretty much a stranger to them.

Except... Now they knew that I knew stuff about them. Whether or not they actually believed it.

I slowed down my stride until I was next to Varric, who had been keeping to the end of our little party along with Solas.

"Varric, I was wondering if I could ask you a question?"

The author in question glanced at me. "Ask away, Glowy."

I blinked. "No."

"No good, huh?" Varric murmured. "Fear not, I'll come up with something."

"Anyway, I was wondering about Hawke," I whispered, throwing a glance at Cassandra's back to make sure she couldn't hear. "You know how I said that I know this story?" I said, gesturing my hands around us.

"Yes...?" Varric said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I also know the story of the Hero of Ferelden. And the Champion of Kirkwall."

Varric sighed. "Of course you do."

"But there are some details that could vary," I continued. "Mainly concerning the Hero and the Champion themselves."

"And what detail is that?" Varric asked, his expression deceptively smooth.

"Well, mostly the question of who the hero was," I explained. "They could've been a Dalish elf, or a city elf. They could've been a dwarf, or a human. There were these different... Variations in the story. And the first one was always the question of who they were."

Varric seemed confused. "That's a rather large detail, buddy."

"With Hawke though," I pointed out, "It's always Hawke. But there was one thing I wanted to know... What was their first name?"

Varric stared at me for a moment. I don't know what he was looking for, but apparently he was satisfied with what he found, because he answered, "Joel Hawke."

I let out a breath. "Good."

"Good?" Varric questioned. "You can gather that much from just his name?"

I scratched my neck. "Pretty much. The default was always Garret Hawke. But the story I'm most familiar with, the story that I really know... That's always Joel Hawke, the mage extraordinaire."

Varric snorted. "Of course you know he was a mage," he drawled. "Why wouldn't you? It's not like I went to great lengths to never mention it in the book."

I shrugged. "Sorry."

"Interesting," Solas butted in, having been listening to the two us the whole time, the bald bastard. "Even I didn't know that particular detail."

I leveled him with a pointed look. "Imagine that. Even you don't know everything."

Solas let out a small sigh. "So you are still angry from yesterday," he wondered.

"Oh, imagine that," I growled. "You implied I don't even know who the fuck I am. Of course I'm still angry."

"I have to admit everything you've said since has made me doubt that theory," Solas admitted. "Your version of the events is rather...peculiar."

I glared at him. "Yes, well. It's true, in case you were wondering."

He let out an indifferent sound. "Indeed."

Damn that Egg. I turned my attention back towards Varric, suddenly getting an idea.

"Hey Varric, wanna hear a foreign song?" I grinned. "To pass the time."

He raised an eyebrow. "You sing?"

At the corner of my eye, I saw Cassandra turning her head towards us, curious.

"Well, haven't done much singing in this particular body, but I reckon I can still carry a tune," I admitted.

"Then, be my guest," Varric said with an amused smile.

I nodded and went silent for a minute, trying to think of the perfect song for the moment. I also wanted to pick a good one, since I was giving Varric, Solas and Cassandra their first taste of Earth music.

As it came to me, I grinned.

I imagined the violin in the background, adjusted my step to the rhythm of the song, tapped my hand against my side, and sang. My voice, deeper than I was used to, surprised me at first. But it ended up fitting the song better than well. After all, Voltaire was a guy.

You, there on the bridge
Where've you been, what's your name?
And you, there on the wall
Where will you go to, once you fall?
You, lost at sea
Do you need me, do you need directions?
Hey, put down the gun
What are you thinking?
You were someone's son

The taste of tears
The sting of pain
The smell of fear
The sounds of crying, oh...

During the first part of the song, I had been alternating between looking at all the three of my companions. Both Cassandra and Varric looked fascinated, even Solas looked more thoughtful than usual. I closed my eyes before next chorus so I wouldn't have to look at them. The lyrics were about to hit pretty close to home.

A long, long time ago, I fell to this place
From another dimension
And thrust amongst the beasts
And the way they behave, it borders on dementia
Now through all these years
I can barely take it
I don't think I can make it
Take me away from here
I wanna go home
I'm so sick and tired of–

That's when my voice cracked a bit but I kept going. Realising I couldn't just walk blindly, I looked towards the horizon.

The taste of tears
The sting of pain
The smell of fear
The sounds of crying, oh

As you're standing at the edge of your life
What do you remember?
Was it all you wanted?

I'm trying to earn a set of feathery wings
I wish I could protect you here
Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
As you're standing at the edge of your life
Your troubles are over
Mine are just beginning

I'm trying to earn a set of feathery wings
To take me away from here
It's me you leave behind...

Oh, if only I could have been there
I'd be a hand for the sinking
If only I could have been there
I'd be a prayer for the dying
See the pain etched in my face,
Oh, I'm so sick and tired of

The taste of tears
The sting of pain
The smell of fear
The sounds of crying, oh

As you're standing at the edge of your life
What do you remember?
Was it all you wanted?

I glanced at Cassandra, Varric and Solas, like trying to convey a message. I wasn't sure what that message even was, but I hoped they still understood it.

I'm trying to earn a set of feathery wings
To take me away from here
It's me you leave–

You're gone from here
Don't leave from here
Don't leave me here
I hate it here
You're gone from here
Don't leave me here
I need you here
I need to see you smile...

As my voice faded away, there was a moment of silence. We kept walking.

"Well," Varric broke the silence, "That was a hell of a song, Feathers."

I blinked, looking at him. "Feathers?"

"There were several mentions of 'wanting to earn your feathery wings'," Varric smirked. "It's a good as name as any."

"I'm only now realising how many references are going to go over your head," I commiserated, but smiled nonetheless. "There's this myth concerning these sort of... higher beings back home, called Angels. They do everything that God tells them to, they can be messengers, soldiers, anything. They're typically portrayed as humans with huge, feathery wings. In some of the tales, they need to help mortals in order to earn their wings."

"And this song references those tales?" Solas asked curiously.

I nodded.

"It wasn't a very happy song," Varric pointed out.

"There are happy songs, sad songs, love songs..." I trailed off. "I don't think there's anything we don't have songs about."

"I'd like to write it down, if you don't mind," Varric said.

I laughed. "Yeah, sure. It's not mine though, so don't give me credit."

Varric hummed noncommittally in answer.

Solas looked between the two of us, then asked, "You said there are stories about our world, as well known as Varric's books. Are there any songs about those stories?"

My mind flashed immediately to couple of fan made songs... But those were full of spoilers.

"You know, Solas..." I grinned, "There is one."

I let out a laugh, and looked straight at Varric, and started to sing: "Fight for your values, and fight for your friends! Fight through this Blight, find the light at the end! Through the Age of the Dragon, the people will talk... Of the day they were saved by a hero... named Hawke!"

During the rest of the day, I entertained the party with couple of more songs, mostly introducing them to magic of Disney, until my voice was starting to crack, putting an end to the musical theatre. We stopped to eat twice, once at noon and again around sunset. That's when Cassandra decided we should make a camp and retire for the day.

I was surprised to find I wasn't overly tired. My feet ached slightly from all the walking, and I definitely wouldn't be bursting into song anytime soon, but I wasn't as deadly exhausted as I had expected to be at the end of the day.

"You know, Feathers," Varric said as we all sat gathered around the fire that night, bellies full and full of good humour. "If I didn't know better, I would start to suspect you're in fact a bard."

"Sticking with that name, huh?" I grinned, and shrugged. "The songs I know, I know well enough to sing because I've listened to them so many times. Now, don't ask me to sing some random songs I've heard like once, because even I can't do that."

"Spend a lot of time in places with singers, then?" Varric continued. "Like taverns?"

I shook my head. "No, we have technology that allows us to record a song, and then listen to a perfect copy of it as many times as we like later."

"Huh," Varric said, and took out his notebook, obviously writing the idea down. "How does that work?"

I made a face. "Honestly? I don't really know. I only know how to use it, not how to make it."

Varric lowered his notebook in disappointment.

Solas chose that moment to to join the conversation. "Maybe it's not a best idea for you to be sharing these details with us, even if you did know."

Damn those Welsh vowels. He really did sound like Gareth David-Lloyd. Which instantly made me want to agree with him, even though most of what came out of his mouth annoyed the hell out of me right now.

I shrugged, "It's only music. It's not like it's bombs or anything."

"Bombs?" Varric asked curiously.

"Yeah, you know, like Qunari black powder?" I asked, and saw both Solas and Varric's eyes widen. "We have that technology at home as well, except we've perfected it way further. You can either kill one person very precisely, like a bowman would using these tiny metal things called 'bullets', or kill an entire countries with one bomb."

"And I guess you wouldn't know how to make either of these?" Varric asked, his shoulders tense.

I shrugged again. "Not any more than I know of how the records work." It wasn't technically true. I knew more about atom bombs and guns than I did about music records, but they didn't need to know that. And it wasn't like I wanted anyone in this world to own weapons like that, either. It would do them no good.

Varric immediately relaxed, as did Solas. Huh, I hadn't even noticed him tensing up.

"If you're quite finished, we need to decide on the rotation, and then go to sleep," came Cassandra's voice from behind me.

I looked up at her, then behind her at the three tents. There were four of us, so maybe I would be bunking with Cass.

"Feathers and I will share a tent," Varric said, "If Solas doesn't mind the first watch?"

Solas nodded head, "I have no objections."

"Oh... I thought..." I trailed off, bit disappointed. I had expected to be able to talk to Cass alone, maybe get some sort of a friendship going. We hadn't had many chances to talk privately after I woke up. You know, like a sort of a sleepover?

"Did you want to take the first watch?" Cassandra asked, totally obvious to my thoughs. "It's said to be the easiest."

Of course. To them, I was still just some random dude with a glowy arm, a man nonetheless. No way Cass wanted to share a tent with me.

"No, it's fine," I said, doing my best to smile sincerely. "I'll gladly bunk with Varric. I just hope he doesn't snore."

"Funny," Varric said flatly, "I was about to say the same about you."