I was hiding. After I'd run for cover and hid behind a rather large rock that turned out to be a druffalo that I then had to run from for accidentally hitting it with my hair, my hair of all things, I climbed a tree.

"Mercy!" That was Alon calling my name as he and his companions came toward the tree. They hadn't slain the giant but rather left it alone once they forced it to one knee. I know because I saw it happen from my perch up this tree. When they were out of eyesight the giant simply got up and not being able to see them, ignored what could have very well been a meal.

"Mercy!?"

"Over here…" I called out, slowly lowering my legs to a lower branch. It snapped under my weight. My screech should have attracted every creature around instead there was just a chuckle.

"You have a talent for getting yourself into trouble, my lady." Arms wrapped around my legs and I was lowered to the ground slowly and safely. I couldn't look into his eyes. He must think me some silly damsel, always getting into trouble and needing to be saved.

"Thank you… again. I just…" I hesitated because I now had to think about this. I was in Thedas. A fictional world from the book series and game series Dragon Age. It's an insane thought really. Thedas is also incredibly dangerous. It could only be more dangerous if I was spawned during the fifth blight. "What year is it?"

Alon looked at me sharply. The others had already grabbed my bag and stuffed it into a sack. "9:40 Dragon." What happened in the year 40? Brows furrowing, I looked to the sky and checked the surrounding mountains for it. I didn't see the Breach, or any indication of a massive hole in the sky. Was it sealed already? Or has it yet to open. I just knew Inquisition would be started soon. In at least a year.

"What month?"

"Did you hit your head, my lady?" One of the companions asked as he helped me over a root. We were heading back to the encampment.

"No I just don't know a lot of what's happening in Southern Thedas right now. I'm not from around here."

"It is Harvestmere. Though it is almost Firstfall and Satinalia will begin shortly." Alon answered me. "But where are you from?"

Should I tell the truth? It'll come out eventually and keeping secrets was never my strong point. Chewing my lip, I entered the encampment that was really a stone's throw away from where I got lost. "I'm not from Thedas. I'm from elsewhere, if you'd believe me. If not then… I don't know what to tell you."

"You're not from Thedas, this side of the veil? Are you a demon?" There was a fierceness in his eyes and his hand went to his sword. It flexed over the pommel and Alon looked ready to attack even if he was hesitating just then.

"No… not a demon either… or a spirit just a human with a serious lack of appreciation for her life." I reassured him.

The suspicion was still there but not quite so much. "No. A demon would have defended itself. If you were a demon, you'd be the worse one in existence. Even shades and sloth demons defend themselves." His hand relaxed and he pointed me toward Emeric who had the largest and most smug grin I'd ever seen. "I was sent to retrieve you and bring you back if you proved you could not survive, which you did not."

A sinking feeling filled me but I moved toward the odd throne and stood in front of him. I fiddled with the torn edges of my sweater and the fabric of my soaked jeggings.

"Well. Lady Mercy. It seems you'll be staying with us. And I have a proposition for you." I did not like the sound of this. The way it seemed like he was gloating was just warning sign number two. "You may stay with us, unharmed and cared for, but you'll have to pull your own weight. Be that helping with the gardening, digging the latrines or any other task. Or you agree to entertain us. The nearest town is West Hill and its tavern is rather lacking."

"Entertain you? Like how? So like singing, dancing… telling stories?" I did not like the way he leaned forward, his eyes dark and gleaming. I also did not like the way his eyes roved over my body, lingering in certain spots. This was a warning sign, a big glaring, and flashing warning sign.

"Among other methods."

"No."

"If you fail to carry your own weight like my men, then it will have to be that method. Although you can entertain me privately and you would have nothing to worry or fear." He was standing and I was shocked still. I was suddenly very aware of some of the nearby men, how they looked at me with their eyes on my bottom or my bosom. They had the audacity to continuously leer. The only ones who didn't were the few women here and Alon.

"Well?"

"I will pull my own weight. I assure you, it won't come to that." His laughter boomed but he waved me off.