Yesterday: The Beatles

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
oh, I believe in yesterday

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go?
I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Why she had to go?
I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday...

Warning: This chapter contains minor mentioning of rape. So the story might be upgraded to a M rating.

The halls of castle Cousland had fallen silent that evening. The only sounds that echoed down the empty stone halls was the restless pacing coming from the newly appointed Teyrn. Ever since the event that had transpired at Ostagar, Fergus had been unable to get a full nights rest. He had been plagued with images of not only darkspawn but of thoughts and phantoms images of his wife and child being slaughtered by Howes men.

And now he had one more ill thought to add to his list of things that kept him up at night. Not even two days ago did he receive word that his baby sister had gone missing he hadn't even got a chance to catch a glance at her, she was just gone and in that time there hadn't been a single lead that pointed them in her direction. It was as if she had disappeared.

No matter where Anora had her guards look and her sister's companions searched, a trace was nowhere to be seen. Surely there must be something they over looked, any kind of sign that showed she was….alright.

At this point he felt that Anora wasn't doing everything she could to find her. Wasn't his sister the bloody Hero of Ferelden?

He haulted in his pacing and gazed up at the large painting overhead of the fireplace. He couldn't help but smile at how unorthodox it was. It was also one of the only painting of his family he had managed to salvaged after the attack. 'Out of all the paintings we had, it's no surprise that this one survived.'

The painting had been created when he was thirteen, he remembered because it was crafted after his first day of training with his father. The bruises on his face in the picture proudly portrayed that. That wasn't what the made the portrait strange though. It was the arrangement of his family and the warm caring eyes that reflexed on his parents faces.

His father stood on the right with his hand ruffling his hair. A grin plastered on his face. He remembered how proud his father had been that day, and he couldn't stop smiling. He had even allowed him to let the painter paint the bruises into the picture.

In the young Fergus's arms he was holding a young babe. His sister. She was only two when they had that portrait made, he remembered how hard it was to get her to stop fidgeting and crying. He also remembered that he had been the one that wanted to hold her. He practically begged it form his parents.

And finally they're mother who had a complacent smile etched onto her lips, while she had her one hand on his sister's head cradling it and her other hand on Fergus's shoulder. She was sitting on a chair on the left side of the portrait.

They originally had this painting in the main hall to show that wealth and status was not the most important value in a person's life, but that of love and compassion should be present. It had been taken down when sage had turned thirteen and their mother had wanted a more presentable portrait done, since many visiting nobles would not approve of the picture.

Staring at the painting a bitter sweet thought boiled to the surface of his mind. "It would seem that we'll never be a full family again. Especially if the two of us keep going missing." He whispered remorsefully towards the painting.

His eyes scanned the study, his gaze lingering on the letter he had received only a few days ago. Striding over to the table he slowly lifted up the sheet of parchment. He skimmed the context of the letter, even though he had read the dubious sheet of unfortunate news many times before.

"I regret to inform you…"

"Your sister has disappeared…"

"While searching for her companion Alistair…:

"Alistair…"

"Alistair!"

The name struck a cord in Fergus, stirring up a distasteful twinge in the back of his throat. He was the one that caused her to go missing in the first place. But that wasn't all, he remembered that name somewhere. Wasn't that the bastard son of Maric? He also according to her companions and the rumors that had circled around that he was her lover. That is until after the landsmeet when he had walked out of her life.

He felt the heat from his anger rise to his face clenching his fist he made a vowed to himself. 'This is his fault. I swear to the maker that if I ever see his traitorous face I will personally have him join Howe in hell.'

He was abruptly taken out of his thoughts by the rhythmically pounding of someone outside his study. Taking a moment to compose himself he said, "You may enter."

The door creaked open to reveal a servant, one of the few fortunate to have escape that dreadful night, and wanted to come back to work for him, "M'lord, the men are all set to depart to Denerim. They sent me to collect you." She spoke, her voice shaking timidly.

He offered a slight smile to the young elf, it was the only type of smile he could muster these days, "Ah yes, thank you…um Nilas was it?"

She bowed politely, a feverish blush rising to her ivory cheeks. "Yes m'lord!"

"Please tell them that I will be down after I gather a few last minute things."

"Yes m'lord." He bowed one more time before she briskly left the room.

Fergus could feel the small smile he held wane. The moment he had received the news about his sister he had organized a trip to Denerim. He knew Anora wouldn't do all she could to find his sister. Anora had always been a callous women who wouldn't let anything or anyone for that matter get in her way. And unfortunately his sister was that type of threat, and that was before she even rose to being queen.

Sage had been a threat to her being Queen for she was originally the one who was suppose to marry Cailan but Loghain had changed Maric's mind at the last second, before they could write up the terms for the arrangement. Even in the courts the nobles saw Sage, who was a true born leader who wielded compassion and mercy like a blade as the better party. While Anora was seen as a woman who could lead and take charge but only allowed a single goal to cloud her judgment. She had a one track mind when it came to things. She was her father's daughter after all.

But that wasn't the point. The point of the matter was that Anora would put up a façade, to show how she was trying 'desperately' to find her, but the reality of it was she could care less if Sage was found. And that was the point of his little surprise trip, to make sure she would use all the available resources she couldstretch.

And maker be damned they had better find her, or there would be hell to pay.

And the person who would pay that hefty price would be the very same person that drove her off.

The bastard Prince, Alistair.

~0.0~~0.0~

The days that Sage had spent on the ship blurred together as they rushed past her. In the days that past she had spent conversing with Gwen. She had grown close to the strange elven mage. It was quite peculiar how the woman could draw her in so easily.

Gwen was someone who she came to respect even in their short time being acquainted with one another. Everything she had learned about the elder woman made Sage want to open up to her, and even to let her guard down.

And that was a fear all on its own.

In that short time the two had spent together, Sage learned that she came from an island a ways away from Thedas. She had met Blood when he had been shipwrecked on her homeland.

She was friendly compassionate, kindhearted and wise. In a lot of was, she reminded her of her mother.

She couldn't help but feel comforted by that, it had been some time since she felt like that. And it also made her realize how much she truly missed her family.

She had spent most of her time either sleeping, or thinking rather boring, but even she admitted to her herself that she needed the rest. And when Gwen would come to visit or to check up on her, she would spend the afternoon talking with her. They would also on occasion have dinner with one another, sharing different stories of the past, or a legend or two from their culture. But even with her new friend, Sage was beginning to wonder when they would dock.

So deep in her thoughts she didn't notice that another presence had entered the room, "Hmmm, now what do you suppose you're thinking of?" A whimsical voice spoke.

Sage looking up smiled at the woman, "Hello Gwen." She greeted the elder woman.

Gwen smiled as she placed down a tray of broth. "Hello to you, now I wonder what has your spirits in such a high mood?"

Sage hadn't even realized the small smile that had snuck up on her features when Gwen had entered the room, "Oh nothing." She mumbled, quickly changing the topic, she moved it to something that had been nagging her since she woke up on the ship, "Gwen, I was wondering something…."

"And what is that my dear?"

She paused, lately she had taken stock of each wound on her body, she hadn't unwrapped any yet. Some of the wounds were too painful to think about, the vivid images and the flashes of memories of the event that had transpired after her eye had been damaged were truly haunting. Some she knew would scar even without looking, but hopefully they wouldn't be too noticeable. She didn't need more to add to her list of scars.

The only one she hadn't been able to guess how it was, which had been her eye; which was probably the most severe since she could still feel a dull ache burning her eye. She had also felt her anxiety swell at the prospect of being blind in it. "Could I perhaps, well, take a looks a look at my eye?"

The young rogue watched Gwen face, looking for something that would give her a sign. But found nothing. "It has not had the proper time to heal yet, so I would advise against it." The mage sat down next to the younger woman, "I can understand your concern but we could damage your eye further by removing your bandages. Her voice was gentle but held a stern tone as she spoke. It reminded her again of her mother. "But I can set your mind at ease though. You won't be blinded, you'll be able to see, but I am unsure of how well."

The red head let out a frustrated sigh, " I understand, but when will I be able to see it"

"Soon my dear." She answered, then reached for the tray of food. "Now eat." She smiled.

~0.0~~0.0~

Leliana had woken up that morning with a sense of dread forming in the pit of her stomach. Sage had been missing for a week now, and they were nowhere near finding her than they were a week ago. Her anxiety had only seem to heightened when she hadn't heard for Zevran. She expected him not to return back to the castle but she thought he would at least back to castle but she thought he would at least keep in touch, it was unsettling to say the least.

Unless he had come upon a lead and didn't want the trail to go cold. Or the same person that had abducted Sage had gotten to Zevran as well.

Leliana dismissed those thoughts out of her mind, but now was not the time to think negatively Zevran was quite capable of taking care of himself, but Sage was too and she had gotten abducted. She had to have faith that the maker would lead them to Sage, and have her in good health.

Hopefully today would renew her dwindling hope. Today she and Anora were planning to sit down with the newly appointed Captain of the Guard; Kadan Welsh. The idea was to come up with a plan to find the missing hero and to utilize everything they could to find her.

The bard was currently making her way down to Anora's study, walking down the newly restored steps she couldn't help but think how tired all the contractors must be. They have been working day and night trying to rebuild the castle and the city. They still had a long ways to go before everything would be near normal.

She rounded the corner and greeted the two guards outside of the queens study, "Hello." She said as she walked into the room. The men she knew would never greet her back.

Inside the room Anora sat at her large Mahogany desk, drinking what looked to be a cup of tea. Next to her sat a younger looking man, probably around the same age as herself, but probably closer in age to Sage. He was going over the map that had been placed over the desk. She greeted the two and sat down at the large desk.

Anora exchanged the greeting, "Thank you for joining us Leliana." The bard couldn't help but notice the tone the queen spoke to her in, it held a sort of annoyance to it. "Shall we get started then?" Again Leliana could tell she was annoyed or impatient about something.

The guard captain took this as a sign to stand up from his seat, clearing his throat he began to point to a few places. "We have already combed all over Denerim with little luck, I believe that since so much time has past they might have traveled outside of the city." Kadan started. "I think we shoul-"

He was interrupted when they heard a loud commotion coming from outside the room. The ruckus grew louder and then the door swung open revealing a very angry Fergus pushing his way past the guards and stormed up to their meeting.

'This isn't going to end well.' Leliana thought as she watched Anora's face as it slowly turned from annoyed to anger. "What is the meaning of this interruption Fergus!?" The queen shouted, standing from her seat and slamming her hands on the desk.

Her anger was only greeted by Fergus's, "What do you mean! I have came here to make sure you were doing everything you could!" He shouted. "And apparently your not or you would have found either a sign or even her by now!" Given his tone, Leliana could tell he was far beyond the feeling of anger, and he had every right to be.

She looked towards Anora who seemed to be controlling her anger, though her face said other wise. "How dare you say that! I have been doing all that I can with what little I have!" She shouted, her cheeks turning a light shade of crimson. "If you haven't forgotten we are still recovering from a blight."

"A blight my sister ended!"

"Yes well, we don't have all the resources available, we are stretched thin with rebuilding, making sure there are no thefts while homes lay broken. And further more we are still dealing with remaining darkspawn. So you'll have to forgive me if we haven't found her yet!" She retorted, "And quite frankly it is her own fault she had gone missing, if she hadn't gone to look for her ex warden and assumed her responsibility in helping us rebuild than she wouldn't be missing!"

As soon as her words left her mouth, Anora realized the weight of her words. The queen watched as Fergus's face twisted and his wasn't the only face in the room that had changed. Leliana who had been merely observing their little argument, now seemed to hold silent anger in her eyes.

"I believe," Leliana said slowly, her voice controlled and level, despite her features. "We need to focus our energy on finding Sage, not fighting one another yes?" She needed to stop this before the argument could go any further.

Kadan being merely a spectator, not know anyone personally in the room, decided to speak up thanks to Leliana breaking the tension clearing his throat he rose from his chair. "I have a plan. " Thankfully their argument had given him some time to think it over, "I will continue to have my men search Ferelden waters to the north in case they left by ship, and have a few men patrol the surrounding area and question the villagers outside of the city. My queen could you have Arl Eamon and Bann Teagan to search the southern portion of Ferelden? We will need his men as well."

"I will send a letter as soon as possible."

He then turned to Leliana, "My lady would it be possible if you could take some men and search the eastern part of Ferelden?" When Leliana agreed he then turned to Fergus, "I know this goes without saying M'lord, could you have your men search the northern part of Ferelden, and the waters near highever?"

"I have men stationed there, I will send word to them immediately."

"Good, now if all goes according to plan, we should find her soon, or at least get new information that will lead us to her whereabouts."

~0.0~~0.0~

A lone ex Antivan crow sat in the far corner of a very questionable establishment. He had barely gotten any sleep that week in his search and it was beginning to show. Though with this new information he could feel the adrenaline beginning to flow.

After receiving this new information about Sage. Though he had to pay a hefty fee for the info, but it was a small price to pay if it will get him closer to finding his dear warden.

Apparently Sage had been brought onto a ship, one that wasn't known to dock in Ferelden often. That and whenever it did make port the captain would pay a sum of money for an unknown reason. Which probably meant that it was a pirate ship of sorts.

If the description the patron who had sold him the information was accurate, than Sage had been heavily wounded. From his description he had said that her clothing had been torn to pieced, she was covered in all sorts of different wounds, from mild nail scratches, to bruises and then to her eyes. Her eye had blooding flowing from it.

The patron had also implied that she might had been taken advantaged of. And that was enough to make Zevran's blood boil.

And it also made his desire to find her grow.

He looked down to his furry companion and gently placed his hand on his head, he would have to send the Mabari back to Leliana, he could not follow where he was going.

He had managed to find passage on a ship that would be heading in the same direction, and had arranged passage on board, after he tactfully coerced the captain of the ship into allowing it. He had to give the man credit, he had impeccable taste with those that he spends time with.

He dug out of his pack a piece of parchment and a quill, he would have to give Leliana the information he had found, but he knew better than to disclose the full details of her current health. No doubt her over protective brother would find the information and do something reckless. It ran in the family after all.

He didn't need to think over his words to carefully, it was a certain skill to use cleverly placed words to hide the truth behind them.

Dear My Orleasian Rose,

I have found the information that we have been searching for. I can hear your round of applause and words of how awesome I am from here. But my dear bard you need not raise your words so loud, I know of how awesome I am.

It would seem that our young warden had been taken on a ship bound for Kirkwall as we speak . She had been wounded, though before your raise alarm she is alive. I am unaware of the reason why the ships captain had taken her, but I do know that it is not the same man that had abducted her. I am going to leave Zane in your company for dogs are not allowed on the ship. The Mabari is already missing me, I can see it in his eyes! But I know he will enjoy your company!

I will send any word of new information that comes into light, do not fret my dead woman I will find her!

You may wish me luck but I will nong need it ~ Z.

Pleased with the letter, her rolled it up and placed it under the collar of the whinning hound, "What? You do know you are not allowed on the ship!" A low growl was what he got in return. "Do not fret my friend, I will bring her back to you!"

He let out a happy bark and Zevran patted his head, "Now go bring this letter to Leliana, she needs to know of my soon departure."

~0.0~~0.0~

The night air was brisk that evening as Gwen gazed out at the endlessly beautiful horizon above the dark blue waves that reflected the night sky. She always loved gazing out at the sea, it always help with her trouble thoughts.

Each day for the past three, Sage had been asking if she could see her eye. Gwen was beginning to learn that she wasn't the most patient person when it came to a few things. But she couldn't blame her, she wanted to make sure there wasn't permeant damage. But she didn't want her to see just yet, she wanted her to have time to move past everything else before she opened up another wound.

The girl was brave, being able to put up a face like that. If she had been any other girl, it probably would have broke her. But no Gwen could tell that this girl had a unique kind of will power. One that was build up over time and had time to be nurtured by those around her.

She felt the familiar present of her husband, and turned to see him making his way towards her. She smiled, it were times like these she was grateful that she had him in her life. "Hello dear." She smiled as she greet him with a warm kiss on the lips.

"Aye, the look on yer face, tell me that ye are thinkin' of the lassie." With his index finger he lifted up her chin so she could look at her. "What plaque ye thoughts love?"

"How can I not think about her?" Gwen sighed," The girl has gone through so much in just a short amount of time. Did you know she is the one of the last Couslands. The one that survived the attack on the castle?"

"That be the Hero of Ferelden, be it not?"

"The very same."

She watched an amused smirk play across her husbands lips, "That be interestin'.She seems to have calmed down quite a bit has she not?"

"Yes but…" Gwen stopped, there was much that was wrong with the girl, and in the time that they had spent together, Gwen had come to realize that she enjoyed the girls company, and could easily think of her as a daughter. She was worried terribly for the girl, with all the stress and anxiety weighting her down that she would break. ""But she has yet to heal properly, both physically and mentally…I don't think she is in a position where she would be able to be alone." It was true, Sage wouldn't be able to take care of herself, and the elder mage feared that if left alone with her thoughts they would only fester and get worse.

After a brief pause, Blood scratched his chin and smirked, "Then I be thinkin' of an idear, what if the lass be joinin' our crew fer a time. Till she's back on 'er feet."

It was an idea, but yet Gwen was unsure. She liked the idea of having Sage stay with them, just until she healed, but she could think of multiple reasons why she should, "But dear, you do know she is a young lady who just went through a terrible situation. The last thing she probably needs is a bunch of men watching her like hounds eyeing a female dog in heat."

"There can be ways to remedy that love. There be a way we can change her outward appearance."

"It wouldn't be too bad of an idea…the lass will need a good healer by her side…" She had to hand it to her husband, he was very clever.

"Then it be settled then! Aye be offerin' her a place among me crew, if she be saying yes."

~0.0~~0.0~

Well that its for chapter four, I'm terribly sorry for the long wait, I kinda lost interest with this story, and focused more on my comic The Mirror which is a Hawke and Fenris based comic which you can read on either my deviantart Mizuki16. Or on my tumblr the-roseknight. I tried to get back into it but I had the worst trouble trying to get through my writers block for a certain part. As you can probably can tell I am out of practice when it comes to writing full on sentences and not just dialog or bullet notes. Hopefully we can get done with part one soon, I cant wait for the second act! I have right now Chapter five half way written by hand, and will type that up as soon as I update another story of mine.