Chapter 4

Anders found Varric holding his nose as he came in Alistair's room and immediately grimaced when the odor hit him.

"This room makes the rest of the Hanged Man smell like a flowering meadow," Varric choked.

The smells of old ale, piss, and vomit swirled around him as he stepped over the bottles and clothes that were strewn about.

"And is that cheese supposed to be green?" Varric pointed to the moldy cheese wheel that was sitting on the table. "What are we looking for exactly?"

"Lyrium vials," Anders said. "And anything that looks suspicious."

"Well, the man must have certainly lost his mind considering he left his coin purse here," Varric shook his head and pointed to it.

Anders picked up the purse and while it was heavy it felt as if it was filled with sand.

"Dear Maker," Anders let out a moan when opening the purse and pouring some of it in his hands. The sandy grittiness made him realize that Alistair was snorting Olyraum which was a combination of Lyrium and Orchalcum. It was developed for templar use when lyrium supplies were low but the combination brought dangerous mood swings and proved more addictive than lyrium. The Chantry soon banned it but it was a well known to be easy to make and sell.

"I found some lyrium bottles!' Varric said as held up two bottles.

"Alistair has been snorting Olyrum," Anders put the purse in his pocket. "Is the Coterie making Olyrum Varric?"

"Blondie the Coterie is not in the business of manufacturing," Varric laughed.

"But they could be selling it and I need you to make some inquiries," Anders folded his arms. "If Alistair got it, it means some of the templars are likely using this and that's something the mages do not need."

"I'll have my contacts on this," Varric promised. "And I'll have one of the waitress's pack what is salvageable and send it to Hawke's. Is he going to make it?"

"Yes, but given how much he's neglected himself its going to be a very painful withdrawal."

"You better hope Hawke has a lot of extra sheets," Varric cringed.

….

Jessica held the door open as Teagan and his guard dragged Alistair inside.

"Bhodan!"

Bhodan and Orana came running down the stairs and towards them.

"By the Stone!" Bhodan exclaimed. "Alistair!"

"Enchantment?" Sandal looked up from what he was working on and rushed to Alistair.

"I don't believe this," Teagan's eyes widened. "Bhodan?"

"It's good to see you Bann Teagan," Bhodan bowed. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances."

"Yes," Teagan agreed.

"Bhodan, did you make up that room?" Jessica asked. "I'm going to need you to make up another for Bann Teagan."

"Yes Messere. We'll immediately get the other one ready for the bann."

"Thank you," Jessica said between breaths. "I don't know what I would do without you and Orana. Expect a big bonus in your pay."

Jessica watched as Sandal touched Alistair and he opened his eyes looking at him.

"Sa…Sandal?"

"Enchantment!"

"Don't look at me," Alistair struggled with Teagan and his guard. "I am nothing… but… a worthless… traitor!"

A few moments later he drifted off.

"Lets get him to the room," Jessica went upstairs as Teagan and the guard followed.

…

Twenty minutes later, Jessica led Teagan and his guard downstairs.

"David, would you go to the inn to get my things? I'm paid through the week; just give the innkeeper my regards."

"Of course my lord," David bowed. "I shall be back shortly."

"I'm sure you can use a drink after that," Jessica said.

"Indeed," Teagan said as he sat down. "I could use more than one actually."

"Port? Brandy? What would you like?"

"Brandy. Please."

Anders came in the room as Jessica handed Teagan the glass."

"How is Alistair?"

"He's asleep," Jessica said as Anders sat next to her. "He came to and got upset when seeing Sandal. His arms are restrained to the bedposts."

"Good, because I found out what he's been taking," Anders pulled out purse and dumped the contents on the table. "We found a few lyrium vials but he's been snorting Olyrum."

"Isn't that banned by the chantry?" Teagan asked. "Will he be alright?"

"It is banned," Anders poured a glass of water from the pitcher and took a sip. "And he will be alright…once he gets it out of his body. Considering how he has been drinking, it's not going to be easy."

"What is Olyrum?" Jessica asked.

"Templars used to mix Orchalcum and lyrium together and let it crystallize. They used it when their lyrium supplies were short. It has a similar effect but causes severe mood swings. It was eventually banned."

"Dear Maker," Teagan shook his head. "We didn't get here in time."

Anders gave me Teagan a weird look before setting his glass down.

"The Wardens forbid Olyrum except for certain potions," Anders cast a brief glance at Teagan as Jessica leaned against him."

"Wardens?" Teagan looked at Anders.

"Anders was conscripted by the Hero of Ferelden," Jessica said.

"I think Teagan knows Elissa," Anders looked at Teagan. "She traveled with Alistair to Redcliffe seeking his brother's aid and helped Teagan when there was this pesky little situation involving a demon and the undead."

"Yes…I do… know her," Teagan stammered before recovering. "She…saved my family. If you are a Grey Warden, how come you are not with them?"

"Anders has abilities that are needed here," Jessica said. "He actually is responsible for aiding all the Ferelden refugees in Darktown at his clinic there."

"It's good to know that our people have you and Anders to help them," Teagan took a long sip of brandy before setting his glass down. "So what is Alistair's prognosis? Will he be alright?"

"He's going to have a very painful withdrawal and it's only going to be more difficult because of his drinking," Anders felt Jessica lean against him and he put his arm around her. "He'll be fine physically but…"

"He thinks she's dead," Jessica closed her eyes and sighed.

"What?" Teagan knocked the empty glass over.

"We've been trying to help Alistair," Jessica said. "When he let us near him."

"Elissa told me what happened when I was under her command back in Amaranthine," Anders said. "Jessica and I took it upon ourselves to look out for him as best we could. Apparently we didn't do a good enough job considering his addiction."

"It's not your fault," Teagan said reassuringly. "Alistair has always had a lack of self worth that goes back to his upbringing. That blame goes to my brother who raised him until he was ten before shipping him off to the templars to placate his vapid shrew of a wife."

"He's no longer a templar at least," Anders tried to hide the bitterness in his voice. "How long are you planning to stay? Alistair is in no condition for a boat trip at the moment."

"My ship is undergoing repairs right now. The captain has not been able to estimate the time they will done because they're waiting for some materials."

"Are you referring to that big ship that needed three docking spaces?" Jessica brightened. "I have a friend who has been drooling at that ship."

"Yes," Teagan nodded. "That's the Rowan, named after my sister. Take all the time you need. We want him well."

"We?" Anders asked.

"Of course we want him well," Jessica smiled. "Make yourself at home. If I am not around, Bhodan and Orana will attend to your needs."

"Thank you," Teagan sighed. "I won't forget your graciousness."

"It's my pleasure," Jessica got up. "There were a few times I saw the real Alistair come out. He helped a lot of people during the night that big storm hit."

"He even comforted some children," Anders said as he got up.

"He's always had a good heart," Teagan said.

"Since he's sleeping at the moment, I am going to my clinic to pick up some things that I will need," Anders put his arms around Jessica and kissed her. "Tell Orana to cook that soup of hers and make sure there are extra linens in Alistair's room."

"I will," Jessica kissed him back.

"I need to go to my ship and let Captain Harris know where I will be," Teagan said. "I'll leave once David returns."

"You can set your belongings in the hall," Jessica said as picked up the empty glasses. "I'll have Bhodan bring them to your room."

"Thank you Jessica," Teagan got up from the chair. "I'll wait outside for David."

"I'll wait with you," Anders said.

….

"Alright Bann Teagan," Anders folded his arms. "I know she traveled with you."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Teagan glared defiantly.

"I saw Elissa in the Hanged Man, just as you left. I saw her and she saw me. I think she overheard me talking about Alistair's condition because she ran back toward the back entrance and disappeared."

Teagan's silence made the realization more clear that Elissa was in Kirkwall.

"Bann Teagan," Anders began. "Elissa and I became close friends in Amaranthine. I know you are going to your ship to tell her about Alistair. Please tell her to come to my clinic in Darktown."

"I was never good at lying," Teagan sighed. "You and Jessica have done so much and I believe Elissa could use a friend right now."

"Thank you," Anders smiled.

"I suppose since it was Jessica's brother who mentioned Alistair that it's only right she knows as well."

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Elissa would know Carver. I will tell Jess tomorrow. She will keep Elissa's presence a secret," Anders promised.

"I best be off then."

Anders watched as Teagan met up with his guard who handed him his bag. He opened the door and set it inside then left with his guard to head to the ship.

As he made his way towards Darktown, so many thoughts raced through his mind that it became difficult to tell which one were his and Justice's. It didn't matter. He was going to see one of the few people that ever mattered to him.

….

Elissa paced back and forth on the deck. Her heart ached, knowing something had happened to Alistair but seeing Anders completely threw her.

From what little she gathered, he was helping Alistair and as overwhelmed as she felt, it was also a relief to know he was being cared for by someone she trusted.

Elissa whirled around when hearing the door open and practically pounced on Teagan.

"How is he? I came in the tavern just as you left."

"One of your… Warden friends are caring for him along with Jessica Hawke," Teagan sat down on one of the chairs.

"I know," Elissa tried to keep her composure as she saw the concern in Teagan's eyes. "I saw him after you left and he saw me. I overhead something mentioned about Alistair's condition. What happened?"

Elissa sat down in the chair next to Teagan who took her hand.

"What you heard about his drinking was true but there is something else. He is addicted to Olyrum."

"Oh Maker!" Elissa slumped in her chair. "The Wardens in Orlais had to deal with a recruit that had that addiction."

"Anders said he will recover but it's not going to be easy. There's something else though," Teagan said. "Alistair apparently thinks…you're dead."

"No!"

Elissa got up and frantically paced around, "He must have encountered some Wardens during his travels and overheard what happens to the one who kills the archdemon. This is so much worse than I thought."

"Alistair is a grown man Elissa," Teagan said firmly. "You can't take responsibility for his actions."

"I know. I just wish…"

"You have another chance now Elissa."

"But he's going to feel even worse after he recovers."

"Maybe he needs to."

"You certainly are a lot harder on him than me."

"My brother certainly did not do Alistair any favors." Teagan groused. "And I regret that I was not there enough for him. He should have never been sent to the chantry. That's Eamon's way of not wanting to deal with things. As heartbreaking as it was to send Connor to the Circle, I know he's not only getting magical training there, he's getting educated. Connor is getting more direction there than he ever would by his parents. Alistair needs learn that his actions have consequences. He needs the direction a proper upbringing should have given him. You started him on that path and he needs to go back to it. "

"You sound bitter."

"Maybe I am," Teagan sighed. "All I know is Bella and I will never raise our children that way."

"Of course you won't," Elissa gave him a weary smile. "You are not your brother."

"There are some other things else you should know."

"What?"

"Remember Bhodan and Sandal?" Teagan asked. "They are living with Jessica and Anders. Bhodan is apparently her butler and Sandal is as…odd as ever."

"By the void!" Elissa stood up from her chair. "Carver didn't mention that. That must have happened after he left with the Wardens. He never mentioned Anders either."

"Your friend Anders and Jessica appear to be very…close."

"That's certainly not the Anders I knew back in Amaranthine," Elissa laughed. "I guess I am going to have to talk to him."

"That's the other thing I needed to tell you," Teagan looked at Elissa. "Anders requested that you come to his clinic in Darktown tonight."

"Then I guess I better head there," Elissa sighed. "I'm sure one of the denizens there will show me the way."

"I'll be staying at the estate to help with Alistair," Teagan said.

"I'm glad. Jessica Hawke is very gracious to do this. As much as I enjoy my anonymity, I am looking forward to meeting her."
"I better get back to the estate."

"I'll talk to you soon then," Elissa touched his shoulder. "Thank you."

…..

Anders took a deep breath and sat on the cot. There were three people waiting for him when he arrived. He gave one person a salve and sent him off but the others both had broken bones which drained most of his mana. The one with the broken rib was particularly draining, forcing him to sit as he packed a bag of potions that he would bring back to the estate.

It had been a couple of hours since he'd spoken to Teagan. Elissa should be here. Justice stirred anxiously within him for he wanted to see her as well. Closing his eyes he silently implored Justice not to come out.

"I need to see her first. I need to find the right moment."

Suddenly he sensed the same presence he felt that night of the storm and then heard the sound of footsteps.

Standing up, he slowly turned around and found Elissa standing a few feet from him. A weary smile formed on her lips as their eyes met.

"Hello Anders."

...