A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and alerted this. I hope that I replied to you all. This one wasn't beta-ed since my beta is out of town. I hope your eyes don't burn too much lol Sorry about the switching point of views!

"Almost Alright"

My black eye casts no shadow
Your red eye sees no pain
Your slaps don't stick
Your kicks don't hit
So we remain the same
Blood sticks, sweat drips
Break the lock if it don't fit
A kick in the teeth is good for some
A kiss with a fist is better than none

-"Kiss With A Fist" by Florence and the Machine

The demon erupted into flames, screaming as she did so, but she had kept the Hero of Ferelden's face the entire time. No one had dared to speak to their Warden Commander because they didn't know what one could or should say. As the group escaped the Fade, they woke up to Kristoff, Anders, and Oghren finding them. "Are you all alright?" Kristoff asked as he helped Alistair to his feet. Lia glanced over to him and by the look on his face, he was anything but alright. There was something different about his voice that made Lia want to reach out to him but propriety had stopped her.

"Was anyone else here when you got here?" He asked.

Kristoff shook his head. "No," he replied. "There's an exit just a clicks distance towards the south." His eyes went down to Ren's body. He sighed heavily as he bent down and picked the dead elf into his arm. "He deserves a proper funeral…"

"They all do," Alistair added quietly. "He's the only one we could find."

The other Warden nodded and led them to the exit. They were all just happy to leave the Deep Roads. Once they reached the surface they had all worked together to gather the bodies to hold a well deserved funeral for the fallen. Each body was taken care of according to the customs of where they had come from. Ren was the only Dalish in the Keep and Jax had promised to plant a tree over his grave in the coming days.

They were dismissed to go back to their quarters when Kristoff looked like he wanted to speak. "There is still the manner of the thief," he said.

A dejected Alistair looked up to his friend. "Deal with him, I just…" The older man nodded. He had been told what happened and understood.

"Go on, I will handle the situation," he reassured the Warden Commander before Alistair walked off. "The rest of you are dismissed." Lia was the only one still remaining, with Nike beside her, as the others grouped further to the side. She didn't want to be a part of their little group, not yet at least since she was still a little shaken from the Fade. "Is there something you need Warden?" Kristoff asked.

She nodded. "I don't wish to go back to my quarters just yet," Lia told him. "I still feel like I need a moment to shake off the Deep Roads."

"Others say you jumped into the Deep Roads after the Warden Commander," Kristoff began, eyebrow raised. "It was foolish but brave."

"No one should go down there alone," she said. She did her best not to look much more into it than there really was.

Kristoff agreed with her. "Was it your first time?" He asked. She just nodded even though the answer itself was obvious. She had thought that she had faced worse but learned that it wasn't so. "Would you like to come with me to deal with the thief?"

Lia just nodded again. "If anything, I could use the practice."

"Good. Maybe we can use your mabari if he refuses to talk." Both smiled before heading to the holding cells.

"What's this? The great Warden Commander couldn't make an appearance himself? After all, he was there when my father was murdered, the least he could do is give me that much of a courtesy as I was kept in here during a darkspawn attack. Gracious host."

Lia stopped at the door when she heard the voice. A ghost of her past had come to haunt her. First the Fade had cruelly used her wishes against her and now….well, it was too much to bear. Her lower lip quivered as Kristoff brushed passed her. She hadn't seen or spoken to the owner of the voice in years. The Maker was playing tricks on her, she was sure of it. It couldn't have possibly been Nate, the last time she had asked about him, Howe had told her that he was in the Free Marches and that he wasn't coming back.

"Has he been like this the whole time?" She heard Kristoff asked.

"Yes, sir," the guard answered, "claims he only wanted a family heirloom but I don't believe him. He doesn't look a damn thing like Rendon Howe."

"Pompous ass, come closer and say that."

"Enough," Kristoff interrupted. "What is your name, boy?"

"Nathaniel Howe," Lia spoke up. She wasn't sure the other men in the room had heard her. "He's the only living son of the man who orchestrated the murder of my family." She sounded more spiteful than she had originally thought she would have. Her anger threatened to get the best of her. She hadn't been able to get retribution on Howe but as Nate looked at her, she knew she would be satisfied with beating him instead.

"Lia…" Nate breathed out.

"Surprised to see me?" She asked, bitterly before she moved further into the room but kept herself a careful distance away from the cell. "Well, your father didn't count on Fergus being alive and my escape. It's a shame I couldn't have been there to watch the Hero of Ferelden kill him. No one mourned his death."

"Would you like me to guess how many people feel the same way about your father?" He asked.

"My father was a good man." Lia's voice wavered but she wouldn't cower back. She couldn't. Nike growled by her side, crouched in a defensive position even though Nathaniel couldn't come at her through the bars.

"So was mine!"

"Don't you dare compare them!" She screamed. "Your father was a monster and got what he deserved."

"Your family brought it on themselves for being the bloody traitors they were," he snapped back at her.

Lia flung herself towards the cell, dagger in hand. She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him against the cold metal as she pressed her dagger against his neck. "Choose your words carefully, Howe because they may be your last," she hissed between her teeth. "Speak about my family again and I'll kill you myself."

"Enough, Warden," Kristoff said behind her. She felt a firm hand grip her shoulder that guided away from Nathaniel. She sheathed her dagger and turned away, ashamed of the tears that wanted to flow. She shut her eyes tightly and her superior continued to speak. "You say you just want an heirloom? We sealed off the treasury because of the darkspawn attack. You are a thief and you as a Howe should know the laws against thievery in Amaranthine, written by your father, warrant death or time in Fort Drakkon."

"Do what you wish," Nate told him.

"The alternative is for you to become a Warden, atone for your family sins in the eyes of the Maker or face your death," Kristoff countered.

Lia whirled around. "What!" She exclaimed. "You can't do that!" In her short time with the Wardens she had seen anger, hate, death, sadness and now even though she didn't know Kristoff well, she had felt a sense of betrayal. The order was too good for Nathaniel to join. He didn't deserve it.

"Our numbers have fallen since the attack," he replied, "I suggest you back down. It is my decision since the Warden Commander is currently indisposed. It is an honorable cause which you joined despite protest. I am giving him the option as well."

Was he fucking kidding her? Her hands shook. Her whole body trembled in anger as she turned to give her…childhood friend one last look. She couldn't stand to look at him any longer. She spun on her heels and left with her ever faithful mabari by her side.

"Somebody doesn't sound happy," Anders said in a singing voice.

Seph was a little uneasy about eavesdropping but her curiosity got the best of her. She was ready to scold the men for eavesdropping but when the yelling started, with Lia included, she couldn't help but want to listen.

"Last time I heard a woman yell like that-" Oghren started but Jax interrupted him.

"Please…don't," he said. The dwarf slapped him on the back.

"Oh ho, kid! I'm just getting started," he exclaimed.

Seph rolled her eyes. "Men, honestly don't you think about anything else?" The other three opened their mouths to say something when Lia stormed out passed them. Perhaps it was because she was the only other female around, but she seemed like the only one that noticed that she was upset. She turned away from the direction her friend came from and look in the direction the other red head had stormed off too.

"Wonder what happened," Jax said next to her.

The men looked behind her where more came out of the building. Seph was about to go after Lia to make sure that she was okay when another voice spoke to her, "Looks like daddy's little bitch can't always get what she wants."

Wrong. Thing. To. Say. She didn't think, just reacted in defense. She could feel her berserker abilities tingling through her body, ready to unleash on the poor bastard.

Anders's eyes widened while Oghren let out a loud laugh. "Five sovereigns on her," he said and he agreed quickly.

"Seph," Jax started but she wasn't going to listen.

Her hands curled into fists and she whirled around, connecting her fist to the man's face. She felt a satisfying crunch under her knuckles. "Watch your damned mouth," she hissed at the dark haired man. "Or you're going to make enemies with the wrong people."

The dark haired man hands covered his nose and as he pulled them away from his face, blood stained his hands. "I thought you were-" She pulled out her sword quickly, the sharp tip inches away from his face. He was bold but his boldness would only get him a run through with a sword.

"Guess you better watch who you speak to like that," she snapped. She looked at Jax. "I'm going to go check on her. Deal with him, will you?" She shot the newcomer a glare before she walked off.

Anders let out a long whistle. "I'd hate to get on her bad side." They really had no idea.

"I like her," Oghren chimed in.

Jax couldn't help but grin slightly. "That's my girl," he said lightly. The statement alone was enough to surprise him even though the words came out of his own mouth. Was he already staking claim? He glanced at Anders, who just smirked. "Shut it," he told him and the other mage held up his hands.

"Wouldn't dare to dream of saying anything," he said.

Jax looked to see Kristoff standing there, arms folded across his chest. "Heal him." He didn't look impressed. It was in moments like those that he really wished that Alistair was around more often. The mage nodded and healed the new guy's face.

"I'm Jax," he introduced himself, "that lovely lady was Seph. The other mage over there is Anders and the smelly dwarf is Oghren."

"Smell better than you," the dwarf grumbled. Anyone with any brain would disagree.

"You smell like a brewery," Anders told him. "Do dwarves do anything other than drink?"

Oghren let out a throaty laugh. "Our other hobby is snapping twig mages in half."

"Lovely." Anders shook his head. "I'm starting to feel right at home."

Jax shook his head. Things certainly were never boring. His heart clenched in pain as he wished that Ren would have been there with them. "There," he said pulling his hand away from the other man's face. "Should be all healed. You're lucky, you know. That wasn't even her fully angry."

The dark haired man's eyes widened. "It gets worse?"

"Oh," he told him as he let out a laugh, "much worse."

"Thank you," he said. "My name is Nathaniel. Nathaniel Howe."

"Well aren't you just a nug loving son of a bitch?" Oghren started. "Can't wait for the Commander to meet you."

"We have a problem."

That was never a good way to start a conversation. Alistair buried his face in his hands for a moment before he looked up to see Varel standing before him. "What is it?" he asked, exasperated and tired but he was afraid of falling asleep. He was afraid that if he did, he'd only see Evie's burning face on that demon.

"Kristoff has recruited the thief that we had in holding," the Seneschal told him.

Alistair shrugged his shoulders. "Well that shouldn't be a problem unless he tries to take something again."

"There's more," Varel added. There was always more, wasn't there? The Warden Commander made a motion for the old man to continue. "I did not know it until a few moments ago but the thief was Nathaniel Howe." That got Alistair's attention. "I should have mentioned it when Lady Cousland had first arrived… the two of them have a complicated history."

"How complicated is complicated?"

"She is the reason Rendon sent his son to the Free Marches," Varel replied. Oh. That kind of complicated. "Words were exchanged and the Lady is upset."

"That's not my problem, Varel."

The older man gave him a small smile. "See this is where it gets better," he continued. "Seraphine… Seph broke his nose after Nathaniel called her daddy's little…bitch." Ah, it was another case of mistaken identity.

"How do you know all these things?" Alistair asked as he stood, knowing that he would have to take care of the situation.

"I have my ways, Commander."

Alistair smiled, despite everything. "I do not doubt that, my friend."

"May I give my opinion?" Varel asked.

"Of course," he told him. "There's no need to ask." Varel was one of the only valued opinions around the Keep.

"As their leader, I think it would be wise to resolve the situation between Master Howe and Lady Cousland," Varel said. "He is a good man. I watched him grow up and with the attacks happening, we all need to work together. Maker forbid an accidental death might happen just because one was mad at the other. More death is something that we do not need."

Alistair agreed. He supposed that it was his duty to do such a thing. As much as he didn't want to, it was something he watched Evie do so many times before while they gathered the armies to go against the Archdemon. Mediation was the first stepping stone to peace. He sighed heavily and nodded. "I will speak with them."

Varel nodded. "One more thing…I know you wish to retire for the night but do you want the Joining to go on without you?" He was kind to ask but Alistair couldn't ignore his duties. The real Evie would not have wanted that.

"That won't be necessary." Varel nodded and left to make preparations.

Alistair stood up from his chair and went to the Warden quarters where he knew Lia would be staying. He would talk to Nathaniel last. It seemed fair, didn't it? Well it did to him. He sighed heavily as he wished that Evie's voice would return and that the demon ordeal had been nothing but a bad dream but in the end he had no such luck.

"You did what?" Alistair lingered outside of the room as he heard Lia's voice.

"Broke the bastards nose," it was Sephs voice that time. "He deserved it. We heard the argument and he came up to me, thinking I was you and called me daddy's little bitch. No one deserves to be spoken to like that. I wasn't going to let it happen, especially since you're my friend."

"Oh, Seph…you didn't have to do that," Lia said. "I would have wanted to do it myself."

Alistair couldn't help but grin. It seemed that he wasn't needed. Seph had taken care of that on her own. He would be sure to thank her. He turned away from the room and headed to the throne room where he was expected for Nathaniel's Joining. He pushed through the doors and saw the young Howe, Kristoff, and Varel standing there. Kristoff looked a little off put by his presence.

"I thought you weren't well," his second in command said.

"I appreciate the concern, Kristoff," he said, "but I've have my moments to deal by myself. Now, duty calls. You're dismissed." The older man nodded and Alistair looked at the other man who he had assumed was Nathaniel. Well, his nose certainly didn't look broken. Maybe Jax or Anders had healed it. Good on them though next time, he'd let them know not to heal the broken face of a man who claimed to be a noble as he insulted a lady.

He seemed to daze off slightly as Varel conducted the ceremony. Perhaps it was that he had attended so many already, Maker, he could recite the Rite in his sleep. Nathaniel had the chalice in his hands as he stared down at the dark liquid of darkspawn blood. "Is there anything you wish to add Commander?" Varel asked.

His eyes settled on Howe. "I was there when your father died," he told him. "While I did not give the killing blow, I can vouch for the horrible things that he had done and what we found in the basement of the Arl of Denerim's castle, something given to him by Loghain." He watched as the man before him tightened his grip around the chalice until his knuckles went white but he was still silent. "As for Lia Cousland…" He leaned in. "If you speak to her the way you did today, or like that to any other woman in the Keep, I will personally see to rectifying the problem. Understood?" His patience was especially thin that day and for good reason. "Redemption's not an easy path. Some don't get second chances often. Please remember that."

Nathaniel remained silent and sipped from the Joining Chalice. If the Maker had mercy, the man would die. Alistair didn't think a Howe deserved to be a part of the Order. Maybe he would be able to redeem himself. He watched the man fall back and Varel went to his side to check for a pulse. "He lives," the Seneschal announced.

"See to it that he feels right at home."