Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize from the game.
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Chapter 6 – Beneath the Surface
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Leliana strode through the streets of Val Royeaux. She felt incredibly nostalgic about the sights, the sounds and even the familiar smells. The mixed scent of the expensive perfumes, the food from the restraints. She had forgotten that there were so many things to love about this city. She saw no hints of war except the guard had been slightly heightened. The ghost floated beside her but he hadn't said a word in a long time.
"Now that you've seen the city again, there are things to be done." Deimos said.
Leliana nodded and shot him an inquiring look.
"Well, to start with Christine and Cameron need to go." He mused. "There is a massive party being thrown at the empress' palace tomorrow night. It would be the perfect time to assassinate Christine."
The bard turned into a deserted alleyway so that she could speak freely to Deimos.
"What are you thinking?" She asked.
"It's quite simple, really. The way you used to do things once." He said softly. "Go to the celebration, find her, seduce her, get alone with her and kill her. Security in Orlais is lax at this time. There have been few significant crimes or assassinations in a long time. It will be easy enough."
"Such celebrations are usually only by invite though."
"So you steal an invitation." Deimos said flatly. "They aren't personally addressed, much to our convenience. I'm sure you could use some method to steal one from the couriers responsible for their delivery."
"Alright then, consider it done."
"Enjoy yourself." The ghost said, grinning. "I have something to do. I'll find you later."
With that he faded away, leaving Leliana alone. She preferred working alone to working with him anyway. She strolled out of the alley and began to scan the crowds.
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Eternia and Morrigan warmed themselves by their campfire at the foot of the mountain. They were both unusually quiet, both thinking of a plan of action. The warden had been mulling over something for a while now. She just couldn't shake the feeling that she knew where Leliana would have gone. They didn't have forever to simply sit around and not act. She could feel that she had the answer; it was at the tip of her tongue.
"Morrigan." She said suddenly, jerking the witch out of her trance. "I know where she is."
"How?" The witch inquired.
"I- I just do. Do you trust me, Morrigan?"
"More than anyone else in the world." The witch replied, kissing her lightly on the lips.
"Thank you." The warden replied smiling. "She's in Orlais. I just know it."
Morrigan cursed under her breath. "I should have guessed." She muttered. "We should have figured this out sooner, it'll take a while to get there. How will we get there?"
"We can't go by ship; we don't have the necessary documents or the time to get them…"
"We're travelling illegally you mean?" The witch said grinning. "I always preferred it that way. Now if only you were a good shapeshifter…"
Eternia punched Morrigan playfully on the shoulder before replying.
"In that case we'll just have to go by land won't we?" The warden huffed. "We should leave tomorrow morning."
She turned and walked into the tent. The witch doused the fire and followed her in. Eternia gasped as she felt the witch's lips on her neck and arms encircling her waist.
"We need rest you know…" Eternia muttered.
"So?" Morrigan said, smiling seductively.
Eternia fell to the floor of the tent. Laughing, she drew the witch down on top of her.
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The bard trailed the courier silently. She drifted through the crowds as naturally as she had years ago. The man in front of her had been to the estates of people who seemed to be of very prominent stature. He had delivered envelopes and left. She watched him pause for a few moments at a street vendor's stall. She quickened her pace and swerved to brush somewhat roughly against him.
She apologized profusely before continuing on her path, a slightly crumpled envelope in her fist. This sleight of hand wasn't new to her at all. She stood at a street corner and examined the letter. The envelope had a name and an address but the invitation inside contained neither. Deimos had been correct after all. It was quite a beautiful piece of parchment. The ink ran elegantly down the page and the royal stamp of Orlias embossed it at the bottom. This must have been an important occasion.
She decided that gathering a little more information might be useful so she slipped into a tavern. Leliana purposefully chose one of the less upmarket places. She seated herself and she attracted the immediate attention of the bartender. He seemed rather eager to serve her. She ordered a drink and began to probe him gently. He answered carefully before gradually sinking into a comfortable conversation.
"What can you tell me about Chevalier Cameron and Christine?" She whispered. This is what she had actually wanted answered all along.
"Well, none of us should be talking much about them" The bartender muttered. "They came out of nowhere, if you know what I mean. Everyone's pretty sure Cameron got where he is with some careful murders and blackmail but you could get killed for saying that. Christine's a mystery though, I have no idea. Most people look past that all because she's so good looking. They're the empress' most trusted friends. Rumor is they practically control her though I don't know if there's any truth to that."
The bard thanked him and left, tipping him generously. She hadn't learned anything new but she was happy in conforming Deimos' stories. Night was falling and she still had some things to do. If she was going to a party tomorrow she had to look the part. She grinned joyously as she walked into a clothing store.
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Deimos materialized in the room. Night had fallen outside. He stared at Christine who was sitting at the desk, writing something. Her back faced him so she hadn't noticed him yet. She had swung herself a room in the empress' palace; she really was as influential as he thought. It was quite a beautiful room though. No luxuries spared at all.
Suddenly, her head snapped back and she locked eyes with him. There was surprise on her face. But then, her features changed subtly. Her face grew harder and her gaze much sharper, now showing recognition. The ghost grinned; he could practically feel the aura of power. He knew he had been correct but it was nice to have conformation.
"You." Christine said; recognition apparent in her voice.
Deimos laughed madly, the sound echoing through the room. He then smiled before replying.
"The tevinter dragon god of beauty. It is a pleasure to see you Urthemiel. But tell me, I didn't think your kind acted this way…"
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Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed the chapters. Explanations coming soon. Feedback and criticism is welcomed. Next update will be soon.
To my reviewers:
grover11606: Hmmmm, we'll see soon enough I guess. And thanks!
StarKrazy: And the plot thickens a bit more ;) Thanks for reviewing!