I Remember the Dark

Author's Note: I own nothing. I'm glad that I'm on a roll. I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter and without further ado let us continue.

"Talking"


I sighed in relief as Morrigan's eyes fluttered open. The ritual had gone off without a hitch. After the Fade was opened enough to project the consciousness of one person, this being Morrigan, the rest of the plan hinged on her actions in the Fade. I offered her a cup of water and she gratefully accepted it. After a few minutes of silence she reported on what had happened. She had confronted a Lust Demon who was the keeper of the contract. After doing battle with the spirit for what seemed like months, she had finally managed to best it and kill it thus destroying the contract and therefore exorcising the demon's control over Conner.

After waiting for her to recover and become used to the real world. I led the party with Teagan and Isolde trailing behind us with the mages. I pushed hesitantly against the door only to find that it moved without any problems. The room that we entered was decorated sparingly with vases filled with dried out flowers still in their containers. Conner was asleep on a chair looking more like a kid than the monster that he used to be. In a four poster bed laid the one man we had gone through so much to save. Arl Eamon laid barely breathing but was thankfully still alive.

"Quickly, the Ashes!" Isolde pleaded and I quickly gathered the small pouch I had kept on me and pulled it from the string on my neck.

"What are we supposed to do? Just sprinkle it on him?" I asked clearly displaying how out of depth I was in the common uses of a magical dead woman's ashes.

"I will try something." Archmage Irving said as he gently took the pouch from me.

We all watched silently as Irving poured the ashes into his hand. He then cupped his hands and began to whisper something intelligible. Slowly the room began to fill with magic and after a few heavy seconds Irving threw the ashes over Arl Eamon's body. We all watched as the ashes fell onto Arl Eamon, at first nothing happened. Then suddenly Arl Eamon began to spasm.

"Get out of the way!" I yelled pushing Irving to the side as I rushed to Arl Eamon's side.

"OH MAKER SAVE HIM!" I heard Isolde shriek out.

There was a scuffle behind me but I was too busy making sure Arl Eamon didn't break his back or do any worse damage. Suddenly the spasms stopped and I saw his eyes open in distress. Despite the weeks in bed Arl Eamon was still strong enough to punch me in the face before turning on his side and vomiting black liquid out of his mouth. We all watched mesmerized as he spat and laid back down on his back breathing heavily.

"Where-where am I? Isolde!? Conner?!" Arl Eamon cried out and I watched as Isolde rushed to his side.

"I'm here my love. Conner, Conner is here too. He's been watching over you for the longest time." Isolde said trying to console him.

"I, the dreams I had. Maker…how long have I been asleep?" Eamon asked in obvious distress.

"Long enough to miss the worse brother. If not for the Grey Wardens and their companions I fear there would have been nothing left to come back to." Teagan interjected before he knelt.

"Teagan come. Please." Eamon said weakly and Tegan obeyed and walked over to his brother's bedside.

Arl Eamon held out a shaking hand and Teagan quickly grabbed it. Tears fell down both their faces and neither did anything to hide it. After a few hushed words Teagan turned toward us and dabbed at the tears on his face with his sleeve.

"My brother wishes to have this time to recuperate. Please leave." Teagan requested and without a struggle we all left to our own little section of the castle.

*****Five Days Later*****

We all stood assembled in the hall and watched as Arl Eamon walked through a side entrance before leaning heavily against the hearth. Teagan had finally given Arl Eamon the entire report of what had happened since he first fell into a coma. The responsibility and guilt weighed heavily on his conscience and Teagan and Isolde flanked him worryingly before he waved them away. After a few minutes Arl Eamon finally turned toward myself and my companions.

"This is most troubling." He rumbled out quietly before focusing on me.

"There is much to be done, but I should first be thankful to those who have done so much for my people. Grey Warden, you have not only saved my life, but have also kept my family safe. I am in your debt. Will you allow me to repay your services?" Arl Eamon offered graciously.

"Thank you Arl Eamon. Being acknowledge for our efforts is a great honor. As you know the Blight has only grown stronger since Ostagar. While what I ask seems excessive I must ask that you support us in our fight against the Darkspawn so that we may end this Blight before it proceeds any further. I need weapons, I need supplies, and I need the combined armies of the nobles at the ready for when the time comes." I stated calmly and efficiently.

"I will do what I can. Messages have already gone out to all the last known locations of my soldiers. I have also sent word to my most trusted bannerman. Teagan has informed me that some have turned traitor. They will be dealt with accordingly. I promise you Grey Warden you will receive your aid." Arl Eamon nodded slightly and I returned it with a bow.

"We should talk about Loghain brother. There is no telling what he will do when he learns of your recovery." Tegan said tiredly as if he had tried to bring up the matter up multiple times.

"Loghain initiates this civil war even though the Darkspawn are at our doorsteps. Long have I known him. He is a sensible man; who never desired power." Arl Eamon defended only for Teagan to shake his head in disagreement.

"I was there when he announced that he was taking control of the throne. Eamon. He is mad with ambition! I'm telling you." Teagan pleaded and it seemed like it reached Eamon as he looked down and sighed.

"Mad indeed. Mad enough to kill Cailan, to attempt to kill me and destroy my lands." Eamon paused as he stood straight up despite the protest of his body.

"Whatever happens, Loghain must be stopped. What's more we can scarcely fight this civil war to its bitter end." Arl Eamon said practically.

"I agree. We must unite the nobles. I believe you can do it." I admitted which gave Arl Eamon pause.

"Loghain has powerful allies. Some nobles do not support him, not all. Even if I was to raise rumors of his treachery at Ostagar, or even here it would only give his allies a slight pause...it would all be rumors with no evidence. No…we must find someone with a better claim to the throne than Logahin's daughter." Arl Eamon said working out what I already knew.

"Brother! Are you talking about Allister?" Teagan exclaimed surprised.

"I would not propose such a thing if we had an alternative. But, the unthinkable has occurred." Arl Eamon said gravely.

"As Commander of the surviving Grey Warden forces in Fereldan I agree. Allister will be relieved from his oath should he choose to become King." I stated openly as I looked toward Allister who stood just a few feet to my left.

"Is there no other way?" Allister asked solemnly.

"Teagan and I have a claim through marriage, but we would be seen as opportunists. We would be no better than Loghain. Allister, your claim is by blood." Arl Eamon said with a tone of apology.

"Then I agree." Allister said softly.

"Allister you have a responsibility-Wait. What?" Arl Eamon asked clearly shocked as was everyone else in the room besides myself and Leliana.

If this incident was just occurring a week ago, even three months ago before Ostagar, Allister would have been yelling and demanding that he be given a choice but the journey so far had left its mark on him. Allister had learned from his companions. He had seen the refugees, both living and the dead, he had seen the chaos his nation had fallen to, and he had seen how he could make a difference. He could be that difference.

"You…you have changed much since we last met." Arl Eamon said with a new found respect in his voice.

"I have." Allister said resolutely.

"Very well. Then I see only one way to proceed. I will call for a Landsmeet. A gathering of all of Fereldan's nobility in Denerim. There, Fereldan can decide who shall rule. One way or another. Then we will get down to business fighting our true foe. What say you to that, Grey Warden Cousland? I would not wish to begin without your blessing." Arl Eamon said.

"I agree." I said solemnly and Arl Eamon nodded.

"Very well. I will send out the word. But before I do I believe there is a matter with the tutor that was assigned to my son. The mage." Arl Eamon spoke in contempt.

"He does brother. He is in the dungeon." Teagan replied grimly.

"Have him brought here brother. I wish to see him." Arl Eamon requested and Teagan gave a slight bow before walking toward the dungeon.

It was only ten minutes before a pair of guard dragged a haggard Jowan into the main hall. The guards released their grip but kept a hand on their swords in case they were needed. Arl Eamon looked the man up and down before deciding to speak.

"Jowan, what you have done is not in question. You tried to assassinate me and set into motion a series of events that would have destroyed everything I cherish. What have you to say about your defense?" Arl Eamon asked.

"Nothing my lord…other than to say I am sorry. I accept my fate for what I have done. I will beg for no mercy." Jowan said softly in almost a whisper.

"I see…Grey Warden, have you anything to say on Jowan's behalf?" Arl Eamon questioned.

"Jowan seems genuinely repentant." I commented casually.

"So what would you have me do? As the injured party my ability to see the merciful path is…strained." Arl Eamon admitted.

"Very well. I would give him back to the circle of Magi. They will no doubt punish him in a fitting manner and I believe they are the only party capable of doing so." I offered and Arl Eamon seemed to consider it.

"True enough, and wisely said. Jowan! I hereby turn you over to the Circle of Magi. May the Maker have mercy on your soul." Arl Eamon nodded before the guards placed the restraints on Jowan once more.

"Thank you Milord." Jowan said quietly before being escorted away.

"Now back to the matter of the Landsmeet. It will take some time to recall my forces and organize my allies. I would prefer to wait until they are assembled before I call the Landsmeet. In the mean time I would suggest using these Grey Warden Treaties I've heard from Teagan to contact whoever remains left to call upon. We will need all the help we can get to defeat the Darkspawn horde." Arl Eamon finished and I nodded.

"All that remains are the Dwarves. I do have a previous connection within the Dwarven nobility. Hopefully we will gain their support before you call the Landsmeet. To that effect we will be leaving within the hour." I announced to not only Arl Eamon but also to my party.

"Good. Then if you'll excuse me I must see to the affairs of what's left of my fiefdom." Arl Eamon bowed his head slightly before walking out of the room with Isolde and Teagan trailing behind him.

"Grey Warden Art! There are visitors for you at the gate." A small serving boy said before running off causing everyone to look at me quizzically.

"What? I didn't order anything." I shrugged before heading to the gate.

*****A Week Later*****

The visitors turned to out to be ambassadors from the Elves, Mages, a human quartermaster and finally a man named Levi Dryden.

Levi Dryden came to us with the request that Allister and I fulfil a promise Duncan had made to Levi. At first I was against it but Allister persuaded me. The journey was fast but the results were unpredictable. In the process of fulfilling Duncan's promise I had gained a new sword made from Meteor ore, the Grey Warden's had gained prestige among the merchant class which the Dryden's were big names in and finally the forgotten Warden Stronghold had yielded valuables and scientific research the likes of which I had not expected. All in all it was a profitable trip.

The ambassadors travelled with us and they asked for donations in order to fill in the gaps left by the cost of raising an army from nothing. I was glad to help.

"There. That should help our forces well enough." I sighed as I emptied the last of my healing supplies into a crate.

"Thank you Grey Warden. With this Fereldan will see the Dalish as true warriors worthy of respect." The Dalish ambassador said proudly.

"Good, we'll need them." I nodded before looking at the human ambassador.

"How are our troops been doing?" I asked.

"Not too bad. We still look like a mercenary force. We've gotten complacent in peace time. A bit more funding and we'll be armed like a real army." The ambassador more a solider than his profession spat on the ground in disgust at the state of the military forces.

"Well then this should help. You know your business. I don't want any man to die because he didn't have what he needed when he needed it most." I handed over a large sack of sovereigns, the weight of which almost made the ambassador drop it in shock.

"Thank you Grey Warden. We may have a chance yet." The human Ambassador smiled genuinely before hurrying to his tent to sort out the best way to use the gold.

I turned toward the Tranquil which had accompanied us as well and nodded toward him.

"Are the Mages sufficiently armed?" I inquired.

"The runes you have supplied us are high quality and plentiful. I think the world hasn't seen mages this well armed since the second age. Although more runes always help." The tranquil stated in the signature monotone voice.

"I did happen to come across a few dozen more." I quickly gathered a pouch of spare runes and handed it toward the tranquil.

"Thank you. The mages will be ready when you call." The tranquil nodded respectfully and I return the gesture before walking back to the center of camp.

"Art." I heard Morrigan call out and I quickly found her near her own fire and as I approached I noticed she seemed troubled.

"Yes Morrigan?" I asked.

"I have something I must tell you. Something I found in Mother's Grimoire." She said vaguely.

"Alright. Is there something we could use against the Blight?" I asked curiously.

"No, but I believe I found how mo-Flemeth has lived as long as she has. I found a ritual in her Grimoire that focuses on transferring someone's soul into another vessel. I believe she raises a daughter and after the girl reaches her physical and magical maturation, Flemeth enacts this ritual and forces her soul into her new vessel." Morrigan said worriedly.

"Are you sure?" I asked worriedly.

"I have been over it again and again and theoretically it should work. I should have known. Flemeth never does anything out of the goodness of her heart. She sent me with you so that I could become stronger. Stronger than any of her previous daughters." Morrigan shivered slightly and rubbed at her arms.

"So what do we do? What do you want to do?" I probed.

"We-we need to kill her before she can enact the ritual. I do not know the range or how fast she could cast the ritual. I cannot join you if you do decide to do something but if you do not we'll have the threat of it over us and at any moment I could possibly be possessed by her." Morrigan explained and I paused to think before nodding.

"The detour should only take three days. It'll be dangerous. The Wilds have been overrun by darkspawn and who knows what they've done to the place…I will bring with me Sten, Dogmeat, and Leliana. I need people fast, quiet and used to nature craft. The rest of you will keep camp here. If we do not return within four days go to Orzammar. I will craft a letter, give it to my contact." I finished as I ticked off the list of things to do in my head.

"I-I am sorry for being a burden." Morrigan said and she seemed like she truly meant it.

She looked small in the flames of the campfire. The sheer opposite of how she normally was. The confidence she emitted to the way she walked was carefully constructed in order for people to think her a cold but powerful mage capable of anything should it catch her fancy and on most days it was true. Still, our time together and the small talk in between had earned me her trust and I could see her begin to open up to me.

"You are important to this group. You are important to me. You are no burden." I took her hand comfortingly and gave it a gently squeeze before letting go.

"Thank you. Please leave." She said as she turned but paused right before she entered her tent.

"If you survive…please locate Flemeth's real Grimoire. It is something else that I've realized while I was reading her tome. The Grimoire recovered was just part of a set. Flemeth has the other one. It might have something we can use." Morrigan explained before she walked into her tent and closed the flap behind her.

While her tone was cold I could tell she appreciated what I had said. With little fuss I walked over to my spot at the fire where Allister and Leliana were talking softly the way only new lovers could do.

"No extracurricular activities tonight?" Leliana asked teasingly.

"Nope and that goes for you too. I need you rested up for tomorrow." I returned pointedly.

"Why? What's happening?" Allister asked worriedly.

"Tomorrow morning Sten, Leliana, Dogmeat and I will head for the Wilds." I explained.

"Art! The place is crawling with Darkspawn! What's so important that you need to risk anyone's lives for it?" Allister asked.

"Flemeth. Morrigan found a ritual in Flemeth's Grimoire that could allow her to forcefully inject her soul into Morrigan's body. She theorized that's how Flemeth has lived so long and why the tales of Flemeth's daughters' are so varied." I watched as they thought about it before nodding.

"It makes sense…how long is this going to take?" Leliana inquired.

"Three days. We're close enough to the Wilds that it'll be a day to get there, a day to get back plus extra time in case we run into unforeseeable events. I'll leave a letter with Allister to give to my contact in Orzammar if we do not arrive by the fourth day." I left out that if we're not back on the fourth day the chances are that we would be dead although they probably were already thinking that to themselves.

"We better get some sleep then." Allister sighed and stood up along with Leliana and they both walked to their now shared tent.

I smiled as they walked together. I was happy that both of them had found some semblance of peace. Leliana had been good for Allister. Already she had subtly begun coaching him in matters of the court and in appearances. Allister, willingly to do almost anything for his new love, had soaked up what Leliana offered and was surprised that he was rather good at mock court matters and ideas on how to rally the people. In return Allister was a gentle soul. He gave Leliana love and care that helped to heal the wounds that only she could see. The smiles she wore throughout the day were becoming more genuine and lately there had been a light step in our daily marches.

I turned my thoughts on the letter I would write to my friend.

*****Three Days Later*****

Our march was slow and tired. The packs on our backs were empty but still felt like they were filled with stones. The night was in mid-swing and the light from the moon helped to guide us. As we rounded the bend I spotted Bodahn's cart. The sight bolstered me and the others and we found some energy to push ourselves. We were met on the outskirts of the camp by Allister who rushed over and gratefully embraced a tired, and bloodied Leliana. After fussing over her he looked around.

"Where's Dogmeat?" He asked.

"She's dead." I said numbly.

"Let us go into camp." Sten said as he pushed into the camp and we followed.

Leliana, Sten and I were led to the fire and sat down. Morrigan and Wynne fetched water in buckets and provided us rags. The going had been rough and between blood, dirt and the natural build up of grime we needed it. Allister handed us bowls of leftover stew while Shale took up guard for the night. After washing up as best as we could and eating the camp became real quiet and I decided to speak.

"We tried our best to find a route into the Wilds with the least amount of darkspawn patrols. We eventually decided the best path would be through Ostagar. We found Cailan nailed onto a wooden beam and decided that instead of leaving him there like that we would light the beam on fire and let his ashes be blown with the wind." I paused as I thought of ways to continue.

"Thank you Art. Cailan…he was a good man. He tried to be a good brother to me as well despite everything. He deserved more than how he died." Allister said and seemed to retreat into his own mind.

"He did at that. Afterward we ventured deeper into the Wilds and reached Flemeth's hut by the morning of the second day. Flemeth knew we were coming. I don't know how but she did. As we approached her cabin a Female Dragon dove at us from the air. We evaded but Dogmeat was not so lucky and was quickly snatched up in her jaws and cut in half. She died quickly." I breathed in deeply as the memories of her scared eyes staring at me and her frightened and pained yelp as the Flemeth cut her in half.

"It was a harsh battle but, I used Starfang to finally put Flemeth down. Allister, if you hadn't convinced me to take on Duncan's last mission to Warden's Keep, we would have died. If it wasn't for Levi's family having a master smith capable of shaping the meteor ore into Starfang I don't think even I would be standing here. Thank you." I said seriously and nodded at him in respect.

"Poor Dogmeat." Wynne whispered and even Morrigan said nothing at the loss of the loyal hound.

The camp was quiet for a good long while as we all took the moment to remember our friend.

*****Five Days later*****

I looked at the elven assassin with disappointment before sending a sharp kick into his side which woke him up and knocked the wind out of him. I watched with some satisfaction as he struggled to catch his breath before he looked up at me.

"Ah…so I have failed." The elf said in an accent that I would associate with the free marshes.

"Yes." I said as I pulled out a knife.

"So you intend to torture me? Well let me save you the time. My name is Zevarn. Loghain hired the Antivan Crows and therefore sent me here in order to kill you." The elf now named Zevarn said quickly.

"You give up your secrets quickly." Leliana said suspiciously.

"Why not? I was paid to kill. Not to keep secrets." Zevarn explained as he rubbed the back of his head.

"So what happens now?" I asked.

"That is up to you. I see it this way. I have failed my contract. The Crows do not tolerate failure therefore they will kill me if they ever find out I am alive. I have failed in killing you and therefore you can decide what to do with my life. Normally in this position the attacked would then kill the attacker no?" Zevarn asked.

"I say we kill him." Morrigan sneered and everyone else seemed in agreement.

"No. Zevarn I will spare you and therefore you will be indebted to me." I decided and sheathed my knife.

"Art, you cannot be serious! This man just tried to kill us!" Morrigan said disbelievingly with the rest about to follow her until I raised a hand and cut viciously though the air with it.

"Enough. If I wanted your opinions I would have asked for them. I say he stays and that will be the end of it." I said with a tone of finality and much to Zevarn's surprise my group quickly fell in line with my decision.

"Then I shall be happy to be in the company of such beautiful women." Zevarn said as he stood up and dusted himself off.

"As well as the company of the men who are with said women." I said with a smile that promised pain and suffering should he try anything untoward.

"I apologize. So shall we get away from the dead bodies?" Zevarn asked with his hands raised in surrender.

*****Two Days Later*****

I watched the reflection of the flames as it danced across the glossy finish of the guitar that had long been pilfered by Leliana after the Battle of Redcliff. I had appreciated the craftsmen ship I had put into it and felt the strings across my bare fingers.

"A curious instrument." Zevarn stated as he sat across the camp fire.

"One of a kind." I remarked as I plucked a string.

"I have no doubt. I've seen many instruments in my business but I've never seen one like this." Zevarn remarked curiously.

"I made this one. I also made a few others when I was younger. Sold for a pretty copper." I said proudly.

"Ah, how much?" Zevarn asked in a dismissive tone as he took a sip of watered down wine.

"Five hundred Sovereigns." I said proudly and watched as Zevarn spit the wine into the fire which hissed angrily at the intrusion.

"Wh-what! Impossible. How can this thing be worth so much?" Zevarn exclaimed.

"You've never heard it been played." I said.

"I've heard Leliana play it. That was enough for me. OW!" Zevarn yelled out as a pebble hit the back of his head.

"It's not my fault. If I had a more adept teacher I'd do better." Leliana said in mock anger as she sat on a log nearby with Allister.

"I showed you the basics. Not my fault you couldn't pick it up." I dismissed her statement.

"Well in all fairness none of us have ever heard it played by someone who knows what they are doing." Allister said before Leliana cuffed him on the back of his head.

"I am also curious." Wynne said as she approached us.

"Yes. Entertain us." Shale said without turning toward us.

"It would be appreciated Kadan." Sten stated simply as he polished his blade.

"This seems familiar. I swear you all plan this when I'm not looking." I grumbled as I rested the guitar on my lap.

"You're not wrong. We have one more trick left in our sleeve. Morrigan!" Allister called out and suddenly a pair of slender arms wrapped around my neck and I felt a breath of warm air tickle my ear.

"Won't you play for me?" Morrigan whispered softly in a voice that shattered any resolve I had left.

"Fine." I mumbled out as I begrudgingly picked the guitar up properly.

"Let's see if this instrument plays the gold its worth." Zevarn said jeeringly.

Despite my attitude it felt good to have an instrument in my hand again. It felt like best friends meeting after a period of absence and I smiled as I figured out the song I wanted to play. My fingers tested the strings and after a few adjustments on the pegs I rested my hands on the first chords of the song and began to play a soft and gently melody.

"Hold me close and hold me fast, the magic spell you cast, this is La Vie En Rose.

When you kiss me heaven sighs and though I close my eyes I see La Vie En Rose.

When you press me to your heart, I'm in in a world apart. A world where roses bloom.

And when you speak angles, sing from above, every day words seem, to turn into love songs.

Give your heart and soul to me and life will always be, La Vie En Rose." I sang and the melody continued to play as my fingers dance intimately with the strings.

"And when you speak angles, sing from above. Every day words seem, to turn into love songs.

Give your heart and soul to me and life will always be La Vie En Rose." I finished singing and played the last two notes before the song ended.

I barely had time to put the guitar down safely before the pair of arms which were wrapped around my body dragged me out of my seat and to a tent nearby. I barely got a word out in surprise before I was thrown into said tent and set upon by a very eager mage.

"Good thing she did that or I would have done it." Leliana said as Allister picked up the Guitar in a fashion reserved only for the most holy of relics.

"My…" Wynne gasped out as she tried to pat the redness out of her cheek.

"Five hundred sovereigns are nothing compared to that kind of power." Zevarn said still entranced by the song.

"Powerful." Sten grunted out as he resumed to polish his sword while unknowingly humming out the melody of the song.

Shale stayed silent and yet the crystals which adorned its body glowed in rather complex manner.

Suddenly there was a gasp and the group's attention was attracted to the side of the tent where shadow figures of the current occupants mimed their actions.

"I-I-I-I-I-I-I" Allister said in a continuous loop.

"Oh wow." Leliana said as she tilted her head in curiosity.

"I am unworthy." Zevarn kneeled down.

"That is not a position I am familiar with." Sten said with wide eyes.

"Far more entertaining than boring peasants." Shale commented.

"If I were only a few years younger." Wynne sighed into her hand.

"Quickly! I NEED PARCHMENT AND A QUILL AND INK!" Zevarn said scrambling to reach his pack.

*****Next Day*****

"Hey wake up!" I shouted at the bodies of my companions as they laid in the open grass strewn about like dolls.

"Ugh…what time is it?" Allister said as he rubbed his eyes.

"Time for us to have been eating breakfast already. Come on, lets eat." I said as I went back to the fire and stirred the pot.

"How?" Zevarn managed to ask as he stood up.

"How what?" I asked absentmindedly over my shoulder.

"How are you so awake?" Leliana groaned out as she sat up.

"Eh? I woke up." I said simply as I began to pour soup into bowls.

"So much sex!" I heard Wynne shout which almost caused me to flip over the row of bowls in surprise.

"Master teach me your ways." Allister said reverently as he proffered the guitar to me.

"What?! Don't say stupid stuff. What is happening!?" I said as I turned toward them to discover that they had formed a semi-circle around me.

"Um…Art, while you were busy in the tent with Morrigan…I'm not saying it didn't happen or that it did but it's possible that you didn't know that we could see your shadows on the side of your tent. It's possible we stayed up all night and took notes. I know I did. It's also possible we fell asleep as we studied, I mean observed passively." Leliana explained.

I tried to say something but too many things were rushing through my head so instead I just made a series of grunting noises before I pointed toward the bowls. Wisely they said nothing else and accepted the bowls of soup and ate. I had already left a bowl in my tent for Morrigan. It was blissfully quiet for ten seconds.

"So what position should we try first?" Leliana asked Allister and in response he blushed a bright shade of red.

"Fuck." I exclaimed in frustration.

*****A Week Later*****

After a week of travel, hiking and clearing snow we came to the final stretch that led to the gates of Orzammar. As we came to the bridge another party blocked the path.

"We've been waiting for you." The lead soldier said proudly.

"I'm in no mood for pleasantries. If you do no move aside I will cut you down." I growled out angrily at the newly present obstacle in my path.

"Oh! I'd like to see you try that." The soldier grinned beneath his helm as he unsheathed his weapon and charged at me.

With no delay I mirrored his action and sprinted toward him with Starfang in hand. As we grew closer the soldier let out a battle cry and swung heavily with no grace or any particular skill. In response I leaned to the side allowing the blade to cut through the air where I had been. In retaliation I swung my blade backward and caught him in his knee. The force and sharpness of the blade easily cut the limb off and launched the soldier into the air. Before he could fall or scream I turned the blade and planted it straight through his mouth and slammed the tip and in effect the soldier's body into the ground.

"That is why you should not challenge Art." Allister whispered to Zevarn to which the only reply he had was a brief head nod.

"Anyone feel like it's a wise idea to block my path?" I shouted as I pulled the blade from the dead man's body.

In response the group moved to the side with their hands raised. After wiping the blade on their companion's body I sheathed Starfang and walked toward them. As I reached them one of the soldiers went for his knife. Before he could reach it I sent a gauntleted fist into his face and with a wet smacking sound broke it. Before he could react I grabbed his arm and forced it behind his back and threw my elbow just above his joint and was rewarded with a sharp crack and a cry of pain. I let go of the limp appendage as the rogue soldier sagged to the ground and cradled his arm.

"Arl Howe will kill you. He'll finish what he started with your parents and your brother's wife and son." The soldier gasped out between pained breaths.

With a grunt I sent an armored boot into his face breaking his jaw and sending him sprawling on the ground. I walked over and stomped heavily once on the back of his skull cracking it open and exposing his brain to the open sky.

"And that is why you don't mention Arl Howe." Leliana said over Zevarn's shoulder as they watched Art stomp once more onto the fallen soldiers head.

"I-I will be sure to avoid both." Zevarn said as he nodded his head unconsciously.

"Anyone else?" I asked as I looked toward the last three soldiers and what looked to be a mage.

In response the group slowly shimmied passed me and left their two dead companions in the mountain snow. I sighed as I watched my group caught up.

"Are you alright Art?" Wynne asked cautiously.

"Yeah. I'm okay." I said dismissively as I gathered myself together and gestured to continue.

The final stretch was less eventful until we finally reached the outskirts of the entrance to Orzammar. I gasped in shock as the giant stone gates were closed. With no explanation I ran toward the gates. After maneuvering pass a few idle merchants I got to the stone stairway and ran up to the entrance way. In front of the door stood three random dwarves, a thin stick of a man, a large Qunari mercenary, and a female mage.

"King Loghain will no longer suffer the delays of his appointments. He has ordered the dwarves to send aid for the darkspawn threat." The thin man shouted into the face of the one of the dwarves guarding the gate only to receive a sharp gesture.

"Vieta!" The dwarf shouted in frustration. "This land is held in trust to the sovereign dwarven kings. I cannot allow entry into Orzammar at this time." The dwarf said angrily.

"King Loghain demands the loyalty of the Deshyr, or lords or whatever you call them, in your assembly. I am his appointed messenger." The thin man said taking his role far more seriously than it should have been.

"I don't care if you're the King's wiper. Orzammar will have none but its own until its throne is settled." The dwarf scoffed.

As I walked closer I recognized the dwarf and waved a hand.

"Norek!" I shouted out and the dwarf turned toward me in response.

"Art?" The dwarf named Norek asked in disbelief.

"What has happened? The throne is unoccupied?" I asked and Norek nodded stiffly.

"Who is this? Who are you?" The thin man said rudely.

"What has happened to the king?" I said ignoring him.

"King Endrin Aeducan died in his sleep. The rumor is that he died from the guilt of sending his second born, Dorn Aeducan, into the Deep Roads." Norek stopped as he saw the look on my face.

"So some second born was sent into the Deep Roads." The thin man said dismissively.

"Oh no." Norek whispered.

Before anyone could do anything I was on the thin man. With barely any thought I jammed a knife in his stomach three times before slamming the blade into his neck. I grabbed the bare blade with my gauntleted hand and twisted effectively tearing off the man's head. I kicked the body in the chest as it fell against the wall where arterial spray painted the wall in ruby red. I flicked the blade and the messengers head fell off.

"Run." I whispered and it only took a second before the Qunari and the mage ran off.

"Art…" Norek said holding up his hands.

"Enough. It's time for business. I am a Grey Warden now. I have treaties that compel the Dwarves to help during a Blight." I said coldly.

"You think after that display we'll allow you to enter Orzammar?!" One of the younger looking guard's spoke out.

"Enough…open the gates." Norek ordered.

By the time the gates had opened my party had caught up with me.

"What happened to that guy?" Allister asked.

"That's what happens when someone hurts a friend of Art Cousland." Norek said solemnly.

"Lets finish this." I said roughly as I stepped into the entrance hall.

*****A Day Later*****

The situation here was worse than I thought. The city had become divided between Harrowmont and Bhelen after the death of Endrin's first born and the exile of his second born followed by Endrin's own death. The city streets were slowly filling with blood and with blood came, as always, predators. The Cartas which were always secretive and operating in the shadows were beginning to come out into the light. For now I had chosen to align myself with Harrowmont. After fighting in the Proving and wiping out the Cartas in his name I was finally given permission to descend into the Deep Roads on the search for the Paragon Branka. A disgraced dwarven warrior named Oghren, ex-husband to Branka herself, bartered with me to come with us, his experience will be invaluable. Still despite all common sense that told me Dorn was dead part of me hoped there might be some sort of clue to prove otherwise. I pressed a bare hand on the cold wall where the true darkness of the Deep Roads met the "Secured" sections of tunnels that connected it to Orzammar.

"Art, are you ready to go?" Allister called out to me and I placed my gauntlet back on.

"Yes." I said calmly as I turned toward my group.

"Oghren lead the way. I want eyes open at all times. This is darkspawn territory. Assume nothing is safe and nothing is friendly." I warned as each of my group members nodded.

"Remember we are here for Branka but if you see something of note or interest let me know and we'll decide. If there's no questions I want behind Oghren, Shale, and Allister, than Morrigan, Wynne, Leliana, Zevarn, myself and Sten. We cannot get separated here. If we do chances are we'll never find you and you'll end up as Darkspawn food or worse." With that final warning I gestured to Oghren and he began walking.

The journey was long and arduous. We crossed the Aeducan Thaig, Ortan Thaig and Caridin's Cross as we followed Branka's steps into the Deep Roads. Each of these locations were filled with darkspawn, spiders, rats, and other underground creatures and our reward for defeating such perils has ended in old camp sites and broken crates. As we passed one of the unlit sections of the Deep Roads Highway Shale paused halting the procession.

"Shale?" Leliana asked.

"I think…I remember this." Shale touched some dwarven runes etched into the wall.

Without warning Shale began to run. The sound of the golem's body was not hard to follow and despite the mission I ordered everyone to follow Shale. The noise the golem was making was going to draw every darkspawn for miles to this location if not any other predators. After a few miles we finally reached an abandoned Thaig. To our surprise natural light poured down through a crack in the ceiling. The sunlight was so bright everyone had to cover their eyes.

"Shale! What is this place?" I asked.

"Cadash Thaig." Shale said as the golem stomped around before seeing something in the distance.

"Not again." Allistar gasped out as we began to run after Shale.

The Golem's mad dash was useful in the way that it demolished unwary darkspawn forces. We mopped up survivors but after a few skirmishes we stood before a giant dwarven stature holding a hammer.

"I think this is my name." Shale said as it pointed at a list of names etched into the stone below the statue.

"Sod it all. We came here for a list of names." Oghren said dismissively.

"Does it matter? Oghren can you read this?" I asked as Oghren came over although he was grumbling.

After a few seconds the dismissive look Oghren held melted and became one of awe.

"Warden! This is a list of volunteers to become Golems. This thing is a bleeding memorial." Oghren said as he took out a parchment and began rubbing charcoal over the etchings.

"Funny. I didn't take you for a history type." Morrigan stated.

"Normally I'm not but these were warriors who sacrificed their bodies in order to protect the Dwarven people. They deserve respect." Oghren grunted out as he folded the parchment carefully and put in his pack.

"Alright. Let's pack it up. We still have a lot of ground to cover and-" I shouted as the ground collapsed under me.

The fall was to my guess fifteen feet and I landed roughly on my back. Light pierced the darkness and illuminated the hole in my new ceiling. I groaned as I pushed myself into a sitting position.

"Art! Talk to me!" Allister shouted down into the hole.

"I'm alright!" I shouted up at him.

Suddenly I heard a skittering and I quickly drew Starfang. The bladed glowed naturally because of its material and I found various objects passing in and out of the dull glow.

"Allister…I need a rope. Now." I said as I kept myself from exposing one part of me too long.

There was a thump as a body fell through the hole and landed a few inches near me.

"Art! There's too many. The darkspawn are overrunning this place. We have to pull back!" Allister grunted out and I stated to hear the sounds of a battle raging above me.

"Just go! I'll find you! I promise!" I shouted up before a loud crunch made me pause.

I turned toward the noise and saw a long spindly body rise from the darkspawn body. The glow from Starfang illuminated the pale eyes and the fangs of a humanoid sized being. Its limbs were spindly and the skin clung tightly against its body. Black ichor stained its mouth and chin. It screeched at me and tackled me sending Starfang out of my grasp and skittering into the darkness. I blindly threw a punch and connected with something solid. Suddenly powerful hands grabbed my armored head and slammed it heavily onto the ground. The Juggernaut helm cracked and almost shattered after the second blow which sent the world spinning. I felt the claws tear into the Juggernaut platemail and pull the chest piece away. The creature screamed in triumph and I could just imagine its claws dangling a foot above my throat.

Thinking quickly I tore off my helm and slammed the jagged edge into where I imagined its throat to be. Much to my surprise the metal managed to cut into the skin and knock the creature onto its back. I quickly climbed on top of the creature and grabbed the helm pulling it out of the creatures flesh. With all the strength I could muster I slammed it once more into the creature's neck and did it three more times until the neck was nothing but pulped meat. The stink was horrendous and I immediately got away from the body. I searched the darkness and saw a faint glow in the distance. With a short walk I finally came upon my sword and picked it up immediately feeling better with it in my hand.

Not seconds later I heard a hiss this time from multiple sources and I prepared myself for the next battle. I was surprised that instead of fear I was filled with something different. I didn't feel like I was prey. Old instincts played along my nervous system and I felt adrenaline pump into my blood.

"Oooooh…I remembered this. I remember this kind of darkness." I said with a fondness only for the hisses to become more vicious and aggressive.

"In a place called The Nexus I was surrounded just like this. In the dark. Hunger crawled in my belly. Thirst burned my throat. My mind and body kept telling me that I was going to die. Yet I lived and gained a nickname that I locked away all these years." I said as I brought my sword up.

"Abaddon Mal." I whispered and in the glow of Starfang I grinned a grin that was reserved for predators.

"Come at me!" I roared into the darkness, and beckoned, the darkness came.

*****Two Days Later*****

I hissed in anger as the wound in my side opened up. Starfang hung limply in my hand as my other hand tried it's best to staunch the flow of blood with an already blood soaked cloth. My pack had been torn opened and scattered about during the fight with the Ghouls. I was sorely missing my medical supplies as I grabbed loose dirt and shoved it into my wound and screamed in pain as I shoved another handful against the wound. After a few minutes the dirt had bonded with my blood and formed a temporary seal. I looked up and tried to use my hearing to pick up any movements.

After finding a small tunnel leading out of the Ghoul den I had fallen into and following it, I had reached an unused Deep Road Highway. I had followed the Highway in hopes that I would encounter something that could help me. So far I had encountered nothing which worried me. I pushed myself off my knee and continued along the highway. My stomached grumbled which distracted me only for a second from the thirst that had accumulated. If I didn't find a source of water soon I would dead this time tomorrow. As I rounded the bend I finally lost all the strength in my legs and fell heavily onto the ground. Still I was proud I still held onto Starfang. I willed my body to move but nothing responded. I felt my eyes grow heavy and despite my efforts they began to close.

"What do we have here?" A feminine voice was the last thing I heard before my brain finally shorted out.

*****Unknown Time Later*****

To my surprise my eyes opened and I was greeted by a rock ceiling. I turned to my side and spotted a water jug. Weakly I reached for it only for my efforts to go in vain as I accidentally tipped it over causing it to fall before smashing into the ground.

"Shit." I groaned out as I laid on my back once more.

"All you had to do was call for help, but I should know better than expect you to do something as simple as that, huh Art?" A familiar voice said with amusement.

I felt a cup touch my lips and shortly afterward felt cool water being poured into my mouth. Too tired to do anything I just drank. After a few seconds all the water was gone and the cup removed.

"Dorn?" I whispered.

"In the flesh." I turned and saw the visage of Dorn Aeducan.

Gone was the little dwarven girl I remembered, replaced now by a grown woman. Dorn had grown up in all aspects but the impish smile still shone on her face.

"If anyone was going to come into the Deep Roads, somehow find a path that leads to an ancient dwarven door not used in centuries, a door that was just commissioned to open by the Kal-Sharok Assembly, and be found just in time to be saved, I would have put my bet on you." Dorn said teasingly causing me to laugh before wincing as my wound let itself be known again.

"I had hoped you survived." I whispered and I felt a hand grip mine.

"Father always did have a soft spot for me. Instead of exiling me to the Deep Roads he secreted me onto the caravan belonging to the ambassadors from Kal-Sharok. They were paid handsomely and given resources, food, and medicine for my safe passage." Dorn explained.

"Have you heard the news from Orzammar?" I asked.

"Yes. I've heard of father's death, and the incurring civil war between Bhelen and Harrowmont. They must be stopped." Dorn said with determination.

"Do you know the way back?" I asked as I forced myself to sit up much to Dorn's displeasure.

"Already have an armed guard hired. I figured you wouldn't want to wait to get back to Morrigan." She grinned mischievously.

"I'm not even going to ask." I said already knowing I would get no straight answer.

"There's a fresh set of clothes in the chest at the foot of the bed. Good thing we trade with the Trevinter otherwise you'd be stuck with just blood soaked gear." She said as she stood up and closed the door behind her.

As I swung my legs off the side of the bed I remembered how I had met Dorn. It was after my fifteenth birthday that was I was given consent from my parents to begin my journeyman period of my craft. Instead of traditionally setting up shop in a small town I travelled to Orzammar. After a series of events I was introduced to the best smith in the city. A young dwarven girl named Dorn Aeducan, yes that Dorn Aeducan, as she would add after every time she introduced herself. I watched as she spun out creation after creation from her anvil. Anyone could see she was truly gifted and knew how to use her gifts to the utmost. Her technological advances made her a paragon in all but name. Some of them I even helped on, providing hunches that at the time seemed out of the box and crazy. Now that I knew where those hunches came from I'm glad I didn't provide the tools to make war machines. If she had not been exiled she would have been first choice for the succession. A fact that made Torin, her older brother, easier to manipulate and made her younger brother enact his devious plan to get rid of both of them. After a year of tutelage I left and came back to Highever a lot wiser and with incredible skill. I was pulled out of my musing as Dorn opened the door.

"Let's go." She said as she tossed me Starfang in a new sheath which I caught.

I pulled the blade out slightly and smiled. The blade had been cleaned, sharpened and oiled. I fastened it to my waist and exited the room before following her.

*****A Few Days Later*****

Allister looked at the group and sighed. They had succeeded yes. They found Branka who had gone mad for the Anvil of the Void. They had fought through some nasty scraps, even killing a Broodmother. They had destroyed the Anvil and the dangers it possessed and in turn had been forced to kill Branka. Fortunately Caradin, trapped in the body of a golem, was willing to forge a crown for the new king. Shale had gotten some closure from quiet conversations with Caradin. The crown was tucked comfortably in a satchel on Shale's back. Still despite the incredible victory they had it was marred by the loss of Art.

Allister had no idea how much the entire group depended on his technically junior Grey Warden. He was always there when someone needed help or just a quick word. Making sure everyone ate properly and that the group was functioning at peak capacity. Allister picked up the pieces but nothing could replace Art. Even Oghren, who had only know Art for a few short days was effected by the loss of their leader. Allister felt like he was crumbling under the responsibility and he would have if it wasn't for Leliana. The red head supported and guided him when he needed it and he needed it a lot. Leliana herself was affected by the death of Art. Allister was not jealous for he knew she mourned after a good friend that had been willing to take a chance on her when even he himself would not have.

Wynne's age showed more through even more as the stresses of travel and the sadness of losing Art weighed on her. She never uttered a complaint but more than once Allister worried about her. Sten was Sten but he became quieter than he had before only offering the barest advice if he thought anyone needed it. Oghren drank far less as he felt he needed his wits about him without Art around. Morrigan tried her best to seem unaffected by Art's passing but even as thick as Allister was he knew she was on the edge of just leaving and never coming back. She could survive on her own.

Finally much to the relief of the party they began to recognize their environment. Not ten minutes later they saw the entrance to Orzammar. After a quick inspection and questions they were let back in to the outskirts of Orzammar.

"Let's get this business done. It's what Art would have wanted." Allister said grimly and while he didn't need to see it he felt the other's resolve as they navigated to the Diamond Quarter.

The trip took only an hour as we pushed pass the masses huddled outside of the Assembly Hall. The guards recognized us and allowed us entry in the Hall. Immediately our ears were assaulted by the screaming voices of the Deshyrs.

"Lords of the Assembly, I call for order! This argument gets us nowhere." The Lord Steward called out.

"Then why these delaying tactics?! I call for a vote right now. My father has one surviving child to assume the Aeducan throne. Who would deny him that?" Bhelen called out to the Assembly only for Harrowmont to scoff.

"Your father made me swear on his deathbed that you would not succeed him." Harrowmont said roughly.

"I apologize for the interruption Lord Steward, but one of the Grey Warden's has returned." A guard announced causing the Assembly to focus on us and causing a minor uproar from the Deshyrs.

Allister braced himself as he walked forward with his group right behind him.

"Let the Grey Warden speak! What news do you bring?" The Lord Steward asked loudly more to quiet the crowd than anything.

"I have a crown crafted by Paragon Caridin for his chosen King." Allister said loudly and gestured for Shale to hand him the crown.

"Caridin was trapped in the body of a Golem. This warden granted him the peace and mercy that he desired. He released him and destroyed the Anvil of the Void. Before he died Caridin forged a crown for Orzammar's next King. Chosen by the ancestors themselves!" Oghren announced.

"And we are supposed to trust this?! The word of a drunken sot, and a Grey Warden known to be in Harrowmont's pocket?" Bhelen dismissed.

"Silence!" The lord Steward called out as Allistar revealed the golden crown from the satchel it was held inside of.

"Bring the crown here!" The Lord Steward beckoned and Allister brought the crown closer but maintained a firm grip on it, after close inspection the Lord Steward nodded.

"This crown is of Paragon make and bears House Ortan's Ancient Seal. Tell us Warden, whom did Caridin choose?" The Lord Steward asked.

Allister backed away before returning to his original position on the Assembly floor. His mind raced through the possibilities and found that Bhelen and Harrowmont represented two extremes. Traditionalism verses Progressive. Authoritarian versus Libertarian. There were no lesser of two evils as both had good points and bad points. So in spite of himself he decided on what he would say.

"Caridin wished me to give this to whomever I thought would be best for Orzammar." Allister stated sounding surer than how he felt.

"The Grey Warden knows nothing about us! Why would a Paragon entrust someone like this with such a weighty decision? This-" Bhelen was cut off as the doors to the Assembly were opened.

"Are you questioning a Paragon? An avatar of the ancestors themselves?" A hooded figure walked in, already to the casual observer, this new comer was either a male human or elf although it seemed only the Grey Warden group was affected heavily by the person's presence.

"Who is this!? Guards?" The Lord Steward called out only for no one to show and the man walked closer.

"Deshyrs I have brought someone who I believe is the best candidate for the throne. Lord Harrowmont was right. Ruling is not in the blood but in the person who exemplifies all the traits of a leader. Honor, loyalty, courage, inspiration and most importantly sacrifice. Blood does not decide these traits but it does help." The man paused as the Deshyrs began to jeer and call out.

"And who do you think is worthy enough for the throne?" Bhelen asked still not noticing his opponent who had gone quiet.

"Me." Came the feminine reply of the dwarven woman who walked through the doors.

"Dorn Aeducan." Was the name on every Deshyrs lips as the pair, one cloaked in shadow and the other in the light, walked onto the floor of the Assembly.

"What are you doing here Kinslayer? You're supposed to be dead!" Bhelen spat out.

"I would have been too had it not been for Father. I have come back to claim what is mine. What everyone believes is mine as well." Dorn snarled and Bhelen took a step back.

While Dorn was technically a professional Smith she was a mighty warrior managing to beat everyone in a Proving dedicated to her. Bhelen was not a strong fighter relying on words and misdirection to fight.

"This proves nothing. You are still a Kingslayer! No one will have you as Queen." Bhelen said reclaiming some of his confidence.

"There is not one Deshyr in here who has not done something of that nature. If there are raise your hand and I will exile myself." Dorn dared, and while Bhelen wanted to he was not technically a Deshyr, in fact he was not anything at all but someone with a claim by blood to the throne, a claim which seemed insignificant now that Dorn had appeared again.

"The decision is up to the Grey Warden. It is up to what he decides." Bhelen said backtracking and showing weakness for the first time.

"I choose Dorn Aeducan as the successor!" Allister proclaimed which only led to a flood of gasps from the Assembly, and Bhelen but not to Harrowmont.

"The Grey Warden has spoken and decided! Dorn Aeducan will become queen." The Lord Steward announced and each Deshyr filed down to the Assembly floor where Dorn stood in front of the Lord Steward.

Allister handed the crown to the Lord Steward and Dorn kneeled as the Deshyrs began to rhythmically pound their staffs on the ground in support.

"Let the memories find you worthy. First amidst the lords of the houses, the Queen of Orzammar!" The Lord Steward proclaimed as Dorn rose with the crown on her head.

"I will not abide by this!" Bhelen yelled out as he rushed the floor.

"The ancestors have spoken!" One of the random Deshyr's spoke out.

"You will bow to your queen Bhelen. The crimes you have committed cannot be proven but the people who matter know and they too shall fall behind their Queen or they will rise no more." The cloaked man threatened.

"Will you let a surfacer decide the fate of the dwarves?!" Bhelen yelled out only for a silent Assembly to stare back at him.

"I will not let you bring us to ruin. I will not let you take this from me!" Bhelen yelled out as he brought out a dagger and rushed Dorn.

The act would have been shocking if Dorn was not already prepared. She pulled out a hand hammer and with muscles used to pounding ore into submission slammed the head of the hammer expertly onto Bhelen's hand shattering almost every bone before kicking him between his legs causing him to drop limp onto the ground in a pathetic display.

"I-I will not allow this…these are my people. This is my city. My land!" Bhelen screamed out as he writhed on the floor.

With a sigh Dorn approached him and looked into his eyes.

"You speak like people belong to you. Like the city itself belongs to you. Like the stone itself belong to you. That is why we cannot coexist brother." Dorn said sadly.

"Wait! Don't this! I'm sorry. I'm sor-" Bhelen's pleas were ended when the hammer smashed into his jaw breaking it, unfortunately he didn't die and so Dorn brought her hammer down again breaking the forearm of his other arm that he used to defend himself.

Despite how weak Bhelen was he did put up a fight. It was after the tenth blow that Bhelen finally stopped moving and it was after the eleventh that he finally passed away. Breathing heavily Dorn made her way up the stair case and sat heavily on the stone seat. Blood dripped from her hammer and down the side of one of the arm rests.

"Guards!" She yelled out and ten guards came in through the various entrances of the Assembly.

"Guard Captain Nerok, please remove the body. Toss it down a dark hole. Traitors, should never find their way to the Stone. For now Deshyrs please spread the good word. Tell the people that they have a new Queen and that I will address them shortly." Dorn said dismissively.

After a few minutes the body of Bhelen Aeducan was removed and sent to its fate and the Deshyrs left.

"Grey Warden Cousland come before me." Dorn ordered and the cloaked man walked to the base of the stairs.

"Take off that silly thing. Enough theatrics. I tire of this." Dorn said sounding more like a child than the cold calculating woman she had been moments before.

"As you wish Milady." I pulled the hood back and stood before her and my shocked group. "You guys want to get something to eat? I'm starving."


Well that's that. I'm actually surprised this chapter came out so fast. Well I hope you all enjoyed it. Feel free to review as always.