Be Warned!

Enter at your own risk from this point forward there will be spoilers about DA:I. What does this mean? It means that I am officially committing to this story and after I finish this book I plan to write one involving my DA:I characters. Now this will either make you very happy or very angry. You would be happy because I am planning to continue the story and truly integrate the lore for both these worlds. You might be angry for the very same reason (well at the second part anyway). Making it one universe means that there will be some lore bending, not that there wasn't any lore bending already but you get the point...

Also if you don't know the antagonist for DA:I then I suggest you don't read this story until you find out because he will be mentioned from time to time. Along with other characters such Cole, Solas and the Inquisitor.

You have been warned! Please enjoy!


Chapter 8: A spirits confession


Hawke raised her hand and glared at Fenris. "Yield Fenris!"

"Hawke that magic… it is evil. No normal mage can summon up power like that."

Hawke sighed and pushed her way past the vexed elf. "And Hira told us she was a conjurer…" She stood in front of Fenris in silent defense of the mage, however he eyes wavered and her mouth hung open. Fear stuck inside her ribs like cheese. He was right no normal mage could conjure up something so powerful. Not without using some form of blood magic. She looked back at the elf and whispered. "Now calm down."

Fenris just growled as he sheathed he sword, his eyes never leaving Hira as she walked further from the group. He then noticed the elf's sudden shaking body and tentative steps. By the time she walked ten feet into the room she collapsed panting heavily. He smirked and nodded towards the fallen elf as if her current state proved his suspicions.

Hawke glared at Fenris as he stared at the collapsed elf. His behavior was extremely peculiar. True, he never really liked mages but in the past he would have waited for Hawke to signal if she wanted him to attack. What she found even more peculiar was his general behavior towards their rescuers, when it came to mages Fenris would ignore or avoid them, but with Hira he has been openly aggressive, trying everything in his power to provoke her. Her mind reeled at the possible causes but none really came to mind … Odd.

It was several moments before Merrill and Varric walked over to her and offered a hand to help her up. Hira smiled weakly, reached up grasping onto Verric's hand and stood, her eyes focused on their surroundings. The room they were in was large enough to fit in a small two bedroom house, then some. It was also made entirely out of stone, most likely carved out of the rock bed they saw when they approached the Gatehouse. Human sized piping ran along the roof of the room, streams of steam hissing from cracks along the seam of the pipes. The sound of clanking metal and grinding gears could be heard bouncing off the stone walls. She also could hear in the far distance metal footsteps.

"So where are we?"

Hira looked down towards the dwarf. He tilted his head expecting her to tell him but she just smiled and walked away, once she reached the middle of the room she dropped her bag heavily on the ground. Stretching out her body and she sighed, then with practiced movements she reached into her pack and began to set up camp. Once the beds and a small fire was made the sound of the lifts grinding gears could be heard once more. Turning around she smiled at the sight of her companion and Anders coming down the lift.

Valgus smiled in return as he led the horses off the lift. He looked warily at the group as he moved towards Hira. "We heard you use your Thu'um Hira. Were the doors not opening?"

Standing, Hira moved to help with the horses, as the group continued to give her cautious stares and deliberate distance. She nodded and reached for the horses led.

Valgus nodded. "Alright, do you need anything?"

"N..no" She croaked, as her voice wavered so did the air around her, as if the entire room shook from her voice. She then bent her head and took the horses over to one of the elevated platforms.

Anders who was standing back, soaked to the bone looked towards his companions. "What am I missing here?"

Fenris who was leaning against one of the walls gritted his teeth. "Apparently our conjurer can do more than just conjure demons. She can use blood magic as well."

Isabela snorted. "Maker's balls Fenris! I saw no blood, I think you are trying to make a monster out of nothing."

Fenris walked over in front of the caramel-skinned woman and towered over her. "No normal mage could use the magic we just saw without using blood magic and you are defending her?"

She shifted but stood her ground. She would not have this man tell her, her opinion was wrong. "Yes, she has done nothing to harm us and has been mostly open with us. I agree that the magic she used wasn't nerve-wracking but I don't blame her for not telling us. We certainly haven't been open with her. We all have to have our secrets."

"That is one dangerous secret."

Fenris backed off and leaned once again against the wall refusing to make eye contact with anyone.

Hira who had been mostly silent for the whole affair made her way over to the satchel with the food supplies and pulled out a wedge of cheese and some bread. Using her knife she cut off a small portion for herself and sat down on one of the bed rolls. Her eyes were distant as she listened to the sound of steam filled piping and grinding gears. She was so lost in thought she didn't even notice Hawke, Merrill, and Varric sit down next to her.

"So what kind of magic did you use?"

Snapping out of her daydreams Hira looked at the expectant faces and sighed. "I am willing to tell you about what I truly am but it might take some time, and I am sure your friends want to know this as well."

Hawke smiled and nodded. "I am willing to wait. As long you are willing to tell."

Hira's lips thinned, and she took a bite.


-xox-


The fire crackled and everyone gathered around to stay warm. No one sat near Hira or Valgus as they ate, and the air was thick with tension. No one dared to speak.

Hira softly laughed as she looked around the rest of the group, her eyes distant. "I am an insult to my people."

Merrill's eyes widened. "I don't think you're insulting. You are nice, at least you are to me…"

Varric lightly pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't think she means that kind of insult Daisy."

Merrill's mouth made an "o" shape and she fell silent.

"As I was saying…" Hira whispered. "I am an insult to my race, the Altmer, or at least the political group known as the Thalmor… The last person who had the same abilities as I ended up becoming the Emperor of Skyrim, and in some circles it is believed he assented to godhood. That in itself is an insult since it is believed that no man. No… no mortal can become a god." She laughed, "Of course that isn't really true, the man who was named Tiber Septim who later became Talos was a god, just not in the way most think. He was an avatar, a physical representation of the spirit of change and cleansing."

Sebastian scoffed, "Again with your multiple gods. In our lands you would have been arrested for heresy, and what does this have to do with the powers you just used?"

Hira gritted her teeth, her eyes burning holes into ground. "Everything, like Tiber Septim I have the power to topple nations." She stared into the fire. "You probably have guessed I am not like most elves, or mages even. The magic I called up isn't normal magic. That is because it isn't. It's dragon magic, what I used is called the Thu'um or the 'shout' in the mortal tongue. I have the ability to use words from the dragon language and create things from them, and so did Tiber Septim. What you witnessed was that power in motion. 'Fus'…" As Hira spoke that word the entire room trembled lightly, the stone shaking under the weight of her power, "means push. While 'ro'…" The room again shook and she looked up sheepishly, "means balance I would normally continue explaining the meanings but I dare not say the next word. I might 'shout' without meaning to."

Anders leaned forward his eyes wide. "Fascinating, so you are saying that each word you speak can be used for a type of magic spell? Does this also mean you are an avatar of change as well? When you die will you become a god?"

Hira shrugged. "No I am not and no I will not become a god when I die, personally the idea of becoming a god has no appeal. Unlike mortals, gods have no true sense of right and wrong. I don't want to live a life where I might have to sacrifice the ones I love the most to reach the goals I make, selfish I know…" She sighed and leaned back. "To answer your first question, you are half right, the words themselves have no real power behind them. But when you add meaning to those words, that is when its potential is released. It takes years to understand the meaning of a word. The knowledge cannot be simply passed down either, since each word has a different meaning from person to person; dragon to dragon. The 'voice' as it is also called is personal to each individual."

Fenris sniffed, his nose crinkled and his posture became ridged. "Pretty speech but you are forgetting one thing. Dragons cannot talk, they are just big animals whose only desire is to hunt and mate."

Hira smirked. "Funny if I remember correctly the dragon that attacked you used a shout to set your boat aflame. Perhaps using the word 'Yol'?" As she spoke the word a small flame jumped from her mouth and curled around her face. She smirked as the group jumped back. "That means 'fire' and it is the only way for a dragon to create flames."

Aveline coughed lightly. She shifted in her seat and tugged at her new armor. "I do remember hearing the dragon shouting something like that… Are you going to be 'shouting' more often now? It won't harm us right?"

Hira's lips quirked up for a second before frowning once more. "No I will not, even though I was born with this ability there are two reasons why I choose not to. First in these lands using something like the 'voice' attracts attention, and not always the good kind. It is common for a dragon to use this ability and other dragons pay them no heed but if a mortal uses the voice it is considered a challenge. To them the idea of a mortal being able to wield such power is an insult and most dragons will take my 'voice' as a challenge and attack without reason. Second, the more I use the voice the less I am able to speak."

"You would no longer be able to talk?"

Hira laughed. "I apologize I misspoke. I would be able to speak but the more I use the voice the more my voice becomes dragon like. It….. it is hard to explain… For a dragon there is no difference between a word and a feeling, so every word they use has power behind it. They may not use it to its fullest potential but it is still unlocked and dangerous. I have met people who have used the voice their entire lives and every word they spoke made the buildings around them tremble at their power. That is something I do not wish to happen to me." She grinned as she looked around the group. "I am sure you have noticed how when I use certain words the room shakes or when I talked about the word 'fire' I produced the flame. This is from the effects of using my 'voice', in a few years I too will lose my true voice. That is the day I dread the most."

Fenris smirked as he glared at Hira from across the fire. "I doubt that."

"How so?"

"All mages are the same, those who don't have power turn to blood magic to reach their goals. And those who have power use blood magic to keep those below them in their place. No mage would gladly set aside the kind of power you supposedly have. More so if it is a natural gift."

Hira smiled as she looked at the rest of the group, her eyes settling on Hawke. "You'd be surprised Fenris about a mage and their desires."

The elf just sniffed and fell silent once more.

Hawke sighed and stood up, walking around the fire she placed a hand on Fenris' shoulder before sitting near Hira. "You'll have to forgive Fenris. He hasn't had any decent experiences with mages. He doesn't know any 'good mages' and those he has met haven't helped him change his views."

Fenris sniffed. "She means I was once a slave to a mage. Don't gloss over the problem Hawke."

"I wasn't trying to. You are just sensitive when it comes to this topic…"

Hira sat up instantly her eyes burning. "Which House?"

"Excuse me?" Fenris stopped arguing with Hawke and glared at Hira.

"You heard me which House enslaved you? I may not have many connections to the people of Marrowind but I am friends with House Redoran. I know there is no to make up for your mistreatment but I can send word about your treatment and see if you could be compensated for what happened."

The silver haired elf laughed. "We are not from around here remember? Besides I already got my compensation." A wolf like grin spread across his face. "I killed him, crushed his heart in my hand." A clouded look came over his face, he then stood up walking towards the lift. "I'll take first watch."

Hira watched Fenris walk away and sighed. "Ah, well it was worth a try."

Aveline raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Slavery isn't a practiced tradition here in Skyrim but in the past it was a common occurrence in Marrowind, still is in some parts of the country. I thought that perhaps your lands were connected to Marrowind. If that was the case it would have been simple to send you back home."

Hawke smiled. "It was worth a shot. His name was Danarius I don't know his last name, and honestly I don't think Fenris knows either. Besides he was a human not elf…"

Hira looks down. "I see."

Valgus snapped his tome shut and shook his head as Fenris walked away. "That boy has too much anger bottled inside of him. It is eating him from the inside." He to rose and walked towards the lift. "I will also take first watch. My Lady…" He looked towards Hira. "try to get some rest. Please."

Hira chuckled darkly. "I'll try."

The old priest nodded before disappearing out of sight.

Varric laughed as he took a swig of ale. "You know Hira you remind me of Hawke, always causing drama. I bet you could stand in a quiet room and still make a scene."

"Not on purpose."

"I am sure. But now that we have a few quiet moments I have some questions."

Hawke leaned forward. "So do I."

"I want to know more about the elves." Merrill smiled as she looked at Hira. "You called me a Bosmer once, and there was that elf who called himself a Dunmer…" Merrill blushed lightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are these different races of elf? How did this happen?"

Hira laughed. "I don't know much about every race. However, I shall try to tell you all that I know." She leaned forward and stoked the fire. "Let's see, there are four races of Mer in the lands of Tamriel. Bosmer, are from a land south of here called Vallenwood. My father once went there, he said it was the most magical place he has ever visited…" Her eyes went distant for a moment, she then blinked and looked at the group once more. "My race are known as Altmer, all Altmer come from the land known as the Summerset Isles also south of here." She smiled. "It is a land of white beaches and lush landscapes, the complete opposite of this land. Though there is some beauty here as well. The Dunmer, like Erander from Dawnstar are from the lands called Marrowind. Its north of here. The country is still trying to recover from a volcano eruption about two hundred years ago. Though history has shown that the Dunmer race will be able to rebuild. Hopefully…" Hira yawned and stretched. "The…. Last known elf are the Orsimar. They are better known as Orcs, Urag and Mugnor are both Orcs, though I am sure you have already figured that out…"

Merrill smiled wistfully. "That is amazing! Just think about it the elves here are all different yet they are all connected."

Hira gave a tired smile. "You are not wrong there it is fascinating and it is believed that all elves came from a single ancestor. Though there is some debate among the races who the first elves were. The Daedric Prince Jyggalag thinks you are from the homeland of the Altmer ancestors and for I know, all elves ever."

Hawke raised an eyebrow "Jyggalag?"

"Yes, as I mentioned before here in Tamriel there are 9 different spirits worshiped as gods. They are believed to have created the world, however the Daedra were the spirits who didn't help in the creation of the world. The meaning 'Daedra' translate to 'not our ancestors'. They are powerful and they shouldn't be trifled with."

"Why?"

Hira sighed as she pulled a few furs around her body. "The vampires we fought the other day are a good example, all vampires are considered to be the creation of the Daedric Prince Molag Bal. However as long as you leave the Daedra alone they tend to do the same."

"Then why do you study them and conjure them?"

Hira looked away and laid down on her bed of furs. "I needed to help a friend. That is all I am willing to say about my reasons."

Aveline leaned back her arms crossed as she looked into the fire. "I don't really care how they were made I am mostly concerned about running into more of these vampires…"

Hira sat up once again, rubbed her eyes and nodded. "Yes you are right. They are vicious and most of them have a hard time getting over their natural instincts to feed…"

Anders smiled and tilted his head "Not to change the subject…. But I was wondering. You didn't seem all that surprised when Fenris stated he killed his Master."

"I have heard many stories similar to his, though not as violent." She looked off into the distant before focusing on Anders. "I am just sad that he was enslaved by a mage, we are not all evil power hungry monsters. However that does explain his markings… His Master was truly ignorant if he was doing what I think he was doing."

"What do you mean?"

Hira looked towards lift, her face impassive. "I don't want to make any assumptions just yet, I need council before I make a decision. Also…." Her eyes focused once more on Anders. "he's not the only one who has done some questionable things in his life. You carry a spirit in your soul. Do you know how dangerous that is?"

Anders started, his eyes narrowed and he stood slowly. "I don't know what you mean." He began to walk away from the fire.

Hira stood up her face flushed and her nostrils flared slightly. The next moment she was next to Anders her hand on his arm. "Don't play dumb with me child! Remember what kind of mage you speak to, I commune with spirits daily I know when I see one."

Anders grimaced as he tried to loosen the grip on his arm and failed. A strange energy began to creep up his arm, and he began to panic. Using other hand he grabbed onto her thumb and pulled her hand off. "What the hell was that!"

Hawke and Merrill stood up and rushed over to Anders.

Hawke glared at Hira then placed a hand on Anders' shoulder. "What happened?"

Anders shivered at Hawke's touch and he shrank back. "I don't know…"

Hira sighed. "I only wished to commune with the spirit that resided within your body. What you felt was a spell that would allow me to do that, however your resistance will only leave you hurt and the spirit damaged. If you allow me to cast the spell I swear I will do all in my power that you will not be harmed. And honestly the more questions I ask, the more questions I have. I was hoping I could find some answers if I spoke with the spirit…"

Anders stood there for several moments his eyes scanning Hira's face.

Hira sighed and rubbed her face. "Look I am tired and not in the mood for foolishness. I was willing to answer your questions now please let me ask mine."

Anders eyes darkened before he nodded and reached out again.

Hira smiled warmly and accepted his hand.


-xox-


The land was grey and dull, there wasn't a single splash of color that could be found. Around her appeared to be the remnants of a battle, the corpses of a thousand soldiers laying across the dry dusty ground. A soft haze filled Hira's mind as she looked around, a hand brushed her shoulder and a quiet giggle filled her head. When she turned her head she couldn't see anyone.

"The one who runs this body gave me permission to enter. I wish to speak with the spirit that resides within."

She waited a few moments before walking forward. "I made myself known to you I only ask for the same respect."

The laughter became louder and a dense fog drifted from the eyes and mouths of the dead, Hira could smell rotten flesh and dried rose petals. As the laughter and fog dissipated she could see a man standing near her. He stood about six feet tall with narrow shoulders and even narrower hips. Long mud colored hair fell in front of his hawk face, and ice-blue eyes. If she hadn't seen him appear with her own eyes Hira would have sworn the man looked like one of the corpses.

The Spirit smiled, extending one of his long spindly hands towards her. "It isn't every day I have the pleasure of speaking with a lady. Tell me, to whom do I owe the pleasure?" His voice was the opposite of his spindly form it was a deep baritone that ran from his lips like honey.

Hira accepted his hand and smiled. He smiled even wider and lifted her knuckles towards his lips. "My name is Hira Dragon-Scale, I am a conjurer. Though I am sure you already gained that knowledge from listening to my past conversations with your host."

He kissed her knuckles before letting go of her hand. "My name is Justice my lady, and yes Madame Dragon-Scale. I do know your name, I also know you are no normal conjurer, unlike my host I pay attention to those around me…" He offered his arm to her, which she grasped lightly. He led her towards the edge of the battle field and looked down over a ledge. Joining him she saw a deep pool of water, the water shifted and a blurry image of an angry Hira appeared, with her hand gripping a persons arm.

Justice chuckled darkly. "You gave my host quite a bruise. I was beginning to wonder if I should intervene before he thought of a way to break free."

Hira straightened up and coughed her cheeks flushed. "Of course, he was trying to hide you from me. He should have realized that conjurers would have the ability to sense your presence."

The spirit nodded, he turned his head and looked out around the battlefield, his eyes distant. "Yes however, in our lands mages such as yourself do not exist, spirits are an unknown to the lands of the living. However those who allow spirits into their bodies learn just how powerful we can be." Justice looked back down at Hira his eyes reflecting the battles and lost within his host. "Did you know this place used to be filled with life? A place of bright ideas and fond memories. Since coming here it has become nothing but a waste land for the dead." He sighed, before removing his arm from Hira's grasp. "You were right. The elf known as Fenris isn't the only one who has done questionable things. Of course Anders never truly did anything questionable, it was all me." Justice smiled and looked over towards Hira once more. "You were also right about allowing a spirit into a mortal's soul. If they are not properly trained the spirit can eventually take over the host's body, killing the soul. Of course you know all about that considering you allowed a wolf to enter your own body. I must commend you for being able to control the spirit even though you are no longer in your own body."

Hira sighed. "It is true I have a wolf spirit inside of me but that isn't why I am here. I need you to answer my questions."

Justice smiled and motioned towards a small table and chairs that appeared. "Of course, what do you wish to know?"

"How much do you know about this land?"

"Only what I have been told, before the boat crash I have never been outside Thedas or away from my home in the Fade. This is a new experience for me."

"What is this land, the 'Fade'?"

"You called the land of spirits from this world Athirius, correct? A plane that is ruled by powerful beings that are worshiped as gods." He leaned back, his hand clasped just below his chin. "The fade is like that, however our spirit was dethroned. No gods rules over us, it is a land of unknown, there is no how or why, it is just there. Even the oldest spirits I have spoken to in the past do not know how that land came to be. But I have a feeling that perhaps it was once a part of Atherius or this land of Oblivion you mentioned. I dare not speculate."

Hira folded her hands as well, her eyes studying the knots her fingers made. "I see…" She looked up and studied the spirit once more. "You said that Anders wasn't entirely at fault for the things he had done. What was it that he was blamed for? Why does everyone have a look of fear and pity when they look at your host?"

"Ahh…" Justice leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "There's the million gilded piece question. Why…" He looked up from his clasped hands a Cheshire Cat grin on his face. "Because he killed hundreds of people without as much as an ounce of remorse. Of course it was I who killed them and I who showed no feelings for what I had done."

Hira's eyes widened as she looked at the spirit in front of her. "Why?"

"Why?" Justice leaned in so his mouth was by her ear, his breath creeping down her neck. "Because my dear, The Elder One told me to…."


I hope you guys like the update!

Now to answer some questions:

Q) Ex-husband? I didn't realize Hawke and Sebastian made it that far in cannon...

A) Yes, well though the story has a wonderful cannon and has a good "event schedule" I felt there was time to have a small ceremony between all the fighting and excitement. This side story will be explained later in the book so keep reading! :)

Q/Statement) Fenris can't be to happy to have been saved by a mage.

A) No, no he is not. In fact I think he has a secret hit list stashed away somewhere for all the mages he wants dead... (these characters have a mind of their own sometimes)

Statement) I really don't see much reason for even Fenris to freak out in this chapter...

A) Thank you for pointing that out I hope this update helps (this is chapter 8.2) and there is a reason but I am not going to tell you just yet. You will just need to read more of the story. :)