Skyrim and The Dragon Age series belong to their proper owners.


Chapter 9: Spirits insanity


Justice pushed away and laughed. "Of course he lied to me. He claimed that if I helped him he would make the Fade a sanctuary! That spirits such as I would no longer be afraid of the Mages or Templars! Lies all of them. True he may seek to restore order but he will never succeed with what he has planned. The mortals will fight back and even if they don't, they would be living a life of fear, and that fear is like poison to spirits."

Hira leaned in, her lips a thin line and her eyes narrow. "Who is The Elder One, Justice? What is he trying to do?"

He stood and walked behind Hira placing his hands on her shoulders. "He plans to enter the land of the Fade and take the seat that is empty. My suggestion? Find the one who once occupied that seat and convince him to take it back." His grip tightened. "Of course to do that you'll have to kill this Alduin I keep hearing about. If you are to gain this god's favor you need to save those souls." He leaned in, a wide grin plastered onto his face. "I don't know what The Elder One is. I am pretty sure he doesn't know either. Though I do have a name…" He sighed and leaned back. "Corypheus that is his name…"

"Now…" he whispered, "it's time for you to leave."

-xox-

Hira blinked a few times as she woke up from her communion with Justice, the spirit residing within Anders. Her head hurt and her back felt stiff, slowly she released Anders' hands and groaned. A loud popping could be heard as she stretched out her muscles. She opened her eyes once more to find the whole group staring at her.

"Wh…what?"

Valgus was standing there with a cool cloth and he gently dabbed her forehead. "I was keeping watch when I heard Merrill screaming for help. Apparently both you and Anders began to shake violently. I feared the worse. I am glad you are ok." He smiled and stepped back allowing the others to crowd around her and Anders.

"What happened?"

"Are you alright?"

"You better start explaining fast."

"Oh, stop with your threats Fenris, can't you see they are in shock!"

Hira teetered over to the closest bed roll and sat down. Her body refusing to do anything else. A few moments later Anders joined her and they sat there in silence as the group continued with their questions and demands. Hira looked up at Anders only to find him staring back. In their eyes was the knowledge of what had happened and the fear they both felt.

Anders leaned back and ran his hand through his hair. "Well fuck…"

Hira laughed. "You could say that again."

"Justice didn't say this but I will. He was terrified of you."

Hira shifted her position so she could lean forward. "Justice shouldn't be scared of me. I will not hurt anyone. I don't believe in violence."

Anders chuckled dryly. "That's not what scares him."

Hawke bent down so her face was at the same level as the two mages. "What are you two talking about?"

Anders smiled as he looked at his companion. "We were discussing what happened in my mind."

"Learn anything interesting?"

Hira's lips were thin and her hands were clasped so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "Yes, you didn't tell me that Anders harbored a murderous spirit in his soul."

Anders gaped for a few moments before sighing. "When I met Justice, he was different, pure. He wanted to protect the mages like me and he was trapped outside the fade without a body. If I hadn't allowed him into mine he would have died. I saved him."

"But now he is different."

"Yes"

"Anders did you ever consider that he wanted to be outside the fade? So that he could find someone like you. A mortal with a gentle heart, one that would be willing to share their soul?"

Anders bit his lip and looked away.

Aveline's eyes narrowed and she glared at Anders. "What, are you saying that Justice wanted to possess a body?"

"Yes"

Hira placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Do not worry for now the spirit is being suppressed. I made sure of it before Justice pushed me out. You will start to feel more like yourself."

She stood up and walked to the lift. "I will take the next watch. We will be leaving in a few hours."


-xox-


Varric sighed as he sat down on his own bed roll. He chuckled quietly as he looked at Hawke. "You know Hawke you need to learn how to keep us out of situations like this."

Hawke who was staring out into the distance snapped out of her daydream and turned her gaze to her dwarven friend. Her shoulders slumped and her breath came out in a short humph. "I didn't plan this Varric. How was I supposed to know our rescuer was going to be a dragon shouting mage?"

Varric laughed heartily. "You have a point."

Aveline looked around the group. "We should still keep an eye on her." She leaned forward and tossed a stray stick onto the fire, then clasped her hands. "I am not saying we shouldn't trust her but…" Her face blushed and she looked down at her clasped hands. "We trusted mages before…And look how that turned out."

Anders glared at the soldier, and Merrill frowned. Then as if on cue they both spoke up. "And what do you mean by that?"

Aveline sighed. "I mean that the last time we let our guard around the both of you, Anders blew up a building and killed hundreds of people. And Merrill nearly went crazy over a mirror and killed her leader over it." She looked away.

Anders' face reddened and he stood. "It wasn't my choice. I had no clue Justice took over my mind like that." He walked towards the horses. "I may not have felt remorse for what I did when I hurt those people but I feel it now and I hate myself for allowing Justice to take over."

Valgus looked up from his tome his lips thin. "It is good you feel remorse for what you did. It shows you have learned from your mistake. But remember, we always have a choice my boy. Though I agree you had no choice about the spirit taking over your mind. However, you had a choice when the spirit asked to live within you." His voice became distant for a moment before he looked away. "We always have a choice."


-xox-


It was late evening when the group reached the small village called Morthal, similar to Dawnstar the village appeared to be focused around the side of a small pond. The buildings were covered in moss and signs of decay were everywhere. Hawke mussed it was due to the village being located right next to what appeared to be a marsh and poor upkeep. As they rode into the village Hawke could see a dark skinned man followed by a young girl making their way towards them. His face was shrouded by the hood of his robes, but she could feel the determination in his stride. Hira stopped and watched as the man stomped over.

When he stopped in front of the group he stared at the elf. His nostrils flared and he placed his hands on his hips. "Hira!"

Hira looked down and smiled. "Falion, what can I do for you?"

The man simply glared then he sighed. "My costumers are telling me that you are sending them to me."

Hira dismounted and walked over to the man. She stood a full head taller than the man and she had to look down in order to look into his eyes. "Yes I have. Are you having trouble?"

Valgus coughed lightly and lead the other party members away from the conversation so not to appear rude.

"Trouble?" The man named Falion rubbed his chin for a moment before sneering at the elf. "Yes, you could say that." He placed a finger on her shoulder and pushed. "First off it has come to the point where I had to send some of these people away because I didn't have the proper tools to help them. Second…" He jabbed again. "I have no help for the people I do have the equipment for. I can barely service them!"

Hira rubbed her chin, her body swaying. "Why not ask the college for assistance? I am sure they would be willing to help if you asked."

Falion turned his venomous stare towards the general direction of the college and spat. "The college wouldn't help, and if they did they would try to steal my research for their own, while refusing to help those who need it. I will not allow that to happen."

Hira nodded, Falion was right, the college through all its progress still fell prey to its own hubris. "What about your daughter." She smiled down at the child clutching to the older man's robes. "Perhaps she can help you?"

Falion smiled and patted his daughters head. "She has helped me more than I can say. If it wasn't for my child I would be in the Morthal prison, most likely naked and crazy." He laughed. "However, you are right she is learning the trade but she has a long way to go before she is ready."

"So what do you want me to do?"

Falion smiled and squared his shoulders, he reached into his robes and pulled a small slip of paper. "I need someone who can provide me with these materials. What I am willing to pay is listed next to what I need. You have good connections I would like you to find me suppliers… If that is possible."

Hira sighed and took the paper, opening it she looked at the list and frowned. "I will see what I can do Falion. I know a few people who can provide what you want but you may not like their prices."

Falion smiled and bowed. "Honestly at this point I will accept anything you can provide me."

He turned around and walked away his back still strait and his head held high. His daughter stood there for a moment looking up at Hira before smiling and running after her father.

Varric rubbed his chin as Hira walked back over towards the group. "Who was that?"

Hira got back onto the horse with Valgus and they began to ride towards the center of the village. "That Varric, was Falion. Another conjurer like myself. However, he specializes in vampires and a cure."

Anders turned to look back at robed man then looked towards Hira. "You mean there is a cure for these vampires?"

"Yes though it is very complicated and as far as I am aware Falion is the only one who knows how to cure them."

Fenris leaned back in his saddle and sniffed. "That man has placed himself in a great deal of danger considering he is keeping vital information to himself."

Hira hums for a moment. "You are right, it is dangerous for him. I would be lying if I didn't say I was not worried for him. There has to be over twenty different vampire clans in Skyrim it would only take one clan to find out and kill him. I pray to the divines that that day never comes." She shifted on the horse so she looked out over the marsh. "I think it would be wise to take a break at the tavern before continuing."

Anders brow furrowed. "We are not staying there?"

Hira smiled a light laugh in her throat. "No, there is a place not far from here that has better lodging for a group of our size."

After that statement the group remained silent, the only sound was that of their horses and the daily hustle and bustle of the village. When they finally made it towards the center Valgus lead the group towards the only Inn located in Morthal, Moorside Inn. It looked no bigger than a 4 bedroom house but and even less hospitable than the other buildings. However after several days sleeping on hard ground with only a thin bedroll to separate them the group did not complaint.

As they walked in a woman behind the bar looked up: her eyes widened a bit at the sheer size of the group but she just adjusted her shoulders and smiled. "Ah customers! Please come in, come in."

When Hira made her way to the front of the group the Innkeeper's eyes crinkled and her smile widened slightly. "Hira! It is good to see you, I see you have a few more companions. Is Valgus… Oh never mind I see him."

Hira made her way over to the Innkeeper and shook her hand. "It is good to see you as well Janna. Tell me is Lurbuk still singing?"

The woman scratched the back of her head and sighed. "Hira come with me for a moment I… This is something that should only be told in private."

Hira's brow furrowed, she nodded and motioned for the Innkeeper to lead the way. With that they disappeared in a back room.

A busty woman sashayed around the counter and walked towards the large group while Hira and Janna were in the back.

She flashed the group a sweet smile. "It is good to see some actual customers." Her smile disappeared. "Now hurry up and order."

Valgus laughed lightly. "Of course. Perhaps my group would like something to drink before eating."

The group nodded and they shambled over to the only table that could fit them all. After they all settled in the tavern wench walked over and placed several large bottles of ale down on the table.

"Sorry sweethearts. If you want something else to drink you should have brought your own cause this is all we have left in stock."

Valgus smiled, nodded and waved her away, allowing the group to grab their drinks.

"Valgus…"

He looked up to see a Hira, years of stress finally showing on her ageless face. "What is it my lady?"

"Lurbuk, was bitten by a spider. He is dead…"

Valgus sighed, shaking his head. "He knew going into the marsh might kill him one day."

Hira's lips thinned. "Yes, shall we inform the college?"

When Valgus nodded then he moved slightly to the side offering room to his partner.

She smiled, sat and waited for the food to arrive.


-xox-


Valdimar sat on the bench just outside Windstad Manor his back leaning casually against the houses entrance. He licked his thumb and turned the page in his book, laughing as he read the next paragraph then he put the book down to take a break. Stretching he looked down the path that lead towards Morthal, he gasped, eyes widening as he watched five horses walk towards the manor. His eyes narrowing he placed a hand onto the pummel of his mace.

Raising his arm he caught the attention of, who he believed was, the leader. "Hail friend! What brings you out this way?"

The lead horse trotted closer to Valdimar and he smiled at the sight of his Thane. "My Thane! What a surprise I was not expecting you to be back for another week."

The Thane laughed as she dismounted her horse. "It is good to see you in good health Valdimar."

Valdimar eyes twinkled as he scanned the large group, mind spinning as he counted nine total riders. "Aye My Thane, Lady Hira. May I be so bold to ask who these people are?"

Hira smiled as she went around making introductions. "I apologies for not giving you fair warning about our arrival Housecarl."

Valdimar waved his hand, turning he called his wife and son over to help with the horses. "Nonsense My Thane this is your house after all."

At this Hira laughed as she helped unload the supplies. "I am not sure. You have lived in this house longer than I have. I have half a mind to gift it to you and your family."

Vladimar feigned shock placing a hand over his heart. "But then you would have no place to stay My Thane."


-xox-


After a pleasurable meal provided by Walked-Many-Miles she retired to the library to send out letters to the only one who might be able to help her. Hira sighed as she sat down at her desk, her head began to pound from frustration. Her stomach twisted, she didn't want to contact her just yet. How could Hira demand answers when she hadn't found the answers to her question?

Hira heard a knock and looked up to see Varric, Fenris and Anders standing in the doorway. She smiled opened her palms. "Come in, make yourself at home."

The three men walked into the library and found seats. Anders began to scan the back shelf labeled "Alchemy", while Fenris picked up a random book and began to read, his mouth following the words.

Varric sat down at the seat right across from Hira and looked at the scattered mess on the surface. "So we were speaking with Pages and he said that you would be back here."

Hira arched an eyebrow. "Pages? You mean Valgus?"

Anders laughed softly and Fenris shook his head.

Varric grinned as he nodded. "Yes, Valgus. He said you were going to see if you could find any answers."

Hira sighed. "I wish it was that simple Varric." She picked up a palm sized stone that was holding down a particularly large stack of papers and ran her fingers over a pattern on the surface. "I feel almost guilty. The one person that might have answers asked me to solve a mystery herself and I cannot bring myself to ask for her help without helping her first."

Varric tilted his head and smiled. "Well I sure do love a good mystery. Tell me what's this impossible task?"

Hira looked at Varric then handed him the stone that she was holding. Varric's eyes widened as he looked down at the small stone in his hand. "Hey, Blondie come here for a moment…"

Anders who was flipping through 10 Flowers That Could Kill You, looked up. Using a stray bookmark he marked his page then walked over. "What is it Varric?"

Without answering Varric handed Anders the stone. Tilting his head Anders looked down at the small rock. His eyes narrowed and he leaned in closer. "Seal…"

Hira looked up, her eyes wide. "What!?"

Anders handed the stone back to Hira. "The rune says 'seal'. There is probably something sealed inside the rock. There is only two ways I know how to break this kind of enchantment." He held up a finger. "One, you need to either be the one who created the seal or have the blood of the one who made the seal." He paused and looked at Fenris. "Or two, you have the same abilities as Fenris."

Hira tilted her head. "How do you know such things and what ability does Fenris have that can help us with this 'seal'?"

Anders grabbed his seat and placed it in front of Hira's desk. "Hira that is a Dwarven rune. It is used for enchantment. This rune is used to hold things…" Noting Hira's confusion, Anders sighed. "The word 'seal' literally means that. It seals things away. Generally you would see this kind of rune on chests. It is nearly impossible to break into these kind of containers. Fenris has the ability to pass through solid objects, though how both Merrill's and my magic have been behaving lately, I wouldn't trust Fenris's ability. It might hurt him more than help you."

Hira rubbed the rune face and frowned. "Hm, alright. Thank you both…"

"Do you want to find out what is in the stone Hira?"

She smiled at Varric and Anders and shook her head. "First let me contact my friend and tell her the news. It is her property I do not wish to tamper with it…"

The mage and the dwarf nod, smile then walk out of the library and into the main hall. Fenris who was still reading looked up. "I shall leave you to your letters then…" He stood and was about to put the book away when Hira raised her hand and smiled.

"Fenris you don't have to leave, I saw how you enjoyed reading that book. You are more than welcome to stay and read it. Or if you wish to have some solitude you can always head up the ladder and sit in the balcony." She smiled lightly while grabbing a few sheets of blank paper and some ink. "I will be writing letters so you won't be distracting me…"

Fenris looked at the book in his hand and sat back down again, his mind lost in the fantastical world he was reading.