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A soft sound outside the aravel greeted Mahvir. He opened his eyes in time to see Hamin slip into the small space. As expected, he was alone. This meant Eth and Enagalin had gone with Cassandra instead of just handing them the message Mahvir had sent.
"Master." Hamin knelt and bowed his head. "Forgive me, I was unable to stop Eth and Enagalin from leaving," he spoke in elvish, head low.
"There is nothing to forgive, Hamin," Mahvir assured him. "I told Eth to do what she believed to be right. She did just that and Enasalin went with her to protect her."
Hamin bowed lower. "Is this why you sent Enasalin with us and placed Eth in charge?"
Mahvir rested his hand on Hamin's head. "There is no need to bow, my child. But, yes, it is. Eth understands how important it is for us to gain support among humans. She will do everything within her power to see to it both Divine Victoria and Empress Celene agree to the meeting this next winter."
"Will it be enough time?"
"We only have a few more cities to go to as well as another clan which will be meeting with us." Mahvir smiled at one of his oldest children. "You've my thanks for accompanying the two of them and returning to me, Hamin."
"Always, my master." Hamin looked at Mahvir, his eyes glistening. "I only regret we weren't there for you when you needed us the most."
"It is better this way. The eight of you are needed far more in this time than a thousand years ago." The eight of them would have died if they had been there during Andraste's Holy War against the Imperium. Especially Eth and Hamin. Eth had been the first child Mahvir had rescued. She had gentle nature despite the hardship she had faced as a child. Her skill in healing magic was all which matched the kindness of her heart. She had never learned spells which could bring harm to another and never would.
As the oldest of the group, many wanted her to be the head of Dirthamen's sentinels, but Eth had refused. She stated she would be useless if an attacker came after Mahvir. Useless.
Mahvir closed his eyes.
Eth was anything but useless. Her power in defensive and healing magic had always protected the temple. It was she who had placed the wards around the temple. She who had found nonaggressive ways to keep out intruders.
Out of all his children, Eth was the prefect choice to speak with Orlais and the divine over stopping Solas. Enasalin would ensure she came back safely.
"We'll be arriving soon." Mahvir opened his eyes and looked at Hamin. "Join the others before the keeper notices you came to me."
"Of course, master." Hamin bowed. He slipped from the aravel as a shadow.
"I don't see the point to this," Deceit snapped her beak. She had been watching in silence from her spot on the other bed.
"Here I thought you would be pleased with the web of deception I had in place," Mahvir's tone was dry as he looked at the demon.
Deceit fluffed up. "Yes, well, I would be more pleased with the mortals bowing before you and begging for your forgiveness upon learning you're Dirthamen."
The aravel jarred to a stop. Mahvir pulled himself to his feet and limped over to the exit.
"Deceit, scout around Denerim. See what threatens the alienage." His gaze moved to where Fear had nested in silence. "Fear, Deshanna would have landed. Guide her clan here."
"Slave driver." Deceit took off. She flew into the bright sky and vanished in the direction of Denerim.
Fear stood and shook himself. "Fine." He followed Deceit.
Mahvir half fell out of the aravel. The clan had stopped just out of sight from Deremin, close enough they could walk there in a few hours, but far enough away there was no threat of humans taking notice of the clan.
Hawen, Evania, Egeril, and Atisha were gathered in the center of the aravels. Mahvir moved to join them. The air was warmer here. Summer was close. It was little time to gather those who would be needed, convince the courts to meet and gather the armies they would need to battle Solas.
"Hahren Shartan," Hawen greeted Mahvir and gave him a bow of his head. "I doubt it would be wise if too many of us enter Denerim, but I would rather not have you go in alone. Even if the king is more welcoming of our people than pervious rulers have been."
It was unlikely much would happen. Though, it was for the best there were more than just him going in. They needed to speak with the new elder of the alienage and arrange it so, if they agreed to side with them against Solas, the people could escape the city without too great of notice from the guards. Then there was getting one member out of the city without notice.
Mahvir's heart grew heavy. The image of the once playful, ever kind elf flickered through his mind. No longer the picture of a child. He took a deep breath and pushed back the images. He wasn't gone yet. And the alienage still respected him even if he was no longer their elder.
"Deshanna's clan should be arriving while we're in the alienage," Mahvir informed the group. "I sent her message when I arrived in your clan and she's been making her way towards Denerim since receiving it. One of my ravens has gone to lead her to this location."
"You expect we'll be in there for that long?" Hawn frowned.
Mahvir bowed his head. "If the alienage agrees to aid us, it will take time to smuggle all of them out and to this location without drawing the notice of the city guard."
Hawen placed his hand on his chin. "Hahren Evania or I should remain here then to greet Keeper Deshanna."
"I wouldn't be much aid to those in the alienage," Evania pointed out. "Or to Shartan if there was trouble in the city. I can oversee matters in the clan while you're away, keeper." A soft smile spread over her features.
"Nitsa should also go then," Egeril stated. "If both our keeper and Shartan are going into the city, I would rather they be protected with our senior warrior than not have any protection at all."
"I will go as well," Atisha spoke from where she had been watching the conversation in silence."
Mahvir hesitated. Five of them would be too many, but still – his gaze rested on Egeril – another in the city would need her skills sooner rather than later. She would be the only way they could hope to get him out of the city without too much harm to him. There was no way Mahvir could leave him behind. Never.
"Healer Egeril, I have a selfish request to make." Mahvir met her gaze.
Egeril straightened. "Y-yes, Shartan."
"Instead of taking Nitsa," Mahvir started, "would you be willing to come?"
"Egeril has little combat experience," Hawen informed Mahvir. "If anything goes wrong, we would be at a disadvantage."
"Not necessarily." Mahvir turned his gaze on Hawen. "There are a few in the alienage who know how to defend themselves. However, the elders and very young there will have troubles escaping without the aid of a healer. A warrior wouldn't be of much use if one of the alienage needed a healer's aid instead." His heart fluttered. It wasn't just for one, Mahvir had to keep in mind the small children and other elderly in the alienage, few as they maybe. "Besides," – he smiled at Hawen – "if you are joining us, a mage and an ancient elvhen will be more than sufficient protection."
"A few of my bretheron know basic healing," Atisha informed the keeper. "While Eth was an actual healer and is now carrying a message from Shartan in the hopes the shemlen will aid us, Hamin does know some healing magic as well."
A small breath escaped Hawen. "Very well," he conceded. He rubbed his eyes. "Hahren Evania and I will speak with Nitsa and Hamin before we leave. I would rather not leave the clan unprotected and without guidance for too long."
"You needn't fear, keeper." Evania placed her hand on his arm. "Nitsa and I can watch over the clan. I know Dirthamen's sentinels will aid us." She turned her soft smile on Atisha.
"I need to speak with Vir and Hamin before we head out." Atisha nodded to them before she turned. She walked off in the direction of where the five remaining sentinels would be gathered.
Hawen bowed his head to Mahvir before he and Evania moved off to speak with the rest of the clan.
A small breath escaped Mahvir. It wouldn't be long now.
"Hahren."
Mahvir looked at Egeril.
"Why was it selfish to request I go with you? It doesn't sound like you made the request for a selfish reason, rather a logical one."
His gaze flickered away from her. Mahvir took a deep breath. She had a right to know. "It's not common knowledge, but I raised a child in the Denerim alienage."
She blinked. "You bounded?" she asked, using the Dalish term for marriage.
"No."
Egeril's lips pursed. Her eyes narrowed.
"His mother couldn't afford to keep him and thus abandoned him as a baby," Mahvir informed her. "During a visit to the alienage, I found him and took him, raising him in the alienage."
The look melted from Egeril's face and was replaced by a frowned. "When did this happen?"
His breath shuddered. "He was born during the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden."
"So, he could be anywhere between forty-two and one hundred." A small smile flitted over her face in the ghost of a laugh. The mere thought another could be in their hundreds outside of a select few, Mahvir included, did seem a little wild. Her smile melted away. "I take he's between those two ages?"
Mahvir bowed his head. "I've not seen my son in over twelve years, but from his last letter, I know he's still alive." A lie. Mahvir knew his son still lived because of his sight. "I fear his health maybe failing." His lips twitched. "Ir abelas for making such a selfish request, Healer Egeril."
"It's not selfish," she assured him. "You're just worried about your son. I understand." Her touch was soft as she placed her hand on his shoulder.
The keeper and Atisha soon returned to Mahvir and Egeril. "We should get going before the sun sets," Hawen stated. "I would rather avoid trying to get into an alienage when the guards are more alert."
"Agreed." Mahvir bowed his head. He took the lead. The was slow thanks to him. The sun hovered closer to the horizon by the time they reached Denerim.
Not much had changed in the fourteen years since Mahvir had last been within the walls of the Ferelden capital. Deepening shadows cast an eerie glow in the dust filled market. Voices rose and fell as merchants and buyers haggled over prices. A dwarf shouted at a few of his costumers, face red with furry over.
"I've never been in a human city before," Egeril whispered as she looked around the market.
Hawen nodded beside her, his gaze flitting over the coward.
Atisha shifted as she tugged at her hood. "So many quick children," she muttered.
"Which way?" Hawen asked, voice only just loud enough to be heard by those around him.
Mahvir started off. The gates were open, and a few elves were crossing over the long bridge which separated the alienage from the rest of the city.
"It fells as if our city brethren are seen as more of a disease than a part of the city," Egeril whispered. She peered at those moving towards the far end of the bridge.
A few of the city elves noticed Hawen and Egeril. Whispers followed their group across the bridge. Those who lived in the alienage were trailing behind Mahvir's group, all eyes locked on the two dalish and Atisha.
As always, Mahvir seemed to slip from the minds of those around him. His clothing made him appear more one of the city elves than the robes and clothes the dalish wore or the armor and robes Atisha wore.
A red-haired woman stood at the far end of the bridge when they arrived. Her brown eyes narrowed as she inspected their group. "I heard a few dalish were here," her sharp voice sliced through the air as if her tongue were a bow and the arrows.
Mahvir limped forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hahren Shianni." He bowed his head to her.
Her eyes grew to slits, flashing in the dimming light of the sun. "Why are you here?"
Mahvir pulled out an old piece of parchment.
Shianni took the parchment and looked through it.
A small frown pulled at Hawen's lips. It was clear the keeper had thought Mahvir might give her one of the letters as he had with Hawen. This, however, was a message from Valendrian. It gave Mahvir a voice in the alienage and a right to see his son.
"What we've come to discuss should first be heard by you first, hahren." Mahvir gave her a slight bow.
Shianni regarded them for a moment before she nodded. "This way." She gestured for them to follow her. She led them through alienage to a familiar home.
A shiver raced through Mahvir. He took a deep breath, trying to keep the emotion from becoming visible to those around him. The home was smaller than those around it. Yet, many elves were gathered close.
"Come in," Shianni invited as she opened the door.
Mahvir took a deep breath and forced himself to limp across the threshold into the familiar space. It had changed over the years, though this was to be expected, given the home had passed from his ownership to his son's.
The first room was narrow with a door leading off into a small bedroom. At the far end of the house was a narrow staircase which lead to the second floor and a small room up there. Most of the space was taken by a combination of a family space and kitchen. A table was tucked against the wall close to the fire. A few vegetables were out, showing Shianni had been preparing the evening meal when the alienage had informed her of their arrival.
Seated in a chair not too far from the fire, was a wizened elf. It was all too easy to see him as a grinning child, showing Mahvir a new rock he had found or playing in the mud, face flushed with joy. The image flickered out and left Mahvir staring at what his son had become.
His heart tore at the sight of sightless eyes turning towards them. "Did you discover what was disturbing the others?" Valendrain asked. He pulled the thin blanket wrapped around his shoulders tighter with a crippled hand.
"We have visitors," the sternness melted from Shianni's voice as she moved over to the elder.
Atisha shifted as she glanced around the space.
"They needn't linger in the entryway." Valendrian smiled at them. His gnarled hand shook as he lifted and gestured to them. "Come in."
Air shuddered from Mahvir's lips. His grip tightened on the staff. His son was here, still alive. This was all that mattered, not the visions of how few months remained to Valendrian. Only the fact he had a chance to be with his son for a time, even if the time they had was to be marred by the coming war with Fen'Harel.
Shianni folded her arms across her chest. "I first have a question. Are you lot with that Fen characters recruiters."
"Fen characters?" Egeril asked with a soft snort of laughter.
Hawen scowled. "No. None of us hold any allengence to the dread wolf."
Atisha's eyes narrowed under her hood. "To even suggest such," the words hissed from her. She stiffened when Mahvir tore his eyes from Valendrian and gave the slightest shake of his head.
Shianni relaxed. "Sorry, but his recruiters came through a few months ago. Many left the alienage from his promise at a better life."
"We're here on a matter related to him," Hawen explained. "I assure you, the remainder of my clan would never side with Fen'Harel."
Well, not after the events which had transpired in the temple and Acacia recounting everything to her friends who had wanted to leave the clan. Mahvir's lips twitched. His gaze moved back to Valendrian who'd been listening in silence.
"It's getting late," Valendrian stated, "perhaps our guests would join use for dinner."
"I suppose we can discuss why you're here over dinner," Shianni agreed.
Hawen bowed his head. "Ma serannas, Shianni." He smiled. "I am Keeper Hawen. This is the healer of my clan, Egeril." He gestured to Egeril.
"Andaran atish'an," Egeril greeted them.
"Dalish." Valendrian's wispy eyebrows rose. "Welcome." He gave them a soft smile. "And the last two members of your group?" His sightless gaze seemed to perce into Mahvir even if the gaze was meant for both him and Atisha.
"Atisha," Atisha stated. The word was sharp as if to hide the pain glittering in her eyes.
Mahvir's mouth had gone dry. Without sight there was no reason to accept Valendrian to recognize him. He took a deep breath. He moved towards Valendrian. Each step felt as if a weight had been tied to his legs. A lump grew in his throat.
"Valendrian," the name fell from dry lips as Mahvir stopped before his son. Mahvir knelt, his bad leg stretched at an angle so as not to be in the way. His free hand trembled as he reached for his son. His hand wrapped around on of Valendrian's crippled ones.
Shianni stiffened. "What—?" She moved as if to pull Mahvir away from Valendrian but stopped.
Valendrian's eyes widened. His hand lifted as if he were going to touch Mahvir but froze inches from Mahvir's face.
The staff slipped from Mahvir's hand. It clattered to the ground and rolled away. Mahvir gloved hand wrapped around Valendrian's gnarled. He guided the hand to his face.
The shock melted to a pained smile. "You came back."
"I promised you I would," Mahvir forced the words to remain steady.
Tears glittered in Valendrian's foggy eyes. His hand slipped from Mahvir's face. Mahvir's own strength was now reflected in Valendrian's grip as he pulled him into an awkward hug.
"You're home, father," the words fell from Valendrian as a breath.
*~ Cassandra ~*
The journey back through the frostbacks had been far from an easy one. Eth and Enasalin had remained silent for the most part. They were far worse company than Solas had ever been. At least had spoken more when Cassandra had spoken with him. These two didn't seem too interested in talking.
"You served Dirthamen," Cassandra started when the group had stopped to make camp. They were only a day's ride from Val Royeaux. Given night was falling there was no point in trying to enter the city now, especially as exhausted as her recruits and the horses were. A night's rest would do the five of them some good.
The two elves sat across the fire from Cassandra. The two recruits were seated close to them and looked up from their merger meal.
"Yes," Enasalin replied, his gaze locked onto Cassandra.
Cassandra kept her gaze locked with his not daring to break eye contact lest it show the elf she would be intimidated by the sheer amount of knowledge reflected there. It was nothing compared to locking gazing with Solas or Mahvir. Granted, with Mahvir, there had been laughter and friendship reflected in his dark gaze.
"What was it like to serve an evanuris?" Cassandra asked.
Eth looked from her meal to Cassandra. "Our master is a kind, caring man," she informed Cassandra. "Whatever you've heard about him from Fen'Harel is a lie."
Cassandra let out a soft snort. "I doubt that. From what was uncovered, all of the elvhen gods were tyrants."
Both stiffened. Enasalin's eyes flashed in the fire light. "You only know what the dread wolf whispered to you," he growled. "None of the truths on what happened back then. Our master is a great man who would do anything if it meant protecting the children." His foot slipped out from under him, hand hovering as if he meant to draw his sword.
Cassandra's hand dropped to her sword hilt. Perhaps antagonizing him over Dirthamen was a mistake, but still, not everything she had learned about the evanuris could be a lie, right? Mahvir had stated, while they had been in Fen'Harel's temple, not all views on history could be truth. Much of history was affected by the opinion of the recorder. In this case, Fen'Harel.
Eth lifted her hand.
Enasalin growled under his breath. He shot a glare at Cassandra.
"Perhaps what Fen'Harel wrote was influenced by his own opinion, but next to that I only know the dalish creators were going to destroy the world anyway." Cassandra's hand dropped from her sword.
Eth gave Enasalin a warning look before she turned her softer gaze on Cassandra. "Forgive Enasalin and myself, Seeker, but what you must understand is our master," – her lips twitched into a smile – "no, forgive me, our father, Dirthamen, raised us. All his sentinels are children he rescued and raised. Though, not all children he raised stayed on as sentinels, many of us did."
Cassandra frowned. "So, you didn't have to drink from a well to bind yourselves to him?"
"No," Eth bowed her head. "We are loyal to him because he is our father." She lifted her head. "He took me from a slave pin where the owner pitted magically gifted slaves against one another. I have little memory of what happened back then, only the memory of fear and pain, then the feeling of complete safety when Dirthamen came."
So, Eth was a mage. Cassandra eyed the woman. She hadn't cast a single spell on their trip, not even to try to light a fire.
"You don't look like a mage," the older recruit stated.
Eth laughed. "Oh, and what is a mage supposed to look like, child?" Her eyes glittered.
"Flashy, like all the other ones I've met." He folded his arms across his chest.
This only made Eth laugh again. "I see." Her hand dropped from her mouth. Eyes still alight with laughter. "I don't like being flashy or spells which could bring another harm. Rather I enjoy healing and creating barriers. Anything which will protect my father and my younger siblings from harm."
"What about you? Are you a mage?" the younger recruit demanded as he looked at Enasalin.
Enasalin narrowed his eyes.
"He can use the same amount of magic as any elvhen from our time," Eth informed them. "But Enasalin is a warrior, first and foremost."
"I see." Cassandra remembered when Solas had gotten back at Sera by threatening to teach her magic. Perhaps the threat had held more truth than she had originally believed. It was worth checking. "So, all ancient elves knew magic or could learn it?"
"More or less." Eth kept her gaze locked with Cassandra.
"Why would ancient elves want to help us?" the young recruit asked. "Don't you fear dying or something like that?"
A soft smile appeared on Eth. Her eyes softened. "Understand, I am old. I rather like the idea of entering uthenera to never wake again. It would be far better than to watch children grow old and pass before my eyes over and over again with no power to stop it."
Cassandra couldn't picture what this was like. Yet – her grip tightened around her bawl – she did understand not wanting to watch others die. So many of her friends had passed. So much had been lost in resent years, to not have to watch it all crumble again… Perhaps she could understand where Eth was coming from. In the same instance, there was so much yet to be rebuilt, Cassandra would continue to push forward until the seekers stood once more and beyond if she had to.
(Author's Notes: I just spent some time trying to figure out just how old Valendrian is. He had to be born during the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden because during Origins he looked to be in his sixties if not older. Orlais occupied Ferelden from around 8:44 Blessed to 9:2 Dragon this is about seventy-eight years of occupation. Elves still live longer than humans, but the year is now 9:44 Dragon. So, if he was born in 8:44 Blessed Valendrian would be one hundred years old, which is way too old. Thus, I am thinking he's closer to seventy-two or ninetyish in age. Seventy-two seems to be a low end for him and is assuming he was sixty during Origins.
It will eventually come up, but my warden was dalish which is why Valendrian is still in the alienage.
So, with the arrival of clan Lavellan, there is no Nimwen or other such characters who made up the clan outside of Deshanna (cannon character), Teren and Theon who were both my OCs in the clan. Milly, Nimwen, Sin, and many other characters are Herenya's OCs.)