A/N - So for those of you who are still interested in the adventures of Uhtred, I thought I'd give an update of my progress. As my life is rather boring at the moment, busy saving up every single penny I earn for a holiday, I'm finding I have a lot of spare time to write outside of going to work and sleeping. So I'm already writing bits and pieces covering Dragon Age II, and have even written a prologue chapter for Dragon Age: Inquisition, just so I know what I'm working towards. All in all, this story will be between 55-60 chapters at most, covering most of the story of Origins and also Awakenings. I wasn't originally going to cover the latter, but I took a slightly different route with it. Hopefully it'll prove interesting.

Upon opening my eyes, I was home. In my house. Breezehome. That meant I was in Whiterun. And that meant I was truly home in Skyrim. Running a hand down my face, I had to blink a few times, looking left and right, and I was definitely in my bedroom. I racked my mind, trying to remember where I had been last. I remembered not being in Skyrim. I had been somewhere else, for quite a long time. Or, at least I thought I had been. But, for the life of me, I couldn't remember what. It was a little disconcerting, but then I heard a voice.

"Uhtred, are you awake?"

Looking towards the doorway, I saw Serana leaning against the doorframe. Raven hair falling to her shoulders. Dazzling green eyes, full of mischief. A beautiful if slightly pale complexion and a pair of strawberry coloured lips that I immediately wanted to kiss. She smiled as she walked towards me, taking a seat beside me on the bed. Resting a hand on my bare chest, she leaned down and kissed me. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

"I've missed you," she whispered.

"What's going on?" I asked, "My memory is… It's a little fuzzy."

"Everything is fine, Uhtred. The Dragon Crisis is over. My father is dead. Peace reigns in Skyrim. And, most importantly, I'm cured."

"You are?"

"Of course. We did that as soon as my father lay dead. So now we're going to grow old together. Isn't that what you always wanted?"

"From the day I opened that tomb you were in."

She stood up and started removing her clothing. I could only watch, enraptured by the appearance of more and more naked skin, until she stood next to me without anything on. Pulling the furs away from my body, she climbed onto the bed and straddled me, and a few seconds later, I felt bliss I hadn't felt since… I couldn't remember.

We didn't leave the bedroom until later that morning.

That afternoon, we headed out into Whiterun and everything was as I remembered. Adrianne was busy at her forge, calling out hello as we exited our home. Walking hand in hand, our first stop was Jorrvaskr, where the Companions greeted me with the name of 'Harbinger' as always. There was plenty of laughter and back-slapping as they regaled me with stories of their latest missions.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the Bannered Mare. Mikael was regaling the inn with music, Serana taking my hand and we danced, unable to stop running my hands up and down her body as I held her close. It was little surprise that we headed home rather quickly.

I couldn't remember a time I'd been happier. Sure, I had no real recollection of some of the events that had apparently happened, but then again, I didn't really care. There were no more dragons. No more vampires. I had the woman I loved, usually naked and in my arms after another round of intense, passionate lovemaking. I was the Harbinger of the Companions, so could fight when I wanted to. But why would I when I could live quietly with Serana for the rest of my days.

Days passed into weeks, or at least I think they did. Each day was pretty much the same. Serana and I would wake together and have breakfast. She would then head outside into the warm sun and tend her garden she had grown out the back of our little house. I would wander up to Jorrvaskr and sort out contracts, chat with Companions and train if I felt the urge. At night, Serana and I would eat dinner at home or at the Bannered Mare, before we would head upstairs and we would then spend quite a bit of time making each other rather hot, sweaty and very happy.

One morning, there was a knock at the door. Serana was still cooking breakfast, so I opened it to see a strange man standing before me. He was dressed in some sort of armour that looked familiar but… I couldn't place it.

"Hello Uhtred."

"Hello."

"You realise none of this is real, correct?"

I scratched my head. "What are you talking about? And who are you exactly?"

"Aedan. I'm your brother."

Laughing, I retorted, "I don't have a brother."

"Uhtred, breakfast is ready."

I turned to look at Serana placing a couple of plates on the table. "Just a second. I have a visitor."

"Oh, who is it?" she asked, walking towards me. She took my hand once by my side, leaning her head against my upper arm.

"My name is Aedan. And you know exactly who I am, demon."

"I'm sorry, what did you just call my wife?" I asked, feeling the anger rise that anyone would insult her in such a way.

"Before arriving here, what do you remember last, Uhtred?" I scratched my head again, and simply shrugged. "None of this is real, Uhtred. And the thing on your arm is definitely not real."

"Don't listen to him, Uhtred. He's just jealous that you now have everything you've ever wanted. Peace and quiet. A loving wife." Holding a hand over her stomach, she added, "And a baby on the way."

I felt my eyes widen as Aedan scoffed. "You'll try any trick, demon. Uhtred, think and think hard. How did you end up back here? You don't remember, do you? I will tell you the last thing you would probably remember, if you don't remember the tower. Fiery red hair and a seductive accent. I know you well, brother. Close your eyes, and tell me you don't."

"Fine, if it will shut you up." Closing my eyes, I concentrated my mind, digging up any memories I could think of. "Before all that, you had a wife, Uhtred. Her name was Alexandra. You were married, Uhtred," Aedan continued in a quiet voice, "You were happy together. Blissful, even."

"Lies, Uhtred. Your heart has always belonged to me," I heard Serana say.

"Alexandra was with child, Uhtred. You were going to be a father. But then it was taken from you."

I saw a flash of flame. Feeling myself frown, I concentrated on that memory, trying to see it through the fog.

"She died, Uhtred. Everything was taken from you. Our parents. Your wife and the unborn. And now we fight the darkspawn. But, at this very moment, we fight a demon. It is controlling you. It has searched your mind and your heart, and it is giving you exactly what you want. Just like that Templar."

The fog cleared and I remembered.

I remembered everything.

Before anyone could move, I felt the dagger in my hand and I swung, burying it in the stomach of Serana. I met her eyes and I saw the subtle change in colour, from the dazzling green to a lighter purple. "But you love me," she cried softly.

"I did. I do. I probably always will. But this isn't real. And we will never be together."

Saying those words… I felt my heart shatter, knowing it would always be true.

Pulling the dagger out, both her hands went over the wound as she staggered backwards and collapsed into one of the chairs by the fire. Slowly, the image of Serana changed, to be replaced by that of a demon. "A desire demon, Uhtred. You're not the only one. I'm sorry."

"Who else?" I asked, hearing no emotion in my voice whatsoever.

"I've found Alistair and Sten so far. I'm not sure where Leliana, Wynne or Morrigan are."

"Come on, let's get out of here." Walking to the gates of the city, I came to a stop when I realised something. "I haven't been through these the entire time."

"Why not?"

"I didn't feel the need. I had everything I wanted within these walls."

Opening the gates, I wasn't surprised that the scenery changed completely. Looking at my brother, he could only state, "Uhtred, this is the Fade."

"Well, that wasn't surprising," Aedan stated with a chuckle, though he was obviously concerned at the same time.

"What, the fact Morrigan knew exactly where we were and her mother was demon? Or the fact she then disappeared?"

"Both. I'm still surprised you didn't disappear."

"Maybe it's because you need my help."

"I was doing fine by myself. I don't mind the company though. Spent long enough searching for someone alone."

"So we just have to find Leliana now. Any idea where she is?"

"Yes. We need to return to the portal. We'll head to the central area where Niall is, and from there the final door should now be open. If it's the same for everyone, then Leliana will be waiting for us there."

I still wasn't used to the portal. I don't think anyone could get used to it. Had no idea how it all worked. All I did know is that Aedan would instruct me to place a hand on the lever at the same time as him, he would pull it and we would be enveloped in a bright light, and instantaneously, we were transported to another section of the Fade.

Niall was waiting for us, mentioning upon seeing us that he could see things were changing. "The demon knows. But the door will be open once your last colleague is freed."

"And once the demon is dead?" I asked.

"You should all wake up, and the abomination will be dead. After that, it is simply heading upstairs to end Uldred."

"We should rescue Leliana and deal with the demon as quickly as possible," I suggested, "Who knows what is happening back on the real world?"

"Time passed longer here," Niall explained, "I feel as if I have been here a very long time indeed. But it is enough to feel your energy and life force drain away."

Aedan and I shared a glance. "What are you saying?" Aedan asked gently. We both knew what he meant.

"I am dying. The demon has used nearly all my energy and I don't believe there is enough for me to return to life."

Aedan stepped forward, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Don't give up yet, Niall. We'll find a way."

Niall smiled, but his eyes told his true thoughts. They were the eyes of a dead man.

Aedan knew the doors to find Leliana, a series of what he called portals. We found her in what had all the appearance of a Chantry. She was on her knees, her hands clasped together, deep in prayer. She paid absolutely no attention to us. Nor did anyone else around her, except the Revered Mother at her side.

"Leliana?" Aedan asked.

She continued to pray as the Revered Mother waved us away. "Do not disturb her meditations. She must ask for forgiveness for all the sins she had committed."

I shared glance with Aedan. So she does have secrets. What exactly has she done though?

Still she continued to pray, but looked up at both of us in confusion. "Revered Mother, I do not know these people. Please ask them to leave. I don't wish to be disturbed. I must atone."

Aedan looked at me. "You've talked to her most. Can you reach her?" he asked of me quietly.

Getting down on my knees in front of her, I asked, "Do you not remember me?"

She looked at me in silence for a moment, confusion on her face and in her eyes. "There is something familiar about you. But I don't remember…"

"I can understand why you may not remember. This strange place does affect your memories. We met recently, no more than a few days ago. But we've talked a lot in those few days. Well, I've done a lot of talking. You probably know more about me than anyone else, on this world at least."

She closed her eyes and concentrated, no doubt doing exactly what I had done when I thought I was back home with Serana. Then a slight smile formed as she opened her eyes. "Dragonborn," she whispered.

"Exactly."

"So where are we?"

"We're in the Fade."

She looked left at the Revered Mother. "Then who is this?"

"I am the one who has been caring for you, child. To ease your mind and heal your heart. Do not listen to these men. They do not know you like I do."

Leliana looked at me again, and I could see the confusion again. "I was happy at the Chantry. It was all I ever wanted. The Revered Mother looked after me, cared for me, when I was lost. I know you. I remember you. But… I like being here."

Reaching forward, I caressed her cheek. "It's a lie, Leliana," I whispered, "The demon did the same thing to me, offering a glimpse of what I thought I desired. A memory of what my life might have been had things been different. But it is a lie. I'll prove, once and for all, that this isn't real. You told me your secret."

"Which one?"

I smiled, as she confirmed with those two words what I already thought. "Your vision from the Maker."

"Lies!" cried the Revered Mother.

Whatever spell the demon had cast was broken in an instant. I got to my feet, offering my hand to Leliana, who turned on the Revered Mother. "It was not a lie! The Maker spoke to me!"

The Revered Mother waved a dismissive hand. "The Maker does not interfere in the realm of mortals. These 'visions' you experienced were likely the work of a demon."

Before any of us could react, Leliana unsheathed one of her daggers and buried it in the side of the head of the Revered Mother, who instantly turned into a demon. "The Maker spoke to me. He guides me to do what is right," she said quietly, in a tone that would have sent a chill up the spine of most others, "And no Revered Mother would dismiss such a vision as the work of a demon."

Withdrawing the dagger, the demon collapsed to the ground as Leliana sheathed her dagger. Turning to me, she leaned forward and kissed my cheek. "Thank you, Uhtred. I remember my time with the Chantry fondly, but the Maker has forgiven me for any of my past deeds by showing me his vision." Looking past me, she added, "And thank you for finding me, Aedan. What's next?"

"We find the demon in control of all this and put an end to it."

Leaving the area together, everyone else was waiting for us with Niall upon our return. The final door was now open to use, and after a quick conversation regarding how to handle the demon, Alistair claiming we just 'kill the fucking thing and go home', a sentiment we could all agree with, Aedan led the way through the final door.

The demon was waiting for us within its sanctuary. It looked different to any others I had seen. The desire demons I had seen were rather different. I'd say attractive, but I assume they looked so to appeal to my rather base desires. I assumed a desire demon may look different to a female. I didn't know, it was another question I'd have to ask when this was all said and done. The demon we saw appeared skeletal, but even I, someone without any magical abilities, could feel the magic radiate off the creature.

Aedan strode forward confidently. Considering he was responsible for everyone being freed from their 'prison', there was little doubt the demon had eyes for him in return. The demon appeared to float as it circled Aedan. I was ready to unsheathe, as were Alistair and Sten, but Aedan raised a hand, waiting to see what would happen.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A rebellious minion? An escaped slave?"

"Let us go now, demon, and we'll make your death quick."

I had to admire my brother sometimes. He showed absolutely no fear. The demon laughed in his face. "My, you do have some gall after what you have done, mortal."

"I will not repeat myself again, demon. Let us go now or you will die."

The demon increased in size so it loomed over my brother. All he did was incline his head to meet the dark eyes of the creature. "Playtime is over, mortal. You will all return to the lives I have built for you. In fact, if you return quickly and quietly, I promise I will make you even happier than before." The demon pointed at me. "I will give you children." It pointed at Alistair. "Wouldn't you like to see Duncan again?" It pointed at Sten. "You will become the great warrior you know you should be."

"Stop toying with us, demon. There is nothing you can do to make this any better, considering the version of Flemeth you created was an even bigger pain in the arse than in reality," Morrigan retorted.

The demon made a beeline straight for her. "Hmmm, yes. You are dangerous. Much different to the mages I usually meet. Tell me what you want, and I will deliver it for you."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"I'd like you to die."

"You wish to battle me?" Morrigan replied by taking the staff from her back. The demon looked around as it asked, "You all wish to battle me?"

I answered by unsheathing my sword, seeing out of the corner of my eye Aedan and Alistair do the same thing.

"Very well," the demon cried as it disappeared into smoke, twirling away from us, where it then turned into the form of an enormous ogre. And, of course, the demon summoned plenty of followers, appearing from the ground below. The seven of us wasted no time getting to work, magic flowing from Wynne and Morrigan as the four of us armed with swords got work to work. Wondering what Leliana was doing, my thought was answer by the feel of an arrow whistling past my ear, embedding itself in the eye of a skeleton nearby.

Aedan and Alistair had moved straight for the orge, the pair working in tandem. Without needing to communicate, Sten and I worked to keep any other enemy off their backs. And the demon didn't just summon its own kind. I don't know how, but darkspawn stormed through a nearby door, that had suddenly appeared out of thin air. Leaving Sten to protect the other two, I ran forward, slamming my shield into a hurlock, lifting it in time to halt an arrow shot by a genlock, swinging my sword and decapitating it a moment later, before colliding with a pair of hurlocks.

I'd fought two enemies at a time before, even three once or twice, but the power in the swings of each hurlock did concern me, as it put me on the back foot. Using my shield to block one while parrying the sword of the other, I was only trying to defend myself when an arrow flew by, embedding itself into the shoulder of the hurlock on my left. The hurlock growled, and switch its sword to its left hand.

Now it was simply timing, and as soon as both hurlocks swung at the same time, I deflected both swords with my shield, putting the hurlock to my right off balance, and thrust forward. The tip of my sword went through its rather weak armour, pushing forward so half the blade disappeared, before I pulled back. The hurlock growled at me as I twisted the blade in my hand and swung upwards, cutting into its chin. The hurlock collapsed as I now focused all my attention on the other one.

"Get down!" I heard a yell behind me, crouching down to one knee as an arrow shot past into an approaching genlock, as flame then enveloped a pair of hurlocks. Lifting my shield, I blocked the swing of the hurlock I was still fighting, lifting my shield and swinging my sword into its legs. The hurlock fell to the ground, legs now little more than stumps, as I drove my sword into its face.

The door the darkspawn had come through disappeared, and I made short work of the remaining darkspawn, either Wynne or Morrigan helping me by freezing one, leaving it as easy picking as I lopped off its head, using my shield to shatter another frozen one.

Turning around, I noticed the ogre had disappeared. Instead, Aedan and Alistair were now fighting an abomination. No ordinary abomination, though, as it was at least twice the size of any other we had seen before.

Then I heard Leliana scream. It was blood-curdling and I felt the chill run up my spine as I glanced in her direction. She had turned sheet white. Wynne was shaking her head, slowly stepping back. I turned to where they were looking and I almost soiled myself.

Big. Fucking. Spiders.

I hate spiders. Dealt with them far too often in Skyrim. Hadn't come across them on Thedas so far, but I knew I was going to end up seeing them eventually. And I knew it was the demon using my fear.

"What do you see?" Sten asked.

"Spiders. You?"

"Tevinter mages. I don't like mages."

"Assassins," Leliana stated, wasting no time in firing arrows.

"Blood mages," Wynne added, flinging spells in the same direction.

Aedan and Alistair were still focused on the abomination, Morrigan helping the pair, so we four dealt with our fears. Roaring a war cry, I ran forward with Sten, his great sword swinging in great looping arcs. I leapt just as I was about to collide with the spider and thrust forward, my sword connecting right where I wanted. The spider collapsed on the ground immediately as I ran over its body and jumped, slamming my shield into another, swinging madly with my sword, trying to hit anything.

Two of the spiders erupted in flame as I blocked another one attempting to jump at me. I attempted to bite me again, deflecting and slamming my sword into its neck. Hearing my name being called to get back, I lifted my shield as I felt an arrow shoot by, embedding itself into yet another spider.

"I guess you're not seeing spiders?" I wondered, somewhat rhetorically.

"That's your fear," Wynne replied, "I see mine."

I guess we were learning each other's fears. I would have thought Wynne would have feared Templars above all else, but while she didn't speak about them in glowing terms, she did understand their reason for existence. Certainly more understanding than myself. Learning the fears of each other may or may not be useful in the future, though I put that to the back of my mind as we eliminated the last enemies.

Turning back to the other three, the demon had changed into some else. "Arcane horror," Wynne explained.

"I think we should kill it."

I would have liked to join in, but Aedan and Alistair were dealing plenty of damage, and with the spells Morrigan was firing in herself, the four of us could only stand back, offer help, received thank but told they were doing fine, and then watch as the demon was finally slain.

We left the area immediately, returning to where Niall was waiting for us. Despite being the in Fade, I felt beyond exhaustion. Looking across my colleagues, they looked just as tired. It had been a long, tiring fight.

"You're free. That means I must be free too. I can't believe it." He appeared overwhelmed, sitting down on the ground. I thought he was about to start weeping.

Aedan and I crouched in front of him. "You're free, Niall, so you can come back with us," my brother stated confidently.

Niall smiled, sadly. "I cannot return with you. The demon has used my life force to keep this… dream going. When you return, take the Litany of Adralla from… take it from my body. Wynne will know what to do with it."

"I'm so sorry, Niall."

He smiled again. "It is okay, Wynne. I tried my best. That is what matters. All you have to do now is take the Litany and stop whatever Uldred is up to. That is all I can ask of you."

"I will ensure your body is shown respect when all this is done, Niall," I added. My brother nodded, knowing to what I was referring. He knew of Kodlak, and how I respected anyone who showed courage in the face of danger and evil.

"How do we get home?" Aedan asked.

"Once I am dead, as I can feel the end coming, you will be released from this prison. It is only my life force keeping you all here, now that the demon is dead."

"I am sorry, Niall," Wynne said softly, hearing her voice catch.

"It is okay. I tried my best, that is all anyone would expect. And dying is not so bad."

"Where I am from, someone like you would be welcomed in Sovngarde as a hero," I said.

He smiled. "I know not what Sovngarde is, but if the Chantry is to be believed, I will soon be sent back to the side of the Maker. That is not such a bad thing, is it?"

"No, it's not," Aedan said, "In dark times, men are capable of great deeds."

"Mother always said I was capable of greatness. I hope I've made her proud."

"You have, Niall," Wynne stated.

Niall leaned back against the rock and closed his eyes. Aedan rested a hand on his shoulder and Niall smiled again. After another couple of minutes, he was slowly enveloped by a white light, and we figured it was his spirit leaving the Fade. Where it was going, no-one would know. Opening his eyes, looking around at the light, he looked over all of us and bid us goodbye. Before he disappeared completely, my own vision turned black.

Blinking rapidly, the first thing I saw was the ceiling above. Looking left and right, I noticed Aedan slowly coming around, looking a little awkward as Morrigan had fallen asleep behind him. He looked at me and started to laugh, as I turned to my left and noticed someone was lying next to me. She blinked her eyes open and sat up with a fright. That only caused me to laugh.

"It's not funny, Uhtred!"

Hauling myself to my feet, I helped a slightly embarrassed Leliana to hers as everyone else joined us. In the middle of the room lay the body of the abomination. Without a word, Aedan unsheathed his sword, approached the body and took its head.

"It's already dead, Aedan," Morrigan stated.

"The bastard made me kill Duncan. Beheading it is only the beginning of what I want to do to it."

Then all eyes turned to the body of Niall. His hand was still clutching a parchment which Wynne delicately pulled from his right hand. Aedan and I then turned him onto his back. Closing his lifeless eyes, I crossed arms across his chest and whispered a prayer to the gods, that they guide him on his next journey and keep him safe. Kissing my amulet, I rose to my feet and bowed my head.

"You've done that often?" Leliana asked quietly.

"Too often. I've seen enough brave men and woman pass onto the next world. What Niall attempted was beyond brave. We must now complete what he started so he will not be remembered as a failure. He will be remembered as a hero by this Circle."

"We will come back and collect him afterwards, Uhtred. And he will be given the rites," Aedan stated, "But right now, I think we should head upstairs and end all this. Agreed?"

I unsheathed my sword, as did he. With a flick of the head, the seven of us headed up the stairs to take back the Circle.