Dragon Age
"The Relic"

Chapter Ten: Consequences

The last Grand Tournament was held in Amaranthine hosted by Arlessa Delilah Howe, sister to the Warden-Constable of Vigil's Keep and the Inquisition was bringing back the reigning Champion, Thom Rainier. Over the past 10 years Thom had done the Inquisition proud and won three, it was a hobby of his that he was really good at.

The tournament was in full swing; archery, melee, and the main event of jousting. Archery was a big event, bigger than in most other tournaments where Archery took almost second even third seat to jousting and the sword, but to Sebastian it was just as important. It wasn't Sebastian's choice to host tournaments most of the time they were his wife's idea. Evelyn knew the reputation her husband had throughout the Free Marches, he was either loved or hated but there was really no middle ground, so hosting tournaments was a good way to gain approval. Sebastian wasn't the tyrant some people called him he just did what no one wanted to do.

The rules for the tournaments were fairly simple, nobility or those of rank could compete from any country, Inquisition agents could compete, but no mages were allowed from any country or organization. That frustrated Malcolm, he had asked to compete as an Inquisition agent but Sebastian said no. He could have given a special dispensation; he would have for Fenris if he ever asked, but Malcolm was not Fenris. Sebastian was friends with Fenris and had been since Kirkwall, and Malcolm was Anders' son so there was no way he was going to give him any kind of special treatment.

The sword was fun to watch but most people preferred the joust; nothing more romantic than the Knight on horseback, the majestic competition. Iron Bull was the only Qunari even present at the tournament and was allowed to compete due to his service with the Inquisition. It was almost unfair but it was certainly fun to watch.

Dorian wasn't too terribly keen on watching Iron Bull lay waste to the competitors and let himself be distracted by the guard standing to the right of Sebastian, an ever present guard dog.

Balian looked like the gleaming knight of the fairy tales. His armor was polished and shiny, made of silverite with the onyx chainmail under that and the dark red and black fabric of Starkhaven's colors. Balian was noticeably different from the rest of the Prince's guards. As his personal guard and his Champion, his armor had a black cloak and Sebastian's personal crest on it indicating his direct service to the Prince. He was widely known as the best warrior in the Free Marches and not many wanted to face him. He was fierce and obeyed his Prince usually without question. Sebastian was a moral man so he never gave Balian an order that clashed with his honor but when he was sent into a situation by the Prince's order it typically meant that the meeting was going to end in a fight.

Dorian couldn't help but stare at his lover in his formal armor, his traveling armor was far too tarnished and worn, and he looked good, handsome and sexy. Standing guard by Sebastian's side Balian was focused, but he caught Dorian looking at him and cracked a half smile. Despite being a Dalish Elf, Balian was chased at court by every woman who was curious about what the kind and fierce warrior was like as a lover. Just why exactly did they call him 'Balian the Bear'? Balian only smiled and charmed them but never acted on any invitation, not since he gave himself completely to Dorian.

Dorian would love to see his warrior compete in the melee or even the joust. As a swordsman, he was unmatched in the Free Marches and he was a capable horseman as well but Dorian wasn't sure if he'd ever jousted before, but since being appointed as Sebastian's Champion he didn't participate in the tournaments. He didn't like everyone knowing what he was capable of; they already knew he was a lucky son of a bitch for surviving a Bear attack alone. If they wanted to see him fight all they had to do was challenge the Prince in single combat and they'd see it first-hand…right up until Balian killed them, but at least they'd have their answer.

His attention was drawn from Balian to the familiar Qunari coming before the Prince. The Qunari paid his respects to the Prince and stated, "They say your Champion is the best warrior in the Free Marches." Balian narrowed his eyes slightly and could tell Dorian was on the edge of his seat without needing to look.

"Are you challenging the Prince?" Evelyn asked from her husband's left.

"Not at all, Princess," Bull answered respectfully. "I am challenging Ser Balian Lavellan himself."

Balian remained silent and still but was cussing in every language he knew on the inside. Balian had stumbled into a lover's spat when their relationship had still been new. Dorian's lack of interest in a commitment frustrated Bull so when he learned that Dorian found another man and appeared committed, it had angered him. Balian didn't blame him for feeling so but that didn't mean he was going to give him a pass. Bull had never gotten the opportunity to challenge him until now; you could say he was a scorned lover. Scorned lovers were bad to begin with but a scorned Qunari lover probably added new depth to that mess.

Sebastian gave Bull a curious expression, this wasn't the first time someone had wanted to challenge Balian, and most were people who thought they could do a better job than a 'knife-ear'. Balian never accepted the challenge, not worth his time. "Ser Balian may fight if he wishes to; it is his right after his years of faithful service to Starkhaven and to me." Sebastian said effectively passing the buck to his Champion.

"How about it, Bearkiller?" Bull prodded and Balian narrowed his eyes at him, this wasn't a challenge to find out how good he was or questioning his competence because he was an Elf…this was over Dorian. He was more than happy to fight Bull in Dorian's name, the first time they met Bull threatened him. Given the personal nature of this challenge Balian made an exception, he'd proudly fight for his lover.

"If it pleases you, My Prince?" he requested knowing he already had the permission from him; it was a formality he was used to now and Sebastian nodded.

As he moved off the dais to the lists he didn't need to look at Dorian, he could already feel the Mage's gaze burning through his back. The murmuring in the crowd grew as Starkhaven's people were about to see the Champion fight. "Balian," he heard Dorian in his warning tone but he ignored him. He handed his sword off to a squire now actually looking forward to fighting the Qunari. He was apprehensive since he'd sworn never to fight anything bigger than a bear without help…Bull was definitely bigger than a bear.

He needed to change out equipment giving Dorian enough time to scurry over to Bull on the other side. "Bull!" Dorian snapped getting the enormous Qunari's attention on the other side of the railing. "Be gone!" he hissed to the people that were crowded around. "What in the void are you doing?"

Bull turned to look at the Tevinter mage he'd spent so much time with and leaned on the haft of his blunted training axe. "Challenging your lover, as it would seem, seeing if he's good enough for you."

"Bullshit," he snarled back. "You want to hurt him because you're still angry."

Bull snorted in response. "He's supposed to be the best and I fight the best," he dismissed. "Take whatever reason that lets you sleep better."

"Iron Bull, do not hurt him," Dorian warned in as serious a tone as he could conjure.

Bull chuckled, which only furthered to anger the mage. "It's a fight, be serious."

Dorian's anger bubbled more as Bull brushed this whole thing off trying to make him think it was inconsequential. "I have never been more serious, Iron Bull, if you hurt him-…"

Bull's scoff angered him further. "If he's half the warrior they say he is he won't get hurt…much."

"Bull, I swear if you hurt him I'll conjure up every type of arcane torture I can and kill you slowly," Dorian threatened but Bull simply ignored him turning away from him to face his opponent stepping into the arena.

Balian had shed his black cloak and traded his sword for a blunted one but kept his Starkhaven shield. It was better than anything he'd get for training anyway and figured a Qunari wielding a greataxe would have a hefty swing so it was best to go with the best shield he could.

A spark of pride overwhelmed Dorian's worry, like the bear tooth necklace that Dorian wore Balian wore a token from him. The red and black silk scarf that Balian wore under his armor was the first thing Dorian ever gave him. It was a small matter really, Bree had cut her hand and Balian had given her his scarf to stop the bleeding, Dorian gave him a new one but the fine quality of his was far more than the plain cotton thing he had. That was the first indication that there was something serious between them. Balian had worn it tied to his arm, sometimes on the handle of his sword, but he'd taken to wearing it under his armor; less of a chance it would get lost or covered in blood. Most people believed it was Starkhaven colors. It was more visible though, pulled higher on his neck over his collar. Dorian smiled a little watching Balian take a few practice swings with the blunted weapon warming up his sword arm.

There was nothing he could say that would stop this mess, Balian wasn't going to back down and Iron Bull was still pissed off about being cast aside.

Dorian went back to his seat as the Herald announced that the fight was about to commence. Khrys looked at him with a furrowed brow. "Dorian, relax, he won't hurt him."

"Yes, he will," Dorian replied curtly. "He's still angry with me and has no problem taking it out on Balian."

She'd known Bull long enough to know that he wouldn't hurt Balian too badly. She'd been there for all the relationship issues between Dorian and Bull, and was there when he met Balian. "Dorian, it'll be okay," she reassured.

Dorian wasn't so sure, he knew Bull better than she did. While he wasn't vengeful per say, he worried that jealousy would get the better of him. "I'm about to watch the man I love fight the man who I used to bed," he snapped and Khrys couldn't help but smile.

It wasn't the situation but one thing that he said. "'The man you love'?" she repeated with a grin. "Should I make room in Skyhold?" Dorian was a pain in the ass when it came to commitment, he'd told Balian that he loved him but never announced it to the world.

"Stop right there, Khrystabel," he snapped as the fight commenced and Dorian contemplated shutting his eyes. Only Michel and Fenris would be able to handedly beat the Qunari mercenary in a straight up fight, that wasn't a lack of confidence in his love but sometimes size was everything.

Balian flipped the helm face down and turned to face the sight of the most terrifying helm he'd ever seen. Dread, Bull called it…designed to instill fear…congratulations it worked. The fight began but Balian strayed from his normal pattern visible to anyone who trained with him often enough. Most of the time he attacked first to get them on the defensive and control the fight, this time he waited for Bull, he ducked and dodged the power swing and rolled to avoid one. He'd never fought Bull and was using this time to study and calculate. He could make reasonable guesses on someone's fighting style and what they'd trend toward based on size, experience, weapons; Bull was going to rely on brute force and powerful swings, swings that he needed to avoid.

A few moments later he stopped running and struck, his sword swing was blocked but his shield was wide open. Balian seized the opportunity and landed a powerful shield bash into Bull's back sending the Qunari stumbling forward into the railing. Bull admitted that hit stung, the little Elf was stronger than he looked.

Bull growled loudly and pushed from the railing attacking Balian again. The attack was fast and forceful, wherever Bull wanted that axe to go is where it went. Balian blocked a few with the shield, ducked one, and attempted to control the fight with a block from his sword. It didn't work; Bull's strike broke through his combination block and put him off balance. Trying to regain his composure he wasn't fast enough to get out of the way for the next hit and a broad swing from Bull's axe the right side of his face. Balian staggered trying not to fall on his ass and managed to stay on his feet and not touch the railing. Bull backed off acknowledging the hit and waited.

Balian groaned and grimaced behind the helm, that rung his bell. There was a measure of respect for Bull from him; he was waiting until Balian was ready to keep the fight fair. He flipped the face shield up and spit out the accumulated glob of blood out into the sand. He could only imagine Dorian's reaction to that hit but wasn't able to get a look at him in the stands. He stood up straight and put the mask back down doing the customary two taps on his shield with his sword indicating that he was ready. This time he attacked first, if he disarmed Bull the fight was over. While Balian was controlling the fight and had Bull on the defensive the Qunari turned the axe into a maul and used it like one, Balian was in the wrong place when that overhead swing came down and used his shield to block. When the axe hit it sent a painful reverberation from his finger tips to his teeth. Balian let out an involuntary cry of pain that now raced up and down his left arm then another as he attempted to skitter away and Bull landed a second hit on his back. He wasn't going to be beaten, not against him not with his personal stake in it, Balian turned to face him and hit Bull three times in a row with the pommel of the sword. All he could think was 'low blow'.

Bull probably hadn't intended to target his weakness but it felt that way and it pissed him off. Bull's helm stopped him from becoming a bloody mess given all the hits he'd taken to the face but it still stunned after a second or third hit. Bull finally blocked the next hit and literally head-butted Balian. It may have been helm to helm but Balian felt it and blood came from his nose under the shield, the next thing he knew he was being thrown and crashed to the ground about five feet away. This had taken a turn for the worst as he scurried to his feet a little disoriented for a moment or two. As soon as he was on his feet Bull timed his attack and gave him no time to do anything but block. The shield came up and rang out as Bull's axe hit again. The same pain shot through is arm but he didn't make a peep this time. Bull failed to dodge or block the swing from Balian's sword and his helm was clipped causing it to fly off.

Balian tried to keep his mouth shut though his growl of obvious discomfort was an indicator that he was hurt somehow. Blood from his face wasn't visible behind the mask but some had dripped down onto his pristine armor.

Sebastian's eyes flicked from Bull to Balian as he judged the match. He knew Balian well, the man was his closest friend…he saw him more than anyone else on any given day. He knew his weakness and most of the time it wasn't an issue, never interfered with his duties, most matches against Balian ended quickly due to the Elf's significant battle prowess. He could stop this but knew that Balian wouldn't appreciate that and watched the match continue.

Balian led with his sword, protecting his already damaged shield arm. Sebastian sat forward as he watched the next few moments unfold. He didn't see it but Dorian was almost on his feet, Balian was getting beat. They, as did everyone else, watched as Starkhaven's Champion didn't go down quietly; he was thrown to the ground, disarmed, and had the great axe to his throat. Balian grimaced behind his helm but conceded the fight.

"Iron Bull," Sebastian began, he was proud of his Champion win or lose. He didn't expect Balian to win every fight, just the ones that really mattered. "I believe the match is yours."

Bull acknowledged Sebastian's words, moved the axe away from the knight who was flat on his back, and reached down for his opponent. Balian accepted the hand up and was hauled to his feet, despite Bull's personal affiliation with Dorian, Balian respected him. The Qunari fought him fairly and that went a long way in his mind. Once on his feet he said nothing just paid his respects to Sebastian and made his way out. He wasn't happy with the outcome but it was over with, he made his point and Bull made his. It was done. For Balian personally, the defeat didn't bother him too much but on the other hand the Champion of Starkhaven suffered a defeat at the hands of a Qunari mercenary, which was what stung the most about it all, his post could very well be in jeopardy now. This was precisely the reason he didn't compete, Bull drug his weakness into the light kicking and screaming. Balian made a deal with Sebastian years ago that if he could no longer adequately do his duty he was to be replaced.

Balian would return to his post after he cleaned himself up, there was blood on his face, his armor, his back hurt from the hit that was deflected by his armor, and of course his arm ached from his fingers to his shoulder. His mind raced…a collision of everything that he could have done or should have done. He should have declined, like he'd always done, he let it get personal. His job was to protect Sebastian not answer a challenge about scorned lovers.

"Bail…" Dorian stated barging into the chamber he was in. Dorian was so concerned about him, fighting Bull was no easy task and he lost something that probably meant more than any injury he could have sustained. "Are you alright?" Even under heavy armor, there were bruises forming where Bull's axe had connected. One on his left shoulder was noticeably worse, the blood from his nose was dried but it still was red and sore. Dorian felt his blood burn. "I'm going to kill that fucking Qunari," he hissed stepping close to examine the bruise on his back.

Balian was the picture of calm as he washed the blood from his face. He shook his head as he dried his face off and made sure nothing was bleeding still. "No. You're going to leave him alone…he made his point and so did I," he replied and turned to Dorian. Whatever else took place out there the point was definitely made, he was not a push over so don't push. "I'm fine."

That didn't put Dorian at ease, he didn't mind people fighting over him, it was a boost to the ego but if it meant Balian got hurt because of that it lost its luster. "Bail, I'm sorry…Bull had no right to-…" Dorian began and Balian put his right hand over his mouth.

"Dorian, I was proud to fight for you and I'd do it again," he said making Dorian blush. "And again," he repeated adding a kiss to reiterate that.

Dorian blushed more as Balian turned from him to tend to the rest of his injuries. He reached for a bowl and Dorian could see his left hand shaking as he barely gripped it. He growled at the pain in his arm and put the bowl back down before he dropped it. "Balian, your arm…"

"I'm alright," he replied quickly through his teeth and turned leaning on the table. His whole arm tingled, from his fingers to his shoulder and he could barely grip anything. His brave face fell as he cradled his bad arm grimacing in pain.

Dorian moved toward him and gently touched his hand. "Let me," he said softly and gently rubbed his forearm, it was swollen, more than just the mid forearm that was deformed from the initial break. Magic could heal a lot, mend shattered bone but it wasn't perfect, this was a perfect example of that. He said that his mother tried to use magic to heal his injuries, magic couldn't heal everything seamlessly.

His arm was shaking under his touch, the scars were one thing for him, they didn't hurt they were just bad memories, his arm was what hurt the most on a good day. Bull did a number on him. Dorian was no healer but he knew some spells, he could call for Malcolm, the kid was a gifted healer but he suspected Balian would refuse. The white glow of creation magic emanated from him palms trying his best to soothe the pain.

Balian felt the tingle move up his arm and he moaned a sigh of relief. To anyone else he wouldn't have shown any kind of pain but he didn't need to hide anything from Dorian. "Oh that's good," he breathed and Dorian allowed a smile. "Thank you."

"Bail," he began and Balian knew that tone and wasn't in the mood for this, he needed to get cleaned up and back to his post. He didn't need another apology from him. He had nothing to apologize for, and he didn't start it. It wasn't his fault.

"Dorian, don't," he cut him off firmly. "Not your fault, stop apologizing." Dorian conceded to him, he didn't like it but didn't feel like arguing with him about it.

It took a few minutes for him to put his armor back on and Dorian had stayed to help. Getting into full heavy armor was fun on a good day but reached a new level when injured. Balian had done this before but he needed to hurry up and return to his post. That was the pride in him talking, he knew Sebastian was fine with him taking a minute but he was just beaten in front of everyone, he needed to return to his post as soon as possible and be visible.

Balian buckled the last gauntlet on when there was a quick tap on his door; he absentmindedly grunted an invite and didn't expect Sebastian to come through the door. He stammered from mid-sentence to Dorian and put his attention on the Prince. No matter how informal or friendly they had gotten Balian still had a huge amount of respect for him.

Sebastian waved him off and looked to Dorian. "I don't mean to interrupt but may I have a word with Bail?"

Dorian blinked, he called him Bail…very informal. Very, very informal. "Of course," he replied, what was he going to say…no? "Excuse me," he finished and gave Sebastian a nod and left the room.

"Sebastian, I want to apologize," Balian said and Sebastian's brow furrowed giving him a curious expression.

"For what?" he asked quietly.

Balian would have thought it obvious. "I…I lost," he replied.

Sebastian snorted. "I don't expect you to win every fight, Bail," he said with almost a smile. "Just the ones that matter."

"But-…" he began but was silenced when Sebastian held up his hand.

"I know that had that been a true challenge for me or for my family that outcome would have been very different. My faith in you doesn't stop just because you lost one fight at a tournament against a truly enormous Qunari," he said and gave a light chuckle making Balian actually smile. "When I needed a Champion the Maker sent me you, I put my faith in you then and every day since."

Balian nodded at him, Sebastian was truly a great man despite what people thought of him. He would have thought Sebastian would have been annoyed by now after having the same old conversation about this. Balian was a loyal man, not only had he protected him over the years but his family as well. After the first several challenges in the Free Marches people got the message. Going after Sebastian meant dealing with Balian, the Prince was dangerous in his own right unmatched in his archery but Balian was the watch dog that would be there to pounce on anyone who stepped out of line.

"I seem to keep having similar conversation with you about this," Sebastian said after Balian remained quiet.

Balian nodded in agreement. "I know…I'm sorry," he chuckled.

Sebastian was okay with the fact that Balian remained humble, it annoyed him to some extent but it was genuinely refreshing to know that no matter what happened his friend knew his place and thus far had no delusions of grandeur. "Come on…I think Dorian is waiting for you in the hall," he said and Balian gestured for him to go first. "For vowing to never fight anything bigger than a bear alone again I'd say you did well."

Dorian did wait for them in the hall and eventually parted ways as they went back to the dais to continue watching the games. Balian had warned his lover twice already to leave Bull alone but Dorian really couldn't do that. He managed to find and corner the mercenary while Balian assumed his post.

"Iron Bull," Dorian said in as unfriendly a tone as he could as he stormed toward him. He thought of all the ways he could inflict pain on him without killing him but managed to control himself. Bull turned hearing his name and looked down at the pissed off mage coming toward him, "are you satisfied?"

It wasn't a real question but Bull answered it anyway. "You could do worse…at least he can fight," he replied and Dorian held his position a few paces from him.

"I do not need your approval," he hissed back. "I chose Balian not you and while I'm sorry if your feelings are hurt the next time you have a problem take it out on me not him!"

Dorian was correct, picking Balian over him did hurt his feelings…more than he'd ever let on. "Now why would I do that?" he asked bottling it all up, normally Dorian was the one running for the sappy talk but now it was the other way around.

This was frustrating Dorian and he was already mad. "Because you're hurt, you're angry, and I understand that."

Bull growled. "Fine, you want to do this…I waited…I waited for years because you told me you only wanted to commit to your daughter and I was okay with that. No commitments and I understood that," Bull said his tone an angry one. "I left because you wanted the space and time to raise your girl and when I returned I find that you chose that damn Starkhaven Elf."

"It wasn't that simple I've told you that already," Dorian said as his tone remained firm. "I hadn't intended on it but when it happened it happened and I'm glad that it did. I hurt you and I apologize for it, it was not my intention but I am happy with him."

Bull straightened and looked down at the mage he was in an uproar over. "Fine." His tone was tight and he simply turned and walked away.

Dorian sighed. "Bull..." he began before letting everything else die on his lips. He suddenly got the sense someone was behind him and turned seeing Khrys leaning against the stone wall. "Oh, Andraste, tell me you didn't hear that," he groaned.

Khrys stood up straight and shrugged as she moved toward him. "I hear everything," she said and he shook his head. She probably did, she knew everything that went on in Skyhold…better than any spymaster could ever hope for. "Are you alright?"

That was a complicated answer so he lied. "Yes." He had mixed feelings about what just happened, a part of him still cared about Bull but he loved Balian. "Balian…not so much."

Khrys waved him off. "He is tougher than he looks, he will be fine," she said and hooked her arm around his left. "Now answer honestly: are you alright?"

Dorian sighed heavily still unsure how to answer that. "I'll let you know," he told her after a few moments of silence.

Khrys was satisfied with that, she'd pin him down and get the truth out of him over a bottle or two of wine when they got back Skyhold. "Fair enough," she nodded as they headed back toward the games.

Malcolm decided that he'd rather spend his time in the stable with the horses then out watching the games, he didn't get these tournaments. He fought because he had to not because he wanted to do it for show. He fought because he protected himself, his family, his friends…not being allowed to compete simplified things for him. Khrys did ask that he be allowed to compete in the sword but Sebastian refused citing the fact that he's a mage, there was more to it but the Prince would never admit it. He'd seen Duncan a few times earlier but they'd never gotten the time to talk, Malcolm was off with the Inquisition and Duncan was off getting his ass kissed by just about everyone. Everyone wanted to be on the Fereldan heir's good side, Malcolm was glad that he didn't have a declared king that he swore fealty to.

"Well, look at you," Duncan greeted Malcolm and extended his hand to him in friendship. Malcolm shook it firmly and nodded to him, "Inquisition Agent," he finished looking Malcolm up and down; there wasn't a set uniform for the Inquisition aside from the black, red, and white tunic for functions. The armor was all made by the same people, featured similar designs, and insignias. "Congratulations, my friend."

"Thank you," the mage replied with a smile. "I'm about as junior an agent as you can get."

"Nonsense, all that time spent growing up in the Wilds…you got this," Duncan replied and Malcolm chuckled slightly. "Are you going to compete?" he asked and Malcolm patted Raider's neck.

He shook his head sharply. "I'm not allowed."

"You know the host can make an exception if he's so inclined," Duncan said and Malcolm gave him a narrowed expression. "Right…your parents don't get along with the Prince."

"That's a generous understatement," he muttered in reply and Duncan chuckled.

"I could use a new squire," Duncan suggested and expected the reaction from the mage. Malcolm made a face and a noise that made him chuckle. "So what are you gonna do with yourself this whole time then?"

"Well, there's a lot of people from the Inquisition here…pretty much whatever Commander Cullen tells me to do," he said and caught sight of a hooded figure sneaking around the barn. It was obviously female and heading in the opposite direction of the rest of the tournament. He cocked his head and Duncan looked at where he was looking and his own brow furrowed.

"Okay…" Duncan said quietly as he followed after Malcolm who was compelled to check it out. "And who in the Void would this be?" he muttered quietly as Malcolm moved quietly ahead of him. "Assassin?"

Malcolm didn't get that vibe from the person, he clearly saw a bow and a quiver but she was heading away from all the important people. She was small too, could have been an Elf but with the hood up he couldn't tell. "I don't think so," he replied and kept following her. They moved through the stables, past the paddocks and out to where sheds and piles of hay and straw were.

"So if not an assassin…" Duncan questioned as they peered around a blind corner of a grain shed. What they saw was the hooded person in what looked like an archers practice range. She removed the cloak and the boys raised their eyebrows.

She had dark hair that was braided tightly, wore a tan tunic, brown pants, dark brown boots, and was about 14 or 15 years old. "Clearly a girl," Malcolm commented and Duncan gave him a 'no shit' look.

"Sharp," Duncan replied sarcastically as the girl loosed a few arrows into the target. "Inquisition's lucky to have you."

Malcolm rolled his eyes slightly to the ribbing. "You are hilarious today," he said with a snort and Duncan's chuckle drew her attention to them.

"Who are you?" she demanded, while she didn't aim the bow at them she did have one ready to fire off the short bow.

"Hi," Malcolm greeted casually with a wave. "I'm Malcolm, this is Duncan."

She looked quickly from one to the other and recognized the shorter man in armor with the Fereldan coat of arms on the chest. "Prince Duncan…" she said and gave him a bow.

Duncan hated that, Prince this Prince that, but he returned her respect recognizing who she was. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Meghan," he smiled and Malcolm simply nodded at her respectfully. He hadn't realized but clearly Duncan had.

Meghan looked him up and down, they were both attractive but Duncan had the calm mischievous look about him. The other one in Inquisition armor unnerved her, he was friendly enough but there was something about him that she didn't like, he had a dangerous aura. "You also, Highness," she replied respectfully but Malcolm saw the hard expression directed at him. She was definitely a Vael.

"You're pretty good with that," Malcolm commented. "I didn't see you compete in the Archery."

Meghan scoffed loudly. "My father wouldn't let me compete," she said and quickly turned to fire the arrow that was nocked and ready to go. There were three arrows practically in the same hole dead center in the target and Malcolm lifted an eyebrow.

"His loss," Duncan said after seeing how good she was with the bow.

"Shouldn't you be watching the events?" Malcolm asked directly and could feel the glower from Duncan.

Meghan drew another and sent it down range with a grumble. "I watched the Archery that I couldn't compete in," she said and fired another one. "I watched Ser Balian and that blighted Qunari try to kill each other…I got bored and came here."

Duncan snorted and glanced to Malcolm. "I like her," he said with a grin and Malcolm shook his head snorting.

"I have limited time until my father is finished checking on Ser Balian and my mother wonders where I am so if you two don't mind…I'd like to practice," she said her tone was very pointed but not mean. Meghan was a very focused girl, a quality that people either loved or hated. Sebastian had mixed feelings about it, while he appreciated the responsibility his oldest assumed he'd rather see her just be a kid. With functions like this he had certain expectations though, not letting her compete had nothing to do with the fact that she was his daughter, or that she was a girl, or that contests aren't for little Princesses. She wasn't old enough, most tournaments had a cut off age of 16 or 17, but she didn't accept that.

"As you wish, Lady Meghan," Malcolm said as she loosed another one into the target. They both turned away from her and headed back the way they came. "The next ruler of Starkhaven…I thought Sebastian was tough."

Duncan chuckled and patted his shoulder. "The Vael's just don't like you much, my friend," he said and Malcolm shrugged, he knew why, he'd done nothing to Sebastian but that didn't matter. He was his father's son and while Sebastian knew full well that the sins of the father were not Malcolm's fault it was hard to see past that day in Kirkwall. "That's what happens when your father is Starkhaven's most wanted."

Malcolm understood that, his life would never be easy once people figured out his parentage and that was a burden that he got to bear. It wasn't easy but nothing about his life was easy, for as long as he could remember he was different, people gave him strange looks just like Meghan had. Like they could sense something different about him. He couldn't wait to get out of Starkhaven, the city itself was fine but he couldn't figure out how to relax here. At lease Sebastian hadn't brought up his little Bounty Hunter 'gift' from several months ago. He wanted to go home, whether that be Skyhold or to the Wilds with Lily he wanted out of Starkhaven.