"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." ~ Thucydides
"We need not destroy the past. It is gone." ~ John Cage
"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~ Lao Tzu
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage doesn't need to be lived again." ~ Maya Angelou
(Authors note: Just wanted to preface this with a warning...Part of this chapter is very dark and bluntly covers a sensitive topic...if you are easily offended, you probably don't want to read this...also, if you haven't read "The Stolen Throne", consider this your *spoiler alert*.)
Chapter 10 – He Who Is Brave Is Free
She felt as though she were lighter than air, floating above the ground. Her body was moving forward but not under her control. As her senses returned, she realized that she was being carried. Parean stirred slightly, groaning softly, her body aching and stiff from the day's events. She thought back on the occurrence, it all seeming very surreal to her. The scene replayed in her mind, bringing with it a sense of déjà vu.
"She's awake!"
Alistair's voice was filled with excitement and relief. She opened her eyes to see that he was the one carrying her. He turned and walked toward the others. Parean noticed that Loghain held the small boy in his arms. He was clinging to Loghain as though releasing him meant death; the horror of his family's demise etched on his face.
Parean glanced toward the boy and their eyes met. His expression of horror turned to fear as he looked upon the one responsible for killing his family. His grasp on Loghain's neck tightened as he buried his head into Loghain's chest.
He patted the boy soothingly, "It's alright, child. No one is going to hurt you." The boy visibly relaxed, looking up at Loghain with a weak smile.
'Strange…' Parean thought as she continued to observe the boy, 'I'm staring at this boy whose family I just slaughtered and I feel….nothing. I should be overwhelmed with guilt or anguish, and yet, there is nothing.'
"Are you alright? You were out for quite awhile." Alistair gently set Parean down, steadying her as she regained her balance.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you Alistair." She was surprised at how flat her words sounded.
Morrigan came to her side and roughly grabbed her arm, shaking it, "I sensed that you were a mage of great power when we met but I did not realize how powerful until today. There are mages who gladly offer themselves to demons for the kind of power you wield by nature. Why do you not use it to your advantage?" The scowl on her face made it clear that she was appalled at what she considered a waste of talent and ability.
Parean looked at Morrigan, her eyes blank, "Because I cannot control it." She made no other attempt to explain herself.
Morrigan shot back, "Then you are a fool! Twould ability such as this not be useful in defeating the Blight?"
Parean turned away from her, "What's done is done. It serves no purpose to dwell on 'what if's'." Her tone was calm and matter-of-fact.
Loghain agreed, "Enough Morrigan. Parean is quite right." His gaze fell upon her, "We will discuss the matter further when we make camp for the night. As for now, we should speak no more of it, time's wasting."
She bowed slightly, "As you wish."
Morrigan threw up her hands in frustration, "Fine! I have no desire to waste time arguing with a simpleton who refuses to see the truth of it!" With that, she transformed and ran off ahead of the group.
They traveled in silence. Alistair occasionally chattered aimlessly, trying the break the quiet. Parean, sullen and withdrawn, made no comment to any of his prodding. Loghain, his face a mask of stone, walked stoically beside her. Parean imagined that this, his General's persona, is how he earned the reputation for being taciturn and cold. Even with the small amount of time that she had known him, she knew that nothing could be further from the truth. He had the same dry sense of humor that she, herself had, and he could be quite warm and endearing.
Some ways down the road, they happened upon a group of merchants traveling to Redcliffe. Happy to know that some Grey Wardens survived Ostagar, and eager to aid The Hero of River Dane, they gladly re-supplied them with provisions and gave them horses for their journey. One merchant agreed to take the boy to Redcliffe and re-unite him with his remaining family.
With their acquisition of the horses, they were able to travel swiftly and make-up for lost time. By the time they stopped to make camp for the night, they were little more than a half-day out from The Circle of Magi. They camped in a clearing near the lower edge of Lake Calenhad. After the camp was set up and a fire started, Loghain sent Alistair and Morrigan out to hunt for food. He wanted to speak with Parean about the day's events in private.
Sitting down by the fire, he beckoned her to join him. "We need to speak of what happened. I need to know if you pose a threat to us."
"I understand your concern, Loghain. I apologize for my behavior earlier, but I was not in my right mind. I assure you that I will pose no threat to any of you." She stood by the fire, looking at him blankly, completely devoid of emotion.
Loghain studied her intently. She had an air of rigidness about her as she stood there, not her usual casual, relaxed stance. Her words were neutral, her face expressionless.
"You should understand that, given your circumstances, you did what was necessary to survive. It takes a strong-will as well as a great courage and inner strength to do what you must even if the consequences of that action may be devastating. You also had the presence of mind to protect us which shows you do have some measure of control." He tried to be as reassuring as he could. Aside from the obvious morale issue, he knew the moment he saw the look of self-loathing on her face that she thought herself a monster. She was no monster; quite the opposite and he wanted to help her see it.
"Thank you. Yes, I do have a small amount of control in where it strikes. I can direct it away from only one area, which is why I could not protect you and the family." Her voice softened slightly, "In that moment, I had to make a split second decision and I could not bear to see you hurt, especially by my hand." A hint of a smile touched her lips and warmed her eyes that, until now, had been cold and hard.
'What an odd thing to say…is she speaking of all of us, or me specifically?' he wondered curiously. He would need to think on it for a time and, perhaps, question her about it later.
"When did you discover you had this power?" He wanted to know why she hadn't learned to control it in the Circle, but he was also genuinely curious about her.
She sighed deeply, "There has always been magic in the Amell family. I knew there was something 'different' about me at a very young age. I discovered that I could manipulate fire and heat when I was 8 years old. My parents told me to never let anyone know of my abilities."
Parean stared at the fire, her mind far away, lost in the memory. 'Why are you telling him this?' her mind chided. 'Because I want him to know,' she whispered under her breath.
"One day, while playing near a brook, I tripped and fell in the water. I was completely drenched when I waded back to shore. My mother had warned me to stay away from the water. I couldn't go home soaked to the skin so I tried use my powers to dry myself. Of course, being so young, I was unable to control it properly and instead of just heating my body enough to dry my clothing, a large heat wave blasted out. Apparently, there was a group of children playing in the area and one was struck by the wave."
Her eyes darkened, "Later that night, the Templars came to our home. They informed my parents that I had been observed using magic and I was to come with them to the Circle. One of the Templars whisked me up as my mother screamed and begged them not to take me. She grabbed the Templar's arm, trying to release me, and he threw her back. My mother, heavy with child, lost her balance and fell hard against a table, breaking it. My father charged at them but stopped short as they drew their swords."
She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, "They told my parents to stay back and be glad that they were not being taken as well to face punishment for harboring me. They threatened to kill me on the spot if my parents interfered with a 'templar's sacred duty'. I saw my mother lying on the ground, bleeding and crying hysterically, my father enraged but helpless to do anything. I was being taken from my home by men with swords who would kill me and my family without hesitation. I screamed and began straining to free myself when the Templar struck me."
Parean slowly opened her eyes and looked at Loghain. He searched her eyes and saw the same look from earlier; self-loathing and hatred combined with pure anguish. He knew what was coming and, though he said nothing, his heart went out to her.
She continued on, her voice barely above a whisper, "The next thing I knew, I was on the ground and the Templars, my parents and my home were gone. Nothing remained but a large area of black, charred earth. I did not know what had happened at first, but as my mind began to clear, I saw visions of what I had done. I wandered aimlessly until I reached the Chantry in Lothering and turned myself over to the Templars. They brought me to the Circle and presented me to Knight-Commander Greagoir and First Enchanter Irving. When told of what I had done, the Knight-Commander ordered that I be made Tranquil immediately. The First Enchanter convinced him that I should be given a chance to learn to control my power and that he, himself, would see to my training."
"What you do mean, made Tranquil?" He had seen the Tranquil at Ostagar but no one outside of the Circle and the Chantry knew what it entailed.
"When a mage is considered too weak to resist a demon or too powerful to be trusted, they can be forced into The Rite of Tranquility. They are cut off from the Fade and lose their magical abilities. Doing so also removes their emotions. They become cold, unfeeling husks who exist but do not really live." She shuddered at the thought.
"If the First Enchanter trained you, then why do you not have control over your power?" Loghain thought the First Enchanter must be a poor instructor if he could not teach one as eager to learn as she. When they left Redcliffe, after only a few hours of riding tandem with Alistair, she had asked him to teach to her ride on her own. Loghain showed her briefly how to mount and dismount, how to handle the reins and balance herself at any gait. She listened intently and to see her now, one would think she had been riding all her life. She had also expressed an interest in learning close combat fighting. He had attached a blade to the end of her staff and was teaching her basic melee tactics. He found her a quick study and she had already developed a method for switching effortlessly between melee attacks and casting her spells. It seemed strange to him that she would spend so many years in the Circle and not have more control over her abilities.
"At first, I need to learn the basics of using my magic just as any other apprentice. He quickly discovered that my 'problem' lies in my emotional state. It is when I lose control of my emotions that I become a danger to everyone around me. Since I was too young at the time to learn to split my focus on controlling my magic and my emotions, he enchanted an amulet with a mind control spell to suppress any strong feelings in me. Once I was older and knew how to handle my magic, he taught me the spell so that I could control my emotions at will. We…disagreed…on how I should learn to deal with my true power." She turned and stared into the fire once more.
"Disagreed?" Loghain looked at her questioningly.
"Yes. When you see me casting my spells, I am only using a fraction of my power. I can precisely place my strikes anywhere I choose. As you saw, I cannot do the same with my full power. Irving wanted me to learn to focus my full power in the same way. I…disagreed." She stared blankly at the flames.
"How did you want to use your power?"
Parean shook her head dejectedly, "That's just it. I didn't want to use it at all. I wanted to rid myself of it and just be a 'normal' mage. I spent my time researching Tevinter magic, hoping that they would know of a way to lessen my power. Unfortunately, it seems that the magisters would have sought to increase power such as mine, even exploit it for their own gains. I was left with little choice but to do as Irving wished. In hindsight, it turned out to be somewhat beneficial as his instruction is the only reason I can 'protect' one area of the damage radius."
She turned to face him, her eyes fixed on his, "Had I not learned even that much control, you would have died on that road today. Everyone would have died because of me." He saw a hint of shame and hurt in her, otherwise, expressionless face.
"I assume it was the experience with your parents that caused your intense fear of Templars. Understandably so." Loghain saw her visibly stiffen, her eyes went blank.
"No. That came about because of one…particular…templar." Indecision crossed her face; her look became distant.
'You have already revealed too much. Do you wish a repeat of today, right here in the middle of camp?' her mind's warning all too clear.
She peered at him, feeling oddly calm. He had helped her grow as a person; made her realize that she did have an inner strength. She'd learned so much from him; most importantly that the bravery she sought for so long was always inside her. All she needed was the courage to push past her fears and do what she knew must be done. She intended to use that lesson now.
'I want him to know…before…' she stopped herself. 'He has influence. Maybe he can do something to protect the others.'
Loghain studied her closely. Her stare was intense, boring through him. "There is no need for you to continue if you do not wish to. My main concern is that those in my command are at their best. I will need you to be in top form at all times if we are to end the Blight."
"No. I want to tell you. I need to speak of it and confront this demon that has plagued me for too long. Perhaps, once the Blight is dealt with, you may be in a position to deal with this 'situation' as well."
He noticed the change in her demeanor immediately. Her expression was empty, her eyes hollow and vapid. She sat down beside him, silently considering how to begin. Loghain waited, saying nothing, giving her time to collect her thoughts. With a strained sigh, she began relaying her story.
"Ser 'Violeur' was his name. Not his real name, but what many of the mages called him in secret."
Loghain's heart skipped a beat and he felt a lump in his throat. His mind instantly went back to his youth.
"I never understood why they called him that, especially since it's Orlesian and he is a Free Marcher. I tried to look it up in a book of Orlesian names but was never able to find it."
"That's because it is not a name, but an Orlesian word." Loghain's blood ran cold. He remembered hearing his father call the Orlesian bastard who invaded their home "Violeur" before seeing his father knocked unconscious and his mother raped and killed. "It means…."
Parean held up a hand. "I know…I discovered it's meaning…later."
The tone of her voice as she spoke, unemotional and detached, was so unlike her that it made him ill-at-ease.
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"Hello, Parean." Ser Cullen greeted her as she approached from down the hall. "How do you fair today?"
"Hello, Ser Cullen. I am well, thank you. I see you are almost over your sickness." Parean smiled at the templar. He was one of the few templars who seemed to genuinely like the mages.
"Yes, thank you. As much as I love my home, being in a cold and drafty tower all the time can be a burden." He chuckled softly. "I suppose you are off to the library again."
"As usual. I heard that there is a new shipment of books that has arrived and I'm hoping that one of them will have what I've been looking for." She knew it was unlikely but her hope remained.
"Well, I'll not keep you from it then. Good luck to you and Maker's blessings be upon you." Ser Cullen crossed his arms over his chest and bowed slightly.
As she approached the library, she felt a gauntleted hand grab her arm. She stopped short and turned to face the templar. "Is there a problem Ser…"
He raised his hand, cutting her off, "You must come with me. I have something important to discuss with you that cannot be overheard." He began to pull her toward the hallway.
"Of course, Ser." She dutifully followed him, wondering why he had yet to release her arm. His hushed tone and quick steps gave her cause for concern.
"Where are you taking this mage?" Ser Cullen's voice was sharp as they rushed past him.
"It's none of your concern," was the only reply.
'What is going on?' Parean was confused and becoming more anxious. 'Why do I feel this way? He is a good man, one of the few, like Ser Cullen who cares for the mages. He's always been kind to me….and he's so handsome.' Parean blushed at the thought. His piercing, bright blue eyes were one of the defining features of his masculine face. She had to admit to herself that she was slightly enamored with him.
"Come, we can talk freely in here." He led her into one of the many storage rooms in the tower. Most of the rooms in the tower did not have doors on them so that the templars could observe the mages at all times. The storage rooms were an exception to that rule as only the tranquil and the templars were allowed to use them.
She waited patiently as he closed and locked the door behind them. He turned to face her; his face had a look of seriousness that commanded her full attention. "I have heard some disturbing comments regarding you from several templars."
"Have I done something wrong?" She was instantly frightened as it only took one negative report from a templar to the Knight-Commander for an apprentice to face the Rite of Tranquility…or worse. Even more risky for her, as Knight-Commander Greagoir was already distrustful of her power.
"No, not at all." His smile calmed her nerves. "These comments were of a more…personal…nature. It seems that several of the more…brutal…templars have noticed your…blossoming womanhood, and are contemplating breaking their vows in the most unseemly ways." His meaning was not lost on Parean. She had heard of templars who felt entitled to rape and beat mages at their whim. The thought that she may be the object of such an attack shook her to her core.
"What can I do? I cannot defend myself against a templar without risking tranquility or death. Please! Can you help me?" She begged him desperately, not knowing where else to turn.
Another smile crossed his face. "Certainly. I protect several of the female mages who are in the same situation. Once the templars know that a mage is under my protection, they back down." He saw the relief in her eyes. "Of course, my protection comes at a price." The low and deliberate tone in his voice made Parean very aware that his smile, once a comfort to her, now appeared menacing.
"A price?" She asked hesitantly, "I have nothing to give."
He stepped toward her, trapping her against the wall. His fingers stroked her face. "You have much that Ser 'Violeur' would want. If you are willing to compensate me, you will be mine and no other templar will touch you. If not, I cannot say what will happen." His penetrating blue eyes raked lustfully over her body, as if they were seeing through her robes.
She tried to get past him to reach the door but he blocked her every move. She attempted to scream but he roughly covered her mouth with his hand. "I would suggest you become more cooperative, my dear. No one will think twice about another dead mage found floating in Lake Calenhad, killed leaping from a window in a failed escape attempt. Am I clear?" His look was deadly serious and she had no doubt that he would follow through on his threat. Slowly, she nodded her head in agreement.
He tentatively removed his hand from her mouth. Satisfied that she would not make a sound, he lunged on her, pressing his lips roughly against her mouth. She tasted blood as the brutality of his kiss caused the inside of her lips to scrape across her teeth, tearing her flesh. The tears streaming down her face and her body shaking uncontrollably only seemed to excite him as he released her mouth.
His hand grabbed a fistful of her hair, wrenching her head back to expose her neck. Parean yelped as her head hit the hard stone wall and she felt the area become moist as the blood trickled out of the gash. The look he gave her chilled her to the bone. "I told you…not a sound." His mouth came down hard on her neck and she gasped as it felt that he might crush her throat. Searing pain tore through her neck as his teeth clamped down and pulled at the delicate skin. Remembering his warning, she bit her lip to stifle her scream.
He looked at her, hair becoming soaked with blood, lips swollen and bloodied, neck bruised. Suddenly he struck her with his gauntleted hand, her eye instantly turning black and swelling shut. Still, she did not utter a sound.
"Good girl," he murmured huskily, "now, let us start the real fun." He laughed at the look of sheer, primal terror in her eye.
He returned to her tortured neck, pulling on her hair to expose more of the tender flesh. Frantically, Parean looked around with her one good eye. She saw a bottle sitting on a shelf, reached for it and brought it down on the side of his head. He yowled in pain as the glass shattered, spilling the acidic contents over him. He staggered back, grasping at the shards lodged in his face and ear. She tried to escape but he still blocked the door.
"Now," he growled, murderous rage in his eyes, "you are going to pay." As he grabbed the front of her robes, he saw her enchanted amulet around her neck. He tore it from her neck, ripping deep gouges on both sides of her throat, and smashed it against the wall.
With her mind control amulet gone, Parean felt her power surging. The blood vessels in her eyes burst, turning them blood red. She felt her rage building and she welcomed it. 'Yes…he will regret ever touching me…' her mind was racing, preparing for what was to come…then suddenly…nothing…She felt the grueling pain of her mana draining away.
Ser 'Violeur' had noticed the increase in her power as well and he was able to smite her before her power escalated beyond his ability to counter. She fell to the ground, weak and unable to move.
He knew she could no longer resist him. He reveled in his besting of her. "Now you'll learn to mind your betters. Killing is too good for you, so perhaps I'll just tell the Knight-Commander about how you are dabbling in blood magic." A sinister grin touched his lips.
Parean panted, barely able to speak, "But…they will…make me tranquil."
He leaned down and stared directly in her eye, "That's right. Once you're Tranquil, you will do anything I ask."
She could do nothing to stop him. Grabbing a length of twine, he secured her hands above her head, tying them to the leg of a sturdy wooden table. He knew there was no need to as she was too weak to resist. The look of horror on her face was all the reason he needed. Taking his dagger from his waistband, he traced it down her throat, pressing the point against her flesh. Placing the length of the blade under the collar of her robe, he quickly cut through the material. With one deft cut, he sliced her small clothes, exposing her breasts. He tossed the dagger aside, removed his gauntlets and began fondling her, twisting her nipples and torturing her most intimate areas. His mouth trailed down her chest, his teeth finding her nipple and biting it so deeply that he almost sheared it off her body.
He examined the room closely, "Let's see what we can find the play with, my dear." There were several round objects of varying lengths. 'Ah…but what fun would that be when there are so many other shapes and sizes…' he thought, a sadistic smile coming to his face.
Parean's mind was lost to her; her consciousness in another place. She felt nothing, saw only darkness. So detached was she from her surrounding that she didn't hear the door crash open nor did she see Ser 'Violeur' collapse to the ground beside her. Far in the distance she faintly heard someone call her name. The darkness began to recede and her vision began to clear. The voice became louder, more familiar. She saw the vague outline of what appeared to be a man. She heard a haggard scream that almost drown out the voice calling her. 'Where is that scream coming from' she wondered. When the darkness finally cleared, she realized it was coming from her.
"Parean! Please, calm down. It's over and you are safe." Ser Cullen spoke softly to her.
She turned her head and saw Ser 'Violeur' lying motionless on the ground. Panic swelled in her when she saw that he still lived. As she turned her head back toward Ser Cullen, she caught a glimpse of him reaching for her hands. Her body violently shook and she began to sob uncontrollably, trying even in her weaken state to move away from him.
He pulled back immediately at her reaction. "It's alright. I am just trying to release you." He carefully reached for her hands and cut her bindings. He helped her to stand, taking a blanket from another shelf and covering her with it. When it was obvious that she would be unable to walk on her own, he gently picked her up and carried her out of the room. Another templar came running down the hallway, investigating the commotion.
"She has been injured severely. Take her to the healer quickly." Ser Cullen tried to hand Parean over the other templar but the panic-stricken look she gave him convinced him otherwise. "Nevermind, I will take her myself. Guard him and do not let him leave until I return."
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Loghain sat there, speechless, as Parean finished her story. Neither had noticed that both Alistair and Morrigan had returned from hunting and could not be sure as to how much of the telling they heard. No one said a word for several moments.
"He was sent away from the Circle. He is the one that templar spoke of; the templar I supposedly 'bewitched' with blood magic. It was only on Ser Cullen's word that he was punished. Had it been only my word, I would have been made tranquil or executed for daring to accuse a fine, upstanding templar of such vile acts." She remained curiously calm.
Alistair quietly interjected, "Where did they send him?"
"To the Gallows in Kirkwall."
Morrigan looking at her strangely, "Why not hang him in Ferelden? Why send him away to face judgment?"
Parean replied glumly, "The Gallows is what the Chantry in Kirkwall calls their Circle of Magi. It used to be a Tevinter prison for slaves of the magisters. So Ser 'Violeur' disappears as if he never existed and Ser Alrik returns home to the Free Marches to serve in The Gallows. From what I've heard of the Kirkwall Circle, he will fit in well there."
"As for how this relates to the events of today, those templars were obviously friends of Ser 'Violeur's' and the one restraining me took great pleasure in making me aware of it. I lost control and, well, you saw the result." Her tone was blunt, her features hard.
"What does 'Violeur' mean?" Alistair asked tentatively. Parean stared at the ground, unable to answer.
"It is the Orlesian word for 'rapist'." Loghain said quietly. He stood up from the seat by the fire and turned to face her. She looked up at him, her face drawn and anguished, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Thank you for your explanation of today's events. While I cannot guarantee your safety at all times, know this. As long as you are under my command, no templar will harm you in my presence."
"Nor in mine." Alistair added resolutely.
"Tis always a pleasure to deprive the Chantry of another lyrium-addled fool. I shall start with Alistair if you wish." Morrigan glared gleefully at Alistair.
"Hey!"
Parean smiled and chuckled softly. "Thank you for your kind words, but it is truly unnecessary. I promise you that I will be no trouble to anyone." She stood from her place by the fire. "Now, if you will excuse me, I think I'm going to go get some rest."
"Don't you want to eat first? We brought back several rabbits for supper." Alistair looked at her, confused. Grey Wardens have a ravenous appetite and since they hadn't eaten in several hours, she should be almost starving.
"Not now. Perhaps I'll have some later." Parean smiled weakly at him.
"Yes, go get some rest. I want to reach the Circle before evening tomorrow so we will be leaving at first light." Loghain gestured toward her tent.
She bowed slightly to her companions. "Good night all and thank you for everything." With that, she turned and entered her tent.
As she stood inside her tent, she could hear their quiet whispers as they continued to discuss her story. She reflected on the last few weeks that they've spent together. She had come to know them better than she believed she would in the beginning. Alistair and Morrigan had become her closest friends. It was her thoughts of Loghain that brought a genuine smile to her face. It seemed strange to her now, as she thought back on their first meeting, how nervous she was to speak to him. He had been her idol; bigger than life. As she came to know him better, she saw the humanity in him and now, he held a special place in her heart.
A feeling of bittersweet melancholy swept over her as she raised her hands to cast her spell. A red aura surrounded her body and she felt her life drain away. As she laid down on her bedroll, she thought about how much she would miss them and wondered if they would miss her.
Would he miss her?
A sense of peace and comfort filled her final moments…she wished that she could let him know it was because him…he had been her last thought…
The next morning, Alistair was causing quite a stir outside of Parean's tent. He was yelling her name and shaking the tent so vigorously that it threatened to collapse.
"Do you intend to collapse the tent upon her?" Morrigan snidely remarked as she approached him.
"Ha, ha. Very funny. She is not answering me when I call her. Maybe you should go in to make sure she is alright." Alistair concerned look gave Morrigan no small amount of pleasure.
"If tis so, then why have you not entered?"
"Me? I'm not going to enter a lady's tent. That would be totally inappropriate." His face turned a deep crimson.
"What are you two going on about now?" Loghain asked wearily. He tired of their constant bickering and sometimes wished that they would either get over their differences or kill each other.
"Parean does not answer when I call her." He shook the tent again. Still no response.
"Morrigan, go in and find out what's going on." Loghain gestured for her to enter Parean's tent.
She sighed heavily, "Very well."
A moment later she hastily exited the tent, mumbling loudly, "I knew she was a fool." She briskly walked past Alistair and Loghain without speaking a word to them.
"Well?" Loghain asked, exasperated that he even needed to pose the question.
"See for yourself." Morrigan called out as she retreated to her tent.
Loghain entered the tent. Parean was lying motionless on her bedroll. Her face was ashen and her lips were a purplish blue. Already knowing what he would find, he knelt down and stroked her cheek; her skin was cold as ice. He stared at her body. She had a serene, peaceful look to her. Staring down at her, his heart felt strangely heavy and a sense of sadness came over him. Slowly he rose and exited the tent.
Alistair stopped Loghain as he left Parean's tent, his tone anxious, "What's going on?"
"There is nothing to be done for her." Loghain began to walk toward the woods.
"What do you mean, 'nothing to be done for her'?" Alistair looked at the tent, considering whether or not to enter.
Loghain walked back and took him by the arm. "Alistair! She is gone. Come, we must prepare her pyre and see her to the Maker."
The idea for Ser Violeur's name came from wanting to call him something descriptive of what he was, and, as we all know, in Ferelden anything Orlesian is bad. Since Orlesian=French, I put 'rapist' into Google Translate and it gave me "Violeur" as the French equivalent. The Ser Alrik part is just because when he says that "Once you're tranquil, you'll do anything I ask" line, 'rapist' is the first thing that comes to mind. In my Ser 'Violeur' story, I can so see him 'pimping out' the mages he "protects" to the other like-minded templars. Jerk.
Anyway, sorry it's so long and if I offended anyone, but remember, you were warned at the start...