Alright, here's the next chapter!

"Get down!" ordered Gaelic as he shoved me behind him and in one fluid moment drew the twin daggers from their sheaths in a flash of silver and met the line of charging guards head on. The clanging of metal grinding against metal filled the air with its horrible cacophony, but just as quickly as it sounded, it was gone only to be replaced with a spray of red and a cry of agony. My heart stopped for a single moment as I feared for my friend's well-being until I saw the armored man in front of him fall to the ground clutching at his shoulder. In a blur he moved onto the next one in line and with only a few well placed strokes, he too fell unconscious after a particularly nasty blow to his unprotected head. With ease, Gaelic moved from one guard to the next dispatching them one by one until he stood alone in a pile of writhing bodies.

I had to admit, I was very impressed. I guess before this point, I'd never really seen Gaelic fight and the fact that he was able to come out on top without having actually killed any of them either was doubly so.

"That was a marvelous display, my friend, but I'm afraid you've forgotten one very important step in fighting." Zevran spoke up from beside me as I felt an arm land across my shoulders. I sent an exasperated glare up to the elf who conveniently ignored me, "It would appear that you have left them all alive." Horrified, I turned my gaze back to the blonde standing among the group of fallen warriors. In turn he glared darkly at the elf by my side, whose arm I pushed off my shoulders and took a step away from. Nothing good ever seemed to come from being close to that man…

"If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked for it. As it is, I'm under orders to not kill anyone unless it's absolutely necessary." Was the tart reply. A wet cough sounded out as a man pushed himself to his knees and then spat a bloody glob at Gaelic's feet.

"Your leader is a coward who hides behind the skirts—" the man didn't get the chance to finish his sentence before in a blur, his throat was laid open to the bone. Blood erupted from his neck in a thick viscous stream of red liquid. It burbled as it ran into his gaping trachea and into his lungs where he choked on it in a horrible slurping noise. His body fell back with a wet splat as the flow of blood from his neck slowed to a steady stream and then finally to a trickle. I had to fight down the nausea that threatened to empty my stomach contents onto the floor right then and there. The only good thing about the situation was that his eyes were facing away from me.

The face of the Tevinter woman I'd killed flashed across my vision for a moment with her dead eyes staring straight into mine. I fought to keep my breathing even but I don't think I succeeded entirely.

"That was a ruthless display of rage. I'm sure he regrets his words in the afterlife." Zevran acknowledged with an air of respect that had definitely been absent before. A quick glint of silver appeared out of the corner of my eye a split second before he drew his arm back to throw what I could only assume was a dagger. Panic set in immediately as I launched myself towards him but half a second too late as the knife left his fingertips straight on a path towards Gaelic. I opened my mouth to cry a warning only to see it, instead, find its mark in the guard who had been sneaking up behind my friend with his sword raised to kill. The knife sunk in to the man's throat up to the hilt as he fell backwards in a crash of armor, "But probably not as much as you would have regretted letting that one kill you because you didn't do the deed first, yes?"

"I had the situation under control." The blonde stated as he stepped over the still struggling bodies of the guards, as I picked up my change of clothes from the floor where I'd dropped them trying to get to Zevran in time to stop him from throwing the knife. Relief had swept through me like a wave over the sand when he hadn't been aiming for Gaelic, "We need to leave now. More guards will undoubtedly follow. Arryn," I looked to my friend as he addressed me, "the rest of the Chargers are most likely fighting at the front gates. If you want to find this Lord, we have to be quick."

"Okay," I nodded, "just give me a sec to get changed." I began to make my way over to the sectioned off area for such a purpose. When I heard a second pair of footsteps follow me, however, I glanced back to find Zevran making moves to accompany me a smirk tugging the corner of his lips, "Alone, Zevran." I insisted before he held up his hands in surrender and took a couple steps back.

"I thought it might be a new experience helping a lady put clothes on rather than taking them off." He lilted suggestively and I groaned as I rolled my eyes. Stepping behind the folding screen that I suddenly decided wasn't enough of a barrier between me and them, I started to pull the ridiculous nightgown over my head. Beggars couldn't be choosers at this point even though I had never wished for a closed off bedroom as much as I did right now. I just hoped they couldn't see through it, although considering that I couldn't, I was willing to bet that it was the same for them.

Unfolding the tunic, I noticed a small piece of brown fabric fall to the ground. Bending to pick it up I found it to look like some sort of band, it was even softer than the leggings if that was possible. I assumed it was this world's equivalent of a bra and so with only slight difficulty, I pulled it over my head and down over my shoulders. Thankfully it was somewhat stretchy and fit perfectly. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised when the seamstress had taken all sorts of measurements the other day. Everything else was easier to put on and within a couple minutes I was fully dressed in my new clothes.

Stepping out from behind the screen, my boots clacked against the stone floor as I hurriedly made my way back to the two men waiting for me. I could feel Zevran's eyes examining me but I made a point of ignoring him as I took Sophi's backpack from Gaelic's outstretched hand which also held a brown belt.

"I think this was supposed to go with it as well." He stated and after slinging the pack over my shoulder, I looped the belt around my waist and cinched it to almost the tightest setting which unnerved me because it used to be the opposite way around.

"Well, shall we?" I posed somewhat rhetorically and turned to the tattooed elf, "You probably know this place best, so where do we find Lord Dickbag?"

"You know you have the strangest way of speaking, yes?" he chuckled before pulling up his hood which turned out to have what looked like a large bird skull on it. I assumed it was supposed to represent a crow's skull since that was the name of the organization he used to belong to, or so he says. If he still had, what I assumed to be the standard uniform, it's likely he was actually still with them. When he finally processed my unamused glare, the blonde stepped forward to take the lead, "Very well, I shall be your faithful guide to the proprietor of this extravagant estate." The emphasis on the last part didn't escape my notice as he reused my phrasing from when I manipulated him into making a deal.

I followed behind Zevran as Gaelic brought up the rear. As we exited the room, I made a point to avoid looking at the two dead bodies that littered the floor each in pools of their own blood. There was a disgusting squelching noise as the blade was removed from the throat of the guard that had tried to sneak up behind my friend. Then we were out in the hall.

Suspiciously, everything was dead silent. There were no sounds of footsteps echoing down the hallway. No clanking of armor and no clanging of weapons. There was only the sound of silence.

Our leader moved completely silently across the marble floors with me following and doing my best but failing and Gaelic succeeding more than I but still making more noise than Zevran. Clearly this was the difference between a true assassin and a rogue. A sudden vision struck me of Zevran swan diving into a pile of hay.

Opening a door carefully to make sure that it wouldn't make any noise, we continued to sleuth our way down the steps. I had to watch my feet to ensure that I wouldn't step on anything or otherwise make unwanted sound and so when the head of our group came to a sudden halt at the bottom, I ran straight into his back. I mumbled a quick apology when he turned his head before he cracked the door open to check and see if the coast was clear.

Waving us forward, he opened the door so we could all sneak out before he shut it again behind us. Mentally, I applauded the idea. The less evidence that suggested anything was out of place, the better. Plus, I always hated it when people left doors open while sneaking somewhere. Shaking my head to rid myself of unnecessary thoughts, I focused back on the task at hand.

The door had lead us to a grand hallway that stretched left and right and was lined with all sorts of intricate tapestries, pottery and plush furniture. It was of course all decorated in a royal blue and gold color scheme to match the rest of the house. These had to be the colors of the 'Orlais' that he mentioned.

"This way." the assassin whispered and jogged lightly down the hall to the right. We followed suit and I did my best to remain on the plush carpet where my footsteps would make hardly any noise without having to try too hard. When we reached the corner, Zevran crouched low and motioned for us to stop. I realized why when I peered around and saw a substantial collection of guards posted outside a pair of elaborate double doors. I could only assume that was where we would find our target.

"Alright so what's the plan?" I prompted and glanced between my two male companions who were the experts at fighting. They in turn glared (well on Gaelic's part at least, Zevran was grinning like a child on Christmas) at each other,

"Kill the unaware helmet heads, and then confront the Lord Dickbag as you so eloquently stated before, Lashes." Great… that nickname was totally going to stick…

"Do they have to die? Can't they just be knocked out, or something?" I tried to negotiate, uncomfortable with the thought of sitting around while (mostly) innocent people were needlessly slaughtered. I didn't want to think about the families and loved ones they would probably leave behind.

"If you want them to interfere or call for reinforcements while you're dealing with the Lord and jeopardize our escape, then no they do not have to die." He stated with what I could only identify as sarcasm and I levelled him with yet another unimpressed glare.

"Gaelic, what do you think?" I turned to the other member of our group who was crouched behind me twirling one of his daggers between his fingers.

"If the Crow wants them dead, he has to do it himself. I won't go against orders unless absolutely necessary." Was his calloused response and I stared open mouthed and wide eyed. I thought for sure he would take my side on the matter, but it sounded like it was the exact opposite, "He makes good points Arryn. Our best chance for getting out of here unharmed and in one piece is with making sure those guards are dead without the chance to raise the alarm."

"See, sometimes killing people is the right thing to do. Although you wound me leaving me to do the dirty work." The fake hurt in the elf's voice had me rolling my eyes so far into the back of my head I'd thought they'd stay that way.

"Don't deny that you're going to enjoy it that way."

"You're right, I will enjoy it very much. Wish me luck, Lashes." Zevran winked at me from underneath his hood as he drew a pair of daggers and disappeared around the corner. I refused to watch him murder those people and drew back from the edge of the hallway but the sounds were something I couldn't avoid. The screams of death and the clashing of weapons nearly made me sick. Knowing what was going on barely more than thirty feet from me and doing nothing about it made me question the choices I'd made lately.

"You're sure you still want to go through with this Arryn? It's not too late to regroup with the Chargers now and leave this place." Gaelic pressed and I glanced back to see him staring at me expectantly.

"Yes, absolutely." I straightened my spine as much as I could in my crouching position, "If I just walk out of here now, it'll be like I'm letting him win and I'm running away with my tail between my legs. I have to show him he didn't break me, that I'm not afraid of him." And that I also managed to turn one of his own against him, but I thought it better to not say that one out loud. Basically this was a matter of pride for me, I just wish there weren't so many people paying the price for it.

The other blonde of the group sighed heavily before he reached behind him and pulled out a wrapped package. It looked to be in the shape of a dagger but I could be sure with the covering. I watched curiously as he unwrapped it to reveal that it wasn't just one dagger, but two. They were curved wickedly and sharpened on only one edge with black leather wrapped around the handles which were protected by a simple cross guard.

"I bought these for you as your welcome gift. I was going to give them to you when you returned with Dalish, but you will most likely need them when you go in to face the Lord Fussy-Britches." A familiar smile broke his serious façade and I suddenly felt a lot better about everything. This was the Gaelic I'd missed, and his grim replacement that had been present this whole time had been depressing me. Smiling widely, I took them from him.

"Thank you, they're beautiful." Was my response before I heard a whistle echo from down the hall and once again the smile faded behind a sober mask. Gripping the weapons tightly, we stood and carefully rounded the corner.

Immediately I wished I hadn't insisted on doing this because the sight of half a dozen dead bodies littering the hallway had me gagging. I had to pause and fight down the bile forcing its way up my throat. It burned my esophagus all the way up to my mouth where I had to experience the horrible sensation of swallowing vomit which very nearly made me throw up again. Once I was sure everything in my stomach would stay where it was supposed to, I continued on down the hallway to see Zevran cleaning a knife while sitting on the body of one of the guards.

"Well, shall we then? I have to admit; I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say to our mutual friend." He quipped as he stood from his corpse seat and gestured towards the doors. I gripped my daggers tightly before walking up to them and with a devilish grin and a silent prayer to any and all gods listening, I raised my foot and kicked with all my strength. Much to my surprise and glory, they splintered inwards and slammed into the walls on the other side.

"What is the meaning of this insult?!" cried Lord Runny-Comb as he posed once again with a sword at his hip. He'd forgone the hat and mask since we no doubt had woken him up from sleep. Especially since he was only half dressed in only a dressing robe.

"Insult? You think I'm insulting you?!" I cried furious, "You're the one who had me kidnapped right off the fucking streets!" I pointed my weapon at his nose as I took steps forward to do my best to intimidate him. Judging by how he shifted position and took half a step backwards, I think I succeeded, "If anything, you insulted me!"

"Don't be a fool. You were practically destitute, living in the wilderness, selling yourself for money, I did you a favor raising you above all that and giving you a life worth living. One with riches and your heart's every desire." He embellished with his arms as he started to strut around his small sitting room, "And how do you repay my hospitality and generosity? You turn my own staff against me," he pointed to Zevran with the tip of his sword, "you murder the members of my guard, and you insult me further with your desire to continue to roll around in the mud with those filthy mercenary pigs!"

"Loyalty is what you get when you don't treat people like possessions you entitled, selfish, bastard!" I screamed unleashing all of my unholy fury, "You've never seen me as anything more than an attraction for your boring parties and a valued piece of your precious collection when I'm not on display for everyone to ogle at! At least with the Chargers, I was valued as a person and not just an item to be shined up and kept in a glass box!" there was a beat of silence that followed my outburst as his lips twisted into an ugly snarl, "So this is me taking my leave," I bowed mockingly, "thank you for your generous hospitality." With that, I turned on my heel and started to walk back out the way I came in. Gaelic was staring at me with a look of pride that I returned with a small smile.

"It seems that I have gone about this in the wrong manner. Clearly I should have taken care of your silly little mercenary crew to begin with, Crow," he addressed Zevran, much to my surprise, "eliminate every single one of these Bull's Chargers, and I shall pardon your momentary lapse of judgement in betraying me to side with these degenerates!" my heart skipped a couple beats as I observed the reaction of the elven assassin to the Lord's offer. He glanced first at me, then to Gaelic as he leaned against the doorframe twirling a silver blade between his fingers.

"That is a most generous offer indeed, but I'm afraid I will have to refuse." I glanced back over my shoulder just in time to see the flabbergasted expression on Runny-Comb's face, "After all, now that she has not one weapon, but two, I fear for the dignity of my manhood should I betray her. Plus, who wouldn't want to work for such an exotic creature, her beauty is unparalleled by any woman I have ever had the pleasure of embracing." He purred near the end and I rolled my eyes while Gaelic narrowed his eyes first at me and then the other male of our group.

"You whore! Now it becomes clear how you have won the devotion of your comrades! With your—" he didn't get a chance to finish his insult before the assassin's dagger appeared at his throat.

"Be careful what you say, my friend. She is an honorable woman who refused my advances and because I am a gentleman, I respected her wishes." The malice present in his voice rumbled throughout the room, "What would you like me to do with him, my lady? He insulted your virtue, I do believe that is a crime worthy of death, no?" he lilted in a slightly lighter voice but with an edge sharpened with disdain.

"No, he's not worth it. Killing him would do no good and would likely leave a stain on your reputation. Come on, let's go, I've had enough of this place." I spat venomously but purposefully left out that if I saw another person die in front of me, I'd lose my composure completely and projectile vomit over everything in sight.

"As you wish." Zevran stated before delivering a quick blow to the side of the Lord's head knocking him out immediately, his unconscious body fell to the floor with a thump, "Just so he doesn't get any ideas about hindering our escape." I allowed myself to acknowledge that being a good idea before we made our way out of the mansion.

"Arryn!" cried a musical voice and before I could register anything else, I was engulfed in a tight hug, "I was so worried when I thought we'd lost you. I'm sorry, I should have been paying more attention." Dalish apologized while I was still trapped in her embrace slowly suffocating until she released me just as suddenly as she grasped me, "You. You are the one responsible for this." The white haired elf accused the only person not a member of the group as she placed herself in front of me and readied her staff.

"Hold up Dalish, I know he was the one who kidnapped Arryn in the first place, but we wouldn't have made it out of there in one piece without him." Gaelic, much to my surprise came to Zevran's defence when I was unable to get around Dalish in time.

"Is that right?" rumbled a deep voice that I didn't know I missed until I'd heard it. I glanced around and found the horned owner standing at the head of the rest of the company. The rag tag group that I was slowly beginning to call home. I beamed at them and watched as the Iron Bull returned my grin with a small smirk of his own.

"That's right Chief, although you have Arryn here to thank for that. Apparently she managed to convince him to work for her instead of the pompous Lord who owns that estate." Gaelic continued and I could feel the eyes of everyone turn to me, including our leader who started laughing.

"Now that's a story I would like to hear!" I groaned when he said that, "Speaking of which, we should probably make conversation elsewhere. Don't want to attract the attention of anymore guards." Bull walked up to me and with a force to knock all of the air out of my lungs, patted me on the back, "It's good to have you back, Arryn. Nice job with the message, it caused quite a stir in town of people wondering what it meant." a warm fuzzy feeling started up in my stomach when he congratulated me on my accomplishment that had indeed worked fabulously to alert them to my location. "So who is this assassin that helped you escape?" the Qunari inquired and I was about to open my mouth to answer his question when, the elf in question stepped up to the plate.

"My name is Zevran, formerly of House Arainai, and formerly of the Antivan Crows. You might have heard of my accomplishments alongside the Hero and the King of Fereldan Alistair Theirin." The elf bowed deeply while he grinned widely from underneath the hood that he still wore over his face. I was surprised to note that he had definitely left out the knowing a ruler bit the first time we were properly introduced. I rolled my eyes, must be because now there was an audience to impress, that wouldn't surprise me in the least.

"Those are some impressive claims there Zevran, though it seems like you might have the skills to back them up."

"Of course my large, horny friend." I didn't think the grin on his face could get any wider until I heard him say that and I also couldn't help but smirk at that, until I remembered the legacy the Iron Bull held among the Chargers. A round of laughter went up from the majority of those present which caused Zevran to puff up his chest a little, "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to use that. I once travelled with a Qunari who was named Sten, but most unfortunately he did not have any horns, although I have to admit, that is an impressive rack. Tell me, do they ever get in the way, if you know what I mean?" the grin turned into more of a leer and Bull merely shrugged,

"Sometimes, but they usually make for really great handles." At the point when he started to stroke one, I could feel myself flush even more deeply than when Zevran was 'making advances' in the bedroom back in the manor. The elf in question laughed heartily at his response,

"I think you gave Lashes a rather vivid image with that stroking, no?" I froze and whipped my head around to face Zevran who was grinning from ear to ear. My spine straightened with indignation,

"I—you—stop putting words in my mouth and stop calling me that! It's still a sensitive subject!" I retorted hotly, Bull and a few of the Chargers looked between me and the blonde elf who crossed his arms over his chest,

"Yes, I'm sure it was a terrible experience and you have my sympathy, but it happened and the scars are going to stay. So the sooner you're able to laugh about it the faster you'll get over it, right Lashes?" he stated bluntly and I very nearly drew my daggers and threw them at his head, but a rational part of my brain told me that he was right. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.

"In other words, you're not going to stop are you."

"No, never."

"Hah! Lashes! That's a good one!" laughed a voice from the company and I sighed heavily,

"I hate you." I deadpanned into the joyously grinning elf's face.

From that point on, I tried to ignore him but it seemed that no matter where I went in the company, I was somehow able to overhear some essence of his conversation. According to Rocky, there was a ship waiting to take us to Orlais tonight which was fine with me because the sooner we got away from the dick head who ordered my kidnapping the better. I just really hoped that our newest 'friend' wouldn't be tagging along with us. I don't think I could handle having to fight him off for any longer than I already have…

On the plus side though, every single one of the Chargers seemed beyond pleased to have me back amongst their ranks. Everyone had patted me on the back at least once, all of them more gently than Bull, and there was talk of drinking and partying till the dawn once we got aboard the boat. Not one person seemed put out or disappointed at my return. The thought that I had been missed by these people I was beginning to call my friends filled me with so much joy I thought I was dreaming.

Once we approached the harbour, it was easy to tell which boat was waiting for us as it was the only one with lanterns lit all around the deck. It was a modest ship, nothing too special but it certainly wasn't decrepit; it was a good size, I had no doubt that we would all fit comfortably within its hold. Although I had to admit, I definitely wasn't looking forward to a long journey at sea. I had a slight tendency for sea sickness.

"It would appear that this is where we must part ways, my lady." Zevran stated solemnly and I stopped to face him while the rest of the company boarded the ship. Gaelic was the last to go up the gangplank and gave the elven assassin a mistrustful glare as he did.

"You're not coming with us?" I confirmed, since he'd walked this far, I'd just assumed he would be joining us. A small part of me was extremely thankful he wasn't and another part twinged painfully knowing I would miss his unique sense of humor.

"Oh believe me, I would love to come with you." He teased and I rolled my eyes at the innuendo, but I couldn't help the small smirk that tugged the corners of my lips up, "Alas, it appears that your impressive looking Qunari leader did not offer me a place, but that is alright. I don't think I would be in very high standing with the Orlesians after what has happened here tonight." He sobered up once more as he took my hand in his and looked deeply into my eyes, "May I also take this opportunity to ask for your forgiveness for kidnapping you? After seeing you with the Chargers, it is clear to me now that I was wrong to take you from them."

"Fuck you." I responded with a wide grin that said I was only kidding as I pulled my hand from his.

"Only if you're offering." Was his equally humorous response as we both shared a laugh. I punched him lightly in the shoulder, before I held my hand out for a handshake which he took immediately. Although it was more gripping my forearm than my hand…

"I hope I see you again Zevran."

"Oh, I'm sure our paths will cross again, Lashes." Then he pulled me into a hug, that I returned, "This is how friends say goodbye in Antiva." He explained and I nodded my understanding; I suppose that made sense, hugs were a good way to show friendship. Then before I could do anything, I was being swooped down until I was facing up at him and once again he was stealing a kiss from me. I squawked indignantly and did my best to push him away, but seeing as he was also holding me up, I was very much in between a rock and a hard place. Although with any luck the hard place wouldn't be what I was thinking it was…

"You bastard!" I cried when he pulled away from me. That was when I realized he meant kissing was the way Antivan friends said goodbye, not hugs. He could only laugh at my distress; I can't believe I said I wanted to see him again! A call from the boat to let me know they were waiting for me caught my attention and I started to take steps back towards the boat, "Bye, Zevran. I'll see you later!" I called as I ran up the gangplank just as the crew members brought it up and pushed off from the dock.

"Goodbye, Arryn, we'll meet again!" he called from the dock before he pulled his hood back up and disappeared into the night as we started to sail away.

Sometime later, I found myself sitting on the railing with Sophi's backpack cradled in my lap. The silver diamond glinted in the moonlight against its black background. The paint had gotten chipped and scratched in places, but considering everything this backpack has gone through, it was still in relatively good condition. It went through a wormhole to a different dimension, the green colored hell basement, roughing it in a cave for a week or two, some sort of magical explosion, and then all I've put it through.

Although if I had to be honest with myself, the backpack didn't mean as much as it once did.

It's weird because after all the stuff that's happened since I lost Sophi, really it should be the opposite, but this place is different than home. Here I don't have the option of holding onto such sentimentality. Here I have to literally fight for my survival and so far I've technically been losing. It has only been thanks to the people I'm currently with that I'm not dead or a slave heading north on a ship bound for some other strange land that I'd know nothing about and no matter how much I wanted to, I don't think I'll ever go back home.

So if I wanted to survive here, I would need to let go of everything holding me back. I glanced down at the bag in my lap, and even though it hurt, that included the last reminder I had of Sophi.

"So this is where you snuck off to." A deep voice rumbled,

"Jesus shit balls!" I cried as I jumped almost a foot in the air and nearly took a bath in the icy waters of… whatever body of water we were traversing. Thankfully, Bull had a long reach and he managed to grab my arm and prevent that from happening.

"Woah, that was an impressive jump. Too bad it almost landed you in the water." He quipped humorously as he pulled me back up over the ledge and set me on my feet.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" I chastised the large horned man currently smirking down at me.

"I wasn't sneaking, if you were paying more attention to your surroundings you would have noticed my approach."

"Yeah, well, I was kind of busy with… other… things." Was my lame response which of course piqued his interest.

"Oh like what?"

"Just that…" I put the backpack up on the railing and then folded my arms over my stomach. Sighing heavily, I stared at my biggest conundrum, "… if I want to survive here, I need to let go of my home. I need to focus on living here because the chances of me going back are so small that I don't even want to think of the probability." I swallowed thickly as a lump formed in my throat, "It also means I need to accept Sophi's dead and I can't keep carting her around with me like we'll find her around the next tree." My voice broke near the end of the sentence and I had to take a second to compose myself. Iron Bull kept quiet beside me during this moment of weakness and I was grateful for it, I hate showing weakness in front of people. "I was actually going to ask if you could help me with that." Once I'd pulled myself back together, I looked up at the mercenary leader who was staring at me with what I could only identify as sympathy, I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly, "I wouldn't be able to perform a proper funeral from home for her since we don't have a body so I was wondering if you could maybe help me with one that's commonly done here? That way I'll finally have closure for her death and hopefully be able to get over it sooner."

"That's pretty heavy, but as for a funeral, for the Qun it's usually pretty simple. The Tamassrans burn the bodies and then all the members of the Antaam gather on the edge of a cliff and scatter the ashes on the wind while thanking them for their devotion to the Qun." He paused for a moment when I'm sure he came to the same conclusion that I did, "Although Sophi never served the Qun and we don't have her ashes, or a cliff for that matter."

"No, but we do have this," I grasped the backpack once again as I stepped towards the edge, "and we have the water to serve as the cliff. Now is there a non-Qun specific set of words you would be able to help me with?"

"I think I can come up with something, but are you sure about this? You know what you'll be doing if you let her only memento go?" I nodded resolutely,

"Yes, I can't afford to keep holding onto her like I have been." I sighed again but this time I felt lighter, "I have to let go now before I get so dragged down by her memory that I can never move on."

"Alright then, are you ready then?"

"Yeah." I held the backpack over the water,

"Ataash varin kata," with numb fingers, I let the bag slip from my hands. The splash was lost in the sound of the waves, but I found it to be fitting seeing as this world would never miss the life of a girl who never belonged there anyways, "Asit tal-eb." I did my best to contain the agony coursing through my heart with every beat it made. The wound that had slowly begun to heal, throbbed greatly but from what I could tell, it didn't start to bleed again. A hand appeared on my shoulder and squeezed reassuringly, "Now she can rest in peace." I nodded my agreeance as I breathed deeply to steady myself.

"What did you say?" I managed to ask once I trusted my voice enough,

"It translates to 'in the end lies glory, this is the way things are meant to be'."

"While there was no glory in her death, this is definitely how things are meant to be. Thank you, Chief." A small smile pulled my lips upwards as I glanced back up to his face, "Hey everyone has a nickname in the Chargers right?"

"Yeah they do, I suppose we need to give you one as well since you're one of us. Hmm, let's see…" he brought his hand up to stroke his chin in thought, but I already had one I wanted to use.

"I want you to call me Lashes." There was a beat of silence as he glanced back down to me with a look of bewilderment before it was gone in the next second with an calculating stare.

"You want a nickname after the whip scars on your back?"

"Yes, because while Zevran was a dick, he had a point. No one else will ever let me forget what they are and what they represent, so if I wear them like armor, no one will ever be able to hurt me with it ever again." I paused for effect, "Arryn Mauntelle was who I was, a weak girl unable to take care of herself or her friend. Lashes is who I must become, she is strong and a member of the Bull's Chargers able to fight beside an eight-foot horned man that she trusts with her life and a rag tag group of people she calls family." I stood straight and held my head high as I addressed my fearless leader who was grinning like a proud father.

"Alright, Lashes, let's see what you can do."

And so ends the Sophi Dependency arc! Be prepared for a bit of a timeskip in the next chapter! Thanks for reading and please drop me a review with your thoughts if you'd like! I'd love to hear them!