Three Years Later
Scarlett Tabris
"Cousin, move it! We're going to be late!" Shianni complained.
Scarlett checked herself out in the mirror. She had just bought a new dress and wasn't sure if it fitted her very well. Shianni had picked it out for her, but since when did Shianni know of such things. They were both as bad as each other when it came to fashion. The only person who had an eye for these sorts of things was Leliana, and Scarlett hadn't seen or heard anything from her in four years.
The first year after she left was almost unbearable for Scarlett. After making up with Shianni upon her return to Denerim and getting coin donated to help rebuild the Alienage, Scarlett began to get very lonely. Her Darkspawn nightmares took on a frenetic pace and for the past few years she had found it hard to get any sleep at all, becoming an insomniac. Alistair tried to get advice from the Grey Wardens in Weisshaupt Fortress on her sleeping problems, fearful that the taint would not spare her much longer. However, as she had been suffering from nightmares ever since she had been made a Grey Warden six years ago, they told him it was nothing to worry about and that some Grey Wardens just had trouble sleeping their whole lives, especially ones who had passed their joining during a Blight.
Scarlett missed Leliana so much. If it wasn't for Shianni she would have gone insane. Shianni let her help with rebuilding the Alienage to take her mind off her broken heart and over the past few years the coin they got donated had helped a great deal. Meryl, the little elf girl who had worked in Alistair's Royal Palace, was now living in a nice little home in the Denerim Alienage, courtesy of Scarlett. The work Scarlett and Shianni had done had transformed the Alienage into a decent place to live, rather than the squalor that it had been before. After little over three years the work had finally been finished and today there was to be a celebration in honour of that.
"Don't worry Shianni, there's plenty of drink! It'll still be there in a couple of minutes." Scarlett shouted to her.
"Ha ha" she called back sarcastically. "You can spend all day in front of that mirror, Cousin. You're not going to get any better looking."
"Hey!" Scarlett called back. "Watch it!"
She heard Shianni laugh from the doorway. Taking one last look at herself in the mirror she decided she didn't care how she looked anymore. A few ales and she would be covered in muck anyway if Shianni had anything to do about it. She left her bedroom and walked over to the table. Her father Cyrion was sitting eating stew. His health had been declining rapidly in the years that Scarlett had returned to Denerim. When she first set eyes on him after leaving Amaranthine she could not hide the shock on her face. The drama with the Trevinter mages had taken its toll on him and he barely looked like the same man that had married Adaia all those years ago. Today though, he looked a bit better. The thought made Scarlett smiled. He looked up as she entered.
"You look lovely, my girl. The whole Alienage is extremely excited for today. You and Shianni should be proud of yourselves."
"We are Father" Scarlett replied. "It's took a lot of hard work to get where we are today. We're going to enjoy ourselves. I can't wait to have a drink."
"Which won't happen until you get going, will it?" Shianni said impatiently, still hovering in the front doorway.
Scarlett and Cyrion laughed at Shianni's impatient glare.
"All right you alcoholic! I'm coming!" Scarlett said, shaking her head. "Andraste's ass!"
"You look like Andraste's ass" Shianni joked. Cyrion laughed as the two women left. He was well used to their antics. Scarlett punched her on the arm and their banter continued as they walked through the Alienage. Their neighbours had already started celebrating. They cheered for them as they passed and handed them drinks. Shianni and Scarlett made their way up onto the platform beside the Vhenadahl. The large crowd gathered round below them, waiting.
"This day" Scarlett began, addressing the crowd, "will be remembered and celebrated as the day on which the Alienage becomes a true part of the City of Denerim. No longer will our gates be locked for fear of the Shemlen. No longer will our pleas for help be ignored and our children left to starve. From this day forth, we will be an example for our brothers and sisters. We will stand up and show the world that elves will no longer be treated with disdain. Remember this day, for it marks a period in our history of which we can be proud. We may not yet be equal with the humans, but we now have a voice that can be heard. So raise your drinks, good folk of Denerim, and toast to my cousin Shianni, who single handedly built this place up from the ground after the Blight and made it a home for us to be proud of. To Bann Shianni!"
The crowd repeated Shianni's name before cheering and applauding for her. She raised her mug of ale to the crowd and then downed it in one. Scarlett laughed and threw her arm around her. Shianni hugged her tightly, laughing with her.
"Maker's breath, Cousin! Exaggerate much?" She whispered in Scarlett's ear. Scarlett giggled.
"I didn't exaggerate Shianni, it's the truth. If it weren't for you these people would have nothing to be happy about. Even Valendrian didn't do this much for the Alienage. You will be remembered, Cousin...remembered as the biggest drink loving, loud mouthed, troublemaker this Alienage has ever known."
Scarlett laughed mockingly as Shianni shook her head. "Oh, you're such an asshole, Cousin!" They both laughed loudly and stepped down from the platform together, joining the crowd of cheering elves. The people patted their backs and ruffled their hair while some of the woman handed them flowers. Scarlett led Shianni over to their usual spot where Soris sat drinking with Meryl and a few of their other friends.
"Nice speech" a man's voice greeted Scarlett from behind. Scarlett turned. Bann Teagan stood behind her smiling, with Alistair on his left, Wynne on his right and Arl Eamonn behind him. They all smiled proudly at her.
"You made it!" She rushed towards Bann Teagan and threw her arms around him, before kissing Alistair, Wynne and Arl Eamonn on the cheeks. She turned back to Teagan.
"It's so good to see you, Teagan. It's been so long! How is life in Redcliffe?"
"Oh, same old. Truth be told I'm glad to have this opportunity to get away. Things were becoming quite dull." Teagan replied as they walked to join the others.
"Well you'd rather have dull than walking corpses" Scarlett joked, referring to the trouble Redcliffe had many years ago. Teagan laughed.
"You know your right there, my friend!"
Scarlett grabbed them all ale and they talked and drank for hours until nightfall. Everyone laughed as Shianni and Scarlett sang and danced for them. They got into an argument over which song to sing next and began wrestling in the dirt, laughing hysterically as they rolled about on the ground together. Wynne chuckled with the others and shook her head in disbelief. How could one of the fabled Grey Wardens and the Bann of The Alienage be so immature when they got together? Eventually Alistair and Teagan broke them apart, still laughing.
"So..." Alistair began, sitting Scarlett down on the wall and seating himself beside her, "this is what it's like to party in an Alienage. I always wondered."
Scarlett laughed. "Yep" she replied, staring at him proudly. "This is pretty much it."
"You and Shianni could give the dwarves a run for their coin at drinking" he joked. Scarlett shook her head.
"Ah, we're like that when we're sober" she said. "We've always gotten into trouble, ever since we were little."
Alistair nodded in agreement. "I could well believe it" he said. "Anyway...have you heard from her yet?"
Scarlett's smiled faded. She shook her head. He had been asking the same question every time he seen her. "Don't Alistair, it was so long ago." Scarlett had sent the letter to the Grand Cathedral and she had gotten no response. "She doesn't care anymore."
"Hey" he said, placing a hand on her arm. "Don't say that. The letter probably just never arrived. Leliana loves you."
Scarlett shook her head. "Maybe she never did, Alistair."
"How can you say that?" Alistair asked in disbelief.
Scarlett sighed. "She's been gone longer than we've been together. If she loved me as much as she said, how come I never heard from her again? Four years, Alistair, four years and I haven't heard a single word. Does that sound like love to you?"
Alistair rubbed her arm comfortingly. "Listen to me, Scarlett. She loves you. You're just beginning to doubt what you had because you haven't seen her in so long. The kind of love you two had doesn't die."
"It has died Alistair" Scarlett said grimly.
Alistair shook his head, a stern expression on his face. "You still love her, Scarlett, I know you do."
"I don't" she lied. "Not anymore."
Alistair stared at her shocked. Scarlett looked away from him. She didn't know why she said that. It sounded like she was trying to convince herself that she didn't love her just to make the pain go away. It was time for her to move on though. She had been dwelling on Leliana for the past four years and it wasn't healthy. Leliana was never coming back, and it was time she realised that. She knocked back the remains of the ale in her hands. Just then someone's screams distracted her thoughts. She looked up.
"Scarlett! Where's Scarlett?"
Alistair and the others looked up too as the shouting grew nearer. The elves around them parted as an elf pushed through the crowd and made her way up to Scarlett. The singing stopped and everyone looked down at the girl, expectantly.
"Scarlett, you must come quickly!" she shouted hysterically, tugging at her sleeve.
"What is it?" Scarlett asked, standing up.
"It's your father" the girl replied. "He's dead..."
Leliana
The door to the bedroom burst open. Leliana jumped up out of her sleep as Cassandra came thundering in to the tavern. She had only just arrived from Val Royeaux and was extremely exhausted after the journey.
"By The Maker, Cassandra. I'm trying to sleep. What's wrong?"
"It's Kirkwall!" Cassandra shouted. "They're under attack! People are saying it's the Qunari!"
Leliana sat up rubbing her eyes. "What!? Should we do something!?"
Cassandra shook her head. "There's nothing we can do. We're undercover. Fighting them now would just draw their attention to the Chantry. We do not know what their intention is and the Chantry have enough enemies at the moment. The Qunari are parading through the streets, killing at will. They have finally done what we had feared."
"Then what do we do?" Leliana asked. Cassandra looked at her.
"There are no messengers who can be trusted. I must go back to Val Royeaux and tell The Divine myself. You need to stay here and we will send word to you."
Leliana nodded. "Are you sure?"
"I don't have a choice" Cassandra said. "I will send the messenger back with news of your next assignment. Do not go to Kirkwall until it is safe, do you understand?"
Leliana nodded. Cassandra ran about frantically, packing her things into a bag. When she had finished she turned back to Leliana.
"Goodbye, Leliana. Hopefully I'll see you again soon" she said.
Leliana smiled. "I hope so too. May The Maker watch over you."
"May He watch over us all." She leaned in and kissed her on each cheek before turning on her heels and running down the stairs as quick as she could.
After that day Leliana had spent the next few weeks in the tavern. Word had reached that the Qunari attack had been dealt with. Kirkwall had a new Champion, a woman by the name of Hawke. Leliana wondered if it was the same woman she had met in Chateau Haine. If so, it didn't make sense that Tallis and she were friends with Tallis working for the Qunari. Over the next couple of weeks Leliana pondered this. She was sure that it was the same woman.
There had been a few quests here and there from The Divine but they were simple missions, nothing to get excited about. It wasn't safe for her anymore with The Resolutionists gathering strength. She needed to be careful. This undercover work was beginning to tire Leliana out. Suddenly one morning as she sat in the tavern having an ale and eating her lunch a messenger appeared with a letter for her. She took it eagerly, desperate to do something exciting.
Dear Sister Nightingale,
I hope I find you well. Thank you for everything you have done over the past year few years. I would have been at a loss without you. Something big is coming up though. The situation involving Templars and Mages has reached boiling point. If I am correct, the information you have provided me shows Knight-Commander Meredith to be unstable. We must take into account the safety of Grand Cleric Elthina. I want you to arrange a meeting with the Chantry in Kirkwall and persuade Grand Cleric Elthina to return to Val Royeaux. It is no longer safe for her in Kirkwall. Remember that you are still undercover so be discreet.
May The Maker watch over you
The Divine Justinia V
After reading the letter Leliana arranged the messenger to set up a meeting in the old Keep of the Viscount. There was no one in office and the area had been off limits after the Viscount's head had been cut off there by the Arishok during the Qunari uprising. After several days, Elthina had finally agreed to send an agent to meet with Leliana and hear what she proposed.
Leliana was walking through the dark, empty streets of Kirkwall. She clung to the shadows in case she was spotted. After travelling many times at night in the city she was well aware of the various bandits which plagued the streets in the late hours. She reached the giant staircase which led to the Keep and made her way up quickly and quietly. Her contact was no doubt inside already as it had taken her longer to get into the city than she had planned. She made her way through the empty hall. It was eerily quiet, too quiet, making her suspicious.
Suddenly she heard voices up ahead. She rushed to the end of the hallway, further into the keep. A group of four people were standing in the middle of the floor, surrounded by mages. Leliana faded into the shadows and observed the conversation.
"So, even The Divine fears us now?"A female mage was addressing the group from the top of the stairs. She made her way down the stairs, pulling out her staff as she did so. "She should! Kill the spies!"
The fighting broke out at once. Leliana's presence must have been discovered. The Resolutionists had mistaken her for her contacts though. She was about to jump from her hiding place and intervene when she heard footsteps coming from the direction she just came. She remained in position as two other mages passed where she was concealed and went to attack the four people, who had just finished killing the others. Leliana, sensing danger for the people, walked out from her hiding place quietly and ambushed the two mages, just as they were about to attack. Her contacts turned to see her slice the throats of the men behind them. They fell to the ground in a heap.
"Resolutionists..." Leliana said, recognising some of the men. "I might have known they'd be part of this." The Resolutionists had been inciting mage rebellions all over the Free Marches. Leliana had recently found information linking them to many Templar and Mage murders and had alerted The Divine at once.
"Leliana?" one of the people asked. It was a woman's voice. Leliana's eyes travelled across the four people's faces, recognising two of them. She locked gazes with the pirate woman standing closest to her. Now her, she definitely knew.
"Isabela?" she asked, surprised. Isabela laughed.
"'Sister Nightingale' indeed." She said, smiling cheekily. "I remember it didn't take much to make you sing."
A flashback of a sexual experience involving four people in the cabin of a pirate ship crossed Leliana's mind. She giggled, blushing slightly and brushed her hand through her hair as Isabela's companions gave her questioning stares.
"Maker's Breath Rivaini!" The dwarf piped in. "Is there anyone in Ferelden you haven't slept with?"
Isabela chuckled unashamedly
"Err...Perhaps we...should get back to the reason I'm here" Leliana said awkwardly. "The Divine sent me to investigate the possibility of a rebellion here in Kirkwall. I have...some experience in unconventional situations."
"Leliana?" Another voice said. Leliana turned to second face she recognised. It was Hawke, Tallis' companion back in Chateau Haine. "As in the Leliana? The one who accompanied the Hero of Ferelden to slay the Arch Demon?"
"Ahh...I see it will be harder to remain anonymous so near the Ferelden boarder" She said with a smile. "Yes, I knew the Hero of Ferelden. She is...dear...to my heart. But , that was a long time ago. I am working for The Divine now, in Orlais."
"I appreciate your help there" Hawke said gratefully, gesturing to the two mages who had sought to ambush them.
"Of course" Leliana said. "I think they mistook you for me, which means they must know I am in Kirkwall. The Divine has long suspected that Kirkwall's problems were being spared by an outside group. This attack proves she is right."
Hawke looked anxious. "Will The Divine send soldiers?"
"Divine Justinia takes the situation here very serious. She has sent me to warn Grand Cleric Elthina and persuade her to leave and take refuge in the Grand Cathedral in Orlais. The whole world is watching Kirkwall. If it falls to magic...none of us are safe." Leliana said.
"But my sister Bethany..." Hawke said. "She's a mage of the circle...What will happen to her?"
"Bethany?" Leliana asked. Why did that name sound familiar? "Bethany Hawke?...from Lothering?"
Hawke looked shocked at Leliana's prediction. "Yes" she said suspiciously. "I'm Hayley Hawke. I served in the King's Army at Ostagar. My family fled her during the Blight."
Suddenly realisation dawned on Leliana. "You're the Champion of Kirkwall, no? You lived in Lothering, didn't you? I remember your sister. I used to tell her stories when she would seek refuge in the Chantry. I...had no idea she was a mage though."
Hawke suddenly smiled as recognition came to her as well. "Sister Nightingale...Sister Leliana...Oh it all makes sense now. Bethany mentioned you a few times. Said you told the best stories. Small world."
"Small world indeed" Leliana joked. "But anyway, you need to tell Elthina to leave immediately. She will not be safe here. Not anymore."
Hawke nodded to show she understood. Leliana turned and exited the Keep.
Now that her mission was done she needed to get back. It was late though. She headed in the direction of Lowtown and decided to stay there for the night. The Hanged Man beckoned her with open arms. It was the perfect place for hearing gossip. She entered the tavern and went to the bar, ordering a mug of ale and a room. She took her ale and sat in the corner, out of sight.
After several hours a man entered the tavern and ordered a drink. Something about the man's blond pony tail seemed familiar to Leliana. Her eyes widened as the light hit the man's face. She got up from her seat and walked over to him.
"Anders?" she asked in disbelief. The man turned to her.
"L-Leliana?"
"What are you doing here?" They both asked at the same time, each as surprised to see the other.
"You first" Anders said.
"I'm...working in Orlais" Leliana replied. "Just passing through Kirkwall so I thought I'd stop for a drink. How did you get here? What happened in Amaranthine?"
"Let's sit down" Anders said. Leliana led him back to her table, eager to hear his story.
"Scarlett helped me escape. I...it's a long story. I had an argument with the Seneschal and Scarlett came to see if I was ok. She gave me a map of the Deep Roads to escape and I ended up here." Anders explained with Leliana listening intently. "Scarlett told me she was leaving Amaranthine and going to Denerim. I heard she left her post not long after I disappeared."
Leliana smiled. So Scarlett did go to Denerim then like she had promised. Leliana wondered if she did in fact make up with Shianni. Anders continued.
"She wasn't the same when you left."
Leliana's smile faded. Of course she wasn't. Leliana had broken her heart. She took another sip of her ale.
"Did she say anything about me?" Leliana asked.
Anders hesitated. "She said she...wouldn't let duty part you any longer. When she announced her resignation I'm sure no one was surprised. All she seemed to do was train in the courtyard by herself everyday. Haven't you heard from her at all?"
Leliana shook her head sadly. "Nothing."
"Strange" Anders said curiously. Leliana silently agreed. Why would Scarlett say such a thing and then never bother to get in contact with her? Leliana had considered sending her a letter but had been told by The Divine not to because she was undercover. Four years without any contact with her loved one. Maybe her fears were right and Scarlett had indeed moved on.
"Well, it was good to see you again anyway Leliana." Anders said. "I'm afraid I have to-Oh, Maker's Breath, you scared the crap out of me!"
Anders jumped as Isabela leaned over his shoulder from behind him and breathed in his ear. She laughed.
"Why do you always do that?" he asked annoyed.
"Oh calm down, Anders. It's just a joke" she said still laughing.
"You're so annoying. I'll see you later, I'm going to bed. Goodbye Leliana." He said, irritated.
"Goodbye Anders." Leliana called after him.
Isabela rolled her eyes. She took a seat on Anders vacant chair and grinned at Leliana, holding a bottle of whiskey in her hand. Leliana smiled back as they both stared at each other, each knowing what was running through the others mind.
"So..." Isabela began. "Been on any more pirate ships recently?"
