Chapter 13. Seen and Now Heard

Andraste smirked. "Does this surprise you? For close to a millennium, I have watched you manipulate the people of Thedas for your own perverted enjoyment. Now, it's all beginning to spiral out of your control; your precious Seal is in danger. Two thousand years of you playing the 'God of all' may come to an end, and you need me to stop it."

"Why would you want to help me?"

"I do not want to help you. Helping you is an unfortunate, unavoidable side effect of helping Thedas. If the Veil is completely sundered, not only will your Seal be destroyed but, more importantly, so will Thedas. I want to save my people. You just want to fix your precious toys and not face retribution from those you have unjustly imprisoned."

"Pretty words, Andraste, but what can you do to stop it?"

"I can repair the Veil. You cannot. As I work to repair it from the Fade, I can bring together the templars and mages so they can work together to repair the Veil from their realm.

Fen'Harel listened, then nodded. "I can see how bringing together the templars and the mages would help stabilize both the Veil and Thedas." Then he narrowed his eyes. "How do I know you are telling the truth about being able to fix the Veil?"

Andraste said nothing and merely pointed to a remote and uninhabited area of Thedas. She flicked her wrist and suddenly the Veil looked like a pool of swirling water. It briefly opened, and then just as quickly closed; the Veil was as it was before.

Andraste fixed her eyes on Fen'Harel. "Can you do that?"

Again, the Dread Wolf was robbed of his speech.

~oOOo~

When the meeting ended, Val looked around; joy was evident in the eyes of everyone she saw. Certainly, some were apprehensive; the Elvhen of Revas knew their home and culture were going to face unimaginable changes and challenges. However, for the first time it seemed everyone felt that the dream of a new Arlathan was actually in sight.

She looked at Kali and Renna, who were close to tears. Their smiles radiated a deep and profound happiness. Alistair, while clearly pleased, looked like he was still trying to reconcile what he was taught, with what he had just learned.

What surprised Val was how comfortable Maric seemed with not being in-charge. His position was purely advisory, and it looked as if he had found his calling – to help the Elvhen regain what was lost. He clearly had influence, but for once he had the luxury of deferring to those who lead.

Maric motioned for Val to join him on the dais. He was speaking with Merenwen, Ríneth, and Faenor when she joined them. Maric regarded to two elders "Ríneth and Faenor, please meet Valentina Hawke, recently the Viscountess of Kirkwall."

They regarded Val closely, their expressions guarded. Falon'Din had taken the time to reorient the Awakened to present-day Thedas, and had given them a summary of what was currently taking place. This included an explanation of the trouble in Kirkwall, the epicenter of the current conflict. Falon'Din also explained about Anders' actions and Val's subsequent support of the Templars.

Both Elders had decided to heed Merenwen's advice and withhold judgment until they had met with the woman who now stood before them. It was clear to Ríneth and Faenor that Valentina Hawke had earned the affection of Merenwen, Elrohir, and Maric Theirin.

Maric felt a sense of unease coming from Ríneth; he could see the trepidation in Merenwen's eyes. Maric couldn't imagine why Val, of all people, made them uneasy. He looked from one elf to the other, frowning as it slowly dawned on him why they. His temper flared as he realized that Ríneth must know what had happened in Kirkwall.

Merenwen, or even Falon'Din, must have told the Awakened about the events there! It was the reason why the Veil had begun to unravel and why the Dreamers were awakening. How dare they sit in judgment of Val? They may know the sequence of events, but they couldn't know enough of the reality of the situation to understand why Val had sided with the templars. Damn it all, Anders! If I could, I would bring you back to life and kill you again. Only it wouldn't be as quick as a dagger to the heart.

Val had been learning more of the Elven language, putting together what she learned in Revas with what Merrill had been able to teach her. Anxious as she stood under the Elders' scrutiny, she bowed. "Andaran atish'an, Hahren Ríneth, Hahren Faenor. Ma'dirth elvhenan'ara. Ma serannas." She sincerely hoped that Ma'dirth elvhenan'ara was the correct way to say 'you speak of our heart's desire.'

Ríneth and Faenor nodded. Faenor replied, "Ma serannas, da'len, you honor us by speaking our language. We are indeed privileged to be able to bring such tidings to our people." The words were kind, but Val had a sudden sense of disquiet as she felt like she as being judged by the two Elders, and she worried she might be found wanting.

As Ríneth looked into her eyes, Val remembered a time, early in her relationship with Anders, when he told her that her eyes were like 'windows into her soul.' The problem is that I can never close those damn windows! Her eyes always betrayed her thoughts and emotions. Standing before the two Elders, Val felt exposed. At that moment, Maric's hand came to rest against the small of her back; she felt his calm support wash over her; a soothing wave of warmth.

After what seemed, to Val, like an interminable silence, Ríneth smiled warmly. "Valentina, you are part of our people; you need not bow."

Val's, eyes filled with tears. "Ma serannas." She was grateful when Merenwen suggested that everyone retire for the evening. She and Maric bade everyone a good night, then he led her out of the chamber. Val was trying desperately not to cry.

Once they were about midway between the Chamber and the village, Val could no longer hold back her tears. She stopped and bade Maric to wait as she went beyond the lights into the dark that blanketed the land. Maric looked at Alistair. "Don't wait for us. We'll see you back at the house."

Alistair knew something wasn't right. "Is Val okay?"

Maric nodded slowly, but his forehead furrowed in anger. He said, almost under his breath, "If I could only go back in time and kill a certain Warden Apostate…" He closed his eyes and took a breath, then looked back at Alistair. "Never mind." He clapped his hand on Alistair's shoulder. "She'll be all right, don't worry."

~oOOo~

It was late when Alistair and Kali arrived at the village social hall to pick up Adaia. The room was awash in bedding and sleeping children. The woman in charge also ran the Village school. Syona, a woman of mature years, with a wise countenance and a twinkle in her eyes, walked over to them, carefully stepping in and around the pallets. Smiling, she motioned to the sea of sleeping children. "Once we found out how late the meeting was going to go, we arranged things so the children could spend the night here."

Kali smiled. "I appreciate that, but we've only been here a short time. I would rather she wake up in her own bed."

Syona nodded. "Of course, of course. By the way, your daughter was really helpful tonight. One of the younger children was terrified of being without his father, and it was Adaia who kept him company. She was the only reason he calmed down and settled in. I don't know what she did, but whatever it was, it worked. In any case, school starts in two weeks; will she be joining us?

Alistair and Kali, without a thought, both said an enthusiastic, "Yes!"

Syona smiled. "Good. I look forward to having her here. I only wish that the larger school would be ready in time. Be sure to tell her that she can pick up her tile next week. I'll go wake her."

Alistair chuckled. "How do you know which child is which? All I see are blankets and the occasional arm and bare foot."

~oOOo~

Merenwen and Ríneth stayed behind to talk, and were still on the dais; Elrohir sat nearby, reading

Merenwen smiled. "Valentina Hawke is a unique human, isn't she?"

"So it seems. Her eyes speak of great strength, but a gentle heart. It is as you said, Merenwen, if she had any other option, she would have taken it." Ríneth paused for a moment, she unsure how ask the question that was on her mind. "Is she romantically involved with Maric Theirin?"

Merenwen looked surprised and puzzled. "I know they have a great deal of affection towards one another, but I think they are both taking things slowly. Why do you ask?"

Ríneth took a deep breath. "It might become necessary to take one or both of them back to Thedas, to help seal the Veil. If they are romantically involved, do you think that would get in the way of their willingness to help?"

"What is Falon'Din's plan?"

Ríneth gently shook her head. "All I know is that the Veil needs to be repaired throughout Thedas, and it will require the efforts of those in the mortal realm as well as those in the Beyond. But it is more than that. Fen'Harel needs to be destroyed. The Creators cannot risk leaving him to his own devices ever again.

"Is that even possible?"

"Yes, I believe so, but I know not how. You did not answer my question, Merenwen."

Merenwen sighed. "Valentina and Maric will always do what is required of them. Though, I hope it doesn't come to that, or if it does, that they are not separated. They are stronger together than they are apart, even if they don't yet realize it."

Ríneth smiled, her curiosity satisfied. "I suspect Falon'Din will contact us through the Dreamers in the Fade. Until then, we wait. For now, it is nice to simply enjoy being here, feeling the sun on my face, and the breeze in my hair. Ma serannas, Merenwen; you, Elrohir, Tamuríl and Daeron have made us feel more than welcome, you've made us feel like we've come home."

Relief was clear in Merenwen's voice "It gladdens me that you feel that way. But come, the hour grows late, and we should return to the Village." She looked over at Elrohir lovingly. "Besides, I'm quite sure my husband is really sleeping and not reading. Tomorrow we shall meet with the rest of our new cousins and make sure you are all settled in quickly."

As they walked to the village, Merenwen thought on Ríneth's remarks. 'It might become necessary to take one or both of them back to Thedas, to help seal the Veil.' Merenwen had known Maric for a long time. I have never seen him as happy and at peace as he has been since Valentina's arrival in Revas. I would hate to endanger that.

~oOOo~

Maric found Val sitting on the ground under a tree; she was close enough to the road that her cream-colored skin reflected the dim light. Her knees were drawn up to her chest, her arms wrapped them. She rested her cheek gently on her knees as she looked out into the darkness, letting the breeze cooled her irritated eyes. When she heard Maric approach, she looked up. "Sorry, I just needed to…I just…I don't know. I felt like they were was judging me; two people who, quite frankly, have been asleep for over two thousand years!"

Maric sat down, put his arm around her and pulled her close; she rested her head on his shoulder. He sighed. "I sensed the same thing. That's –"

"…when you put your hand on my back," she said, finishing his sentence. "How is it you know just what to do?" She smiled. "Truly, Maric, it's a gift."

Maric tightened his arm around her. "I'm just sorry they put you through that. It wasn't at all fair, or right."

"I have a sense that Merenwen made sure it wasn't worse. But, it all turned out all right in the end. Didn't it?"

"That depends, were those tears of happiness?"

Val sighed. "No, more like tears of relief."

Maric shook his head. "You didn't need to shed those kind of tears either."

"Well, look at it this way, nothing bad really happened and I get to snuggle with you under a starry sky."

She could feel the chuckle in Maric's voice. "Ah, so you tricked me to get me alone in the dark?" He teased.

She pulled back and looked at him. "You mean I needed to resort to trickery?"

Maric stood up and pulled her up with him. Looking at the faint glow of her skin, he brushed his fingers over her pale cheek. "No. You, my dear, only need to crook your finger."

Val's voice was a low whisper. "Such power I wield." She put her hands in his hair and brought his head down a bit so she could kiss him.

They broke apart when they heard someone clearing their throat, and both turned to see Elrohir standing close to them.

Blushing, Val buried her head in Maric's chest.

Maric saw the expression on Elrohir's face. "Hahren, what's wrong?"

Val looked up; she saw sadness in Elrohir's eyes as he shook his head. "I just want to apologize to Valentina, for Ríneth's and Faenor's behavior."

Val walked over to Elrohir and placed her hand gently on his arm. "There is no need for you to apologize, or Merenwen for that matter. I have to expect that there will be those who do not understand what happened in Kirkwall, and I will have to deal with that."

"Yes, but you shouldn't have to deal with it here, and I think Maric agrees with me."

Maric nodded.

"Thank you, Elrohir, and thank Merenwen for me. You both have been more welcoming, and understanding, than I could have ever hoped for."

Elrohir smiled. The genuine affection he had for Maric and Valentina was obvious. "Nonetheless, I will make sure that the others among Ríneth's group, and any that will appear in the future, have context for the recent events. Now, go home you two, it's late."

~oOOo~

Fen'Harel regained his composure after Andraste demonstrated her command of the Veil. "How is it that you are more powerful now than when I first brought you here?"

"That was over 800 years ago. More than enough time to learn and develop my powers. Just because I didn't speak to you didn't mean I couldn't learn." She stared at Fen'Harel until he finally nodded. "Now that I've shown you that I can do what you cannot, when I feel it's time I will tell you, and you will let me through your little 'door' so I can be in the pure Fade. Right?"

Fen'Harel studied Andraste. Her love for those mortals was her downfall before, and it shall be again. Why not use her to my own benefit? As soon as she fixes the Veil, I will make sure she never speaks again. "All right, you have a deal."

Andraste nodded her head. "Good. When I return, you will let me through. Right now, I am needed in other parts of this realm."

"Needed?"

"Yes, needed; the reasons for which, are my own. I will say that if you spy on me, it will only make my work more difficult, and you want to avoid that as much as I do. So, when I return…?"

"I will let you through the Seal."

Suddenly, Andraste became a whirl of pure energy. When the glow faded, she was gone. Then her voice echoed in the space around the Dread Wolf. "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"

~oOOo~

AN: Many thanks to those who have reviewed, alerted, faved. Special thanks to xseikax for her reviews and support. Super special thanks with Shakespira for being an amazing beta, making me a better writer, and for her amazing support.