Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize from the game.

Author's Note: Well here's chapter 12. I hope you enjoy it.

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Chapter 12 – Borders

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Leliana leaned back on the couch trying to get a hold of herself. Another man had to die tomorrow. She had poisoned the messenger's drink. He would die after a while of what would appear to be a natural illness. She was getting tired and worried, the stakes were getting higher. She felt a pair of arms lay themselves comfortingly on her shoulders. She didn't have the energy or the will to protest.

"You're so tense." Christine whispered from behind. "Relax."

The bard groaned involuntarily as Christine began to knead the flesh gently.

"Where did you learn that?" Deimos asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"You have no idea how much information you can get by giving a few noblemen massages." She replied smirking.

The ghost abruptly changed the topic.

"Things have changed in Orlais, haven't they?"

"In… what sense?" Christine asked, treading carefully.

"I've seen no blacksmiths in the entire city. Why?"

"The throne controls production of all weapons, armor and magical artifacts. They also have complete authority over the import and export of the same. It was an attempt to curb Orlais' extensive underworld."

"It didn't work did it?"

Christine shook her head. "Not really. But it did reduce the frequency of magic and enchanted items used by assasins, thieves and spies."

"Use the swords to kill Cameron tomorrow. Safer." He said, eyeing the bard who seemed very relaxed all of a sudden.

"That's right." He thought. "Give in. It'll make everything a lot easier."

Leliana's eyes opened and she directed a sharp gaze at the ghost.

"How many people are you willing to kill?" She asked flatly.

"One less than the war would have killed." He replied smirking.

Leliana eyed him with an unsure expression as Deimos sighed theatrically.

"But I suppose you want to keep casualties to a minimum. Only because you remind me of Andraste. Now enjoy yourselves, I have other matters to attend to."

The bard took a moment to gather herself and gently removed Christine's hands from her shoulders. She was enjoying this too much. It just wasn't right.

"Leliana…"

"Christine please." She replied, her voice very soft.

The other woman nodded and sat down opposite the bard. Christine leveled a piercing gaze at the bard.

"He compared you to-"

"Andraste, yes." Leliana sighed.

"What's going on here? I want to know the truth." She demanded.

The bard looked her in the eye and gave in. Christine was involved in this now as well, whether she liked or not. It was best if she knew what she was dealing with.

"It's a long story, be glad we have time."

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Eternia and Morrigan crept slowly through the forest, skirting the border guards by as much distance as possible. The warden glanced around shiftily.

"This is too easy." She hissed.

"The borders here are supposed to be loose because of your silly treaties. This is a good sign." The witch shot back.

Eternia nodded but continued to step uneasily under the shadow of the trees. The faint evening light made it hard for them to be seen. Certainly nothing seemed wrong on the surface, but she could feel something wasn't right. No border could possibly be this loose. Yet the security here was suspiciously lax. Just a handful of guards and some makeshift housing. They had also seen very few traders on the road. If she had been in Denerim, she could have caught the local gossip. Maker, she didn't even know if Leliana was here. The warden was simply following instinct and her heart.

"Where from here?" Morrigan inquired once they had put sufficient distance between themselves and the border.

"It'll have to be Val Royeaux." Eternia said firmly. Then her voice faltered a bit. "Morrigan, I'm just following my instinct… I don't know…"

The witch held her close and whispered softly.

"It'll be fine. I feel that this is the right path. We'll find her. I know."

Eternia smiled and nodded.

"Thanks. We should camp here." She said, glancing up at the night sky.

Morrigan nodded and set to work. They were both unaware of the invisible ghostly figure that watched their progress with amusement.

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Deimos appeared in Leliana's bedroom. The bard quickly shifted her hands from their previous position hurriedly upon seeing him. She gave him an angry glare. The ghost merely laughed with a touch of malice.

"Why don't you get pleasure with her instead of pleasuring yourself?" He mocked.

The bard ignored the question and shifted her gaze.

"I miss them." She whispered, more to herself although Deimos caught it.

"Accept the facts." He said. "You won't see them again. Your living through this is more or less impossible."

"Why?" Leliana shot back at him.

"If people in power die suddenly and Christine is there to benefit, what implication will it give?"

"So, what's your solution since I'm sure you have some twisted answer?"

Deimos' smiled widely.

"Of course it's twisted and sick. You know me too well, I guess. You see, if the person who assassinated the empress let herself be seen and then attempted to kill Christine at, say, a public speech…"

Understanding dawned on Leliana's face.

"You want me to sign my own death warrant to let Christine transition easily to the post of empress. I don't see why I should do it."

"Then Christine will suffer unnecessary accusations, her life may be at threat and the resulting political instability would cause riots. Many would die because of your childish desire to see your lovers."

"What if I do it and get away alive?"

"Then I would ask no more of you. Do what you want after that. But I warn you, the likelihood of that event is miniscule."

"When do we tell Christine that we want her to rule?"

"After Cameron dies." The ghost replied calmly. "Now you see why I told you to enjoy these days with Christine. They are probably your last. I think you've earned some pleasures."

Leliana ignored him and lay down to sleep. He smiled though; he could feel the resistance melting away little by little.

"That's right." He thought. "Give in. Everyone gives into my will eventually."

He vanished and reappeared in the forest.

"You will all have something to regret before the end."

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"Get up!" The man's voice boomed, ripping Eternia and Morrigan from their sleep. "Don't move. We want to see your papers. Now."

The warden got up and glanced around quickly. They were surrounded by about eight Orlesian soldiers; she could make out their forms from the torches some of them carried. What was going on, this made no sense.

"We-" The witch began and then left the sentence hanging. She then whispered to Eternia. "We may have no choice but violence."

The warden shook her head, and turned to the commander.

"We lost our papers. Sorry."

A lame excuse, to be sure. She was starting to think she would have to do what Morrigan was thinking of doing.

"Where are you from?" The soldier demanded.

"Ferelden." Eternia said hopefully, noticing that Morrigan had got a grasp on her staff.

"Kill them!" The man roared.

The three arrows would have been the end of her if the witch hadn't reacted quickly. With only the slightest bit of hesitation she grabbed her staff and then fire and lightning rained on the unsuspecting soldiers. It was over in minutes.

After that she was only conscious of fleeing through the forest, afraid of pursuit. They spoke little to each other, neither knowing what to make of the event. They stopped in an extremely isolated part of the forest. They immediately set up some magical wards around their new camp of choice. This time, they would be warned well in advance.

"What's going on here?" Eternia whispered softly.

"I don't know." The witch replied. "But I have a bad feeling about this. We should get what sleep we can."

Eternia nodded and lay down, drawing Morrigan close as she shut her eyes.

Deimos watched them with a calculating expression. Their progress towards the capital would have to be hastened. He grinned sadistically. It was about time these two knew who they were dealing with. He reached out towards their subconscious.

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Author's Note: Well, I hope you enjoyed it. Feedback and criticism welcomed. Next update should be soon.