Dust of Stones

Serenity POV

"Maker above…" Cailan breathed. "People really live here?"

I coughed as we kicked up some dust. "According to Maric and Duncan? Yes. According to the dwarves? No. There's no one here." Dust Town was where the Casteless dwelled. The Memories never recorded their birth or deeds, so they didn't even exist in their eyes. From what I hear, only the really lucky are able to leave. "Why are we here again?"

"Because Duncan and Dad kept avoiding out questions about the place," Cailan replied easily.

"They do that with the Deep Roads as well. I don't hear you suggesting we go there."

"Also, I want a demonstration of what not to do as King. I always learn better when I'm shown an example."

"Or when someone uses your old toy figures to reenact some historical event," I teased.

He muffled a laugh. "Yes, that too. But only because you make it so entertaining." He sighed, looking around. "Maker, the dwarves are insane. What did these people do to deserve this?"

"According to the Memories, they are the children of criminals and undesirables."

"If something like this exists in Fereldan, and I knowingly allow it to continue, hurt me. Severely."

"You have my word."

"Well, it's this touching?" Cailan and I turned to find a few dwarves (rough and scary) staring hungrily at us. I didn't like the way their eyes darkened as they looked at me. "A couple of human nobles who took a wrong turn?"

"Back off," Cailan ordered. "We don't want trouble."

"Neither do we. So, leave us all the money and jewels you got and we might let you go." The leader dwarf leered at me. "If you leave the girl too, we'll definitely let you go." Wait… what? Why would they want me?

"I would rather die than leave her within twenty feet of you," Cailan growled, pulling me behind him.

"Oh, how touching. Oh, wait. I don't care." The leader signaled the others. "The boy wants to die? Oblige him."

They began to move… only to be knocked out by carefully thrown rocks. What? Where? The conscious dwarves fled and a younger (I think) dwarf swung down from a nearby roof.

"No offense, lord and lady, but this isn't exactly a place you should be," he said, casually tossing a rock in the air.

"Who are you?" Cailan asked.

"Faren Brosca, young lord." He grinned. "The idiot with the noble heart. For all the good it does me."

"It does you a lot of good today," I said, moving around Cailan to press my coin pouch into Faren's hand. "Here. It's not a lot, only what I thought to bring with me today, but please. Take it."

Looking at me oddly, he opened the pouch and whistled softly. "Young lady, this is quite a bit for a casteless. You sure?" I nodded vigorously. "All right. I'd be a fool to say no. Hey, I can buy Rica that dress she'd been eyeing."

"Rica?"

"My elder sister. I try not to steal the stuff I gift her. Makes it more special that way." He smiled brightly. "Head back to the caste levels. I'll keep an eye until you reach the edge."

"Thank you again," Cailan said, grabbing my hand as we dashed away.

When we returned to the dwarf palace, we faced the Wrath of Paternal Worry from both Duncan and Maric. But the two of us kept silent.

It was our secret.

It was hard to not remember the last trip I made to Dust Town. Not only was it memorable, but I was heading down there with a man that looked a lot like Cailan!

With Cailan, I questioned his sanity. With Alistair… I questioned his past.

"So…" I began as we slowly made our way down to Dust Town. We didn't want the Carta catching on, so Alistair and I went one way and Sten and Kaiser went another. "You said Arl Eamon raised you?"

"Did I?" His tone implied this was an uncomfortable topic. "I meant that dogs raised me. A whole pack of them. From the Anderfels."

"Really?" I decided to play along. "That must have been tough."

"Well, they were flying dogs. Surprisingly strict and devout Andrastians."

"That explains the smell," I teased, enjoying myself.

"Well, it wasn't until I was eight that I discovered you didn't have to lick yourself clean," he 'explained'. "Old habits die hard."

"And the breath," I continued, undaunted.

He laughed. "Don't forget my table manners. Though, now that I think about it, they weren't much worse than the other templars. Or did I dream all that?" he suddenly asked, looking comically confused. "Funny the dreams you get on the ground. Are you having strange dreams?" He grinned, but the glint of seriousness in his eyes hinted he knew the last part might not be so funny.

But I was in a mood to play. "Only the ones where we're making mad love in my room."

He flushed red. "Oh… I… I completely lost my chain of thought…"

"Really?" I leaned a little closer. "You're looking flushed. Are you ill?"

"No, I'm fine!" he replied a little too fast, stepping back. "Ah, I might have found it again."

"Okay." I smiled. "Please?"

"Right… um…" He was still red. "How do I explain this…?"

"Say the first thing that comes to mind?"

"I'm a bastard." Okay? "And before you make any smart comments, I mean the illegitimate kind." He sighed. "My mother was a serving girl in Redcliffe who died when I was little. Arl Eamon wasn't my father, but he took me in anyway."

Odd. Arl Eamon was kind, but not quite the sort to just 'take in' an orphan unless there was a good reason. "If he wasn't, do you know who is?"

His features became stony. "Yes, but I'd like to think it doesn't matter." I suppose he doesn't have a high opinion on his birthfather. "Regardless, Arl Eamon was good to me when he didn't have to be. I respect him very much…"

Yet, there was so much guilt in his tone. "Did something happen between you two?" I startled him. Oops? "You tone hints towards regret and guilt."

"Tone? You can tell by…?" he shook his head. "Never mind. Basically, he married an Orlesian woman…"

"I know Isolde, Alistair."

"Oh. Right. Cousland. Duncan once joked your family knew everyone." Well, not everyone. We didn't know any magis… no. Wait. Fergus met one once. Dan-something. Fergus couldn't remember. He was, supposedly, distracted by the dark-skinned elf with vine-like scars all over his body that guarded the magister. "Anyway, she resented the rumors that pegged me as Arl Eamon's. They weren't true… and the Arl never seemed to care…"

Oh, I knew what had happened. "In Orlais, deception and betrayal is expected." I've capitalized on that a few times in the past.

"Yeah, she felt threatened by me. I understand that now. But at the time?" he shrugged. "Well, I was ten, not very pious, and being shipped off to the Chantry." His eyes unfocused slightly, looking at the past. "Back then, I had an amulet with Andraste's holy symbol on it. Only thing of my mother's. I was so furious at being sent away that, when I saw the symbol… I just tore it off and threw it as hard as I could. It shattered against a wall." He shook his head. "Stupid thing to do. Just like yelling at the Arl when he told me."

"You were young." And your life was being decided by someone else.

"And raised by dogs," he 'reminded' me. "Or I might as well have been, with the way I acted."

Since he was a good three or four inches taller than me, I couldn't easily hug his neck like I would Fergus or Cailan. So, instead, I wrapped an arm around his and leaned in a little, trying to give some comfort.

I think it worked, but I couldn't be certain. That's when he hit Dust Town. And, somehow, it had become worse during the past ten years.

"Maker preserve us…" Alistair breathed as we slowly walked around. "They really make people live here?"

"We aren't people," someone said. The two of us turned to see a woman nestled in a corner, cradling a baby. "We don't exist to the other dwarves."

"Don't exist?" Alistair's eyes went wide with shock.

"No casteless exists in the eyes of the dwarves," I explained, studying the woman. "You don't bear the brand, though." Most casteless did. It prevented them from hiding among the 'ones with worth'.

The woman nodded. "I had a caste, once, but now I'm here. Cast out by my father."

"May I ask why?" Dwarves did not have so many children that they could afford to lose one.

"My son's father is casteless." The woman looked down at the baby. The slight shift made it protest weakly. "The Memories say he doesn't exist, but they didn't carry him in their womb."

I knelt down, one hand hovering over the child. Feverish. "And your father threw you out."

"Because I insisted on keeping my son." Right, son. Dwarves inherit the caste of their same-sex parent. "Though now, he's ill and I can't do anything." She was near tears, famous dwarf pride crumbling. "The only thing I can think of is to appeal to my father, but he'll only take me back if I leave my son for dead!"

I nodded at Alistair who walked away, guessing my intent. "Where might I find your father?"

"I…" she stared at me, like she thought she was dreaming. "Why?"

I didn't answer right away, brushing a thin lock of hair out of the babe's face. "I cannot see a child suffer without trying to help."

"…Bless you…" she smiled. "He'll probably be at Tapster's, the tavern in the Commons. Ask for Ordel."

I stood up. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

Tapster's, I discovered, wasn't too far from the entrance to Dust Town. A quick inquiry to one of the barmaids and I found Ordel…

Leading to an interesting argument/discussion.

"She could come home if she just left the blasted thing!" he snapped, livid.

"Could you forget your child?" I countered, outrage seeping through. We'd been arguing for at least twenty minutes and I was about to just give up and help the woman another way.

But, instead of retorting something about tradition and honor (as he had been), he remained silent. "…No…" he finally admitted. "I've been trying and failing." He sighed. "Tell her… tell her to come home. With the babe. Her mother and I… we want her home. With our grandson."

I smiled wide, elated. "I'll go tell her immediately. Though, I warn, the babe is ill."

"Then, I'll get a doctor. She knows where the house is." Ordel walked away, muttering about where he would find a doctor at this hour.

I made to leave, only to find myself stopped by a dwarf grasping my arm. "May I help you?"

The dwarf had vibrant orange hair (short) and beard (braided) and reeked of alcohol. I suppressed the urge to cringe. I hate the smell, and taste, of alcohol. I hate how it muddles my head.

"You're the Grey Warden from the surface," he said, words slurring a bit. "Great crisis and other soddin bits. I figured you'd be the one, y'know. T'find Branka. But you're just like all the rest…"

"Should I know you?" I asked, very confused. "Or this Branka?"

"Branka's a paragon," the dwarf answered, still clutching my arm. Paragon: A living ancestor. The greatest honor the dwarves can bestow; all noble houses are descended from them. "It's been two years since she disappeared down the Deep Roads. And your boss won't do a damn thing." What boss? "Oh, but he's been poking around, trying to find out things. Won't tell me spit. He wants it all for himself." He laughed, raucous. "A little blessing from a paragon and he's got the throne."

"This sounds personal?" I tried to break his grip, but it was very strong. Very controlled. Not hard enough to bruise, yet strong enough to hold. Was he a warrior? I saw no weapon.

"Of course! I'm her husband!" He's married? "But you keep runnin' your errands. Until you boss commits, you're gettin' nothin' outta me." He finally let go to disappear into a corner of the tavern.

Leaving me standing there, incredibly confused. "Um… Okay?"

"Don't mind him," a barmaid said. "Oghren's a drunk and no longer dangerous. He's forbidden to wield weapons anywhere except near the Deep Roads."

"I see…" Yet didn't. I felt sorry for him. I think he's a mess, hurting horribly.

But, unlike the woman, there wasn't anything I could do.

When I returned to Dust Town, I smiled at the woman, who stared at me in shock.

"You…" she breathed. "You're back… I thought…" That I wasn't going to return? "What did he say?"

My smile widened. "He wants you both to return home. He should have a doctor waiting for the boy."

"Both…? Doctor…?" she repeated, hope and disbelief blending in her voice. "I don't… he called my son an 'it'!"

"Yet he couldn't forget his precious daughter and decided she was more important than his pride."

"I…" and she smiled. It was rusty, yet pretty. "If this were a story, my son would grow to manhood and pledge himself a knight in your service. When he grows up, I will send him to you. Promise!"

I laughed. "I look forward to seeing him. Do you need help getting home?"

"No, I can manage. You've done more than enough. Bless you." She stood up slowly, cradling her baby. "Your name."

"Pardon?"

"I… I don't even know your name…"

Yikes. What happened to my manners? "Serenity Cousland of the Grey Wardens. And yours?"

"Zerlinda." She had tears in her eyes. "May the Stone and Ancestors give you their blessings." I watched her walk away, delighted I could help. I'd check up on her as soon as I could, just to make sure everything went as hoped.

"Well," Alistair appeared then, smiling. "That was…"

"I couldn't let it go," I admitted, sheepish. "Sorry."

"No, I'm impressed." He threw an arm around my shoulder. "The world's going to the Void in a pretty little basket, but it's nice to do a good deed once in a while, yes?"

"I think so." My smile slowly faded, trying to return to business. "Now, what's happened while I was occupied?"

"Sten found someone willing to talk for coin. However, since he apparently only follows your orders…"

"Very well. Lead on."

The person willing to give information wasn't far away, actually. Curled up against a dried up fountain, she was laughing at Kaiser and shooting sarcasm at Sten. Or, perhaps, it was exchanging? I was still trying to figure out how to read him.

"According to my friend, you have information on Jarvia for us?" I asked, walking up.

"You got it." One of her legs looked a mess. Crippled. Shame, she seemed to be a strong individual. "I used to run with her."

"Really?" Splendid. "Where can I find her?"

"Underground, but it'll be hard. She's real paranoid." She looked around and leaned a little closer to talk quieter. "All carta members carry these finger-bone tokens that identify them."

Clever. "Any ideas where I can find a token?"

She shook her head. "Can't help you there, salkroka. They're kept real tight and she made sure to take mine when I left. But if you find some of her boys and shake 'em up a little, I'm sure you'll find one or ten."

"I see. Here." I quickly snatched a few coins from my pouch and gave it to her. "Thank you for your help." We had a starting point, now.

"I'll think of you when I go to bed with a full stomach." Right… no one bothers to give them food.

I walked away, waving for the others to follow. I had planned to enter one of the building (assuming they would be empty) to discuss the next step. We opened the door to some house in the corner, however, to find a room full of dwarves armed with weapons.

The one I assumed was the leader strode forward nonchalantly. "Jarvia said you were looking for trouble. Congrats. Here it is."

Ugh… that sounded like it was from some bad bard's tale.

And to make it even more cliché… they weren't much of a fight. Truly, I didn't even have the time to unhook my greatsword before Sten massacred them, with Alistair's help. Kaiser even whined that he hadn't gotten one.

"D-Don't kill me!" the leader begged when he realized he was the only one left. "Sodding ancestors, what do they teach you on the surface? You fight like an archdemon."

"Can someone explain to me how he knows that?" Alistair asked, rhetorically.

The dwarf continued to look around the scene. "Sweet stone, look at the all…"

"Excuse me." the dwarf ignored me, mumbling over the bodies. "Pardon."

"I don't think he's listening," Alistair commented.

No kidding. "Kaiser," I called. "Fetch."

Kaiser barked once and immediately pounced on the dwarf, dragging him to me. "By the Stone! What the-?"

"Care to inform me of why you attacked?" I smiled sweetly. "Oh, and my mabari is trained to kill. On command. Speak quickly."

"I…" he glanced at Kaiser who growled. "Look, Jarvia said you were asking about…" I rolled my eyes. Not surprising. "Oh, please don't look at me like that. I got a kid and no other way to bring in coin."

"Give me your token, then."

"Here!" He handed me the finger bone. A small mark was etched onto it. Very clever. "Will… will you let me go?"

"Yes." I smiled wide, baring teeth. "And you won't want to be at Jarvia's when I get there."

"Really?" he was surprised, but quickly covered it up. "Oh, thank you! The ancestors have shown their favor. Bless you!" He glanced at Kaiser, who still had his teeth in his sleeve.

"Kaiser. Let go." As soon as Kaiser obeyed, the dwarf ran, almost tripping over himself in his haste.

"Why do we let him leave?" Sten asked. I think he was annoyed.

I shrugged. "There's little point in killing someone with nothing left to lose."

But… Andraste's Grace. Orzammar doesn't need to worry about the darkspawn. It's going to tear itself apart at this rate.

Ugh… there's too much stone above my head. I never thought I was claustrophobic, but… damn…

I was longing for the sun and sky. I was longing to return to the surface.

Most of all, I was longing for all of this to be over.

"You are pale." I looked to find Sten studying me.

"I'm always pale. Comes with the red hair."

"More pale."

"Paler also works, Sten."

"'er'? What does 'er' mean?"

What did he mean…? Ah. I wonder… "You don't know how to speak the Common Tongue very well, do you?"

He actually seemed embarrassed. "…No."

"I can teach you later, if you like." I smiled. "It's not the first time I've taught someone." Or just tutored. Cailan and Oren come to mind… with some stabs of pain.

"…Perhaps."

"Or, if you feel bad, you can also teach me some Qunari culture and language?" I suggested, a little hopeful. "It doesn't have to be much."

"Perhaps."

"Hey, you two," Alistair interrupted. "Kaiser's barking outside a door. It actually had some guards. Think we might have found them?"

"Well, let's find out," I said, suppressing a sigh. It's been nothing but battles since we entered the hideout.

Briefly, I wondered about Faren. Was he down here? I hadn't seen him yet. Was he with Jarvia? Was he even in the carta?

Was he bleeding to death right now, cursing the noble he saved ten years ago?

We opened the door at the end of the path to find dwarves, armed to the teeth, surrounding a female dwarf, sitting like a queen on a throne on some turned over bench.

"So…" the woman sighed, but smirked. "Bhelen realizes we're taking over the city and still he won't send his own men." She stood up and walked forward. So, this must be Jarvia. She wore her brand proudly. "You've picked the wrong side. It doesn't matter who's king. Just who's queen." Someone was rather arrogant. Of course, since she had the entire city by the throat, I suppose it's justified.

"Surrender and I'll spare your life." Who knows? A trial might be more impressive than straight out murder.

She scoffed. "Hardly convincing with my men's blood on your blades."

Politeness is the key to negotiations. "I believe it's called 'self-defense', ma'am." …Not polite sarcasm.

"A fine way to justify, but not good enough." She gestured around the room. "Get 'em. But leave the pretty one. I have plans for her." That wasn't creepy. Nope, not in the least.

Unlike ten years ago, I actually had an idea of what those plans would be.

Everything flew into chaos then. Dwarves seemed to appear out of nowhere to attack me… no, that wasn't right. They weren't trying to hit me, exactly. No, they were trying to herd me somewhere. What…?

I tripped over something, setting off an explosion that sent me sprawling. I tried to get up, but Jarvia stomped on my back.

"You don't know what it's like, fighting to survive," she said, conversationally. "Look at this armor. You're rich. You've never worked a day in your life."

"If you're hoping for sympathy, you have it." I pushed myself up, throwing her off. "Right now, though? I am fighting to survive. There's a Blight and I need dwarf soldiers to fight it. That means a King."

"So you would sacrifice us casteless? Oh, how noble!" She threw a knife.

I knocked it out of the air, gaining a gash on my right hand. "I've never pretended to be better than I was. All I can do is be the best I can be in the given circumstances." She lunged; I dodged. "Grey Wardens do what they must to defeat the Blight."

"You're monsters!" She lunged again.

"And you are overwrought." I sidestepped her, swinging my greatsword. She ran right into it. As she fell, I murmured, "If the Stone rejects you as your Memories claim, then may Andraste take you to the Maker. No one deserves to wander alone." Kaiser limped up to me, licking my bleeding hand. There was a bad wound on his leg. "Yikes, boy. How'd they get you?"

"They got him when he bit a dwarf about to amputate my head," Alistair said, looking down at Jarvia. "What did you do? No offense, but you looked like you were losing."

"I was, but I don't fight fair." I shrugged. "Unbalance someone emotionally and you will unbalance them physically."

"You manipulated her into making mistakes?"

"I let her talk about something she was very passionate about and informed her that I couldn't care." Not 'didn't'. Couldn't.

"Right… so…" A loud sound, almost a 'crash', interrupted him. We looked around to find the source.

Sten was standing in front of a broken door, looking as if nothing was wrong. "It was locked. Now, it's not."

The two of us stared a bit before laughing, leaning against each other in order to keep standing. It took us another few moments to calm down, but when we did, we followed Sten through the door he broke down. The path behind slowly took us up and to another door. I opened it and froze in the doorway, stunned.

"Huh?" I looked around, confused. This was… I'm not in a shop… right? A shop in the Commons?

"By the beards of my ancestors!" The shop owner came running over, yelling. "There's a hole in my wall!"

"Yeah… Sorry?"

"How did you even get behind there?" Calm down before you have an apoplexy, ser dwarf.

"Well, we just escaped the carta hideout," Alistair said, peaking out from behind me. "Into your shop."

"What?" The shop-owner seemed shocked. I don't think he was feigning it. "Why would… ah! Those blasted tunnels! Now, I don't have a thing to do with the carta! You have to believe me!" The four of us managed to get out of the tunnel by then, looking around the shop. Looks like we escaped into an armor-shop. The owner kept babbling, but I ignored him to study the armor. It seemed of good quality… I glanced at Alistair and Sten. Sten's armor was ill-fitting… Alistair's had seen better days… I was still missing gauntlets and making due with bandages (to cover the scars on my left)… oh. Right, I was going to have to bandage my right hand. It's bleeding. But first…

"What's it worth to you?" the owner stopped rambling at my comment.

"Anything…" he breathed, close to tears. "I'd be ruined if this gets out. People will think…" he trailed off at my all-too-sweet smile.

"Perhaps we can work out a deal?"

Two hours later, we left the armory. I hummed a little tune, pleased with myself. The boys had newer, better armor. I had gauntlets again, so I could deflect stuff without cutting my hands (thank you right hand for throbbing right then). Oh, and the best part? Fraction of the cost. We might have gotten it for free, but I'm not completely evil. Or so I'd like to think.

"Is it the nature of all Fereldans to trick and persuade like you do?" Sten asked me, finally looked comfortable in his armor. "Or is it the Grey Wardens?"

"Considering that Alistair is also a Fereldan Grey Warden, the answer to both your questions is 'no'." I actually had to stomp on Alistair's foot a few times to get him to go along. "Therefore, I must, regretfully, say it is a part of my own nature."

"I see…" Sten nodded… and I think he smiled in amusement. "Most interesting."

When we arrived at the castle, we were quickly escorted to the prince. Every guard we passed thanked us. I've never felt so horrible for receiving gratitude in my life. And I couldn't stop worrying that Faren had been among the people we murdered. Fine way to repay someone who saved your life, killing them.

"Well, aren't you something," Bhelen said as we walked in. "They're talking all over the city about how someone went through Dust Town and slaughtered the carta at long last."

"I'm so pleased to hear that," I replied sweetly, just barely checking the sarcasm.

"You have done the city an incredible service." Another favor. He's going to ask for another favor. He was pacing before we entered. Something was troubling him. "I promise, as soon as I take the throne, I will have the troops you need."

"Is there something else you need done?" Calm. Even. Compliant. Good.

"We need something more… dramatic to shift the balance."

"Oh?" Here it comes.

"Have you heard of the Paragon Branka, Lady Serenity? She was appointed not long after your visit."

"I've heard she was a smith and that she disappeared two years ago in the Deep Roads." Of course, the dwarf who rambled that off was most likely drunk, so…

"Yes, she was and did. She turned her back on her responsibility to go chase after something hidden the Deep Roads." He actually sounded appalled. "If she should return, though, her vote will overrule the council. Anyone with her support-"

"Will take the throne unchallenged," I finished. "You hope to bring her back to endorse you as king?"

"I hope you will do this," he corrected. So… pawn to capture… what? The Queen? Yes, that will be the best analogy for the lady Paragon.

"What makes you believe she's still alive? All I've heard of the Deep Roads suggests a completely different fate." Namely, dead.

"An entire house dedicated to her protections, numerous thaigs still intact. It's conceivable that someone would last this long."

Yet it was not the entire story. I knew that tone too well. "There is another reason you want me to look."

"How shrewd. I'm impressed." I am positively thrilled to get his approval. "Harrowmount also looks. It's too risky."

And I need a king to give me the blasted troops. Damn it. "Very well. I'll go look for her."

If he asks for a third favor, I'm just going to the assembly and tricking them. I should have done that from the start.

"Thank you. My men have tracked her to Caridin's Cross, but her trail ends there." He seemed a little worried. Perhaps the man has a heart after all, buried under everything. "Perhaps you can find what my men could not."

"I'll leave immediately." If I don't, I'm sure logic will give me a reason not to.

"Again, you have my thanks. I will delay the vote until you return."

"How long can you do so?" I asked. "So that I have an estimate?"

"It's the Assembly." He chuckled. "With the right words, I could buy you a century. At the very least."

A whimper brought my gaze down to Kaiser. He had put weight on his wounded leg and couldn't keep it. Damn. "Prince Bhelen? Might I ask for a favor?"

"If it is within my power."

"My mabari took a wound to the leg while fighting the carta. Would you mind if I leave him here?"

"Hmm…" Bhelen looked Kaiser in the eye. Did he know how intelligent a mabari was? "He doesn't like the idea. Even I can tell that."

"Kaiser obeys me. Always. Even when he hates it." I smirked. "He's just worried Sten and Alistair will get all caught up in being men and leave me all alone to fight monsters."

"Hey!" Alistair squawked. "I wouldn't do that!"

Bhelen laughed. "I see no problem."

"Thank you." I petted Kaiser, bending slightly to address my dog. "You stay here, okay? I'll be back soon." Kaiser whined. "You can't run on that leg, silly." He hung his head, conceding. "Good boy. I'll be back before you know it."

And, just to make sure, we left the palace as soon as we replenished our healing kits. Something told me we'd need all we could carry.

A dwarf ran up to us as we neared the Deep Roads entrance. He looked familiar… "There you are!" he exclaimed. "I thought I'd spoke to a Grey Warden, but I thought it was the drink." Drink? Oh! The dwarf from the tavern! What did the barmaid call him? Oghren? "Look. You're down her t'look for Branka, right?" I nodded, warily. "I need t'ask a favor."

Why not? Everyone else has. "It's Oghren, yes?"

"You've heard of me?" He seemed surprised. "Probably how I piss ale and kill little boys who look at me wrong. Mostly true."

"How… delightful?"

He kept talking. "But what they forget t'say is I'm the only one who's been looking for her these past two years. I'm the one who knows what she's looking for. Probably pretty sodding helpful for finding her."

…What's the catch? What's the favor? "And in return for this information?"

"T'come with you." I stared in shock. He continued, "I know what she was looking for. You know what Bhelen's scouts do. If we pool our knowledge, we stand a chance at finding her."

I might like this favor. "Will you behave?"

"It's the Deep Roads. I'll kill darkspawn and won't peep on you. What else do you want?" he growled. "'Sides, sometimes she'd add two and two and get fifty. You need someone who knows how she thinks."

"What makes you think you can trust me? You barely know me."

"I'm a bloody warrior. Not some pansy elf maiden who sits around weaving flowers." What a disturbingly amusing mental image. "I mean t'get my wife back. You wouldn't be down here if you weren't trying too. That's enough."

I glanced at Alistair and Sten. Alistair gave me a wary nod. Sten… Sten didn't do anything. Stoics. Always making you guess. Yes, I'm aware of the irony of the thought. "Very well," I said, deciding.

"Excellent!" He grinned. "She was looking for the Anvil of the Void. Paragon Caridan. Orzammar had a hundred years of peace thanks to the golems it forged."

Golems? I've read about them. Stone creatures that could withstand most anything, but without a single thought other than their orders. The perfect soldiers. "She seeks to find the golems, then?"

"More or less. All she knew was that it was past Caridin's Cross. No one's seen that that thaig for 500 years."

I held up the map Bhelen gave me. "Well, the scouts have."

"Then, let's get moving! Branka's not gonna find herself!"

"Your weapon?" I asked, noticing that he wasn't carrying one. Unless it was hidden in his armor… not going there.

"It's right inside the Deep." Something akin to shame flicked across his face.

I nodded and decided to not pursue the topic.

He just wanted to find his wife.

I just hope she's still alive.

Author's notes:

And here's Orzammar part two. Whoo! Still not sure how I wrote Oghren… ugh, I barely used him in my playthroughs, so…

Faren is the default name of the Male Dwarf Commoner. The reason why I didn't show the prison part of the Jarvia quest thing is because he has a slightly different fate in my head canon. It'll probably be brought up at the very end.

Skipped most of the hideout part because it's nothing but battles. Added the convo with Sten because Sten hasn't been talking much and I wanted to put in a conversation. It's stated in some codex entry (I think is DA2) that the Qunari tend to remain silent around outsiders because they're embarrassed by their lack of skill in foreign tongues. So, I thought I'd work with that.

I did the sidequest Zerlinda's Woe because… it's just something Serenity would never forgive herself for if she didn't complete. To see a baby so close to death breaks her heart. So, she helped.

Anyway, next chapter is Agrona's POV. The Fade Sequence. Joy. Agrona's not going to be happy.