Morning was warmer than usual.

Veira sleepily shifted in her bedroll, pleasantly surprised that the second body was still in it. Zevran had never looked so peaceful than he did asleep, though she supposed it was rare to look anything but peaceful while sleeping. Unless you had chronic nightmares. She teased a lock of his hair gently, smiling at how relaxed she felt. Initially, sex didn't seem like an activity that would make one feel relaxed, but for her it had worked wonders on her nerves and anxieties, even going so far as to get her to forget about her duties, even for an hour. And what an hour it had been.

Zevran was no liar in his boasts of sexual skill. She found it a bit difficult to move, her legs feeling like jelly. She noted, happily, that she didn't have to get up right away. It was still early.

Bronzed fingers wrapped around hers, and she stopped teasing his hair. His eyes still closed, he brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them over and over slowly. He stopped when she let out a quiet giggle. "You are quite the early riser, mi amour," he said sleepily.

Her eyes quirked at what she assumed was Antivan. She wondered what it meant. "I think I'm getting used to running on a few hour's sleep."

"Ah. Was it an improvement from what usually keeps you up at night?"

She moved on top of him, the kiss long and sweet. He moved his arms around her, massaging her back with his strong fingers. "Definitely," she said, after pulling away.

"I'm glad," he grinned, "now, as the priest famously said to the pretty actor, what now?"

She sat up, letting her loose hair flow over her shoulders and moved so he could get up as well. She poked him teasingly. "Are you sure we should talk about this while naked?"

"This is a conversation people should have while naked. Though come to think of it, I think most conversations should be held with no clothing."

Veira snorted, expecting as much. Then she got more serious. "To be honest, I was going to ask you the same thing. What do you want to do?"

He brushed his messy hair back from his face, and Veira still found the style stupidly pretty. Too bad he spent so much time fixing it in the morning. "Just as I promised before, I will make it easy for you. What happens next is entirely up to you. I was raised to take my pleasures where I could find them, for they do not come very often. I shall expect no more from you." He winked at her. "Whether this is a one time occurrence, used only for our fantasies in the future, or something you want more of, either way. The choice is always yours."

"This was wonderful, Zev," Veira smiled, "and I'd like to continue as long as we can."

"Well, now," Zevran replied jovially, "I suppose that gives me ample time to figure out more of what you like. I learned quite a bit last night, but I can guess there is much more I can learn from you to make your toes curl."

Veira's face lit up with red, giggling quietly. "You make me sound like I've had a lot of experience."

Zevran's eyebrows quirked. "I always assumed you had many pleasurable nights, with beauty such as yours."

She shook her head. "Not so much no. I've had a few liaisons with apprentices, sure, but they were always quick and laced with fear of being found out. And I..." Her voice caught for a second before she could continue, and she hoped he didn't notice. "I only had one serious long relationship in the Circle, but we were young. Nothing at all like last night."

"No."

She turned to him. "No?"

He clutched his head as if he were in pain. "This cannot be. You are joking, yes? In truth, you had a harem of lusty apprentices that made you howl in delight every night!"

All she could do was shrug. He brought her close, her cheek pressed against his chest. "You poor thing," he said dramatically, "then I shall extend my vow to include that, I, Zevran Aranai, will happily provide pleasurable, toe-curling sex to our fearless leader whenever she desires. This I swear."

"You are so kind," Veira replied, her voice muffled and rolling her eyes. But nevertheless, she smiled, enjoying the hug.

When the daylight became much brighter, Veira stretched her arms and quickly began to dress, Zevran watching amusedly from her bedroll. She grinned at him, raising an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you get dressed? Everyone will be awake soon."

"Ah, ah," Zevran replied wagging a finger, "I am an expert at sneaking away unnoticed after a tryst. So you can enjoy me all you want for now." He gestured his hand down his chest, presenting his body. Veira giggled.

"I think I've done enough enjoying for a bit. See you at breakfast?"

He winked at her. "I will be there."

The air still had a morning brisk chill, causing Veira to shiver as she left her tent. No one was up and about just yet, except for one. Shale stood by its lonesome, and she had to wonder what the golem got up to at night if it didn't sleep. She frowned at herself. She didn't like using 'it' pronouns in regards to Shale, the golem was clearly sentient with a unique personality. She was very curious about the golem, and perhaps that would be a good start to learning more about Shale. She approached the golem with a smile.

"Good morning, Shale," she said pleasantly.

The golem's glowing eyes flickered. And then it let out a heavy sigh. Veira blinked up at the golem, wondering if she already overstepped. For a brief, embarrassing moment, she wondered if Shale had heard everything that happened in her tent, but Shale didn't strike her as the type to hang around...that situation. She tilted her head. "Is there a reason for the sigh?"

"Oh, nothing much," Shale replied, "just thinking about the hopelessness of the task in front of it."

Well. This was shaping up to a pleasant conversation in the morning. "I-I see," was all she managed.

"The most likely outcome of this is it and its companions being reduced to a few stains on a rock for the darkspawn to step all over. I shall be moved to one single tear over the tragedy."

Veira couldn't help but smile slightly. "Well, it is comforting to know you care."

"It's true," Shale continued on, "one single tear, and then its off to the north. Or east. Or west. I have not decided yet."

"What about the south?"

The golem's eyes narrowed. "The south is overrated. I hear there are more birds down there."

"That depends on the season, birds usually mig-" She cut herself off, knowing full well Shale didn't want to hear about bird nature. "Ahem. Actually Shale, I wanted to ask you, what would you prefer I call you? I don't think you identify as any specific gender, and I don't really want to call you 'it.'"

Shale scoffed. "Why not? I call it as much."

"I...I know," Veira said slowly, "I'm fine with that. It's strange, I just feel like I shouldn't call you the same. It feels disrespectful to you."

There was a pause as the golem regarded her with...she wasn't sure with what. Finally, it spoke. "I don't care what it calls me. I have no suggestions."

Veira pondered. "Well, in the Circle there were quite a few people that didn't identify as any gender. Many of them went by the pronouns of 'they' and 'them.' Would that be acceptable?"

Shale was silent for a bit, then nodded. "Yes. Fine."

Veira beamed at them. "Thank you, Shale."

Soon enough, the rest of the team were up and about, eating breakfast quickly and beginning to pack up. She noticed Alistair avoided her gaze, and shot Zevran the occasional uncomfortable frown when his back was turned. The tips of her ears reddened. The whole team probably were aware of what happened, tents were not exactly...sound proof. Not that she regretted it. She supposed it would just be a bit awkward for a while.

The road was still as dangerous as ever. The South was pretty much completely overrun with darkspawn, making it much harder on Bodahn and Sandal to keep the cart safe and secure. The cart presented a problem in itself; it would be safer to stay away from the road which was an easy ambush location, but the cart wasn't designed well to handle wilderness. Bodahn was strong, but he had difficulty moving the cart where there were branches, rocks, and other obstacles in his path. They couldn't abandon the cart, it held all of their supplies and it was Bodahn and Sandal's livelihood. The only solution was for the mages to take the time to shift the ground with their magic, creating a thin path the cart could go on. Veira made sure to document where this path was, as they could use it in later travels. Unfortunately, creating these paths slowed them down.

After a while, Veira relaxed at the edge of a small pond, dipping her feet in the cool water. She had spent all day casting to move the cart and had finally been gently scolded by Wynne to take a break. It was nice and peaceful, a radical change to what she was used to. She felt a small sweep of something brushing against a foot, and her face changed to a childish glee when she realized what it was. A group of tiny tadpoles swam around in the pond, curious about the giant feet trespassing in their home. She resisted the urge to wiggle her toes, as it would scare them off. This was something add to the list, for sure, one that she didn't think of on her own. She took all of her concentration to remember this moment perfectly, in all its wet glory. She'd have to thank Wynne later for getting her to take the break.

Too bad it was cut short by a loud, angry noise in the trees.

She jumped at the sound, the tadpoles fleeing from the moved limbs. She quickly went to the defensive, grabbing her staff and standing straight, eyeing the direction where the sound came from. "Hello? Who is there?"

Morrigan emerged from the darkness, her expression unlike anything she had ever seen on the witch before. It was deeply disturbed, almost scared. Veira immediately rushed to her side, fearing what happened. "Morrigan, are you alright?"

The witch gritted her teeth. "I have finished mother's grimoire."

Veira shook her head. "Morrigan, you look absolutely disturbed. Please, tell me what's wrong. What...did it say?"

Morrigan barked a laugh, but there was no humour in it. "Disturbed? Yes, you could say that." She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. "I finally understand. How Flemeth has lived for so long. There are so many legends of sisters I never met...and Flemeth never told me of them. Now I know why. They are all Flemeth."

A horrible shiver ran down Veira's spine, squeezing her hands into tight fists. "W-what do you mean?"

"When Flemeth grows old and weak, she raises a daughter. This...this grimoire details all the preparation and training these daughters go through." Morrigan looked into the elf's eyes, the rage she felt almost overwhelming. "I recognize all of it. I went through it all. When the daughter is...ready, Flemeth takes over her body. And 'tis what she plans to do to me when I-I am ready. This is my purpose."

Veira fought back sobs that Morrigan would not appreciate. She instead covered her mouth in horror, her eyes wide with shock. So this was the truth of Flemeth, mother of Morrigan. This was what their relationship measured up to, what Flemeth cared about. Not her daughter, just this. "Oh, Maker, I'm so sorry Morrigan."

Morrigan glared at her. "Do not be sorry. I am not. I am angry."

The witch turned to her, her back straight and face more determined than disturbed. "I will not stand by and allow her to take me over like a tool. That is not who I am." Her eyes narrowed. "There is only one response to this. Flemeth must die." She looked away for a moment, then back again. "But I cannot do this on my own."

Veira's breath caught on the tip of her mouth. "Are you sure this is how you want it? She is your mother."

Morrigan nodded. "Yes, I am. No amount of talking would convince her not to do what she has done for centuries." She folded her arms across her chest. "What I need is Flemeth's true grimoire. It must be close to her, I am sure. Through it, I would be able to learn how to defend myself against her, as I am certain killing her would not be the end of her."

Veira's eyes widened at that. Why wouldn't killing Flemeth be the end? Perhaps Morrigan was being paranoid. However...it was Flemeth. She took a deep breath. She may be weaker, but Flemeth was a immensely powerful witch, the legends were obviously true in this case. But Morrigan was right. Flemeth would not be convinced, that much was certain. This time it was Veira who straightened her back, face determined. "I will do it."

There was surprise at first in Morrigan's eyes, then a disguised relief. "Thank you Warden," she said, letting out a breath she didn't know she held, "the quicker this is done the sooner my mind will be at ease. And I am afraid I will not be able to join you, as I am not certain she would not be be able to possess me right then."

Veira nodded. "That makes sense. Maybe we'll go after the Arl is cured."

"If he is cured."

"Yes," Veira sighed, "if."

Morrigan eyed her with her brilliant gold eyes, and Veira could swear there was a softness in them that she had never seen before. Morrigan turned away quickly, sighing. "Let us continue on, shall we?"

As they continued to travel over the next few days, Veira couldn't get what she had just learned out of her head. She had suspected that Flemeth wasn't the greatest mother, but that...being a bad mother didn't even begin to describe the horror of the truth. How many daughters were raised thinking they had a future only for their own mother to snatch away their body? It made Veira think of her own mother. She slowly started to remember things about her that she couldn't before; the way she smelled, the way she would place her three children on her lap every night to read to them. These memories came in flashes, and amazingly instead of hurting, they warmed Veira's heart. How did Morrigan feel about Flemeth's mothering even before she knew what Flemeth was really after? She didn't dare guess, it was just too painful to imagine. Killing the old witch would be a monumental task, one that could very well fail if they were not strong enough.

Her thoughts also were dragged to the Circle and the Chantry, like it did a lot these days. They would be pleased to know she planned to hunt down a powerful apostate. She was afraid that that was a part of the reason why she would go through with it. She had to believe that it wasn't. Her reason for doing it will be for Morrigan, nothing more, nothing less.

Despite their best efforts, they could not avoid encounters with darkspawn on the road they were creating. The numbers were heavy and they had to go on double patrols at night while the rest set up camp. Shale, Zevran, and Veira began their patrol early in the evening, after a long day of fighting. The two fleshy beings were looking forward to a bit of rest.

"I almost forgot how easy it is to tire its kind out," Shale scoffed at the elves, who were sharing a bit of water to keep themselves going.

Veira pursed her lips at Shale. "What, elves?"

"No, I mean those made from muscle and blood. Only a few hours and its body rejects it. Then comes the complaining." Shale's face morphed into something that could only be described as a grimace. "So much complaining."

Zevran grinned. "We have been travelling for weeks with you and you bring this up now? Is there a particular reason?"

"Not really no," Shale said, "I just like to bring up its flaws."

Veira let out a small laugh. "It must be nice for you to have the ability to complain about things now. Let it all out, I say."

"It raises a good point," Shale agreed, "so I shall. I loathe it when-"

"Quiet!" Zevran hissed suddenly, grabbing his daggers and sweeping the area with his eyes. "I heard something. Possibly an ambush."

Veira didn't sense any darkspawn nearby, but it wasn't just darkspawn that were after them. Veira went into a defensive stance, eyeing the trees around them. "Should we go look for it?"

"No need," Shale said simply, raising a giant stone foot. They brought it down with a massive force, sending shockwaves all around them. They then heard a shriek in the trees, and the sound of something hitting the ground. Cautiously, Zevran and Veira approached the person lying on the ground, Shale hovering behind them. It seemed to be just one individual, not much of an ambush at all. Perhaps Zevran had been wrong after all.

The man, who upon further investigation revealed himself to be an elf, turned over onto his back and glared up at the three, fear still intwined in his eyes. He backed away from them slowly, unable to get his bearings and stand just yet. Veira's eyes narrowed as she scanned his face closer. There was something familiar about that face...

Zevran drew his daggers. "Shall I question him?"

Veira placed a quick hand on Zevran's, keeping the dagger down. "Wait, I- there's something..." The man was younger than her, but not by much if she had a guess. But the facial structure, the shade darker skin than her's...he looked like a younger version of her father, along with the skin of her mother. Her eyes widened as she looked up at the elf's brow, her breath leaving her at what she saw.

Her younger brother Nico had sustained a pretty large scar across his left eyebrow from an accident; he had fallen down a rickety old rotten staircase that was all too common in the Alienage. He almost lost an eye that day. The image of that scar had been burned into Veira's mind when she was taken to the Circle, and here it was now, placed upon the face of the now eighteen year old Nico before her. But, she needed confirmation. Maybe...maybe it wasn't him. It couldn't be...

"N-nico...?" Veira breathed, her fist trembling.

The elf looked up at her, the glare only deepening. "What the fuck, how do you know my..." He trailed off, staring into her blue eyes. "M-maker, you- you look like..."

"You are Nico Surana?" Veira gasped, "I-I...my name is-"

Nico gathered enough strength to leap onto his feet, keeping his hands up in defence. It seemed he did recognize her after all these years. "What the fuck?! Why aren't you in the Circle? Oh shit, are you an apostate?"

"N-no!" Veira replied desperately, this time it was her hands that flew up in defence, "w-what are you doing out here? Why aren't you in the Alienage?"

"None of your bloody business," Nico snarled.

"B-but-!" Veira began, but stopped. What else could she say?

Zevran decided to join the conversation. "Ah, as...touching this reunion is, it is best if we do not stay in this place, yes? It could be swarming with darkspawn by nightfall, very nasty, I assure you. It would be best to stay in the vicinity of a Grey Warden in this case, wouldn't you agree?"

Nico looked back at his sister. "Grey Warden...?"

She nodded, taking note to thank Zevran later. "Zev's right. This place is dangerous, and you...you are unarmed." She fiddled with her hands nervously. "Why don't...why don't you stay with us, for now? At least until it's safe for traveling. I can get you back to Denerim, if you like."

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Nico growled, stubborn as always. "And there's no way I'm going back there."

Finally, her patience ran out. If Nico didn't go with them, who knew what would happen to him? She had to get him to safety, her little brother...she couldn't believe he was here at all. She stamped her foot, her lips tight. "For goodness sake, Nico! You can survive a night with me if it means you will not be killed by darkspawn anytime soon!"

"I already said-" Nico yelled back, but he was cut off by an eerie howl in the distance, probably from a wolf. He turned to the noise quickly, then made a frustrated noise. He tousled his black wavy hair and gritted his teeth. "Oh, fine. But just the one night! That's all!"

The childish smile that formed on her face was something she soon regretted, as Nico shot back a hot glare that told her everything he felt about her. There was no love on his side, just fear and anger. She supposed it wasn't surprising, he had been living with their father after she left, and he probably did everything in his power to teach his remaining children just how terrifying mages were. He walked behind the rest, keeping a watchful eye on his sister. And a healthy distance away from Shale.

Veira's heart would not stop pounding. This incredible coincidence, a meeting that had a less than one percent chance of happening, it made her so happy and nervous. And terrified. She desperately wanted to ask him the million questions she had about him and the rest of their family, but there was no way he would be so forthcoming, would he? In her nerves she picked at her fingers and nails, her breathing deep and occasionally unsteady. She wished someone would break the silence.

Shale said nothing as they had no idea what was going on. Zevran however, remembered the nightmare from the Fade, and could understand slightly of what his fellow elf was going through. He cleared his throat, his voice chipper. "So. May I ask what you were doing back there on this fine night, eh, Nico, was it?"

"I am not answering that."

"Aha," Zevran grinned, "so it was a secret meeting of some sort? Perhaps from a lovely lass or lad? There will be no judgments from us, I can assure you."

Nico looked highly disturbed. "Wha- no! Maker, what the fuck are you even talking about?"

"My, my, that tongue!" Zevran tsked, "so different than your sister's!"

"We are nothing alike," Nico snarled, "that's for damn sure."

Veira's shoulders raised uncomfortably, the tips of her ears burning. Realizing that he wasn't helping all that much, Zevran kept quiet for the rest of the journey back to camp. As for the rest of their companions, the surprise they felt over Veira returning with a sibling was...very mixed. Those who had seen the nightmare exchanged concerned looks, wondering if this was a good thing or not. Leliana was ecstatic, as it was who she was, and cheerfully welcomed the little brother into the camp. Morrigan and Sten kept their distance.

When the excitement settled down, Nico went off into his own corner, sulking at the situation he was in. Veira tugged Zevran to her side, keeping an eye on her brother as much as possible. "Zev, I hate to ask you of this, but...but could Nico borrow your tent for tonight? And could you...help him set up? I want this to be as painless as possible for him...so it shouldn't be me who-"

There was a hesitation at first, Veira's stomach plummeting at the thought of putting Zevran on the spot. She was about to apologize when he placed a gentle hand on her mouth and winked at her. "No explanation necessary, my dear." He chuckled. "And I do believe my tent will be happy to be put to use once more. These last few nights it must have been lonely without me occupying it, hm?"

She blushed and kissed him quickly on the cheek, not even worrying in the slightest about the public display of affection. "You are wonderful."

She tried to concentrate on preparing supper with Alistair, but her eyes would constantly wander back over to Nico. He begrudgingly helped Zevran in setting up a tent, his face scrunched tightly whenever the Antivan said something. It was remarkable how much Nico had grown, he was certainly a man now. She still remembered him as the stubborn, round faced boy that cried frustrated tears whenever he would trip on his own shoelaces. She had helped him tie those laces properly so many times, only for them to unravel again as he sprinted across the Alienage. She hated how much she had missed.

When supper was ready, Nico of course did not join them. But hospitality was one of Leliana's specialties, and she was determined to make this reunion a good one. "Nico," she called gracefully, "why don't you come join us? You must be hungry!"

"No," Nico replied simply, keeping his back turned.

"Aww, don't be shy," Leliana sang, her voice keeping a pleasant tone, "but I suppose you are not. I could keep pestering you until you come over, but I have a feeling you don't want that at all! So please, join us. Try some of your sister's wonderful stew. It is simply to die for!"

"And Alistair's," the Templar half-pouted.

Nico groaned loudly and threw his hands up. "Oh for- fine." He planted himself heavily at the end of the campfire, taking a bowl from the bard with a scowl. He sniffed the stew first, as if it could be poisoned or something, then took a careful taste. His eyebrow raised slightly. "This is to die for?"

Veira gave a nervous chuckle. "Leliana exaggerates, I am not a good cook at all."

"Right," Nico scoffed, taking another scoop of stew, "your Circle didn't teach you?"

This was unexpected. Nico was actually talking to her. An excited flush decorated her cheeks and ears. "No, they did not. Just magic. And the Blight certainly doesn't offer much time in the way of learning. Sorry."

Nico shrugged, his eyes somewhat distant. "Still better than what I'm used to."

"Oh?" Leliana smiled, "what do you mean?"

Nico glared at the redhead. "Maker, are all you people in on trying to get me to talk or what? Leave off."

Leliana gave him a sharp smile, one that could be interpreted as a warning. "We ask because we care for Veira. And she hasn't seen you in, I'm not entirely sure, but it must have been a long time. Is it surprising that she has questions, that she wants to know about her little brother? Don't you want to know about her?"

"I don't need to know anything about her!" Nico snarled, but then calmed down slightly. "But fuck, if you're going to be annoying and keep asking...fine. I'll answer some questions. There's nothing you want to really hear, trust me."

Veira resisted the urge to hug Leliana tight, and composed herself. "T-thank you Nico, truly this means so much to me!" She took a breath. "Well, to start, where is Trevan? Do the three of you still live in the same house? Do you work, is there anybody special in your li-"

Nico grimaced. "Woah, enough! One at a time, dammit. Egh, Trevan left the Alienage a few years after you did. Wanted to join the Dalish, dunno if he did or not. I haven't heard from him since I was a kid."

That made Veira a bit sad. "Oh, that must have been lonely. I'm sorry, Nico. But I'm positive Trevan found the Dalish. He's clever." She chuckled. "He's probably on the other side of the world right now with his clan."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. And I'm sure he doesn't mind the mud and the prancing. Screw him." He poked at his stew. "Our house was sold. I am...I was working for a rich, smug ass shem family for a while, since I was a kid. Not anymore though. I've had enough."

"I-I'm sorry to hear that," Veira said, dreading the life her little brother had until now, "couldn't father find you work as a cook, like him? Not glamourous, but at least he didn't have to speak to any humans." The older elves in the Circle assured her that cooks didn't have to interact with their human overlords too much, when she asked one day. She had found some comfort in that.

Nico immediately stopped eating, his jaw line hard. He looked up at her with such disgust that her heart plummeted. She had definitely stepped over the line. "No, he couldn't," he spat, "because he died a few years after you were taken."

The camp went deadly silent, all looking at Veira for her reaction. She was frozen, looking at Nico with distant, blank eyes. So he was dead. She searched for what she felt over that, and found absolutely nothing. She wanted very much to feel sadness over her father's death, but she didn't love him anymore. What he did to her poisoned that love until it disappeared forever, to be replaced by Irving's gentle guidance. She struggled with the right words to say. "I-I didn't know that."

"Like you care," Nico scoffed. "Admit it, you hate him. Maybe it'll give you some comfort that it was your fault." He sneered at her shocked expression. "That's right. He died from stress. That human you burned? He survived. Father was always worried sick he'd come back for revenge, and that killed him in the end. So, congratulations, while you were enjoying hot meals and a solid roof over your head, we were-"

"I think you've said enough, young man," Wynne interrupted, sharp warning in her voice. Alistair was standing with a look of pure anger, ready to fight. Wynne was trying to prevent that.

"What? She wanted me to talk, so I did." Nico shrugged, eyeing the ex-Templar. "But whatever. Truth stings, doesn't it?" He stood up, putting his bowl down on his seat, before heading to his tent. "Thanks for dinner."

The only thing that could be heard was the crackling of the campfire. No one knew what to do, what to say. Everything was loud and overwhelming for Veira now; sounds, stares, the now heavy feel of the bowl she held. She couldn't take the sympathetic looks from some, the looks that weren't comforting or cross, just unknown. The companion that made her feel the worst was Sten, his irritated eyes that told her she was wasting time. She had to run, get out of here.

She stood up quickly, keeping her face neutral. "You know, I think I'll go to bed early tonight for once. Like a responsible adult. Goodnight."

The rest cringed when Dario bounded up to his master, tail wagging and excited to join her for a night's rest. One could see the exact moment when the hound's heart broke, as Veira put up a hand with a harsh "no," making it clear that she wanted to be alone. Dario whined sadly, and trotted towards where Zevran and Alistair sat, flopping onto the hard ground and laying his head down.

Zevran reached to scratch behind the dog's ears. "Do not worry, my canine friend," he sighed, "she will be alright soon."

When the rest turned in for the night, Zevran hesitated at Veira's tent. Since his tent was currently occupied, there was no where else for him to go. Ferelden nights were not kind temperature-wise, so sleeping outside was not an option. He hesitated because he did not know what to do or say in this situation. There was no Crow training for this. He pushed the tent flap open slowly, attempting to sneak in unnoticed. Impossible, he knew, because there was no way she was asleep. Either way, she did not react to his presence, and he did not dare to touch her.

Veira stayed awake the entire night, her thoughts stuck in the Alienage. Her heart kept twisting at Nico's words, about the hot food and roof over her head while he and the rest of her family had no such thing every day. Is that what he really thought of her? What her father thought of her, then taught his sons? That she was enjoying a life of luxury in the Circle? They had no idea what she went through there, in fact only until recently even she didn't know exactly what was happening there. She wanted to be angry, but she couldn't. Because no matter what, Nico had a point. There were lives, elven lives, vastly different from that of the Circle, ones that couldn't eat everyday or sleep under a roof. A life she would have led had she not had magic. Just remembering that fact was not enough.

When the sun came up, she heard the rustling inside Zevran's tent, and Nico walking out and sneaking away. She bit her lip, her hand squeezing her arm hard. She had no idea how much time passed in her debate. In what felt like an excruciatingly long moment, she bolted out of bed and ran in the direction that Nico went, remembering to grab her pack before exiting her tent. She didn't care that rocks and branches were hurting and cutting her bare feet, or that it was still chilly enough to numb her skin.

When Nico's silhouette was visible, Veira cried out as loud as she could. "Nico, wait!"

He turned around quickly, surprise in his tired eyes. The sneer he had before was completely gone, no more anger either. Did he not sleep as well? She stood there panting hard, her hand squeezing her pack. She had not run so hard in her life.

She quickly dove her hand into her pack, bringing out the pouch that held the majority of their money. She reached in and grabbed a handful of gold coins and shoved it into his chest, never breaking eye contact. Her voice came out strong. "Take this and leave Ferelden."

Nico just looked startled. "W-what?"

Veira gritted her teeth, shoving the money harder into his chest. "Just-! Please, take it and get out of this country. I-I don't know if I can win this, Nico. I just don't. And if I fail...Ferelden will be gone. I can't do this if...if I know my little brother is here and could be killed or infected or-"

"Where should I go?" Nico interrupted, still not taking the money.

"Go to Denerim," she said, shushing him immediately when he started to protest, "take a ship from the docks. This is more than enough to pay for a ride. Then use the rest to find someplace far away from here."

Nico stared at the coin, unable to process the amount she was giving him. He had never seen so much money in his life. He opened his hand slowly, his hand shaking slightly as she placed the coins in it. They stood awkwardly in silence, unsure of what to say next. He flinched away when she brought out her dagger, Zevran's gift to her, and offered it to him. She wouldn't be going with him on the trip to Denerim. "Can you use this?"

He took the dagger cautiously, staring at the tip of the blade. "I-I think so." That was enough for her.

When she gave up on something to say, Veira turned and walked a few steps back towards camp, and Nico spoke up. "Wait."

He looked down at the ground when she turned, unable to look in her eyes. "I-I didn't tell you everything. The real reason why Trevan left to find the Dalish...was because of what father did to you. He couldn't stand living with him anymore. They fought so much, and I couldn't take sides." He placed the gold coins in his pocket, his jaw hard. "So one day, he just left. He-he asked me if I wanted to come with him...but I was too young to really understand. So I stayed with father. But Trevan..." He finally looked up at her. "He really loved you."

"W-well, that's-" Veira began shakily, tears welling in her eyes, "that's...just like him. Thank you. For telling me that."

Nico nodded, sheathing his new dagger in his belt. And then he left. Just like that. As he disappeared into the distance, Veira's heart told her that she would never see him again. She hoped he lived a wonderful life, full of joy and love, and that maybe, maybe one day she would receive a letter from him, telling her about his life. Maybe that could be enough. It wasn't perfect, not even close, but maybe it was just enough.

She felt a gentle tug at her shoulder, Leliana's sweet blue eyes and worried face the first thing Veira saw when she looked. Ah, now there was a friend that she could break down in front of. The elf immediately hid her face in the bard's collarbone, and Leliana hugged her back, her perfume comforting. "I remember you were interested in hearing about my family," Veira said softly, "want to hear the whole story?"

Leliana nodded. "Of course I do," she said, sitting with the elf and listening as Veira told her everything from start to finish.