2018/02/16 EDIT: To be compliant with 's Terms of Service, this chapter has been heavily edited and censored. Please find the uncensored one on Ao3.

On the outskirts of the surrounding forests of the once Fortress Haine, a lone late carriage was stopped on the drying path in the early morning. The expansive forest was alive with movement and activity. He expected it to be the wyverns as they moved into their mating season but there was something sinister lurking in the depths of the forest. A specific sort of creature that drew a single figure from the carriage. His hood drawn, his shield at his back.

He gazed out into the forests with a long look, seeking out the raid of foul beasts. They were only a few leagues away. Too close to the oncoming festivities for his liking. They were rising in numbers on the surface, popping up in many places across Thedas. It could be a few growing raids but he did not believe that. He feared worse. No one wanted to say it. No one wanted to say the word. It had been so long.

He stepped a few feet shy of the edge of the forest and looked around, drawing his hood back. A man of Rivaini descent with a single earring and a full well groomed beard. His dark hair streaked with gray hairs and the wrinkles indicative of his age.

A shriek in the distance had him pushing his robe back, revealing his bastard sword at his hip. He held the pommel, ready to attack. The sun was rising up over the trees, the light glinting off his silverite armor that contrasted with his dark chainmail. The dark azure and brown of his leather skirt parted as he crouched waiting. But the raid moved, their movements directed too close to the local village.

"Is everything alright?" Came a blonde haired man from the carriage as he pushed the curtain. He appeared tired, having been roused from their tent to get back into the carriage quickly.

"I do not know." The roguish warrior spoke. He gave another look out into the forest. "Go on ahead, your majesty. I will be there to join you for tomorrow's wyvern hunt as promised."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes."

"I will hold you to your promise, Duncan. I have been looking forward to fighting and slaying a wyvern at the side of a Grey Warden all season."

Duncan sighed but smiled. "I will not miss it." He watched as the carriage went along the path toward the once Fortress Haine. It would be safer there for them. He waited for the carriage to disappear from his sights before turning back to the Wyvern hunting grounds. Darkspawn showing up here was unusual but not unfamiliar.

He pulled his shield from his back holster and his sword from its scabbard. The enchantment lighting with his intent and he entered the fortress, ready for any number of creatures.

Sebastian woke the next morning in Lena's arms, his head rested against her bare breast. Careful so as not to jostle her slumber, he pulled the sheets back allowing him to slide out of the bed. He did not count on revealing how naked Lena actually was. He was so used to her keeping her smalls and breast band on during their weekly sessions he hadn't expected to be confronted with her nudity. He directed his gaze down but could not help the instantaneous reaction of his manhood hardening.

Madame Selena was the picture of beauty and the ideal woman, even as a dwarf. Her bosoms were large and soft, not hardened and taut against her form. Her skin was free of scars. Her stomach pouch hung forward, hips and waist pudged with excess from being fed well and often. She was plump with far more to grab onto than any commoner had; inspiring images of holding onto her tight while lost to lustful abandon. She drew the eye of every man - and indeed many women - wherever she walked. Certain parts of her quivered, enticing the imaginations of many a sinful man and some not so sinful ones as well. Nobles wished to possess and commoners wished for a taste, up until they realized she was a dwarf. The ideal noblewoman where you found warmth and acceptance in her embrace.

Such a wasted opportunity for them, but one Sebastian took full use of. Yet he was not the only one. Messere Tethras certainly had her attentions, and indeed her trust. While he was merely her patron and friend, they could never be more. Even he knew that. She mothered him, even outside their sessions. Yet it was more than alright for him.

The sky was still dark, if the windows were any indication. He spotted the setting Satina on the horizon. Dawn was near but first bell would not be until two hours after that. Then the first chants would begin and he was to attend them. But there was excess time affording him the luxury of slipping a robe on to warm some water. While not enough time to warm a bath it was enough to allow both of them to wash off their activities.

The feast from the night before was still on the table, but the chairs were tipped over.

Sebastian grit his teeth as the hand came down again on his arse, his night trousers around his ankles and the robe hiked up, leaving him exposed. He prostrated himself over Mama's lap, arse begging with each sway for a well timed smack. Though the flesh of his cheeks were bright red, he wanted more. Maker help him the pain was intoxicating, especially as her other hand pinched him, preventing release whilst sliding up and down at a crawling painstaking pace.

He was sweating now as Mama rubbed his arsecheek to soothe the pain but he growled, wanting - needing the pain. "Mama, please."

"Only if you're naughty." She responded. "You've been good and obedient, I may even let you cum."

He blinked at his growing affliction and shook his memories of the night away. He went to the water closet outside his aparts and returned with two buckets of water that he dumped into the cauldron in the hearth. He did it twice more. He was sure a servant was meant to do this but the Tourney was likely occupying their minds, so he was more than willing to do so himself.

He returned to an elven servant pouring the water that had boiled into a tub.

"Oh that is not necessary." He tried to tell them but they bowed low. The tub was filled with far more water than he had collected and it was steaming. The water would have taken much longer to boil to that point.

"The Duke wishes to ensure all his guests are well cared for. I am Trialla. I have brought the tub and filled it so that you and your companion may bath before the Chant." The servant spoke and raised but did not raise their gaze.

"Ah, thank you."

"Should you require anything, you need only call my name." Trialla gave another bow and walked out.

Sebastian released the breath he was holding. He knew of the secret passages within the walls of the fortress but had never considered there might be servants listening. Then again the royal palace in Starkhaven also had it's fair share of hidden corridors and passages. Escape routes should the family need it, but he only remembered the mischief he and his brothers caused when nobility visited.

One time, Lady and Lord Harimann visited and Sebastian recalled filling itching powder in Lady Harimann's petticoat when she said something particularly vile toward Nan's cooking. Nan had been with the Vael family for two generations, she was an old and strict woman and was going blind. They'd gotten the Lady good for berating and causing her to cry. She deserved it.

Of course that wasn't the only time. His brothers and him would enact all sorts of petty revenge, even more so when they befriended a visiting Jenny. She handed them a particular set of fetching red scarves. He still had his to this day. Sebastian's brothers, on the other hand, had grown out of it. Or so they said when they married.

He sighed at the memories.

"What makes my little Prince sighs so?"

Sebastian looked up to see Selena walking out in her dress, pulling her hair back into a bun. Her pet spider, Dopey, crawling slowly up her dress only to perch on top of her bun, it's spinners weaving a silk webbing to cover her messy bun and catch the occasional fly. He's seen it work quick and efficient designs into her hair with its webs. While odd, it was by no means unheard off. Silkworms when properly trained could do the same. He had no doubt Lena had somehow taught the spider to do that. Though sometimes the spider would glow as blue as the lyrium Lena had been exposed to.

While only a month since her re-appearance, she hadn't yet returned to how she was before the explosion and exposure to lyrium. He chalked up her glowing habits to that as he saw no other oddity besides the spiders. Though, the spiders fit her, odd as it was.

"Memories of my childhood." He responded.

"Aww." Lena stepped to him, reaching a hand up. Without being told he lowered himself to let her run her fingers through his hair. She scratched and rubbed the back of his neck. "Pleasant ones I hope?"

"Yes, of my older brothers."

"Your brothers, they're in Starkhaven right?"

"Yes, having designs to visit Starkhaven?"

"And wreak havoc on the socialites? Perish the thought." Lena snickered. "Just wondering. Someone arrived last night in a carriage with your family crest on it."

"Ah, that would be cousin Goran." Sebastian rolled his eyes. "He attends the Hunt, every year, much to the chagrin of his brother." He shook his head. "If I have to hear his grousing of losing the Hunt last year, Maker I don't know what I'll do."

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised you're not in the apartments set aside for the Vaels with him?"

"Well. I am not just here at Elthina's insistence. I… was curious about the hunt. And I wanted another shot at the Tourney." Sebastian admitted with a sheepish smile.

"Got a bit of a competitor in you?"

"I did win the Grand Archery in the Grand Tourney in 9:20." Sebastian boasted, chest puffed with pride.

"You did? Look at you, a fine archer indeed." Lena snickered. "So why are you competing in the Kirkwall tourney?"

"Ah, it is at an old friend's insistence. We have a bit of a bet going." Sebastian felt he could admit to this to Lena, knowing she wouldn't judge. At her laugh, he smirked. "He believes he will best me this time."

"I'm going to have to get in on this betting then, maybe start a pool with the girls." Lena rubbed her chin.

"Ha. Then I will have to introduce you to him after today's Chants."

"I look forward to it. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine." Lena patted. "Now, enjoy your bath, I've got to find my way back to Lusine's apartment." She was off with a wave.

He supposed it would have been too hopeful for Mama to give him a bath. Her hands rubbing soap against his skin just hours before he has to sing the chant with the choir in front of almost all of the nobility of Kirkwall and many visiting dignitaries. His throat tightened and he rubbed his inner thigh, teasing himself.

-THIS PORTION OF THE CHAPTER HAS BEEN REMOVED TO BE COMPLIANT WITH TERMS OF SERVICE. TO READ THE UNCENSORED VERSION PLEASE VISIT THE AO3 VERSION OF THIS FIC.-

After he calmed, he emptied his bath and dressed in the robes he would need for the day. They were crisp ceremonial white with gold inlays and red accents, the Chantry's sunburst emblazoned on the back. His hair was brushed back and he ate in the privacy of his room until it was time. Then he exited to the Chapel, confident and relaxed, all before first bell.

When Selena returned to her apartments, after escaping the Chapel's dormitories and then hailing a servant to lead her back, she found Prudence waiting for her in the sitting room. The sun hadn't yet risen and there she was, smiling in the dark. The hearth's fire had died long ago and the room was once again cold.

"That's real fucking creepy, Prudence." Lena grumbled as she darted to her room, dropping all pretense. They were alone and the woman unnerved her. Her response was to give a tinkering laugh and a brief smile before she rose and followed Lena.

Lena set the arrow Sebastian had given her into her lockbox, along with the two sovereigns he'd paid her for last night's service.

"I see you made use of your time last night." Prudence smiled.

"Yes well, I don't play around if I know my clients are near." Lena crossed her arms. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with the others?"

"I am here to help dress you for the day."

"I'm sorry?"

"If you read the itinerary, you are expected to attend first chant, afterwhich morning tea, luncheon, and then afternoon coffee." Prudence explained.

"Okay, sure fine. I'll go. Now leave, I'll find my way."

"I am also tasked with ensuring you are properly dressed."

"Properly dressed?"

"I have taken the liberty to alter the dress, magically of course, that Lusine would have worn. It should fit your shorter stature, frame, and position." Prue pointed to a box that lay on the table. With much glaring, Lena meandered that way and opened it. "I also matched it given who your Patron is. I'm sure he will love the deep red. It matches his family's crest."

The dress was conservative that covered her from neck to wrist in black with a slit in the skirts to reveal the deep red underskirt. She refused to wear the petticoat as her wide hips would flare the skirt out without it. The underside of the deep, crisp black was also red silk that pressed against her underdress. Instead of a corset, the dress button at her middle which she thanked the Cosmos - er Prudence - for the foresight. She hated corsets and the buttons and loose dress would let her breath and move with ease.

In the end, the entire thing was simple in appearance but a bold statement. She's never seen anyone wear such a dark black cloth before and here she was, traipsing to the Chapel like a dark shade.

Prudence had done something to her hair that tamed her curls to cute quaint ringlets at the end of each short strand, framing her face. A top hat accompanied the outfit. crawled up onto the hat, perched on the rim of the hat and sat still. Prudence allowed the spider, saying it was a very nice addition to the ensemble. With light touches of makeup, a folding fan, coinpurse, a strip of parchment with her schedule, and Athenril at her heel she entered the main keep.

"Well, this is definitely a much more convenient way to the Chapel." Lena smiled at Athenril.

Athenril was dressed in formal attire that Prudence had pulled for her. It was simple black leather trousers, and a off white shirt with the same black leather tunic and arm bands and buckles. Athenril wore her hair as usual and walked barefoot as was commonplace for most elves. Her cane at her side made her look weaker but she strode with a stiff posture, aware of her surroundings.

"It always leaves you more exposed. Did you know Viveka has been trying to have you killed?" Athenril asked.

"I know. Few weeks back, four men tried to kill me. Good thing I had Dopey with me." Lena affectionately brushed her hat, the spider in question responded with a faint chittering.

"How was that good?"

"Dopey spits flesh melting acid." Lena revealed with a smile.

Athenril paused as they approached the Chapel, taking note of everyone who looked their way. And there were plenty. They stuck out in the dark colors where everyone wore bright, spring colors. Off whites, pale blues, greens and pinks. Even the men were equally as garish in dress. She shook her head. The last time she'd been here, Harlan had forced her into something similar, though he had at least conceded to darker colors to blend in. However black was not exactly blending in. It was standing out.

"I'm supposed to sit next to the other brothel owners of Kirkwall." Lena muttered as she looked over her parchment.

"That would be Madam Giselle, she runs the Copper Maidens, and Lord La'Vish who operates the Seamstresses in Darktown. Madam Giselle is over there in the...maker."

"Bright, yellow.." Lena snorted at the elderly woman in the white and yellow lacey ensemble, with a hat that tied under her chin. She had her own attendant. A plain dressed elven man who kept his gaze down. She was speaking with a gentleman in a white tailcoat and deep velvet purple shirt next to her. He was a stern looking elderly fellow with a monocle and chain. He parted his coat and pulled an equally as purple handkerchief out and cleaned his monocle. That is when his glass eye was revealed.

The man turned his one eyed gaze toward Lena and it was like looking at Prudence once again. A sickening uncanny feeling as though the wrinkled flesh was stretched over his form, like he was wearing the body. She shuddered as he gave a smile.

"Next to her would be La'Vish." Athenril explained.

Stepping toward the two individuals, Lena gave a forced smile. Athenril stepped ahead of her and bowed low.

"I present, Madame Selena River of Kirkwall, proxy to Madam Lusine Tristeheur of the Tristeheur Family and Lord Harlan La Foix of Tantervale - most recently of Kirkwall, owners of the Blooming Rose." Athenril announced to the two. Lena was taken aback by the long introduction. She hadn't realized she would be here for Harlan as well, or that Harlan was nobility.

"I present, Madam Giselle Baudelaire of Kirkwall of the Baudelaire Family of Wycome - most recently Tantervale. Owner of the Copper Maiders of Kirkwall." The elven man besides Giselle spoke and also gave a bow.

Both elves, Lena, and Giselle looked to the man they all knew as La'Vish who scowled but presented himself. "La'Vish of Kirkwall, owner of the seamstresses."

As Lena drew closer the air around LaVish became progressively more flowery, almost intoxicatingly so had she not also had an allergy to most perfumes. Her nose tingled by the excess of perfumes so she turned away.

"Well, now that the formalities are out of the way." Giselle was the first to let drop the stiff nature. "It's so good to finally meet you. The Kirkwall underground is all a buzz with Madame River's changes to the Coterie, with Harlan's approval no less!"

"You are causing a stir." La'Vish said in stiff agreement. "I do not like it."

"Sorry about that?"

"Oh don't mind him. La'Vish doesn't like too much change."

"He might reconsider that, especially a change to his name." Lena blurted out while glaring at him. Giselle gave a pealing laugh. La'Vish glowered and harrumphed, turning to the Chapel and leaving without so much as a word.

"I see the rumors are true about her, Athenril." Giselle addressed the former elven coterie.

"Rumors?" Lena looked at Giselle.

"They say you are blunt and say what is on her mind, most of the time."Giselle smiled. "Though, threatening the Seneschal with exposure, you've got brass knockers my dear. Especially as someone so new to Kirkwall." She grinned.

"Yes, I've learnt my lesson on that." Lena sighed. If there were rumors about her circulating, she could only guess who was the source. She was going to wring that dwarf's neck when she got back.

"We best get inside, the other nobles will put up such a fuss if they see us." Giselle said and let Lena go first.

They were to sit in the back row, their "servants" were to stand in the outside aisle off to the side. Athenril had to stand straight without the use of her cane. Lena felt mildly guilty. She should have asked Varric to accompany her.

As the Chapel filled, those of higher nobility and royalty sat closer to the stage and podium. With more bodies meant more heat, especially with people gossiping. Lena pulled her fan out to cool herself down.

Next to her Giselle was a regular chatty Kathy, talking about each noble they saw and who partook of what particular brothel. She also divulged of the most recent gossips about affairs.

Lena gave her half an ear, instead her focus was on recognizing particular Nobles she's heard of. The de Launcets, Harimanns, and Reinhardts being the top ones. Then she saw the Cavins enter. The Seneschal of the Viscount of Kirkwall was with them, his face sour as he was made to accompany a young boisterous lass. Lena snorted but hid behind her fan when he turned to find the source.

It was when everyone was settled that the Choir came out. Lena could make out Sebastian. She met his gaze and gave her a wide grin. She's never heard him actually sing the chant. She rarely ever attended Sunday chants past the morning chant which was the Mother reading it out as a lesson of sorts. There was some very nice chanting like a Carpathian or Gregorian chants but nothing quite so entertaining.

She was more than a little excited about the possibility to hear the Chant actually sung instead of spoken. They had a whole choir and from the looks of it, Sebastian was a tenor, or a baritone? She wasn't sure, she'd never studied music beyond what grade school taught her. Her little fingers fumbling over the holes on the recorder or trying to reach the keys on the keyboards. She could still play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star even though it's been almost two decades since she was taught it.

The Chapel became silent as the Mother began a quick speech to welcome everyone to Chateau Haine. Duke Prosper was called up as he greeted them all, formally. He was almost exactly as Lena recalled from Mark of the Assassin, but his accent was less annoying than other Orlesians. She supposed she was used to it more over the others.

He sat back down at the first row and that is when the chanting began. It was low at first, rising in volume as the choir picked up, but only a third of them was actually singing and then another third began a whole verse late. Lena's lips spread into a open mouthed smile as the chant became a canon. Each group set adding their own flavor, overlapping each other. She couldn't understand what they were singing, though it sounded suspiciously like Latin and was just as beautiful.

Some of the Audience sat in rapt devout attention, others were whispering behind their fans, but Lena ignored them, staring at the Choir, captivated. It was music, beautiful and traditional. She had removed her top hat and set it on her lap but Dopey was purring against her hand, as taken with the music as she was. Another Sister came out midway, swinging a thurible, the Chapel filling with the smell of incense.

It was as the Choir was coming down that another sound interrupted. Blaring and obnoxious, like trumpets.

Or exactly like trumpets. Many turned in the pews to look back at the gates. Duke Prosper rose and crossed to the grand door as they were thrown open. Entered a blonde haired man.

"Ah! Duke Prosper! I'm terribly sorry we're late." Came the man's loud booming voice. It echoed in the now silent Chapel.

Lena sat up straight, glaring at the interrupting man who dared burst through and interrupt a service. The sound of his voice tickled the back of her memory.

"King Cailan, nonsense. I am pleased you made it." Came Prosper's response as he tried to laugh it off. Some of the lesser nobles nearby also laughed but those of Orlesian nobility raised their nose high and turned away to concentrate back on the Choir.

King Cailan?! As in King of Ferelden?! Selena stared in horror. What in the fuck was Cailan doing in the Free Marches?!