Chapter One

Mark of the Assassin

Ah… the new normal over last 3 months… I was crying in bed.

Why? Well, because I'd had to break things off with Cullen. It had killed me to find out that the only reason he'd allowed himself to court me was because Ser Karras really did put my status of non-mage in his report. I couldn't bring myself to have a relationship based in lies, though I'd tried.

For months, I'd tried to ignore the little voice in my head telling me that he would hate me when he found out. Almost 3 years… I suppose I was just glad that I hadn't revealed my wings or magic in that time.

Cullen had been blind-sided by the break up. I knew that. He only knew that I was sobbing and saying, 'I love you,' over and over during the break up.

Every day for a month, he came to my place; trying for answers and reconciliation… I would cry each time he brought me a gift. I was gladder still for his shy nature; we hadn't progressed to the stage of our relationship that led to the bedroom yet; I don't think I could have sent him away at all if we had.

I was slowing down in my sob sessions at least. But that didn't help me sleep at night; nothing seemed to help in the last year – not even cuddling with one of my 'mates' as I had taken to calling the group of men that I was in love with.

Worse still… Cullen had known for the past 2 years about my past as a… body slave. He had been horrified, and I think that was the reason for us not sleeping together. Fenris hadn't taken that step either and I was getting sexually frustrated; I was a sex addict, and hadn't had sex since Alistairs last visit… a year and a half ago.

The current year was 9:34 in age of Dragon… the month was Guardian… my birthday was tomorrow.

Worse yet? We were on our way to Château Hain for the Mark of the Assassin quests. Actually, we were almost there. We were simply in our tent on the road.

Last month, Divine Justinia V was crowned to the Sunburst Throne; surprisingly very little debate.

Before leaving Kirkwall to come to Orlais, we'd done one Act Two mission; Lost Patrol. Why had we done that one? Because 3 years ago, when I'd let the ones hunting Ketojan go, I had altered their fate – they were supposed to die, so why hadn't there been repercussions? They still died, is how. They had been a second 'lost patrol'. They had been allowed to live an extra three years before they died.

There was a knock at my door and Fenris came in. "Are you going to cry forever?"

"I can damn well try. I love him Fenris… did you know that when I arrived in Thedas, and thought I could only ever be with one of the men I liked, I had chosen him? I shouldn't say that; he's not my favorite, but I should have known better. I knew he would be… unavailable to me until about 9:40, if he would even want me to begin with, and I let myself be fooled by my own heart." Fenris was very good looking. He kept that emo hairstyle like in DA2, his white hair contrasting heavily with his blackened eyebrows and his green eyes popped against his tan skin and white scars.

"I came to tell you that dinner is ready. Tallis cooked."

"Not hungry. I should be, but… I haven't been able to eat more than a single meal in weeks. Could be depression," I shrugged and Fenris snorted. "I brought the last bottle of the Agreggio. I've been…"

"Is today the Anniversary of your escape from him?"

"Tomorrow…" he looked at me with a lifted eyebrow. "Save it for that; don't waste it on me, love. I prefer the hard alcohols anyway."

"It wouldn't be a waste, Ara."

I gave him a sad smile. I actually hadn't told Cullen or Fenris… or anyone else really… my birthday; so I hadn't celebrated it since the one during the blight.

"You know… I've a question… if I may?"

I shrugged seeing Hawke approach from behind him. "Go ahead."

"You always give everyone gifts and cake on their birthdays… when is yours?"

"What… what brought this on?"

"I'm… not sure. It was just a thought I had."

"Erm… it's… soon?" Hawke snorted and I heard other movement behind him. At my request, we brought Aveline, Isabela, Varric and Fenris… Fenris and Bela were my guests – I had received an invite of my own – and Tallis, Varric and Avaline were Hawkes guests.

"That's hardly an answer, Feathers," Varric smirked. He and I had moved past the whole Deep Roads thing a while back.

I sighed. "Does it matter? I've only celebrated it one since coming to Thedas…"

"Now you have to tell us!" Tallis grinned.

"Tomorrow, now can I go to bed?" jaws had dropped and Aveline looked guilty; I knew she felt bad that she hadn't known.

"Well… how does Wyvern skin accessories sound, for a gift?" Hawke smiled at me.

I shrugged, "Makes no difference to me, Hawke. I don't celebrate my birthday for a reason… back home it was a holiday; one dedicated to people spending time with the person or people that they loved or just wanted to sleep with… I was usually forgotten, so I got used to it."

I saw Varric flinch. "You're one of the most loving people I know, feathers… how were you forgotten?" I hugged the stuffed dragon in my hands – It was a pretty pepper red color with cartoon green eyes. I had made it myself.

"I was the middle child. Two older brothers, two younger sisters… forgotten from the time I was 8 months old when my twin sister was born. I was suddenly an older sister and expected to act like it from a young age. As for friends; I was forgotten because they all wanted to get together with their current love interests. It's normal for someone born on or around a Holiday to have their birthday and the Holiday celebrated together if their birthday isn't outright forgotten."

I looked at them all as they shifted, trying to find something to say… "Can I go to bed now?"

They all began shuffling out, and I laid back down… sleep was long in coming that night.


We approached the entrance to Château Hain and Cahir stopped us… the chasind was 5'11 with dark skin, pretty brown eyes, no hair and face markings.

"Ah! Lady Cousland, Lord Hawke; and arriving together, no less! What will people think?"

I gave a serene smile. "Lord Hawke is doubling as my escort to this event, your grace. The roads are dangerous and I've only my man and lady bodyguard with me…"

"Ah indeed. I see you've quite the group between the two of you… the hunt is already underway if you wish to join in."

I gave another smile and took Hawkes arm, "We'd love to. I've never seen a Wyvern up close before! I do hope we will be able to catch at least a glimpse…" the Duke gave me a secretive smile and motioned to the hunting grounds. We were off. Carver and Bethany were not actually here.

Tallis was actually the same height as me: 5'3. He hair color also matched mine: bright red; but where mine reached my ass, hers was only down to her shoulder blades before being tied up into a pony-tail. Her eyes were also blue where mine were silver.

We found the Herbs swiftly enough: Drake-vein actually grew near the entry to the hunting ground, and Andraste's Mantle was by the Dragonlings… we didn't get the Winterberry until almost to the hounds.

"Do dragons and Wyverns even mix? I don't think so," Tallis smirked as she sauntered over to a corpse. I pulled out a void bag and used magic to get the dragonling corpse into it.

We found the blood next. I pulled out a vial and used more magic to 'scoop' some up.

Next up: Ghast nests… 3 of them. They reeked to high heaven, but died easily… if you didn't let them pile up.

Then we heard the mating call, and I giggled as Hawke asked, "Cam we mimic that?"

"No! Oh… the sound. Right yes, I can do that…" she was almost as red as her hair.

As we passed into the western area, we saw the first pile of Wyvern shit.

I snorted at Tallis' remarks and picked the Winterberry that grew next to the lake.

I rushed off the moment I heard a dog bark. We had left Soldier and Revas with Bodahn and Sandal, so I knew these were the hounds from the game.

The uninjured one, Sylvain, kept whimpering and nudging me as I applied the salve to Nicodamus. "Who's a cute puppy? I suppose we can't keep him, can we? His owner is probably waiting back at camp," Tallis cooed. I chuckled and we followed the hounds back toward the pond… where the owner was calling for them.

"I am in your debt, Madam! Please, accept this with my thanks," the owner of the dogs gushed and handed me the bow off his back. It was a mix of Orlais and Dalish craft colored white and beautifully carved.

I bowed my head and the moment he was gone, I handed it to Tallis. She gave me a questioning look. "I have a better one made of Ancient Heartwood by a master smith with a flair for the eccentric…" I shrugged and she strapped it to her back.

"Oh, look! A Wyvern kill. Some kind of Halla… or something…" She trailed off. I gathered up the kill remains and we left.

"Ugh… that dung looks fresh," Tallis commented.

Hawke gave a long suffering sigh and knelt beside it, going elbow deep as he said, "Ugh… looking for clues…"

"Hawke stepped in the poopy!" Fenris smirked. "I cannot think of a better birthday gift than watching this…" I giggled. Hawke shot me a look.

"Hawke… not the wisest thing you've ever done…" Aveline sighed.

"Oooh, Nug bones! I wonder if a Nug call would help attract a Wyvern!" Tallis cried happily.

"You… know a nug call?" Hawke asked as held out his arms for me to clean them off.

"You go elbow deep in Wyvern shit and I'm the weird one?" Fenris snorted at that.

We followed the 'trail' and soon it was… too quiet.

"Well… evidence suggests the Wyverns just love this place to pieces… if we're going to find one, this would be the place."

We approached the spot I pointed out as the prime location and I placed the corpses and blood. "You're up Tallis… I want an Alpha Wyvern." She squealed and began the nug call… followed by the mating call.

The Wyvern that answered the call was huge… Golem sized times two with beautiful purple scales and golden markings. I held out a hand and the beast came slowly forward. "What in the…" Tallis asked as the Wyvern bowed its head and pressed against my palm.

"He's sick… the taking of your life is a mercy, my friend. I will make it swift…" I motioned to Fenris who drew his large sword and killed the Wyvern in one smooth stroke.

"How did you do that?" Fenris asked.

"I carry the blood of an Old Gold in my veins, along with the blood of a High Dragon. Being immune to the taint enabled the first, and an unfortunate fight that trapped me beneath a fresh killed High Dragon enabled the second… it was that or drown in the blood," I shrugged.

That's when…

"Well, if it isn't the Ferelden Turnip and the Dog lord! They say you are Mistress to a king… and you seem to be sleeping with your entourage as well. I suggest you run along with your servents while you can. This Wyvern was mine to kill… not yours. I paid good coin to be the one who wins this contest! It was my turn!"

"Oh… I didn't realize the Duke was offering charity to his more… useless guests. My mistake…" Hawke was smirking as he kept his pose relaxed.

"I will not accept such talk from a backwater mongrel!"

"You do realize, I hope, that these two eat nasty little thugs like you for breakfast?" Tallis snarked.

"Only… when we're out of pancakes," Hawke gave a small growl and I gave a disgusted huff. "Eww; do you know where that thing has been? I wouldn't eat it if it were the only thing on my plate!"

"More insolence! From Knife-Ears this time. I can take no more of this; kill them all: we can say that the Wyvern was too much for them!"

Unlike in the game, we didn't get much of a fight. I was actually sitting on the dumbass when Duke Prosper came strolling up. "Now, what is going on?"

"This… she-bitch tried to steal my… rightful kill!"

I shifted and he grunted. "You are awfully chatty for someone being used as a chair, Arlange!"

"Now, is that anyway to speak of the Lady Chancellor of Ferelden, Baron?"

"This is your fault for inviting a stinking turnip! Your mother would be ashamed!"

"Says the man whose mother has slept with half of Val Chevin… my apologies, my lady; Arlange has always been a cheat. What would you have me do with him?"

I reached down and pinched his ear. "Keep his blood in his veins; it would only taint the creatures around it." I stood, bringing Arlange with me.

"Ha! By her grace, Arlange, you have your life… it would behoove you to leave now."

Tallis gave me a smile.

"You have my congratulations on finding the Wyvern; it looks to be a fine one indeed. There will be a celebration in my Courtyard; attend when you are ready."

"Thank you for letting the Baron live…" Tallis said softly.

"I know you've a merciful heart for a Viddithari." I winked as I whispered to her. Her jaw dropped.

"What did you say to her, Feathers?"

"Tallis, would you like a kiss?" I smirked at her. I had phrased the question like I had asked it once before.

"Erm… not for now… maybe later."


We got back to the Courtyard. Bela was having the time of her life while Varric was making friends, Fenris stuck to my side, Tallis stuck with Hawke and Avaline kept… watch. Not sure what she was looking for.

I found Leliana… she looked like she had in the Sacred Ashes trailer now… her layered red hair loose around her pale face and clear blue eyes. The change in her was astounding… I was beginning to believe the Fan Theory that she was a Lyrium Construct… but I felt no Lyrium from her.

"Leliana! Congrats on your… promotion. How is my brother?"

"You could ask him yourself, dearest." She had leaned in and gave me kisses on each cheek. I saw Tallis approach with her face shocked.

"Hey while I got you here… since you are what you are now… could you sign my Permit of Allowance?"

"I anticipated this. The… my boss gave me permission to do so when I told her of you. Hand it here with some wax if you have it…" I did. She signed it as the Left Hand of the Divine and even used her Raven seal next to her name, just like Irving, Greagoir and Alistair had all done when they signed it.

"It's been good to see you, sister," She started but I shook my head and whispered, "We are both here for the same reason. My group just has better access."

"Then I wish you luck, dear."

She walked off to mingle and Tallis pulled me aside, "How do you know her?"

"I traveled with the Hero of Ferelden during the Blight… with Leliana. Since I am Aedans sister now, I'm sure you can piece more of the tale together. If not… ask Varric."

She nodded. "Now how do you know about me… and why are you helping me if you do?"

"Not important. Suffice to say, I'm the only one in my group who pieced it together, miss 'wearing the symbol of Par Vollen on my armor'… I'm Basalit-an as well as Kadan to a Sten, Tallis," she glanced down and went bright red. "I… probably should have changed, I'll admit that… I just thought the symbol was so worn that no one would see it…"

I smirked, "Maybe for people who don't have friends among the Qun."

She nodded. "Thank you for not outing me… yet."

"I won't say anything unless something big happens and your plan goes south. I know what your mission is. Salit must be stopped."

"Thank you…"

We met back up with the whole group.

"I've had a look around. There is one door that leads into the castle that isn't under heavy guard…"

"So what's the problem? Underwater, Enchanted with ancient Tevinter runes, or covered in spiders?" I asked with a smirk… Anders wasn't here to make the remark, so it was free game.

She lifted he arms in exasperation. "I can't get it open; believe me I tried… bent a nice set of lock-picks in that stupid door! One of the Dukes guardsmen must have the key; they wouldn't just lock themselves out of the Castle… I hope."

"Why else would the party be in the Garden? He probably has someone breaking a window right now…" Hawke chuckled.

"I… could make that work actually. But in the meantime, let's find who has the key…"

"I'll help!" I volunteered… I loved this part. "Everyone else… look for another way in; you'll need it." They nodded and Hawke, Tallis and I strolled around.

"Ah! At last… everyone; our mighty Chancellor of Ferelden and Lord Hawke of Kirkwall have the Honor of first kill this day! To hunt a Wyvern on its own hunting grounds is to tempt fate: a terrible risk; but the prize… I present to each of you these belts crafted from the skin of your kill. Wear them well and accept the accolades you are due." I smiled and put it on over my deep lavender single shoulder gown. It was the same width as a waist cincher so it actually worked perfectly for me.

Hawke was wearing a deep blue formal Orlesian suit but put on the belt anyway. The Wyvern caged behind him roared.

"Your Grace… you did not tell me you had a pet Wyvern… is that not dangerous?"

"Oh do not mind Leopold… my pet is always so temperamental before his dinner."

"I don't suppose Leopold knows how to fetch or play dead?" Hawke lifted his brow.

"Alas, he seems to think it is our duty to amuse him…" That said, we went off to search for the key…

Tallis and I approached the Guard near a door.

"Pardon me, Ser, but could we have a moment of your time?" Tallis asked.

"Anything for the Duke's honored guest, milady," The guard nodded to me.

"My lady's associate, Lord Hawke, has just encountered a Ferelden Bann wearing the exact same outfit as him! The nerve! He must change at once, Ser!" Tallis cried as I affected a nervous look. "It would be considered quite the embarrassment for such a… affront to continue…" if there were one, that'd be true.

"I can see that this is a matter of utmost import, but I'm afraid… I do not have the power to help you," the Guard looked board… he obviously dealt with this complaint before…

That's when I bumped into Teagan. I squealed, catching the attention of those around us. The Bann of Rainsfere was quite handsome. Teagan had wonderful brown hair that had grown out since I last saw him… it reached his shoulders now and made him look more handsome. His eyes were blue pearls against his tan skin. He was 43 years old, (born in 8:91 Blessed)

"Teagan! It's so good to see you again!"

"You as well, My Lady! I admit, I did not think to see you here! How have you been?"

"Teagan?" Isolde called out, and then spotted me.

"Lady Cousland… how wonderful to see you again." Her voice was dry as a bone as she spoke.

"Arlessa Isolde. Teagan, have you… by chance run into Kaitlyn in Denerim?"

"I… how did you know?" Isolde was pouting.

"I told her to keep an eye out for you. You know my… particular skill. You two would make such a wondrous marriage."

He beamed, "As it happens, I offered for her hand just two months past." I smiled. "Also, I'm the new Arl of Redcliff; Eamon is Alistairs Seneschal now so Isolde isn't actually an Arlessa anymore…"

"Good for you, Teagan! I'm happy for you, truly. I wish I could stay and chat longer but…"

"No, no… I completely get it. Thank you for speaking with me."

I walked off and Hawke smirked. "Friend of yours?"

"Arl Teagan of Redcliff," I smiled.

"I thought the Arl was Eamon…?"

"Teagan took over when Eamon became Alistairs Seneschal," I shrugged.

This next time we found a guard, it was Hawke and Tallis while I watched.

"Erm… beg pardon, but I think my friend has had a bit too much wine. I think she needs to sit down before she gets sick on a Duchess." Hawke was supporting Tallis as she swayed and giggled, making kissy faces and babbling, "Ooh! I can hear the ocean in my head… tide goes… in… and tide goes – burp – out…"

"Well that's… never a good sign…" Hawke faked alarm as he picked her up bridal style.

"Very well, Messer, I will see what I can do… just keep her a few feet away."

They walked off and I giggled; that was far more amusing than the game implied.


I stood 'talking' with Hawke when Tallis came out saying, "He didn't have it. He 'forgot' he gave it to one of the servants. What kind of guard forgets that he's locked himself out of a castle?" she fumed. When Hawke glanced at me, I shrugged with a smirk, "Not a smart one."

We went off in search of the proper servant.

"Can I interest you in some Antivan Olives? I have smoked ham from the Anderfels; they say it tastes of despair…" the young elven woman.

"Oooh, Olives!" I took a small handful as Tallis asked, "Wait, does it really? How can ham taste like despair; and who would eat it if it did?"

"It is what the importer said," she shrugged. "They all talk like that; 'the wine is like oak and springtime', or 'the cheese tastes of sorrow'."

Hawke snorted, "Who needs more despair in their diet? What good is that?"

The woman gave us a trace of a smile. "I've heard that artists are fond of it."

"I don't suppose we could have a peak at the kitchens? I'd love to see this hopeless dish in all its glory." Tallis was flirting hard, but the young lady didn't seem to mind… in fact she was flirting back.

"Well… I shouldn't leave my post…"

"I'll hold onto the tray for you… though I may eat all the Olives…" she looked startled as I took the tray from her hands and Tallis dragged her off.

I did try a nibble of the ham… and I don't know how but it really did taste of despair; I saw Hawke give me an amused face as I wrinkled my nose.

When the woman returned, there were no more olives… green olives were a weakness of mine; a leftover craving from when I was pregnant more than 8 years ago… my baby would be 7 soon… damn the Ham!

"So who has the key now?" I asked. "Lord Cyril, the Dukes' son," Tallis sighed.

We approached and Lord Cyril noticed me at once.

"Excellent! Join us, Lady Chancellor. We were just discussing your heroic achievements in Ferelden," Cyril was 5'8 with short black hair and grey-gold eyes. It was unfortunate about his father, Cyril was rather good looking. I gave an indulgent smile as Bann Perrin looked rather excited.

"You must tell us the tale of your battle with the Archdemon! Teyrn Cousland was quite complementary during the Landsmeet to name you Chancellor," He gushed.

Cyril glared at his companion and motioned for the man to get lost. "You have never been to Chateau Haine, Yes? Please, accept this caprice; it is an old custom to make a wish in the fountain." I thanked him as I accepted the coin from his hand.

"Where are your knickers this time, Perrin?" a woman shouted. "Shut up, you painted shrew!" he shouted back.

"What… entertaining manners our guests have; don't you agree, My Lady?" I giggled. "Why don't we have this discussion where there aren't so many ears around, My Lord?"

I saw in his face as he reddened slightly that he thought this would lead to… fun.

He escorted me to a side room, Hawke and Tallis waiting guard: I caught sight of Duke Prosper watching me incredulously. "I… admit, My Lady, I would very much like to get to know you better."

I smiled, "So why don't you, Lord Cyril?"

"My Father would never allow… and you are King Alistair's mistress, are you not?"

"Alistair and I… have an understanding," I said in a breathy voice as I leaned forward and ran my hand along Cyril's chest, leaving it to rest lightly at his hip… near the key. He caught his breath, and leaned forward: I'll be honest; I mostly liked Thedas more than Earth because I was actually considered good-looking even if I was pudgy.

He leaned in, "Are you… certain? I would not like to get on the Kings bad side…"

"Mmmh, I'm positive… if you'd like to ask him yourself…" I stealthily nabbed the key – years of taking my mom's key for dad's surprises or vice versa paying off well. My mother liked pretty keys and when we kept moving she'd always end up with plain ones… I was the stealthy one who would nab and replace her key for the surprise.

"I… think it may be… best to wait until… I could…" he was having difficulty getting his words out so I moved away and he blushed. "If that's your wish, Lord Cyril…"

"Please, just call me Cyril," he cleared his throat. I made sure the key was clipped to my charm bracelet; men never paid attention to a womans Jewelry, after all.

I forced a blush and dipped into a curtsy, "Then you must call me Ara… it is only fair, Cyril." He beamed at me and offered me his arm, which I took, and escorted me from the room.

When we left the room he turned and gave me a bow, and I dipped into another curtsy. "I… pray we meet again, Ara."

"I find myself hoping the same, Cyril," I smiled as he took one of my gloved hands and placed a kiss.

When he was out of sight, Hawke looked at me, "I thought you couldn't lie?"

Tallis snapped her head to look at me in horror. "I can't. I did tell you I could bend the truth until people make assumptions though… but there is something about that man: I think I like him. He could be a good friend."

"You're unable to lie? How in the name of… how can you do this kind of thing so well, then?"

I smiled. "Did you know the sky is actually black, Tallis? Science from my home land has proven the existence of a naturally occurring layer encircling the globe, making the sky appear blue during the Day; yet if I just said the sky is black, you would not believe me. I can tell you my name is Abigail, because before coming to Thedas that was my name, though it is Ara now. I can twist facts to suit my needs, but I cannot out right tell you something that is untrue."

"Your name used to be Abigail?" Hawke asked as Tallis replied, "The sky is always black?"

"Yes on both accounts. Now, I believe we have a Chateau to infiltrate?"

"Varric and Fenris will have a field day with your name…" Hawke smirked.

"Varric will use my former name to replace my current one in his fiction books. I believe he is writing something as we speak, so having a nom de plume for me would be a wonderful gift for him."

"Fair point."

As we entered the 'castle', a guard looked at us and sputtered, "What in ze name of…!"

"There is no need for you to die today, friend… just move one; you never saw us," Tallis coaxed, but I saw her hand quiver as she reached for her dagger.

His hand came up and he began to shout… the word barely formed in his throat when a small red dagger landed in his throat and he fell forward, gurgling.

I placed a sympathetic hand on Tallis' shoulder. "Of course he didn't walk away… that would be a bad trait in a guard…"

Hawke saw my sympathy and tried to lighten the mood, "It's not like his family can say 'we thought he only had to bake cookies'…"

"True; but there are other paths and they don't all lead to the same destination."

"It's alright, Tallis. We can try to do this as quietly as possible: toss rocks for distract, hit them in the head from behind if need a key… hide in shadows," I patted her arm.

"I'm glad you said that; I'd love to go the quiet route."

"Yes; I don't particularly relish the thought of more than two dozen guards chasing me around the Chateau… next thing you'd know I was in my Knickers with Soldier nipping at my rear flank…" I snorted as Tallis grinned.

"There is a way to make this easier, but it requires your oath that you won't tell your superiors about it…"

"Anything if it involves needless slaughter, and gets us what we're after," Tallis agreed.

"Swear it."

She went to one knee and gave me her honor-bound oath that anything I did past this point would not end up in her report… in Qunlat. "That language sounds… familiar…" Hawke looked like he was trying to place it. I hadn't spoken it in 3 years for this very reason.

I shrugged, "Maybe you heard it in passing?"

"No… I think that was the language you spoke to the Arishok…"

Tallis looked startled. "You speak Qunlat?"

"More than a little. I was a Stens Kadan, after all. Not many that are not Qunari or Tal-Vashoth speak it so it actually makes for wonderful code."

"How does Tallis know it?"

"Not important right now, Hawke. I'm putting a magic shield over us; make no unnecessary noise and stay close to me. No one will see us; no matter how close we get."

We walked, slowly, and made our way deeper into the Chateau.


Yes, I did stop in the Kitchen to make sure Leopold would have an unhappy tummy tomorrow when he was fed his breakfast – that's when our escape would happen after all.

Hawke didn't question it and Tallis left it alone after I shrugged.

When the Cage came down on us, Hawke sighed, "it's never as easy as it seems… is it?"

I shook my head with a slight grin.

"I swear I didn't know; there must be some sort of switch…" Tallis defended. Hawke lifted his eyebrow at me, causing Tallis to look at me. I noticed the slightly raised tiles that Hawke obviously hadn't and stepped onto one, pulling Tallis onto the other… the side gates lifted. As I explained the Mechanics and walked us through the process, Tallis watched me in disbelief.

When the statues were toppled onto the 'final buttons' and we unlocked the two chests I was surprised to note that the chests actually weren't decoys… one had Fog Warrior amulet for Fenris, a mage amulet for Anders, and a sword with the Du Lac crest on the hilt for Aveline, and a Chevalier's Insignia for Carver… I put those into a void bag and checked the other one: it had a pirate Earing made of solid ruby for Isabela, a forged copy of Hard in Hightown II that I decided to take to Varric for him to destroy, a pretty painting I would give to Bethany, and some sort of Recipe scroll for Sebastian – when we recruited him.

It was nice to know that these things weren't made up in the game – just the 'quest rewards'. Unfortunately, as in the game, there was nothing Merrill would like… I'd give her a ring carved from heartwood.

We entered the main room and I saw Tallis piece together that something was wrong.

"Something wrong?" Hawke asked, giving me a side eye, I gave a very small nod and he looked annoyed as Tallis looked around and said, "I… don't know…" then as Duke prosper approached behind us she said, "Yes."

"Do not fret, my dear!" Hawke and Tallis pulled out weapons but I pointedly did not. Hawke pretended not to notice but I saw him move in front of me.

"I see the party has moved indoors?" Hawke gave a relaxed smile as Tallis moved to over me from the side.

"It's not over yet," Tallis' voice was fierce, but Prosper gave a smirk, "But it is over. I knew who you were the moment you arrived, assassin."

"Assassin? I thought you were just here to steal a Jewel…" Hawke began but I snorted.

"You may not have noticed Hawke, but our friend here is a Viddithari. She doesn't hide it very well; the logo on her armor, the speaking of Qunlat…"

"Well… Everyone's got to have a job, don't they? If Ara knew and still followed along, that's good enough for me."

"My, she chose you well, Lady Chancellor, Lord Hawke."

"Look, I came to stop the Heart from doing something we will all regret. She didn't know until after the Wyvern hunt and as you noticed he didn't know at all. Leave them out of this."

"And waste all the effort I spent luring you here before the Hearts arrival? Don't be foolish."

"Asay hassatra maas," Tallis spat, and Prosper laughed and replied, "Maas avastrasa kulun… take them away; but don't harm the Chancellor. She will make a nice ransom."

I rolled my eyes as we were escorted to the Dungeon. Having noticed I pulled no weapons, the guards didn't even bother to search me like they did Hawke and Tallis.


We were sitting in the dungeon a few hours later when the talks began.

"I have a question, Hawke… when Ara told you what I am; you said you didn't care… was that true?"

"Well, I would have said the duke couldn't compare to the awesomeness of the two lovely women by my side, but that might have seemed petty of me… like a sore loser since I was caught and all."

I giggled as my head was pillowed in Tallis' lap… much to her amusement.

"I am sorry; this didn't exactly work out like I planned…"

"What was your plan exactly?"

"The one I expected to find is named Salit; a member of the Ben-Hassrath… the Heart of the Many. I was told he's here to sell secrets to the Orlesians, and I came to stop him. I… suppose I was misinformed."

"Is Salit your Besrathari?" I asked, knowing the answer. She looked startled.

"Yes. That means he was the one who recruited me into the Ben-Hassrath: he was my tutor. He saw my potential, convinced me I could make a difference."

"But… you said he was selling secrets." Hawke looked to me with alarm.

"He is… or at least, he intends to; one last act of defiance. I can't let him do that; not when he'll hurt so many in the process."

"Like the Farmers, artisans and crafters? I know the Warriors are always prepared for battle…" I clarified when I saw Hawke was about to put his foot in his mouth.

She nodded, "Exactly: people who have never hurt anyone; those whose only crimes are living. Those people don't deserve what he would do to them. It isn't just my duty to stop Salit; it's my moral obligation!"

"I know what you're wondering Hawke, but Ben-Hassrath means 'Heart of the Many'; it isn't just some Jewel that Tallis lied about. The Ben-Hassrath are the… enforcers of the Qunari… they can be spies, or… well suffice to say they keep those who follow the Qun in line. They are the real story that Tamassrans – teachers – tell the little ones to scare them into submission. As the Qun don't make idle threats, it works."

Tallis was petting my hair at this point and she smiled at me, "You really are Basalit-an, aren't you?"

"Ask the Arishok sometime."

"In essence, we are the soul of the Qun. We keep the spirit alive and protect it both from within and from outside forces. Not every Qunari agrees, after all; nor do they know what is best for all. We remind them of our common goal."

"You make them seem almost… peaceful." Hawke said and I giggled as Tallis gave a wry smile.

"It's not meant to always end in violence; there are other paths… they do not need to lead to the same destination."

"So did you actually involve us only because we had an Invitation?"

"You were the only ones on the list who weren't personal friends of the Duke… and Lady Chancellor has been renowned through the Qun as one with Honor; she can be trusted. And as Fereldens, you have no reason to love Orlais…"

I smiled and sat up, moving over to lie in Hawkes lap… he started petting me like Tallis had… jackpot!

"And when this was all over?" Hawke asked as they both heard me begin purring like a damn cat.

"I thank you and we go our separate ways?" Tallis gave a cheeky grin.

"So I just fell off the Ferelden turnip cart, is that it?"

"Truth? Neither of you are what I was expecting. A Ferelden noble and someone who's only part of rumors… perhaps if I'd done my homework, I'd have known more about you… given you both the respect you're due."

"Well, I suppose the good news is; with all this extra time I can learn to knit."

"Could you make me a sweater?"

"No."

She sighed as I giggled again. "First order of buissness is getting out of here before his Grace decides we taste good in a soup… or whatever he has planned. Any Ideas?"

"The others will be along, I'm sure," Hawke said, looking down at me. I yawned and closed my eyes, still purring.


I woke with a start when I heard Tallis give a drawn out sigh and say, "That's it; I'm officially tired of waiting to be rescued." She walked over to the Gate of our cell and swiftly picked the lock, raising the metal and I stood, stretching.

"And… why didn't we do this before?"

"You said your friends were coming."

"They're around the corner by now," I yawned as we left the cell. Low and behold, Avaline, Varric, Isabela and Fenris came rushing around the corner at that very moment.

Fenris, unlike the others, didn't stop; he came right over to me and kissed me. "Are you alright?"

I smiled at him, "Better now that I've had a nap and I get to see you," Varric snorted, "You could have saved us so much trouble by just getting yourself out, Feathers."

"Where is the fun in that?"

We talked to the 3 statues nearby.

"Yo… ho! Hehe," we heard.

Isabela whirled around. "What did you call… who said that?!"

"Captain! Captain Isabela, Ser! Over here!"

I pointed to the statues when her eyes shot to me. "I Believe Paisley Pete, there is attempting to get your attention, sweetie."

"Yes! Paisley Pete from the Crew of the Wicked Dancer! Helped you board that Nevarran brig?"

"Oh, yes… I remember your 'help'. I also remember Captain Maldine tried to claim all the booty."

"Aye, and then Maldine put a curse on us, the Scurvy Bastard. Only another sea Captain can lift it!"

"Just how did a sea captain turn you lot to stone?" Hawke asked, and Fenris circled his arms around me so I whispered, "They… kinda earned their fate… they were warned."

"The Captain is a Maleficar; always said he was calling curses down on those who wronged him, but… we didn't believe him as he never used magi around the crew…"

"What triggered this… curse, and how does a captain fit in?" Hawke asked.

"We… may have broken something that wasn't ours so we could divvy it up… and now it needs to be put right. Only a sea captain can do it however or they'll end up like us."

"And you ended up in a Dukes' estate so far inland because…" Hawke asked amused.

"We… borrowed some treasure from Maldine; thought Prosper would buy it off us, but the Curse hit us before we could do more than start talkin' to him… Duke left us here as a warning to others." Pete wasn't all that bright. He just admitted to the theft.

"Tell us the story, Pete," I grinned as I leaned closer to Fenris. He growled in my ear and I looked at him… he was watching Tallis as she watched me.

"We captured a sloop out of Antiva city, the Majestic… mostly carrying silks to Orlais; but a strongbox hidden in the Silk held the legendary Dagger of the Four Winds." Pete sighed.

Isabela laughed until I whispered to her, "It's true."

"But… it's just a legend!"

"Maldine didn't want no one jumping ship with it so he put a spell on it; said any blighter who takes it from a rightful captain would turn to stone… but who honestly believes in curses?!" the woman shouted.

Pete continued, "We pried the Jewels off to sell to the duke… individually; that's when the curse hit. If you put the Dagger back the way it was, you can set us free.

"What the…"

"Find something interesting amidst the Duke's castoffs?" Hawke asked.

"Yes. This record… the sketch is rough but there can be no doubt; it's my families crest! Du Lac, my fathers' house from when he was still a Chevalier, not an Exile. Says it was a 'prisoner tattoo'. He was caught with 'wounds already suffered' trying to stow away on a caravan. Says here, no one recognized the man and he died of Gangrene in his cell. Says he carried a hidden purse but it was empty." She looked at me wide eyed.

"We have to go back to the Cells when we find all the pieces to the Dagger of the Four Winds anyway; our escape route is down there."

Everyone nodded so I assumed it was decided. We did all the freaky Puzzles and collected all 5 pieces of the Dagger before heading back downstairs.

We went to the cell for Aveline first. "There, a mark!" she knelt near the corner of the cell.

"Yes… there's a scribble on a stone crusted with old feces… as though intended to ward off any sane person…" Hawke remarked.

"Couple of princesses," Aveline muttered as I smirked handing her a bottle of water to clean it off. She spoke louder, "That's why it's still here; well, that and no one was looking… for it…"

"Don't keep us all in suspense!" Varric cried dramatically.

"A small black vial… there's something inside…"

"Er… careful with that," Hawke cautioned and shot a look at me. I smirked and readied my weapons, causing everyone else to follow suit.

"There's a paper and… a ring, with the Crest!" she smashed the Vial to the ground just as Hawke groaned and shouted, "Don't!"

6 Skeletons and a Revenant… I let loose a wave of cleansing aura and the skeletons just toppled back down; the Revenant grunted and shot toward me with his weapon raised.

I had a shield up, not that it mattered… damn thing took no more than two long purposeful strides before Fenris had it chopped in half length-wise. I giggled at his glowing marks. We had filled everyone in on Tallis, and she'd already known about Fenris from our talks on the way here from Kirkwall. He had been with Isabela, repairing the Dagger and refusing to hand it over to the stone pirates…

He looked at me, "I can't leave you alone for five seconds before something happens to you. Captured, surrounded by demonic rocks, and now Revenants… what am I going to do with you?"

"Never leave me alone?" I suggested with a grin. "I suppose that is what I will have to do. Too many dangers otherwise." I pulled him into a kiss, much to his surprise. He was still hesitant to have others touch him, because of the memories.

"Ah, I just love the whole 'evil phylacteries that turn up in oddest places,' thing. Had to take care of 6 of those in Ferelden," I smiled at Aveline.

"This is a ring like my father had and this paper… it's a spell or poetry… mostly gibberish, honestly, but on the back… 'Death protects this missive. All marks killed. The Grand Game continues. Beneath Du Lac for She of the Red?"

"Yeah… I get the feeling this Phylactery is the same as the ones I fucked with in Ferelden… Oops…"

We shimmied our way through the crack in the wall… and it actually did collapse not a moment after I let go of the shield I had in place to keep it stable as we all passed.

We fought Ghasts and made our way to the bridge. As we passed it, Tallis spoke, "That's odd… I could have sworn there was…"

The gate came crashing down between her and us, I nodded to her as she shouted 'Trust me!" and took off. Hawke, seeing my nod, just pulled his weapons and turned to face Cahir.

"The Circle is not the only ones who know how to break a mage! The Duke is a fool; his enemies are a posturing, guileless lot; but you… you are worth testing." I smirked and used magic to change us all from our Formal clothes to our Armors. For me? Well I was wearing a purple off-shoulder lace frilled top, the Wyvern belt, black jeans, and black thigh high boots.

Hawke wore matching Purple and Black armor that looked to be made of Drake skin.

Cahir looked downright gob-smacked at my style of Magic; and true to form, Tallis threw a dagger from above us mid-fight.

"How did you all change?" everyone pointed at me and I gave a bow.

She shrugged and gave u the option of helping her or going on our way. When I said we'd fight the duke no matter what we chose, everyone followed me as I linked arms with Tallis.

We, of course, ran into Baron Arlange right outside the Cave…

"I knew you were both worthless traitors the moment I laid eyes on you!"

"Baron Arlange; how nice to see you again," Hawke was already pulling out his staff.

"You filthy Dog Lord; and you turnip! You humiliated me!" and then he rushed us, earning no more than a dagger in his throat, curtesy of yours truly…

His men actually fled upon his death, much to my amusement.

We ran into 3 patrols of Tal-Vashoth before reaching the final group, where Tallis spoke with Salit. I kept the group away so that she could have a private moment with her former mentor.


Half an hour later, we were at the base of the mountain, at the meeting between Salit and Prosper.

"Let's get this over with, Qunari, before your assassin finds us. Already, I regret agreeing to spare them." Prospers voice rang out among the ruins.

"I have chosen my path; that choice should not…" Salit was cut off. "Parshaara! I am here to facilitate your deal with the Empress, nothing more."

Salit disarmed and took three steps forward, meeting one of the Dukes men at the halfway point. When the Duke received the paper scroll, he was furious. "These are names! What is the meaning of this?" he shouted.

"You asked for a weapon, I am providing it."

"We expected the formula for blackpowder; Dreadnaught plans; a map of Qunandar… this is useless!"

"If you wanted blackpowder, I could have provided that!" I called out, causing every single person to whirl to look at me. "I mean… I won't, but it's something common in my homelands… likely not the same as the Qunari version, but it does go BOOM well enough…"

"I should have known you would turn up," The Duke sighed.

"I have an excellent sense of dramatic timing… and good hair," Hawke snarked and I nodded. "He really does."

"You… Bas… you know how to make Blackpowder?"

"Excuse you? I am not just Bas; I am Basalit-an, Salit. And yes; like I said, it's a common weapon from my homelands. Also the least popular and least effective. Now, if you really wanna fuck shit up, you'd need someone with a higher knowledge than me. I'm not a nuclear physicist, after all."

That's when Tallis made her grand entrance; stealing the scroll, killing a Guard and back flipping onto a pillar.

"Tallis," Salit growled.

"I said I would stop you, Salit."

"And I said I would slay you if you tried."

Duke Prosper shot Salit with the green gooey shit and shouted, "If anyone is going to do any slaying, it will be me!"

Leopold jumped down from above and ate Salit in two chomps before taking off to… digest.

We began fighting the Duke… and he was more of a challenge than I had expected. I was forced to shield my companions and nothing more… I couldn't focus on all 7 of us and fight when the battle was so spread out.

I could tell the Duke was wearing down when he called Leopold, I took advantage of his weakened belly at once, throwing two of my Shurikens into the Wyverns eyes; blinding the beast, not that Prosper noticed. The Duke was trying to figure out the cause of the swaying before Leopold went nuts.

I lured the beast to me when the duke shot at me; I made sure to help the wind currents blast it to the floor in front of me. Since Leopold couldn't see, he rushed right off the cliff when I leapt to the side at the last second… right into Fenris arms. He growled at me, "Why must you take such risks?"

I smirked, "Because you usually hold me and give me kisses after?" since I phrased it as a question he shook his head.

"If I stopped, would you?"

"No. I'd likely do much worse to try and regain your attentions," I looked him dead in the eye.

He groaned. "What would make you stop?"

"Doubtful. Too much I need to do to keep my impact on the timeline minimal."

He sighed but leaned in and pressed his lips to mine.

The duke began shouting, catching our attention that he hadn't fallen with Leopold; he was hanging from the ledge.

"The Empress will hear of this! Orlais will burn Kirkwall to the ground! All of you will die…" I cut him off.

"Your son won't tell her about us, Prosper. He likes me and… you've pushed him away. He feels you do not care for him. Were I in your position, I would have tried begging for Mercy!"

"You… Filthy… Whore!"

"Thank you for the party… I'll treasure the belt," Hawke said, as Fenris pulled me away from the edge.

That's when he slipped. "Well… I don't think he'll survive that," Aveline looked horrified.

"They never learn," Fenris sighed. "Looks like the Duke has… Fallen from Grace," Varric chuckled at Hawkes words and replied, "And that's why you don't waste your last minute monologing."

I approached Tallis with Hawke.

"If the Duke only knew what he nearly had in his grasp… thank you, all of you… there's no way I could have done this without your help."

"What is that?" Hawke asked.

"A list of agents throughout Thedas; Qunari like me: many of them have families, children, friends… they're people you wouldn't suspect. Some have even left the Qun behind, but if this list fell into human hands, they and everyone they knew would… the Ariqun believes those people knew the risks, but what about the innocents? I… I couldn't let that happen."

"So… you're just going to leave?" Hawke asked.

"What; you think I would fit into your merry entourage?"

"We're hardly 'merry'…" Fenris shot back.

"Well that's just sad, isn't it? Maybe another time, Hawke. I still have things I need to do… but I am grateful; I want you to know that."

"That's what I do… feed the sick, cure the poor, and pat the hungry on the head…" I snorted and Tallis smirked as she added, "Kill nasty Orlesians… Oh; before I forget, this was going to be the Heart of the Many. You'd find a Jewel; I'd go off and find Salit… and be back before anyone was the wiser. I suppose nothing ever goes like we plan, does it?" she tossed him a large ruby on a gold chain.

"Tallis… find the Sten who helped defeat the blight; tell him that his 'Ashkaari Kadan Arvaala Theirin' cleared you for report. He will help you get back into the Qun if you… really want it."

"I thought your name was Cousland…?"

"Complicated, but I am married to Alistair… no one outside those I trust know that. The Sten should be back in Par Vollen; take him this," I handed her a void bag of cookies that would stay fresh… the bag was enchanted for that. Once the bag was empty, it would vanish… like all Void bags I gave to people.

"What is it?"

"It will guarantee that he knows it's me. The Sten trusts me, Tallis. Asit tal-eb," I smiled. Asit tal-eb meant 'The way things are meant to be' or 'it is to be'.

She smiled. "Thank you. Ataash varin kata; in the end lies glory… I hope I'll see you again one day…"

We stopped back in to give Cyril our… condolences. We had apparently been out on a walk with the Duke when Leopold, who had slipped his cage, attacked and both went over the cliff… according to Varric. Cyril had despaired but since we were clean and simply dressed for a walk in the woods, no one could gainsay it… I did slip Leli the truth in the form of a pamphlet written by me. She thanked me before going to console Cyril.

I told Cyril to look me up if he was ever in Kirkwall, and he let me hug him… then we headed out on our journey back to Kirkwall.