Dragon 9:26
Things came to a head only a few short months after Bianca came. Assassin's, mercenaries, etc. They all came for the Tethras family; as selfish as the woman seems, she also has a semblance of empathy at the very least. The dwarf left, but not before apologizing to Varric and handing him a large package. Not to say that her leaving changed the people sent for her fathers' life. The stupid drowning love her father had for the woman unfortunately remains stubborn, more so as the famous 'Bianca' was unveiled. The crossbow is a wonderful work of craftmanship, even the elf can agree. That doesn't deter her anger in the slightest. The woman is cunning and selfish, she knows that Varric has loved her for years and uses him for her own gain.
Unfortunately, things still aren't settling, there have been more bar fights, even riots in the street as news hit Kirkwall. The Ferelden king has been declared dead. Most of the fights have been Ferelden's getting upset at the people in Kirkwall not mourning. It is of little surprise; people die all the time. It just so happens that this one was a king. Arinda knows the truth, the man is not dead, not quite alive. Or perhaps he is. Time is fickle and her memories twist and shift, the spirits help make things clear, but they are still only from her fuzzy perspective. Traveling the fade only so far, while she is something more, even she can only wander to a certain degree before her knowledge no longer extends. She does recall Solas saying that he needed to travel to see . Which is probably half a truth.
Sighing Arinda feels her head hurt, it is a big shock she has not melted her brain. Then again, she is a couple millennial old. Give or take. The elf is sturdier than others, mentally at the very least. Sitting back at the table she taps at the wood. Things have been moving along, not smooth but it could frankly be worse with all the shit going on. Valo-Kas is no longer camping in the mountains. They have traveled around The Free Marches and Fereldan. They come visit every few months, Saari is a menace, the boy ridiculous in height despite being only ten.
The most worrying thing is Nia, the girl seems to be getting some kind of complex. Roy is busy helping the guards for Bartrand, the boy isn't one himself. Mostly feeding horses and shining armor but he does train a lot. Jeremy is a whiz with numbers, a real genius everyone is saying. Already he has managed to raise their Merchant guild a whole five percent in consumers. That is actually a startling amount. Arinda is by everyone else's words, a monster. The female doesn't hide her whit as much anymore, her words are like a snake, precise and deadly. Poised to strike when the need arises. She however is patient and willing to wait and listen. Her magic is on a whole other level, the teacher that was helping before ended up being killed as the female accused the elf of consorting with demons. While not untrue, that isn't the reason for her enormous mana capacity or skill.
So it isn't a huge shock that the Antivan would work double time on building what she is calling her web. Children have been her go to for actual information. Not to say that the girl hasn't been helping out other people, but she seems to trust the kids more. Or trust that they trust her more. The young are more malleable than adults. They can be twisted and used a lot easier; Nia hates when Arinda says that. The elf is not going to pretend to be a saint. She is not one and never will be one. With the human being smart on that end, she is an absolute imbecile with other things. She isn't the greatest at lying, at least to the people around her. They can spot a lie a mile away. The fool has also been traversing around at night, a foolhardy choice what with the fact that is one of the most dangerous times.
As of now, it is late into evening, the sky dimming and pale eyes track the movement of the girl in question. She weaves through the crowd with ease. After living in The Hanged Man for years it isn't a surprise she can maneuver around the drunk patrons. Sighing again Arinda stands up and follows after her sister. Two small daggers attached on her hip, leather guards on her wrist and calves. There has been an oddness in her gut. Her food has been sitting heavily for the past few days and she just knows that she can't leave the other alone for long. Something will undoubtedly happen.
Shadowing Nia is easy, as much as her presence draws people it also seems to draw darkness around her. Like a cloak she slips into every shadow and as if heeding her call the inky blackness wraps around her form. The elder girl stops every few moments to give something to some of the beggars. At times it is coin or food. A fool. She should not give coin; they will know she has it then. The human wants the spy network but just like Varric she cares too much. She is thirteen but wants to help them all, she needs to learn she can't. As much as you try to save everyone; it will get harder, more painful and things will fall apart easier. A balance needs to be found or the girl will simply work herself to death. Or get killed.
For some odd reason the teenager heads to the darker parts, the dirty and dangerous areas. It makes the elf's skin crawl; she wants to grab her shoulders and demand what the fuck this female thinks she is doing coming alone. Already the younger can see people eyeing the girl. Nia doesn't seem to be completely oblivious, but she also isn't suspecting the people she is helping either. They would be all too eager to stab her in the back for coin. Already the young elf can see the elder being eyed by some unscrupulous people. For now none of them seem to be willing to do anything yet.
Taking a deep breath, the brunet continues to follow Nia through the shadows. Hours pass before anything happens. It is the most cliché of things but after the annoyance rolls off; rage follows. Arinda remains hidden for a few moments as her clear eyes watch as her sister is surrounded. Jeers follow as a group of five surround the teenager. Glancing over the elf see's that they are closer to Darktown. Perfect. As she walks forward she can hear the curses, the sounds of struggle as the vile men, humans, try to assault Nia. Energy builds in her from her emotions, magic, dark and twisting. Entropy.
Reaching her hand out; no one can quite grasp what is happening as her hand touches the back of one males head. Suddenly his eyes roll into his head as pure magic is forced in. He scream's as he grabs at his head, flashes and images are pushed in and he is in a living Nightmare, unable to escape. The next man can't react, only a cut off scream as the girl crouches. Her hand sweeps across the ground and ice shoots up. The cold swirls into sharp points and pierces through the males chest before it encompasses his whole body and freezes him inside. Pushing with her hands off the ground she flips forward and uses her momentum as the elf lands on one and forces him down. Dagger out she slams it down once and then one more time, once in his chest where is heart would be, the next is right through his eye and skull. Arinda has to roll out of the way as a sword swings at her. "You knife-ear bitch!" someone screams. Grinning ferally she stands up and flicks her knife down, some of the blood splatters to the ground.
Her head tilts and she holds herself in a nonchalant way. Keeping both men in her sight she quickly looks at Nia who seems to be in shock. Taking a few steps forward she puts herself between the girl and the others. Taking another peek she can see the front of the Antivan's shirt is ripped open showing the bindings, part of the fabric is hanging off a shoulder. Arinda lets out a hum that comes close to a purr as her eyes flicker back to the last two men. Prey. Her blood is boiling. She doesn't have to wait long as one charges forward. Blind with rage; it is ridiculous, she kicks her foot out and the man stumbles over her leg. Twisting she grabs one of her knives and throws it with force at the other human. It hits with a thump as it slides into his chest and she turns.
Trying to crawl away from her she makes sure to twirl her knife. Intimidation is key. These dirty vermin deserve to be in fear, terror before they die. No doubt this isn't the first attempt. "What are you so scared of?" Speaking in a soft and almost soothing voice she kicks the sword away. Once more Arinda looks at Nia and her choice, the action she is taking is put into place more firmly. The way her friends usual tan face is white, tears in her eyes. Refraining from snarling the elf is swift as she descents. The dagger goes right into his thigh and she sits herself right on his chest as her other dagger slides shallow on his throat. He won't bleed out fast, she didn't hit an artery. Slow, he will more than likely drowned in his own blood than bleed out. Leaning closer the girl ignores the blood coating her hands and as it splashes on her face when he coughs and struggles.
"You feel it? The fear, unable to breathe, gasping for each breath but choking." Her expression is dark, an almost childish glee as she watches the man in front of her slowly drowning in the thick liquid. It is disgusting. Arinda knows what she is doing is wrong, not morally good. But the girl never said she was. She will protect what is hers, her family, her friends. Even this god forsaken city. "I want you to look at her as you die!" Grabbing his chin Arinda ignores the mixture of spit and blood as she forces him to turn his head and look at Nia. The elder teen is looking with shock and other emotions. It probably won't help but she hopes that seeing the male dying right in front of her may help Nia get a little closure.
There is a sound behind her, a cry and cutting. Twisting her upper body she looks over her shoulder and blinks. "Revas?" Questioning the youngest looks back and see's that the males eyes have rolled and he isn't breathing anymore. A small pool of blood has begun to grow under his head and neck. Standing up Arinda rubs her hands on her pants, all it does is smear the blood on her clothes rather than wipe it off her hands. "If you are going to torture someone Kadan, you must take care of the rest." The Qunari kicks at the now dead body of the man she threw the knife at. "Ah… Yes. I thought he would be dead." She assumed that she hit his heart or a lung. Probably adrenaline and anger kept him going. Walking forward with his own large sword perched partially on his shoulder the man walks forward. She can see the worry on his face, the gold eyes flicker to her than Nia. They harden and then he looks at Arinda only to have his gaze flicker past her. Blinking the elf turns and sees the man she put in a nightmare is on the ground curled into a ball. It seems like he threw up too, he is rocking with his hands ripping at his hair.
The young girl and the Qunari speak softly before Arinda is quick to gently guide Nia. Once the girl is up she takes her to Natal's home. Before entering she knocks her free hand on the wall. Pushing the drape aside the young elf leads the elder in. Barely a few steps in and the man is walking out. Catching sight of both girls his expression flickers through different emotions. Holding her hand up Arinda continues forward, her hand on the others back. "Why don't you lay down for the moment." She clings onto the youngest "Don't leave me!" Inhaling she holds it before letting it out. Very carefully the brunet pushes the girl on the bed. Sitting on the edge she takes her hand.
"It is over, that moment. They are dead." The last man will be soon enough. "I am going to go back and loot their bodies. We also need to get rid of them. Natal here is powerful; he will protect you. He can… heal you too." If magic is needed the man will, but he also knows herbology and has different potions. "I will come back when you wake up Nia. I promise." Squeezing the hand back the Antivian nods after a moment. Her eyes are large and glassy, but she takes a shaky breath. A hand touches Arinda's shoulder and Natal holds out a glass. "This is water, it also has something that will help one relax." His voice is soft and soothing. Pulling her hands away she stands up "Can you help her drink it? I am-" She shows her hands which still have blood coating them. Now beginning to dry. It feels disgusting.
Arinda waits, standing close to give the elder comfort. It takes a little less than five minutes before the girl is sleeping. "I will be back in a few hours to explain everything. I need to meet with Revas and get rid of the bodies." Her face pulls into a sneer. Natal holds her shoulders "You are strong, she will rely on you for awhile. Don't forget to come up for air Da'len. We also care for both of you and will help you in anyway." There is a clear inflection. But she shakes her head, while surprised by this incident, it is not something that is shocking. Things like this happen to a lot of other people. "I know, this…" Letting out a sigh the young elf shrugs. "We have to go slowly." Turning Arinda heads out. There is going to be a lot to do.
Once she is in the spot that the fight happened, she notices that one body is missing. No doubt Revas got to work. Moving around she first gets to work and looks through their belongings. Sadly, there isn't much on these people. Which is odd. Looking over their bodies she does notice a matching tattoo on them. It isn't the Crow's, the young girl has no idea what the House of Repose would have to show they belong. With the way this group fought she doubts it would be through them. Humming she continues to look over everything but can't find anything else. By the time she is done looking she hears a noise. Looking over she see's Revas. Standing up the girl tilts her head, his expression does not look pleased.
He curses in Qunlat to her amusement. The taller kicks at one of the bodies and curses "Slavers." He growls the word out. Narrowing her eyes the girl twists her head back around. Crouching next to them she pulls one of the men's shirt up and looks at the tattoo again. Revas comes next to her "They all have a tattoo like this somewhere on their body. You are saying they are slavers?" Getting a ratty piece of paper out she traces the insignia on it with charcoal. It looks faintly like A sun symbol with an arrow through it. Once that is done she carefully rolls the parchment up and puts it into the pouch on her leg.
The girl has no idea if this is some weird attribute the spirits gave her or because she was aware and existing for a long time but she noticed over time she is stronger than any normal person her age. She can't pick up boulders or do anything insane. But the fact she is ten years old and she can pick up a grown man and carry him without too much problem; that is something to take note of. She does get out of breath after a bit. The man is dead weight and she sweats, not to mention the blood that is no doubt ruining her clothes is dripping on her. The man is slung over her shoulders to make it easier. Revas has an odd expression between smug and something else. "If you were in the Qun there would be many requests to breed with you once you come of age." Her expression is less amused. "Wow, thanks for that information Revas. I really wanted to know that." There is no emotion in her voice, just pure sarcasm.
Snorting at her the man helps the girl and they toss both dead men off one of the cliff's. By the time the last two are gone her whole body is sore. "You have been blessed Kadan. I don't know by what or the reason. But whatever gods or spirits, you have been made as something more." Already Arinda wants to shake her head. She wants to be normal; the girl wants to spend time with her family and live old with them. Nothing more. Maybe kill a few people that hurt them too.
It comes as no surprise that there are consequences for what happened. Some day's Nia is fine, she does not enjoy being touched as she once did but she still is able to function. As time moves it is clear she is not dealing with it well. The female has nightmares or just refuses to sleep. Bartrand has been working on getting as much information he can and it took two weeks before they learned of the reason. As Revas said the group were slavers, their group appears to be more recent and small. They were sent after Nia by her family. Her mother and father were killed a month prior, her brother is missing and her aunt and uncle that came with her were killed. Any immediate family she had is gone, any hope for her brother being alive are slim to none.
One thing that bugs Arinda is the fact they sent slavers and not assassins like the Crows. If they really cared about succession, they would have wanted her dead. Something else seems to be going on and the younger elf just cannot put her finger on it. Perhaps she will ask some spirits about more information on that group or even the things happening in Antiva.
As much as she cares for the elder girl the brunet has never been good at comforting people. She is no fool to think that trauma can be gone so swiftly, but she thought that at the very least the fact that the men are dead, that would bring comfort to the female. It seems that it does not. Hope has offered to go into the human's dreams when they get bad, but the spirit can only do so much. Nia is strong, the girl will pull through, most likely after fucking up a bunch of shit if the way she is more determined to build her spy network is anything to go by.
The girl has spoken to both Varric and Arinda about how to go about it. The dwarf does have something of a network but at the same time not a true one. Arinda helps the girl more. Nia must teach them to fear her first, show that she is capable and will kill those who cross her. After a certain amount of time, then and only then will she show empathy and kindness to a select few. Trust does not come for a long time, probably a few years. The Antivan seems to have settled after a few weeks but the darkness in her eyes sometimes shadows the spark.
Months pass and with the females eleventh birthday coming up in a few months; it is time for her first official hunt. Her father and Natal won't be helping her in anyway. This will be her time to show everything that she has learned. The elf has a few things packed in her small bag attached at her hip. Some cloth wraps for any injuries and light healing potions. Her short bow is strapped to her back with about ten arrows in it; a hunting knife on her other thigh. There are a few scant pieces of leather over certain tender and obvious parts on her body but other than that no armor.
Meeting at the woods she can see her father and Natal waiting for her. As they begin to walk up the mountain Natal is speaking with a smile on his face. While it is clear he isn't a fan of the Dalish, there are certain things that stuck. "Usually between the age of ten and thirteen is when the young would be taken on their first hunt." His voice is soft, a sadness hidden in the gentle twang, but he adores the memories. "That would be what marks them first, how they acted, their movement and ideas would shape who they would become. It… it would be one of the examples that shape who their God or Goddess would end up being for their… Vallaslin." His lips thin and Arinda does the same. She knows the original reason for them. She wonders if the man knows what they really represented before the history was lost.
The silence falls around everyone but it isn't uncomfortable for the two elves. Humming softly Natal looks around the tree's. It is clear that the man prefers the forest over the city, Arinda can understand that feeling. There is a small memory, back before she became known as Arinda, her old home was surrounded by nature. Sighing she stops walking and both men follow. Kneeling the brunet tilts her head and smiles as she recognizes the prints of Ram in the dirt. There seems to be a few, perhaps a herd. She follows where the trail leads, it is obvious as it rained a few days prior, the ground soft and leaving footprints. Peeking through the foliage she can see a couple of Ram grazing on the grass. Her dull eyes look around the group to find a good target. She does not want one too young or too old. The girl goes for a bigger one, it looks as if it is beginning to age some. There is no point in hunting a perfectly healthy Ram; the influx of people in the city has dropped but the damage to the wildlife has yet to heal. There is still a big drop-in game for the past year.
Slowly the young elf grabs her bow, notching an arrow she takes aim at the eye. Pulling the string back more she takes a breath. Just before her arrow is going to fly a commotion happens behind her. She turns lowering her bow ready to ask but she can't. There are a bunch of dwarves attacking, she barely manages to dodge out of the way of a sword that swipes at her. Her father feels ice settle in his gut when he watches his daughter move and race around the group of people. There are very few times that the young elf is surprised anymore, this happens to be one of those times.
There is chaos, smoke bombs thrown, heat licks close to her face as something explodes and the brunet is thrown back against a tree. A little woozy she sits up quickly, it is dangerous to lay on the ground. Stumbling up the younger barely manages a step or to even look around before pain explodes in her head. Blinking lethargically she finds herself on the ground, confused and unsure about what just happened. The throbbing in her head makes her sight go a little fuzzy as she blinks, everything swims and she feels like she is tilting and moving. All the sounds around her echo but sound so distant.
It takes a few seconds, she notices that the feeling of her moving were not false. Through the smoke she see's some gruff looking dwarf dragging her by her leg. With this she starts to struggle, however it seems like the damage to her head affected her motor skills as her limbs won't respond the way she wants to. Try as she might to hit or attack the male all she manages is some wild flailing. Trying to shout or swear only results in her coughing as she inhales dirt and smoke.
Everything is happening to fast, Varric froze resulting in an arrow in the shoulder when he saw Arinda struck down. The blond felt sick with terror, what if she was dead. He is knocked on his ass but the icy grip that held him relaxes as he watches her move about. His vision is blocked and the male kicks at the two that try to hit him. Natal is filled with too many emotions to count; he managed to get into a tree, making it harder for him to get hit. Jumping around he gets many of the people ambushing but more seem to poor in. Something inside him curls nastily as he see's Arinda being dragged away. There are too many, he can't protect himself, Varric and get the girl back the way he is.
It has been such a long time, the sweet call of his magic like a storm at sea. The dark haired elf pulls a knife out "Forgive me." Whispering this in his tongue the man drags the sharp blade across his palm, the bite barely stinging before deep red begins to bleed from the cut. It drips down and he lets the feeling inside him curl and twist. Heat shimmers around, it licks at the air, everyone takes notice on how it seems to build up. Sweat clinging to them. Natal grins feral, the voice inside him finally being allowed to play. Clenching his hand into a fist the blood pools faster, dripping down his wrist but he ignores it. He whispers in old Elvhen, the words almost like a curse before blue flames come to life and fan out. The size is daunting but the heat is almost cold.
It is all so swift and decisive, it nearly eats everything in its path. Screams erupt around and Varric can't help the way his hazel eyes widen in shock at the destruction he is seeing. The blue flames go over him and he raises his arms but all he feels is a coolness, than it is gone. In its wake ash and bone is left. Wide eyed he breathes hard and looks around, no one is left, they are gone. Then he hears a groan and see's his daughter struggling on the ground. Any worry or thought is pushed from his mind as he struggles to get up, sore and in pain. Waddling over he holds one of his shoulder, the arrow still sticking out but he ignores it for the time being.
Crouching down he looks down and see's Arinda covered in dirt and blood. Trying to remain calm he reaches out and checks her body for any serious injuries. The only one he finds is the one on the back of her head. She groans and tips to the side as he checks it out. Some fear trickles in as he see's the skin split, her hair matted with blood and the dirty whiteness of her skull. Before he can do much else a hand lands on his shoulders. It is hot to the touch and he looks over seeing Natal, his ice blue eyes seeming to glow even in the day time. "I can heal this." His hand comes out and a soft blue and green hue surrounds it. Varric watches as the wound closes slowly.
The two are bloody and sore, Arinda feels like throwing up but she refuses. Her vision still flickers and she is told to not move much. Natal picks her up after healing the dwarves injury; they all begin making their way home. Instead of going to The Hanged man they go to Natal's home. Arinda is set on the bed and the elder elf cleans her body up. Varric ends up passing out on the floor close by after he wiped himself down. "Be still Da'len. A head injury is dangerous even when healed properly." She goes in and out, the male not allowing her to sleep. He sings a few song's, wipes at her face, feeds her water and speaks to her throughout the night. When the sun goes down and then up again, she is allowed home. Things still feel off and wrong.
The man wrote to Varric, leaving a note that read 'I will need time.' He seems to have left. Both the dwarf and elf are shocked by it. Arinda isn't surprised by the magic, Varric while confused doesn't care much. The younger is being forced to stay inside for the rest of the week, pretty much being baby sat by one of the three kids at a time. Feynriel has been visiting and showing her all that he has learned with writing and reading. Laid up in bed she humors him, nodding along and helping him with his reading.
She gets fed up after four weeks pass and she is allowed to move around and go out again. She has visited Natal's home four times but he is never there. Arinda want's to understand but she can't. Especially if the man avoids her and her family. He is being stupid, she is a mage too and her family doesn't give a shit so she doesn't understand why he is being a dramatic baby. It is beyond stupid.
Hope is there to greet her when she enters the fade, a finger to her face. Recognizing the gesture she raises a brow at the spirit but listens and follows as she is lead forward. There is a familiar voice as she is lead through the forest that looks so much like the mountains near Kirkwall. Pushing through the weirdly colored bushes the elf see's a figure by a fire. Some small wisp spirits dancing around the flames. Her face twists, both happiness but also a petulant side kicking up a fuss "So you have been sulking away from us in the fade?" Her voice carries a sharpness to it. The figure jumps up startled and she crosses her arms as wide blue eyes look at her.
"Da'len?" The word is spoken is a soft and shocked tone. Walking over she plops herself in front of the fire and holds her hand out. One of the spirits float over and drops in her hand. It feels cool, staticky and like sticky water. It vibrates and seems to purr content with her touch. A soft smile slides as she lets her finger caress the small being. Natal is staring hard, the girl is so different from what he is use to. Just as he is, it is rare to see the brunet smile freely, tight lipped or amused but never truly happy. "A demon-?" He questions.
Arinda rolls her eyes and gently pushes the wisp up, it floats into the air and bumps into one of the others with a soft noise. Glancing over she shakes her head "If I was a demon you would have already been trapped. I can feel your emotions from here." Warmth flows through her and Hope touches the girls shoulder "Don't be rude Traveler. He has missed you a lot." The brunt ignores the tingling that brings her, shoving it into the furthest place in her mind. Scowling she shrugs off the yellow spirits touch "He did that to himself when he ran away."
Natal can't fathom what he see's in front of him, he is different from his fellow Dalish that see no difference from demons and spirits. Even he is wary of anything more powerful than a wisp. He knows of spirits that represent virtues, never has he met one. The black haired elf always kept up wards and barriers around the fade so nothing too powerful could get past it. Eventually he sits down and sighs "I am sorry, I needed to sort myself out." Not looking at her the man can't even explain the reason why. "Natal, I am a mage, you know how powerful I am. Why did you think that we would have an issue with that?" Trying to keep her voice from getting accusatory she inhales deep and lets it out.
There is no response and she feels her chest hurt. Silence echoes around in an odd ringing ambience. "I have a twin brother. We looked identical other than our eyes, mine are blue while his are green. We did nearly everything together." Arinda looks over as the man speaks. The story should have some time of meaning so for now the brunet keeps her mouth shut. "When I was eight I showed signs of being a mage. My brother didn't. It was scary at first, they taught me to control it but when I slept I would be in the fade, I could see, feel and remember. A somniari or dreamer; I knew if I said something that they would fear me. A year later my brother began using magic. I was… excited and spoke to him about my ability but he didn't have it. That started the divide."
Taking a breath the elder sighs and continues, his eyes seeming to dance with the flames "Things began to become a competition. I wanted to understand, to learn, not just become the Second. I didn't want to settle and be afraid like everyone else. My brother listened to the Keeper, he headed the danger but did not ask why. He didn't want to learn new magic, he wanted to be a copy. When we were twelve he told the keeper of my ability and she became afraid. They would put wards before I went to sleep, it didn't do much. I could see memories when I slept, wonderful memories, Da'len it was like reading a book. Seeing history play out, even the smallest of things." A gentle smile shows on his face.
"I was an adventurous lad though, I would jump through the trees and search old ruins we traveled by. My magic grew, I saw old magic in the fade and I practiced it. My clan began to fear me when I turned fourteen. I was stronger than the Keeper. The things I saw were different from what we were taught, the ancient elves… they did not like what I spoke of." Natal began to play with the grass, twisting blades before ripping them up. "They chose my brother when we turned sixteen, the next day the Keeper died in her sleep. They all blamed me, because I could go into the fade; I was kicked out of the clan, I was a bad omen they said." The man hunches into himself and Arinda feels anger in her gut. What fools, just like her birth parents.
They are silent, after a moment the man speaks again but his voice is so soft, small even "I didn't want you to see me as a monster. To see me as different. I… I use blood magic, I can travel in the fade. The spells I learn, I could destroy the city." Huffing out a laugh Arinda stands up and stretches "Well Natal, I shall let you in on a secret." As she speaks she closes her eyes and reaches her mind out. The world shifts quick making the elder gasp in shock. The forest is gone and they are instead in a meadow, a rainbow of flowers surround them, the sky is a soft pink and purple.
"You called kitten~?" The smooth voice of Athena ripples and than a more guttural one follows "The morsal wishes to play?" Thor, the Pride demon from before is there, his form no less daunting. More spirits follow, there are wisps, wraiths and even more virtuous ones. Valor, Knowledge and some less known ones. There is one more demon, Sloth. Natal is blown away, the demons are a surprise, but for some reason he doubts that the elf made any deal with them. Arinda grins up at the man and holds her hand out. "If you could destroy the city, then I could destroy the Free Marches. It doesn't matter if you have power Natal, what matters is how you use them. You aren't our friend, you're our family. We will fight tooth and nail for you." She speaks and holds his hand firm.
He can't stop the tears that follow, he wanted to fit. He has been traveling for over ten years alone. He stumbled on Varric when the man was a mere boy, for some reason he stayed. The elf was always ready to leave, to be kicked out or looked at with disgust. Other Dalish were told about him, some didn't know but he knew he would never fit in, his knowledge of the past would make them hate him. So he never stayed long with the ones that let him stay.
"Don't cry Lethallin, chin up." Smiling at the man she lets go and steps back only to nearly be plowed over by Athena "Why haven't you called me lately? I have been so bored. The stupid mortals all want the same thing. You need to take responsibility; I have been denying deals with them because they are so boring!" as the creatures is holding onto her she lets her face settle into a blank annoyed expression as the demon prattles on and complains. Natal ends up laughing, his face seeming to shift into something younger and free. Looking at the man she smiles and whispers "Ar lasa mala revas." I give you your freedom.