DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.

SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.

A SONG IN THE STILLNESS

Chapter 20: New Beginnings

9:33 Dragon, Firstfall === Areth

"I trust you have beer in that cold box and single malt in the cabinet," Loghain said.

"We stocked up when we heard you were coming," Maric replied with a laugh. "Even Will knows Poppa Loghain likes his beer."

Loghain faked a glare, but his stifled smile showed he felt no rancor towards his old friend. Lys pinched her nose reminding herself that they always teased each other; that it was how they got along. As she breathed in, Loghain smiled and winked at her.

"Getting along seems obligatory under the circumstances, Maric, as long as you promise no sharpened blades."

Maric, seeing Lys' wary look, spoke reassuringly. "Don't worry, we won't draw on each other while the other relatives are here. We've gotten past our differences." He strode over to the refrigerator and pulled out two cold bottles of Waking Sea Dunkel, a dark beer Loghain had taken a liking to. "Just for you, old friend. And for you," he said, leaning down to hand Will a chilled cup of what the toddler had named fizzy water, complete with sippy top, "a Coastland Spring fizz." Will grinned as he took the cup and followed his two grandfathers to the patio.

Lys' fingers covered her mouth as she watched the trio head outside. Eleanor saw her take another deep breath, square her shoulders and turn to face Kai, Liv, and herself. "Sometimes…" she shook her head, "it just pops into my head. I can almost see Ali walking with them. Now," she continued, "let's get ready for the onslaught. Pippa messaged me when they left Revona, so they'll be here soon. Fiona won't arrive until tomorrow, which gives us time to explain her visit to everyone else." She pinched her nose again, willing away the headache that threatened. I just hope Fergus doesn't get angry that I didn't tell him about Fiona when he was here.

As they spoke, an AirZIP landed near a copse where, Fergus had told Anora, the Cousland clan had several houses. Pippa and Fergus had stayed with Nate, Anora, and their children in Revona City while Nate and Anora attended orientation and Anora and Dougal had a health checkup. Pippa had suggested they remain for another day to allow Anora and Nate more time to acclimate, but the others overruled her, and they all set out for Hiever a day after orientation completed. Nate, as Loghain had, sat stiffly during the flight, not looking out of the window, but Anora, responding to Elin's excited chatter as she peered through the windows, had no time to be fearful. Dougal, in his safety seat, had slept through all the excitement, but Thomas, sitting in Pippa's lap, had chattered and pointed at animals and GroundZips, trying, but failing to get Nate's attention. Thomas had been to Revona for doctor's visits so he had seen many of the sights before.

Fergus, who sat across from his wife on the flight, had felt thankful that she had understood his need to confront Lys and deal with his anger on his own. He had expected an argument, long silences, and icy disapproval on his return, but, when he admitted his visit to Areth, Anora had done none of those things. She agreed that Fergus needed to resolve his issues with Lys and that it was best done alone, just between the two of them. Not sure he had heard her correctly, he just stared, brow slightly furrowed. She had smiled, cupped his cheek, and said there would be enough excitement when she and Nate and the children visited Areth for the first time, Lys did not need it complicated by an angry and surly - he had bristled at that, but then shrugged and nodded - Fergus and attempts to help or defuse arguments by Eleanor, Loghain, Anora, or Pippa. As usual, Anora had it right; luckily, for him, his impulsiveness had led to good outcomes.

Once back on the ground, Fergus agreed with Maud's suggestion that they drop off their luggage at the Carriage House, where they would stay, before going to the Cottage. Much to Nate and Anora's relief, they climbed into a wheeled vehicle, more like a cart, but without horses or oxen to pull it.

"Calm down, Elin," Anora admonished, gently, as her five-year-old daughter squealed in delight at the sight of horses in a passing field. "I'm sure we can find out if there is a pony for you to ride."

"Neigh, neigh," shouted two-year-old Thomas, pointing over Elin's shoulder at the grazing animals.

"Ah yes, there are ponies, Elin," Maud said. "Even one gentle enough for your young man, Pippa. The Carriage House, where you'll stay is just ahead, only a short walk away from the stables." Maud looked at Pippa. "Ye've stayed here before I think?"

"Many years ago, with my parents," Pippa acknowledged. "It's a lovely cottage if I recall properly. More than enough room for all of us." She looked at the half dozen or so horses in the pasture and corral. "I wonder if Starsong is still alive? Lys loved that horse."

"She is, Pippa," Maud said. "A bit slower than when ye were here before, but still a pleasure to ride. And here we are. Let's get ye settled, so ye can get out enjoy this lovely weather."

They quickly unloaded their luggage, freshened up, changed Dougal and Thomas' diapers, and found the GroundZIP for their drive to the Cottage.

"It's only a quarter of a mile away," Maud had said, as she left, "but it's much quicker in the ZIP."

"You drive, Pippa," Fergus said, climbing in the passenger seat. Dougal, Thomas and Elin had safety seats and Fergus instructed Anora and Nate to strap in as well. Pippa complied, but gave Fergus a sidelong glance.

"You don't drive?" Nate asked.

"I can, but prefer not to. My Mum or Lys always drove. They visited here far more often than Da or me. Pippa did too." He looked at the screen. "It's not exactly driving…I mean the driver just signs in, enters the destination, and monitors the control panel, you don't actually steer the thing. It drives itself."

Pippa chuckled. "Which means, I'm better at paying attention, love, and I'm more experienced than Fergus. Not as much as Lys and Eleanor, but since I had no family here, as they did, my mum and I didn't visit as often. Your Mum and Olivia are close," she said to Fergus, "and Lys adores her aunt, so they came a lot." She started the vehicle and selected Carriage House, the destination already programmed into the system."

Anora peered over Pippa's shoulder. "Can you also give it a new destination?"

Pippa grinned. "You paid attention."

"Of course, I did."

Fergus snorted.

"Perhaps if you had paid more attention you would be driving," Anora said.

"I can drive, I just prefer not to. I drove on my last visit."

Laughing, Anora said, "You were so angry you didn't have any capacity for fear." She reached out and touched his shoulder. "It's true, but also amusing, love. I am glad you and Lys worked things out."

Fergus and Pippa exchanged a glance, knowing their spouses would find a surprise at the Cottage when Maric walked in. Anora and Nate knew Thomas had kidnapped, married and abused Lys; that Lys had a son, but that Alistair was the father; however, Pippa had made no mention of Rendon's capture and imprisonment of Maric. Eleanor and Loghain would be present to help ease the surprise, but how Anora, in particular, would react to the former king's appearance remained an unknown. Then there was Fiona. Only Pippa knew about her, but that surprise would happen tomorrow.

Kai opened the door as the Zip stopped in front of the Cottage. Lys and Eleanor followed her out. Elin stopped, eyes wide, when she saw Lys.

"Auntie Lys", she squealed and ran to hug her. "Momma said I have a cousin here, called Will. Where's Cousin Will?" Elin turned to Thomas. "Thomas come on we must find Cousin Will."

Kai stepped in and took the little Queen's hand, saying she would take Elin to find Will. Thomas clung to Pippa, ignoring his Queen's command.

"I never thought she'd remember me," Lys laughed.

Anora stepped forward and put her arms around Lys. "She still sings those silly songs you taught her. I made sure she didn't forget you, despite Fergus." Releasing her hug, she stepped back smiling. "Areth agrees with you. You look wonderful."

"Well, it's safe, so no fighting and no fear. We just play at blade work and archery, but come in. Loghain and Will are fishing together down at the lake, but Mum's inside. Fishing has become Will's favorite occupation. We eat a lot of fish as a result." Lys led them through the house on a tour of sorts, showing them the kitchen with its curious cold cabinet, the small bathroom, which orientation had explained, and the expansive living and dining space with its large, familiar fireplace. She then led them out to the patio where Eleanor greeted Anora with a hug.

"There," she pointed to the dock. Anora recognized her father, saw the small boy and her own daughter, each with a fishing pole. Kai sat by the Queen and another man sat by Will. Nate and Anora stared as he whispered something to Will and they both stood and looked up to the patio. He picked Will up and started to walk up the path.

"Your eyes are not deceiving you," Lys said, softly.

"But how?" Anora whispered. "It's been eight years."

"Fuck," Nate said, startling his wife and Anora. He rarely swore, and never in front of his son. He looked at Anora. "I believe you answered your own question, Anora. Howe. The prisoner we heard of at the Orphanage."

"Your father held Maric?" Anora asked Nate.

"His father," Maric said as he stepped on to the patio, "but not because of anything Nate ever did." Loghain, Kai, and Queen Elin followed. "I'll tell you all the tale later, but for now, meet my grandson, Will. Will, this is your Aunt Anora, your Aunt Pippa and your Uncle Nate."

"Momma." Will reached for Lys.

Loghain chuckled. "An appropriate reaction when faced with such a formidable company." He put an arm around Anora and kissed her brow. "It's been too long, daughter."

She looked from Eleanor to Maric to her father. "I have no words," she whispered, and then looked at Fergus, who she realized must have met Maric on his prior visit, and scowled.

Which set the whole company laughing.

x==========x

"Lys," Anora pulled her hostess aside, as Eleanor, PIppa, and Kai prepared lunch. She motioned towards the patio and Lys followed her wondering what had made her sister-in-law so serious.

"I just want to apologize -"

"-for-"

"-no let me finish. I know I don't answer for Fergus, but I should have spoken to your mother and Pippa about my concerns sooner. I didn't believe his ranting. Erlina had some suspicions that you had lived, although she wouldn't give me the details until she had more evidence. I know you Lys. That you would just leave with no word," she shook her head, "that's not you. I don't understand how Fergus could think it was." She hesitated before speaking again. "Now I wonder, because I know how captivity feels, how you are?"

Lys responded with a slight smile. "I don't like my feet touched," she said softly, "but I've learned to allow hugs, affection from those I trust."

"I wondered. I can't imagine surviving for months, alone…." She shivered.

"I wasn't alone and that helped. Kai was always there. The healer, a mage, did her best to help by convincing the Tevinter mage what was best for ensuring a healthy baby. That limited Thomas' options. Eventually he grew tired of a pregnant wife and mostly left me alone."

"And Kai?"

"Ironically, she was safe. Tevinter wanted only pure-blooded elves. Howe forbade the human men from even seeing the female elves. Thomas did not change those rules. No one would touch Kai."

Anora sat on the bench that ran along the wall of the house and patted the seat next to her. Lys sat, smiling. Obeying my queen as always.

"Have you met anyone here? Fergus tells me people here choose their mates and date or hang out together."

Lys chuckled. "No. I haven't dated or hung out. I have seen friends from the school Pippa, and I attended here, including some I was once attracted to, but it all seems so long ago. Most only visit from their respective worlds, since the school served Travelers, not natives to Areth. School was what we had in common, so we have little in common now. I did spend time with one particular friend, who stayed here in Areth, meeting his friends and going out in Revona. He did try to kiss me, after a nice evening together…." she grimaced. "Poor Steve, it did not go well. Anyway, he figured out why and gave me the name of a woman, a trained healer of sorts, who I can talk to about my experiences. It's helped." She smiled. "And he's remained a friend, which is nice."

"I was lucky, I suppose. I had Reginalda to talk to and I trusted Fergus. He knew what I'd been through and he was so very patient, but it took time before we worked it out. I can't imagine doing that with a stranger, or even an acquaintance."

"There's no special friend, much less lover, in my life, Anora, but I have Mum, Loghain, Kai, Maric, Olivia…. I wish there was, to be honest. In some ways I'm ready to have new friends, perhaps a lover, I don't know. I do know if I would not react well to anything beyond a very simple kiss on the cheek." She stood. "We won't solve my problems here. Thank you, though. It helps to talk about it to someone who understands."

x==========x

"Did you answer Nate and Anora's questions after orientation," Lys said to Pippa when the five women settled in the living room that afternoon. All four children had somehow been settled down for naps. Maric had convinced the four men to join him for a tour of the armory and lunch at the local pub while the children slept.

"I didn't have any," Anora said, sitting stiffly on a wooden dining chair, her hands folded in her lap. "I'm…this is all…", she took a deep breath…" It's so much to take in. Being here, flying, Maric, all this!"

"But the shopping," Kai said. "Did you go shopping? Even Maric and Loghain liked the book and map shop."

"No. We wanted to get here as quickly as we could. I needed to let Lys know I never shared Fergus' doubts. I'm still annoyed with him," she looked at Lys, "even if you're not."

Smiling, Lys said, "Not angry, but still wary. Also amazed that you passed up on the shops in Revona."

Lys and Eleanor looked at Pippa who threw up her hands. "Nate had no interest in shopping and Anora wanted to get here. Immediately! I…we complied."

"Tomorrow we'll tour the living history museum at the Anthropological Research Institute," Lys said. "Olivia, Mum's sister, will be there to introduce us to their work. That may make you feel more at home, Anora. You'll think you're in a Ferelden city. We can relax here for a few days, or see more of the area as you wish, and then celebrate Will's birthday - his nameday," she added for Anora's benefit, "on Friday."

"How old is he…here?" Anora asked, recalling the somewhat confusing methods of comparing the passing of time between Areth and its linked worlds.

"I know it's confusing, but lucky for us, the length of the days and year are very similar in Thedas and Areth, so we age at about the same rate…so he's two in both places." Seeing Anora's frown, she added, "We can get into the details later, if you like. It will be lovely to have you all here to help us celebrate."

"We have no Name Day gifts," Anora said.

"Well, you wouldn't shop," Pippa reminded her, and then grinned. "But I did. We have gifts, so don't worry. And Eleanor ordered cupcakes."

Grinning, Anora squeezed Pippa's hand. "Always prepared. I miss you in Denerim, but what are cupcakes?"

"Tiny iced cakes, Anora. You'll love them," Eleanor said.

"Tell me more about this museum. What's living history?"

"It's an imitation of what people here believe Ferelden is like," Eleanor said. "It's mostly accurate."

"Arethians study their linked worlds," Lys added, "to try and understand the culture, the history, how they work. That's what the Anthropological Research Institute does and it's where my aunt, Olivia, works. As a Traveler, she can come to Thedas to study, which she does. Her speciality is the Dalish and ancestral Elvhenan peoples.

"Since Liv works there, we can tour the Institute as well as the public areas."

"Nate will appreciate the Armory," Pippa added, "as I'm sure he'll tell you after visiting to day with Maric. Particularly the archery butts. He's always wanted to compete against Loghain."

Lys smiled. "And Alistair won't be there to beat him."

"I might," Kai said. "I've beaten Loghain."

"Oh no, poor Nate." Anora patted Pippa's hand. "At least we don't have to worry about Fergus or Maric competing, neither can hit a barn with an arrow."

"On another day, we can take the children riding," Lys added. "There are tiny ponies for Thomas and Will and a normal sized one for the Queen." She smirked. "I work at the weaving house with the textile workers. I promise not to bore you too much with our projects."

"Then, next week," Pippa said, "we'll return to Revona city and shop." She and Kai grinned at each other. "It's the only reason I ever had for coming here, Anora. We can take natural fibers and textiles back with us, as long as the fiber, like wool, cotton, or silk, is found in Thedas too. Oriana loved to shop here."

"Oriana kept a whole wardrobe here, of items she couldn't take back," Lys said. "So many shoes! Leliana would love it." She looked at Anora. "Now, before the kiddos awaken," she stopped seeing Anora's puzzled look. "Ah…slang. Kids are children; kiddos are also children. So, before they wake, what questions do you have from your Orientation. You must have some."

"I don't right now. It's still too new, but I'm feeling more excited. You all seem to like it here. And I won't say no to shopping, now that we've all met up."

Lys grinned. "I love having you all here. It's so much better than being alone. I know Maric feels the same. If it were safer and we could work it out, we'd come home…back, but I don't see how that's possible with all the threats to Maric and Will.

"What about to Gwaren?" Anora said.

"Safer, but not safe enough. We've talked about it with Mum and Loghain. They have so much more shipping and trade now, which means more strangers. Someone would recognize Maric or me."

"I should visit," Anora said. "Leonas has been there, as he's the Teyrn, but Fergus and I haven't. We should take Elin now that your marriage is known, Eleanor."

"Anytime, you know that Anora," Eleanor said.

"Definitely, once the snow melts and winds quiet." She smiled. "In a bit over a month it will be First Day. I think I'm looking forward to a New Year for the first time in so long. If 9:34 Dragon brings no terrible surprises, then we can all visit more frequently." She looked at Lys. "Castle Cousland has the only portal?"

Eleanor, Pippa, and Lys nodded. "In Ferelden," Eleanor said, "at least as a general portal. There is a research portal in Gwaren. It's how Loghain and I travel, but you need permission to use it, which I suspect we can manage for you, Fergus, and the children. I know the Dalish Research Director."

"Your sister? Olivia?"

Eleanor nodded.

"There's another general portal in Cumberland, and one in Nevarra City," Lys said. "None in Orlais or Tevinter or Antiva. The one in Starkhaven has been shut down since the troubles there. They considered putting one in Ansburg or Wycome, but there's so few Travelers in the North now, it's never happened."

"It seems Fergus, Elin, Dougal, and I will travel extensively next year. It's time we toured the land and Elin spent time with her people." Anora smiled. "Including her cousin and aunt here."

"Speaking of visiting here," Lys said, glancing at her mother, "another visitor will join us for Will's day. Fiona."

"The mage from the White Spire who joined us in Denerim during the Blight?" Anora asked.

"The same."

"Doesn't she need to be related to someone or is this some arrangement to study magic?"

"She's Alistair's mother," Lys said quietly.

"His mother? But that would make Alistair-"

"-Elf blooded. Yes. And Will too."

Anora looked at Pippa who held up her hands, palm out, replying that it was not her story to tell. Anora nodded, looking thoughtful. "No wonder Maric hid him away. Elf blooded and fear of magic." Before Lys could object, Anora continued. "But Maric could have chosen better."

"Yes," Eleanor said. "He could have, but he decided not to trust us or your father. You see, Alistair was born at Castle Cousland." She went on to tell Fiona's story and how, when she finally took Alistair to Denerim, she asked Maric to raise Alistair away from court. She assumed, wrongly, that he would have the Couslands chose a family to foster him. Maric, annoyed that the Couslands knew his secret, chose otherwise.

"Father didn't know?" Anora asked.

"Not for many years," Eleanor said. "And Lys was fifteen before she figured it out."

"So that explains your comment about archery, Pippa." Anora chuckled softly. "He inherited some of his mother's elvish vision."

"And hearing," Lys said.

"Alistair's beaten Nate twice," Pippa said, "so that bit of information might make him feel better." She looked at Lys. "Who else knows besides Arl Loghain, Maric, Fiona, and you two?"

"No one," Lys said. "Well, Alistair did. Fergus doesn't."

"He was too young to take much notice of another baby in the nursery. He'd already discovered Lys couldn't play with him," Eleanor said, remembering Fergus' preference for his wooden sword and his pony."

"Alistair knew Fiona was his mother." Anora said, not framing her words as a question.

"She came with the wardens to the camp on Mairyn's Rest. They talked there and then saw each other in Denerim." Lys nodded, confirming her assumption.

"Will Maric and Loghain explain all this to Nate and Fergus?" Anora asked. Eleanor nodded, adding, "He plans on explaining his relationship with Fiona during their lunch. He'll pick up Fiona at the landing zone tomorrow."

"She knows we're all here?" Pippa asked.

"Yes, and was a bit wary, but she loves Will, so she'll deal with it."

"She has no magic here?" Pippa grinned. "Does she answer Olivia's questions"

"You can ask her, Pippa, but, no, she has no magic and rather enjoys the experience." Eleanor stood and stretched. "I think-"

"- yes, that's Her Majesty," Anora said, as the young queen appeared at the top of stair, hands on her hips. "Was I that demanding as a child? No, don't answer. I rather think I was. My poor mother!" As the others chuckled, she climbed the stairs to quiet the Queen before she woke the other little ones.

9:34 Dragon, Wintermarch === Free Marches

Lys sorted through the clothing she and Kai had purchased, trying to decide which items to take on their journey north. On its mountain plateau, Markham experienced winter winds, snow, and ice, but as they descended on the Ansburg road, into the plains of the central Free Marches, spring would arrive quickly. While she already missed Will and Maric, her excitement at returning to Ferelden bubbled below the surface.

She and Olivia had negotiated with the Traveler's Council to allow a four-week absence from Areth, even though their expedition to the Elvhenan site west of Ansburg would take four months. She blessed the miracle of time travel the portals afforded, knowing she would miss Will terribly, but grateful she could make the trip. Will would only experience four weeks without his Mum, while she would experience four months without him. She appreciated her Mum's promise of Arethian visits to check in on Maric and Will while she was gone.

Smiling to herself, she reflected on the visits from family and friends during the previous month. Everyone important to her knew where to find her. She had no more secrets from those she loved, and they had forgiven her for any real or imagined slights. She had a brother again, at least until he decided she had failed at some other duty. She loved him, but doubted they would ever return to the easy camaraderie of their youth. Still, Will had cousins, grandparents, uncles, and friends. Most important, Maric and Will were safe, and all agreed they should remain in Areth. Her arms wrapped around her torso, as she hugged herself, grinning, happy to be home in Thedas, if not in Ferelden. She still thought of Ali every day, but here, in the Marches, little things did not remind her of him, as they did when Will tilted his head a certain way, or as they would at so many places in Ferelden. I'm beginning a new chapter and I will make this work for us.

She frowned. Kai had the unresolved relationship. Pippa had assured Kai that Zevran searched for her and encouraged her to wear her ring. Lys had echoed the suggestion; without it, Zev had no chance of finding her. Kai had hesitated and promised to think about it, adding that she wasn't sure she knew Zevran anymore, if the rumors out of Antiva proved true. The Black Shadow had caused the death of so many and then disappeared, leaving mayhem and chaos in his wake. Even though the targets had been Crow talons, innocents had also suffered. Kai believed the Black Shadow was Zev. Lys had pointed out that they knew, as a Crow, Zev had assassinated many, even innocents; Kai had agreed, but added that he had changed, left the Crows during the Blight. But now he had returned, only to exact revenge. Ly had countered that the Crows could have resumed their vendetta against him. Taliesin might be dead, but others might have followed. His return to Antiva may have been both self-preservation and revenge. Kai had shrugged, clasping the ring hanging on its chain, promising only to consider wearing it.

Kai and Lys had brought finely wrought chain mail tunics and new gambesons from Areth to wear on their travels. Both lacked the bulk of most Thedosian armor, and could be worn beneath normal clothing. Two water repellent, warm, green cloaks, dyed a deep moss green, completed the items provided by Arethian artisans. The cloaks, sized perfectly to their figures, had many pockets hidden within their voluminous folds and capacious hoods to hide their features. Blades, daggers, bows, arrows, fletching supplies, and quivers had been acquired from the armories and merchants in Markham. They had sparred and practiced at the archery butts daily in Hiever; in Markham they continued the daily practice at the public grounds the city provided. Not as active on the Grand Tourney as Ansburg, Markham took great pride in its archers and encouraged all citizens to acquire the skill. Public ranges provided a place to practice.

Fergus had sent exquisitely crafted saddles to Master Olivia, specially made with blade and bow sheaths. Pippa had added a selection of fine Highever wool tunics, surcoats, hose and hoods. A festive gown of wool and silk for each of them completed the package. Afterall, Pippa had written, they would be in Thedas for Wintersend and they'd need to dress the part. Lys had carefully folded the silk and wool gown and fine wool cape, before placing them in the bottom of her coffer. We'll be on the road on Wintersend so I doubt I'll need this finery, but maybe, if we reach Ansburg by then, they will invite us to their festivities. Aunt Liv is well known in that city. She bit her lip. And there's a warden post, but no one from Ferelden will be there. At least no one I know. Still, we'll have to be careful.

Her Aunt Olivia traveled in style with pack animals and two carts carrying their clothes and, more importantly, the tools needed to excavate the ruins. Eighteen guards would accompany them to protect against bandits. On the road to Ansburg, they would stay at inns, not at campsites, which could attract attacks. Camp would not be established until they reached the ancestral Elven ruins.

9:34 Dragon, Guardian === Minanter Docks, near Ansburg

"I remember this," Kai said, her eyes scanning the score of galleys and small cogs tied up along the docks across the river from the ferry port. "We stopped here on our Minanter journey, but didn't go to Ansburg."

"No, we continued on to Bastien."

Liv joined them on the dock. "It will take the better part of a day to ferry our carts and pack mules across safely. The ferryman tells me the weather should hold, so we'll stay at the inn here tonight and begin our crossing in the morning. I'd rather not split our party."

Beyond the farmholds surrounding Ansburg, Olivia told them over supper at the inn, the land became less populated and forested as it approached the Green Dales across the border in Antiva. The ruins lay in high country just south of the border, well away from any Dalish clans settled in the Antivan wilderness. A benefit, as the Antivan Dalish tend to shun all contact with humans and attack visitors on sight. Liv had no hope of making contact and negotiating their assistance. Recently, however, she had learned of a clan from the Free Marches camped in the area. She hoped they proved friendly.

The next morning, on the ferry's first passage, Kai and Lys crossed the Minanter with their mounts, along with Joscelin, the guard lieutenant. They would ride on to Ansburg to claim the accommodations Liv had arranged and contact the wardens. Given the unrest in Starkhaven, which ended any regular patrols out of that city, to its northeast, Olivia and the guard captain had concerns about darkspawn sightings and wanted to consult with Stroud and his wardens in Ansburg before venturing far into the northwest. While Joscelin met the carters and university folks as they arrived, settling them at the inn, Lys and Kai would visit the warden compound.

The innkeeper of The Wayward Sock, where Liv had stayed in the past, welcomed them and their coin with open arms. Liv and her researchers would have rooms inside, while the guards would stay in the common barracks room, set aside for caravan guards; a barn, with locking doors, would house the equipment and carts, and a stable served for the animals.

The inn lay just inside the western gate, well away from the Margrave's estate on the east. The map Liv provided showed a large central market and gates on each compass point to allow farmers and shepherds to bring their crops and animals into the city from the farmholds and pastures that surrounded it on all sides. An artisan district lay to the north of the market, the Margrave's palace and noble estates to the east, and merchant homes to the west. To the south of the market, warehouses held trade goods traveling on the road south to and from the river.

The Circle Tower rose just within the walls to the northeast, between the noble and artisan districts. The Warden compound, also abutting the wall, stood just north of the west gate and their inn. Outside the wall, the innkeeper had proudly reported, they could find the Tourney Grounds, reminding Lys that Ansburg participated in the annual round of tourneys that preceded the Grand Tourney each year and that Teagan Guerrin had grown up here with the Margrave and his wife as his adoptive parents.

"The only person I don't want to meet here is Teagan," Lys muttered to Kai as they walked to the Warden Compound. "We'll need to stay far away from the Margrave's estate. He visits every year - or used to, and usually at Wintersend, just before Tourney season begins in Guardian, so he's likely to be here now, competing with his cousins."

"Didn't Anora say he married? A foundry owner, a woman called Kaitlyn? Maybe he won't follow the tourneys now."

"Interesting. Yes, Anora did say that, so maybe I'm worrying unnecessarily."

"Will Liv visit the Margrave?"

"She will, as a courtesy, and to confirm that his permission to explore for elven ruins still stands. We don't have to join her. We have no standing as Masters or even students, so we won't be invited."

Kai peered ahead to the blackened wooden gate ahead, where narrow road ended. "That's a grim building. Is that-"

"-the warden compound. Yes. Yes, it is."

They looked up at the tall keep that rose beyond the gate. Lys counted five stories, with a flat roof, overlooking the wall below it. "It's ancient," Lys added. "Been here since before the Third Blight. Toth and Andoral may have caused all that black scarring when they besieged the Free Marcher cities during the Third and Fourth Blights."

"Happy thoughts," Kai quipped. "No Archdemons around at the moment."

They approached the gatehouse and identified themselves to the guard. Inside the gate, a large courtyard, clearly used for sparring and archery, spread before them. A range of buildings ran along the walls housing the armory, blacksmith, kitchens, stables, workshops, and store rooms. A wide stairway led to the main door on the second level of the keep and they climbed it slowly, taking in all the activity around them.

"I've met Master Olivia and I admire her courage," Stroud offered as he greeted Kai and Lys in his study, "but I'm not sure of the value of studying a lost civilization, particularly when it antagonizes the Dalish clans to the north." He leaned back in his chair and pointed to the two seats on the opposite side of the table before him. "But the utility of the expedition is not your concern, is it?"

"No, we're simply participants," Lys confirmed. "Master Olivia wanted to know if darkspawn activity has been sighted in the area we plan to visit."

"You're Fereldan," Stroud observed.

"We are," Lys agreed, and continued before he could ask the obvious questions. "We left just after the Blight ended. We saw some fighting, but our home did not see the worst of the attacks. My family remains there, but we choose to travel. One day we'll return."

"You have some fighting experience, then."

"Some, as I said. We know enough to stay away and avoid the blood."

We'd rather not meet any more," Kai added.

"You're Dalish?"

"Adopted into a Dalish clan, but born in an Alienage. I speak Dalish, if that's what you're wondering."

"Well, that will benefit the Master's explorations. As for your questions, we have no reports of darkspawn to the west, but there is a clan camped in the forested area south of the Antivan border. They're friendly. Came up from the south, west of Wycome, where bandits have been harassing them. Interesting to watch the ferry carrying aravels and halla across the Minanter."

"They used the ferry?" Lys asked.

"They're a trading clan. Their keeper, Deshanna Istimaethoriel Lavellan, encourages a small group to learn the Common Tongue and venture into human settlements to trade, while most of the clan remains isolated. It's a wise move. Keeps her abreast of outside news and creates some human allies. Anyway, these same elves move their aravels and halla on the ferry, while the rest of the clan crossed elsewhere in secret. There are fords, but crossing fords with aravels opens them to bandit attacks." He chuckled. "In truth, an elf hides in each aravel and emerges when it lands to hitch up the halla and drive off. They do it at dusk, to provide more cover. Interesting folk."

"You're saying we may meet this clan in our travels?"

"Possibly. It's good you look Dalish and speak the language. They do attempt to warn visitors off, rather than shoot first. Still, take care."

Lys and Kai stood. "Thank you, Warden Stroud. We'll keep touch and would appreciate a warning if you hear of 'spawn near our area. We'll advise you, if we find any."

9:34 Dragon, Guardian === Markham

"Ah," Zev said, tossing his pack on the table in the common room of their Markham apartment, "home sweet home, yes?"

"When we're in Markham, it is."

"You still consider Kirkwall home? It is a nasty place, caro. Even Rory is not safe from the Carta, it seems."

"I know. Varric can't understand why they would attack her, screaming for her blood! Then again, very little makes sense there. It's pleasantly quiet here, but…."

"But? You miss the excitement? The thrill of battle? The tingle when you know an ambush awaits just ahead?" Zev smiled. "I can provide all that you know." His grin widened. "How will you know, when you come home, where I await to pounce on you unawares? What I plan? Thrills and tingles are my speciality, yes?"

Alistair laughed. "Hardly suspenseful, Zev, but yes, tingles, thrills and so much more."

Unlike Kirkwall, where their group of friends kept them busy, where someone always needed their help, and where Alistair's skills created false papers for the Mage Underground, as well as fulfilling commissions for the Scrivener's guild, Markham provided predictability. Master Olivia had left on an expedition, one Alistair had declined to join. He expected artifacts to begin arriving during Drakonis, with notes recording where they were found. He would measure, sketch and add his own notes. In the meantime, Olivia had left documents to copy and other artifacts to draw.

Olivia had requested he stay until she returned in Cloudreach with most of the artifacts from her expedition. She promised it would be no later than Summerday, but recording what she brought could take until Justinian.

Zevran had taken on some jobs for Varric, investigating a merchant Varric distrusted, developing additional contacts, and for Liam, other tasks in the same vein. They had a small group of acquaintances whom Alistair regularly beat at cards. They spent many evenings in the common room, the brazier coals burning bright, reading, talking, or making love. Using the public grounds, they sparred and shot at the butts, keeping their skills intact. All in all, it was a pleasant life. In three or four months, they would return to Kirkwall and, Zevran felt sure, to more excitement than he desired.

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful betas Kira Tamarion and Elyssa Cousland, whose efforts make this a better story. Any errors are mine. Appreciate all who favorited, followed, and gave kudos. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.