Chapter Two

Next Step

I woke before everyone else the next morning. Hawke had slept while wearing only a thin pair of pants and damn but the man was hot. I will shamelessly admit to checking him out.

I was only wearing a thigh-length nightgown that was pretty thin. It was black and made of polyester blend – Hawke had been amused that I would rub my fingers against it while I sucked my thumb; a habit from my childhood that I just never kicked. I was making sausage and egg muffins with bacon and cheese for breakfast.

Alistair was the next to wake. I was amused when he fell off the couch with a yelp. "Makers' Breath… what are you wearing?"

"A nightgown," I said with a smile. "It looks like a long shirt," he muttered.

I grinned widely, "Want to see if I'm wearing anything underneath…?"

His face flamed red and he shook his head, "N-no, that's… erm… what are you making?"

I snorted, "Food."

"Well, it smells good." He chuckled – still refusing to look at me. I sighed dramatically and grabbed my bag. I pulled out a matching pair of sleep pants and pulled them on, "Is this better, Alistair?"

He gave me a quick glance and relaxed, "Yes, actually. Why were you wearing so little before?"

"It was more comfortable. Men like to wear only pants when they go to sleep – women are the opposite."

Leliana spoke from the doorway, "It is true – if we wear anything at all, it usually only a shirt."

Alistair yelped loudly – this caused Hawke to come running out of his room. Aedan was also only in pants as he came out. I looked at them and motioned, "See? I rest my case – Jury dismissed."

Hawke looked me over, "You weren't wearing the pants last night…"

"No – Alistair has delicate sensibilities. He refused to look at me until I put on pants, so here I am – wearing pants."

Aedan laughed, "How dreadful – having to wear pants."

Morrigans voice was scathing as she said, "Indeed – at times, pants can be so much trouble."

I had a flash where I remembered the Shleets conversation with a drunken Oghren in Awakening. I sputtered a giggle.

"What's so funny?" Bethany asked. I explained the conversation – causing all of the people present to laugh. Alistair said, "That sounds like something I would tell someone."

"It wasn't you – it's someone pulling a trick on a Dwarf who is new to the surface. I think it's made easier by the fact that he's always drunk – like seriously, the Blighter brews his own stuff on the go. We were talking about pants and… sorry, it was just something that flashed through my mind."

"Oh – I thought it was a vision," Leliana pouted.

"Not this time – I already knew about that one for seeing it before," I smiled. She perked right up at that.

I began passing out breakfast and sat down directly in Hawkes lap – just because. He didn't even say anything – just acted like it was the most natural thing in the world to have an overweight woman in his lap.

Alistair gave a small glare but Aedan said, "So – Alistair and I will be taking care of the chantry board missions today?"

"Bandits, Bandits everywhere – three groups of bandits over the town need to be taken care of. A Last Keepsake – that little boy from the bridge; his mother is dead and there is a request to collect her amulet as a final keepsake. When Bears Attack – kill the three bears by the rivers' edge. Beware on that last one – they are by a den of giant spiders. Collect the toxin from those spiders – we'll need that for later."

"You named the missions?" Alistair asked in amusement. I shrugged – how was I to tell them that those were the names from the game?

Leliana asked, "What will you be doing?"

"I will be talking to Hawke about what he needs to keep an eye out for until I meet him again. Leliana, go with the boys please? Morrigan can either stay with me or go with you guys – makes no difference to me so long as no one comes back dead."

Morrigan gave a dramatic sigh, "I suppose I must go with them then. Alistair would surely parish without aid."

I giggled as Alistair snapped back with, "I can keep myself alive just fine, thank you."

"Can you? Then why did my mother have to save you from the tower?" She asked.

I cleared my throat, "Alright, children – if you keep fighting mommy will make you kiss and make up or send you to bed with no dessert."

Alistair and Morrigan both looked scandalized and Aedan burst into laughter, "I do believe they agree on something now."

Alistair snorted, "You wouldn't really make us kiss and make up… would you?"

"No – Morrigan would run you through with a poisoned blade before you could get close."

Morrigan nodded, "A fair assessment; though I am far more likely to use magic."

I snorted, "On a Templar-trained warrior? You're not that stupid, Morrigan. At least – you wouldn't do that while he's expecting it or watching you. No, you'd wait until he let his guard down then set him on fire."

She opened her mouth to argue, but snapped it shut as she thought about it. "I guess I should offer my apologies to you, Ara – after you stopped to bury those bandits, I thought you were far simpler."

I chuckled, "I can act like a complete ditz if it'll make people drop their guard – but the reality is that I remember everything and I'm highly observant. I already have your character pegged. Hawke uses sarcasm and charm more than diplomacy or aggression. Alistair uses humor and unintentional flirting to cover insecurities and actual smarts. Aedan is a diplomat that likes to have fun but will get serious real fast to protect those he cares for or those under his charge. Leliana is a soft hearted former Bard from Orlais who would save a kitten from a tree and kill the man who put it there if he threatened her – but she wouldn't enjoy it."

Hawke chuckled, "Figured me out so soon huh? Alright genius – tell us about you?"

"Oh no – we are not turning this into a psycho-therapy session, sweetie. You've all finished eating so get dressed and get to work. I'll clean up and we can get to taking about what's needed on your end, Hawke."

He refused to let me up. I frowned, "Do I need to start tickling?"

"Go ahead – I'm not ticklish, sweetheart. I'm not letting you clean again. The rule of the house is that the one who cooks doesn't clean. On top of that, you're a guest. Let someone else clean up."

Bethany jumped up, "I'll take care of the dishes."

I pouted, "But that's… I like to help."

Alistair cleared his throat and went traitor, "You make us let you clean if someone else cooks – I think he's got a point."

I sighed and leaned into Hawke, "Fine."

Once the others were gone, I sat on the couch while the two mages and Leandra sat before me, "So… what do we need to know."

"When you escape the coming horde, you will run into a Templar and his wife – Wesley and Aveline Vallen. Wesley cannot be saved – he'll be tainted. Aveline will become a fiercely loyal companion to you both so long as respect the law as much as you can."

"That's not so hard," Bethany said.

I cleared my throat, "I'm not done, sunshine. When you finally escape, you will be going to Kirkwall. You have family there."

Leandra nodded, "My brother Gamlen should be living in the Estate my parents left."

"Nope – the estate is gone. You will have to work for either Smugglers or Mercenaries for a year to pay your way into the city. The Red Iron is the Merc Group run by a man named Meeran. Athenril is a relatively ethical smuggler – both will know you're mages. Working for Athenril… she will tell you honestly that they don't kill or do slavery but anything else is up for grabs. Meeran will have you kill someone instantly to prove your worth; a noble who gave the Red Iron bad information. I will not advise you either way, but Carver will disapprove more of the smugglers over time than the Red Irons. You will be doing questionable deeds no matter who you go with – and I advise you to offer to do double the workload to pay off Avelines' debt into the city when she joins the city guard – she'll appreciate it more than you will realize."

Hawke rubbed his face, "Those are some pretty… solid choices there. Bethany, what do you think?"

"If Carver will hate the smugglers more, we should join the Red Irons. After what he what he went through at Ostagar…"

I nodded, "Poor Blighter watched far too many of his comrades die that day – he almost did too. Aveline was also there – she ordered a scattered retreat that saved many of her men."

"Okay – so we join the Red Irons; then what?"

"Well actually – before that, as you're escaping here, you will have to fight a lot of Darkspawn… and I had a vision of how to help you avoid getting tainted yourself. There won't be enough to cure Wesley, but it's enough that you, Bethany and Carver – the three who will be fighting in your family – will not contract the taint as you escape. I'll get to that in a second. But as you go down that path, you will encounter a big open clearing where there will be an ogre – its first act will be to grab the closest target and smash it on the ground. This will be either Bethany or Carver depending on who is closest to your mother. If you all jump back instead of attempting to fight the damn thing at once, you will all live long enough to kill it with no casualties. Leandra, this means that the minute you see the Ogre, turn and run. When you slay the Ogre, you will be surrounded by darkspawn. A dragon will come to help you – her name is Flemeth and she's the Witch of the Wilds. I suggest thanking her at once. Try asking if she'll show you how to be a dragon. Accept her deal. She will save your lives."

Leandra said softly, "How would I have reacted to… to my child dying?"

"You'd blame Hawke for the next year or until I showed up and slapped some sense into you – because I really would sap you. Hawke would not have been able to save them without my help; it wouldn't be his fault that they rushed in to save you all." I was shooting her a stern look. She nodded.

Hawke cleared his throat, "How do we avoid being tainted?"

I pulled out a needle, vial and tourniquet. I tied off my arm and began withdrawing blood.

"What are you doing?" Hawke asked in horror.

"Relax – if it were blood magic, why would I need to extract my blood like this? No – I hate blood magic."

He did actually relax at that. They watched in silence as I finished and said, "Okay Hawke, hold this cotton ball to the spot where the needle is in my arm while I remove the needle."

He did and I quickly bandaged the arm up. I stoppered the vial and handed it over to him, "When you go to flee, rub a smear of this anywhere on your body and it will ward off the Darkspawn. My blood alone is poison to them – I do not know why or how, so don't ask. All I know is I had a vision of me getting cut in battle and my blood hitting a Genlock – it screeched and the areas the blood touched melted. It was bad – and to top it off, none of the Darkspawn came near me while I bled. So this blood should keep you safe long enough for Flemeth to rescue you. There is just enough for five smears – your family of four and Aveline. Tell her that Darkspawn take women and turn them into Broodmothers – and that she doesn't want to know what that means. Swear to her that it isn't magic and have Wesley confirm that – he's a full Templar so he will know. Please do whatever you can to keep yourselves safe – because within 6 years, without my help, Garrett Hawke will be the last Hawke; and he doesn't deserve that fate."

Leandra covered her mouth in horror, "We'd all die?"

"First would be the Ogre, squashing one of the twins; the other twin following in death just over a year later. Then would be you Leandra, dying 3 years past that. My role in this is to prevent as much unnecessary death as possible. I like Hawke – if I can save you all for him, then bonus nachos."

Hawke looked a mix between horror and depression. I hugged him, "Hey – I'm here and I will save your family in the best way I can. I swear to you, I will do what I can to keep them alive. You know now that I am unable to tell a lie."

He nodded, "I get that – I just… I can't save them?"

"Well, you'd possibly save one sibling depending on circumstance… but two at minimum would die. I'm sorry, Hawke."

He sighed, "Even being able to save one would be worth it – but I am glad that you showed up. I don't know why but I trust you – we'll do it your way as we escape. If it works… if it works then I will pledge my loyalty to you for life."

"Oh… no need for all that, sweetie. I'd be happy just knowing you are all safer and happier."

"Yeah… why do I trust you so much? Under normal circumstances, we'd never have let a Templar – former or otherwise – near us."

I thought, "I don't know – maybe I just have that special charm; like babies or puppies or kittens."

Bethany giggled, "That's possible."

Leandra looked amused, "But why save us? Why go out of your way to save us?"

"Saving the first of you isn't going out of my way since we needed to pass through Lothering anyway. Aiding in saving the second sibling is no trouble because fuck the Darkspawn. Saving Leandra is a no-brainer – I'll be in Kirkwall by then anyway and Hawke… Hawke will have enough on his damn plate without losing his family."

That was when the others got back. Alistair said, "That was… fun…"

I blinked, "Was it? Did you bring back a bear cub – I always wanted a pet bear."

Aedan laughed, "Not at all – sorry."

Alistair shot me a grin, "Actually, I was going to say that the bandits had a death wish."

"Did you honor their last request then?" I smirked.

Leliana giggled, "It turns out that one of the groups watched us kill the bears and spiders with ease. The bears each fell with a single arrow or spell while the spiders went for the men. They are quite impressive, actually – Alistair looked much like a dancer with how easily he dodged poison spit and Aedan was rather flexible in his movements. I do not know what you did, but when I asked why they were so intent on not getting even the slightest wound they mentioned only your name."

Morrigan smirked, "She spars with them and regularly… what do you call it, Ara?"

"I kick their asses with grace and finesse. I may look like a spoiled little mage, but I am a warrior – proud and true."

Hawke chuckled, "This I have to see – but how does that make them avoid…?"

Alistair coughed, "She told us a few days ago that if we disobey an order she will put us back in line. She said no one comes back dead – so we figured that meant no injuries either."

I stood and circled first Aedan then Alistair – both were physical fighters while Morrigan and Leliana were ranged. I nodded firmly, "As a reward, I'll make cookies."

Leandra started laughing and Hawke sputtered, "You treat them like kids!"

"Aren't we all? You're a kid in my book until you turn 25."

"How old are you?" Alistair asked. I reached over and popped him upside the head, "Bad – no, no. You don't ask a woman her age or weight – that's just asking to be hit."

He pouted as he rubbed the back of his head, "But I didn't know that."

Aedan cleared his throat, "Everyone knows that, Alistair – everyone who has spent any time around women knows that both are sensitive topics. Women love feeling young and pretty. Take Leliana for an example – she's got youthful vibrancy. You aren't allowed to guess her age but you can tell she's young."

Leliana kissed his cheek, "That was sweetly put."

I chuckled, "Even women like me – I know I'm over-weight and a bit on the plain side, but if someone flirts with me it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside; even if that flirting is just for play and not real."

Alistair gave me a disbelieving look, "Over-weight? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Fat – it means I'm fat."

He shook his head, "Nonsense; I see no… fat that you speak of."

I smiled, "You're getting the hang of it, at least. That was cute, actually – have some cheese."

I handed him a wedge of Colby jack – he seemed to like that one. He looked confused, "Getting the hang of what?"

Leliana dissolved into giggled, "He did not even realize! That makes it all the cuter. You just flirted with her. It wasn't just your words, but your tone and body expression."

He flushed, "I did?"

I chuckled, "Oh yeah – you did. Alright you lot; I'll make dinner and then we go to bed early. We have a long day ahead of us."

The next morning, I had us all herded out the door as the sun was mounting over the horizon – I could feel the sunrise and now woke promptly before it each morning. We skipped our way over to Stens' cage. I'd had Leliana retrieve the key this morning before she came over.

He was 7'1, placing my eye level around his waist area. His skin was a pale grey – like 'white' ceramics clay – and his eyes were a shade of brownish mud. Even after close to 30 days without food; he looked impressively built wearing only a sturdy pair of pants. His white hair was braided in cornrows and otherwise kept short.

I led the charge and before he could say anything, I bowed my head, "Maraas Shokra – Anaan Esaam Qun."

The Qunari man looked me over and said, "Shanedan."

"I find myself aiding the Grey Wardens against the Blight as an Honor Debt. I happen to know there is no finer warrior that a Qunari and wish to recruit you. I will aid you in restoring your own honor if at all possible."

He looked intrigued, "An Honor Debt; how so?"

"I was tasked to their group by the one who gave Calenhad the Great his chance after she aided me."

Sten looked thoughtful, "Are you Viddithari?"

"No, I am not."

"Do you lead the group?"

Aedan cleared his throat, "She does."

"Then I will join you, and in doing so find my atonement."

Leliana unlocked the cage and he stepped out. I smiled, "Welcome – let us get moving; there is no greater waste than delaying our travels."

Sten nodded firmly and we began walking.

That was when we happened upon the… ambush.

"We done heard what was said in the Tavern; you're a Warden. I don't know if you killed King Cailan and, Maker forgives me, I don't care. But that bounty on your head could feed a lot of hungry bellies…" I stepped forward, cutting him off. He stopped talking, startled.

"What is the bounty? How much on each of the Wardens we have?"

Suspicion lit his face, "3 Sovereigns a head… why?"

"We only have 2 Wardens – that is only 6 gold coins. How about this – I have 15 gold coins here if you let us leave unmolested."

The man flushed at my wording, "M-miss?"

"I don't relish death and bloodshed, friend – but I need these wardens to end the Blight. We have a Qunari, a Templar trained warrior, a noble born duel wielder, an archer and 2 magic users – you don't want to do this; you would die and then I'd feel terrible and my honor would dictate that I'd have to bury you – we don't have that kind of time. So, I pay you, you let us go and get your families out of Lothering before the Horde arrives. Do we have a deal?"

The man looked at his companions and they all nodded – I could see that none of them were going to be eager to attack since some of them would have died anyway. I pulled the needed money from my special pack – I don't know why, but it tickled me to imagine the money coming from Loghains' personal money stash since it had to come from somewhere in my opinion.

The men took the money and left. Morrigan scoffed, "Why give them the money?"

"So it's like this – they feed their families and leave Lothering. Once out, they spread the word that we don't want to fight people – just darkspawn – and are actively trying to make things better. We did the Chantry Board missions – clearing out bandits, bears, wolves and spiders that were threatening the people who could flee. We paid people to save them – rather than killing them in an attack. Eventually, people will actively aid us as we travel rather than try to kill us for Loghains' lies."

She looked surprised, "You thought that far ahead?"

"I consider all angles when doing things. Having us stay with the Hawke family will aid me when I need them later. Saving Sten now will help the Qun later – I had a Vision of him becoming Arishok one day. Keeping Alistair around will have many benefits that are yet unseen; same with Aedan. They're also both Grey Wardens so we need them both. If one dies, we have a backup. I keep you around for the reason your mother sent you with us and I kind of like your snarky attitude. Leliana seems to play an important role in the future too."

Sten was stiff, "You are a Koslun?"

"Sort of… I guess…" I shrugged. "I will be Arishok? So we retrieve my blade?"

"Oh yeah – I know exactly where it will be. Is that okay with you?"

"… I will continue to follow you about."

We heard Bodahn call out for help. When all the Darkspawn over there where dead, I studied the dwarf. Bodahn was 4'6 with light brown hair and green eyes. Sandal was 4'10 with platinum hair and blue eyes.

"Mighty timely arrival, my friends, I'm much obliged."

"It was a pleasure, Ser Dwarf," I bowed my head.

Morrigan snorted in disgust but Sten was watching me, "Name's Bodahn Feddic, Merchant and Entrepreneur. This here is my son, Sandal – say hello, my boy!"

"Hullo."

"Road's been mighty dangerous these days… mind if I ask what brings you out here? Perhaps we're going the same way…"

"Forgive me, Bodahn, but I travel with Grey Wardens and that might be a speck too much excitement for you."

"I recon you might be right about that… but it does explain a lot. I suppose… allow me to bid you farewell and good fortune then."

I chuckled, "Oh non-sense. Let us help you get your things back in order… I think I see something I'd like to buy from you anyway." Alistair, Aedan and Leliana instantly began moving forward to help.

I found what I was looking for and headed over to Bodahn the instant we were done. "These things … how much do you want for them?"

He looked over my choices. A doll that looked remarkably like Alistair (Morrigan), a pink gemmed amulet that could help someone remember old memories (Wynne), a Dwarven beard flask (Oghren), an Orlesian carved lute (Leliana), a grey warden hand puppet set (Alistair), a Qunari Prayers for the Dead book (Sten), a diamond shaped bottle of rare Antivan brandy (Zevran), and a great-sword.

I wasn't sure what to get for Aedan, but I'd figure it out eventually.

"The sword alone is usually 120 silver, but… I'll sell you all 8 items for 2 gold pieces. A fair trade if you add in saving our lives and helping us set our things to rights."

"Are you sure? I don't mind paying full price…"

He laughed, "More than sure, My Lady."

He smiled and I rummaged in my pack for the coin pouch. I handed him the money and turned to Sten.

I had put most of the items in my bag for later, but I handed Sten the sword, "This for you… until we can reclaim your Asala." He nodded and accepted the sword.

I was on watch when I heard Aedan cry out before shooting upright. It was almost dawn.

"Bad dreams, huh?" Alistair asked.

"It… seemed so real," Aedan sounded shaken, so I walked over and sat next to him; I grabbed his arm and yanked so he was all but in my lap. I put my arms around him as Alistair said, "Well, it is real… sort of. See, part of being a Grey Warden is being able to sense the dark spawn. The Archdemon it… talks to the horde," Alistair explained.

As they talked about it, I began stroking Aedan's hair. It was really soft, and the black color made it look… silky.

"Why are you petting me?" Aedan asked, exasperated. Alistair managed to look both curious and amused.

"Sorry… your hair is just so soft, and I know I like having my hair played with. Besides, I feel like I could call you family, and family has no personal space so… yup," I blushed.

"… Fair enough," Aedan replied.

"Anyways, you're up now, right? Time to pull up camp," Alistair said, standing. He'd said it loud enough that everyone else began packing their stuff. I had packed mine while I was on watch. I began making cheese filled sausages for breakfast.

"So where do you think we should go first?" Aedan asked me.

"Personally, I'd go to The Tower. Kinlock Hold is under assault from within by blood mages; namely, one who was endorsed by Loghain. His name is Uldred." I was going to follow the recommended order from Fandom-dot-com. That meant Tower, Redcliff, Dalish, Denerim, Haven, back to Redcliff, then on to Orzammar before Landsmeet. I would add in the DLC stuff as we traveled… Soldiers Peak after Denerim, the Pass before Haven, Honnleath after Haven, return to Ostagar after saving Eamon and then on to kill Flemeth since Morrigan should have studied the grimoire by then before heading back for Orzammar before returning to Denerim for the Landsmeet.

"…Okay." Alistair said with a firm nod.

I handed each person their gifts and moved away before they could make any comments. Aedan pouted so I said, "If you could ask for one thing – any one thing – what would it be?"

"I… I would ask for a locket with pictures of my family in it."

I rummaged in my pack and handed it to him. The locket had the Crest of Highever pressed into it and when he opened it, it had his parents in one picture and Fergus' family in the other. He looked stunned, "T-thank you. You have no idea…"

I shook my head, "I know more than you think about the pain of familial loss."

Not knowing what to say, Aedan nodded and called out, "Then off we go."

Unlike in the games, of course, we stopped for lunch and breaks to relieve ourselves. It was odd, but I hadn't needed to do that since coming to Thedas… hadn't needed to use the bathroom, that is.

I was experimenting as we traveled – with scents. Thedas had so many wonderful smells like Embrium, Vandal Aria, Lyrium, unique fruits and so on. I had made several soaps, tea blends, perfumes and massage oils.

Leliana had liked the one that I called River Rain – a blend of Lyrium and Andrastes' Grace scents with an undertone of Crystal Grace.

Morrigan had grudgingly taken soap that I called Lethal Beauty – a mix of Rashvine Nettle, Royal Elfroot and Felandaris with a sweet undertone of Blood Lotus. Blood Lotus was apparently not only a healing herb but had toxic effects when mixed with Deathroot. Felandaris was called Demon Weed for a reason. The royal Elfroot gave the soap a healing effect. And Rashvine Nettle was a lovely scent… if you took away the lethal leaves before grinding it up.

Sten took one that smelled like cookies – I had made that one for him especially.

Alistair liked one I called Templars' Rose – as the name suggested it was roses and Lyrium but had an undertone of Amrita Vein. Aedan had happily taken the Nobles' Flame – a scent comprised of Vandal Aria, Ghouls' Beard, Dawn Lotus and Dragonthorn. That one had been my attempt at a scent made of herbs from the Antivan Fire grenade from Inquisition.

I had made soap and matching perfume for myself that was made from Felandaris, Vandal Aria, Amrita Vein, Prophets' Laurel, and Arbor Blessing with rosy undertones. I called it Fairy Song.

Leliana asked, "So… why make soaps and perfumes?"

"Hey – I made massage oils and teas too, Leliana."

"No, no – she has a point. Why make them when you can likely pull them from your bag?" Aedan asked.

"Oh… I have to be specific if I want something from the bag. I have to know exactly what it is I'm asking for. And the scent profiles I know are far inferior to the ones I made myself. Besides, having made them myself, I can sell the recipes. I made matching oils, perfumes and soap scents… Nobles usually like nice things – and the more rare the ingredients, the more the nobles like the things. So there."

Aedan nodded, "My mother had a perfume from Orlais that was made of Amrita Vein and several rare flowers. The Fairy Song one Ara made would sell the best because of how many rare herbs it uses. River Rain would be a close second in scent favorites among noble women. Templars' Rose might actually be a favorite for women to buy their husbands. Nobles' Fire would a favorite among the men – no contest so far. Even the Cookie one that she made for Sten would be a favorite among the children of Nobles."

I smiled happily, "The oils are fairly obvious – relaxation is a good thing for anyone. Using oils enhances the structured movements of the soft tissue. Specific scent profiles can help with different things – Lavender for example can help with enhancing ones memory. Essential massage oils can boost the immune system's ability to fight off infections. Massage oils can also be applied to the hair to promote hair growth and shine. Lavender oils combined with other herbs may help hair loss. The best type of massage oil where I was from was Lavender for its versatility. I made perfumes because we can't always bathe and I refuse to smell like a walking mud pile."

Morrigan actually nodded at that, "I had even packed perfume when we left my mothers' for that very reason."

Sten spoke smoothly, "There are benefits to massage?"

"Health benefits are the most obvious – using oils can help fight infection, as I said. Massage alone can help with headaches and muscular pain. I used to have a condition called Fibromyalgia and couldn't afford the medication to stop being in pain all day, every day. Having my… having my friend massage me helped. It can also be therapeutic in reducing anxiety, Asala-tar, and insomnia; and as stated different scents can help with different things too. It's called Aromatherapy – Lavender to aid with memory or insomnia, Wintergreen or Embrium for joint pain, Lemongrass or Blood Lotus for Muscle tone, Cypress or Elfroot for nerve pain or inflammation. I had to do a lot of research on this subject in the last few years due to my illness."

Leliana looked thoughtful, "I never knew there were so many benefits to massage."

Sten nodded his agreement but said nothing more.

We had been traveling for over a week already – it had been a long time since I was a nurse, so I was more than a little surprised that I could keep up with the all-day walking. I had been getting flashes of Visions since my second day in Thedas and most of them made no sense from a logical standpoint – but then again, if logic were a factor, I wouldn't be here. Transmigration; that what it was called…

I couldn't lie… what else was different about me? So far, not much – visions, small appearance adjustment, the lies, my new stamina… perhaps there was more, but for now…

I was learning more by the day, actually – my brain was working faster to do the same things it always had. I still had my photographic memory and the same taste in what I liked to eat or drink.

We had stopped tonight in a clearing just off the main road. Sten spoke smoothly, "I hear those two speaking of your fighting ability – I wish to spar."

I nodded, "Sure, Sten – just let me set up my tent now. No point in waiting only to find myself in too much pain to do it after."

"That is a fair request," he nodded.

I got my tent set up and changed into a tight tank-top with a sports bra underneath and yoga pants. Wanting to feel the earth beneath my feet, I opted out of wearing shoes. I wrapped my hands too before tying my annoyingly waist-length hair into a high pony-tail.

Sten took a starter stance that I didn't know – it was likely Qun. I chose Krav Maga – the only other one I used this form with for sparing was Alistair. Apparently dragon blood – no matter how diluted – made him very strong. I swore I could actually feel it in his veins.

Sten lunged toward me causing me to side-step while grabbing his arm and twisting it – using his momentum to get a decent grip. This was actually a Judo technique, but hey – All is fair in love and war, right?

As the fight continued, the Qunari seemed to get more and more determined to land even one hit on me. My enhanced stamina didn't seem to tire me out… yet. I had already broken several of the giant mans' bones. I felt sickeningly awful about it, but he wasn't letting up. I hoped Morrigan knew some healing spells or I was going to have to get creative with my magic and special bag.

I noticed the awe filled faces of our companions but didn't stop or slow down. I usually let Alistair tap me a few times – I didn't mix arts with him – but not Sten. I had a feeling his taps would hurt a lot worse. No way was I going to hold back against a Warmongering Qunari.

Alistairs' face was especially expressive – he now realized I'd been holding back when I sparred with him. Aedan must have realized it too – no way could Alistair land proper hits if a Qunari couldn't even land one blow. He even called out, "You've been holding out on us Ara!"

I jumped back into a back flip, turning on my hands at the last second and altering my course – this threw of Stens' estimation of where I would land and caused him to tackle air. I landed heavily on his back and hear him grunt as I swiftly scooped his left arm into a painful hold, "I would submit now, Qunari – in this hold, if you struggle, you will break your own arm; quite painfully too."

He growled out, "Victory is yours – I submit."

I rolled off of him and let myself just lie there on the ground as he groaned. I called, "Morrigan – will you heal him?"

She gave a dramatic sigh and I felt her magic permeate the air. Alistair came over and helped me up, "You've been pulling punches with me. Here I thought I was getting better."

"You are, actually – I only use one martial art with you. Sten looks like he hits harder so I mixed 3 martial arts, gymnastics and several dodging moves I learned from being bullied in school. Some of those moves I didn't even know were possible with my body type. I've gotten stronger, it seems."

Sten sat up, "Where did you learn those arts?"

"My father had this notion that all women should learn how to properly defend against attackers. Rape was quite prevalent in the region – turns out, he was very right to have all three of his daughters taught in 4 forms of martial arts and several weapon forms. 1 in 3 women were raped as well as 1 in 5 men."

"Those are some steep numbers," Aedan muttered. Leliana looked horrified. I shrugged, "Yeah well; here I am – an asset to your team, Lord Cousland."

He stiffened, "Okay, one – it's more your team, Lady Arvaala. Two – how did you know who my family was?"

I scoffed, "Oh for – seriously? I told you that your brother was alive and you don't question how I know who your brother is; you know I get visions and – as though those two reasons weren't enough – you wear the Highever signet ring. I'm not blind or stupid, Aedan."

He flushed at that. Alistair sniggered until I snapped, "I know your history too, Alistair."

He paled, "Please tell me it doesn't have an impact…"

I shrugged, "Now, back to the original topic – I learned more than my two sisters or two brothers did. I can remember everything I come into contact with unless an external force interferes. Like a Nightmare Demon taking my memories or a very hard whack to the base of my skull; those would likely make me forget some things. I learned how to practice non-magic healing and even several operations. I was a nurse at one point – training to be a surgeon that specialized in Gender reassignment surgeries. In other words – I would be turning the Aqun-Athlok into true Aqun-Athlok."

Sten looked highly curious about this, "There is such a surgery?"

"Where I am from, yes there is. There are 5 or 6 individual surgeries involved depending on the gender swap. A biological male turning into a woman required 6 while the opposite only needed 5. There were also hormonal drugs involved to aid in the reassignment. I was pretty much done with my training – I just needed to get the official documentation saying I could do it – but I got pregnant and… I became a stay at home mother after that."

"Woah – you're married; with a kid?" Alistair asked.

"I… I was…" I muttered sadly. Sten tilted his head, "What happened?"

"It was a house fire in the middle of the night. A support beam fell and trapped…" my throat constricted as I pondered the tale. Did my husband get our son to safety?

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt Alistair awkwardly patting at my back. Leliana asked, "When was this?"

"… Morrigan, what day did you find me in the woods?"

She jerked in horror; "You mean to tell me that you were left in the woods the same day your family…" lost me.

I nodded, "The day Ostagar fell; I lost everything."

Aedan and Alistair both looked ill. "Makers' Breath," Alistair muttered. Aedan came over and hugged me, "I know exactly how you feel – I'm sure you know…"

I nodded against his chest, "Oriana, Oren, Bryce and Eleanor…"

"Yeah – all in one night, I lost my whole family. Fergus being alive is a blessing for me – but a curse for him. He'll likely relate to you more than I can – his wife and son…"

"Well… what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," I sighed. Sten nodded firmly. Leliana said, "That is a good saying."

"It has an alternate – what doesn't kill me had better start running."

Morrigan actually chuckled at that. Alistair snorted, "Oh sure – you're going to chase down whatever tried to kill you?"

"… Just what are we doing now, Alistair? Loghain and the Archdemon alike – they didn't kill us and look where we are now."

Aedan barked a laugh, "That's a fair point, actually! Alright – I don't know about any of you, but I'm tired… and Ara? If you need to talk about it, I'm here."

I snorted, "I'll talk if you need to, but I have enough experience overcoming trauma that I think I'll be fine."

"That's not exactly a good thing," Leliana said.

"I've been broken since I was a child – being broken is all I know and have. Anyway, I'm going to bed now – night."

Alistair, Aedan and Sten took shifts in who would keep watch tonight – tomorrow was Leli, Morrigan and me.