Chapter Five

Lessons

The next morning, I was up before anyone else and slipped softly from Hawkes arms. I quickly cleaned up and smiled as I pulled on one of his shirts – seeing as he was 9 inches taller than me, the shirt hung to my knees.

I left the room and began making bacon, potatoes and eggs with homemade tortillas and fresh cheese. I was just plating it all as everyone came into the kitchen/dining room area. I smiled and winked at Hawkes smirk.

"Morning, everyone! I took the liberty of making breakfast."

Bethany smiled at me and Leandra thanked me as everyone sat at the table. "I'll be back… I should get change…!" I squeaked as Hawke pulled me into his lap.

"You're fine like that. You cooked, you should at least eat." Leandra was nodding, though I was bright red. I chuckled and folded my taco into a burrito before taking a bite.

"I must thank you, Atarah… for keeping it quite last night," Morrigan smirked. So I gave her a devious look, "Oh the wonders of Magic never cease. A simple sound barrier took care of that."

Alistair choked on his food and Aedan pounded him on the back. When everyone finished their food, I tried to get up while reaching for plates, but Hawke tightened his arms around me while Bethany took the Plates. I pouted but he nuzzled my neck and said, "You cooked, someone else cleans. That is the rule of the house."

"Fine… Alistair, as senior Warden, you're in charge today. Morrigan and Daylen you can stay back to learn my spells if you wish. Alistair, Aedan, Lyna and Sereda – I want you to clear out those bandits today. After that, see if there are other chantry board missions. Todays' magic lessons include two of my healing spells – Swift-mend and Regrowth. If we have time I might throw in Conjure Water and Detect Magic… depends how quickly you learn." I winked.

"Conjure Water? That is not possible…" I cut off Morrigans words as I held out my hand palm up and used the Ability to summon a water skin full of water.

"My Magic is old, Morrigan. These abilities have been taught for more than 30,000 years where I am from. They are more than possible…" I smiled at Bethanys' awed look.

"Right then, do you need anything?" I asked Aedan. "Um… I seem to have ripped the armor you gave me…"

I summoned Void Storage again, causing gasps from the Hawke family as the purple and black box that swirled with void energy appeared before me. I knelt to the floor and rummaged in the box. I pulled out Demon Hunter Leathers and handed them to him. "These were crafted for a class of Elves known as 'Illidari' or Demon Hunters. They were made to withstand quite a bit of abuse."

Aedan when to change and when he came out he looked… rather sexy. "Is it supposed to have two slashes in the back?"

"That was for their wings. I can sew those up later." I shrugged causing a few comical looks. Lyna perked up, "Wait… Illidari… didn't you say your fathers' name was Illidan?"

I flinched and nodded, "Uh… yeah. Illidari harness the energy and essence of the demons themselves as well as utilizing Fel energy to fight Demons. Wielding the powers of demons they've slain, they develop demonic features that incite revulsion and dread in fellow elves. Demon hunters made a pact, long ago, to fight against the forces of chaos using their own terrible powers against it. They ritually blind themselves in exchange for spectral sight that enables them to better sense their prey. This enhanced awareness, together with their great agility and magical prowess, makes demon hunters unpredictable adversaries. They wield demonically charged warblades in battle and call upon demonic energies to augment their formidable combat skills. Father had horns and glowing green eyes… this is what the wings look like…" I allowed my crimson leathery wings to unfurl as I kept my head down.

"But to be clear… you don't command the forces of demons like they do?" Sereda asked.

"The only good thing that came from my fathers' bloodline is the fact that Demons can't touch me. Their magic is all but powerless; but no. I do not consort with demons, I don't absorb their energies, and I don't understand their whispers. I was raised as a pariah; no one but my brother wanted me around. And it was through my brothers' good grace that I earned my place in the alliance! I earned these tattoos; I earned the respect of my king. The only bright marks were my brother, my step-father and 'uncle' Magni."

"Wow… you don't like your father much, do you?" Hawke noted.

I sighed, "I don't hate him, if that's what you're asking. I just… he only ever loved one woman – and that woman was not my mother. In fact, my mother only slept with my father because they were both drunk. My parents have both called me their greatest mistake. My father may have changed his mind at the end – that last day that he saw me… but it fucking hurts to hear the man you thought might care for you – because he had been imprisoned my whole life, so I wasn't sure – say that he wished you never existed. It's not the first time I heard those words, either. My mother, uncle, aunt, and generally anyone I met… I was held as a Prisoner of War for two hundred years because the only one who wanted to mount a rescue was Inas."

"… That sucks," Sereda said after a moment of silence.

When the others left, I still wasn't given a chance to change out of Hawkes shirt – much to his amusement. Instead we began working on Swift-mend.

By the time the others came back, having turned in the bounty for the Bandits and picked up the locket quest; both Hawke Mages as well as Morrigan and Daylen had learned 3 of the spells; Conjure Water being what we were now working on. "Envision the Water skin, feel it in your hands, hear the water sloshing within. Magic is all about intent; envision what you want to happen, and your magic will work to make it real."

As expected, Hawke was the first to get it, then Morrigan… Bethany then Daylen were last.

That was how the next two days went. I taught the two mages a total of 8 spells from Azeroth and 4 from Tamriel – 4 a day. From the Druid class they learned Swift-mend, Regrowth, Entangling Roots, and Wrath. From the Mage class, they learned Detect Magic, Conjure Water, Slow Fall, and Arcane Missiles. And from Skyrims magic, they learned Detect Dead, Icy Spear, Bound Bow, and Telekinesis.

"Will we see you again?" Bethany asked. I gave her a hug, "Of course you will Sunshine. I'm a seer remember? Besides, I like you guys too much to stay away forever! Just remember what I said about the Ogre and use what I taught you to stay alive, okay?" she nodded and Leandra hugged me next.

"I don't know what your plan is, but… thank you. I've never seen Garrett so relaxed." I chuckled. "He makes his own fun when he needs to, Leandra." She smiled and I walked over to Hawke himself. "Not going to hug me?" he asked in that deep voice of his.

"I was more hoping for a kiss," I smirked. He laughed and leaned down to give me one.

"Ande'thoras-ethil, Hawke; May your troubles be diminished," I winked as Aedan came to collect me. He had been getting Lelianna before we headed out.

As we walked through town, I was peppered with questions from everyone. "You and Hawke seemed… friendly," Aedan had a twinkle in his eyes.

"Are you jealous that you didn't get friendly with me?" I smirked. "What? Um… not really, I just… as far as I'm aware, you only knew him a few hours before jumping into bed with him…"

I laughed. "I know, I'm such a slut… but when you're nearly 10-point-5 thousand years old, you learn how to tell the good people from the bad ones."

I ventured over to meet Sten. I'd had Aedan and Leliana get the key this morning so…

"You are not one of my captors… I will not amuse you any more than I have the humans. Leave me in peace." Sten was 7 fucking feet tall with grey skin, white hair braided into cornrows and no horns… he did look intimidating and his grey eyes looked stern. My short ass was barely eye-level with his waist.

"Maraas shokra, Sten of the Beresaad." I nodded my head. There's nothing to struggle against.

He stilled and looked me in the eye. "Shanedan, then." I will hear you.

"I travel with and lead a small group of Grey Wardens. As they are sworn to end the blight, we need skilled help. I can think of no finer warrior than a Sten, and I happen to be a sort of Ashkaari – I can aid you in finding your Asala and restoring your honor so that you may return home."

"… It seems the Wardens do have some smarts to elect a leader that knows what they are doing. Very well, if you can release me, I will follow you into battle and find my atonement." I motioned to Alistair who came forward with the key and unlocked the cage. Sten looked at me with a mix suspicion and appraisal.

"You already had the key?"

I chuckled, "You understand how it is, Sten. You allowed yourself to be put there, so you knew people would be distrustful. I decided to speak with you first for a few reasons. One, I needed to get your word – I know you have great honor and would keep your word once given. Two, my companions needed to see for themselves that you are not a monster. You know how important it is to have the confidence of those you lead – mutiny is so troublesome."

He nodded, "A good strategy then. Are you Viddithari?"

I shook my head, "I respect the Qun, but I am not of it."

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 forgive 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?"

"3 Sovereigns a head… why?"

I thought for a second… "We have 5 Wardens… meaning 15 gold pieces… I give a total of 30 gold pieces… you let us leave, unharmed. Know this, with a Qunari, 2 archers, 3 mages, 2 warriors, a rogue and 2 Mabari… you lot would be dead in seconds. There are many paths, however, and not all lead to death." I felt Sten stiffen behind me as I quoted a part of the Qun.

"30… what do you say, lads?" the lead man looked to his group who, one-by-one, each of the 15 men nodded their assent to the deal. I waved my hand and my void-storage appeared. I reached in and pulled out 30 of the shiny gold pieces. Handing the lead man the coins, he counted them out before walking away with the group.

"Why would you waste that much gold?" Morrigan asked. "It isn't a waste; it was peace. They will spread the word that the Wardens do not want this Civil War and are attempting to bring peace and unity. Also… I'm fucking rich. That pitiful amount didn't make a dent in my treasury. It was a strategical move. By the time we reach the Tower, word will have hit Denerim that the Wardens are better than what Loghain is saying… we will gain allies that we desperately need to fight the Blight. What are your views Sten?"

"There is sense to what you say. We need an Army, and if giving them a bit of coin will get us one, then that is what we should do. But I don't understand… you look like a woman," he said.

I chuckled, "I am, but I come from a race that has seen its share of bloodshed. I was actually drafted into the kings' army long, long ago. I may be a mere child compared to most of my family but… elves reproduce slowly due to the longevity."

"Women are not fighters." Sten rumbled. "Then think of me as Aqun-Athlok if you must, Sten. I will not take offence, but I will continue to act as a woman in most cases."

He nodded, "I can live with that, Aqun-Athlok."

"What does that mean?" Alistair asked. Lelianna was the one to answer, "It means someone who is born as one gender but living as another. He will essentially view her as a man."

"It's even better; there are 4 other women in our group that will be fighting!" I giggled and Sten gave a snort of dis-belief.

We ran into Bodahn about then after hearing him shout, "Somebody; help us!"

I chuckled darkly and used mass entanglement while the others killed the Darkspawn.

"Mighty timely arrival there my friends, I'm much obliged!" the Dwarf gave a joyful sigh of relief. He was 4'6 with brown hair and bronze eyes, while Sandal was 4'8 with platinum hair and blue eyes.

"The name's Bodahn Feddic; Merchant and Entrepreneur. This here's my son, Sandal; say hello, my boy!"

"Hullo," the boy said, obliviously.

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

"Oh, honey… I doubt you want to travel with a Grey Warden," I gave an apologetic shrug as Aedan nodded.

"Grey Warden, hmm? My, that does rather explain a lot… no offense, but I suspect there's more excitement on your path than my boy and I can handle. Allow me to bid you farewell and good fortune, though. Now then, let's get this mess cleaned up, then, shall we?" he addressed his boy at the end and I smiled.

"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." Aedan, Alistair and Leliana instantly began moving forward to help. Lyna, Sereda and Daylen all moved to pick up the cart. Morrigan and Sten just watched.

I found what I was looking for and headed over to Bodahn the instant we were done. "These 12 things … how much do you want for them?"

He looked over my choices. A doll that looked remarkably like Alistair, a pink gemmed amulet that could help someone remember old memories, a Dwarven beard flask, a jeweled hip-flask, an Orlesian carved lute, a grey warden hand puppet set, a Qunari Prayers for the Dead book, a diamond shaped bottle of rare Antivan brandy, a carved Halla, two books of spells and a great-sword.

"The sword alone is usually 120 silver, but… I'll sell you all of it for 240 silvers."

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

"I'm sure; you not only saved our lives, but also helped us tidy up – a fair trade, I think." He smiled and I rummaged in my pack for the coin pouch. I handed him the money.

I looked at Sten and handed over the Great-sword. "Use this until we can find yours."

He looked at me sharply and I chuckled.

When we finally made camp that night, I sent Alistair and Aedan to hunt with the Dogs.

I approached Sten and handed him the book.

He glanced at it and I saw surprise flash though his eyes, "Why?"

I smiled, "You were quoting a passage from it when I was approaching you in Lothering. I thought you might like it."

"I am impressed. You have my thanks."

I sauntered up to Morrigan next. I handed her the doll and she looked at me in disbelief, "Why would I want this?"

"It looks remarkably like our Templar, no? You could use it as a voodoo doll."

She froze for a second before a sadistic grin lit her lips, "Indeed… this could be much fun to play with… I thank you."

I headed over to Leli as she began to prep dinner – as soon as the other two men were back, she'd be ready to cook.

"Leli, dear, I've something for you." I held out the lute and her eyes widened. "This is Orlesian made…" she breathed.

"It was one of the things I bought from Bodahn… I heard you talking about how you were a traveling minstrel – though yes, I already know the truth – and thought you might like it… I know you have such a lovely voice."

"You… you know the truth… then what do you believe of my vision?"

"I think it's true. You never would have sought us out without it and we do need you, sweetheart. I think everyone has something they are meant to do – even those we see as evil act in the way they were meant to. Arl Howe killed Aedans' family, but if he hadn't, Aedan wouldn't be here. Loghain abandon Cailan, but without that… well, I can't say for now."

"I feel a bit like a fraud, right now. You are a true seer, and here I am… only the one instance…"

"You don't want it, trust me. It's a curse and a gift wrapped in one. I can't change everything or I'll make it worse but I cannot stand by and allow certain things. I tried to save Cailan – he still died."

She flinched. "There are so many good things in the Makers world; how can I sit by…?"

I smiled, "You could not, and that is why you're here. The maker, just as any god, could never truly abandon his children, after all. The winds still blow, the sun still shines and the flowers still grow. If there were no god, no Maker, we could not say that. Besides, the Blight isn't from the maker – the chantry only added that to the Chant of Light during the Third Blight…"

Her jaw dropped, "Really?" she sounded so hopeful.

"Think about it this way, Leli. If the Maker had sent the Blight, would Grey Wardens exist? Who was it that gave the very first Wardens the idea and the way to do it? Could an agent of the Maker have been among them?" I smiled.

She nodded, "That does make sense… if he had abandoned us, we would all truly be dead by now."

"Your past will catch up to us and I will help you. I won't allow you to fall while you're still needed."

"Needed?"

"You are a vital part of the future, my dear. I cannot say how, but you will always be on the path of the Maker."

She smiled brilliantly.

My next stop was Lyna as I held out the Carved Halla – and since Sereda was with her, I gave her one the Jeweled Hip-Flask.

"Ma Serannas, Lethallan." Lyna smiled. I winked at her and Sereda looked inside the flask with a whistle, "That's the good stuff – from Orzammar."

"It came with a free flask, so I thought you might like it," I laughed. She nodded, "This is good – thanks, Salroka."

I wondered my way over to Daylen next, giving him one of the two spell books. He looked at it in shock. "These are spells that would never make their way into the Circle – not for anyone who wasn't a sanctioned Battle-Mage!"

I shrugged, "I have one as well. Bodahn was selling it… speak of the devil…" I chuckled as I noticed the merchant hobbling us to our camp. I greeted him.

"Welcome Bodahn – you're free to stay, just mind yourselves." He beamed and replied, "Wonderful – thank the nice lady, my boy!"

"Thank you." Sandal smiled.

Aedan and Alistair returned so I handed Alistair his gift – the Warden hand puppet set.

He glanced at me with a smile that melted my heart – he was the one I was always romancing in Origins after all.

"You really know me, don't you?"

"Of course I do, Alistair…" I'd almost said more but thought better of it.

"Well… I have a favor to ask of you…" he flushed.

I admit, my interest was piqued as he pulled out a rose and said, "Do you… know any preservation spells? I don't want it to wilt and die so soon…"

I grinned widely, "I can do that – nature is a Druidic art."

I took the rose, letting my magic envelop it. I handed it back once I was done. "Thank you." He smiled. I grinned and bowed my head as I headed for dinner.

Having passed out all the gifts, I settled in. the only person I hadn't bought something for was Aedan – and that was because I wasn't sure what to get him yet. I would, eventually; but for now…

"So, Atarah…" Morrigan started. I held up my hand and said, "Alright, real quick – I've had several names and titles. I will lay them all out for you, and you can all choose what to call me, since I will answer to any of them and most of you can't seem to decide what to call me in the first place. Titles are as follow – General, Dovahkiin, Dragonborn, Listener, Guild Master, and… no, I'm not going to add that last one. My names were as follow – Selene, Ariis, Faerine and now Atarah."

"… Could you explain those last 2 titles? The Listener, and Guild Master ones?" Lyna was giggling.

I gave the biggest smirk I could, "I was the Listener for the Assassins guild – also known as the Dark Brotherhood. I would listen to the night-mother and relay where the assassins in my guild would go for our contracts. Guild Master was my title in the Thieves Guild – I was the best damn thief in the place."

"Wait – Assassin and Thief?" Alistair asked.

"Oh… right; forgot some of you are on the straight and narrow. When I was only about… let's see… human years 33, add Nordic time… 34 years old, I helped a kid kill an abusive orphanage matron. Well, that gained me entry to the Dark Brotherhood – I mean I knew it would but the bitch needed to die. That… set me on the path to killing an emperor. I'm not proud of it, but he was ready to die. He only asked that I kill the guy who set the hit on him to begin with… I did. All that time, I was also in the thieves guild – I needed the coin and they were more moral than you'd think – they never killed their marks. They'd rather just break out of jail for theft rather than kill someone."

"What is Dragonborn?" Sten asked.

"I hold the souls of all the dragons I've ever killed – and that is because I had the soul of a Dragon to begin with." I shrugged.

"Wait – back up for a minute. You were an Assassin and a thief?" Aedan still couldn't believe it. I sighed, "Look, guys – that was more than 10 thousand years ago. I knew what needed to happen, so I did it. Have I killed people that deserved to live? I can't say, because I was never worthy of judging that. All I can say is that… it's in the distant past – I've had a long time to do worse or better depending on your views. No war is bloodless, guys."

Sten nodded, "That is true – there are even bystanders or civilians in every war."

I nodded, "The only thing I have held firm on… no killing children. I could never bring myself kill a child. I would usually spare the child's caretaker too if they were around. I came to be known as someone honorable – even among the Horde, if a parent saw me while their city was being burned, they would bring their children to me – because I would prevent even my allies from harming a child."

Leliana nodded, "That is honorable…"

"What tile were you going to say, but didn't?" Sereda asked.

"… Princess." I muttered.

"Right – betrothed to a king… got it…" Alistair wrapped it up nicely.

I shook my head, "I don't plan to allow that betrothal to be any more than that. I'll marry a farmer before I ever take the throne of the Alliance."

Lyna let out a giggle.

"As I was going to ask, Atarah… What exactly is our plan?" Morrigan asked.

"We are now on our way to the Circle at Lake Calenhad – Kinlock Hold. I will be aiding the Mages in their… issue. Abominations and blood mages will have taken over the tower by the time we get there. I will be killing all those who are corrupted, because we will need the Mages later – on top of the fact that if I help the mages, then I can get mages and Templars for our Army against the Darkspawn. Greagoir likes me well enough – even taught me some Templar abilities. My magic isn't bound to the Fade, nor am I susceptible to Demons, so… point is, he doesn't know I have magic at all."

Blank and horrified faces watched me. I gave a wide grin, "Relax – we can beat the blight within a year if we play our cards right."

"How do you have such detailed information on what we will face?" Daylen asked.

"Like I told you Wardens back in the Korcari Wilds – my original home world knew all my following homes as fantasy – I know a lot of information until about… 9:44 Dragon or so? Somewhere in there. I plan to keep my impact on the time-line small, so I won't be calling Azeroth to aid us in the final battle – and trust me, it's better that way."

"Right… okay." Lyna shrugged. No one else questioned it and I was grateful for it.

I glanced at Daylen – he looked thoughtful and hadn't said anything in a while, "Something on your mind, Amell?"

"Nothing important – just idle curiosity." He shook his head. I blinked, "… I have a feeling I know exactly what you want to ask about."

He looked startled, "What do you think?" I groaned, "My first life."

He nodded, "Yeah, actually. You talk about the other places – Skyrim and Azeroth – so easily, but you kind of… avoid the first place. Never say the name of the place; never tell us what you did or anything…"

I shook my head, "Well… I mean… it was boring in comparison… who would want to hear that?"

Hands raised; All the Wardens and Leliana. I sighed, "My name, as stated, was Selene – Selene Heart. I was a stay at home mother – meaning, of course, when I was thrust into Skyrim with a Dragon chomping at the bit to kill us all, it was all I could do to not pass the fuck out while I fought to survive. I had to kill people as I escaped too. When it was all over… when I could finally rest… I threw up. Well… I had a wife and 2 sons – medicine was so advanced there. Those kids were really ours – though we were both women. That's kind of… all there was to it. I was 33 years old and died when I… well it was stupid, actually. Fell down a flight of stairs and broke my neck. Humans are so very fragile."

"You're joking… right? You used to be human?" Lyna looked amused.

"Not joking, no. In fact, the only inhabitants of my first world were Humans – well… there were Dwarves but they were just really short humans, nothing more. My second world, I was a Nord; a type of human. On Nirn, everyone could learn magic… as long as they went to the Collage and got training for it. Then I wake up after that last Dragon did me in as a bloody elf – excuse the pun."

"Pun? What pun?" Alistair looked intrigued.

"I was covered in blood – I had just been born; again. Not comfortable at all, let me tell you. I was also half Sin'dorei – literally translates to Child of the Bloodline."

"Wait – you can remember your time as an infant?" Morrigan now looked interested.

"It was for the better that I was fully sentient for that… if I had been a normal baby – one who cried often – I would have died early on. My care-takers were my Uncle Malfurion and Aunt Tyrande… to them; I should never have been born so they hired nannies. They couldn't just abandon me, with her being a Priestess of Elune and him being a Druid – both meaning that they cherished life. But the ones they had nursing me had no such qualms. It was better that I never gave them a reason. When Elune blessed me, Tyrande became my biggest champion – she still didn't like me, but that made sure she had a reason to make sure I was educated, fed and to discover what magic I held. When my uncle found out that the nurse-maids had been cutting away my antlers – which are a sign of great druidic potential – he was furious. Not because he liked me all of a sudden, but because of the silver color of my antlers meaning I was chosen by Cenarius – Lord of the Forest and the origin of Druid magic."

"How does that matter?" Daylen, ever the student, asked. I sighed, "Cenarius taught Uncle Mal. Cenarius is a demigod. To have been chosen as his champion and then to have the proof of it continuously cut away – a painful thing, mind you – showed a lot of things were wrong. It was considered vile enough that when the demigod heard what had happened – that my antlers would no longer grow, regardless of what he did – he was enraged. Elune, the Sunwell, Cenarius… all these powerful entities claimed me from birth or puberty… yet still I was treated like the lowest." I stopped talking when I realized how bitter I sounded.

"Forgive me, friends – I didn't mean to…"

Alistair cut off my apology by hugging me. I blinked in shock but allowed it.

"What about Inas? I mean… you said you were chosen over and over so how did he get to be Champion of Azeroth?" Lyna asked.

I shrugged, "The World-Soul, Azeroth, chose him. It stands to reason I cannot always be chosen – a balance must be kept."

"I don't know… sounds odd to me. As though all those other entities as you called them… were granting you all that power to prepare you for the future but then…" Leliana reasoned.

I chuckled, "I could ask Magni sometime, but I doubt Azeroth ever intended to pick me. I can't always be the Hero; even a hero needs a brake."

With that, we all turned in for the night.