Calmly, Hawke, Varric and I stand before the crowd of civilians as the court of the first judgement is held, thanks to the aid of the civilians and staff, the judgement room has been cleaned and it looks nice, the chair is also nice, I note lightly as Eve fidgets in the plush velvet modest looking throne as she sits, looking nervous with Josephine by her side to calm the nerves of the mess.
"I wanna sit in the chair…" Robin whines, looking longingly at the chair.
"No Robin no…" I sigh.
"But it's so fluffy…" She pouts.
"She does have a point," Varric smirks.
"You're the mother shouldn't you be saying no…" I frown.
"Oh come on Fen let the kid awe at the chair," Hawke shrugs.
"And the grown ass adult do the same…" Dryly, I remark.
"I'm right here," Hawke pouts.
"Yes. Yes you are," I acknowledge.
"So mind telling me why my brother isn't here, he would be all for seeing a magisters get judged and executed before us," I ask Hawke.
"He said he had business elsewhere," Hawke smirks.
"I swear to god if I find my wine, I'm going to kill him," I grumble.
"Relax, he wouldn't get drunk," Hawke assures me as I give her a raised pointed look at her.
"Not this early anyway," I add in muttering.
"Actually, Fenris doesn't drink in front of Robin wants to set them an example…" Hawke boasts.
"You're kidding me, Shocked, I raise a brow.
"I'm not…" Hawke assures.
"Wow…marriage broke my brother; it made him boring just great…" I gasp disappointed.
"He still drinks just not in front of Robin…."Hawke smiles.
Loudly, the cackle of chains clinks ringing my ears and making me flinch briefly as Robin struggles against my hold, wishing to get on the chair only for Hawke to intervene and take hold of her daughter, settling her down but pouting as Varric sends me a quick look of concern. Slowly, Alexius is dragged towards the nervous Eve, who puts one her pokerface as Alexius stops. Elegantly, Josephine enters the picture, looking down at her list as she reads out his crimes.
"You recall Gereon Alexius of Tevinter. Fereldan has given him to us as acknowledgement of your aid. The formal chargers are apostasy attempted enslavement and attempted assassination-on your own life, no less. Tevinter has disowned him and stripped him of his rank. You may judge the former magister as you see fit," Josephine introduces Alexius as my eyes narrow at the abomination. Kill it, kill the bastard, make him pay and join his son…
"Remind me what's the precedent for nearly ripping apart time at the seams," Eve voices out, confidence etched into her tone.
"I couldn't save my son. Do you think my fate matters to me?" Alexius sighs sadly and I nod. Good seems he wants to join his son, grant him that chance to make up for loss time…just get him out of my sight…no I need to be better, briefly I glance at Hawke cradling the pouting Robin and sigh, exhaling a deep breathes, needing to calm down as I frown at the tense muscles in my body and my heart on edge, terrified of what this blood mage could pull off even now, all he needs is one speck of blood, that all and we could all be dead…I need to calm down, I need to…just let him see his son again, he genuinely valued his son, that I could see, it was strange, alien concept to me of loving another person but then again if that was my brother I'd do anything for him, even rip apart time and space to save him…
"Will you offer nothing more in your defence?" Josephine enquires to the abomination.
"You've won nothing. The people you've saved, the acclaim you've gathered- you'll lose it all in the storm to come. Render your judgement inquisitor!" Alexius demands as briefly my eyes narrow when I spot Dorian in the crowd, looking pleadingly at Eve, no don't tell me…yeah this isn't corrupt at all…just to make one Vint happy, just great…
"Your magic was theoretically impossible Alexius. I could use people like you… your sentence is to serve, under guard, as a researcher to all things magical for the inquisition," Eve dictates as I scowl at her. Eve. No, no, I need to think of this from a different angle just like siding with the mages, sure Alexius won't see his son again and sure he may be a blood mage from Tevinter, a former magister at that but he's nothing now, the greet shame, yeah its better this way he can suffer more from this, reputation wise heh. And besides he'll be under guard sure the guard could be corrupted by his blood magic but if its Cassandra she'll have a resistance so yeah its fine…as long as he knows his place.
"No execution, very well," Alexius sighs sadly as a small smirk crosses my lips. Good, he wanted death and was denied it, at least he lost that much, I'll give Eve that. Besides it was a smart move to use Alexius we could use his intellect with Dorian's to come up with alternate ways to handle the breaches and Corypheus…
With that, the judgment ends and an exhausted Eve gets off the chair.
"Mine!" Wide eyed, Hawke releases a squeak of shock as Robin rushes over to the tall chair pouncing on it and makes a seat for herself on it as she smugly smirks, trying to reach the arm rest, but failing making all three of us snicker at her at her clawing.
"How dare you laugh prison!" Robin declares as I raise a brow at the excited Robin, clearly wanting to play Inquisitor, which is both cute, not fully grasping hold of the responsibilities the title holds.
"Uncle Varric I command you to tell me more stories of auntie, mama and papa!" Robin commands.
"When you're older Robin like we agreed," Varric reminds her, holding in his laughter.
"But I'm the inquisitor you must do what I say…!" Robinin argues.
"Okay inquisitor then it's time for your nap…" Playfully, Hawke smiles, stepping forward.
"I refuse to take a nap I am so powerful I don't need any naps I can stay up for…." Robin trails off, their blue hues drooping as they fall into her dreamland once more, releasing small snores as I raise a brow at the kid snoring in my arms and sigh as Hawke takes Robin from me smiling softly at the snoring child.
"So cute, look at those dimple," Hawke gushes.
"It's a kid," I argue.
"You'll understand when you have kids Fen," Hawke smiles waving off my frown.
"Sorry but the likelihood of this guy having kids is very unlikely," I scoff.
"We'll see," Varric smirks coyly as I frown but sigh deciding to head to bed...
Stoically, Fenris enters a familiar room, his blue hues narrowed at the murals of recent events; his eyes narrow in particular at the lone wolfs howling, bringing back faint memories of his youth…
"May I help you?" Frowning, Fenris turns to the lone elf male, calmly finishing his painting for today to focus on the elven slave before him.
"We need to talk," Fenris states bluntly to the calm Solas.
"I see what about?" Solas enquires.
"Just sit and shut up!" Fenris commands.
Calmly, Solas sit down eyebrow raised at the bluntness of the white haired elf sitting down across from him, making sure to keep a distance as he glares at Solas who remains unfazed, used to the glares from copious elves on his travels.
"You are a hedge mage, no training in the circle nor any other teachings of you being wary of demons…" Fenris begins, wariness etched into his tone.
"That is true. Does this concern you?" Solas questions.
"I am simply concerned over my sister's life…" Fennic defends.
"What are you implying?" Solas eyes narrow.
"Don't lie. I've seen the looks you give my sister, I know that look all too well, let me tell you this mage, my sister may seem strong but she is easily breakable, my sister has been a victim of magic for years and I will not allow her to become a victim again once she freed herself from it…" Growling, Fenris explains to the stone faced Solas.
"Your sister is a strong, independent, and powerful women, you don't give her enough credit. I have seen Fennic's breakable side and know how to-"
"Oh do you? You honestly think I can trust a abomination with my sister? Listen to me abomination. If you ever raise your hand at her, magic or no magic, I will cut down all those you love and cherish, I will not hesitate to make you slowly suffer…" Fenris cuts him off, snarling lowly.
"Is that all? Let me assure you Fenris, Fennic can take care of herself I have seen that first hand and her weakened state is natural, for we all have a vulnerable side and are in need of support for that. And even if I did hurt Fennic which I do not wish to, there is no one I have left who I cherish but your sister. I do not fear you and you should know what your sister and I have has nothing to do with you," Coldly, Solas states the fact, standing up looking down at the scowling Fenris brow twitching until a small scoff is released, earning a raised brow from Solas.
"You're different. I can see why my sister likes you…" Fenris sighs.
"What do you mean?" Solas queries.
"Let me tell you his abomination. I may not approve of this relationship or if it does occur, but my sister is happy that all that matters to me. But let me warn you my sister has slept with a lot of many, she has never had the relationship you wish to seek with her. She will have no clue what to do," Fenris warns him.
"You must be joking," Solas frowns.
"I am not. My sister has never had a real relationship like the one you wish for, so…be kind to her…" Fenris reasons to him.
"You care for her that much…?" Solas whispers gently.
"My family is my life, she is the only real blood relative that I have left that hasn't betrayed me," Fenris remarks darkly.
"What do you mean?" Solas asks.
"Did she…? Hmm. I suppose not she tends to keep our past a mystery. We had a sister, still have but due to reasons, we simply disowned her as one of us…" Fenris shrugs it off.
"I see…I can understand your concern and respect your concern for you family but Fen is…" Solas begins once more.
"Her own woman, I know that…" Fenris huffs.
"Then you…" Solas starts scowling.
"I don't accept this relationship you have, not now but…treat her well if you truly wish to follow this with her…" Fenris stands. Stoically, Fenris turns his back to Solas frowning as he leaves, the two of them failing to notice the eavesdropping Tevinter looming down from the banister at the pair, eager to get in the good books of both elves, the Tevinter eyes sparkle at the plan slowly forming in his mind and leaves, beginning his preparations…
"Right Robin listen up," I kneel down next to the eager girl wielding a long tall bow, much lighter thanks to the aid of Blackwall and Iron Bull lending me some help in creating the smaller bow for Robin to train with. Calmly, I glance at the abundant arrows littered all over the ground, not one even touching the target as I notice the frowning expression of Robin.
"I give up! I don't wanna do this anymore auntie Fennic why can't we use daggers instead!" Robin huffs fed up, tossing the bow to the ground, pouting as I stifle a giggle at the brief image of my brother's pout, looks like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Simply, I stand up looking down at the pointing mess, glaring at the target before them.
"I wanna use daggers like you and auntie Isabela!" Robin cries.
"To do that you need to learn the bow first, you need patience," I tell her.
"Will I get a fancy hat if I get patience? Auntie always gives me hats," Robin whines.
"…I'll see what I can do," I grumble, face in hands at the sheer cuteness that is Robin's puppy dog face.
"On it!" Determined, the girl grabs the arrow only to wince back from the pain and cradle their hand.
"It hurts!" Robin whines cradling their hand as I sigh and kneel down.
"It'll be fine, these are marks to show your hard work," I respond seeing no longer her soft gentle hands but instead marred with training and work.
"Hey auntie, you think you'll ever find someone like mama found papa?" Curious, Robin asks.
"Well…probably not and I don't think I would want the meeting those two had," I mutter smirking lightly as I recall our rather forced introduction with the group, my arrow aimed at Hawke and my brother being the leader of us two at the time…yeah colourful words were exchanged, I'll give that much.
"But what about egghead?" Robin questions making me frown.
"Egghead?" I question.
"Mr Solas," Robin reminds me making my eyes widen, everything seems to be talking about him today or the idea of us being a thing. I thought we kept it on the down low, I guess we weren't good at being subtle but eh.
"What do you mean Robin?" I frown.
"You always seem to go to him, if he's around, why do you spend so much time with him?" Robin points out.
"Oh that's easy, it's fun teasing him," I dismiss.
"Teasing? Oh like what mommy does to daddy!" Robin compares making me sweat drop.
"I guess, but also…don't tell him this, his head will only grow oh so much bigger, but I find him fascinating, finding a mage not circle trained or trained in any way and the knowledge he knows fascinates me," I shrug casually.
"Hah, aunties a nerd…" Robin teases.
"No a nerd would have to be someone who's smart, he's book smarter I'm street smart…" I argue.
"Opposites attract…" Robin smiles.
"I guess…" I mutter.
"Auntie…does daddy hate me?" Robin enquires taking me aback at the sudden dark question.
"Woah where did that come from?" I bark shocked at her shaking wobbly features, noting her sudden glassy eyes as gentle, I place my arms on her shaking figure.
"When I first got angry and flames came out he looked so sad, so horrified, so scared…did I do something wrong?" Robin questions breaking my heart at her tears.
"Robin is that why you won't use your magic because of daddy…?" Gently, I question her. Sadly, she nods making my heart clench pained to see that even now our past lingers, eating away at us, and harming those we cherish. Sighing, I place my hand softly on Robin's hair, messing with the dark curls of hers and sigh.
"Robin. Your father and I didn't grow up with those who used magic for good. They weren't the nicest of people and due to that, we…grew fearful of magic and when you had it…look it's a long and silly story. But listen, your father and I love you very much, sometimes you can't escape your past, it still stays in your thoughts and make you see magic as bad…" I explain painfully at her.
"Then am I bad?" Robin questions face etched in her tone.
"No, never say that. You are a good person Robin, you're sensitivity astonishes me. You are a gift, you carry a amazing power that can be used for good, those before us used it for evil. Magic isn't evil, it's the wielder who is good or evil, he person who decides how to use their gift is the person who is good or evil, sometimes both," I explain calmly as Robin furrows her brow in deep thought form my words.
"Thank you auntie," Meekly Robin thanks me as I shrug.
"Hey you're family," I argue making her giggle happily only to wince from the soreness of her raw palms…
"I hope I not interrupting," We turn to the voice of Solas approaching as he kneels down.
"Relax dalen," He says softly to Robin as he slowly grasps hold of her hands, a familiar green barrier of sorts appearing as the rawness and cuts of Robin's palms are fixed, healing her bruised and raw features.
"Wow…cool," Robin gshes starign at their now healed palms.
"If you would like I could teach you Dalen," Solas offers calmly.
"Really?" Robing murmurs excited making me smile slightly at the cute child.
"Robin," The gruff voice of my brother calls out making me turns to raise a brow at his scowling features.
"Oh yeah, daddy promised we'd go hunting today!" Robin smiles brightly before bowing to Solas and running off with my brother, giving Solas the stink eye making me raise a brow.
"Why is he so cranky?" I question surprised by his grumpiness then again that's my brothers mode, twenty for seven.
"Most likely due to his threats did not intimidate me," Solas shrugs.
"Threats?" I question.
"Indeed seems our little offer has reached numerous ears," Solas notes.
"No…oh come on. Did my brother give you the speech…"I grumble embarrassed by my brother's overprotectiveness.
"He did," Solas states the fact only making me groan even more flustered.
"I am so sorry about that he's a moron…" I mutter.
"It's fine though I am curious over this sister he mentioned," Solas exclaims only making my eyes narrow and darken.
"I'm going to get a drink…" I utter feeling a heavy pain in my chest and a familiar burning flowing though my veins at the emotion of that traitor.
"You can't keep running to the bottle to avoid your issues…"Solas reminds me sharply making me scowl.
"Says the man who escapes into the fade to avoid problems," I call out smirking at his frown and with that, I leave Solas cursing under my breathe at the sour mood taking form.
"What's with the pouting?" I question raising a brow at the stropping Dorian.
"I lost to Cullen; honestly it wasn't even fair to begin with…" Dorian complains.
"What do you mean?" I sigh.
"It's that lip scar!" He gushes as I stare blankly at the dumbass gushing over blondie's looks.
"You know he's straight right, besides he wouldn't fit your type," I state.
"How would you know?" Dorian frowns.
"Blondie couldn't even go into a brothel when he was on duty, that's how uptight he is about chantry shit it was hilarious…" I smirk at the memory.
"Back at Kirkwall I presume," Dorian adds.
"Yep, shitty people, shitty place, home sweet home…" I smirk nostalgically at the memory.
"But I just ugh and now Eve's going to pay against him see," Dorian points as I follow his glance to see the two playing a game and sigh at the love struck expression on them both.
"Andraste tits, just fuck already," I grumble.
"Now, now, let the children take their time, there both virgins no doubt about it," Dorian reasons.
"Oh yeah definitely. I'm guessing you're all thrilled about Alexius," I bring up.
"I suppose I am is that so wrong?" Dorian frowns.
"No what's wrong is Eve being easily driven into doing what you want just for your approval," I state.
"It wasn't like that we both wanted him to live," Dorian argues.
"Are you sure about that? Think about it, he caused hundreds of mages to be killed in that bad future, he…" I begin.
"Just because he made you into some sort of sl-"
"Don't even finish that," I hiss as the metallic sound of my blade rings out silencing him as he gulps and sheepishly smiles as I grumble.
"Ah yes, here I thought you're hatred of me as bad your brother. I could feel his burning gaze on me through the wall unless he wants to…" Dorian snickers.
"Hah, not in a million years, he may be bi but that doesn't mean he would make a pass at you, my brother has high standards than you…" I scoff.
"Higher than me? What plane could be higher than my sass?" Dorian gasps insulted.
"Oh I don't know….maybe the champion of Kirkwall…" Smirking, I shrug.
"Touché, Fennic, touché now let's watch the children play," Dorian smirks.
"And why would I do with that with you?" I scowl sceptical only to raise a brow at the sound of slushing and look down, to see a bottle of wine.
"Where did you…?" I furrow my brow.
"You'd be surprise what you could get form little Josephine," Dorian smirks smugly as I sneakily snatch it from his hands, taking a sip.
"Well if I'm going to die by the hands of a mage I would at least want to die drunk," I shrug causally as the pair of us take swigs of the bottle and watch the love dovey scene that makes me want to vomit occur…