"Hey…" Sighing, I lean back on my pillow after having endured another lecture from Solas before Vivienne returned fortunately for once and kicked him out. Leaving me alone due to Vivienne's Orlesian duties of having teatime with some pompous ass while I am stuck in bed, luckily I am not alone.
"Oh, Varric hey what's up?" Struggling, I attempt to straighten myself only to grimace at the sharp pain from my sudden moment.
"Hold your horses Fox there's no need to stand." Smiling, Varric assures me as he takes a seat by my bedside as I lean back on my plump pillow.
"You never told me Solas broke up with you…" Varric begins making me exhale tiredly.
"Oh…that." Awkwardly, I glance to the side.
"Were you going to tell me?" Concerned, Varric leans over.
"I didn't think it was a big deal. Is it…a big deal?" Confused, I raise a brow, so we broke up, that isn't going to destroy the breach I mean…looking at the bigger picture it shouldn't effect anything but…it hurts, everything still hurts, it must be due to my migraine it has to be.
"What do you mean?" Perplexed, Varric furrows his brow.
"Well I know how he really is now." Confidently, I cross my arms at the truth of it all.
"What do you mean?" Lost, Varric repeats his question.
"He used me." Coldly, I state the fact my eyes narrowing at the fact. He used me for my marks, he's no better than the other abominations.
"Aren't you angry?" Confused, he furrows his brow at me as I sigh tiredly.
"Of course I am, I'm furious, the times I've thought about cutting Solas down are one too many but…we have a job to do and as soon as its done I'll never have to see him again." Seething, I snarl my hands bawling into a pair of shaking fists, remembering if I had followed through. He would have his neck snapped, his face would be blue, purple, he would be out of our head if I had pulled through with that idea during that time with him beneath my bed, him beneath my feet, me in control this time, me the one using Solas for nothing but physical pleasure. He used me so I used him, simple as that. Our business deal or what he would call our supposed 'relationship' ended.
"Fen…" Gently, Varric begins as I bow my head.
"I…I've seen how bitter and cruel people who suffer breaks up can be Varric we both have you saw how Anders took it when Hawke went back to Fenris." Disgusted, I sneer malice laced in my tone at the memory of Anders, being so horrible towards everyone over some stupid relationship.
"I did…but Fen that doesn't mean you should bottle your emotions…" Tenderly, Varric reasons to me making me sigh.
"I've done it before Varric why can't I do it again? What changed?" Irritated, I demand from Varric, my voice breaking. I bow my head trying to blink back the tears threatening to fall. He said we broke up. I broke up with him too and I have shown no affection but he…when I fell he cared for me, brought me back to health he even called me that fucking word…I don't get it, I don't get him, I hate him, I hate him!
"You fell in love Fox." Quietly, Varric states the fact making me seethe, feeling boiling hot tears almost burn at my glassy hues. Furiously, I try to blink them back.
"I want it to stop, I want to go back, I want to be normal again!" Angrily, I scream, my whole body shaking angry at this cluster of unwelcomed emotions why can't I go back to before? I never got hurt before and if I did. I was in control, I was in charge, I was okay, I didn't feel helpless. I…I…
"Oh Fox…" Softly, I feel a hand on my own instead of feeling the burning aching feeling of his touch I stare down at Varric's gloved hand on my own arm, making me grimace, bowing my head pained.
"I don't want to be like Anders." Pained, I whisper confessing the truth to him, I saw what he became, he was consumed by his hatred, his anger, his bitterness I couldn't…I couldn't I don't want to become what he became, I don't want to turn into either of them, I can't I won't I refuse to.
"You won't be…" Gently, Varric assures me as I snivel, my voice breaking as I whimper bowing my head pained as I lean forward, lowering my head into my arms, combing my fingertips through my white rotos angrily tugging at them, so lost, so confused, so flabbergasted by all this. I never wanted this, I never…
"Then what did I do wrong?" Fed up, I demand from Varric turning to face him, seeing his eyes begin to water almost pained at the sight of me, demanding to know the truth. What did I do wrong? It's always been my fault, I'm no pure saint like Eve, I'm not pretty like Leliana or Isabella, I'm used…I'm not…
"You did nothing wrong." Varric assures me sternly as I shake my head at the lie. I did something wrong, I always do, there has always been something wrong with me…
"I had to do something wrong I always do…is it my marks? The danger that comes being with associated with me alone? Me…dying young? I mean, the idea of someone liking me I never saw that possibility and you know that. Who would want used goods?" Pained, I whisper my voice trembling.
"Don't say that…" Pleadingly, Varric begs me almost.
"But it's the true, who wants rotting used goods? I was selfish to think…" I begin scolding myself for my foolish thoughts.
"Don't ever say that!" Firmly, Varric tells me.
"Varric…" Quietly, I being noting his furrowed scowl.
"We don't know…we don't know if you'll die. For all we know you could live for centuries either way I made a promise to you and I mean it we will find a cure for you. Now rest up, we got a long day tomorrow." Sighing, Varric smiles at me as he leaves me. Fatigued, I fall back on my plump pillow exhaustion flowing through my veins deflated, tired and most of all emotionally exhausted.
"Bull…" Tiredly, I begin.
"Yeah…" Bull acknowledges me.
"Concerning you being Tal Vashoth…" I trail off as we make our way down
"What about it? I thought we made that agreement, didn't we?" Annoyed, Bull scowls at me.
"We did." Coolly, I affirm.
"What agreement?" Confused, Solas enquires.
"If I were to turn Fen would eliminate me." Bluntly, Bull reveals.
"What why?" Stunned, Varric gawks.
"Look, Fen is a professional, I would rather die at the hands of a trained professional then die from some sloppy amateur and to have her do it would at least give me some sort of pride." Honest, Bull confesses.
"Pride? Bull you won't turn! We can…" Confidently, Eve assures him.
"You may say so but if I do…at least I know with Fen she'll make it quick." Painless. Bull reasons.
"You're right however that isn't what I was to discuss…" Calmly, I point out.
"What do you mean?" Perplexed, Bull furrows his brow.
"We spoke of the fog warriors did we not?" I recall.
"Yeah…" Bull trails off uncertain.
"The fog warriors began from Tal Vashoth." I reveal surprising him.
"What?" Stunned, he blinks taken aback.
"Yes, they were Qunari that rejected both the Qun and Tevinter customs, they wanted to live their own lives, their own freedoms. They showed me how they supressed the urge to go savage." Easily, I answer.
"They did? Huh maybe after all this you could take me, let me meet these guys, I'm sure Krem and the other chargers would love to meet them…" Hopeful, Bull beams making me grimace.
"I wouldn't mind coming too…" Intrigued, Dorian voices out.
"Yes well…I'm sure you lot will do just fine going…I am simply saying there are other means to escape the urge of going savage…" Gently, I assure him noting his eyes lighting up at the thought.
"Stop, you're perfect exactly as you are. But then you turned away. Why?" Cole whispers out perplexing us.
"I had no choice." Solas responds.
"She feels her face, marked, marred with malice. She thinks she'll die; she thinks she's selfish." Cole whispers.
"She is far from selfish, she is perfect the way she is…" Pained, Solas asserts perplexing me. Who is he talking about? An old love? Most likely…
"She didn't know. She thinks it's why you walked away…" Cole whimpers.
"You cannot heal this, Cole. Please, let it go." Sternly, Solas commands Cole.
"He hurts, an old pain from before, when everything sang the same. You're real, and it means everyone could be real. It changes everything, but it can't. They sleep, masked in a mirror, hiding, hurting, and to wake them...Where did it go?" Cole furrows his brow lost as he turns to me.
"I apologize, Cole. That is not a pain you can heal." Solas tells him.
"That was…weird." Weakly, I whisper not sure what to say.
"Dorian, what's a slave?" Curious, Cole questions Dorian making my eyes widen.
"Festus bei um canaverum!" Angrily, Dorian curses.
"But you said I could ask questions!" Cole furrows his brow.
"That's true. Just...go ask Fen on this one." Uneasily, Dorian glances at me.
"I tried she said it's what pricks who think they are better than us think they deserve when they don't." Cole recalls as I glance to the side uncomfortably.
"Good to know I'm a prick." Dorian remarks.
"That you are." I confirm frowning.
"It hurts…it hurts so much I can't. They hurt me so much, I can't take it anymore. What did I do so wrong? Who was that woman? Why did she call out to me? Why did she look so sad? Denarius said she was one of the many elves not to talk to or trust they are the enemy. They envy me for my marks, they want them. Master Denarius is right, he is the only one who will accept me for my freakish look, the only one I can trust. What is a mother? I asked master Denarius and he hit me, I acted out again I must stop doing that." Cole whispers making me grimace turning to the side.
"Fennic…" I hear Dorian calls out gently only making me flinch.
"I must behave…it hurts, it hurts, I can't take it anymore, I want it to end to stop, I am deformed, I am nothing and will always be nothing, I am used goods. I just want to end it all, his knife I can just…he leaves it to hold me down, the magic it hurts pinning me down I hate it I hate it, his touch it burns, it…if I bleed. I can be free just like the rest of those mages used for master Denarius testing with his blood magic. If I just…one simple cut just like the rest and I can be…free…" Cole whispers as I blink back the tears threatening to fall.
"Cole please stop…" Pained, I whisper to Cole, my stoic tone breaking at the memories.
"Hey Fen when we spoke of the fog warriors last time what did you mean but you lot will do just fine going, you didn't include yourself there?" Bull asks me.
"Ah yes…that…well…" Struggling, I trail off not sure what to say.
"Well what?" Bull prompts eager.
"I am not welcomed among the fog warriors anymore." Curtly, I respond.
"Huh how come?" Lost, Bull furrows his brow.
"I...it's a long story." Grimacing, I glance to the side at the memory.
"We got time." Bull asserts making me scowl.
"She didn't want to do it. They were so kind, but she was so scared why were they being so kind to her? Master told her no one would accept a knife eared freak. No one would love or care for a marred freak. No one would want used goods. All they care for are your marks to use. It was her master's order she couldn't go against him if she did, she'd be hurt again how could she trust them? The only one she could trust was master, he was, he is the only person who would take care, would spare her for her stupidity to go against him…" Cole whispers making my eyes widen from his words.
"Fen…what does Cole mean?" Uneasily, Bull questions me.
"What always happens, I was given an order and I complied…" Stoically, I answer bowing my head as we continue on our exploration towards Val Royeaux.
"So it's true then you and fox broke up…" Varric points out as we enter Val Royeaux after Eve had to explain to me about this shopping day idea for us to go out and get what's needed, she said it was for a bonding experience. Either way I watch on as she goes to check on Josephine as we watch them talk by the dock while we wait for her to finish.
"Yes…it was for the best I hope my relation with Fen does not hinder our friendship Varric…" Politely, Solas tells him as I try to pretend I'm not here internally screaming as I keep a watchful eye on Sera, my brow furrowed, trying to distract myself.
"Relax chuckles it isn't me you should be keeping an eye open for during those fade nap of yours." Cheekily, Varric remarks.
"And who may I ask would that be?" Solas arches a brow.
"And ruin the surprise? Never. Besides with how many people out for you now, who knows it's a free for all." Smirking, Varric shrugs; Vivienne approaches as I note her furrowed brow.
"What is it Vivienne?" Tiredly, I decide to entertain the Orlesian I so despite, thinking it better than eavesdropping.
"I…I was wondering why didn't you give me the fake wyvern heart you could have…?" Perplexed, she questions me making me sigh.
"I'm not as cruel as you think I am Enchanter. I have seen what loss can do to someone and it's already a painful procedure adding salt to the wound would make me no better." Simply, I respond as I note her features soften pained almost.
"I…thank you." Grateful, she bows her head surprising us.
"So, you could make people not see you, Cole. Can you do that for other people?" Eagerly, Varric proposes to Cole.
"Yes. It makes me tired and doesn't work if they're loud. Or angry. Or bright." Cole whispers.
"Hm, what about things? Can you make people ignore an object?" Varric enquires.
"Maybe. Like what?" Cole wonders.
"Oh, I don't know. A book, or a box... or a crate... or a wagon full of crates?" Hopeful, Varric smirks.
"Subtle Varric real subtle." I grumble at the idiot.
"Smuggling? That is certainly a... unique use of a spirit's innate powers of persuasion." Amused, Solas considers.
"Dwarf..." Warningly, Cass scowls at him.
"I'm just asking." Sheepishly, Varric beams.
"Hey Fen…" Sera calls out doing a somersault over to us, my brow furrowed at her cheeky smirk.
"Yes Sera…" Tiredly, I greet Sera crossing my legs as I sit on the fountain.
"You ever punched a bear before?" Curious, she questions.
"Um…not that I know of sober wise Varric…" I call out to him.
"You punched a mabari if that counts." Varric offers.
"Oh yeah…" I click my fingers remembering that memory.
"Why did you punch a mabari?" Horrified, Eve's squeal snaps us out of our conversation as we turn to a horrified Josephine and Eve making me groan, making me remember the time we found that nug horde, her cooing at me and Cass and I having to physically pry her from the nugs.
"It was eating at my face." Annoyed, I defend myself.
"It was giving you a kiss…" Varric deadpans.
"Oh, that would explain waking up to find all my booze gone, Fenris can be so petty sometimes." Sighing, I shake my head at the memory.
"So, you're free now or something? Must be nice to get rid of those Ben-Harseholes." Varric turns to Bull who approaches, testing the weight of his new gear.
"You mean getting exiled from my people and declared Tal-Valshoth? Yeah, I should make a cake. "Grumbling, Bull glowers angrily throwing the axe to the ground as I note a few Orlesian's flinch back fearful of Bull's temper as he huffs pouting almost making me chuckle.
"You like drinking and singing and breaking beds. You'd already left." Sera points out joining my side.
"The Qun keeps our savage natures in check. Without it, if I lose control..." Bull grimaces glancing at me as I bow my head.
"Pfft, heard that before. Don't worry. You get growly, I'll kick your arse." Sera promises making me flinch as Bull glances at me once more as I gravely nod.
"Thank you." Bull thanks her.
"Stop doing that!" Frustrated, Sera scowls surprising me as she turns to sharply glare at Varric while silently Solas reads some book he found, all of us leaning against the fountain.
"Certainly. What was it?" Entertained, Varric probes.
"I can hear how you're looking at me. You're doing that thing where you describe what we're doing." Sera complains.
Narration, and you can hear how I'm looking?" Jokingly, Varric arches a brow.
"That's a thing. Just stop it!" Frustrated, Sera snaps.
"I will try my best not to do the impossible." Varric responds.
"Fennic tell him to stop!" Whining, Sera orders me.
"Stop? Sera not even I can stop him. I know how you feel though." Honestly, I tell Sera.
"And what's so wrong with how I narrated you?" Varric questions playfully as I arch a brow at him.
"Oh, I don't know…how about and so Fennic bore her fangs before the Qunari fleet, her marks flaring like a beast ready to pounce upon her prey…" Annoyed I quote.
"So, you were listening back then!" Smugly, he points out as I groan.
"I had someone ask me if I were some sort of elven fennic fox hybrid!" Insulted, I glower as he cackles.
"That sounds pretty cool!" Amazed, Sera gushes.
"Yeah imagine their disappointment when I reveal myself as some elf!" Playfully, I go along with the joke.
"Aww…" Sera pouts disheartened.
"See! Varric you got to stop talking about me, I disappoint enough people!" Annoyed, I gesture to the down hearted Sera.
"Now that isn't true." Varric begins.
"Urgh…sometimes I wonder how I put up with you." Irritated, I grumble.
"Its because you love me deep down!" Mischievously, Varric declares.
"Or I love the liquor you buy me." Snarkily, I reply.
"I still don't understand how drakes take that hand…" Confused, Cassandra mutters under her breath making Varric and I snicker.
"...Hmm. Maybe we should start you on Shepherd's Six." Varric suggests.
"Isn't that a children's game?" Perplexed, Cassandra furrows her brow.
"Relax seeker it worked for Merill when I taught her, I doubt you will be as hard to teach as her…" Calmly, I assure her.
"So, Bull, about Dorian..." Cassandra turns to the couple, Dorian reading some newly bought book while Bull lingers by his side, checking his new battle axe.
"Yes, it's true." Bluntly, Bull confirms.
"By all means let us discuss this together." Perkily, Dorian exclaims.
"I rather not I've heard enough from Bull." Disturbed, I grimace at the memory of him going on about his sex life with Dorian asking me about the items, well tokens he would leave behind, he'd also ask Krem thinking it was a culture thing.
"If... you're both pleased..." Disturbed, Cassandra mutters.
"I'm happy, he's happy, everyone's happy." Curtly, Dorian states.
"Awww, you're happy." Cheekily, Bull drapes his arm over Dorian's shoulder making me snicker as his features turn ruby red only then to furrow my brow. I note Cole nuzzle a familiar Fennic Fox nuzzling into my side making me scowl.
"They were staring at me…" Cole begins as he appears by my side, making me turn to him, raising a brow as he pets his hat.
"Who's "they," Kid?" Varric raises a brow.
"Are people giving you a hard time again Cole?" Concerned, I question him as I note a familiar Fennic Fox in his arms, no one questioning it if anything they love it, especially calling it Fen when I'm around, the asses, the fox is the only thing making Sera approach Cole.
"In Skyhold. The servants in the courtyard. They were looking at me and whispering." Cole informs us making me scowl.
"It's the hat. Kind of hard to miss. Don't worry about it." Varric assures him.
"I'll have a word just in case." I mutter under my breath.
"What's wrong with my hat?" Meekly, he whispers hurt in his tone making me sigh.
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong with the hat." I assure Cole.
"That's going to take a while. I'll explain "clothes" when we get back." Varric offers.
"I leave the loincloth with you," Slyly I remark making Sera giggle.
"Should I change my hat?" Curious, Cole wonders.
"Nah, if they're busy staring at your hat, they're ignoring all your other flaws." Varric shrugs it off.
"A silk shirt with three buttons left undone." Cole exclaims.
"Exactly! If you can't be flawless-and no one can-be flashy. Nobody will know the difference." Varric assures him.
"How do you make them calm?" Curious, Cole questions turning to Varric.
"Who, Kid?" Varric asks fascinated.
"Everyone. You talk and the fear fades, slipping to sleep. Not always happy, but not angry." Cole recites.
"Most people are like cats. They either puff up to look dangerous or they crouch down and hope you don't see them. You show them you're not a victim or threat, and they're in your lap and purring before you know it." Smirking, Varric explains.
"Cats swat my feet even when no one can see me." Softly, Cole whispers.
"That explains a lot." Varric mutters.
"But not Fen. Is Fen a Fennic Fox then?" Cole whispers as I note his grip tighten around a certain Fox in his arms, curling into him.
"What do you mean kid?" Intrigued, Varric wonders.
"Fen likes nuzzling into my side, she likes cuddling too." Cole whispers giggling making my eyes widen horrified.
"Yeah no I do not cuddle." Quickly, I correct Cole.
"Warm, muscular arms around me, it normally burns why isn't it burning? Why doesn't it feel painful? Where is this warmth coming from? It isn't hurting, it isn't burning, why isn't it? What makes him so different? The soft scent of pine it's…" Cole whispers my eyes widening, I thought he was human now!
"Okay Cole I think that's enough…" Sternly, I cut him off.
"She's so tiny, so small, so vulnerable. Why would someone do this to her? She's so cold as cost as ice, her scent of lyrium it's intoxicating, the bitter scent of alcohol it's…comforting. Someone so tiny, so small how do they have such power over me? How can she cause so much destruction…?" Cole whispers in awe.
"Cole enough." Severely, Solas orders surprising them all who turn to face Solas while I have my face down internally screaming from this cluster of horrible emotions, I need out!
"I think that confirms it kid…" Varric mutters. Slowly, Eve shyly approaches me, a blade in her hand.
"What's this?" Confused, I question her.
"You ever duelled before Fen?" Meekly, Eve requests from me making me release a noise of worry as next thing I know, people are around me as some guy proclaiming to be Josephine's fiancée arrives, why couldn't Blackwall be here when we needed him to be!?
"Eve I'm going to kill you after this…" Lowly, I growl at her as she sheepishly smiles at me revealing to me about some lord waning Josephine's hand and due to him supposedly still liking Josephine and Blackwall well Thom despite his lies together, she wants me to fight for them, since Blackwall didn't join us with shopping today wanting to do some wood carvings, this is all stupid and I can't believe I'm doing this.
"So, you shall stand in as the inquisitor's champion, how cowardly!" The lord proclaims making me sigh uncaring towards the guy.
"You do know she's a mage right?" Frowning, I point out the rather unfair fight, mages can barely wield swords and he is clearly no mage. So, it wouldn't be fair from the beginning if Eve agreed to fight, still didn't mean she had to get me involved though.
"Yes…" He confirms.
"Then how the heck do you think she would know how to wield a sword? She is a mage; they have staffs not swords!" Exasperated, I pinch the bridge of my nose at the moron.
"Being a enchanter?" Meekly, he answers only to see my unimpressed glare.
"You…urgh can we just get this over with so I can shove this sword in Eve's ass for doing this!" Frustrated, I set the stakes tiredly as he passes me the sword, the rapier which I easily catch testing the weight of the blade.
"Oh come on you said you know how to handle every weapon let's see that!" Eve cheers from the crowd forming around us.
"This isn't every weapon!" Irritated, I point out.
"If you fear you might be clumsy with such refined instruments there is no shame in a forfeit..." Cockily, the kaffas smirks at me.
"And if you fear having your life ended so soon then I suggest you back down now, there is no shame well except the shame that someone gave birth to such a defective kaffas as yourself." Calmly, I retort making him scowl.
"Then let us begin!" Glowering he declares.
"Fine by me." Smirking, I agree as he charges at me, his eyes widening when he dramatically circles me until charging forward only for me to swiftly end him.
"How…how long was that?" Stunned, Bull gawks.
"That wasn't even a second…that was…" Dorian whispers.
"Hah! Take that posh snob! See we people can fight too!" Cackling, Sera celebrates.
"I guess she really is experienced." Amazed Eve prompts.
"You think? So, what you want? Him dead? Or…" I trail off prompting Eve as I stand before the fool, having disarmed him easily from his reckless strikes as I tower over him, both blades teasingly touching his neck.
"Stop!" Surprised, we perk up at the familiar voice busting her way through the crowd.
"Josephine!" Eve gasps as Josephine approaches us making me sigh. He stands up while I place the rapier on my shoulder, tiredly turning to face the Antivan.
"Lady Montilyet it is a pleasure-" The lord wanting Josephine as his wife begins.
"What are you doing?" Sternly, Josephine glowers at me surprising me as she points at me ignoring the lord.
"Me? Nothing just defending your honour or some shit." Casually, I shrug not sure what to say towards her.
"Why!?" Gawking, she demands from me.
"I don't know ask Eve she's the busybody." Fuming, I point out gesturing towards her as all eyes turn to the meek mage smiling sheepishly at us.
"Hey!" Insulated, she pouts at me.
"Am I wrong? Also don't push me into fights!" Sternly, I tell her off making her sigh.
"I'm sorry okay!" Guilty, she sighs.
"You can apologize by buying me a drink now if you will excuse me…" Annoyed, I toss the blades to the floor, shoving my hands into my pockets as I storm off to the bar, Eve passing Bull a bag of coins as he joins me with a few others as we go to the bar for a drink leaving the two to talk.
"So, you used to have long hair…" Curious, Dorian brings up surprising me as we sit while I sip the wine, grimacing at the lack of burning instead feeling the sharp dryness of the liquor.
"I did." I confirm why does it matter? It's gone either way.
"What happened? Why did you cut it? Was it a slave thing?" Fascinated, Dorian wonders almost in awe perplexing me after dealing with the swordsman, watching on as Eve is told off by Josephine.
"No, I had long hair in Kirkwall…" I confirm furrowing my brow at the memory, so many knots, I hated it, especially when I had to comb it, it was so much hassle.
"Only because daisy wanted to braid it." Slyly, Varric remarks.
"Varric!" Irritated, I hiss at the ass and traitor.
"Wait what?" Smirking, Sera leans in making me groan.
"Daisy wanted to braid Fennic's hair so did Isabela, so she let them play with it." Varric explains.
"You'd let them?" Surprised, Dorian blinks taken aback.
"You can't say no to Daisy she has this annoying face of hers that you want to punch but you know if you did, you'd feel like shit later. Sort of like the inquisitor's face." Focused, I furrow my brow at a comparison.
"Oh, thanks Fen." Annoyed, Eve approaches after being berated by Josephine.
"Anytime…think of it as payback for making me duel some random stranger." Slyly, I remark unimpressed crossing my arms, I had nothing to do with it.
"So Fennic if I can ask…" Dorian continues, nevertheless.
"You already are." I point out.
"You and Merill how?" Fascinated, Dorian exclaims.
"It took a lot of effort it was a test of patience I'll give myself that much but…" I trail off.
"Fennic has a soft spot for those childlike." Cheekily, Varric finishes my sentence as I scoff.
"I wouldn't say that." I reject the idea.
"Merill, Cole, Sera dare I go on…" Smoothly, Solas intervenes pointing it out.
"I ain't a child!" Huffing, Sera pouts.
"Sera!" Sternly, I turn to her not appreciating her raised voice as I grimace at the brief pang in my head.
"Fine…" Pouting, Sera hunched over.
"You were saying? Smirking, Varric raises a brow.
"Urgh…stop it Varric." Annoyed, I playfully push the snickering ass.
"I have this theory that behind that tough skin, Fox over there has a heart of gold." Smirking, Varric continues.
"And you know what you have Varric?" Coyly, I turn to him.
"What's that?" Varric asks.
"Nothing not after I impale my hand into your chest if you don't shut up!" Darkly, I scowl as he chuckles relishing my irritation.
"Love you too Fox." Smirking, Varric tells me making me roll my eyes as we are forced to leave, returning back to Skyhold after Josephine's personal quest.
"Tis all that remains of the great altar. We few who travel far, call to me and I will come. Without mercy, without fear…" Mystically, Morrigan exclaims as we make our way towards the alter, looking up at the Mythal statue with flowery vines all over the ancient statue.
"Without mercy? Oh no…that sounds ominous." Nervously, Eve squeaks out.
"Indeed, it does." Morrigan agrees.
"Could this actually summon an ancient goddess?" Curious, Eve ponders.
"We are about to find out." Morrigan shrugs.
"You want us to piss off or…" Bluntly, Bull calls out for us.
"Stay close. Fen I want you here." Sternly, Eve tells me perplexing me.
"Why?" Lost, I furrow my brow as I step forward up the stone stair steps towards the two.
"Just in case…" Eve trails off nervously.
"Fine by me." Lazily, I shrug as I watch the others leave, leaving us three alone.
"You know who I am from high priest to high priest. I am the last to drink of sorrows. Come to us Mythal. Whatever you are, whatever remains. I invoke your name and your power!" Morrigan Declares her hand glowing bright blue as we hear the sound of smoke or something as we turn behind us.
"Mother…" Disgusted, Morrigan's eyes narrow while mine widen in shock at the familiar snow-white haired woman.
"Y-You!? You've got to be…" Stunned, I stare not sure how to process as smoothly, the woman from the locket appears before us, smirking smugly when her golden hues meet my stunned blazing blue.
"Mother? Wait you two know her?" Surprised, Eve gasps at me.
"Now isn't this a surprise? Last I saw you, you were just an angry child wanting the whole world to burn how is that going by the way?" Mockingly, she smirks at me as I scowl, my hands bawling up shaking at the sheer sight of her.
"I don't know how's being a dragon going? Hawke's still trying to be master that you know." Dryly, I greet the witch.
"Are they now? Amusing…" Smirking, she plays along.
"Do you know EVERYONE!?" Scowling, Eve frowns at me.
"Not really I mean I know people like everyone else…still I should have known something was off with you…" Grumpily, I cross my arms scowling at her.
"And you did or do you not recall that threat you gave to me?" The woman reminds me.
"Someone had to." Sternly, I shrug.
"And someone had to arrive and here I am." Pleased, she outstretches her arms making me frown at her theatrics.
"So, someone mind telling me who this is? Wait you're that woman from the fade, Morrigan's mother!" Gasping, Eve realizes.
"Oh now you remember…" Morrigan scowls.
"Look at you making connections." Mischievously, I tease.
"Not the time…" Eve furrows her brow at me.
"She is a deceiving witch!" Pained, Morrigan cries out, her hands glowing brightly, blazing almost as she turns, about to strike at her.
"Now, now that's quite enough of that." Tutting, like a mother, she raises her hand stopping her child.
"What have you done to me?" Horrified, Morrigan whispers taken aback to find herself unable to fight back.
"I have done nothing. You drank from the well of your own volition." Smugly, Morrigan's mother smirks pleased as Morrigan scowls.
"Oh look consequences to one's actions." Slyly, I mutter under my breathe, crossing my arms amused by my small win, I knew Eve shouldn't have drank from the well not with this trickster being able to control her.
"Then you…are you Mythal?" Amazed, Eve whispers as my eyes widen at the thought, wait does that mean…did Merill know who she was when she did the ceremony thing? I got a lot of questions to ask Merill after this.
"Wait does this make Morrigan a demigod? Wait you're…" Stunned, Eve questions gesturing to Morrigan then turning to frown at her.
"Human? Not a word many have used for me before in a very long time." Smirking, Morrigan's mother laughs.
"Is that why you can turn into a dragon?" Intrigued, I enquire quirking my head to the side.
"Fen seriously." Blandly, Eve turns to frown at me.
"Eve seriously, Hawke has been hammering to me about their dream to turn into a dragon for years, this may be my only shot at shutting them up!" Angrily, I state the fact, scowling at the memory of dealing with the drunkard.
"So this was some sort of trick…" Eve's eyes narrow.
"I know many tricks, but this was merely…a reunion." Smirking, Morrigan's mother informs us.
"An unwelcomed one." Snidely, I curse under my breath, noting Morrigan's nod of approval from my words.
"If this is true, then I thank you for answering my summon." Politely, Eve bows her head making me gawk at her.
"What!? don't thank her! It! Eve seriously!?" Panicked, I scowl at Eve, we can't trust her, I don't I can't even comprehend all this I'm trying too but…
"You see girls? Those are manners as you both require a demonstration." Amused, she informs us, eyeing us.
"I do not understand. How can you be Mythal?" Lost, Morrigan questions Mythal.
"Once I was but a woman crying out in the lonely darkness for justice. And she came to me an wisp of an ancient being and she granted me all I wanted and more. I have carried Mythal through the ages ever since, seeking the justice denied to her." Pained, Mythal's features or Flemeth's contort pained, hearing the agony in her pained broken tone.
"So, you carry Mythal inside you?" Inspired, Eve whispers in awe of the feat while I grimace at a similar situation.
"She is a part of me, no more separate than your heart from your chest." She clarifies as I frown, is this the same ritual that Anders used for justice? Curious, I wonder to myself my brow furrowed.
"How do we know this isn't some demon?" Skeptical, I point out my brow furrowed wary.
"You hear the voices from the well girl. What do they say?" Simply, Mythal turns to face her daughter.
"She speaks the truth." Focused, Morrigan closes her eyes listening in as she confirms it to be.
"But what was Mythal? A legend given name and called a god or something more? Truth is not the end but the beginning. As for me I have had many names, but you may call me Flemeth…"
"Wait…Flemeth? The witch who left her husband for her lover but then your husband tricked you, killed your lover and imprisoned you. Then a spirit came to offer you vengeance. Mythal that's what you spoke of!" Amazed, Eve gushes at the tale's connection while I furrow my brow.
"One day someone will summarise the terrible events of your life so quickly. But yes I was that woman. That is how my tale began." Tiredly, she sighs at Eve making me grimace, pained at her true words.
"I...I understand that more than I should." Grimly, I whisper recalling people like Vivienne summarising my life as the mage saviour making it seem as if I was behind the chantry blowing up as if I knew and wanted all this chaos to happen. It's easier to paint someone if you don't know what they went through.
"And you would. You have made quite the name for yourself over such a suppose short life span." Flemeth acknowledges me making my eyes wide only then to narrow not sure what to make of her words.
"I didn't want to; I didn't want any of this." Pained, I whisper gravely turning away at the harsh reality.
"I know…more than I'd like. Whether we like it or not, those unwanting of the spotlight are often those that become legends." Flemeth recites as I bow my head, understanding her point.
"Flemeth appears in other legends helping heroes for reasons of her own." Focused, Eve recalls.
"I nudge history when its required. Other times, a shove is needed." Flemeth tells us.
"And who are you to decide such momentous turns?" Warily, I furrow my brow at the single decision done by a single person that could effect every one of us from Qunari to dwarfs.
"So, you and Mythal are Morrigan's mother…" Eve changes topic noting the tense still silence between us both.
"As well as a witch who prolongs her unnatural life by possessing the bodies of her daughters!" Angrily, Morrigan accuses venomously.
"That's what you believe is it?" Disappointed, Flemeth sighs.
"I found your grimoire and I am no fool, old woman!" Venomously, Morrigan spews at her mother.
"Yet here you stand before me, bound to my service. My daughter ran from me long ago I've let her be until now it seems." Sighing, Flemeth exclaims to us.
"If Mythal's within you why don't reveal yourself? Your people need you; they need the truth your people are suffering thank to you and the sentinels from keeping this locked away." Scowling, I demand from Mythal so many have suffered from not knowing the truth, so much sacrifice so much blood has been spilt from this lost fragment of history.
"And to whom shall I reveal myself?" She questions me making me gawk at her.
"The elves! The imperium!" Impatiently, I hiss at her how stupid can she be!?
"And what let them learn from me and make more weapons like you?" She challenges me making my eyes widen.
"I just…" Pained, I whisper grimacing at her words, thinking of us, we're simple remnants of what people have tried to achieve, those that survived to become us, we had to endure, we are nothing more than an embarrassment to the sentinels and to those outside we are seen as freaks, I just… Sadly, I bow my head at the tears threatening to fall in my glassy hues. I just want it to end, I don't want others to become what we are and become outcasts that neither side want.
"I know why you ask but I know the hearts of men even before Mythal came to me, it is why she came to me. They do not want the truth and I…I am but a shadow, lingering in the sun." Softly, understandably almost, Flemeth describes to us her features softening from my words.
"Why did Mythal come to you?" Eve wonders.
"For a reckoning that will shake the heavens." Intensely, Flemeth answers.
"Well that's reassuring." Dryly, I remark sarcasm etched into my tone.
"And you follow her whims? Do you even know what she truly is?" Scornfully, Morrigan demands from her mother.
"You seek to preserve the powers that were but to what end? It is because I taught you girl because things happened that were never meant to happen. She was betrayed as I was betrayed- as the world was betrayed! Mythal clawed and crawled her way through the ages to me and I will see her avenged! Alas…so long as the music plays we dance…" Saddened, Flemeth glances to the side.
"We summoned you because we need your help." Sternly, Eve steps forward focusing on the task at hand.
"Against the magister who grasp beyond the reach. Yes, I know." Flemeth acknowledges.
"The meeting was no accident was it?" Eve realizes.
"Clever girl." Approvingly, Flemeth smirks.
"The voices came from you?" Stunned, Morrigan whispers.
"The price of the well seemed no dire thing when you saw so much to gain, hmm?" Tauntingly, Flemeth smirks.
"So, what happens now?" Lost, I question.
"The voices did not lie Morrigan. I can help you fight Corypheus. Do you understand child?" Flemeth assures her child reaching out, her gauntlet glowing and enveloping Morrigan in a bright orange light.
"Yes, I think… I do." Frowning, Morrigan whispers as the light fades.
"I wished to see who drank from the well of sorrows. It has been a very long time. Imagine my surprise to discover it was you." Fondly, Flemeth steps down the stone steps of the altar turning to leave.
"And that is all?" Eve raises a brow as Flemeth turns to face me, her goldens softening as I scowl at the familiar look.
"Tell me girl, that question I proposed to you…do you have an answer yet…?" She questions me making my eyes widen as I grimace at the long-haunted question turning my head to the side, still unsure on the answer.
"Just as I had thought. Just know…what happened to you. You are a victim of both the people and them. I…I understand your need of vengeance well and I hope you accomplish that." She informs me making my eyes widen at her genuine sympathy.
"Wait!" Hurt, Morrigan calls out to her.
"A soul is not forced upon the unwilling, Morrigan. You were never truly in danger from me…" Softly, Flemeth informs her daughter before enveloping herself into a cloud of coal black escaping us…
"All things considered Inquisitor. I now wish you had drank from the well." Drained, Morrigan confesses to Eve.
"Will you be alright?" Tenderly, Eve questions her as I feel my grip tighten on my blade, the question looming over my head still.
"I am…uncertain. But I can match the archdemon's power, when the time comes. All that remains is for you to find Corypheus..."