I do not own DA
(Twenty-six years until the Fifth Blight)
Kirkwall home to the Harrimann family was renowned for being a harsh and dangerous city filled with more criminals than citizens. From the highest-ranking noble to the lowest thug everyone had their fair share of secrets that most would take to the grave if possible. Not even the priests had clean hands although they loved to think they were above it all in their golden Chantry. The truth is no one in Kirkwall was a good person nor were they completely sane. Some tried to make their city better, to wipe away the crime that seemed to seep from the very bones of their home, none of them succeeded.
The Harrimann family known for being allies with Starkhaven was one of those families. Priding themselves on their self-proclaimed nobility and honor. It was mostly true unless they considered you their enemy, then it was common knowledge that they did everything in their power to destroy everything you loved. They were polite up until the moment someone managed to tick them off then it usually ended in blood and tears. Given that they could trace their lineage back to Tevinter it was no shock that they were so cruel to their enemies.
However, their cruelty was only a single part of what made them powerful. The Harriman's were also known for their fairness, love, and loyalty. Not only did they hold the Vicount's ear, yet they also were more than willing to create alliances to further their status in the Free Marches and beyond. Most alliances were created by marriage, there were not many nobles that married for love. Almost none of them in fact. The truth of Aristocratic society was that they either learned to love one another, killed one another, or lived in misery.
Johane Harrimann was one of the lucky ones. Marrying Ruxton Dria who took the Harrimann family name, the two were happy. Both of them were young, however, that didn't stop them from expanding the Harrimann name. At the age of seventeen Johane was announced to be pregnant with their first child. A child that neither of them had planned for. They'd thought to wait except some things couldn't be controlled although that wasn't to say they weren't happy. This was their first child after all.
After nine months, the Harrimann family welcomed a new daughter into the fold. She was perfect from her brilliant red hair reminiscent of scarlet fire to her cold ice blue eyes that seemed far older than possible. Many speculated that she had an old soul while her grandfather only saw a potential heir to the family name. She was named Amara, meaning everlasting they hoped she'd bring their family great power and fame. None of them knew she held memories of another life or that she was going to change this world for better or worst. It took her only a moment to capture the hearts of her family and servants. They would've died for her without hesitation.
(Twenty-five years until the fifth Blight)
Qunari were originally from Seheron although there were some that had broken away from the Qun. Vashoth or Tal-Vashoth they'd be killed as the deserters of the Qun, however, how could someone desert something they'd never been apart of in the first place. By being born outside the Qun they were considered less than those born inside it. That was why the Village of Neer on the coast of the Waking Sea kept isolated. It was a place where everyone lived in harmony from elves to qunari. If someone wanted to escape their old life it was the perfect place to come. Not even Templar's seemed to find them.
True most of the population was qunari although there weren't many people. From a young age, they taught their children to survive and thrive. However, no matter the peace around them those of the older generation still feared the forces of Seheron would take away the haven they'd found. So they stayed hidden hoping to outlast what they saw as a forceful oppressive society. A society that would have them all killed or converted just for existing.
Their isolation and safety were due to the illusionary barrier put in place by the very first Serebas to leave the Qun. Well to flee the Qun along with their families. As long as there was a mage to maintain the barrier then they were safe from the outside world. Those that left had a hard time returning, very few managed to find their way home. That wasn't to say that they'd completely cut themselves off from the world; there were some that became ferrymen bringing others into their village. Usually, those that had nothing left.
Sayena was one such mage. She was strong but discreet. In the thirty-seven years, she'd been a ferryman she'd brought over twenty people into their home all of them vetted by her and the elders. Until she met the man who stole her heart, Arvit. Maybe it was foolish, but she didn't hesitate to leap into the fire she'd been chasing her entire life. The only issue was that he was a Tal-Vashoth warrior formerly of the Qun, there was no way he could stay with her. In the early moments, she didn't care, later when she watched other couples it was hard to stand.
She wasn't the only one who felt their separation. As a mercenary, he traveled along the coast of the Waking Sea taking missions that brought him close to the woman who held his heart. Their whirlwind romance was known by all who saw them interact; they'd have died for one another in an instant. Eventually, after a mission that almost took his life, he chose to walk away from the life he'd chosen.
Following her back to Neer, he settled into life there easily while she passed her job onto someone else. For a time they were happy; the peace making them a bit complacent. Sayena became a teacher to the next generation of ferrymen and mages while he took a position as a guard. Then they had their child. A boy with pale silver skin and hair spun of molten silver they named Terrence. Even his eyes were a bright silver. From the moment they saw him, they knew he was strong however Sayena would never seen him grow up. Taking one last job, at the request of the elders, she ran into a group of Qunari hunting Tal-Vashoth.
They didn't wait to see if she was one of them before killing her for her magic. That was a mistake. After tracking them down and slaughtering them Arvit devoted his time to raising their child. A boy that knew all too well the pain of loss.
(Twenty-four years until the Fifth Blight)
Orzammar was the home of the dwarves and one of the last bastions of dwarven history. Located in the Frostback Mountains it was a shining gem of dwarven culture, too bad most of those born on the surface would never know it. Known as Topsiders they were seen as outcasts among their own kind. Outcasts were often the strongest. Those from Orzammar were no different, even banding together to make a home for themselves since their own had cast them out. Although that home was full of liars and thieves.
Kalcult was a small village at the base of the Frostback Mountain path to Orzammar, it was filled with those that left for life on the surface. Most were casteless but some were those that had children with casteless only to be abandoned when the child turned out to be the wrong gender to inherit their parent's status. Most of them hated the politics of the Deshyr but loved the cold stone city they'd been born to. If things were different they'd have never left. From disgraced warriors to exiled criminals all were welcome; unless their crimes had anything to do with children or sexual assault, then they were encouraged to either die or leave. Usually, it was the first option.
Some dwarves went to the surface willingly as if it was the most natural thing to do. One such dwarf was Edric Dace, the slightly erratic son of house Dace. He was stubborn but curious it was easy for him to fit in amongst the other outcasts although he'd chosen to become one by his own will. He was recklessly throwing himself into new situations without an ounce of fear. Almost everyone considered the man a fool although none of them would dare harm him. He had a dark bitter streak that almost no one saw until it was too late.
His abilities as an assassin were good enough to give Crows a run for their money but no one saw that when he smiled so brightly. That being said, he wasn't a killer. Most of the time he was happy to operate in the light. After arriving on the surface he began to share the location of abandoned Thaigs with human explores for a price. It was a well-known fact there were untold treasures in the Deep Roads for those willing to risk their lives.
Selling the location of those possible treasures was easy. Most of them never returned.
Everyone knew the Deep Roads danger so those that died only had themselves to blame, that did nothing to stop them from blaming Edric. Sadly for them, the dwarf didn't have an issue proving his skill. By words or violence, the man had always been confident in his ability. Nor did he have a problem letting the fools go to their deaths. After all, if they were foolish enough to throw away their lives then who was he to stop them. At least that was what he'd thought then she showed up.
Lyrica Ordel was a woman of light. Her soft voice and almost endless kindness drew everyone to her no matter who they were. The two were different enough to be night and day. Where his hair was dark hers was a sunlight blonde that seemed to be spun of gold. While she radiated warmth, kindness, and acceptance her own home was less than accepting of her. Being chased from Tevinter due to her differing views she made her own path as a healer. Not a mage but a doctor. The expedition she was apart of valued her more than their own lives.
It only took a single look for him to become smitten. Spending months tracking down a relatively safe Thaig for the expedition gave him time to get to know the human woman who quickly became his best friend. Edric was so attached he joined them on their expedition hoping to keep her safe. The action became a point of teasing for the others. Whatever amusement they found from the situation was quickly snuffed out when they ran into a patrol of Darkspawn. For Edric, it wasn't that bad, after all, he'd been raised to fight the creatures.
Lyrica froze.
While it was only an instant it was long enough for the Emissary to take advantage. Recognizing her as vulnerable due to her lack of real weapons the Darkspawn aimed for her forcing the others to protect her. Edric who knew enough about the creatures to realize the tactic reacted by hurling enough bombs to draw their attention. His order to retreat was one that they all protested but it was their only option. Her screams as they left the dwarf behind echoed in a way that caused the Emissary to chuckle. A sound that was echoed by the Dwarf.
Let it be known that Edric had never fought fair. With Lyrica safe, it was easy enough to dart from shadow to shadow with poison dripping from his blades. He killed the Emissary last forcing it to witness the death of its underlings as retribution for trying to harm her. For once it wasn't the screams of explorers that echoed in the caverns around them but the Darkspawn. His return to camp was met with gratitude and an armful of bright-haired human. It was the first time he'd seen her cry; he swore it would be the last.
Their return to the village was met with cheers due to the carts of valuables that dragged behind them; naturally, Edric got a third of the profit. Announcing the intent to stay Lyrica fell quickly into the role of village healer although her own stubbornness made her a bit reluctant to ask for help when she herself was ill. Maybe that was why it took so long for her to admit she was pregnant. The coddling from Edric the second the words left her lips was enough to make everyone laugh.
Welcoming their dark-haired son into the world the two were quickly aware that the entire village considered the light green-eyed boy their own child. The phrase 'it takes a village' was almost a motto at that point. Naming their child Joseph the two were all too aware that their son might not be accepted outside the village. They had no idea that his soul siblings were waiting for him or that the world was going to change. If they did, they wouldn't have cared.
(Twenty-three years until the Fifth Blight)
Denerim the capital city of Ferelden, home of its king, was home to a huge Alienage. Most elves became servants in lord's estates but some took jobs at the local brothel The Pearl. It was a life that most wouldn't choose for themselves, yet it was their only option. Between selling their bodies and starving it was an obvious choice. Prostitution was a job that paid well however left the workers vulnerable, it helped that their patron protected them.
Nolanna was a blunt elven woman with wine-colored hair and dull eyes. She wasn't some bright-eyed little girl thrust into this life, she knew exactly what she'd signed up for. It made her one of the best most sought-after women in the brothel. A fact she was proud of. Her skill kept her family fed and herself safe. After all, a good bedwarmer was something very few wanted to get rid of if only out of how much effort it would take to find another.
She'd been visited by lords and travelers alike all the while keeping her head down. Survival was all that she cared about. Foolish promises of love weren't something she had an interest in after all one good night was enough to make any man or woman confuse love with lust. The only true love was between a parent and child. However, she held no interest in having a child that would hinder her work. It was that feeling that caused her to be so careful until she messed up.
His name was unknown to her. Never had she cared about the names of her clients even if he was one of the rarer ones. It wasn't every day an elf had the money to buy her services. All she really remembered about him were his sinfully dark eyes and the scent of rich leather. As skilled as she'd been he'd controlled their encounter from the moment he singled her out. Of course, she'd known he was dangerous, no one with that many knives could be innocent. Dangerous men were often the ones to seek her company the most. They knew she'd keep her nose out of their business. Still, it was hard to forget about him and the night they spent together even in the sea of people who'd shared her bed.
If she had to pick, it'd be the dark lines on his cheek that drew her attention. A tattooed symbol that teased at her memory. Either way, she didn't care beyond the fact she got paid. Well until she became pregnant. Of course, she'd cursed and raged hoping that it wasn't true however she never did anything to harm the child. Immoral as she was harming children especially her own wasn't something she was willing to do. Even if it would've been easier.
The moment she'd laid eyes on her daughter, she'd known the child was his. From the raised cheekbones to the dark crimson eyes so different yet similar to his own. It was only a moment but she wanted to cry for the child that would never know her father. However what life could the child of a prostitute especially an elven one have?
Her dangerous client would never return, nor would she search for him. If she took this child to her family they'd raise her without question, yet she'd always have the stigma of being the daughter of a prostitute. Maybe it was for her daughter that she left the girl on the steps of the orphanage with only a blanket, or maybe it was for herself. She'd never wanted a child, never thought of having one, but walking away hurt her more than she'd ever believed possible. In time she'd try to forget the little girl that had looked at her with pure unconditional love; she'd never succeeded. The daughter she'd try to forget was given the name Clair as the first and final gift her mother would ever give.
Hi, anyway I probably could have put this and chapter one as one chapter but the idea of putting it together seemed wrong somehow. Anyway, chapter three will come out soon, it's way longer than either of these chapters. So, what are your thoughts on these chapters?
So, here's my Four MCs
Amara Harrimann - Human - Noble - Kirkwall - Blue
Terrence - Qunari - Neer a small village on the Waking Sea close to the Heartlands - Silver
Joseph Dace - Dwarf - Kalcult a small village at the base of the Frostback Mountains - Green
Clair - Elf - Denerim - Red
Yeah so that's the list, it'll probably be updated every few chapters. The first 3-15 or so chapters will their early life and establishing their characters
stay safe and have a good day
- Shyla
