Dragon Age
"The Relic"

Chapter Six: Balian

Sebastian's Honor Guard consisted of about four, maybe a bit light for the Free Marcher prince but they were four of his best not including his absolute best warrior, Balian Lavellan. His champion and personal body guard was a Dalish Elf, a clansman of the Inquisitor who'd proved his worth over the years.

Balian cantered his big cream colored gelding into Skyhold's lower courtyard. This wasn't first time he'd been to Skyhold and he loved coming back, loved coming to see one person to be more specific. He slowed his horse to a tight circle as he came to a stop scanning the area. He didn't expect any danger from Skyhold but it was his job to protect the Prince.

He remembered the first time he saw Skyhold, the gleaming fortress in the sky, a legendary fortress among the Avvar and Elves but no one knew who built it. It had been occupied by the Inquisition for over 15 years and was probably the most inaccessible Fortress in all of Thedas. His clansman had found a hell of a base of operations. The rest of Sebastian's envoy trotted into Skyhold behind him, the other guards fanned out in protection of their sovereign. The odds of any danger coming from Skyhold low but they wouldn't be an Honor Guard if they assumed no harm would come from an ally.

They were greeted by Thom and his fortress guard and escorted to the Main Hall. Skyhold hadn't changed much since the last time Balian had been there, he was glad to see Thom. People scoffed and sneered at his past indiscretions but Balian only looked at how he was treated and their deeds, not their past.

Despite the comfort of Skyhold, Balian took nothing for granted and kept his guard up; he kept his eyes open for anything that could threaten his Prince. Sebastian was his Prince, his employer, and above of all, his friend. It wasn't that he didn't trust Thom's guards or Cullen's men it was just that Sebastian's life was too important to lose by becoming complacent.


Khrys worked her right hand a few times feeling it stiff, she'd broken it killing Corypheus' archdemon years ago and on occasion it gave her fits. Stiff when it was cold or just a dull ache when she was tired. She listened as Dorian voiced his opinion on the madhouse Skyhold had become, not an issue entirely; however, it was the people who were slated to attend that were trickling in. His biggest concern was Anders more than everyone else. The mage did a fine job of pissing off just about everyone who was supposed to attend in some way shape or form.

Dorian paced aimlessly and observed her looking at her hand and working it. "Do you have any idea the mess we'll have when Sebastian gets here? Anders is here…" Dorian said and she raised an eyebrow at him. "You know he still wants him executed for what happened in Kirkwall."

Khrys nodded quietly. "Yes, I know and they know how to behave here. Neutral."

"That's easy to say, remember the argument they got into last time?" Dorian reminded and she nodded with a smile holding up her hand and moving closer to him. She patted his chest shushing him.

Michel eyed them both and shook his head to Dorian. "Do you ever not fret?" Michel asked noticing Khrys working the pain out of her hand. Dorian's sarcastic smile was the only response.

"It'll be fine, Dorian, relax," she assured and he sighed heavily.

Michel moved closer to her taking her hand to examine it. "Is your hand alright?" he asked and she nodded quickly.

"Yeah…just sore is all," she replied and he eyed her trying to discern if he believed her or not. No one had even known about that injury until long after the battle was over, that was one reason why it hadn't healed seamlessly when the mage healers tended to it.

"May I present Sebastian Vael, Prince of Starkhaven; Warden of Kirkwall, Markham, and Wycome," the Herald announced and Dorian looked over his shoulder.

The gleaming white Andrastian armor of Sebastian Vael was hard to miss. He was a handsome man no matter what side you landed on. He was tall a little taller than Dorian with brown hair that was starting to fleck with grey and the most striking blue eyes that anyone had ever seen. With all the battles the man had fought over the past two decades he managed to keep his face clean of scars, though the first time Dorian had met him he was limping heavily from a spear that went through his left leg, so it was safe to say all his scars were hidden under his clothing. Dorian had to admit he was a good looking guy but a bit too religious for his taste.

Starkhaven was a substantial ally to the Inquisition and had continued unwavering support over the years as Sebastian wound up expanding his kingdom. Not only did the Inquisition owe him for his long standing support, but Khrystabel owed him a personal debt that she could never repay. Wycome's Duke, Antoine, had been an Inquisition supporter and was 'protecting' Clan Lavellan until he betrayed them and attacked. Khrystabel sent a message to Starkhaven and pleaded with her new ally to help her Clan as the Inquisition would be hard pressed to get there in time. Sebastian came through; he marched on Wycome and smashed their forces then executed the Duke for his treachery.

With the Mage Rebellion, the Mage-Templar War, the death of the Divine, the race to stop Corypheus, and a new mysterious Qunari/Elven threat, the Free Marches descended into chaos. After the Exalted Council, where the Inquisition was anticipated to disband the opposite happened, it came away stronger and more powerful throwing various cities across Thedas into an open revolt. Fereldan and Orlais quelled theirs with relative ease but the Free Marches targeted Starkhaven's forces. Kirkwall attempted, again, to expel Starkhaven's forces and failed but Markham attacked Ostwick, a long standing ally of Starkhaven. Sebastian, who was in Wycome at the time, took half his Wycome force to Ostwick's aid crushing Markham's attacking force in one swift and decisive victory subsequently taking over Markham as well. While Sebastian ended up controlling trouble spots in the Free Marches, he found himself ruling over half of the Free Marches and nearly its entire coastline.

Now he had declared everything from Kirkwall to Wycome and everything south of the river lands protected by Starkhaven and his marriage to Evelyn Trevelyan solidified his hold on the entire southeast portion of the Free Marches.

"Sebastian," Khrystabel greeted with a bright and friendly smile. She'd always liked him but his religious behavior tended to get on her nerves. He was a tremendous ally and a good friend though so she let him have his ceremony. "Welcome back to Skyhold."

When Sebastian reached her Dorian counted off in his head. "Three. Two. One," he thought and the Prince dropped to one knee before her. "Your Worship," he heard him say and smile proudly to himself. "Right on cue."

Sebastian knew full well that Khrys hated being called that but no one could stop the former Chantry Brother from ignoring his beliefs. "You honor me, Herald of Andraste."

"Oh, Sebastian, get up," she smiled and he rose to his feet looking down at the tiny white haired Elf. "How is my Clan?"

The Prince smiled to her and took a respectful step back. "Those not in the city have settled nicely into Wycome and in the hills south of the river, good hunting this time of year," his voice was to die for, she wasn't romantically interested in him but he could talk to her all he wanted just so she could hear his voice. Smooth and rich and that Starkhaven accent, like a voice sent down from the Maker himself.

"You remember Michel de Chevin?" she said and the Chevalier bowed respectfully.

As the pleasantries were exchanged between long standing allies and friends Dorian's eyes fell on Balian, Sebastian's guard and Champion and a slight smile graced his lips. Balian caught his gaze and smile, he felt his cheeks and ears flush and tinge pink. He looked away quickly feeling a little embarrassed as he could hear Dorian nearly chuckle.

Balian wasn't terribly tall, about 5'9", lean but had the muscle of a seasoned warrior, with the Dirthamen vallaslin gracing his face adding to the appeal. He had dark brown hair that was thick and somewhat unruly and dark green eyes with a slight hint of blue. He wasn't as striking as Fenris or as stunningly handsome as Zevran but he had an appeal to him that Dorian had never been able to deny. He was a warrior and it showed on his face, scars marred his skin. The long one that followed his jawline on the left side of his face was old, received when he was young after an aravel accident that had sliced his jaw open, the right side of his face contained a long curved scar on his cheek and the scars on the right side of his lower lip. Both from the bear attack nearly 20 years ago. The slash down his left eye was recent though, it was deep and ugly, a product from a challenge a year ago. He had more scars under the armor on his back and chest from the same bear and his left arm still hurt when it was cold; it had been broken when the bear shattered his shield in one powerful strike.

Balian was a bit shy and tried his best not to look at Dorian because it would probably result in his will faltering. He hadn't seen him in so long, too long but he couldn't just run up to him and fall into his arms.

"Surely you remember Ser Balian," Sebastian stated and the sound of his named snapped him out of his longing for his lover. He stepped forward to Khrystabel; she was his clansman he grew up with her. He was a hunter and a protector and she was the Clan's First. When he knew her she'd had hair as black as coal, now it was a beautiful snowy white and her vallaslin was gone. There was a lot of pain in her life a most of it was centered on her former lover, Solas.

"Andaran atish'an, Lethallan," Balian greeted stepping forward with a smile and a bow of his head. Dorian stood on the sidelines and smiled inwardly, Balian didn't talk much but when he did his voice was smooth and kind and Dorian could listen to it all day. He was from the Free Marches but had picked up a soft Starkhaven accent over the years. He also looked even better in his armor then he'd remembered. The silverite armor was weathered and tarnished as was the chainmail below, the tunic beneath was faded, his traveling armor was just a tough as the day it was made but it was more comfortable and broke in than his formal armor.

Khrys grinned; she grew up with Balian although he was a few years younger than her, he was always an exceptional warrior. Sebastian had made him his Champion and she couldn't be prouder of her clansman. "Balian," she said and embraced her clansmen in a hug. "It's good to see you again." Balian hadn't changed much, he bulked up and filled out over the years but it was still the same old Balian.

"You also," he replied as he glanced over at Dorian who hadn't moved from his position. Dorian was always a handsome sight and he felt his ears get hot again. Damn the blushing. He grumbled to himself and nodded to Dorian without taking his eyes off him. "Dorian."

A smile spread across Dorian's face as he moved closer to them. The best way to drive the Elf mad was to subtlety flirt with him. "Balian," he replied his voice just deep enough to be sensual for Balian. Watching him squirm was its own reward. It had been nearly a year since they last saw each other. Balian's throat went dry and he gulped regaining his composure as Dorian purposely passed close to him. He straightened and took a step back trying his best to ignore his lover. "Welcome back to Skyhold…I just can't wait to see what fireworks you have in store this time."

Michel resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he and Balian stood beside one another. The two Champions, Balian wasn't a Chevalier but nevertheless Michel would prefer not to fight him, he was a master…a natural talent.

"Dorian," Khrys scolded.

"Oh, my apologies, I just can't wait to see what fireworks you have in store this time, Highness," Dorian repeated and Khrys rolled her eyes to his bluster. "I seem to remember a shouting match and promises of hellfire and damnation in front of the entire Council the minute you saw Anders…can't wait to see that hellfire and damnation."

"Dorian," she warned again and nearly snickered to Sebastian's expression. "Yes, Sebastian, Anders is here and we don't need a repeat of the last meeting."

Sebastian had a fantastic poker face but Balian could see the anger burn in him at the mention of Anders' name. "I will conduct myself better this time, Herald, you have my word."

Dorian cocked his head and laughed, proving that he trended toward the flamboyant. "Isn't that what you said the first time you were invited to one of these?" Dorian asked in an amused tone.

Sebastian looked from Dorian to Khrys and conceded. "I serve Andraste and her Herald, her will is mine and my sword is hers for as long as I live," he stated, repeating the pledge that he did so many years before.

Dorian rolled his eyes, pious bastard. "Kiss ass," he mumbled but it registered in his ears. "Oh damn it," he cursed, at least under his breath this time. Sebastian heard him and so did Khrys earning him 'the look' from her. He wasn't married to her but at times it sure felt like it, especially when he was stupid enough to haul off and call a major Inquisition ally a 'kiss ass' out loud in his presence. Honestly, he was surprised that Khrys hadn't killed him yet in 17 years. He also saw Balian's look, an almost amused slightly surprised one.

Balian looked from Dorian to Sebastian hoping that the Prince didn't order him to kill him; that would definitely be one order he wouldn't follow. Fortunately, Sebastian simply chuckled lightly and returned his attention to Khrys and reiterated that he would be on his best behavior this time.

Balian looked around the chamber that Sebastian had been given. There was no danger and the Prince heard him sigh tiredly. Balian would stand guard all night if left to it, he was devoted to Sebastian. The Prince saved his life at Wycome and his Clan and he'd protected them for all this time, making sure no one trifled with the city that was effectively under Elven control. Wycome was the only city that was pretty much run by Elves.


Sebastian was a truly great man; many believed him a tyrant for taking control of half of the Free Marches but Sebastian did what he had to do to prevent the city-states from erupting into war with each other, another war that Thedas didn't need. With the exception of Kirkwall, the Free Marches were relatively quiet now; Markham was the fight where his life changed. That was where he championed Sebastian in a duel against the Lord of Markham. Sebastian had been injured in the battle so Balian accepted the challenge on the Prince's behalf. Balian handedly defeated the Lord and became Sebastian's champion afterward, he didn't become his personal guard until a year later and now Balian was a knight and titled the Champion of Starkhaven. Many bristled at the thought of a Dalish Elf being given so much power and influence over the Prince but Sebastian trusted him completely.

"There's nothing more for you to do, Balian, you should rest," Sebastian said kindly and looked at him, he couldn't hide that he was tired and would rather be somewhere else, with someone else. "Go on…I know you've missed him."

Balian blinked not sure what the Prince meant by that. His relationship with Dorian wasn't a secret but Balian wasn't the type of man to go and shout it from the rooftops. At court in Starkhaven, Balian was focused and private even though Sebastian's wife, Evelyn, had tried to find a match for the knight but he always declined, so when Balian fell in love with Dorian Sebastian gave his blessing. "Umm…" he managed but shook his head to his less than eloquent response.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Go, Balian."

Balian bowed to his Prince and left, quietly closing the door before moving with purpose to Dorian's chambers on the other side of Skyhold.


Dorian looked over his shoulder as he heard the door to his chamber close behind him. Now it was his turn to blush, it was Balian. He hadn't seen him in nearly a year but he hadn't changed. They met years ago when Sebastian came to Skyhold with an Elf from Khrysabel's clan. Balian had a charm to him and was noble to a fault. Quiet and shy at first but then humorous and friendly when he was comfortable. He took a shine to Dorian almost immediately and the feeling was mutual but it took time for them to become intimate, nearly two years but most of that was due to a country being between them. That changed five years ago when Sebastian and his envoy got snowed into Skyhold for nearly a month. That was the first time they'd shared a night together, they shared several before they were able to dig themselves out of the Fortress.

Balian clasped his hands behind his back and looked Dorian's shirtless well defined body up and down. "Well, you get better looking every time I see you," he complimented and Dorian blushed madly, blessing the light of the fire as it hid the redness in his cheeks and ears.

"As do you, Ser Balian; Champion of Starkhaven," Dorian replied with a smirk. "that title never gets old."

Balian snorted and stepped toward him to embrace in a kiss. This was all Balian had been thinking about for the longest time, he would gladly serve the Inquisition but serving the man who saved his life was something he felt that he was honor bound to do. Sebastian had been good to him and his clan so he would continue to serve until his debt was paid. He liked Starkhaven but he liked Dorian more.

He could feel Dorian's hands hunting for the buckles holding his armor in place letting various pieces clatter to the floor to the muffled chuckling of Balian. He removed his hands from Dorian's waist pulling his gauntlets off letting his lover pull the rest of his armor off. Dorian stepped away from him as Balian pulled his shirt off leaving him in trousers and greaves.

Dorian took in the sight of him as he watched Balian remove the rest of his armor. He had a warrior's physique, just the right amount of muscle blemished by the scars of battle and his infamous bear fight. Bearkiller, that's what Starkhaven called him, the Elves called him something more elegant Mi'harellan translated into trickster blade. Three long lines from a bear's claw stretched from his right collarbone to his sternum and the almost perfect impression of the bear's jaws scarred his left shoulder. The beast tried to rip his head off but Balian stuck a dagger through its eye. His left arm had a noticeable swollen looking deformity a quarter of the way up his forearm, where the bones broke like kindling, it didn't affect his normal movement but it did pain him greatly sometimes. He had a few other scars from battles here and there but nothing half as impressive as his Bear scars.

"What are you staring at?" Balian asked noticing that Dorian was indeed staring at him as he readied himself for bed.

"You," he replied with a smile. "Come to bed, amatus."

Balian didn't question and tried not to seem like an adolescent bounding into Dorian's bed but his excitement was hard to hide. "As you wish, My Lord," he chuckled.


Balian slept like a rock, to be perfectly honest he was probably exhausted after the journey from Starkhaven and the active night, thanks to Dorian, but he had noticed that he could sleep through a siege. He didn't snore, something Dorian appreciated as it was a blessed change from Iron Bull. Not that there was anything wrong with Bull as a lover but that relationship was effectively over. Dorian was happy with Balian but he still shied away from the public legitimate commitment, Balian knew he loved him and let Dorian do as he wanted.

Dorian kissed the scar on his upper back, the lower jaw of the bear. Balian's favorite 'I'm exhausted, let me sleep' sleeping position was on his stomach. Dorian liked to think that it was a safeguard against Dorian otherwise 'messing' with him, at least too much. He gently traced his fingers over the scarred tissue; the attack was years ago but the scars made it look recent, he couldn't imagine what they looked like new. Balian was an exceptionally strong and tough man as Dorian couldn't even imagine living through that. He'd told him once that he remembered the whole encounter in vivid detail, all of it, the fear, the pain, the adrenalin, slaying the beast and praying to the gods for a rescue as he tried his best to patch himself up and crawl back to camp. Occasionally he had a nightmare or woke up terrified in a sweat, reliving the crystal clear memories. The nightmares were to be expected, no one could come away from a horror like that without some kind of issue, and he didn't fear bears now, but would most definitely not deal with them. He spent two days missing, bleeding and dying slowly until a human merchant found him barely alive. She saved his life and returned him to the Clan; to this day he never uses the word 'shemlen' in a derogatory way.

Balian's back was strong and smooth with only the scars from the bite and one from an arrow on his lower right side. He heard the warrior moan into his pillow making it sound more like a muffled purr. Balian liked having his back rubbed and it caused him to stir under Dorian's hand. The warrior carried all his tension in his back, he was smaller than most warriors so he had to work twice as hard, carried a heavier shield and as a result, was unbelievably strong. When his arm hurt he favored it, which translated into a lot of soreness in his back and shoulders. He turned his head to the left to look at him, now officially awake. "Oh, that feels good."

Dorian chuckled lightly. "How is it that I'm the so-called 'pampered' noble and you're the one who wants the back rubs all the time?"

Balian closed his eyes as Dorian's hands ran up and down his back. "Because you're good with your hands," he answered lazily as he felt the tension leaving his muscles.

Dorian snorted. "So are you…if last night was anything to go by," he smirked kissing his shoulder.

Balian groaned with a chuckle. "That is not what I meant, you dirty old man."

Dorian laughed and gave Balian's ass a light smack. "Old? Who are you calling old?"

"Older than me," he replied and gave up the idea of sleep for now and rolled over on to his back adjusting the furs, Skyhold was colder than Starkhaven, and Dorian leaned in for a kiss. Balian purred in approval as his lover abandoned his lips and kissed his neck before trailing down to his chest the rest of his scars clearly visible. He moaned softly to the feel of Dorian's lips and hands on his skin. He missed this; he loved serving Sebastian but truly missed Dorian. Balian moved his hands to Dorian's waist and moved them up his side over his shoulders and cupped his face drawing him back up to his lips wrapping his arms around the mage and rolling him onto his back.

A loud knocking on the door ruined the mood as Dorian growled loudly against Balian's groan before the warrior flopped over onto his back. "I hate whoever that is," the Elf announced.

Dorian rousted out of bed with a growl and put some clothes on leaving Balian in bed while he answered the door. The elf pulled the blankets up over his chest and rubbed his face.

"What?!" He heard Dorian bark sharply making Balian sit up to look at him at the door. "Yes, yes, I'll be out later."

Balian recognized his tone and started to worry, quickly pulling on his trousers when he heard the door slam and Dorian returned to his view. "What's wrong?" he asked seeing Dorian rather pissed off.

"That Orlesian bastard," He hissed pacing as everything about what was going on with his daughter returned in a rush, it had been forgotten in the presence of Balian.

"What?" he asked again.

"Gaspard offered his son to marry Bree and saw fit to bring him to the Council meeting," he snarled frustrated. "Duncan was invited but Jean-Fredric was not. Orlesian bastard was always too bold with Khrys."

"Dorian, relax," he said soothingly and Dorian glared at him.

"Why does everyone tell me to relax? You're starting to sound like Khrys and Fenris," Dorian spat and Balian got out of bed moving around it to stop him from pacing. "Don't tell me to relax."

"Alright, alright, alright, I'm sorry," he said and put his hands on his shoulders stopping him. "Stop. Who cares if he's here, nothing happens with Bree unless you allow it."

"So I can alienate her by telling who she can and can't marry?" he said and Balian sighed.

"At the risk of you barking at me again, please relax," he said sounding close to begging. "I know this scares you but release your grip, relax, and see what happens. Khrys is here and so am I, I certainly won't let anything bad happen to Bree…ever."

Dorian relented and put a hand on the back of Balian's head pressing his forehead to his. "I am glad you're here, amatus," he said quietly.

"I just want to make sure you don't have a heart seizure before I'm finished with you," he joked knowing that Dorian would chuckle at the humor, trying to lighten the mood. "Because I'm not finished with you…"


Being at Skyhold usually meant that Balian could relax in his guard of Sebastian but he still checked in before doing anything else. After his several morning trysts with Dorian he checked in with his Prince to find him praying as he did every morning. It was hard for Balian to fathom that the very adept war strategist and leader was a Chantry brother for many years. The differences in their religions never factored into their professional relationship though Sebastian did try to convert him a few times, but that went both ways. Balian knew the pious Prince would never accept anything other than Andrasitan but that didn't mean he couldn't educate the Prince on religions other than his own. As devout at Sebastian was to Andraste, Balian was to his own Gods. Whatever Gods they prayed to they trusted each other with their lives.

"Good morning, Highness," Balian greeted more like an announcement, from behind him. Two of the other Starkhaven guards stood outside the door waiting.

Sebastian finished his line of the Chant and turned slightly on one knee to look back at him. "Balian, good morning," he replied politely and rose to his feet. "You appear well rested. I trust you had a good night."

Balian smiled slightly and nodded trying not to blush. "I did, thank you," he said, Sebastian's views on sex and lovers was extremely traditional but he didn't force that opinion on Balian once he realized that the Elf didn't care which fare he had in his bed.

"You don't often get to relax and have a 'day off'," Sebastian stated walking up to his champion. "You're always there, day and night guarding my back. Take the day to do what you please; you don't have to check in on me. See your friends you have here and spend time with Dorian."

Balian hesitated a little but smiled, a day to relax and spend time with Dorian sounded great to him. "Thank you, My Prince," he bowed lingering for a moment as the idea of having a 'day off' was foreign to him.

"Unless you want to stay and sing the Chant…I know you've memorized parts of it," Sebastian teased.

"Only if you want to hear more Elven prayer," he countered hearing him chuckle in response. On his way out the door he couldn't stop himself and turned to the guard on his right. "If anything happens find me."

"Yes, Ser Balian." Dalish Elf or not Balian was the head of Sebastian's guard, a hard fought respect it was, but Balian now had the final say in anything that had to do with the Prince's safety.


Skyhold was colder than Starkhaven, while it wasn't bone chilling cold right now during the day the mountains were just cold enough to make Balian's once shattered arm ache. As Champion, his battered arm could threaten his station but Sebastian ignored it. The Elf impressed him at Markam and had been as loyal as anyone ever could be. He placed himself in danger for him on a daily basis and never once asked for anything. No title, no station, no lands, just an enduring promise to keep his Clan safe, a promise Sebastian had already made to Khrystabel. Mostly, his arm simply ached but never failed him in battle. The cold made the ache worse. In Starkhaven he had an Herbalist tend to him and that Herbalist had given him herbs to help any discomfort…unfortunately he'd burned through the stock he'd taken on the trip to Skyhold.

Skyhold had both an Herbalist and an Apothecary, he followed the directions to the second floor of the Quartermasters and found an Herbalist stocked from floor to ceiling of herbs and spices. He liked the smell of an Herbalists' shop; the aroma of dried herbs reminded him of home, not Starkhaven but the Clan.

There was no one in the shop that he could see but heard rustling upstairs, he pulled his right glove off and picked through some drying herbs that perked his curiosity.

"Oh…" a woman said coming down the steps carrying a basket. "I'm sorry; I didn't hear you come in."

Balian turned at the sound of her voice and looked her up and down. She was small, about 5'4" with a thin build and long dark hair with expressive brown eyes. She was a pretty thing that was without a doubt. She wore a simple green dress and leather necklace with a carved wooden thistle pendant. "It's alright," Balian replied and gave her a respectful bow. "I'm-…

"Balian Lavellan, the Starkhaven Prince's Champion," she stated quickly setting the basket down and looking at him intently. "The one with the legend-mark."

Balian had heard the term legend-mark but wasn't clear on what it meant. "Legend-mark?"

"They call you Bearkiller, but you have two… the Dalish call you something else…umm…Mi'Harel…?"

"Harellan," he corrected looking at her with a curious expression. "Trickster Blade." Technically he had three 'Legend-marks', the list kept growing.

She smiled and reached for his left arm, removing the gauntlet swiftly before he even knew what was going on. "How long has your arm hurt?" she asked and he blinked.

"Umm…" he blinked. "How did you..."

"The way you carry yourself…tension in your back and shoulders your left arm favored against your side, though you don't realize it anymore. Years of discomfort has affected your posture. Do you get headaches? What am I saying, of course you'd have headaches, the tension in your back and shoulders would certainly give you neck pain and headaches," she spouted quickly before glancing up at him seeing his furrowed brow. "I'm sorry…my husband's a warrior…I've seen him through his aches and pains."

Balian didn't recoil and let her squeeze and test his forearm, she was an odd one. Fast talking, strange behavior, reminded him of a humming bird. "Who's your husband?" he asked as she was clearly able to find where the damage occurred, he didn't know everyone in Skyhold but he thought it better to strike up conversation with the woman who was currently feeling up his left arm.

"Thom Rainier," she answered and Balian blinked. "I'm sorry…I haven't introduced myself, I'm Birch.

"Thom's married?" he question surprised. It had been over a year since he'd been to Skyhold but the last time he was there Thom wasn't married. "Congratulations…Thom's a good man, My Lady."

"Don't call me that, please," she replied with a smile. "Now, does it hurt all the time or some of the time?"

"When it's cold, mostly, sometimes in battle," he answered. "An Herbalist in Starkhaven gives me an herbal mix to put in my tea…I ran out on the way here." He said and squeezed her hand when she told him to. His grip was weaker than she'd expected but still strong enough.

"Simple enough," she said confidently and gestured for him to sit as she began to rummage through her shelves and cabinets. Birch eyed the Dalish Elf quickly as she moved over to her table with handfuls of herbs. Scars littered his face proving the tales about him true. She'd know bear scars anywhere. "Those markings…they're Dirthamen's right? Your god of secrets…his favored animal is the Bear."

Balian blinked not sure where she was going with that. He could venture a guess; he'd heard it before from his mother who also happened to be the clans Keeper. Dirthamen was his chosen God whose chosen animal was the bear; it didn't take a huge leap to make connections about trials and blessings. "Yeah," he answered suspiciously.

"My people would see your fight against a God's favored animal as a test or a challenge. You survived and slayed the Bear thereby earning the blessing of your God," she explained as she mixed several herbs in a mortar.

Balian scoffed. "Not much of a blessing…scars all over my face and body, a healthy respect…borderline fear of Bears an animal I once loved, and a ruined arm."

Birch giggled. "Not ruined…just pained is all," she replied and took the tea pot off the plate of embers keeping it warm, pouring the water into a cup then added a dose of the herbs to the water.

"You said 'your people', which ones?" he asked, she wasn't an Elf, didn't even look elf-blooded.

"I'm Avvar," she replied proudly and Balian couldn't help but snort. He'd never really dealt with Avvar but knew their fierce reputation.

"Well, that seems fitting," he stated with a chuckle. "Thom seems the type to want strong and fierce women," he added and thought about how that sounded. "No offense."

Birch just smiled to him. "None taken. I've heard it before and it amuses me and Thom to an extent," she said kindly and walked to him with the cup handing it to him. "Here, drink this, all of it…it should alleviate some of the pain." She said and when he took the cup she went back to putting the dry mixture into a pouch for him to take along. "You should use a lighter shield, the one you have is far too heavy for your arm."

Her tea was far bitterer than his other mix but he gulped it down. "What do you know of shield weight?" he asked but his tone wasn't condescending.

"My father was a warrior, my husband's a warrior and I tend to many others like you. You're smaller than most warriors so you compensate by carrying a heavier shield but you do so also to protect your arm from further damage even it costs you more pain. You should carry a tower shield, not a great shield," she offered and Balian cocked his head, oh he liked her. Most women he knew didn't know the difference between a great shield or a formation shield, but she did.

Balian chuckled and stood setting the cup down on the table. "I like you, Mi'Lady Birch," he said with a charming smile. "You say what's on your mind. Thank you for this."

"Do come back if you need more," she replied quickly and started sifting through the basket she'd carried down with her going back to her work now that her tending to Balian was concluded.


Skyhold's upper courtyard still had a training area between the armory and Quartermaster shop. When Balian came through there, no one knew that he knew was there. Now there was Thom and Michel looking like they were ready to practice or spar. After being snowed in for a month several years ago he got quite acquainted with them, the sparring, the card games, everything. The best thing about Skyhold was Dorian; the second best thing was card night with the guys.

Thom chuckled deeply seeing Balian approaching them. Balian didn't have his shield with him but he was armed and in his armor. The man worked all the time but it appeared that he finally left Sebastian's side. "There he is."

"Thom," Balian smiled and extended his hand to the big man he called his friend.

"Balian the Bear," Thom replied and the Elf rolled his eyes, another moniker that people liked to call him. 'Balian the Bear' was a nickname given to him by Sebastian himself although there were wild rumors as to why.

"Don't call me that," he brushed off and Thom chuckled embracing him quickly.

"Why not…?" Thom replied as Balian took a step back from him, "it's the only moniker you have I think suits you the best."

"Pity we don't know the true story of how you got it," Michel added and Balian scoffed stepping over to clap him on the shoulder. "I heard it was the second time Sebastian sent you into Kirkwall to restore order."

"Nah can't be that…" Thom shook his head. "Remember that duel last year…that Kirkwall Captain that accused the Prince of genocide…I heard that was a fierce fight."

Balian chuckled to them and shook his head with a snort. Nothing quite so fanciful. "You two are worse than the ladies at Starkhaven…I've heard everything from a fight to my exceptional prowess in bed," he chuckled.

"Well, I suppose we should ask Dorian about that last one," Thom laughed and Balian blushed uncontrollably. New topic was all that Balian could think of; he didn't feel like discussing his romantic activities with his friends. Speaking of friends and their romantic activities he had a bone to pick with Thom.

"So, Thom…," he began shifting his weight to his right leg and bracing his right hand against the hilt of his sword, "I met your wife. I'm sure my invitation just got lost in the mail."

Thom stammered a little before shrugging off what he knew was coming at some point. "It was spur of the moment. No offense."

"None taken…," he replied. "She's uhh…"

"Quirky?"

"I was going to stay high strung but quirky works," he added and Thom actually laughed. "She narrowed everything wrong with my posture down to my once shattered arm."

Thom chuckled, that he understood about her. "She did that with my shoulder," he replied. "She was a healer in the Hold she grew up in and a damn good one. She's knows her trade, whatever advice she gave you, you should heed it."

"She told me to get a lighter shield," Balian stated and both Michel and Thom looked at him and nodded.

"You should," they both replied in near unison.

Balian narrowed his eyes at them. "There is nothing wrong with the weight of my shield."

"You use a heavier shield to protect your arm, nothing more," Thom stated and Balian grumbled, he was really tired of hearing that no matter how true it was.

He held his hands out to the side in an innocent fashion. "Alright fine, yes, I use a heavier shield to protect my arm but believe me I can wield it."

Thom chuckled again at him, Balian may have been smaller than most warriors but he definitely didn't want to trifle with him. There was a reason why he was Sebastian's champion and undefeated in single combat. "Alright, well then, let's see whose better, Balian the Bear, once and for all," Thom said with a smile.

Balian sighed and narrowed his eyes to him; he didn't like to spar much. To be perfectly honest sparring hurt sometimes especially when he was using lower quality training equipment but mostly he didn't like to let people know what he could do. "Okay, fine…just because you keep calling me stuff like that, Michel, may I borrow that?"

Michel tossed him the blunted sword as Balian removed his sword from his hip passing it to blonde Chevalier. Balian's sword was beautiful, custom made for him by Starkhaven smiths and given to him by Sebastian. It was a simple blade to reflect Balian's taste. The flat sides of the blade had the Lavellan Clan crest and the Starkhaven seal respectively. It had a simple cross guard with a sharp spike on both ends and on the pommel. It had a hand and half handle, well balanced, and wrapped in soft leather. Michel stood and took a few practice swings with the weapon.

"I do love this sword, Balian," Michel commented, impressed by the simple but elegant design.

Balian pushed a bench out of the way with his foot and looked over his shoulder to the Orlesian champion. "Too bad it's mine, Michel," he said snarkily as Michel clutched it to his chest like a child.

"Not right now it isn't," Michel sniped back.

"I'll come get it if I have to," Balian threatened, his tone dropping to play with him.

Michel returned his smirk. "Bring it on," he replied matching his tone and making Balian laugh out loud. He was the one man in Skyhold that Balian was pretty sure he couldn't beat. Michel was a legendary warrior, he paid the 'disgraced' part no mind and was honored with the trust Michel put in him to tell him the whole story. Michel's elf blood was something he hid but Balian knew as soon as he looked at him, same with King Alistair.

Balian returned his attention to Thom and sighed resigning himself to a sparring match. The shield he had was wooden and for practice so he made the conscious effort to avoid a hit. The best way to do that was attack first, and the fight was on.

Thom had seen Balian fight enough time to know some of his favored behavior in combat. He always led with his sword, whether it was to block or to attack, there was no doubt that his left arm was his weakest point, however, getting to that arm to exploit it was the tricky part.

It wasn't long before they had an audience, even Cullen paused to watch, and he folded his arms across his chest and watched the match. Thom was an exceptional warrior, Cullen had issues with Thom's past but he wiped the slate clean when Thom stood and fought with them. Balian was widely known as the best warrior in the Free Marches, he was very aggressive and crafty and it showed in his fighting style. He was a warrior who employed dirty tricks to get the upper hand and Cullen watched as he tried to trip Thom twice but the veteran warrior was able to avoid them.

Thom blocked a slash and hit the Elf was a reduced power shield bash knocking him back but Balian kept his feet and was able to block Thom's powerful attack and skitter out of the way causing the sparring session to spill out of the little area they started in. Clattering of swords and shields drew more people to watch, including Thom's wife. Birch came to stand next to Cullen and observe.

Wooden shield or not, Balian had considerable power behind his hits. Thom shook his head sharply trying to shake the stun off after Balian missed his mark and clocked him in the jaw. They were both starting to pant, but having fun to be honest. "Nice hit," Thom complimented wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.

Balian shrugged, he didn't mean to hit him there. "Sorry," he apologized and the combat recommenced.

Thom charged and hit Balian like a raging bull; the smaller warrior planted his feet and skidded back like he was holding back a tide. He held his ground and bounced off Thom's shield a few times to get as much leverage as possible then mustered his deceptive strength and shoved him with a ferocious roar knocking Thom flat on his back.

Thom grunted as landed on his back and saw Balian standing over him with his sword to Thom's neck. It was official, Balian won. "You're stronger than you look," he commented from flat on his back.

Balian chuckled and offered his hand to help him to his feet. "Benefits of the heavier shield," he replied and Thom chuckled.


Balian sighed and tended to the scrapes he'd earned while sparring with his armor was off leaving just his tunic on. He worked his left hand and examined it; Thom took it easy on him and didn't aim for the weak spot.

The door closed behind him and he glanced over his shoulder, he knew who it was, these were his chambers after all. Dorian eyed him critically and enjoyed the sight. Balian was a good looking, a little smaller and skinnier than he was typically attracted to, but he more than made up for it.

"Sorry," Balian began; "Khrys didn't assign me a room." he finished with a snort.

Dorian knew why, besides the fact that Skyhold was nearly full to capacity; it forced Balian into Dorian's chambers. Dorian of course didn't mind, he'd keep Balian here all the time if the Elf would accept. "I think she's trying to tell us something," Dorian snorted. "I saw you sparring with Thom."

Balian turned to face smirking at him. "Did you like what you saw?"

Dorian grinned, looking him up and down. "Well, I always like watching you fight," he stated and moved closer to him. Balian's chuckle in response made Dorian growl and pull him toward him in a hard kiss. Dorian was pleased to find him in only his tunic and not the armor; it was easier to take off. "Oh, I love it when you're here," he moaned after Balian broke from his kiss and nipped at his neck.

Laying there after their mid-day romp in a mess of blankets, Balian dozed feeling as content as a cat in the sun. He had who he had been dreaming about for year and was happy, there on his back with his left arm crooked around Dorian resting comfortably next to him. Dorian gently rubbed his left forearm and if Balian could purr he would. It always felt good when he did that, somehow it seemed to ease the dull ache in precariously mended bones.

Dorian was thinking, nearly lost in thought, he was thinking of what Khrys had said, Balian would stay if he asked him to. He'd done so and Balian had said no, his service to Sebastian was the most annoying thing about him. Not that he served him, it was that he would serve him until Sebastian dismissed him but he wouldn't ask.

"Are you alright?" Balian asked quietly without opening his eyes, he could just feel the vibe coming off him. Dorian wasn't as relaxed as he was.

Dorian hesitated in response but Balian was as patient as they came. "You could stay here in Skyhold, Bail," he said finally and Balian opened his eyes staring up at the ceiling. They had been through this already and it sucked then, it was going to be even worse now.

Balian sighed heavily but didn't move. "Dorian," he began and dreaded the next words; it got harder and harder each time. "I can't," he finished.

Dorian tried his best to keep his frustration under wraps; Balian could understand the frustration and didn't hold it against him. He sat up sharply and glared down at him. "Why not?" he asked but his tone showed some of his frustration.

Balian closed his eyes and sighed again. "Because I owe Sebastian a substantial debt," he said, his tone even and still relaxed despite the heavy sigh. "He saved my life twice, he saved my clan, and that includes my mother."

Dorian's frustration turned to irritation and it finally let go. "Why?!" he barked loudly as he stormed out of bed and rushed into his trousers so he could argue with at least some dignity. "He doesn't own you and you don't owe him anymore than you have already given him!"

Dorian's tone was raised with frustration and irritation but not anger, he wasn't mad at him per say, he was annoyed. He sat up and calmly spoke. "Dorian-…" he started before Dorian cut him off.

"How long are you expecting to serve him?" he questioned firmly.

"For as long as he deems my service necessary," the Elf answered but both his answer and the calm, even tone only added more to the mage's aggravation.

"Damnit, Balian, I don't ask people to stay here with me lightly," he snapped and his tone became a little more desperate. "I can't handle going so long without seeing you."

"Then come to Starkhaven," he replied impulsively and promptly closed his eyes able to hear Dorian's response before he even thought it.

Dorian cocked his head sharply at him, an arrogant sarcastic look on his face. "Yes, because that, Amatus, is logistically possible," he snapped harshly. "Let's move the Tevinter ambassador to the Inquisition to Starkhaven, because that makes sense," he mocked, his temper building the more he ranted. "I have a family here, Balian, one that I would enjoy you being a part of but you continue to refuse the offer."

The warrior decided that this was enough, nothing was getting solved and Dorian was getting angrier and angrier. "Dorian," he said simply trying to get him to stop.

Dorian ignored him. "I don't know exactly how I should take that…maybe you just enjoy the random rendezvous for just what they are," he continued and succeeded in only offending Balian.

Balian's own frustration reared its head and he swung off the bed pulling his clothes on in record time. "You know what, Dorian, perhaps you should consider someone other than yourself for once," he scolded tugging his boots on.

Dorian blinked as Balian ran his hand through his mussed hair and headed for the door. His rant went blank. "Where are you going?" he asked and Balian scoffed.

"To the Tavern," he hissed back, yes he was frustrated, irritated, and annoyed but he did love Dorian. "I'll be back later, hopefully when you've cooled off and I've had a drink."

Balian looked over his shoulder at him but didn't wait for a response before he closed the door hard and disappeared from Dorian's chambers.

That son of a bitch just left in the middle of an argument. Dorian, annoyed with everything, now sent a small fireball at the stone wall leaving a decent sized scorch mark. He was now left to pace in his room muttering strings of curses in Tevene. Leave it to him to fall in love with the most frustrating man he'd ever met.


Balian entered Herald's Rest and was met by the pungent aroma of sweat and ale, at least the Bard was good; she had a beautiful voice…Anitvan by the sound of her accent. Balian scrunched his nose at the smell as if he was getting used to it. He walked further into the tavern and crossed to the bar. He was still irritated with Dorian and managed to block out the tavern noise until a familiar voice cut through the silence in his head.

"Balian Lavellan." He heard from the cute red head from behind the bar, she grinned broadly at him and he returned her smile. Ariel was Cullen's wife and a fiery woman; she was kind and friendly but took no shit, perfect for running a tavern. She was about 5'6", with a mop of thick curly red hair, green eyes, and a beautiful smile. "What am I, your last stop?" she sniped and he shrugged.

"I save the best for last," he replied with a flirty grin as she pushed herself up on the bar leaning over to get a greeting kiss on the cheek. "You look amazing," he said as she fished around behind the bar for a tankard and poured him some ale.

"So do you," she replied and looked him up and down as he picked up the tankard taking a swig. She canted her head and smirked with a giggle. "Someone's had some fun," she stated gesturing to the very noticeable hickey on the left side of his neck.

Balian's brow furrowed trying to figure out what she was talking about. "Huh?" he asked and she giggled again.

"Dorian got you pretty good…must have been fun," she explained and he figured out what she was talking about and blushed. Loud laughter came from the second level and he looked up to see what it was. "Boys have a card game," she informed. "Do me a favor…take this up to them."

Balian nodded and took the pitcher that she handed him. The card game was a staple at Skyhold, it happened at least once a week always in the same place. Around the table were Thom, Michel, Fenris, and Cullen that knew and a couple he recognized. There were two other men, teenagers, also sitting at the table one of them was familiar…the Prince of Fereldan.

"Hey," Thom greeted seeing him, "he finally found a job that suits him." he teased and chuckled as Balian approached with the pitcher.

Balian shook his head at the friendly ribbing and pulled up a chair to sit in on the game. It surprised him to see Alistair there talking with none other than Anders, Sebastian would hit the roof if he saw him here. "Not sure if you remember, but this is Malcolm…and that's Duncan," Thom introduced but Balian did remember. He remembered both of them Duncan was the Prince of Fereldan and Malcolm was Malcolm Hawke, Anders' son.

"So where is Dorian at the moment?" Michel asked.

Balian didn't want to talk about that right now, in fact he'd rather forget the squabble for now. "Probably cussing me out in Tevene right now," Balian replied plainly.

Most of the players' brow's furrowed. They knew of the relationship between them and his statement confused them. "Say what?" Michel asked and Balian took a swig of ale.

"We are not talking about that," he stated firmly and cleared his throat. "Who's deal?"

It was Fenris' deal, not many people knew much about Fenris, and there were a select few that could say that the Elf enjoyed Tevinter wine, grapes, apples, and cards. Of course Anders, Tess, and Varric knew far more than that about him but the common knowledge for everyone was that the Lyrium Warrior liked cards.

Anders eyed him, he knew who he was, and in fact they'd met several times. "Balian Lavellan," Anders said refilling his cup with more ale before he sat back down. "You have a new scar every time I see you," he commented and Balian simply organized the cards in his hand. "Perhaps you should learn to duck."

Thom scoffed at the statement and he looked at the deplorable hand that Fenris had dealt him. "Really, Fenris?" he questioned and the Elf actually cracked a half smile. "He may look like he's been through a meat grinder but at least he's never lost," he commented and the table snorted.

Anders didn't let it go, as pissed off as Sebastian was at him after all this time Anders had the same feelings toward Sebastian. The Prince waged all-out war on the mages following the explosion at Kirkwall. "Sebastian's loyal bodyguard," he hissed voice full of distain. "tell me, Balian, would you kill me?" he prodded but Balian's demeanor remained unchanged.

"Skyhold is sanctuary," he replied simply but Anders chuckled mockingly.

Anders knew that, and had a feeling that Balian was going to be one of those tough ones to get a rise out of. "Right but let's say we meet on the road…knowing who I am would you kill me?" he questioned and Balian only sighed.

Balian's eyes remained on his cards. "If Sebastian ordered me to, yes," he responded, his casual tone was almost frightening.

Alistair looked between them trying to gage where this was going. "So you'd kill me for something I never did to you because of something I did to your master 20 years ago," Anders clarified.

Balian's answer was the same. "If he ordered me to," He answered again and dropped two cards face down as Fenris dealt him two new ones.

Anders had to admire his devotion, to a point anyway. "Knowing my crime…would you kill me?" he pressed and Balian huffed.

"If you keep yapping, then yes," he answered clearly irritated with the mage now. "Three drakes."

The table seemed like it deflated and they all groaned. "Damnit, how do you do that?" Thom asked and Balian simply chuckled at the lightening round that he just won. This wasn't the first time he'd done that, he had an uncanny ability to win hands right off the bat, good for him but annoying as hell for everyone else.

Malcolm and Duncan looked at each other and dropped their cards. "He does that often?" Malcolm asked and Thom answered.

"All the time," he answered with a snort. "Still the luckiest bastard I've ever met."

Cullen scoffed. "Not so fast…" he began. "I think I figured out his tell."

Thom shook his head. "Oh no, Commander, don't you remember the last time you thought you figured out someone's tell?" he asked reminding him of an embarrassing night that, to be perfectly honest, he'd rather forget. "You lost your clothes, all of them, to Josie."

"You what?" Cullen heard a woman say from behind him, it was Ariel and he groaned loudly.

"He thought he'd figured out Josie's tell and she took every scrap of clothing he had on him…made him streak back to the barracks like a low full moon," Thom explained, either not seeing or ignoring Cullen's gestures to get him to stop talking. "Everyone knows that one."

The table bellowed with laughter and Cullen's face turned the color of a beet, though no one was certain if that was anger or embarrassment. "Now everybody knows, Captain Rainier," he hissed at the Free Marcher. Even Ariel was laughing by now, she could play cards, they all knew that and the fact that she had no idea of her husband's prior turn of Strip Wicked Grace made it that much funnier.

Balian smirked. "Please, Commander, do tell…what are my tells? I'd be curious to know what you look like under all that armor," he flirted blatantly causing Cullen to turn even redder.


Dorian had his own drink, a bottle of Tevinter Red that he was halfway through. It would take far more than that to get him drunk but he didn't feel like sleeping. He was still irritated with Balian and irritated with himself for coming apart like that. Seated at the table with his right leg propped up on the chair he downed the rest of the glass and debated on pouring another one. The door opened before he made his decision. Balian.

He was still a welcome sight and he came back, just as he said he would. He closed the door and walked toward the bed removing his shirt as he went. "What are you still doing up?" he asked his voice one of concern.

Dorian sighed and decided not to have another glass of wine. "Waiting for you," he answered and looked up at him. "I'm sorry I blew up like that," he said quietly and Balian stopped, looking over at him.

Balian shook his head; he was a little tipsy and tried not to sway. "I shouldn't have left like that…I'm sorry," he sighed and his balance swayed.

Dorian stood. "Are you drunk?" he asked his tone actually amused.

Balian sat down on the bed with another sigh. "Umm…" he began and flopped back. "yes…definitely drunk."

Dorian chuckled at him, Balian didn't get drunk often and it made him laugh. Balian usually stopped himself before he went beyond tipsy… he was a not a mean drunk but he was a violent one, hence the nickname 'Balian the Bear'. Sebastian gave it to him when he had to contain his bodyguard after he had far too much to drink one night. "Alright, amatus, we'll talk in the morning."

Balian grabbed Dorian's hand and yanked him toward the bed and on top of him; Dorian didn't protest and fell into his embrace. Whatever the argument it could wait until later, he didn't want to fight with him…he didn't even like arguing with him. This could all wait until the morning.