Authors Note: So this chapter ran away from me and morphed from it's original outline. Balian took it and ran, I decided to follow him instead of Dorian. I love Balian. He and Dorian are my favorite couple that I've written so far. I love Dorian anyway. :) This is definitely a filler chapter that focuses on some character development so I do hope you enjoy. I'm starting to split characters off to deal with concurrent problems.
Because I'm a geek the songs I use for Dorian and Balian are Taking Over Me and My Last Breath by Evanesence. Told you...I'm a geek.
Thank you to the favorites and follows, feedback and comments are always welcome.
Dragon Age
"The Relic"
Chapter Sixteen: Admission
Sebastian was an early riser but he hadn't always been so. When he was growing up and learning how to use the bow he got up early, when he was sent to the Chantry, he got lazy. Princes weren't mean for chastity so when he was taken to the cloister he rebelled, enjoyed the drink and the touch of countless women. Just when he started to embrace the Chantry life he left it to avenge his family. He was still a deeply religious man and went to the Chantry to pray every morning. The palace was always quiet this time in the morning as Sebastian made his way to the Chantry.
A cloth lying on the floor caught his eye and he bent down to collect it. The silky black and red scarf he knew well, it was Balian's.
"Good morning, Highness." Loomis, his palace guard Captain, greeted.
Sebastian nodded to the former soldier. He used to be in the army and was a good captain; his one downfall was his aversion to Balian. He didn't like the Dalish and usually gave Balian a hard time but nothing more. "Loomis," acknowledging his greeting, "where's Balian?" he asked neatly folding the scarf in his hand.
Loomis had been warned outright by Sebastian to keep his opinion of his personal guard to himself no matter his feelings toward him. "Still in his bunk. He might have had too much to drink last night."
Sebastian's brow furrowed, his body guard wasn't a monk nor was he dull. He did drink but not all the time, once in a while he would have too much and then things got interesting. "Hopefully not too much."
Loomis shook his head. "Nah, he's pretty good about limiting himself now." Balian wasn't a mean drunk but his stoic, quiet veneer dropped after he had too much to drink and everything he let roll off his back when sober became personal when he was drunk. The first time people realized what happened when he drank too much was the last time. Balian started a fight that took Sebastian to break up and earned him the nickname Balian the Bear. Since then Balian limited his intake when he drank. "This came for him, marked as urgent; I was on my way there now."
"I'll take it," Sebastian said and took the letter. Loomis didn't mind, he didn't care for being reduced a messenger.
Balian was face down on in his bed under a mountain of furs; he didn't hear anyone knock so when Sebastian finally entered the Elf remained asleep. Balian's quarters were tastefully decorated, Starkhaven and Dalish appointments but it wasn't exactly clean. He didn't have company usually, clothes were strewn on the furniture but his armor was pristine and put away properly. Sebastian wasn't bothered by the state of his quarters; he'd seen it before and in far worse condition. He saw the mass in the bed that was his bodyguard, all he could see was the top of his head and the rest was buried under his blankets and furs.
"Balian," he announced waking him without getting too close to him. He'd learned that warriors needed to be awoken from a distance, especially warriors that still had vivid nightmares of being attacked by a bear. "Balian," he said again his tone a little louder and the Elf stirred.
Balian heard the voice and immediately a curse went through his mind. Who was waking him up? There was a throb that reminded him of his hangover. "Balian." he heard again and grunted. That was a familiar voice.
"What?" he answered groggily then turned his head toward the voice. His bleary eyes saw Sebastian but it didn't register completely. He couldn't decide if he was still drunk or totally hungover.
"Balian," Sebastian said again sounding a little more annoyed now. "I have a letter for you…marked as urgent."
Balian grumbled at the disturbance of his sleep. "They have you delivering messages now?" he grouched, he was belligerent hungover and half awake.
Sebastian cocked his head, they were informal with each other and he knew his bodyguard well enough to know this was the hangover talking. "It's from Skyhold, you grouch," he rebutted. Balian rolled over and sat up on the edge of his bed, he was naked under the blankets but kept himself covered. Sebastian cringed every time he saw the scars on his torso; the Elf was tougher than anyone he'd ever met. There was no way he could ever survive something like that. "And you dropped this in the hall."
Balian took the letter and then the scarf with a grateful nod, he didn't remember when he would have dropped it but he was lucky he didn't lose it. "I apologize. Thank you."
Sebastian waved him off and excused himself to let Balian be. Balian rubbed his eyes and examined the letter; it had Dorian's seal on it. He read through it and felt his blood go cold. There was an assassination attempt on Khrys and now he was going to Tevinter to find the source. Balian got a terrifying sinking feeling. He didn't like the thought of Dorian returning home…not without him to protect him.
Balian's headache still throbbed, he cursed himself for drinking too much the night before but had no way of knowing the letter that would arrive from Dorian, that letter prompted him to get into his full armor and seek out Sebastian. Normally he acknowledged the people who passed him in the keep, kitchen staff, maids, servants, but not this time which was unusual…those considered lower in the Palace loved him because he was polite to them. This time he was too focused on what he needed to say to Sebastian and prayed he didn't lose his nerve.
"Can we talk, Highness?" he asked and Sebastian turned to face him with a curious expression.
He dismissed the advisor and beckoned Balian closer. There was something wrong; he could hear it in his voice. "Of course. What's wrong?"
"You've heard of the attempt on the Inquisitor?" he asked first and Sebastian nodded, he'd just been informed of that and sent a letter to Skyhold offering any support they needed. "According to spies the order came from Tevinter. Dorian departed for Tevinter to find out who and why. I have a bad feeling, Sire, I have to find him." Balian paused a moment and looked down before mustering the courage to say the rest. "I'm resigning my post, Highness."
Sebastian blinked, stunned by the last words. He'd never forced Balian to serve him, he volunteered, at first to repay a debt and then it was because of friendship. "What?" was all he could say even though he heard him loud and clear.
Balian didn't want to leave his service, Sebastian was a good man and a good friend, he steeled his conviction…he had to find Dorian and protect him. "My attention is divided, I can't serve you to the level I once did. I suggest Madrigal to take over my place as your bodyguard."
"Is this about the tournament?" he asked and Balian had to admit that did play a part. He was bested by a Qunari mercenary in front of everyone, that loss still stung and he admitted to himself that he wasn't sure if he could have beaten him in real combat anyway.
"That…that's a part of it yes…Sebastian…please, accept my resignation," he said trying not to make it sound like a beg.
"Bail, you don't have to resign," he said and stepped toward him. "I'll give you leave to go to Tevinter."
That would only be a temporary solution but the truth was Balian had made a decision, he chose Dorian over service to Sebastian. "I'm sorry, Highness, I've made my choice…," he responded and drew his sword offering it to Sebastian. "Accept my resignation."
Sebastian was stunned, he never thought he'd lose Balian and couldn't bring himself to do what he was being asked. He looked at the sword but didn't take it; the blade was made special for him, a simple and elegant weapon. "Keep it," he said quietly. "It was a gift, from me to my closest friend." Balian swallowed in response and returned the weapon to its sheath as Sebastian made this even more difficult by being the kind man that he respected. "Balian, you've saved every member of my family at one time or another, beat 15 challengers in my stead in single combat, and you rescued Meghan…your place is here…your home is here as a part of my family but if this is what you wish, I give you leave to go to Tevinter but I will not accept your resignation. Your post is available…any time you wish it, Brother."
There were a lot of conflicting feelings Balian was having right now, Dorian had accused him of remaining with Sebastian because it was safe…he didn't need to worry about making his own commitment to Dorian because he always had an excuse. He decided…enough excuses. That was as good a compromise as he was going to get out of him. "Thank you, Sebastian."
Sebastian stepped up to him and extended his hand to him, Balian clasped hands with him in a knight's handshake. "Watch yourself out there."
That was quite possibly the hardest thing he'd ever done, Sebastian was the best man he'd ever known, he gave him a home and a title, and now he was betraying that and leaving his service for love. He felt awful about it, almost bad enough to take back everything he just said but Dorian had grown to be the most important person in his life and he had to protect him. "If you ever need a champion you call. I'll be there." With that Balian left before he changed his mind leaving Sebastian still shocked that Balian, of all people, effectively resigned.
Clearly word had spread, someone probably overheard the conversation and the rumor was born. People were whispering as he passed them, Sebastian's loyal bodyguard, head of his personal security, Champion of Starkhaven was…leaving. It was shocking to the people in the palace. It was noon by the time Balian had packed up to leave and made it down to the stables. The stable girl, whom Balian had vouched for and helped employ, had Biscuit saddled and ready for him. The girl was 15 and living on the street when she stole Balian's coin purse, he got it back and instead of throwing her into the dungeons as a thief he gave her a job. He thanked Linna and gave her a purse of coin and told her to see Madrigal in the Keep if she needed help with anything.
Biscuit was a nearly 17 hand Ranger gelding, not only was the warhorse fairly tall he was also built like a barn and Balian had selected him for his laid back, almost lazy disposition. In combat he was as ferocious as ever but Balian had picked the gelding because he listened, was brave, and wasn't flighty. Biscuit was as solid a warhorse as they came. He was named Biscuit not because of his color but because he could eat a whole pan of biscuits and ask for more. It amused Balian.
The horse had a full set of armor but to take it meant that the warhorse would be weighed down so he only took the chanfron and the lighter breast collar. Biscuit was a big horse but full armor was hard on any horse no matter their size.
"You're leaving?" a female voice questioned, though it sounded more like a statement, from behind him.
He didn't need to look to know who it was but he turned and gave a respectful nod to the girl. "Lady Meghan,"
"Why are you leaving, Balian?" she demanded, she may have been only 14 but she had a commanding presence.
"Because someone I love is in danger, My Lady," he replied and tied off the saddlebag.
Balian and Meghan had a bit of special bond; he rescued her, saved her life from people who wanted to hurt Sebastian by hurting his oldest daughter, he went all the way to Nevarra to get her and brought her home safe leaving a bloody path in his wake. "Are you coming back?"
Sebastian may have taught his daughter to use a bow extremely well but Balian taught her how to use a sword so she'd never be as helpless as she was when she was kidnapped. Sebastian was right; he was a part of the Vael family. "I don't know," he answered honestly with a sigh and then turned to face her. "But I'll tell you the same thing I told your father, if you need me you call, and I'll be here," he said taking her hand and kissing the back of it with a bow before turning away and leading Biscuit out.
To find Dorian on the rode wasn't going to be easy, he was actually going to be damn lucky but the date on the letter said that he couldn't be too far into the journey. There was no quick way to get to Tevinter from Skyhold. They'd probably cross the Waking Sea at Jader to Cumberland and then take the Imperial Highway north to Minrathous. It was going to be a really long trip.
The river boat journey took days, Balian was okay with travel by water but by the time he reached Galle, the Nevarran city that sat on the Minanter River and the Imperial Highway, he was sick of water. He'd done nothing but pace out of pure boredom while he worried about Biscuit being cooped up on a boat for so long. The gelding was even getting restless and he made a mental note to work him out before he got on, the horse was laid back but he was still a horse.
Galle was a bustling city, nowhere near the size of Cumberland and still half the size of Nevarra City, situated on the southern east bank of the Minanter River. Occupying the spot at the Imperial Highway's crossing of the river made Galle a hub for trade and travelers. Balian always thought the city would be bigger given how much trade passed through it, he didn't mind Nevarra and liked Galle. Galle reminded him of Starkhaven, the people were friendly and the city was vibrant.
He led Biscuit off the boat at the dock and made his way through the sea of people, despite being cooped up on the boat the warhorse was behaved and followed his master quietly. Balian was hard to miss; he was in his full armor, black cape and all, people parted for the Starkhaven knight and murmured but nothing more. His first stop was the stables, he needed to check the town first and see if he beat Dorian or missed him.
"Ser Balian." The stableman greeted with a smile and bow.
Balian nodded at him, this wasn't his first time to Galle, Sebastian passed through it on several occasions to get to Nevarra City and when he was tracking Meghan's kidnapping. The people were kind to him, which was unusual. "Walter," he greeted with a smile and shook the working man's hand. "How's business?"
"Better than ever, what brings you to Galle, Ser?" the older man asked. Walter was a big help to him when he was looking for Meghan and Balian had returned his help with a reward, business, and recognition from Sebastian.
"Passing through," he answered as he surveyed the stables to see if there were horses or tack he recognized. "Anyone from the Inquisition passed through lately?"
Walter shook his head as he squinted in the sunlight to him. "No, Ser, not recently, last Inquisition banner I saw was several months back. Might try over at the Riverwalk if you're looking for someone." He told him and Balian nodded. He wanted to sleep in a bed that wasn't moving, sloshing, or swaying so that was going to be a stop for him anyway.
He nodded and Biscuit stomped his foot with a snort. "Do you have a paddock I can use?" he asked and Walter nodded yes, even if he didn't he'd find one. "He's been on the river boat for almost a week; want to let him run around before I have to get on him." He explained gesturing to Biscuit.
Walter chuckled and beckoned for the reins. "Yes, Ser, we'll let him stretch his legs," the older man said and took the reins leading the placid warhorse away. "Come on, Biscuit."
Balian checked the General Goods store and the tavern but he got more of the same, no one had seen Inquisition agents or soldiers in months. He was starting to think that he actually beat him here despite leaving after Dorian had left Skyhold. It did occur to him that he might be in the wrong place but there were only so many direct routes to Tevinter. Going through Orlais made no sense and would take forever and a day; it was pointless to take a boat around the continent and would take three times as long, if not more. Cutting across Nevarra with the Imperial Highway was the most direct and meant that Dorian had to pass through Galle; it was the last good place to resupply and sleep in a nice bed before heading across the Silent Plains.
The Riverwalk was the only Inn, a big boarding house that had the air of sophistication. When he entered the place fell silent, not uncommon for and Elf walking in that wasn't a servant of some sort. Balian's presence was unmistakable; he wore his armor proudly displaying the Starkhaven colors and Sebastian's crest and he carried himself well, proud and dangerous. He was used to dozens of pairs of eyes watching him when he entered a room so he ignored it and walk to the barmaid. She wasn't the proprietor, just some girl who worked there, a pretty blonde human in her twenties.
"What can I do for you, Messere?" she asked, an odd name to call him in Nevarra.
"Room and food," he replied and put the coin on the bar. "Fish and Egg pie if you've got it." They probably didn't but it was his favorite and her giggle told him that they didn't.
"This isn't Starkhaven, Messere, we've a good ram roast, potatoes, and carrots," she told him and he thought that even she could hear his stomach growl.
"That'll be perfect," he smiled back. "Anyone from the Inquisition been through lately?" he asked her before she left to retrieve his dinner. Her expression told him something very simple; 'information costs extra' and he didn't bother to negotiate as he put a sovereign on the bar.
"No, Messere, haven't seen Inquisition in months," she answered tucking the coin away.
"What about a man, bit taller than me, older, black hair, mustache, Tevinter accent, good looking, enough arrogance to make you want to strangle him, you seen him?" he asked and she took a moment putting the description together in her head with a laugh.
"No, Ser," she answered after a moment and handed him a key. "Your room, upstairs last door on the right, I'll bring your food up, water or wine?"
"Water, thank you," he replied and headed toward the stairs, it appeared he beat Dorian here…at least he hoped his lover didn't bypass the town, he'd be a fool if he did. Entering the desert of the Silent Plains without resupplying and resting was foolishness. Dorian would stop here and this would be where he'd spend the night. Balian silently eyed the room, respected Knight known even in Galle or not he was still an Elf and therefore was a target for hate. People didn't care who he was, who he served, or what he'd done…to them he was still a Dalish Elf. He didn't feel like fighting and thankfully no one offered to and he reached his room without a fuss.
The room was small, he wasn't expecting his Starkhaven chambers but this room was more like a shoebox, at least it had a window that looked out over the street. He dropped the bag that had been slung over his shoulder and started to remove the armor one piece at a time until he was in comfortable trousers and a billowy white shirt.
A tap on the door drew his attention, he could smell the food and he opened the door to see the blonde girl with a tray and a jug of water. He also could have sworn she had more cleavage than she had earlier. He'd seen this before; there were barmaids and tavern wenches in Starkhaven who gave him the same view and same eye. He was a rarity, an Elf with a title, reputation, and position, and the prowess to back it all up. As such most women wanted to bed him.
"Will you require anything else, Ser?" she asked as he set the tray down on the small table that was barely big enough for the plate.
He shook his head and regarded her politely. "I notice you're calling me 'ser' now."
She nodded with a smirk. "Yes, Ser, I know who you are, Ser Balian of Starkhaven. If you're in need of companionship, Ser, you may call upon me."
Balian nearly choked on the water he was sucking down but he cleared his throat and look down at the girl. "Pardon?"
"I've never had an Elf before, much less a knighted Elf," she said her tone was casual but also shy and honestly, a bit refreshing. If it hadn't been for Dorian he might even have taken the offer.
He blushed a bit at her forward approach. "Umm…I'm flattered, Lady, but not interested."
It took a few days for Dorian's queasiness to pass; he hated to travel by ship so the journey across the Waking Sea was absolutely miserable. He was queasy even for a good period after they landed in Cumberland. Bull laughed at him and teased him but there was no bantering between them. They moved quickly up the Imperial Highway toward Galle and the river crossing.
Bull was a magnificent deterrent for bandits and shady fellows; no one wanted to face the enormous Qunari no matter how hard up for coin they were. There was no chatter between them beyond the normal talk that was necessary. Dorian was almost awkward; he didn't know what to say to him, or how to talk to him after Starkhaven. They were making good time despite the awkwardness.
They had to stop in Galle, the topography of the lush and green province was changing the further north they went, and soon they'd reach the desert of the Silent Plains that bordered, and even crossed into, Tevinter. Galle was the last good place to resupply before embarking across the desert. Dorian wanted a bath and a bed that didn't consist of rocks.
Balian could hear the scuffle inside the tavern, there must have been a massive barroom brawl going on from the sound of it. When he entered he could hear people cheering the fight and blinked, freezing in his tracks at who he saw fighting. The enormous Qunari couldn't be missed even by a blind man, it wasn't the whole tavern fighting, it was just The Iron Bull against four men…that fit, that's why it sounded like a herd of Druffalo on a rampage. Of all the places he would find the fucking Iron Bull. Here in Galle. But why?
He groaned. He had no wish to see the man again or face him again in combat; he beat him in single combat, the defeat still stung. Bull was holding his own in the fist fight and Balian eyed the room, it did occur to him that Bull was a part of the Inquisition it was possible that Dorian was nearby. Scanning the tavern his eyes found him, leaning against the bar watching. Dorian. The Tevinter man had a presence, a condescending and arrogant presence but it was one that was unique to him. He shook his head as he approached him from behind, Dorian really needed to learn to never have his back to the door.
"Hi," he greeted softly into the mage's right ear. Dorian jumped at the sudden presence so close to him and looked over his shoulder looking like he was ready to fight until he realized who it was and his expression switched to shock.
"Balian!" he exclaimed truly shocked to see his lover in Galle. "What are you doing here?" he asked as Balian took up position opposite him so he could watch the door.
"I got your letter," he replied as Dorian waved for the barmaid to pour him a tankard of wine.
Dorian wanted nothing more than to kiss him and find a private room but the middle of the Tavern was not the place for that. It amused him that Balian was ignoring Bull's brawl as he contemplated trying to break it up before it spilled out into something bigger. "So this is what it takes to get you out of Starkhaven?" he questioned though it was more of personal jab than a question.
Balian scowled at him and didn't answer, the last person he wanted to fight with was Dorian so instead he turned his attention to the fight and took a drink of the wine that was served to him. "What's that about?" he asked changing the subject from something that would start a fight to an actual fight.
Dorian eyed his scarred lover and allowed him to change the subject. "Bull is defending the Chargers." He said plainly.
Balian looked at the fight, it was tipped in Bull's favor and he had two of them holding bloody noses and broken arms and was beating the third to a bloody mess without killing him, a fair fight, and a barroom brawl until the fourth drew a blade. Balian got to him before Dorian knew he left. He had his sword drawn and at the mercenary's throat before he could advance on Bull's back.
"I would advise against that," he warned as the man came to a precarious halt with the sword now at his throat. He glared at Balian and turned his ire on the new challenge.
"Piss off you fucking knife-ear," he spat, Balian had been called worse by better men than this and his expression remained that of a stern warning though Dorian knew he was brimming with anger. He hated being called that.
"Call me 'knife-ear' again and I'll gut you like a fish," he warned and his tone reflected one thing: it wasn't a threat, it was a promise.
"Bearkiller!" Bull bellowed in a jovial tone, a drunken, happy, jovial tone like he wasn't embroiled in a fight at all. "What an unpleasant surprise." he laughed.
Balian rolled his eyes and spared the Qunari a quick glower. "Call me that again and I'll let him kill you."
"Are you ladies done?" the mercenary at the mercy of Balian's sharp silverite sword asked. Balian took the sword away from his throat and stepped forward punching the mercenary hard enough to knock him out.
"Are you done fucking with them?" Balian hissed to Bull, his mood soured with his presence.
Bull chuckled, the Elf who appeared to be still grouchy from the defeat suffered in Starkhaven, he clearly had no patience for him now. He head-butted the remaining merc and he fell to the floor in a pained groan, the fight was over. "Care for another try, Bearkiller?"
Balian glared at him, his sword lowered but guarded. "Fuck you," he replied with a snap and gestured for Dorian to come with him. "Come on; best leave before we attract more attention."
The Inn was a bit tamer in its company and food was brought for the three men occupying a corner table. Bull practically inhaled the stew which was a stark contrast to Dorian's polite manner.
"How long have you been here?" Dorian asked as the blonde barmaid winked at the Elf with a blatant blush. She hadn't made any advances past the first day he'd arrived but she kept flirting with him.
"Four days," Balian replied between mouthfuls. He had table manners but it seemed to be a trait among anyone named a 'warrior' to eat like it was their last meal.
"Four days? You didn't waste much time after receiving my letter," Dorian commented. "I'd have sent a letter like that sooner if I knew it would get you out of Starkhaven."
Dorian regretted the words as soon as he said them but Balian simply looked up at him saying nothing but his eyes gave a silent warning. Not the time or the place to argue about this. "Where are your guards?" he asked changing the subject and Dorian shook his head.
"I didn't bring any," he answered and Balian's brow furrowed deeply.
He paused from eating and blinked a few times. "Khrys let you leave Skyhold days after an assassination attempt without a retinue of guards?" he questioned and couldn't help but sound totally surprised. "And why is he with you?" he asked gesturing to Bull.
"Didn't have a choice," he replied and Bull gave him a look that Dorian ignored. "I told Khrys I was going to Tevinter and the big lug volunteered."
"Why no guards?" he asked again, Khrys cared deeply for Dorian…it didn't make sense that she would let him leave without adequate protection.
"Because I don't want to attract attention…it'll be hard enough with him but I can't go into Tevinter to discover a plot to assassinate the Inquisitor with an army of Inquisition guards at my back." Dorian explained and Balian could understand that. Dorian's letter left out the details about exactly what happened but he did mention that the assassin was from Tevinter.
It was smart thinking but Balian couldn't help but think that it was futile, Dorian going back to Tevinter could only be viewed in one light after such an attempt on Khrys. If it was ordered by Tevinter they'd know why he was there, guards or not. This was going to be dangerous, extremely dangerous.
Balian was up earlier than Dorian was even moving about in the creaky bed and floor didn't wake the mage and Balian didn't have a mind to. He was evidently exhausted after spending nearly two weeks on the road and they still had a long way to go to reach Minrathous.
Most knights used squires to help with armor but Balian hated the feeling of someone else dressing him. He could get in and out of his own armor, sometimes it did prove difficult but he managed without the trial of squires. He gazed at the mark of Starkhaven upon the greatshield that leaned against the wall. He was still troubled, conflicted about leaving his post and everything he owned reminded him of it. If he'd had anything that equaled the comfort and quality of his armor he would have left anything bearing its seal in Starkhaven, but he also couldn't bring himself to get rid of any of it. It was a part of who he was no matter what. He was so lost in thought staring at the shield he didn't hear Dorian moving around behind him. If he said anything to him he missed it.
Dorian had said something to him and when he didn't respond his brow furrowed. "Bail?" he questioned, wondering why his simple 'good morning' went unacknowledged.
The nickname hit him and he half turned to face him. "What?"
Dorian cocked his head as he started to pull on his own clothing. The light battlemage robes were easier to get into than Balian's heavy armor but had about a thousand buckles. "I said good morning," he said in a tone of weary amusement.
He had to pull himself together and deal with Starkhaven later. "I'm sorry. Good morning." Dorian's brow remained furrowed as Balian turned away to finish with his armor.
"It wasn't my choice to bring him," Dorian said and that made Balian turn completely to face him. "Bull. Khrys wouldn't let me go without a guard. You were my first choice but he volunteered and Khrys let me go with just him," He felt the need to explain the Qunari's presence to him thinking Balian's quiet behavior the result of his lover's former lover's presence as a bodyguard.
Balian realized that his troubled mind was translating the wrong way to Dorian. "I know. Bull's a good choice, he knows Tevinter, and he will protect you," he said fastening his left bracer.
Dorian scoffed loudly as he situated his boots before standing. "I don't know about that," he said and Balian allowed a half smile.
His chuckle lightened the mood. "You're not an easy man to let go of, Dorian, or resist…he'll protect you."
Dorian blushed. "But I don't need him now," he said with a smile, the look on his face and his smile directed to Balian. "I have the Champion of Starkhaven." Dorian's beaming pride unintentionally rubbed salt in the wound but Balian managed a smile that Dorian didn't quite believe.
He stood as Balian turned from him and laid the black cape out, the last piece of his full armor, he really didn't need to wear it and he'd probably shed it as soon as the desert sun got too hot. Dorian pinned the black cape in place on Balian's shoulders. "Thank you," he said quietly.
"So the Starkhaven Prince gave you leave to come find me?" he questioned but his tone was more amused and flattered than anything else.
Balian shrugged as the memory of asking to resign dredged up unpleasant, conflicting feelings for him. Sebastian called him a brother and a part of his family. "Something like that?" he answered vaguely.
Balian's behavior was a mystery, he was always a quiet man but this was unusual even for him, something was bothering him. "Are you alright, Amatus?" Dorian asked.
He didn't tell him about Sebastian, part of him was ashamed for leaving him. He swore an oath to him and he'd resigned. He couldn't face it now. "I'm fine," he answered and appreciated Dorian's concern.
Dorian didn't believe him but knew he had to tread lightly in pushing him to talk. When something was on his mind it was hard to force it out of him without making him angry. "You don't look fine. What's wrong?"
Balian pushed the thoughts into the room in the back of his mind and turned to Dorian. "Nothing," he said sounding more convincing this time and kissed him lovingly. "Let's go."
Dorian sensed something wasn't right, something had happened and it changed Balian, and not necessarily for the better. He sighed heavily and tabled it for later and helped collect the belongings as Balian collected the great kite shield.
Elf or not, Balian's presence in full armor was felt throughout Galle and people swiftly moved out of his way as he, Bull, and Dorian made their way to the stables. Apparently, Balian had been to Galle more than Dorian had realized and was surprised at the amount of respect the man earned.
"The horses are all ready for you, Ser," Walter said to Balian. "I packed extra provisions for them, several extra skins of water each. There's water in the Silent Plains, Ser, you just have to know where to look for it, here's a map of the wells and streams."
Balian gave the man and thankful smile and shook his hand. "Thank you, Walter," he nodded.
"Maker be with you, Ser." Balian didn't believe in the Maker or Andraste he stuck to the Elven beliefs but took the blessing for what it was and gave the man an appreciative nod.
"That man seems to respect you a great deal, Bail, didn't know you come to Galle that much," Dorian commented as they tended to the horses preparing to leave.
Balian checked the saddle and armor that adorned his warhorse. The silverite armor was light and basic, the chanfron sporting an eight inch spike ripe for skewering those in the way once his head was down. "I don't. I earned his respect," he answered satisfied that everything was in its place he led the horse from the stables.
"How?" Bull asked and received a glower from Dorian.
"I killed the men who raped his daughters," he answered simply, most of the townsfolk hailed him as a hero but he still had the stigma of being an Elf so Galle had mixed feelings about him. Tracking Meghan revealed something else in Galle, a group of men preying on young girls. Balian killed them all when he learned of their deeds much like he did those who had taken Meghan captive.
Of all the deserts that Dorian had grown up in or trudged across The Silent Plains wasn't too terrible, yes it was hot and dusty but he had seen worse. The Hissing Wastes for example was far worse than here, so hot that the best time to move around was at night or else fry in the heat. The sand was fine and grey almost like ash, a lingering reminder of the First Blight.
Bull's horse was truly massive, Asaarash were the horses used by the Antaam, massive horses that put the beasts of southern Thedas to shame. So seeing the Qunari on horseback was a frightening sight, they towered over everything, and this flea bitten grey mare was an imposing mount.
"So, Bearkiller, I have a question," Bull began and Dorian rolled his eyes, for three days so far he'd endured listening to these two snap at and antagonize each other.
Balian was riding in the lead, he'd shed his cloak and had a hood up over his head to shield it from the unforgiving sun. He rolled his eyes to the annoyance of being called Bearkiller again and to the annoyance of Bull period. "What," he growled back.
"The bear you killed…I've heard conflicting stories, was it a Great Bear like most people say?" the Qunari asked and Dorian thought of decking him for asking such a stupid, menial question. Balian's temper had been short since they left Galle and part of that could be contributed to Bull's presence but Dorian felt that it was something more, he just wasn't sure what.
Balian actually laughed, not a happy laugh though more like one born of irritation, irritation and amusement to the ignorance of people. "If it were a Great Bear I would most certainly be dead," he answered. "It was just a bear and I was stupid enough to be caught in the open to face it alone."
"But you won. A great victory over a beast that would happily crack you open and devour what's inside." Bull praised and Balian said nothing. "Not many would have the balls to face down such a beast alone and even less to actually kill it and live."
"I almost didn't," he replied. "I nearly bled to death and contracted fever from infection. If you wish to have glory, Iron Bull, there are easier ways to achieve it then facing down one of man's greatest predator alone."
"Here, here," Bull laughed back agreeing with the Elf. "But you should try High Dragon, Bearkiller-…"
Balian pivoted Biscuit roughly, earning a grunt from the gelding as he responded to his angered master's command. "My name is Balian!" he barked, he was tired of being called Bearkiller or Balian the Bear by him. "Not Bearkiller, not Balian the Bear, not Mi'Harellan. Balian. Start using it or I'll finish what began in Starkhaven."
Bull regarded the currently short tempered knight carefully, he believed that he would fight him and this time he might actually win. "Alright," he nodded. "My apologies…Balian."
Balian gave a gentler command to turn Biscuit back around to continue down the road and patted his neck gently, an apology for yanking on his mouth. Bull continued the conversation like his outburst had never happened. "You remember that Frostback don't you, Dorian, the one that hit you with its tail right before my axe cleaved its eye?"
Dorian did remember, he broke several ribs that day and was lucky the dragon didn't hit him with all her force or it would have been much worse. "Oh, yes, unfortunately I remember them all…I spent far too much time participating in dragon slaying while following Khrys around Thedas."
"Ha!" Bull laughed. "You got pretty good at it though. The Ravager, the one we found sleeping in its den…you killed her almost single handedly. You made it look easy."
Dorian snorted, his memory was somewhat different. It was a tall task to kill a fire dragon with fire but he managed to do it with supplemented lightening and any other discipline he knew of powerful enough to get the job done and only Cole as back up. He'd employed magical techniques he hadn't used since he was young and inexperienced and experimenting. Everything hurt or felt weird by the time he was done cracking the arcane whip. A fight born out of necessity, they bit off way more than they could chew when they woke the Ravager and she was so enraged by the time the fight as over his mana was completely gone. "I make everything look easy," he replied with a grin, he did boast about it, he was proud of it, but right now he just wanted to get out of the sun and have a cool drink.
Balian glanced over his shoulder to Dorian thinking he'd be seeing the two of them flirting. They weren't they were riding single file still. He couldn't help but feel a little jealous; Bull and Dorian had known each other longer, had been lovers, and had all the stories to tell. He put to from his mind; he had no need to be jealous. He had Dorian now…not Bull.
That night's camp saw a bit more conversation than the prior nights. Bull watched the camp and the horses as Dorian and Balian fetched water from a nearby stream that hadn't been baked underground. It was a small oasis but it would do. Balian could see a beast lurking in the distance though he wasn't sure what it was, it seemed content to stay away but the meat the thing could provide would be much better than the miniscule hare's they'd been able to trap. Balian grumbled, he was never much of a hunter and was terrible with a bow. "My kingdom for a fucking archer," he bitched and Dorian chuckled.
"Let's not provoke the desert, Amatus, we have plenty of rabbit," Dorian said and Balian could hear the terrible puns that Bull would be making about rabbit ears and elves. Thankfully, they'd left the great beast at the fire.
Dorian studied him, something was still on his mind and it was translating to his behavior. He had to be sweltering under all that armor and chainmail but he hadn't complained yet. Dorian loved the heat, though he admitted the burning sun of the Silent Plains was not his first choice to relieve himself of the perpetually cold Skyhold.
Balian dropped the empty water skins and knelt to begin filling them trying to ignore the fact that Dorian was studying him like a book. "Bail, what's bothering you?" he asked bluntly and the Elf paused before tying off the skin of water and filling another.
Fuck me, here we go. "Nothing," he responded flatly and Dorian sighed clearly annoyed.
"Balian, please stop lying to me."
He still didn't want to talk about it, not now, he'd come apart…in either direction. "I'm fine, Dorian," he said and the mage was growing annoyed with his stubbornness.
"No, you are not, talk to me."
Balian growled like the bear everyone likened him too. "I'm fine, Dorian, so stop fucking pushing!" He barked louder letting his temper get the better of him, he regretted it immediately but he couldn't really undo it.
Dorian gave him a puzzled but angry look. "Don't talk to me like that, you surly bastard, what's gotten into you?" Balian was silent at the rightful scolding from Dorian and he took the silence as more irritation. "Fine. You don't want to talk, have it your way."
Before Balian could respond with anything resembling an apology the mage was gone, he cursed himself…he needed to get a handle on himself, his mood was only alienating the one he loved.
The walk back was awkward in the silence, Balian moved with purpose still cursing himself for raising his voice to Dorian. Their relationship wasn't without its arguments but this time snapping at Dorian was unworthy of him.
"Well it's about time," Bull grumbled as he stirred the small pot of stew. "You two lovers have a nice stroll?"
Balian had moved away from Dorian dropping the skins but locked eyes with Dorian's, Balian looked away first ashamed of his outburst. "A delightful stroll in the moonlight," Dorian said and Bull didn't buy it. He'd heard Balian's raised voice but couldn't hear the argument itself.
"Uh huh," he grunted in reply.
"You cooked?" Balian questioned.
"Maker save us all," Dorian snorted and Bull glowered.
"Don't want it, go fucking hungry," he said and Dorian chuckled. The Qunari could cook…it was a little basic but edible. Khrys was the one who did most of the cooking while travelling Thedas and Thom was a surprisingly good fire cook.
Dorian had retired first leaving Balian and Bull sitting in silence by the fire. Bull observed him, he was a quiet man and he appreciated that. He meant what he said in Skyhold, whatever there had been with Dorian was over now. A much as he tried to say their relationship wasn't his business he couldn't help it. He cared for Dorian and the raised voice concerned him. The elf tossed a twig into the fire and stared at it, he hadn't said anything for over an hour.
"What's wrong with you?" Bull asked and Balian snapped out of his trance.
"What?"
"The bug up your ass that's starting to fester, what's the problem?" he asked bluntly. "I heard the raised voice. What's your problem?"
Balian's brow furrowed as he leveled a glare at the Qunari. "Precisely why would I tell you a fucking thing if I won't even talk to him about it?" he asked, his tone quiet but there was an unmistakable growl behind it.
"Because if whatever bug is up your ass hurts him on this little endeavor I'll kill you this time," he said leveling a glare of his own at the Elf. Balian was nearly offended but understood that his mood was seen by all those present, they knew something was on his mind, he'd never hurt Dorian…not intentionally.
He acknowledged Bull's threat but had nothing to say in return, he had to keep himself together or talk to someone about the shame he felt for leaving Sebastian's service, so he stood and wandered off to check the horses.
So far there had been no bandits or highwaymen just beasts seen from a distance who were content to keep it that way but the camp was watched nightly, Balian kept watch for the first part of the night then was relieved by Bull. He checked the horses and kept the fire low, anyone could see the fire in this wasteland but he tried to minimize the detection with a lower fire. Biscuit was the only one of the three that was laying down, the black mare of Dorian's rested between asleep on her feet while Asaarash looked like a fierce guardian.
Bull relieved him without a single word and he retired to Dorian although he felt that he shouldn't. Dorian was awake when Balian settled next to him after getting out of the majority of his armor, the mage remained silent. "I'm sorry, Dorian."
Dorian took a moment to respond as Balian stretched out flat. His relationship with Balian was never without some friction…that was the type of man he was. He was set in his ways and aspired to the Emerald Knights of his ancestors; he had more sense of honor than anyone Dorian had ever met. He had manners and a sense of propriety which gained him high praise in Starkhaven. That aside he was also growly and had an aggressive streak that was hard to contain when struck with the right match. Dorian was very good at finding that aggression. "Will you tell me what's wrong?"
There was a pause as Balian thought a moment. "Not yet," he replied quietly and he could hear Dorian sigh. "Just know it's not you and it's not him."
Dorian quickly narrowed the list; that left Sebastian, the only other person that could have him in this much of an uproar. "Well, if it's not me and it's not Bull that leaves the Prince. Is he angry with you for coming here?"
"Dorian." The Elf warned and he heard a huff this time.
"And people call me stubborn," he muttered effectively giving up for the night. He didn't want to fight with him but he sensed this was about his duty to Sebastian.
Bull had everyone up just before the sun came up, it got hot quickly and he wanted to move as far as they could before it got too hot. They were making incredible time across the wasteland but they took care to not wear out the horses, once they were done with the Silent Plains they had Tevinter itself, another damn desert.
Balian had to admit he was broiling under the silverite armor and all the layer of chainmail but he didn't want to risk being without it, he had no way to carry it so he wore it. The highway was the long standing tribute to the Imperium and its architecture, for as old as the highway was the vast majority of it still stood, but there were crumbled sections that forced a detour. The Knight took them off the road and down what was once probably a riverbed, massive stone blocks were half buried in sand from where the highway had collapsed above.
Biscuit snorted and began to prance, all the horses were uneasy. The warhorse stilled at a calming word from Balian but he was still uneasy. "Easy," he cooed gently but kept his eyes on his surroundings, the terrain had become hilly and rocky providing good places for men and creatures to hide.
"Careful, something's out there," Bull warned.
Balian didn't respond but he did hear him, he kept his eyes on the hills, mainly the enormous blocks of stone. Something was wrong, a threatening shadow somewhere near and he drew his sword. He edged Biscuit forward; the gelding's lazy plod had evaporated into an alertness that would rival even the highest strung horse. As he moved forward he finally saw it. "Wyvern!" he bellowed as the thing leapt for him, a juvenile Wyvern the same color as the dusty grey sand. It leapt at he and Biscuit from the right and he spurred the gelding forward then wheeled him to the left as the beast crashed into the sand where its prey had been.
He heard Bull yell there was another and saw Dorian unleash a blast of fire at the Wyvern attacking him but he focused on the one roaring in front of him. He backed Biscuit slowly, eyeing it carefully as it stalked toward him. It occurred to him that he didn't want to be mounted at this time, the Wyvern could rip his horse to shreds and he didn't want that.
It leapt at him again and he spurred the warhorse at an angle still running from the creature until he figured out how to kill this thing. It roared angrily at him and spun toward him, Balian was off Biscuit in a flash swatting him away then turned to face the young Wyvern. It came at him, the size of his warhorse and ten times as unfriendly. He'd never faced a Wyvern before but they were like any other mindless predator, they attacked on instinct. He sidestepped to the right from its charge and sliced the creature's left side; it squealed and hobbled as Balian carefully prepared for another attack.
If it were possible the Wyvern roared even angrier than before and charged and Balian readied his shield. The silverite greatshield could withstand pretty much anything but he'd never tested that against a fucking Wyvern. The beast leapt at him he raised the shield dropping to one knee, he felt the creature hit and he immediately flashed back to the nightmare with that mother bear but this time his shield held. He stabbed into its left shoulder and it recoiled from him. Balian bashed it in the face serving to anger it further. It spat venom but it splattered on the shield and attacked again. He blocked the powerful swipe and kept moving. It lashed out with its tail and swept Balian's feet from under him, he hit the ground hard on his back with a grunt as he briefly saw stars and in that moment realized that his helm was tied to Biscuit. He only wore the cowl. He cursed himself and had a mere second to block the Wyvern that snapped at his face while he was on his back. He strained to hold back the beast as its front claws scraped and screeched on the metal, he prided himself being stronger than people gave him credit for. The creature wasn't smart enough to back off and swat the shield from him; he thanked the Creators for that. It put its full weight on the shield and Balian felt like he was being crushed, it was like Biscuit laying on him, he couldn't get enough swing for his sword to do much good so he abandoned it tohelp hold the Wyvern at bay. He growled out the strain and it sounded more like a roar, trying to muster all his strength to save his own life.
Balian heard the thunderous crack and felt the white hot bolt of lightning hit the beast trying to claw its way through the shield, under his armor every hair stood on end and he felt his skin tingle, it hit the Wyvern knocking it to the left. The Elf was on his feet before he thought about it, the lightening not only hit the Wyvern but himself too and he shook the odd feeling off.
The injured beast charged him defiantly and slashed furiously for him, he blocked several deadly strikes and found his opening, the Wyvern roared and the knight thrust his silverite longsword into the back of its throat. It squealed in agony fell to the ground flailing. Balian's final strike ended the fight, a single true strike on the back of its neck that severed its spine.
He leaned forward hands on his thighs breathing heavily from the exertion. "What is it with me and fucking beasts?" he muttered out loud but the only one who heard him was probably Biscuit. The gelding was spooked and shying and snorting at everything.
"Are you alright?" he heard Dorian's worried voice called as he cantered toward him briefly before pulling up.
"Yeah…" he replied in a clipped, tired response between breaths then straightened his back, "just a Wyvern, no big deal."
Bull laughed heartily. "Balian the Wyvern Killer…I really like him now," he said ignoring the brief glare.
Dorian dismounted and stepped to him to see if he was okay. It scared him to see the Wyvern crushing him, hence the powerful lightning bolt. Balian reassured him with a single smile, he wasn't hurt, at least not that he felt, though he felt the energy drain from him as the adrenalin dissipated. He appreciated Dorian's aid, without it that Wyvern would have crushed him. "Thank you," he said sincerely putting his right hand on the mage's cheek.
Dorian smiled, his love was in there, under the bad mood he'd been in lately. "You would be of decidedly less use to me as a Wyvern's meal, Amatus," he said and Balian chuckled and patted Dorian's shoulder as he moved off to collect his spooked horse.
The other Wyvern had been dealt with quickly; Bull had killed many in the Exalted Plains with Solas and Khrys. Dorian hit it with fire and Bull cleaved its head in with a well-placed axe. They resumed travel for a few more hours, Balian walked trying to stay as limber as possible knowing that once he stopped he'd feel like hell but he walked to calm Biscuit.
They set camp near a well that was about an hour off the highway. Balian sat by the fire assessing his shield, there were scratches but no deep gouges, he wasn't necessarily pleased with the damage but it was better than what it could have been. He grumbled to the damage though but set it aside to tend his sword.
"You are truly one mad bastard," Bull said obviously referring to Balian. "You stood against that Wyvern's jump; on foot…I like you more and more each day."
Balian chuckled slightly, it wasn't the smartest thing he could have done but he prevailed. When the Wyvern hit he felt like Biscuit had tried to run him over, the gelding had in the past so he had a base to compare it to. "Seemed like a good idea at the time."
"You're brave, I'll give you that," Bull replied.
"Fool, more like," Dorian muttered once again voicing his disapproval with what had happened as he pulled the three rabbits roasting over the fire.
"I didn't tell the Wyvern to attack," Balian replied it was matter of fact not an angry comment.
"One only has so much luck against beasts," Dorian said with a genuine concerned tone and handed him a skewered rabbit then one to Bull.
Balian couldn't argue with that, beasts liked to attack him, one of these days that luck would not hold. His mother called the bear attack a blessing from Dirthamen, granted him the strength to stand against them, he felt it made him a target…they liked to attack him, he was certain of that. Balian's silence gave Bull an opening to talk. "He does like to mother doesn't he?"
Dorian glowered a warning at Bull and Balian chuckled softly, he didn't mind the mothering, Dorian cared enough to do it. "I don't mind," he winked at Dorian as he began to eat the small rabbit. If nothing else the Silent Plains had an abundant supply of hares, easy enough to catch with a well-placed clap of a lightning bolt, Dorian had killed quite a few when they found a nest.
"Do his feet still freeze as soon as he gets into bed?" Bull asked and Dorian gave him a look that could have killed him on the spot.
To Dorian's surprise Balian chuckled and nodded. "Sylaise, yes…his feet could be sitting in the fire, as soon as he gets into bed they freeze."
Dorian glowered. "Oh terrific," he muttered, annoyed and mortified, "you're bonding."
Balian laughed at the groan ignoring the glower. "Well your feet do freeze when you get into bed."
"Wonderful, I shall wear socks from now on," he hissed, he almost preferred them a hairs breath from killing each other to bonding over the one thing they had in common: him.
Bull ignored Dorian's annoyance with a smirk, Dorian wouldn't take with a prude or someone who didn't have a decent sense of humor so somewhere under the Elf's grouchiness was someone he'd probably get alone with. "Does he still spend half the morning fussing over his hair?" he went on.
Dorian sat down to Balian's left and glared past the amused Elf toward Bull, again another look that could have killed him, then redirected the glare to his lover when he answered with a laugh. "He fusses over more than just his hair," he replied. "Take's him hours to get ready for the day."
"I do not," he spat in his defense, the boys were not being mean, just bonding…didn't make it any less embarrassing.
"Not out here…you don't have a choice," Bull commented and he glowered again. Balian's half smile lightened his mood though. He was enjoying himself and whatever was weighing on his was gone…at least for the moment.
"Well, forgive me if I don't wish to stink like the unwashed masses," he rebutted and the half smile of Balian's was still there. "You sing in the tub…and not well I might add," Balian tinged pink as Bull chuckled.
"I thought all Elves had voices from the heavens?" Bull questioned sounding amused by how the conversation was turning.
Dorian scoffed as Balian simply let the detail come out. "Not this one," Dorian said relishing the turned tables. "What he 'sings' in the tub could barely be comprehended as song."
Bull laughed and Dorian turned his attention to him.
"And don't even get me started on you, he who snores so loud you literally woke Skyhold." Balian laughed and nearly choked on his food. "At least he sleeps like a rock, no snoring…and he doesn't push me out of bed." Balian laughed again, he didn't move once he fell asleep, Dorian tended to toss and turn but to his knowledge he'd never pushed Dorian out of bed. He pictured it; the image was a little unsettling. Dorian with the brute but its humor outweighed it. "What are you laughing about?" Dorian questioned now amused himself. "You may not have pushed me off the bed but if you did I'd have a soft landing with all your clothes strewn across the floor."
Balian commended the mage on turning the tables on them; they were dragging his idiosyncrasies to light so he did the same to them. It was all in good fun if not mortifying to Dorian.
Balian was sore but he never actually took an injury thanks to his reflexes and armor. The back of his head hurt from where his head hit the sand and he was a little sore all over but it would pass. He was lucky the Wyvern wasn't overly bright or else it could have killed him a few times.
Dorian ran his hand over where Balian said his back was sore and found no injuries, just jostled bones and muscles. "I don't see any injuries. Sorry about the lightening singeing you a bit."
Balian shrugged enjoying Dorian's hands rubbing his shoulders. "Alternative was far worse," he chuckled softly. "Though I didn't stop tingling until an hour ago." There were a few moments of silence between them as Dorian laughed quietly. "I resigned," he admitted after a long few minutes then corrected himself given the fact Sebastian refused to accept it. "Well, sort of…but I no longer serve Sebastian."
"You what?" Dorian asked in shock and quickly understood what had him in such an awful mood as of late.
As soon as he said it he felt better, kind of, he still felt like he betrayed Sebastian and that feeling was not going away any time soon. "He didn't accept my resignation but…I gave my post to Madrigal."
Dorian blinked again, never in his right mind would he have thought Balian would ever leave Sebastian…it was like getting Cullen to leave the Inquisitor or even for him to leave the Inquisitor. For as long as they had been together Balian never entertained the thought of leaving Sebastian's service. Their bond was as close as Dorian's was with Khrys, without the child of course. "Why would you do that?" he asked still in shock then furrowed his brow at why he would even ask that question. As many times as he'd asked and almost begged Balian to do exactly this why would he question him about it now?
"Because I figured out where I want to be," he answered simply and shifted to face him. "I have to be with you, Dorian."
Balian grunted as Dorian pounced on him, his head hit the bedroll and he groan at how tender it still was but he forgot that quickly. He chuckled to Dorian's enthusiasm as he kissed him, as conflicted as he felt about giving up his post; Dorian made it all worth it.
Tevinter had an ongoing conflict with Nevarra that seemed to have cooled some in recent years as they were more concerned with the Inquisition than the Qunari to the north. That didn't mean the borders were unguarded and Dorian knew that the highway had an outpost on it.
"Balian," Dorian began when the outpost loomed in the distance manned with a garrison of Imperium soldiers, "a warning. You must control your temper here."
Balian's brow furrowed, though he'd gotten his secret off his chest he was still moody. "What are you talking about?"
"You've never been to Tevinter before, you haven't been yourself lately and your temper is short. They will not care they you are Ser Balian Lavellan; Champion of Starkhaven…to them you are a slave and will call you that and worse to your face."
"Sounds like a charming country," he replied disdainfully.
"He's right," Bull added, he'd been to Tevinter enough to know that Elves, no matter who they were, had it rough, "look wrong at someone you could find yourself strung up somewhere."
Balian scowled. "They can try."
"Damnit, Bail, I mean it," Dorian persisted sounding annoyed with the attitude on his lover.
"I am not going to cower in a corner, Dorian, I am not a slave and will never be one and I refuse to act like one," he snarled back forcefully showing his pride.
"Sweet Andraste's great flaming ass, this is what I'm talking about, control your bloody temper," The mage hissed and urged his horse to move forward.
Balian glowered as Bull passed him and then followed suit behind them. "Charming fucking country," he muttered.
