Recap: "Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your home. It is far more than any apostate deserves. If more nobles were like you, or maybe if more people were like you, then the world would be a much better place. Hopefully we'll see each other again. Under better circumstances next time. Farewell." With his piece said, he galloped for Denerim intent to find what had been calling him there.
After a week of traveling Aedan was in Denerim. The sun was setting and people were beginning to turn in for the night. For the first time in 12 years, he stepped through the gates of the city that had been his home. He walked through the markets, eyeing all the stalls that had popped up over the years. When he was a child, there may have been a third or half the stalls. Now the whole place was packed with them.
'Amazing how much things change and yet not change.' Aedan thought as he looked over the market. The same walls, the same ground, the same houses and the same tavern. He walked around following the familiar flashes from his past. He followed the pathway and came to the gate that led to the alienage. He was about to walk in before someone stopped him.
"Halt!" Aedan turned around to see to two guards coming up to him.
"Yes?" He asked. His hood was up obscuring his face. He stood in a relaxed stance but he had his new daggers hidden in each of his sleeves just in case.
"What business do you have in the alienage?"
"Just merely visiting." The guards snickered at him.
"Visiting huh? What's her name?" The first guard asked still snickering. Aedan's eye twitched.
"Don't tell me its the red head thats been causing trouble now?" The second said snickering. Aedan slightly shook his head. 'Yep, I need to get away from these guys before they say something that makes me kill them.'
"Listen gentlemen, amusing as this is, I really need to get in there." He jerked his thumb towards the alienage.
"Sorry friend but we can't let you do that. Who knows what those knife-ears'll do to you." Aedan twitched this time which the guards noticed.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but I'm not asking permission." The guards looked at him in confusion. "I'm going inside." Both narrowed their eyes at him.
"And what authority do you have to go in there at this time? One asked as he and the other reached for their swords. Aedan knew he could probably kick their butts with his daggers but he didn't need any murders happening around here nor did he need any witnesses of him being a mage. Thinking quickly he decided to bullshit his way and hope for the best.
"I am part of King Maric's secret society of personal agents. I'm under oath on pain of death not divulge anything else. To do so is treason to my king and country. Not only that, my associates will be obligated to kill all three of us if I am held up on completing my mission. Now what will it be?" Aedan said in his coldest voice. The two guards flinched before asking, "Why would one of the King's agents be here in Denerim?"
"Because the there are those that would do the King harm even in his own city now may I go in or do you want to play twenty questions with the prize being death?" Aedan asked.
'Please let these guys bye this.' He thought silently as he watched them. After a few more tense seconds, the guards relaxed and let go of their swords. Taking that as his queue to enter the alienage he turned and walked through. He stopped before looking over his shoulder.
"You never saw me. Got it?" He asked calmly. They both nodded in fear before turning around. Aedan continued onward over the bridge until he came to the alienage itself. He passed the gate and saw some elves that were drinking. He quickly kept moving on before coming to a giant tree.
'The vhenadahl.' Aedan thought gazing up at it. The giant tree that stood in the center of the alienage made him remember more things like when he and Kallian tried to climb it only to simply give up because the there was no way to climb it. He noticed that it was night time now and the moon was out.
Find me... Aedan looked around. There was the voice. He listened for it as he searched for the person, but there was no one around.
'Where are you?' He thought as his eyes roamed around.
I am at your old home. Come find me. The voice replied freaking Aedan out.
'Did it just read my mind?' He thought as he began walking to where it all began.
Yes, I did. And for your information, I'm a 'he'. Aedan arrived at his house. He stood and stared at it. After all the years it had been untouched by the other elves. No one rebuilt it and it had been reclaimed by nature with plants growing out through the floorboards with vines growing on along the walls. But even so, he could still see the burned wood sticking out, weathered and rotted.
Enter and find me. The voice commanded.
'Why should I?'
You've come this far.
'And now I'm beginning to question it.' Aedan thought as he looked around. He had the feeling he was being watched.
Very well. Find me and you will gain an ally in the fight against the blood mage who slaughtered your parents. Aedan's eyes widened at the declaration.
'What do you know of Reaper?!' He almost said aloud. The voice didn't answer back this time. Aedan looked at his old house in frustration knowing what the voice was doing. It was baiting him. After a few seconds he walked into the house his mind abuzz with questions. Who was this voice? What do they know of Reaper? Why contact him now? And why here? Once he came to the middle of the room, he stopped.
"Okay, I'm here. Where are you?" He mumbled looking around for anyone.
I'm under the floorboards to your right. Aedan looked to where the voice designated and noticed that some floorboards were loose. He knelt down and began prying them off until he saw a long object wrapped up in aged cloth. He picked the object up and felt a familiar weight.
'What are you?' Aedan thought as he began unwrapping the object.
I am... He finished unwrapping and the object was revealed to be... a sword. Aedan just stared at the hilt in confusion.
'What the hell is a talking sword doing underneath my childhood home?' Aedan thought bewildered.
I'd be happy to explain, but that will have to come later. We have company. Aedan stood up and turned only to lunge back from a dagger narrowly missing his face. He tried to make some distance between and the offender but they wouldn't have it. They kept close to him, slashing and stabbing. He blocked them with the sword sheathe several times before striking them in the stomach. They were knocked down permitting him to get away a few feet before he tried to draw the sword. Keyword being tried.
'What the hell?! Why can't I draw you?!' Aedan thought furiously.
There is no need to kill her. You need to defeat her without magic.
'What!? Why!?' Aedan looked at the offender to see that she was an elf. He could see that her clothes were common and dirty if a little torn in places meaning she was definitely from the alienage.
You would end up regretting it. Especially with this one. The elf lunged at him again and he began blocking her attacks.
'What do you mean by especially her?' Aedan replied as he dodged a stab at his gut only to be punched in the face. He stumbled away almost losing his footing. The elf wasn't going to let up as she raised her dagger and prepared to strike him from above.
Looks like you could use some help. Block above. Aedan raised the sword and blocked a downward slash.
Punch her in the stomach. Aedan heard the elf gasp from the blow she took to the gut and was clutching her stomach as she coughed and wheezed.
Knock the dagger out of her hand. He struck her hand that held the dagger causing her to kneel down and curl her hand from the pain. The dagger clanked onto the ground. Aedan pointed the tip of the sheath to her neck. The elf was knocked on her butt and was motionless.
"Do your worse, shem." She growled out. Aedan raised an eyebrow. Shem? Really?
"I'm no shem, lady. I'm just passing through." His words seemed to have made the elf more incensed now, causing her to stand up. Aedan lowered the sword away from her and merely held it.
" 'Just passing through'? Tell me do you normally look through old houses while 'just passing through'? What right do you have to come here of all places?!" She questioned, crossing her arms. Now Aedan was getting mad. He pulled his hood back to show himself and get a better look at the elf.
"I have every right!" He snarled back at her. The elf lost her composure and gasped. What was so surprising? His sudden anger? She just stared at him in shock, or at least what he perceived as shock considering her face was shadowed.
"A-A-Aedan?" She asked in a weaker voice. Aedan didn't respond as it was his turn to be speechless. How did she know his name.
"Aedan, is it really you? After all these years?" She asked as she cautiously stepped toward him, coming out of the shadows. Aedan got a good clear look at her features. Pale skin and pointed ears, common features in all elves, but what really got to him was her red hair and green eyes. He felt his mind work in overdrive to find out why she was so familiar to him. That was when he was overcome by memories of his best friend growing up in the alienage. The friend that would always get into trouble with him and play with everyday. The little girl that the adults would tease him about.
"K-Kallian?" He asked breathlessly. She approached him and began studying him. Aedan looked her over as well, taking notice of her hair being long, reaching the back of her shoulders and having a few braids done up in them. That was as far as he got before he was slapped across the face. Yep, same old Kallian.
That looked like it hurt.
'It did. She does get physical when she's frustrated.' Then he was hugged tightly by slender arms. Without thinking, he hugged her back. It was good to see her again, despite the sting on his cheek.
A few minutes later...
Aedan was sitting in Kallian's house. He watched as Kallian tried to make the place look presentable, but one could only do so much in a hovel. He looked around the place and had to nod his head. They kept it well through the years despite the obvious. He could hear Kallian talking to someone out of sight and decided to look at the sword in his hands. Despite years of being wrapped up in cloth and being under a destroyed house for years, it still appeared to be brand new. It was an elven blade or at least that was what he guessed. It was certainly not a blade made by any smith among Men that was for sure. He looked at the hilt and noticed carvings of vines, trees and animals. He tried to draw the sword again, but no such luck.
'What are you?' He thought in frustration.
I'm a sword. Aedan rolled his eyes and sighed.
'I got that much, but you're obviously no normal sword since normal swords do not talk.'
It doesn't mean that I'm not a sword. Aedan closed his and inhaled before exhaling. This was going to be troublesome.
'Okay, fine. Then who are you?'
I am Shartan. Or at least a piece of him. Aedan's eyes shot right open and almost bulged out.
'Shartan? As in the elf who led the elven forces to rise against Tevinter. Shartan who helped free the elves from slavery? That Shartan?'
Yes.
'B-But how?!' Aedan thought hastily. It wasn't everyday you talked with a figure from history after all.
Like I said, I'm a piece of the real Shartan. I was created to be his weapon.
'Wait, I thought that Glandivalis was Shartan's weapon?'
It was, but it merely showed his alliance with Andraste. He created me to be a symbol for the People to show that they were going to reclaim their past glory.
'I see. What exactly did he use to make you?'
He took a dragon bone from one of the graveyards the Tevinter Magisters had created and had resolved to make a sword. When Andraste found out about it, she suggested that she add a piece of himself to the sword, making it more deadlier for him. I don't believe I need to explain how considering what happened between you and your friend. Anyway, Andraste helped in the final stages of creating me by taking a small piece of Shartan's soul and placing it within the blade. Thus I was created. Huh? So that was the story behind the sword? Interesting. Then another question popped into his head.
'What exactly were you doing hidden under my old house?' The sword didn't answer for a few seconds. Why was it not answering?
I'll tell you later. Your friend seems ready to talk with you. Aedan looked up to see Kallian approach with an older elf. Both pulled up some chairs before sitting in front of him. Aedan studied the older elf. He was certainly older than him and Kallian. He had greying dark hair and had some age lines showing on his face. He began to recognize him as Kallian started to talk.
"Aedan, you remember my father, Cyrion, right?" She asked gesturing to Cyrion. Aedan nodded, sticking his hand out to shake Cyrion's hand. The conversation with Shartan was going to have to be continued later.
"Yes, I do. How are you sir?" He asked as he shook hands with Cyrion.
"I am doing well lad. I must admit, I was surprised when Kallian came in with you right behind her. Even more so when she told me who your were." Aedan shrugged.
"I don't blame you. I didn't expect to run into an old friend when I came here." That was a lie. On the way over he had thought that he might just see Kallian, he just didn't expect it to be like this. Aedan looked around for someone else. If he remembered correctly, they were a family of three, five if you included Soris and Shianni.
"Is there something wrong?" Cyrion asked noticing Aedan's wandering eyes.
"It's just I half-expected Soris and Shianni to be here, but I was sure that Miss Adaia would be here with you guys." Aedan replied and suddenly whatever happiness in the room left. Aedan saw Kallian and Cyrion look at the ground in sadness. Aedan connected the dots in his head before putting a hand on his face.
"Ah man. I'm sorry. If I'd have known..."
"It's fine, lad. You couldn't have known with being in the Circle." Cyrion replied. Aedan suppressed a wince from the Circle comment. After a small pause, Kallian spoke up.
"So Aedan, what are you doing in Denerim? Circle business?" She asked with a more cheery voice, but Aedan could see she was trying to get away form the subject.
"Not exactly." And so he told them about how he entered the Circle, escaping and how he's been on the run trying to find Reaper. The story lasted well into the night before he stopped at the point where he parted ways with the Couslands and came to Denerim. He did however leave some things like his relationship with Elissa and the real reason he came to Denerim. Didn't need to tell them everything.
"Wow." Kallian said after hearing it. Cyrion expression mirrored her, having difficulty believing it. Aedan looked outside to see that it was still dark out and sighed.
"It'd be best if I leave now and you 2 get some sleep. You need to work tomorrow I'm guessing." The two nodded tiredly before standing up. Aedan bade the two a goodnight before leaving the Alienage. Walking out, he noticed no guards this time and quickly moved toward the Gnawed Noble Tavern. He entered finding it empty save for the bartender who was writing in his account. Aedan walked up to him. The second he was at the counter, the bartender jumped, apparently having not noticed his entry earlier.
"Good evening sir. Is there something I can help you with?" The bartender asked with tired look.
"Just a room for the night." Aedan placed a few coins on the counter. The bartender looked at his records before giving Aedan his key.
"Door on the left at the end of the hall." The bartender directed, pointing to the hall. Aedan nodded his thanks and walked to his room. After changing he sat down on the bed and looked at the sword in his hand.
'So where did we leave off?' He thought hoping to continue the conversation earlier.
You asked me what I was doing buried under your house. The sword paused before continuing.
Your mother and father placed me there shortly after she got that house. Aedan's eyebrows crinkled in confusion.
'Why?'
For you to understand, it may be best if I start at the beginning. I know your mother told you that she was a Dalish First. Aedan nodded. But what she didn't tell you was why she wasn't with her tribe. That would be because they were wiped out. By a blood mage with more than a few bandits at his beck and call. Aedan's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Reaper." He growled out.
Exactly. But he didn't massacre the clan just for the fun of it. He was after something that was in the clan's possession.
'What was it?'
A tome. One that had been passed down from the time of Arlathan. The People called it the Tome of the Fade. Aedan had to do a double take on the name. Tome of the Fade? That sounded both enlightening and ominous.
'What do you know of it?'
Not much sadly. The Keepers of Clan Hellathen dared not open and read that tome unless they absolutely must and that was only a few times in the last 8 centuries. From what they said, the Tome could cause great damage to the world if in the wrong hands. It held knowledge of the Fade that other people are not aware of in the slightest as well as knowledge of lyrium and the entities that inhabit it.
'Okay but what does that have to do with you being under my house?'
I was getting to that. Anyway, I was one of the other treasured artifacts of the clan. That mage, Reaper, came to claim the tome for himself and so he wiped out Clan Hellathen. If there were any survivors, I do not know. The Keeper, your adoptive grandfather, told your mother to take me and the tome away from the battle before taking on Reaper himself. Your mother did as she was told and ran. Reaper's followers found her later, but fortunately for her, your father arrived and killed them.
That was when Reaper appeared. He was tired from the fight with your grandfather, but he still had plenty of power to spare. Against him, your parents were no match. However, Reaper made a mistake. He turned his back on your father after knocking him away and accidentally tossing me to him. For the first time in centuries, I allowed someone other than Shartan to wield me in a fight. Your father wounded Reaper and caused him to retreat, with the promise of returning for the tome. After that, your father took your mother here, where she hid me under the house in case someone came looking.
'Well, he kept his promise. Then again, you know already, don't you?' Aedan thought depressingly.
Yes, I do. I also know your intentions. Aedan raised an eyebrow.
'How could you know that?'
Simple, you're holding me. Aedan was now more confused. Holding him? What did that-? Oh... Being to talk with thoughts meant being able to read minds. That was when Aedan thought of something.
'Wait a minute. If what you said was true, then did you find out anything from Reaper when he held you for those few seconds?'
Not much unfortunately. Aedan sighed. Of course. What was he thinking? It would be too much to hope for anything useful from years before he was born.
What I did manage to see though, was that Reaper planned to use the tome to raise a force that would allow him take control of everything. Aedan's eyes widened.
'Raise a force that would give him world dominating power? What the hell could that tome have that would allow him to do that?'
I'm unsure, though, your recent memories would suggest that he is on his way to accomplishing that. Aedan thought of it for a minute and realized that the sword was right. His fight with Pride was enough to be worried about. Reaper's blood magic alone was troubling enough, but now he has six students who are also blood mages. Not only that, but if Pride is to be believed, then Reaper has a small army enthralled to his students and through them, him. But still that can only reach so far.
Keep in mind that what Reaper and his followers have done is with only mere blood magic. From what you've seen and heard, Reaper hasn't even used anything regarding the Fade. Now that made Aedan rethink everything. Reaper and his followers had a small army through blood magic alone! If that is the case, then Reaper isn't even being serious yet! Then why would he have an army? Why would he take jobs from people when he could obviously enthrall them?
It could be anything. He could be using it as a cover. Or he needs them to gather things. Perhaps protection? Or is it just an experiment? Aedan nodded. It could be anyone those things. Or...
'All of them.'
What?
'All of them and possibly more reasons. Reaper is obviously biding his time and pushing for something, but we don't know what. You say he's trying to raise a force that will let him make the world his. And if this tome is so dangerous then he is taking his time with it. He's dealing with lost, ancient magic so he needs to be careful otherwise it'll blow up in his face.' Aedan quickly.
I think you're on to something, Aedan. But for now, I believe it is time to get some rest. Aedan looked out the window to see it was still pitch black with only a few torches illuminating any places that they were held. Aedan nodded seeing as the sword was right. He placed the sword under his pillow before laying down and succumbing to sleep within minutes.
The next morning
Aedan packed his stuff up and placed his bag on his back along with Shartan. He walked to the entrance of the tavern, his room hardly messy save for an unmade bed.
So are you heading towards Orzammar now? Shartan asked as soon as Aedan was out of the Tavern.
'No. There's this place I heard about here while I was still in the Tower. I think it'd be best if I take look. There are some things that I need.' Aedan replied.
Some things that you need? What could-? Aahh, I see. Aedan what you're going to attempt is dangerous.
'I know. That is why I'm going to Orzammar. It's out of the way of most populated areas and the only real populated area around there is protected underground. Not to mention that they'll have some supplies there anyway. I can do things safely there without much interference.' Aedan thought back as he rounded a corner seeing a sign that held three gold rings interlocked together. On the sign read 'The Wonders of Thedas.'
Aedan opened the door and walked in.
"Welcome to the Wonders of Thedas. We carry items crafted by the Circle, as well as a variety of antiquities. Is there anything you would like to see?" The tranquil proprietor greeted with an easy smile. Aedan suppressed a small shudder looking at the branded former-mage. That smile he held had no real warmth, though it was worlds better than a simple blank expression.
"Um yes. I'm looking for these as well as a better backpack. This," Aedan handed a list to the tranquil and gestured to the torn up bag on his back. "is starting to have a little too much wear and tear and needs to be replaced soon." The tranquil looked at the list before moving away to gather the items needed. Before going to the back he gestured to the area which they kept the backpacks.
"You may find the one you need there. We have quite a selection." With that, the tranquil went to the back. Aedan strolled over to section and picked up a simple bag. It was brown and white and had two leather straps. A common look among travel bags. Aedan however wasn't fooled by the quaint appearance. He could feel the enchantments on it. It'd let him carry more things than normally and still have a weightless feel to it. Not only that but it would look like it would have only a few things inside it too.
"That pack is designed to distribute weight evenly, letting explorers fight unfettered even while carrying large quantities of gear. It also can carry approximately 125 items." The tranquil said as he came out of the back carrying multiple paragon runes, bottles of etching agent and blank runestones.
"Excellent. Considering what I'm buying, I'll need this kind of pack." Aedan replied placing the pack on the counter.
"The pack alone will be will be 72 sovereigns and 65 silvers." Aedan counted out his money before handing it over to the Proprietor who placed it inside the counter.
"The weapon paragon runes are 302 sovereigns and 40 silvers." Aedan rolled his eyes and counted it out again before handing it to the Proprietor. At this rate, all the money he had amassed since leaving the Circle. The Couslands had payed him handsomely, but he also got jobs from the Chanter's Boards in different villages. They payed well but at this rate he was going to be broke soon.
"The armor paragon runes are 16 sovereigns, 87 silvers and 50 coppers." Aedan just gave the bag of money to the tranquil and let him count it out this time. There was no point trying to count it out when someone else could do it and they won't steal from you. Once the Proprietor was done he counted up how much the etching agent and blank runestones would be.
"The etching agent is 24 silvers while the blank runestones are 1 silver and 50 coppers." The Proprietor counted out before taking the money out of the bag. He then placed the items in Aedan's new backpack before handing him his things.
"Is there anything else that you need?" The Proprietor asked. Aedan shook his head sullenly and left, putting his backpack on as he exited.
That was a lot of money that you spent. Shartan spoke.
'I know! It was practically all of my money. I only have maybe a handful of sovereigns left. I'll need to find some way to get some more money.' Aedan thought furiously.
During this time I could teach you some new combat moves or at least help you fight with and use your magic at the same time. Aedan thought it over and nodded.
'Sounds good.' He decided to walk towards the Alienage and say bye to Kallian and Cyrion while he was still in the city.
A few minutes he found himself back at their house. He noticed several elves looking his way with rather unscrupulous eyes. Not wanting a confrontation, he quickly knocked on the door and waited. A familiar red-haired elf opened the door. Aedan almost mistook her for Kallian before noticing the differences. She had light green eyes, but her hair was done in multiple braids. Her facial features were more softer as opposed to Kallian's slightly sharper ones. Other than that, she seemed almost a year younger than himself and Kallian.
"Do you have any business here?" The elf asked.
"Um yes. I'm visiting Kallian Tabris." The elf narrowed her eyes at him before walking out and closing the door.
"Look," Aedan was surprised at the rough tone she took. "I don't know who you are or what business you have with my cousin, but you really shouldn't be here." She said. Aedan however remembered her finally.
"Shianni?" He asked in mild surprise. Shianni lost her composure from the unexpected question.
"How do you know my name?" She asked him with narrowed eyes. Aedan smiled at her.
"You may not remember me, but I used to play with Kallian when we were children. You were four at the time I believe. I would always be there with her looking after you and Soris." While he was talking, Shianni's eyes lost their hard look and studied him closely. Who this human was describing had to be that black haired elf boy that always played with them. The one who was taken. She shook her head no.
"No, I'm afraid I don't remember you. All I remember was another elf boy who was taken from here." Aedan raised an eyebrow at her.
"Well, I'm not an elf but I am half-elf, so I don't blame you for that. Look, I just want to say goodbye to Kallian before leaving." he said cutting her off from whatever tirade she was going to go into. That was when someone walked up to them.
"Shianni, is everything alright?" An elderly elf asked walking up to them with another elf behind him. He looked somewhat like Kallian and Shianni, but he seemed to be avoiding his gaze. His very posture spoke of shyness and introversy.
"Everything is find Valendrian. Just this human who wants to speak to Kallian." Shianni said gesturing to him. Aedan however was studying the two new arrivals. That was when the name clicked.
"Valendrian?" He asked gaining the elder's attention. Aedan smirked.
"The years have been kind to you, old man." Shianni looked angry at him while Soris looked shocked at his disrespect. Valendrian studied him closely before his eyes widened. His expression morphed from shock to happiness in a second.
"Good to see that the years haven't taken your smart mouth, Aedan." He replied back smirking. Aedan grinned as Shianni and Soris looked at Valendrian in shock. Aedan extended his hand to the old man and shook his hand.
"It's good to see you again, Valendrian."
"Same to you, lad. Goodness, it is difficult to see that the little troublemaker from a decade ago turned into the young man I see before me now. You can probably see clearly over my head."
"Yep." Aedan said with an emphasis on the p.
"Hahren, who is this?" Soris spoke quietly.
"Do you not remember? This is the boy who would play with you and your cousins when you were children." Valendrian explained. That was when he continued on and told the two that Aedan was indeed their friend in the past. Shianni apologized profusely for her actions with Aedan trying to calm her down. Eventually, Kallian and Cyrion came up to them.
"Aedan! What are you doing back?" She asked.
"Well, I'm leaving the city now and I just wanted to say goodbye. We didn't have a chance last time considering what happened." Aedan said holding his arms out for a hug. Kallian's face got depressed and she looked close to tears almost which was a bit of a shock to her cousins since they hadn't seen her since her mother died. Kallian quickly hugged him and held him for a while. Cyrion and Valendrian gave each other a look. Valendrian was looking at him as if to say 'see'. Kallian eventually let go.
"Be careful, ok? If I find out you died, I'll bring you back to life and kill you myself." Aedan chuckled at her.
"Agreed." He shook hands with the rest of them before he noticed something going on behind them.
"What going on over there?" He asked nodding in the direction behind them. They all turned to where he nodded at. Aedan immediately noticed the hard looks they were giving. Aedan focused in and saw that some other elves were bringing someone in with people crowding around. The group got closer and saw that the person who was brought in was an elven woman. She was shaking and her clothes were ripped. Her body was covered in bruises. What got to Aedan the most however were her eyes. They switched from terrified to near lifeless overtime her eyes flitted around, red from crying.
'What happened to her?' Aedan thought to himself.
She looks as if she's been raped and beaten. Shartan replied back. Aedan could feel the anger simmering from the sword and it only served to mirror his own. Whoever did this was in for some trouble. That's for damn sure.
"Who did this?" He asked aloud drawing everyone's gazes to himself. Some of the elven men looked like they were going to jump him until he began to approach the quivering woman. One man sought to stand between him and the woman. He looked as if he was going to start accusing him of something until he looked Aedan straight in the eye. Upon seeing the fiercest glare he had ever seen, he immediately back peddled to the crowd. Aedan knelt next to the woman who hadn't taken her eyes off of him. Aedan forced himself to bottle up the rage he was feeling. He was only going to scare her if he didn't.
He raised his hand up to her and she flinched and whimpered.
"Shhh. I'm not going to hurt you. Just relax." His hand glowed causing most of the crowd to gasp. The light from his hand enveloped the woman who immediately began to calm down when she felt her bruises and pain fade away.
"Now what's your name?" Aedan asked softly as he lowered his hand.
"E-Elanna." She whispered out.
"Elanna?" She nodded.
"Pretty name for a pretty lady." She had no outward reaction but didn't seem to take no offense or fright from his compliment.
"Elanna, I know you've had a pretty bad night, but I need you to tell me who did this to you." Aedan asked.
"W-Why?"
"So I can find him." He said.
"W-What are y-you going to do?"
"I'm going to talk with him." Aedan heard someone say talk and whispers started to go about. Some not too kind.
"You can't do anything. He's the Arl's son." Aedan gave her a small smile and gently grabbed her hand.
"Sweetie, no one is untouchable. Now tell me who he is so he and I can talk." She didn't answer at first, but remained patient.
"Vaughan, Vaughan Kendalls." Aedan's eyebrows raised up.
"Vaughan Kendalls?" She nodded sadly thinking he was afraid. She shouldn't be surprised. Shems are such liars. Aedan looked back at Kallian
"The same Vaughan Kendalls who I pushed into horse dung when I was five?" He asked to the shock of everyone. Some of the older elves now recognized him due to them knowing only one child who dare did that. They were all whispering his name now.
"Is that Aedan?"
"The elf-blooded child that lived before the Templars took him away?
"Can't be, he's too quiet."
"But look at him. He's looks just like Daylen and he's got Dahlia's eyes."
Aedan got off the ground and looked at Elanna. Everyone was looking at him again.
"Thank you for telling me. Now you'll wake up inside your home, all rested up. Your nightmare is over." With that he raised his hand and waved it over her. Immediately she fell asleep. He looked to the stunned ground.
"I don't know where she lives, but could someone please take her home?" A few elves immediately lifted her off the ground and took her to her home. Aedan began walking to the gate with Kallian not far from him.
"Aedan what do you think you're doing?" She asked. Not stopping, Aedan replied back.
"I'm going to see one more person from my childhood before I leave Denerim."
"Are you crazy?!" Both stopped with Aedan looking upwards in thought and Kallian looking at him expectantly. Aedan raised his left hand up and made a pinching motion.
"A little." Kallian said exasperated as she flung her arms in the air. Then she suddenly felt strong arms around in her warm embrace. Next, she felt a pair of lips pecking her forehead. A light shade of pink came to her cheeks.
"You should remember by now that I can't stand still when someone hurts another." Aedan whispered to her before letting go. "Goodbye, Kallian. It was great seeing you again." With that he left the Alienage and headed to the Arl's Estate.
Hours later...
It was now dark and most of the guards had turned in for the night. Aedan raised his hood up and approached the front door with only two guards between him and entering.
"Hold there. What business do you have in the Arl's Estate?" The guard demanded.
"My business is my own. Now move aside." Aedan ordered back. The two guards looked at each other before taking their swords out.
"We won't tell you again friend. Leave this place and be thankful we're in a forgiving mood." Said the other guard. Aedan calmly took off his backpack and placed it on the ground.
Aedan, take me off your back. Don't put me down. This'll serve as my first lesson to you.
'Do I get to draw you?'
Yes.Aedan took off the sword and slowly drew it out of its sheathe. Aedan took a brief moment to observe the blade and couldn't help but admire its craftsmanship.
"Good lookin' sword you got there. Wouldn't mind having me one. Think I'll take it off your cold dead hands!" The first guard said as he charged at him. Without thinking, Aedan blocked the overhead slash and leaned down, pulling the guard with him who ended up landing on Aedan's sword. The blade went completely through his stomach. Aedan stood up and with little effort, pulled the sword back through the guard. The second guard got over his shock and tried to slash Aedan at the neck, but Aedan blocked his blade with Shartan's sheathe. To the shock of both men, the sheathe didn't crack or break at all. Aedan took advantage of this and swiped his sword from the back of the guards legs sending him airborne. With speed he didn't know he had, Aedan beheaded the man while he was still in the air.
Aedan looked at the scene in shock as the man's head rolled on the ground with an expression of shock still on his face. When had he been able to do that?
That is what happens when you and I are in sync with one another. Basically, I give some attacks that Shartan used when he was alive and you use them in battle. Though I have to admit, I'm surprised.
'At what?'
At the fact that you executed those moves perfectly. At Aedan's confused looked he explained more. Those moves that you used were techniques that Shartan trained for years to master. Especially that last one, though you did use some kind of spell as soon as the fight started.
'I did?' Then Aedan felt that his body was light. An obvious feeling from the Haste spell. 'I must've subconsciously casted Haste on myself.'
There are other moves that you will learn later on but first, shouldn't we talk with someone? Right, he had to meet with Vaughan first. He crept through the estate easily enough until he found Vaughan's room which was guarded by two guards. Aedan was about to charge a spell before Shartan chimed in again.
Wait, this is the first time I've had a partner who was good at hiding and since you're a mage, you might be able to take it a step further.
'What do you mean?' Aedan thought.
You're very stealthy since you've made it through with no more fights till now and from what I can tell from your memories, you're pretty fast, able to flicker to one person. As a mage you might be able to control shadows and take your combat up a level. Not only that, but a real fighter who wants to finish fast takes notice of their opponents weaknesses.
'I'm listening.'
Look at their armor. Aedan carefully looked at it without being seen. Notice the weak points on it. The neck, the armpits, and the area around the torso. Even the scales around the chest are a vulnerability we can take advantage of.
'I see.'
Now, what kind of approach do you want to do?
'Watch this.' Aedan let his magic come over him and bent the shadows around him. He then flickered over to the closest guard and stabbed in the throat with one of the daggers Teyrn Cousland gave him. The other guard was so frightened at how a blur a shadows suddenly took out his companion that he didn't see the blade of a sword coming at him until it too late. His throat was slit and blood poured from the wound like a crimson river. The only sound he could make was the sound of his armor scraping again the stone wall.
Impressive. Very impressive.
'Thank you.' Aedan saw the door and opened it silently. He entered into the room where it held a warm hearth, elegant furniture and on the bed was the bastard himself. Aedan closed the door and walked to the son of bitch. He studied the man and immediately recognized him as Vaughan Kendalls. He was terrible when he was younger, but when Aedan left, he never thought about what kind of man Vaughan would turn into. Now when he finally returned after 12 long years, he finally saw what had become of the brat. A horrid, sadistic piece of filth that targeted the less fortunate. It was time to put him in his place like he had done years ago in the market. He mumbles a small enchantment onto the sword before a light sheen of frost appear on the blade of his sword.
Wow, that's new. Aedan ignored the comment and placed the edge of the sword onto Vaughan's neck. He woke up at the sudden cold feeling on his neck. He looked up at him and held frightened eyes. Good.
"Who are you?! Guards?! Guards!" Vaughan called out in alarm.
"They aren't coming. They're dead. It's just you and me Vaughan." Aedan said as pressed the blade to his neck.
"What do you want?"
"What I want isn't why I'm here. It's what you need." Aedan spoke in his coldest voice.
"What I need?"
"Yes, you need to stop raping innocent women, be they human or elven." As soon as he said elven Vaughan's frightened expression turned into one of scorn.
"So that's why you're here. Figures that little knife-eared whore would-" Before he finished that sentence, Aedan grabbed Vaughan by his neck with one hand and lifted him out of the bed and dragged him to lit hearth. He kicked the chair away from it and threw Vaughan on to the ground next to it. He then kicked him so his head was right next to the flames and stepped on his neck. Vaughan's anger was replaced by terror quickly.
"Now you listen to me you sad, pathetic son of a bitch. I find out you do this again to anyone, and I will, I will personally come back down here, sneak into this place, kill your guards again and next time I will give you a very painful death. Am I clear?" Aedan threatened. Vaughan nodded, whimpering and having tears in his eyes. Aedan took his foot of his neck and kicked him hard enough to knock Vaughan unconscious.
Andraste would be so ashamed to see this as the future.
'I can't agree with you more.' Aedan thought before He casted Horror on the unconscious man. That'll show him. He turned around and went looking through Vaughan's stuff and finding a key. He immediately left the room and traveled down the halls until he came to a large steel door. He used the key and opened the door easily. Looking inside, he saw that it was full of bags of money. Aedan took the biggest bag that held a lot of sovereigns and quickly moved back to the front. He grabbed his bag, placed the money inside and quickly left the area.
Outside of Denerim. Roughly 30 minutes later.
Aedan was galloping out of the city and towards Orzammar's general direction with great haste. He did not want to be in the city after Vaughan woke up.
So now we're headed toward Orzammar?
'Yes.'
Do you think that money replaced what you spent on your supplies? Aedan raised an eyebrow and smirked
'Replaced? I think it's safe to say that I made some money on this trip.' Aedan thought chuckling at the end. Shartan joined him. The joked and laughed through the night as Denerim got smaller and smaller behind them.
Aedan had released his steed and ventured further from Orzammar's entrance until he came to a cave. It had been grueling, having to travel from one side of Ferelden to the other. It had taken a full three weeks of near nonstop travel and now it was close to the end of the year. Aedan created a fireball in his hands and illuminated the cave. From what he could see, it was deep enough to provide cover but it was not part of the Deep Roads. Thank the Maker. He did not need to deal with the darkspawn. He gathered wood from outside and made a fire within the cave.
'Well, here we are.' Aedan thought as he started taking things out of his backpack and placing them on the cave floor.
Yes, this is perfect. Here, I will help you develop your skills and abilities as you try to create the runes you desire.
'Good. I'm already a master of stealth since we left Vaughan's estate. but that won't be enough.' Aedan said as he pulled out the runes from the shop.
Yes. An expert can fade from view, use items while sneaking, sneak during combat, but only a master can become invisible in combat. It is time to sharpen yourself Aedan. To fight Reaper and his followers, you're going to need more than your arsenal of spells, and your current training. Your magic, willpower, and constitution are strong. You are indeed more cunning than one would believe, but you are weaker in strength and dexterity. Both are needed to take on the soldiers Reaper has. Aedan felt a surge of determination flood his being.
'Let's do this.'
Before we begin, do you have everything?
'Yes.' Aedan replied pointing to all the herbs, venoms, food, water and clothing, etc. that he had placed on the floor.
'I'm ready.' Aedan stood up before looking outside. There was a big snow storm happening outside. The wind was really beginning to pick up. That's what happens in this region around winter. Snow all year round except when winter comes, that's when it becomes a blizzard.
We'll start after it passes.
'Good idea.' Aedan replied as he grabbed a think pelt and covered himself in it.
After a few more minutes of silence, Aedan asked Shartan a question that's been one his mind since he had gotten him.
'Shartan?'
Yes?
'Why did you contact me?' Shartan didn't answer immediately.
'It's fine if you don't tell me. I was just wondering-'
It's fine. The reason I contacted you is because I chose you to be my wielder. I would only ever want to be wielded during a time when the People needed me and I wanted my wielder to have the blood of the elves coursing through their veins. Not only that, but I've been watching since the time of your birth. The second you used your magic on Reaper, I knew you were the one. The only one who could hear my voice.
Aedan was speechless for a second. This sword had been waiting for him? All of these years?
'How?' The answer shook Aedan to his core.
Because my blood flows through your veins.
Okay. New update. Tell me what you think.
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