Chapter 5) Origin of the Shadow Assassin – Corrupted

Cleon POV


I was young. Young, naïve, and foolish. But even I knew what the discussion of today would be. I knew enough about my parents to know that they had not been formally married. Because of this, the Keepers would be discussing what should be done with us. My sister and me. Children of Keeper and Hunter, a secret union. Neither of us had magic, but they would still decide what would happen to us. Stay with the Clan? Move to another? Together or separated? So many possibilities. Even though I was young, I knew enough. And I was scared. So, so scared.

"Why are you away from the others, da'len?" I looked up to see someone approach. I knew him. Keeper Zathrian. Hahren Paivel had said he'd been good friends with my father. Still, I didn't answer him, just stared. Studied. I could see the bloodshot eyes, the tear marks on his face. He'd been crying. Silently. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want to leave." The words were quick. "I… I don't want to leave my Clan."

"…So, you know, despite Marethari's best efforts."

"Ashalle was crying. I… I tried to find out who did it, but…" Hesitantly, I reached out and gripped his robe. "I don't want to leave. I want to stay, here, with Lyna and Ashalle and Tamlen and… and everyone."

"So certain." He knelt down to look me in the eye, smiling reassuringly. "Why is that?"

"My father lived there. My mamae died there." I felt closest to them there. "I love the people there. It's home. I never want to leave."

He studied me for a moment. "You've your father's eyes." Huh? "I can guarantee nothing, Cleon, but I will speak on your behalf. I promise you that."

Really? "Ma serannas!"


When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a familiar sight. This was my… I was home. I was back at camp. How… when… what was going on?

"Cleon?" I turned to the entrance to see Lyna there. "You… you're awake?" Her voice was shaky.

"Seems so?" My voice was soft, raspy even. Why was that? What all had happened? "Lyna? You okay? You look pale."

"Oh… oh, blessed be you and your mercy, Creators!" She practically tackled me off the bed as she started to bawl. "Stupid Cleon! Stupid, stupid, stupid brother!"

"Hey, easy there," I murmured, patting her on the back. "You'll stress the baby."

"Then you should've not have been carried back with a fever, with a healer mentioned of the injuries she healed, which, by the way, included a cracked skull, and Tamlen should've not disappeared!"

Did I just hear that? "What do you mean Tamlen disappeared?" I'd ignore the injuries to myself later.

Sniffling, she pulled away, rubbing harshly at her eyes. "That strange man and mage brought you back," she explained. "But… but just you. We asked about Tamlen, but they only found you."

"He must still be in those stupid ruins." I moved to get out of my cot. "I have to go get him."

"You have to get dressed, reassure Ashalle and Merrill, and talk to Keeper Marethari." And she was giving me that 'if you don't obey, I will scream and bawl' look. "Here, let me get you your clothes."

"Fine, fine." I sighed. She got up and bustled about. "Okay, be honest. Before I step out, do I look all right?"

"You're being vain now of all times?"

"Well, I am your twin, Miss 'does this dress make me look fat even though I'm pregnant'." She stuck her tongue out at me. "And no, I meant more like do I look like I did before? Some very strange things happened, Lyna."

"If you say so." She set down a pile of clothes besides me and made of show of studying me closely. "Well, your vallaslin are intact, still the simple version of Mythal's. You're just as tan as before. Hair is nice and brown and your eyes are still the sparkling green that Merrill oh-so loves." I made a face and she laughed. "You look thinner, Cleon, but you've been horribly sick for nearly two days. That's no surprise."

"I see… two days?!"

"I didn't bawl for no reason," she muttered. "Keeper Marethari said your fever broke, but you were groaning and screaming in your sleep half a day longer. It was terrifying. The da'len were convinced you were being attacked by a monster and made all these little gifts to keep you safe and Master Ilen carved little weapons for your spirit to use to fight off whatever was plaguing you. They're there by the entrance. Hahren Paivel had to work really hard to keep the peace because Keeper Marethari was so busy and everyone was worried about you. Even the halla. Maren had to work really hard to keep the halla calm, since they love you so much. Oh, and Merrill and I broke down twice each, once in public. You may thank Vinell for calming Merrill for you, by the way."

…Oh, Creators… "I have a lot to make up for, huh?"

"You know it. And before I forget to mention it, Ashalle sat right outside until Keeper Marethari announced that you should be fine and didn't budge one bit, and you know how her back still hurts from that tree incident!"

I winced at that. Ashalle was essentially my mother. I always went out of my way to not cause her distress, and what did I end up doing? "I'm sorry." No, that was too tame. I'd horribly hurt the clan. But what else could I say?

"Just… look, stand up and let me help you."

"All right."

It didn't take long for me to get dressed. It wasn't the first time Lyna helped me with it after all. We'd both taken wounds in the past that made dressing difficult and saw nothing wrong with siblings helping each other. She remained behind to clean up the room as I stepped outside and breathed the fresh air. The Clan was bustling about as usual. No, with more fervor than usual. Was something wrong? Was it Tamlen? I'd need to find someone soon to ask.

Of course, I hadn't taken two steps before someone enveloped me in a hug. "You're awake." I would recognize that voice, and the hug, anywhere, even if it was thicker than usual because of crying. Ashalle. "Mythal, I thank you for hearing my prayer and protecting him."

"I'm sorry, Ashalle," I mumbled awkwardly, returning her hug. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"Oh, hush, and stop being so serious. No one in their right mind asks to be so ill, and I know you're in your right mind. Most days." She pulled away and started messing around with my clothes and hair. It was a habit of hers, to reassure herself that Lyna and me were okay after some sort of injury or illness. "Go walk around camp and let everyone that you're okay, will you?" She smiled at me, patting my cheek. "Start with Ilen. I swear; I don't think that man has slept since you were brought back."

"He's working, right?" Not sleeping? But he needed sleep for his crafting and… oh, he'd better not have nearly taken his fingers off again.

"Yes, so off you go." Nodding at her order, I kissed her cheek in farewell before making my way towards Master Ilen's work area. I thought about going straight there, but then decided to go the slightly longer way. More would see me that way.

Like Fenarel, who ambushed me with a hug as I passed by a group of hunters. "You're awake!" he laughed, beaming. "You had us all worried, you know."

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "Really."

"Yeah, yeah. Well, no accidents on our end. We knew you'd feel horrible about it, so we took extra care." Oh, good. "You've the gods' own luck, lethalin."

"Or I just used up all that they allotted me."

"Stop being so serious." He laughed, but then he slung an arm over my shoulder to whisper, "Hey, there are hunters looking for Tamlen, but I think the Keeper is going to see if you and Merrill can check the ruins. Do you mind if I come along?"

"I'd welcome it," I replied. "But ask the Keeper first."

"I'll get on that. Don't leave until I come and let you know what she said?"

"Of course." I'd be busy for a while anyway.

"Cleon, over here!" I heard Junar call as Fenarel raced off. I almost asked why he wanted me near the area our hunters practiced their archery when I noticed the new face. "Come and greet our newest clan member!"

"Well, aneth ara, lethallin!" I laughed, walking up. I made sure to smile and move slowly. The elf looked like he was ready to bolt. "Stuck with Junar, then?"

"Haha, Cleon." Junar rolled his eyes. "Pol, this is Cleon, our best huntsman. He prefers knives to the bow, though."

"I'm not the best."

"One of the best."

"Junar, I will kick you." Junar laughed and I sighed. "Well, Pol, you all right?"

"Y-yeah," Pol squeaked. "Just a little nervous."

"What brought you to our Clan?"

"Uh… well, see, my brother and I were actually on our way to a wedding in the Denerim Alienage and… well, I decided that I wanted to live free among the Dalish, and, you know, not be trapped marrying a stranger, so I fled to the forest. And got lost."

"One of our hunters found him yesterday," Junar continued. "He's not bad. A couple of months and I think we can make him as good a hunter as anyone."

"Well, he does have the best teacher." Junar rolled his eyes at me and I laughed. "I'd stay to talk more, but I've rounds to make."

"That you do. You scared basically everyone."

"Right. Until later." I waved as I continued on my way to Master Ilen's work area.

Luckily for me, he wasn't in the middle of molding ironbark. It was never wise to interrupt him then. "I'd heard you were awake!" he laughed, swinging over his workbench to clap me on the shoulder. "You had us worried."

"So I've been hearing," I replied, trying not to wince at the fresh bandages on his hands. He had hurt himself.

"I bet you have. But you're going to have to go on a fetch quest for me later. My apprentices were so worried that they ruined a couple of bows."

Oh, you have got to be kidding me. This was why I always took care to not get injured or sick in the first place! "I'm sorry."

"Well, if losing the bows meant we got to keep you, I don't mind." His smile faded. "I don't know what we'd do if we lost you, Cleon. Especially so suddenly. Your father's death… ah, you don't need to hear this from me." My father's unexpected death. That was the reason why everyone was so scared. They had all loved him and, because I was his son, they loved me. Only one person hadn't, at least enough to stay. My mamae had abandoned Lyna and me not long after giving birth. Everyone said she just broke when it was announced that my father was dead, dead from an ambush of all things. My mother had called him out to tell him of her pregnancy and they'd… he gave his life to protect her. Her, one of the best hunters of the Elvhen, saved by the one she loved most. She was, apparently, never quite right after that, like she'd died with him and left to make it official or something strange like that. I wished she'd stayed a bit longer, though. Just enough for one memory. A memory of my own, not some… mess of impressions from stories. Father didn't have the choice. He'd left because it was impossible to heal his wounds in time. But she did. She had that choice. And I really, really wished she'd chosen differently.

"I shall endeavor to not worry the Clan so much again," I promised, shaking the wishes out of my head. There was nothing to be done about them. "For now, though, I still have people to reassure."

"Yes, go on." His smile returned and he ruffled my hair. He had a habit of doing that when he was saying goodbye. "Try not to cause a stampede."

"Yes, sir." Right then, the next destination in camp would be… would be to go to the fire where Hahren Paivel was lecturing the da'len. Because I knew what was coming and I wanted to get it out of the way.

"Cleon!" some of the da'len called, racing up to hug my legs as I approached the central fire. That was where he always gave the lectures, and it wasn't far from Master Ilen's workplace. "Yay! You won!" "You beat the monsters!" "Knew you would!" "Cleon, can you play with us now?"

"Settle down," Hahren Paivel ordered. "Yes, it's good that Cleon is awake, but keep babbling all at once at him, and you might tire him too quickly." They quickly went back to their seats around the fire. "Talk among yourselves for a while, so that I can talk to Cleon." Yeah, 'talk'. I knew that look on his face. I was about to get a lecture. I always got lectures from him. Despite him being such good friends with my father, I never seemed to be able to measure up in his eyes.

"Yes, Hahren?" I whispered as the da'len obeyed. Here it comes.

"What were you two thinking, wandering into that cave?" He kept his tone civil and even, which made it all the worse. "Without even coming for the Keeper first."

"Well, Tamlen insisted and-"

"And you've no mind of your own?"

"He went ahead. Was I to leave him alone?"

"You are stronger, and taller, than him. You should've dragged him back." I winced. Yes, I should've done that. I tried to do that in the end. I failed, miserably. "There are prices we will not pay for lore, and the lives of our hunters is one of them."

"He wanted to see if it was an elvish ruin."

"You still should've come back."

"…Yes, sir."

"Good that you are listening." And wanted to crawl into a hole. "Now then, what should we do as punishment, Marethari?" I turned to see the Keeper approaching with a soft smile. Of course, the soft smile meant nothing. She would often smile before giving you a lecture that made you feel like a two year old.

"I do not know, Paivel," she replied with a light laugh. "Another story study, and you might as well be training him to be your successor as hahren."

"I enjoy hunting, and Hahren Paivel will probably outlive me," I tried to joke. The joke fell flat at how close it had been. "I thank you, Keeper Marethari, for helping me."

"There's no need to thank me, Cleon. You know this." Did I ever. Keeper Marethari was somewhere between sister and mother to me. My father had treated her like his daughter before his death, and it was a relationship that bled over in her interactions with Lyna and me. "But he is right on a punishment. Paivel, perhaps you can come up with one after the lessons today? I need to speak to Cleon."

"Of course," Hahren Paivel replied, giving me a stern look. As always, I squirmed under it. Argh… what did I have to do to get some praise from him? I worked as hard as I could! I took my duties seriously! Yes, I slipped every so often, but… "Until then."

He walked away, and I found myself at the sole attention of Keeper Marethari. Joy of joys. "I am grateful Duncan found you when he did," she whispered. Duncan? An odd name. "A dark power held you and it took much of my magic to save you." I had a lot to repay, then. "Tell me. Did you see twisted creatures when you were in the ruins?"

"No, none," I answered honestly. "We saw nothing alive, once we entered." Just a very, very strange mirror.

"You are certain? No strange thing?"

"No." Wait, no, there was… "No, wait, there was something strange. When Tamlen and I find that mirror, there was a wolf. Then a Spirit."

"A mirror? Wolf and Spirit?" She sighed heavily. "I have never heard of such things in the lore we've collected." So, Tamlen and I did stumble on something important. "I had hoped for answers, but it seems the Creators wished for more questions instead."

"Abelas, Keeper."

"No, do not apologize. I am merely worried." She sighed again. "Tamlen remains missing, as I'm sure you've heard. He is more important than any sort of lore, and if his condition is anything like yours, then the situation is grave."

"I'm prepared to go back to the ruin," I answered immediately.

"Are you certain you're well enough?"

"Always."

"I'm relieved to hear that." She smiled, but it soon fell. "You must move quickly, though. I've ordered the camp to pack up, so that we can move north."

"What for?"

"The nearby humans are making a fuss." …Of course they were. "Did you and Tamlen…?"

"We encountered some, threatened them, but ultimately let them go." And what did they do? Make a fuss anyway.

"That is the way of things, sometimes. We would've had to move soon anyway, due to the Blight." She patted my shoulder even as I tried to remember what a 'Blight' was. I could only remember that it had something to do with the Wardens. Hahren Paivel had starting telling stories of the warriors and their deeds recently. "Find Merrill and head off. Behave."

"Yes, Keeper."

"Until you return, da'len." I bowed in respect, before walking away, hunting around for where Merrill would be waiting. As I hunted, though, I noticed something peculiar. The halla were all staring at me, looking troubled over something.

"Maren, is everything all right with the halla?" I asked as I finally gave in and approached where they were grazing. "There's not an illness or something, is there?"

"No, not at the moment," Maren replied, as she set about soothing her charges. She was the one who tended to our halla, an important job. "No, they are just quite nervous. They sense something we can't see." She looked to me. "They're worried about you still. Are you truly well?"

"I feel it," I answered. "I'm more tired, yes, but otherwise…"

"I see. Maybe it's just leftover, then. They were all afraid that some trick would take you away." What trick? "Ah, but please, don't let me keep you. Merrill is just over there, by the aravel."

"Thanks." I smiled and waved a goodbye as I walked away. Let's see… providing Maren wasn't playing a trick on me, then…

"Oh! Cleon!" Ah, and there was Merrill. She looked wonderful, just as always. "There you are! Are you all right? I mean; you look all right, more than all right… um… wait, that wasn't what I…"

"Hey to you too," I laughed softly, smiling at her. "Sorry to worry you."

"I knew you would be fine. Well, I hoped it really hard, so I pretended I knew. I think the Keeper would scold me for that, though." She giggled and smiled back. "I'm glad I was right, though. It's been a long two days."

"Well, what can I do to make it up?"

"Um… well…"

I laughed and brushed a quick kiss over her mouth. "Does that help?"

"Oh, yes. Quite." She was blushing, but still smiling. "Perhaps anoth-?"

"Do I need to make another round through camp to give you some time alone?" Fenarel asked dryly as he approached. I mimed a blow at him and he laughed. "Seriously, should I? I know how a promised couple can be."

"No," I sighed. Right, Fenarel had been married for almost as long as Tamlen had. "Tamlen's been alone for two days."

"Right, so we must go immediately," Merrill agreed. "Cleon and I can be alone later. Hopefully. I'd like that, at least."

"Well, I'll do my part and help you two out," Fenarel laughed. "Oh, don't make that face, Merrill. Keeper Marethari gave me permission. So let's find our wayward friend. If we leave now, we'll have him back home before the sun rests!"

Creators, please let that be the case. Please…


"Well, here it is," I told them quietly as we approached the ruins. My instincts were screaming even louder this time. "The room we're looking for is deep inside it."

"Oh, what are those things at the entrance?" Fenarel asked. I almost demanded what he was talking about, but then I saw the corpses. I'd never seen such twisted creatures before. They were definitely of different, yet similar, race, though. Most looked as if they'd been felled by blade, but one, farther away from the others, looked as if it had been attacked with magic. Quite violently too. What sort of sick mind killed like that?

"They're quite unusual," Merrill commented, kneeling down to get a closer look. I immediately dragged her back up. "Cleon?" I didn't answer, just stared at the blood. "Cleon?"

"There's… sorry, instinct," I murmured. The blood… something was wrong about that blood. It made me sick to look at. "They weren't there before."

"I see. Well, Tamlen's not near."

"Then let's head in and get out."

"All right." She studied me closely before shyly kissing my cheek. "You okay?"

"Well, if I wasn't before…"

"So, any traps I need to be aware of while you two flirt?" Fenarel asked dryly as he went on ahead.

"Not if we go the route Tamlen and I did," I sighed, making a face at him. He laughed. "Come on. I'll lead."

"If you say… wow, I don't blame Tamlen for wanting to explore."

"I do."

"Well, yeah, in retrospect."

"Step where I do, please."

Everything was just as it had been before. The same broken doors. The same crumbling walls. The same twisting trees. Every so often, though, I caught something that I thought might be different, and wondered if it was a result of whatever it was that had carried me back to the entrance.

"I hear something," Fenarel whispered. I nearly jumped at the sound. He and Merrill had been perfectly silent as I led the way. "How close are we?"

I glanced around. "Around this corner, we'll see the statue that marks the door," I answered.

"I'll peek around the corner then, just in case." At my nod, he did just that. "Well, there's a young girl standing there. Can't see much, other than she's wearing some odd clothes for traveling, has some blood on the bottom of her dress, and her hair is a slightly redder version of Lyna's."

"Elf?"

"Nah, shem'len."

"I suppose it is heartwarming to see that there are yet shem'len willing to risk a slow death for treasure."

"Wait, hold on," Merrill mumbled, peering around Fenarel. "Oh, Cleon, go up and thank her."

What? "For…?"

"She's the one who healed you." Oh. Oh, and she was pouting. "So, go thank her." Welp, I was definitely going to. Honestly, the worst thing Merrill could do to anyone was make those frowny faces.

"Is someone there?" someone called then. I assumed it was the shem'len girl. Her accent was very odd, and sounded quite shaken. "Hello?"

"We're just looking for someone," Merrill answered, stepping out with a smile. She was always one to trust blindly. "Hello again."

"Oh, you are the girl who demanded to know what happened to her lover!" Well, that was fun to note. "You did not come alone, did you?"

"No, there are two others." She pouted at Fenarel and me. "Please come out before I embarrass myself further?"

"I don't see why not," Fenarel laughed, dragging me with him. "Why are you here, girl?"

"Oh, I am glad to see you are on your feet," the girl said, completely ignoring Fenarel's question to focus on me. "You were in quite the bad state. Are you feeling well? You probably should not have been walking such a distance."

"You… could answer my friend's question," I replied slowly. She talked fast, and was strangely bubbly for this place. She also looked incredibly relieved. What had shaken her so much?

"Eh? Oh! I am so sorry! My deepest apologies! Ah, how could I be so rude?" She was… actually flailing. How old was she? "What was the question again, Ser? I really am sorry."

"Just what are you doing here?" Fenarel repeated, smiling in stunned amusement. I agreed with him. Never had I met a shem'len like her.

"Oh, Commander Duncan wanted to check this place over for anyone we missed last time. I heard the sound of glass breaking just a few seconds ago, so I believe he destroyed the mirror inside. I hope he does not get seven years of bad luck."

"Destroy…?" Merrill repeated, eyes widening. "But… but that's a piece of our heritage!"

"One that you would be better off forgetting." That voice belonged to the armored shem'len who stepped out of the room. Mirror shards clung to his armor, but he casually brushed them off. "The last that I heard of these, they were in Imperium care."

"But…"

"Commander Duncan, it is important to them," the shem'len girl pointed out, bending down to pick up a shard. "Well, it is impossible to repair a mirror, but perhaps you can find out something from the pieces." Without fear, she ran up and placed a shard in Merrill's hands. "Shall I find you more?"

"No, this… will hopefully be enough."

"Regardless, we still have hunting to do," I pointed out, shoving aside my unease at the shard in Merrill's hand. I would forever hate mirrors, I think, from this point on. Especially mirrors in ruins.

"Yeah, for Tamlen," Fenarel added, likely clarifying for the two shem'len.

"I'm afraid there is nothing that can be done for your friend." Everything froze with the armored shem'len's words. "We are the only living things in this ruin. We checked every inch of it. He is gone." …Wha…? No, I had to be hearing wrong. Nothing I could do for him? He was gone? Tamlen? Tamlen, my best friend, my brother? Gone? I couldn't accept that. I wouldn't accept it. Tamlen… Tamlen had to be…!

The world swirled with my thoughts and it took a moment to realize it was because I was dizzy and was losing my balance. "Cleon!" That was Merrill. She sounded worried. Again. I was worrying her again. "Oh, I knew you were pushing yourself too much! I should've made you rest back at the entrance. Cleon, emma lath, let's head back before you collapse."

"Tamlen," I whispered, shaking my head to try and focus. "I have to find…"

"There's nothing to be done for your friend and if you're not careful, there will be nothing that can be done for you," the armored shem'len countered. He had a hand on the girl shem'en's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

I wanted to protest, but there was something in that shem'len's old eyes that told me that there would be no point to it. There really wasn't anything to do for Tamlen except… except… Oh, Lyna, I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry, but I… I failed to protect…

Ah, Creators, I wish you would return so that I could ask why Tamlen had to… to die like this. Just why?


I was feeling physically better when we returned to the camp. Mentally, though, I would freely admit, at least to myself, that I was a wreck. Tamlen was gone. I had failed to save him. Those screams… they must have been his. He'd been so afraid and those screams

The Keeper was waiting for us, right on the edge of the camp. "I'm relieved to see you all returned," she greeted. "I did not, however, expect to see you so soon, Duncan."

"Yes, neither of us were expecting to return quite so soon," the armored shem'len replied respectfully. His girl companion smiled and curtseyed at the Keeper. Well, at least they knew to show respect.

"Quite." She focused on me. "Dare I ask about Tamlen?" I shook my head in reply. I couldn't voice it. "I see." She closed her eyes and worked on keeping her calm. "What of the mirror?"

"I destroyed it," the armored shem answered. "You have darkspawn in your woods, by the way." Darkspawn? Were those the strange creatures at the entrance?

"…I see." She opened her eyes again, and she looked incredibly weary suddenly. "Merrill, why don't you take the young mage here and give her a couple of our potion remedies, as thanks for earlier?" Merrill nodded and quickly took the girl by the hand to lead her away. Likely, Merrill was going to babble about magic to her. She didn't have many she could talk to about magic, after all. "Fenarel, please go inform Paivel of the events, and then warn the hunters about the darkspawn." Fenaral nodded, bowed, and raced off. "Now then, Duncan. What you spoke of… has it…?"

"Yes, it has." Huh? "He is infected with the Taint. There is only one cure for that, as I told you."

"Yes, I know."

"What's going on?" I asked softly. "I'm confused, Keeper."

"The Darkspawn Taint courses through your veins," the shem explained. "That you recovered at all is remarkable, but it is a temporary thing. It will eventually sicken and kill you. The Wardens have a way to prevent that, but it means joining us."

…What? "And I don't suppose you could just give me the cure and I go about frolicking through the forests?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Keeper?" I turned to her. She refused to look at me. "Keeper, please tell me…"

"I can see no other way, Cleon," she whispered. "You can stay, of course. It would mean slow death, though. I can only treat the symptoms of the Taint. I cannot cure them."

This was not happening."Might I…?" My voice cracked. My throat was dry. "Might I have a bit of time to…?"

"I can give you into morning," the shem answered. Morning. Right. Morning. I could totally process everything and make a decision by… oh, what was the point of lying to myself?

"Can you not wait longer?" Keeper Marethari asked softly. Yes, more time would be lovely.

But the shem shook his head. "I had hoped to be in Denerim by now, actually," he explained. "The child of someone I tried to recruit before is of age now, and I'd like to see if he inherited his mother's skills." He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry. I… we're running out of time. All of us are. I need more recruits to try and make up for low numbers, and I need them quickly." He sounded tired. How old was he anyway? "Whatever is chosen, I will abide by it. I lingered only because I wanted to make sure he had a choice if he was Tainted, and to see if I could find your missing hunter."

"I see." She closed her eyes. I knew she was holding back a sigh. "I should've listened that first time. But I had so hoped…"

"I'll have an answer by then." I tried to make my voice confident as I interrupted, but it was not only weak, it shook. "I promise," I continued. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. But neither would solve this. Just had to accept it.

"I'm sorry you have to give one," he told me. "I'm so sorry."

"…You apologized for it already, didn't you? I… I vaguely remember…"

"I thought I sensed it then, yes. Why don't you go and try to think things through?"

"Yeah. Sure." Even if it was at the suggestion of a shem'len, it was good advice, so I took it and walked away. Everything that had happened… well, that could all wait. There was a decision to be made, one that didn't require processing of the past. There were only two options, after all, and I only had a short time to choose. Shove everything to the side. Shove what happened aside and focus on the two options and pick.

Stay and die, or leave and live. Stay among the people I loved and cared for and die a slow death or leave everything I have ever known, possibly to never see them again, and live a life I never wanted, or would ever want.

Well, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to stay and live. That wasn't an option. And… and this decision wouldn't just affect me. It would affect the people around me, some more than others. In fact… in fact, this shouldn't be made without input from one of the people who would be affected the most. So, as I tried to get all my thoughts in order, I hunted for Merrill. It wasn't hard. She was, as expected, near Keeper Marethari's tent to set up preparations.

"Oh, Cleon!" she greeted me with a sad smile. The shem'len girl was nowhere near. Where had she gone? "Already done with the talk? I thought it would go longer."

"Yeah…" I mumbled. Creators… Creators, how was I…?

"Cleon? What's wrong? Oh, the Keeper didn't scold you, did she? Do that scary frowny thing that turns your bones to jelly?"

"I wish. I could handle that." I sighed. "Merrill, mind coming with me so that we're not overheard?"

"Of course not." She gently took one of my hands and studied my face. "Cleon, you look like you're going to cry."

"Well, I feel like it, but… come on, I don't want the clan overhearing this. That… that shem'len brought some news."

"All right." She tugged me over to the woods nearby, away from where everyone was gathering. "I like that girl. She's sweet. Though she had no idea what a squirrel was. I guess that means her companion doesn't have one stuck to his chin, huh?"

"Shem'len sometimes grow hair on their face. Well, the male ones. That was in the talks about them."

"Well, yes, I know that. But if you saw that, wouldn't you think that a squirrel was attached?"

"Never known a squirrel to be so still."

"Oh. Right. Oops." She giggled before turning to face me. By this point, we were only within shouting distance of the Clan. "So, what's wrong?"

"I…" I sighed, let go of her hand, and leaned back on a tree. "Well, I'm dying."

She stared for a moment. "Cleon, that's not very funny."

"It's not supposed to be."

"The Keeper said you were fine, though."

"She was wrong. I just didn't die to the first bout."

"Well, we'll look up the cure."

"There's only one."

"Okay, then we'll get it to you."

"That's the problem."

"What problem? Cleon, you know I'm stubborn."

"That shem'len offered the cure, but it comes at a bit of a price."

"I'm sure we can figure out how to pay. What are those silly coins they use again?"

"Not that sort of price." We were talking so fast. This was normal for her, though. Merrill would always talk fast when nervous or scared. Sometimes, she'd even babble.

"Well, what sort of price, Cleon?"

"I'd have to leave."

She was silent, just staring. It was like someone had punched her. I guess I sorta had. "Why?" she whispered. "Why would you…?"

"The only 'cure' is to become a Warden, apparently," I mumbled. "You know the stories. Hahren Paivel once told us about them, remember?"

She nodded. "You'd have to leave." Her voice was still so soft. "If you're going to live, you'd have to leave."

"Yes."

She was silent for a bit longer. "What… what do you want to do?"

"Well, I don't want to die and I don't want to leave. That option is no longer viable, though."

"I… I see." She was shaking now. I pulled her into a hug without thinking about it. "…I want you to live."

"Even if it means leaving?"

"Y-yes… I… I want you to live, Cleon. I can… I can handle not seeing you, if I know you're somewhere alive."

"Okay."

"Is that what you want? Is that okay with you? I'll do anything for you, Cleon, so…"

"Like I said, I want to live and stay. I can't do both, so I have to pick. If you pick that option, then I'll… I'll be okay with it."

"…All right…" She was still shaking as she twisted her fingers into my shirt. "Okay."

"What… do you want to do about…?" I couldn't even finish the sentence.

"…Can… well, if you find someone you like, or just want to take up with, I don't want you to not, since it's a bunch of new things and…" She almost fell into her babbling, but her breath hitched as she tried not to cry. "But… but I don't… I don't want anything final until…"

"We meet again?" She nodded. "I… can agree to that. I don't know when…" If ever.

"I can wait. I'm good at that."

"But if you find someone who makes you happy, don't let my memory hold you back." The words were hard to say. "If there's a person you fall in love with, or just…" What phrase did she just use? "Take up with, don't hold back on my account."

"I… I think this is what Lyna would call an… 'open relationship?" We both burst into giggles at the attempt of a joke, even though it wasn't funny at all. "Oh… um… do… do you want your token b-back?"

"Only if you feel the need." I didn't want it back. I didn't want the necklace I'd carved for her. That would be too… too final. I didn't want finality. Not yet.

"I'd like to keep it, if you don't mind. It… it reminds me that a wonderful man loved me, and… and might come back."

"'Loves' you," I corrected instantly. "I haven't stopped and I won't ever."

"Cleon…" Her breath hitched again, but she tried to keep herself from crying. "Oh, I need to give you a gift for when you leave."

"I don't need one, Merrill. I wear your token too, you know." Please don't ask for it back. Please don't ask for this ring back. Even if we were… ah… 'opening' the relationship, I still wanted to pretend…

"Well, yes, but that's just to remind you that there's a silly little girl who's madly in love with you and is waiting." She gave me a shaky smile. I did my best to return it. "I need to give you a gift as a friend, and as the First, too. Please? It's… it's the only way I can…"

"Whatever it is, I will carry it gladly." Without thinking about it, I made to kiss her. I checked the motion, only for her to kiss me. It was desperate, longing, and filled with everything she wanted to say, but couldn't voice. I returned it with my own unsaid feelings. Sometimes, actions were better than words, anyway.


Merrill went back to her preparations. I went to find the other two people who I knew, without a doubt, I had to tell. My twin and my mother deserved to hear what would happen from me, not the Keeper.

Lyna was the first one I found. I wasn't sure if I was happy about that or not.

"There you are," she mumbled, grabbing my arm. As usual, she managed to sneak up on me. She was good at being stealthy. "Merrill can have you back tonight, but I need my big brother for a bit."

…Ow, ow, why did Lyna always manage to make things hurt the worst when she wasn't even trying? "Well, I have something I need to tell you anyway," I told her.

"You do? …Oh, you do. I don't like that look, either. This isn't going to be good."

"Nope."

"Ugh… okay, okay. Let's just hide behind the trees here…" She quickly tugged me back into the woods I'd just left. Both she and Lyna preferred the woods for secrets. The trees couldn't talk, after all. "Okay. Just be your normal blunt self. Talking around the bush will only make things-"

"I'm leaving," I whispered. Three… two… one…

"What? No!" she protested immediately. I knew she would. "No, no, no. I just lost Tamlen, Cleon. This is a cruel joke."

"You know me, Lyna, better than anyone."

"No. No, it's a joke. A mean and bad one. It has to be. You are not leaving me. You're not leaving Merrill. You're not leaving Ashalle. You're not leaving the Clan. You are not!"

"Don't yell. You'll stress-"

"Then take back the joke!" Tears were streaming down her face. She knew. She knew, but she didn't want to accept. She'd wanted the bad news to be something else. Anything else. "Take it back!"

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because if I stay, I'll die." She froze at that, just staring. Just staring at me with those broken blue eyes still crying bitterly. "That illness I got? That's just the beginning, Lyna. I'm all right now, but I'll eventually get back to that state, and worse. It's death, a slow death."

"I… but…" She covered her face with her hands. "What about… about Merrill?"

"We came to the decision together."

"And your promise?"

"We… decided to hold onto the items, but wait to decide if it's one we still want to pursue when we next meet."

"So… so, you can't just… just get the cure or whatever and come back?"

"No. That doesn't seem to be the case. I will leave the Clan."

I waited as she continued silently crying. I knew that she was trying to do what I still hadn't. Process everything. "You… you will come back," she muttered after a moment.

"I just said-"

"No, you will." She dropped her hands to reveal a tearful glare. "You will survive this and you will come back, at some point, to check on me and see your nephew or niece. You will."

"I…" I couldn't help but smile. This was just like her. "Yes, I promise to not die. You could've just asked."

"I… I wouldn't be 'me' if I did."

"True." I used my sleeve to dry her tears. "Lyna, don't stress. You know I keep my promises."

"Which is why I make sure I force you to make them." She grabbed me in a hug. "So, you have to survive, no matter what, until we meet again."

"At which point, you'll extract another promise out of me."

"Well, duh." I could feel her trying to calm down. She'd probably bawl again later, during the funeral, but she would try to be dignified until that point. "I'm staying with you tonight, okay?"

"Of course."

"Okay." She stepped back and roughly rubbed at her eyes. "I'll find you during the funeral. You and Merrill."

"Okay." She nodded, avoided looking me in the eye, and ran off to continue preparations.

I was trying to decide which direction to begin my hunt for Ashalle when a small hand touched my shoulder. I turned to see it was that shem'len mage from before. The one I… should know the name of. She'd given it to me. I could remember that, now. Of course, I couldn't remember what it was, though. Typical. "Commander Duncan and I will be camping nearby," she explained. "He said we would be by in the morning, for something. He did not explain it well. I think he is really tired."

I could see that. I saw it before. "…Do you mind giving him a message in return?"

"I will be delighted."

Well, this was it. "Tell him that I will accept his offer of recruitment." There, polite enough. Maybe.

"Oh, so that is what this is about?" She smiled warmly. "He is quite silly sometimes, rather like Irving. I will let him know immediately, and look forward to traveling with you." She skipped off and I watched her go. Well, that was it. Official. Now I just had to find Ashalle…

Except she found me. I turned around and suddenly she was right there, looking so sad. I tried to say something, but before I could get one word out, she hugged me tightly. "You'll be leaving, yes?" she whispered. "Please, I don't want to watch you die."

"So, you already know?" I mumbled, leaning into the hug. "How?"

"Keeper Marethari told Paivel and me, just in case. We were to go hunt for the Warden and beg him for help if you didn't wake up."

"I'm not worth begging."

"You're worth anything to me, da'len." She pulled back and cupped my face in her hands. "You are my pride and joy, just as Lyna. What's a little pleading compared to making sure you live and continue to be the young man I am so proud of?"

"…Ashalle…"

"You'll be a wonderful Warden, Cleon. You'll do us all proud, just as you always have."

"I'll try, Ashalle. I'll try."

"I know." She hugged me again. "Come now. Let's say goodbye to Tamlen."

"Right."

She took my hand and tugged me to the center fire. The Clan was gathering now. Many people were crying. Not a surprise. Idiot though he was, Tamlen had been well loved. The da'len were looking incredibly confused, but that was to be expected. It had been a long, long time since our last funeral. The Dalish did not die easily, after all.

"Cleon, there you are," Hahren Paivel called, walking around the fire to my side. "Are you up for a song?" Singing was customary for our Rites. While Hahren Paivel would sing for Uthenara, family and friends would add their own little songs, to… to celebrate the life that was lost. How sad he looked. Then again, I wasn't surprised. Hahren Paivel had been around when many of us were just babes in arms. Yet, here he was, singing a dirge for one of them.

"I can do a short piece," I whispered. Ashalle squeezed my hand encouragingly. "Just a short one."

"Of course." He pulled me into a hug. I was really startled by it. He'd never done that before. "You will do well in the outside world. You are a true Dalish, and are the pride of our Clan. If someone must leave to save the world from shadows, then you are the best choice."

…That… this was the first time he'd ever… "Ma serannas, Hahren." Ah, I was crying. "Ma serannas." Of course. Of course, the night before I left, I got the praise from the one person I wanted it from. Typical. But, I couldn't help but be happy for it.

"Come then. Let's send Tamlen off properly."


By morning, everyone had heard. I was leaving. I wasn't sure if they knew the true reason or not. I didn't have a chance to ask.

"You're wearing your necklace, right?" Lyna asked as we walked to the edge of camp. I could already see the group gathered there. Everyone was there.

"Of course I'm wearing it," I retorted. The wooden beaded necklace was literally all I had of Father.

"Right… right, that was a really stupid question."

"It's okay. You're talking because you won't be able to in a bit."

"As always, you know me best." She grabbed me in a hug, kissed my cheek, and stepped to the side to allow another of the Clan to grasp my hands in silent farewell. Everyone did so. Ashalle, who gave me a small hunting knife to keep me safe. Master Ilen, who slipped some coins into my palm from his last trading excursion with the shem'len. Maren, who gifted me a small figurine carved from a halla horn. Fenarel, with a small pack of seeds to remind me of the forest. Variel, Junar, Vinell, Terath, Ineria, Radha, Chandan, Harshal… even Pol silently bid me farewell with tiny, mostly symbolic gifts.

"This is something I've been holding on for you," Hahren Paivel told me softly when I approached him. He pressed something wooden in my hand. Wait, no, it was a frame. A frame with… "I drew this a long time ago, to help ease the pain of your father's passing." My parents. A picture of my parents. I'd never seen them before. "I drew it and hid it away. I found it recently. It was supposed to be a birthday present, but… well, it seems more appropriate now." He smiled at me. "They look over you, but I bet it would be easier to see if you knew what they looked like."

"…Ma serranas," I whispered, worried that I'd start crying. It was getting difficult to hold everything. So many goodbyes…

And the next person was Merrill. She was silent as she handed me gloves. Good leather gloves, with tiny patterns of leaves and vines. I could sense the magic in it. She must've worked all night on it. I brushed a hand over her cheek without really thinking about it. She leaned into the touch and smiled. There was nothing more to be said. If I tried, I'd probably stay, and that would be…

"Cleon." Keeper Marethari's voice was soft, but commanding. She knew that I was wavering. "Here," she whispered when I turned to her. She pressed a bracelet into my hand. I recognized it instantly. "Take this."

"My father gave this to you," I protested. "It's important."

"He gave me many things. Some to help with my duties, and others to remind me of lessons. This bracelet… there was a time I thought of leaving the Clan, because I did not feel up to the duties given to me. He gave me it to remind me that I am loved, and I have a family who will always be there for me, no matter where I go. I ended up staying, but wore this to remember the lesson. And I give it to you, because you need the reminder more than I do." She smiled. "Go now, Cleon, and may the Dread Wolf never hear your steps. Be strong and brave. The Creators have chosen a new path for you for a reason. Find it."

"I'll try, Keeper." Of course, considering that said path was apparently leading away from everything I've ever cared about, I hoped the Creators didn't mind me being a little miffed. More than a little, actually.

Still, there was nothing to be done. It was what it was, and the choice was made. So, I bowed to the Keeper and walked away, up the hill to where the two shem'len were waiting for me. The armored one only acknowledged me with a nod and sad smile before leading the way to wherever we were going. The girl, though, waited until I was right next to her before moving, making an effort for our paces to match.

"Commander Duncan told me the reason why you are coming with us," she whispered after a moment. "I am a healer, so if you are in pain, please let me know."

"What happens if I don't?" I asked sourly.

"I will pout. Anders told me it is quite devastating." She smiled, completely ignoring my not-quite-cooperative mood. "Also, I will ambush you. Wynne taught me very well on how to deal with uncooperative patients. She also mentioned ways to slip sleeping potions without the patient knowing."

What? "You're… joking, right?"

"A Spirit Healer must take her duties very seriously." At this point, she was sounding like Lyna when it came to being a hunter. "I would not be happy about it, though. So, please, let me know?"

"I… fine. Fine."

"Thank you very much, Ser Mahariel!"

"Cleon. Call me Cleon."

"If that is your wish, Cleon. Please, call me Layla."

Oh, things were just going to be weird from now on, weren't they? Just… great. Fantastic. Wonderful. Creators, just… why?


Author's note: All right. Dalish origin done! Yes, I expanded this part… a lot. Might've actually went overboard on the drama and the like. ...Sorry... Well, I felt sad you couldn't do like proper goodbyes to anyone, so… and then it went and kept… okay, this part is why Dalish was split into two, as you can tell by length. Oh dear god, the length.
This is the last origin that will be told entirely from one POV, by the way. City Elf and Human Noble will be split into two parts, each one a different POV.

Next Chapter – uh… well, it's a traveling chapter. Layla's POV. Have fun? (I'm sorry. I'm adding these ones for more char interactions)