Chapter 7) Origin of the Silent Force, Hero of the Downtrodden – Wedding
Aiden Tabris POV
"This is the vhenadahl, the tree of the people. So long as it lives, so too shall we." The great tree in the Alienage stands tall, healthy, and beautiful in the slums where we city elves live. The poorest of the poor, the unwanted and unwelcomed who desperately scramble for what the humans discard. But let it never be said we're not happy. We have shelter, for one thing, and we are never left alone. There are some humans who can't say the same.
Some of the elders claim we've fallen, but I'm not so certain on that, really. If we have, though, it isn't all the fault of humans. It's partly ours. After all, we let them walk all over us. We let them beat us. We never take a stand. And we never will, because we remember the devastation that happened when humans overran our ancestors. Submissions is preferable to that, or so the majority thinks. Anything to prevent the slaughters again. So, I'll never voice this opinion of mine. For the sake of my family, and the Alienage I call home, I won't.
My greatest dream is for someone, anyone really, to recognize us elves. We're a free people, but treated more harshly than slaves sometimes. To act out on free will leads others to label us as troublemakers and look on us in fear. So, I swallow my dream, my pride, my strength to keep the rest content. I just pray I check my temper for the rest of my life, so that I don't force humans to take an alternate approach towards us. Violence begets violence, as Valendrian says, and the streets and earth are already crimson enough with the blood of elves.
The crates were even heavier today than usual, but that was to be expected. These weren't filled with silks and the like, but weapons for the soldiers heading south. Some of my fellow workers had given up with moving them, because the weight was 'outside their ability to lift'. Really, they were just being lazy, but I wasn't going to say a word to them. No, let them rant about the oppressing humans. I'd just do the work and try not to bring the wrath down on all of us. As always.
"Don't you agree?" one of them called suddenly. It took a second to realize he was actually talking to me. I normally kept apart from them. "Your mom was killed by shem, right? Two years ago?"
"Yes, but it was a human who saved her when she was held in the prisons of the Arl. I'm sure you heard about that prison break three years ago," I answered coolly, concentrating on my work. "It is pointless to think all of them the same. No two elves are the same, after all. Why should it be that way for humans?"
The speaker sneered and returned to his ranting with his friends. I suppressed a sigh and continued on moving the crates. It was always like this. I was quiet. I was calm. I didn't hate all humans, only some. Valendrian was proud of me for it, but a lot of the other elves thought I was, at best, strange for it.
"Aiden!" I jerked my head up as Bann Rodolf's voice echoed through the hall. It was rare the lord of the house came down here. Yet there he was, right in the doorway.
"Yes, milord?" I replied, setting down the crate I just picked up.
"Ah, there you are." He smiled warmly when he saw me. Bann Rodolf had employed my father for many, many years and, after Father died, had hired me on the spot when I came looking for work. I was immensely grateful to him for that. "Your cousin Shianni is here."
"Is that so, milord?" What would Shianni be doing here?
"She mentioned you had to return to the Alienage at once, so I'm giving you the rest of the day off. Oh, and your pay early." He tossed me a coin purse. "I'm sure the rest of them can do your job, for once." Of course he knew I overworked. I could tell because he always paid me more than my contract said. "Go on! You're only young once!"
"As you will, milord." I bowed to him before racing for the servants' entrance, where Shianni should be waiting.
As expected, she was right there, bouncing around with a giant smile. I didn't recognize the blond elf she was gossiping with, though. Had a new family moved in? "Oh, Aiden!" Shianni called when she saw me, waving happily. "Over here! Your fiancé is here!" …Wait, what? No, Nessiara wasn't due for another few months. "Oh, stop standing there like an idiot. She came early just to meet you!"
"A trade caravan was heading this way," the new elf explained. So, this was Nessiara? "It seemed like a good chance to travel in safety. Lady Elspeth arranged it for me, when Hahren Sarethia mentioned it during one of her visits with Teyrna Eleanor."
"It's good to meet you, Nessiara," I finally replied, getting over my startlement as I tried to think of everything I knew about her. It wasn't much, truth be told. Father's will had left money for a matchmaker, so all I knew came from that one source. Beautiful, from Highever, and a veritable genius with crafts. And I was to marry her. Oh well, it wasn't like my parents had known each other before they married either, and they'd been incredibly happy together. The physician said that Father had died from heartbreak. "Did you have a good trip?"
"And you, Aiden." She smiled shyly. "It was fine. Hard to leave my home, but the matchmaker spoke so highly of you that I was quite excited."
"That's why I brought her with me!" Shianni laughed, grabbing both our arms. "Come on! Party time!"
"You're just looking for an excuse to drink," I retorted as I let her drag me off. I smiled wryly at Nessiara. "And yes, she's like this a lot." Nessiara just giggled in reply. At least she took things well.
"Who needs an excuse to drink?" One of these days, I would have to go to the Chantry and ask for their assistance for Shianni's habit. She'd taken it up after Mother died and I was certain it was starting to become a problem. "Oh, this is going to be a great day! Nothing can go wrong!"
…Why did I have a sudden bad feeling? Oh, it was probably nothing. Just nerves.
"Aiden, there you are!" …Not two steps into the Alienage, which was going all out with the festivities, and I was accosted by one of my neighbors. "We can't find Soris anywhere." He sighed heavily. "His bride is here, nervous as a mouse in front of a cat, and he's not here!"
"Oh, poor Valora," Nessiara murmured as I let my neighbor rant a bit more. "We traveled down together, and she was so shaky from nerves."
"Ah, don't worry," Shianni reassured. "Aiden always can find him or me."
"That's because you two have predictable hiding places," I pointed out as the ranting stopped. "Have you checked the stables?" My neighbor nodded. "Okay, that was place one. Place two…" I walked past him to the vhenadhal, growing proudly in the center of the Alienage. Now, technically, we weren't supposed to climb it, but that never stopped anyone. And Soris adored heights.
"You're not going to climb it, are you?!" someone yelped. It sounded like Shayda. She must've closed down the stand early to be here for the wedding. "You know better, Aiden!" Definitely her. She was the only one to scold me like that.
"But does Soris?" I asked in answer before jumping and swinging up into the branches. Higher and higher I climbed, and it was near the top that I found my quarry. "Boo."
"WHA!" I had to surge forward and catch Soris before he fell. He gave me a pitiful look as I steadied him. "Don't do that, cousin," he begged. "I think you just took ten years off my life!"
"Well, good news. Everyone in the Alienage now knows you're here," I pointed out, sitting next to him. "Your bride was particularly nervous. For shame, Soris."
"What are you doing back here so early anyway?" Of course he'd change the subject.
"My bride is here too. We're getting married together."
"Well, I'd hope you two would get married together." I mimed a blow at him and he laughed. "Sorry, couldn't resist."
"Of course not. Now, are you hiding out here or did you forget how to get down?"
"…Both?"
"Well, walk where I walk."
We were almost down when he slipped and fell to the ground. So close. Unfortunately for him, Shianni was right there, and she burst out in laughter. "You're such a klutz, Soris!" she managed through the laughing. "You shouldn't hide up there if you can't get down."
Throwing my hands up at their antics, I turned to address Nessiara, who was watching them with confusion, but my attention was caught by Nessa and her family. Or, more importantly, by their packing. "What's going on?" I asked them softly.
"Moving," Nessa's father answered tersely. Nessa's mother rolled her eyes at her husband's gruffness, and Nessa, half-hiding, sighed. "Building is being closed, so we're heading down to Ostagar."
"Where the soldiers are gathering?"
"And the laborers. Workers are needed to keep an army running smoothly."
"So, all of you head south?" Could Nessa even work in an army? Her chief skill was babysitting. Surely there weren't children running around down there, right?
"Yep." And of course he refused to consider going south on his own. His wife might've accepted it, but his daughter…
Nessa glanced at me pleadingly as her parents finished the last of the packing and I knew why. She never had a desire to step foot outside the Alienage, and there was no telling what some stressed soldiers might do to a pretty elf girl who couldn't fight back. "Sir, why not let Nessa stay here?" I suggested calmly. "Shianni will need someone to watch out for her, since Soris is living with Valora." Or will be. "And before you talk about providing… well, sir, I don't see how adding another to who I take care of will make much of a difference. Especially now that Soris has his job at the stables now."
"But your wife-"
"Is a seamstress and jewelry maker, which are always in demand." Particularly around a Landsmeet. "I'm serious, sir. Nessa will be just fine here."
He was silent for a moment. "And Shianni won't mind?"
"It's Shianni." Shianni didn't mind anything that didn't hurt her family.
"You can come back when you make enough money," Nessa added as her father still hesitated. "Please, Father?"
"You know my protests about this all centered on dragging Nessa around," her mother chimed in. "Nessa will be better off here, and we'll have a home to come back to. Come now. It's a good choice."
"Oh, all right," he sighed heavily. "All right, Nessa. You can stay." He gave me a stern look. "I expect her to be kept safe until our return, Aiden."
"You have my word," I replied instantly. "I'll protect her, just as I would Shianni and-"
"I heard my name," Shianni interrupted right then. "What's up?"
"Nessa is staying with you," I told her without missing a beat.
Her reply was just as quick. "Really? Cool! Come on, Nessa, we're checking on dresses!" She took Nessa by the arm and started dragging her off. "Come on! Oh, and Aiden, get changed! We're starting soon!"
"I'd better obey," I laughed, bowing to Nessa's parents. "I wish you well. Until we meet again."
"And you," Nessa's mother replied as her husband shook his head in defeat. "Now, off with you. You've a wedding!"
"Yes, ma'am." I waved them goodbye and started for my house. I knew better than to hunt for anyone. Shianni would be cross if I didn't obey her with promptness and-
"Aiden?" a small voice asked as I felt a tug on my leg. I looked down to see it was Amethyne. "Aiden, do you know when my mother is coming back from Highever?"
"As soon as Lady Landra does," I reassured, ruffling her hair. Okay, Shianni could not get mad at me reassuring Amethyne. We all-but-adopted her as a cousin after all. "I know Iona misses you too."
"You sure?"
"Of course." Iona frequently described her daughter as the light of her life, after all. "She'll be back before you know it."
"Okay." She smiled softly. "Hey, after the wedding, can you tell me the story of the elf king again?"
"I might tell you one similar." Mostly because I couldn't keep track of all the stories I made up. I'd spun a lot over the years to give the children pride in being elves. "But for now, I've got to follow Shianni's orders and wash up."
"Right!" She laughed. "I'm the flower girl! Shianni said so!"
"Then go check in with Nessiara and Valora. Shianni might forget."
"Okay!" She skipped off, singing a song her mother taught her.
No signs of anything bad today. Maybe it really was just my imagination.
I'd just finished changing when noise at the gate caught my attention. It sounded like arguing. Oh, what was going on now?
Sighing, I went to the gates and was startled by the group of well-dressed humans loitering and leering about. And their leader… oh, yes, I knew who he was. Lord Vaughan, son of Denerim's Arl, and bane to all women. Literally. The poor blacksmith's daughter… raped and killed before being thrown away like trash. The fact that he was here in the Alienage spoke ill of the day. Guess my instincts were still sharp. Joy.
"Milord, may I ask what brings you here?" I asked as I approached. I made myself keep polite. No doubt they were here to cause trouble, probably to steal an elf to rape later, but it would be very bad to accuse them of such.
"What's this? One of the grooms come to welcome me personally?" Lord Vaughan laughed, walking towards me. "Your fellow tried earlier, but he got scared." I glanced to see Soris standing in front of Valora and Nessiara. Oh, yes, he'd been scared, but not for himself. He'd been scared for the two elves who had no idea just what sort of human had waltzed into the Alienage. "What about you?"
"I would like to talk about why you are here, milord," I repeated. One of Lord Vaughan's friends just laughed. "I was under the impression your father left many things for you to do in his absence." And perhaps reminding him that his father was only a letter away would keep Lord Vaughan from doing anything public. His father was a kind, if harsh, man.
"And just where would a knife-ear hear something like that?"
"I work for one of the local Banns." My grip on my temper slipped and the next words just left my mouth without me thinking about them. "You are not well liked, milord."
"And who are you to state that?" he snapped, grabbing my collar. He tried to pick me up and shake me, but I was too heavy. Years of training, and laboring, had made me hard to be offset by pure strength. "I'll have you gutted you little-!" And then he let go, stumbling off to the side and holding his head. Right behind him was Shianni, glaring murderously as she kept a good grip on the bottle in her hand.
She… she hit him over the head with a bottle? Really? Oh, Shianni, you were going to get into so much trouble for that!
"That's the last straw, knife-ear whore!" one of Lord Vaughan's friends snapped, making a grab for Shianni. She ducked behind me. "This is going to go badly for you, you little-!"
"Is everything all right here?" And suddenly there was a new voice. I'd never seen this human before, actually. Everything from her hair to her speech to her clothes spoke of sheltered high class, though her relaxed posture reflected someone who didn't focus on such things. She had a kind smile, though, and even kinder eyes. "It looks quite exciting here," she continued, showing some naivety as well.
"And you are?" Lord Vaughn grumbled as he steadied himself. Annoyed as he was, he ignored Shianni to focus on the newcomer's breasts. His friends did too. Damn them.
"I am Layla Amell, a mage of the Circle." And what was a mage doing here?
"An apostate?"
"Actually, the two of us are Wardens," another answered, stepping up to be in front of Mistress Layla. Protecting her? He certainly seemed more like a protector, at least. An elf with strange markings on his face, an accent I'd never heard before, and armor not like what I'd seen in the marketplace. He held himself tall, proud even, and he looked like he knew very well how to use the daggers at his waist. I'd never seen an elf like this before. "Cleon Mahariel of the Dalish Clan Sabrae, shem." Dalish? "Our Commander is near, paying his respects to the Hahren."
"I… see," Lord Vaughan mumbled, paling considerably. Wardens. I'd heard of them, somewhat. I only really knew they were a respected order of warriors, and King Cailan and the Couslands adored them. "Come on, we're leaving, boys!"
Well, I wouldn't say they ran, but they certain didn't linger, with Mistress Layla smiling sadly and Cleon glaring at their backs. "I am sorry if we interrupted something," Mistress Layla murmured. She stepped closer to Cleon as the others eyed her suspiciously. Not too surprised, though it annoyed me. Just because Neria accidentally caused a roof to cave in did not mean that all mages needed to be feared. I'd like to see what they did if locked in a closet by bullying children and… and I needed to calm down very quickly. It wouldn't do to lose my temper in front of strangers or humans.
"You did not, mistress," I replied to her, keeping my head down. Some humans didn't like elves making eye contact, and she was actually a bit shorter than me. Not the norm, that. "I thank you, on behalf of all of us, for helping to resolve that."
"Oh, well, I am glad." Her smile warmed as she focused on me. "Would it be rude to ask your name?"
"Aiden Tabris, mistress."
"So, you're one of the grooms today, then?" Cleon commented. His eyes turned sad then, and Mistress Layla gently touched his arm. "Hahren Valendrian mentioned you."
"I am," I answered, trying to read him. "I just met her today, though."
"Strange custom, that. Of course, Pol mentioned something similar."
"Pol?" That was the name of one Soris's friend's brothers.
"Yeah, he joined my Clan shortly before I left."
"Then I can give his brother good news. He's been fretting since he arrived two days ago."
"I'll do that, if you don't mind, actually. You… should spend some time with your Promised. You never know what might happen." Ah, there we go. Something must've happened recently and now he couldn't marry his own… assuming 'Promised' meant fiancé here. Was that why he joined the Wardens?
"Thank you. I hope you enjoy your time in the Alienage."
"It is certainly a… learning experience," Mistress Layla murmured then, tactfully. Must've not been expecting the squalor. "I wish you happy days, Aiden."
"And you, mistress," I replied. The two both nodded at me as they wandered away, closer to the tree. Probably to study it. It was the most impressive thing in the Alienage after all.
"E-everyone okay?" Soris asked shakily. I turned my attention back to the group and made a mental note on everyone. Stunned, worried, but ultimately fine. Good. That was enough of a shake. Likely, there were going to be some consequences later, much later, but we could figure out how to hide.
"Just some bruises and anger," Shianni muttered, sighing heavily. "Ugh, I messed up, huh? I just couldn't stand the thought of him trying to throw you around."
"It'll be fine," I reassured. "Think a little more next time, though?"
"I'll try."
"Besides, he won't tell anyone that an elf girl got the better of him," Soris quickly added, coming to stand with us as the crowd slowly dispersed.
"Probably," Shianni agreed reluctantly. "Nice job acting pathetic to get his attention off the brides."
"That… wasn't really acting."
"Hush. You're supposed to let me think well of you."
"Are you two okay?" I asked as I noticed Nessiara lingering with another elf. Since I didn't know her, I guessed she was Valora. "Sorry you had to see that. He must have started drinking early." Not likely, but there was no reason to scare them.
"Just a bit shaken," Valora squeaked, smiling shakily. "What an awful man."
"You aren't hurt, are you?" Nessiara asked me. "I saw him grab you."
"Just fine," I reassured. "Promise."
"Um… cousin?" Soris hissed. When he was sure he got my attention, he gestured discreetly to the vhenadhal, where a lone human wandered. Oh dear. "Think you can…?"
"Yes, I'll take care of that," I replied. "I'll see the rest of you at the wedding."
"We better," Nessiara retorted. "I'll hunt you down." ...Odd that I actually found that attractive. Today was really getting to me.
Waving goodby to the group, I made my way to the human. I could only assume he was the Warden Commander Cleon mentioned. He certainly looked dangerous. I definitely didn't want to get on his bad side. On the other hand, there were some in the Alienage who might let anger take over and, worse, they were the ones most likely to be drunk. So, I approached him slowly, carefully, making sure he knew I was going to talk to him. He caught on instantly, remaining where he was until I was near. "Greetings, young one," he murmured. "Congratulations on the day."
"I thank you, ser," I whispered back. "Do you have business here?"
"I do, but I believe I found what I was seeking already."
"May I ask what it was?"
"You may, but I will not answer."
Of course not. "Then, seeing as you found it, I would assume you will be leaving soon?"
"I'm afraid that would be false. I've no intention on leaving just yet."
Right, leaving a dangerous, armed human in the middle of an Alienage with drunk elves and tempers. "I ask you, again, to leave."
"And I refuse, again." I hoped this was more due to his personality and less due to him being a human talking to an elf. He, at least, seemed to be having fun with this. "Now what?"
"Perhaps a compromise, then?"
"Not a bit of fear." Why did I get the feeling that he wasn't talking to me now? "Keeping such a calm head is admirable, especially in these dark times. Wouldn't you say so, Valendrian?"
"It is, though I rather like the ability to keep one's blade sheathed a bit better," Valendrian laughed, startling me. "Aiden, I'm glad to see you make the acquaintance of my old friend. This is Duncan, Commander of the Grey Wardens."
Friend? "I guessed," I replied slowly. "I met the two others."
"I hope they've been behaving," Master Duncan sighed, sounding a lot like Father did when Shianni or Soris were up to something. "Layla was running around earlier all eager to help, and Cleon is prideful."
"I've not heard of anything, ser. I met them when they helped diffuse an argument."
"Last that I heard, young Layla had healed a child's illness for free," Valendrian added. "Cleon has been helping the children with slingshots, though, and traps, so he might be indirectly responsible for pranks in the near future."
"I'd better find them before they decide it's a good idea to chop down something," Master Duncan sighed. "Maybe you can help distract them, Valendrian? Cleon seemed to look forward to speaking with you. I think it's because your title is similar to one in his Clan."
"I don't see a problem in that, my friend."
"My thanks." Master Duncan turned to smile at me. "It was good meeting you, Aiden."
"And you, Master Duncan," I replied, bowing automatically. "Until we meet again."
"Yes, until then." Despite the nonchalant tone he used, he gave Valendrian an amused look, almost as if some sort of joke had just been said. Valendrian merely smiled and shrugged in response, confusing me. …Never knew Valendrian could relax enough for inside jokes.
Deciding to not think of that and, instead, actually get to the platform where the wedding would take place, I walked off in that direction… only for someone to call my name. Again. "Hey, Aiden…" I looked down to see Candidus and smiled softly at him. He was reduced to begging now, ever since a bad accident at the shipyard crushed his legs. His human employers had just thrown him into an alley and didn't help him at all. "Think you can help me a bit?" he asked. "I want a good view of the wedding, but it's rather poor here."
"Yeah, sure," I agreed. "Just one sec." I looked around and hailed the first person I saw nearby. "Slim!"
"Yeah?" he replied. Slim was one of the strange elf-blooded who decided to stay in the Alienage instead of making a life for himself as a 'normal' human.
"Candidus needs a new seat."
"Oh, yeah, I'll help you get him up." He grinned and waved at Candidus who waved back. "Where too, old man?"
"Just a place where I can see the festivities," he answered. "I want to see."
"What about that spot right there?" Slim pointed to a small out of the way corner of the main square, where the buildings met together in a convenient little seat a good distance from the ground. "You can see everything from there, but no one will be able to jar you off."
"Looks good to me."
"Let me clear it off, then," I volunteered, rushing over to dust it off, just in case some metal shards or tree bark had clung to it. As I did so, Slim picked up Candidus. At my nod, the two of us helped get him balanced there. "You okay?"
"Just fine!" Candidus laughed, smiling broadly. "Thanks you two."
"No problem," we chorused before waving and walking away to leave him to get comfortable.
Slim sighed not long afterwards, though, so I had to ask, "Are you all right?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, fine," he replied after a moment. "Just fine."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe you."
"Well, there is nothing wrong. It's just…" He sighed heavily. "It's just that I've got so many ideas. So many potential jobs." Right, Slim 'worked' as an advisor tip-giver… person for the local thieves. "Now, if I could find someone with enough skill to do them…"
"Just be careful, Slim," I cautioned.
"Oh, you know it." He grinned. "For now, though, there's a wedding to be drunk for!"
"I know." And, with luck, the worst of the day was over. If I never saw Lord Vaughan again, it would be too soon!
It didn't take long for the wedding stage to be set up. The late party ended up being Valendrian, likely because he'd talked so long with the three Wardens. I saw the three wave goodbye as they left for the gates, and was more than a little pleased to see the amount of respect they had on their faces. Valendrian deserved a lot of respect for what he dealt with on a regular basis, and rarely did he get even a quarter of it.
"Sorry, sorry," Valendrian laughed as the crowded good-naturedly complained about the delays. "Revered Mother, if I may?"
"Of course," the Mother answered with a smile. Just as in all Alienages, the wedding was presided by the Chantry. Valendrian set up the time in advance, and she'd seem quite all right with the idea of marrying two couples. Almost as if she'd been expecting it. Well, maybe someone went to the Chantry and told her of the sudden change. "If I wasn't going to wait for your traditional speech, then I would've gone ahead and married them!"
"Wardens. They're always so serious." The smile he wore said otherwise. He'd liked talking to them. "Now, then…" He clapped his hands for attention, and beamed at everyone. "Welcome, my friends, to this joyous occasion!" The crowd below cheered. I turned to smile at Nessiara as she clung to my arm. She smiled back, looking both nervous as excited. "Today, we celebrate not only these joinings, but also ourselves and our culture, our bonds of kin and kind." Soris and Valora were on the other side of the podium. They both looked nervous, but Soris, at least, didn't look like he was about to bolt. Good sign, that. "We are a free people, but that was not always the case." Shianni and the other bridesmaids were beaming in between us. Shianni was barely containing her excitement, bouncing on her feet. "Andraste, the Maker's Prophet, freed us long ago, and allowed us to rebuild our old lives." Amethyne and the other flower girls weren't hiding their excitement well either, swaying from side to side with giant grins. "As our community grows and thrives, remember that our strength lies in our commitment to tradition and to each other." The crowd was beaming too, all ready to see the ceremony over, so that they could party until dawn tomorrow. "Now, let us all show our respect, and gratitude, to the couples, and for the ceremony that shall bind them." It looked like there was a bit of commotion, though. Like someone was forcing their… way… through… oh, oh Maker, was that…? "Hmm? Aiden, is something wrong?"
"Trouble," I growled, as Lord Vaughan and his friends made their way up onto the platform, casually shoving elves aside like they were nothing. What was he doing back here? And so soon? I would've thought at least a week to prepare for his revenge! "Lots of trouble." More than lots. I could see others dressed as guardsmen plowing their way through, too. I had no idea if they were 'real' guardsmen or just some noble bastards who managed to steel the armor, but that didn't matter. The point was that
"Milord, what brings you here?" the Mother asked politely, stepping up before Lord Vaughan could get close to us. "This is most unexpected."
"Sorry to interrupt, Mother," Lord Vaughan laughed, faking cheer and politeness as he stepped around her. "Well, we noticed the Wardens weren't staying, so we thought to be polite and take their places in the audience!" …Basically, he only ran before because there were Wardens, and now they were gone, so he came back. Stupid. I should've suspected something like that! "And I'm throwing a party, but there's a lack of female companionship, so I thought-"
"Milord, this is a wedding!"
"Dress up your toys and play with them as you'd like, but let's not pretend they're actual people now, yes?" …Well, we'd get to see if the Grand Cleric would do something about that. Should be interesting. "Now, we're here for a good time, boys, so grab a wench and take them home!" He turned and glared at Shianni, who glared back. "Oh, and make sure you get the bitch who bottled me, hmm?"
"You can't take them!" I was thankful the Mother kept protesting, even as Lord Vaughan's men started grabbing the girls and dragging them off. I made to go after them, but someone caught my shoulders and held me still. "You cannot!" She threw herself in front of the children as one stepped too close to them. "I will report this!"
"One crazed Mother against a noble?" Lord Vaughan scoffed, grabbing Nessiara himself before walking off. His armed men filed in after him. "We'll see who is believed."
This was madness. He just waltzed right on in, insulted the Mother, kidnapped the girls, and was just going to walk away. Too far. This time, he went too far!
I grabbed the man holding me and flung him over my shoulder. He hit another human as he ran. I ignored them both to continue chasing after the group, chasing after the girls. I had to get them. I had to…!
"Argh!" I yelped as someone's knife dug into my shoulder. I twisted and punched him in the face, but when I turned back, I saw Lord Vaughan and his group had already gone passed the gates. Once they were out there, they were out of my hands. They were gone. Even if I could fight through all the others, they were…
"I am sorry!" There was a flash of light and suddenly parts of the streets were coated in ice. The guards Lord Vaughan had left behind slipped and slid, crashing into each other. As they fell, I caught sight of the one who'd done it. Mistress Layla. "I am so sorry," she continued apologizing, using her magic to baffle and confuse them. And as they tried to get their balance, Cleon appeared from the shadows and killed them. No hesitation whatsoever. Any that got too close to him or Layla were on the ground, without even enough time to yell in pain.
"What's going on here?!" Of course the guards would only appear now, when it was too late to get them to help with the kidnapping. They looked angry too, likely because of the deaths of their own. "Well," the spokesperson snapped. "If you two think you can get away with killing-!"
"Actually, your guards attacked them." That was Master Duncan. He casually worked his way through the bodies, like he was far too used to death. "And they are Warden Recruits, good guardsman," he continued lightly. "Perhaps you should teach your men to not go along with a noble's plan. It might be unhealthy." The guards glared, but didn't move. "Go on and investigate things, like you're supposed to. Or I will, directly to King Cailan." Well, that got the moving. But… well, in actuality, that was expected. Our king was a bit of an idiot, but a goodhearted one. If he was made aware of corruption and injustice, he would see it dealt with, personally if need be, regardless of the potential political fallout, unlike his wife.
Still, that was small comfort as I looked around. Dead, wounded, and the missing. We'd been caught by surprised and, likely, nothing would ever be done about it. I was so sick of this! So sick. Constantly we were harassed and only a handful of the… no, no, I had to stop thinking this way. I had to. Acting on anger just led to more hatred, and Mother had told me of good humans. Very good humans and… and…
"Please, hold still." I jumped at the voice and whirled to see it was Mistress Layla, holding a glowing hand to my wounded shoulder. She mouthed something and the light flowed into the wound, knitting up the skin with barely a hint of a scar. "There we go," she whispered, smiling shakily at me as the light faded. "You should be just-" From my view, the rock flew out of nowhere to hit her in the face. She yelped and ducked, only to get hit by a second one. Then a third, then a fourth. Mud also hit her. What…?
"What are you doing?!" Cleon snapped, appearing from nowhere to deflect the fifth rock. Mistress Layla kept her head down, using her hands to shield her face.
"Stupid shem!" I finally turned then to see who had attacked her. It was my fellow elves. Angry and miserable, they were turning her into a scapegoat, because she was human. Just as humans did to elves when things went wrong with them. That was it. We always turned each other into scapegoats. "Stupid shem! You always ruin everything!"
"Leave her alone, you brats! She came here to try to hel-"
"D-does an-anyone n-need h-healing?" Mistress Layla whimpered. She glanced up, just looking at me. Blood and tears dripping down her face as she shook. "Does… does anyone need… need healing? Does anyone need h-help? Oh, Maker, why did no one help?"
"Layla, let's get you over here and clean that wound," Cleon whispered, making sure he was between her and my fellows. "Think of how worried they'll be if the healer is crying."
"I'm sorry," I murmured as she nodded. She was still crying, still bleeding, and still shaking. "I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault." Cleon looked right at me as he spoke. "You're… not acting like a da'len." What was that word? "You're acting as an elder. Can you keep them off us?" Us? Why would they…? Because they would see him as 'traitor' by helping a human. Everything about human and elf relations was just so messed up.
"I'll find Valendrian," I promised. "There's a house not far from here, just around the corner, with a small black ribbon on it. That's my house. There should be a basic first aid kit in there."
"Ma serranas," he whispered, helping Mistress Layla limp off. Limp? Did a rock hit her leg? Or had she run to help so quickly that she'd hurt herself?
Shaking the questions out of my head, I hunted for Valendrian. He wasn't hard to find, thank the Maker. He was at the vhenadhal, conversing with Master Duncan. The two weren't making an effort to hide their conversation, though. I could hear it easily as I approached.
"Duncan, you can't really help here," Valendrian whispered. "I know you can't. Stop fretting over it. You're supposed to be the calm commander."
"If King Cailan or the Couslands were here, this would be easy," Master Duncan muttered. "But they aren't."
"Because they're preparing for the Blight, and you're in a bad enough position that you can't afford to offend anyone."
"Yes. How did you figure it out?"
"I talked to Cleon and Layla. Cleon is a good pick for Warden, but Layla? It's almost cruel to make her one, with her personality. If you're doing it anyway, Duncan, then I know it's because you need power and strength more than the need to be nice."
"Valendrian," I called softly. He turned to face me. "Some of the others threw rocks and mud at Mistress Layla, despite her offering healing. She and Cleon are tending to her wounds at my house, but…"
"…I'll calm them," he murmured. I could tell he was fighting the urge to sigh. "And then we will talk about what is to happen." As he walked away, Master Duncan glanced at me. There was a question there, in his eyes, as he held my gaze before turning away to help Valendrian. The question was easy to read. 'Will you submit or will you fight?'
I wondered that myself.
It took some time to calm everyone enough to talk and not attack the two humans who decided to stay and help, despite the hostilities, or the elf who decided to protect them, and us. Of course, the talking was more of rantings and grumblings as we all snacked on salt chews. The Revered Mother who'd been asked to officiate the weddings, who'd risked herself to protect the children, had left. She'd been made uncomfortable by the glares. I'd made sure to thank her before she left. She'd really appreciated it.
"Please, all of you listen!" Valendrian cried for what had to be the fifth time. Master Duncan stood by him, as a beacon of strength and intimidation. I had no idea where Cleon and Mistress Layla had gone. "There's nothing we can do at the moment." I swore I saw red every time that was said, even if it was logical.
"He's right," Elva, a neighbor, added. I had to force myself to not grit my teeth. Elva and I had never gotten along. She always went out of her way to insult me, and I always went out of my way to try not to rise to her bait. "Messing with them will just bring their wrath on all of us."
"So, we're just going to sit by and do nothing?" Alarith demanded pointedly. "I know better than you what happens when you don't fight back!" He would. He was a former slave of the Imperium who managed to escape. Lost his parents and brother on the way to Fereldan, though. "This place is everything worth fighting for, so why aren't you?"
There was more arguing, but I didn't hear it. I just kept hearing Alarith's words and thinking of Master Duncan's silent question. Would I submit? Would I fight? Isn't this place worth fighting for? Aren't the people worth swallowing pride over? Back and forth, the questions bounced around in my head.
It wasn't until I was back at my house, pulling up the loose floorboard that I realized I gave myself the answer. I stared at what the floorboard hid. My greatsword. Just where I put it after Mother died. When I promised Father I'd never take it up again. Hopefully, though, Father would forgive me breaking that promise. After all, he broke his promise to stay with me when he died. And I kept mine longer. I kept mine for two years. He… he only kept his for six months.
The weapon stayed in my white-knuckled grip as I stepped out of the house and started for the gates. I knew the servants' way into the Arl's estate. I knew how to get in. Getting out might be more difficult with the girls, but I could-
"Cousin?" I jerked my head up at Soris's voice and saw him running to catch up. He ran awkwardly, but it didn't take long to figure out why. The bow and quiver unbalanced him.
"Soris, where did you get that crossbow?" I asked, not bothering to ask what he was doing here. Soris would get to that.
"That Warden Commander passed it my way." He tried to smile, but it looked more like a grimace. "Supposedly, it was to help clean, but this… this is better quality than a guard would have." Not only that, but there was a strange bird carved into it. That symbol… it was only used for Wardens. He'd given his own crossbow. "So, let's go get the girls, right?"
"You're coming too?"
"…Y-yeah." He was shaking. "I mean; I'm scared, but I'm more scared of what he'll do to them. I'd rather die trying to help them than sit around knowing what's going to happen. B-besides, you know I'm not a bad shot."
"With slingshots." I was the only elf with any sort of training in the Alienage. Soris had never even been near a real bow.
"Can't be much different." I gave him a stern look and he shrugged. "…At least, I'm going to tell myself that until we're all out of there, safe and sound. I'll throw up and pass out then. I p-promise to hold it off until then."
"Soris…"
"You might be able to do it alone, Aiden, but I know I can help and I want to. Even if it's just one arrow."
"…Okay. Okay, we'll go together." I smiled at him, relaxing slightly. "Come on, cousin. Let's go be the heroes."
"And hope we get just as happy endings." He laughed nervously, before pointing. "Hey, what are they doing here?"
Confused, I turned and saw two people near the gate. Mistress Layla and Cleon. What were they doing here? "Might I assist you?" I asked them, keeping my tone even.
"No, I am merely accompany Cleon as he walks to clear his head," Mistress Layla answered quickly. "That is all."
"I just so happen to choose the same way as you, as nonchalantly as possible," Cleon added with a vicious grin. "Complete coincidence really. Just like how it'll be a complete coincidence if any outside guards disappear or appear dazed and confused." What? "Basically, Duncan said we Wardens can't do anything 'officially' due to politics and the Wardens being on some shaky ground."
"However, there is nothing that says we cannot do anything unofficially." Mistress Layla's smile was still kind, despite the tear-red eyes, small bandage to her head, and the mud staining her dress. "I… find it hard to believe, what happened. It makes no sense to me. Elves are the same as humans, are they not? They just look a little different." So, elves were treated well in the Tower? Nice to know that.
"That'll take more time that we've got to explain." Cleon nodded at me. "We can't help once you're inside, but we can make sure you've a good escape outside. Duncan already knows, and approves without saying anything, so let's go."
"…Thank you…" I mumbled, touched they'd go out of their way to help. "Thank you, very, very much."
Mistress Layla and Cleon wished us luck as we entered the Estate. Soris was shaking as we walked, holding the crossbow like it was a lifeline. Me? I felt strangely calm, despite all the fury I had building up. Despite all the bodies I left in my wake. Despite all the blood I slung up onto the walls. Human guards, mabari dogs… everyone who got in my way I killed without thinking about it. I was calm. I was very, very calm. And I was furious. I was very, very furious.
This was why I avoided losing my temper. Things broke and could never be fixed.
In fact, the only thing that gave me pause was Nola's body. I had nearly tripped over her corpse as I slaughtered a guardsman who'd been hovering over it. I absently tried to find a pulse as I kneeled next to her. Still warm, but definitely dead. She'd been just sixteen years old.
"They actually killed her?" Soris whispered as he knelt beside me. He was shaking badly, so I gripped his shoulder reassuringly. "Why?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly. "Maybe they just felt like it."
"Would they do that?"
"I doubt Lord Vaughan would be so distressed at one less toy if his men were in a killing mood."
"I suppose." He sighed. "I'm running low on arrows."
I glanced around and pointed at one of the corpses nearby. "Take his."
"Steal from a dead guy?"
"I think he's missing his life a lot more than he'd miss those arrows."
"…That's just sick, cousin."
"I know. But it's true."
"I… I suppose." He lurched to his feet and stumbled over to pick up the arrows. "What do we do with her body?"
I knew what I wanted, but… "Leave her for now."
"But…"
"We can carry her back once we got the girls. We can't fight with her."
"…Yeah, okay."
"We will come back for her body." Who was I trying to reassure? Him or me?
"Okay, cousin."
As we left behind Nola's body, I went back into the calm yet unthinking rage. It was so much stronger now. Sixteen. She'd been just sixteen. She was going to be married within a few years. Her father had been hunting around for her already. I could still see her, laughing and gossiping with the other girls in the Alienage after a day's hard work. She'd wanted to work a stand in the market. She'd wanted to be a mother. She'd wanted just once to wear a nice necklace. She'd wanted to be Shianni's bridesmaid. She'd wanted… she'd wanted so many things, really. She was supposed to get a lot of them. She'd been just sixteen. But then they killed her. They just killed her and dumped the body to the side like she was nothing. Like she hadn't been someone's daughter, friend, or love. Someone with hopes and dreams.
Thinking of that just made me angrier and the walls and floor of the Palace wept crimson from the bodies I left in my wake.
"Cousin, you sure you can keep calm for this?" Soris asked as we hit a door at the end of a one-way path. This was it. Had to be. If it wasn't, I was going to tear the place apart, likely.
"I am calm," I replied.
"You're berserking or something. It's scary."
"You can be calm and angry."
"Well, don't just go attacking, please. Lord Vaughan might just kill the girls."
"I know." So, instead of just breaking down the door like I had some of the others behind me, I just casually opened it and walked on through.
Inside, there were just three men. Three men and Shianni. The men were armed. They looked like they'd just put on their clothes or something. Lord Vaughan and two of his friends. They looked up and smirked as they saw me. "My, my," Lord Vaughan greeted with mock friendliness. "What do we… have… here?" His friendliness faded as he truly saw me. "You… you're covered in enough blood to fill a tub. What did you…?"
"A-Aiden," Shianni whimpered, reaching for me despite having her hands bound. Tears streamed down her face. There were signs of bruising. She was even bleeding, mostly from her mouth. What I noted most, though, was how… disheveled she looked. Just like… "Aiden, help…" I could put the pieces together. It was so easy. The smug looks on the humans, Shianni's condition, Lord Vaughn's tastes… I knew what happened, what I'd been just too slow to prevent. Shianni had been raped. Likely multiple times. Beaten and raped. My cousin. My precious cousin that I adored, that I protected, that I provided for.
I was going to slaughter them!
"You, I'm talking to you!" Lord Vaughan snapped, bringing my attention solely on him. "You killed all the guards, didn't you?"
"Perhaps I did," I answered coldly. "I beg your pardon, milord."
"Yes, that… puts us in a situation." I saw him shake slightly, even as he tried to appear calm and collected. "You are obviously skilled. Too skilled, really, for an elf." Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Soris creeping slowly by the wall, edging for a door in the corner. Perhaps that was where the other girls were being kept. "We fight and perhaps you manage to win. But what would that give you?"
"There are many who would love to see you dead, milord." Just keep talking. Just keep calm. Let Soris confirm the girls were safe before…
"Perhaps. But that isn't my point." Soris was still moving. It didn't look like Lord Vaughan or his friends had caught on yet. "My point is that my death wouldn't be good news for your pigsty of a home. It will burn." Still moving. "However, you could turn and walk away, with forty soverigns added to your purse." He was at the door. "You take the money and run. No repercussions. Just freedom and money." Soris caught my eye and nodded, confirming the guess that the girls were in there. "What do you say?"
"I might agree to that, if you add one more thing," I replied evenly.
Well, didn't someone look relieved? "And what is that?"
I held the greatsword level with a certain part of his body. "I get to castrate you first."
And now he was just angry. "To the Void with you!"
"Sorry, milord, but I think you'll be seeing it first!" I swung, but he used a chair as a shield to ducked around and get his own sword. Longsword, with no dagger or shield. This would be interesting.
I ignored the others in the room to focus on Lord Vaughan. He was the most trained, meaning that Soris was less likely to get a good hit on him, and he was the reason this all happened. The other two, Soris could deal with. They would underestimate him. Me? Lord Vaughan wasn't underestimating me. No, not one bit. He kept his guard up and his feet light. I would move to strike and he'd either dodge or block the blow in advance. Neither of us really giving. Yells in the background. Yelps. Still, we kept up the stalemate. I had to be careful. If he got one good hit, I was gone. Oh, but if I got one good hit in…!
He feinted to one side and surged forward. I nearly fell for the trick completely, only realizing halfway what was going on. I twisted and brought my arm up to keep his blade from hitting my chest. The sword bit into my arm, dragging up flesh and spewing up blood. But it did one more thing. "You are wide open, milord." I made sure a polite smile accompanied my words. "I am very sorry." I swung my sword back and up before slamming it down into his skull. It split instantly, cracking into pieces as the blade kept going through, all the way to his waist.
I jerked out the weapon and nearly slammed it into him again, but then I heard a whimper. I looked and saw it was Shianni. Soris was at the back corner, fiddling with a door. Everyone else in the room was dead. I knew he'd manage. "A-Aiden?" Shianni whispered, catching my attention again. "Aiden?"
"Yeah, it's me," I whispered back, dropping the sword and rushing to gather her in a hug. "It's okay. It's okay now, Shianni." Her wrists were still bound. I'd need to untie them. "It's over. They can't hurt you anymore."
"You promise?" She was trembling as she curled into my chest. "You promise?"
"Yes. There is no one left in the estate to hurt you. I killed them all."
"Like dogs?"
"Like monsters."
"Good." She started to sob. "Everything hurts."
"I know. I'm so sorry. But it'll be okay."
"Okay."
As she continued to shake and bawl, a hand gently touched my shoulder. I looked up to see it was Nessiara. She didn't look afraid, just sad and worried. "She volunteered to be first," she explained softly. I glanced around to see Soris helping the others girls out of the room. They, too, had been bound. "We heard the screams. Will she be okay?"
"With time, yes," I replied. "With time."
"I see." She smiled then. "Thank you, for coming to our rescue."
"Couldn't leave you all. Not like that."
"Still, thank you." She knelt down beside me, uncaring of the blood, and rubbed Shianni's back. "Please, let me help."
"Thank you."
Author's Note – All right, and we'll end it here! Ah, I love this origin (if we're looking at the origins unbiased, I think it's my favorite. But bias exist, so it's second to human noble [shut up, it was the first I played through and the first I beat the game with]). Anyway, meet Aiden, our warrior Berserker who wields a greatsword. At 21, he's actually going to be the oldest of the four Warden chars. Yes, I have Cyrion dead in this story. Sorry to those who like him. The main reason for this is because of how close Aiden is to Valendrian. Cyrion was never even mentioned in the first draft of this, so I opted to just… have him dead instead of awkwardly inserting him in. Oops. Anyway, for those who wonder why I picked warrior, it's because of the strength warriors have, to help contrast him with Cleon, who's more… speed and critical hits. Rogues.
Bann Rodolf is mentioned by Cyrion when you save him as a City-Elf Warden as his employer. Shayda is mentioned in the tabletop RPG for dragon age, I think. Sarethia is mentioned only in a codex entry, as the 'writer' of the Alienage Culture, but she's the hahren for the Highever Alienage. As for 'Lady Elspeth'… congrats, you all now know the name of the female Cousland, the one who isn't a Warden. For those wondering about Adaia being saved by a human, play Leliana's Song DLC. (For reference, I am taking the events of Leliana's song as 'more canon' than what is stated in Origins [some things make a lot more sense and a reason why she might lie to the Warden in Origins is very, very easy to come up with], and that it was about three years ago.) For those wondering about Alarith, I didn't make up the backstory. According to the wiki, he is, indeed, an escaped slave. Voiced by Gideon Emery, aka Fenris. Nearly died of laughter when I found that out.
Next Chapter – The rest of the City Elf Origin, but from Cleon's POV instead.
