Chapter 14) Red

Aiden POV


I ran through the marketplace, carrying a barrel of… something. I honestly wasn't sure. It was just something the cook claimed was needed, and I was the only one available that she trusted to fetch it and not get distracted. Of course, the crush of people were slowing me down far more than a distraction would. So long as she didn't hit me, though, it would all be well.

"Oh, pardon me!" someone laughed as I bumped into him. I glanced and paled when I realized I was looking at Bann Teagan. There must be a hunt coming up in the castle. He rarely appeared at another time. "Wait, you're carrying that huge thing by yourself?"

"Yes, milord," I answered automatically, looking for a way to escape. I had to get back to the estate. "If you'll excuse me, milord."

"Oh, right, sorry. Ah, Eamon, there you are!" He turned to greet his older brother, and I wondered just what had brought the two brothers out here in the common market. But it didn't matter, really. I had an errand to complete.


Redcliffe. Garrison of the south. I honestly wasn't sure if it was named for the red soil around these parts, or for the copious bloodshed the area had suffered as enemies broke themselves on the fortress-castle. Old, as old as Highever, it has stood as the frontline of defense for centuries. The village itself, far younger, was a cheerful enough place, though.

"Welcome, welcome!" the innkeeper greeted as we all settled into the local tavern. Master Duncan had decided we'd stop early today. Something about Cleon's health. He looked fine, aside from more tripping troubles. …Right, that was probably a side effect of whatever was infecting him. I felt a bit of annoyance creep through as I remembered how I seemed to be the only one who didn't know what was going on with him, but I tucked it back. This was a place of cheer. "What'll you have?"

"Ale, my good man!" Lord Nuada laughed, grinning broadly and winking at some of the serving girls. "And plenty of it!"

"Rooms would also be nice," Master Duncan cut in. Despite the light tone, I could see how tense he held himself. "If not here, then somewhere close?"

"Of course, of course," the innkeeper agreed. His eyes glittered greedily. Oh, joy. Merchants. I hated merchants. "My name is Lloyd. I'm the proprietor of this establishment." Joy. "This way, this way."

"Why are there soldiers here?" Cleon whispered into my ear as we were led through the bustling tavern. He was pale, but fine. "Highever sent everyone." And paid for it. "Why haven't they?"

"King Cailan and Arl Eamon had a falling out a few months ago," I answered after a moment. "Probably related to that."

"They would let a quarrel decide something like that?"

"Perhaps. I don't know for sure, obviously."

"Warden Duncan, is it?" That voice belonged to a gravel-voice man with a beard. "The name's Murdock," he introduced, putting out his hand for a shake. Master Duncan returned the gesture immediately. "I'm the Mayor here. I was wondering if you had any news to share."

"Only a little," Master Duncan hedged easily. He was good at hiding information. "I've been traveling, hunting for recruits. I can give you a bit from Denerim, though." Uh oh.

"Sure, that would be nice," Mayor Murdock laughed. "Last bit of information we got is from Dwyn, who got this sword from a merchant. Claims it's from an ox-horn."

"What is an ox-horn?" Mistress Layla asked softly. She looked drained. Honestly, I was worried she was getting sick, not Cleon.

"Likely, it's a qunari," Lady Elspeth answered. Stone-faced and quiet likely always. "The books say most have horns."

"The question then becomes what they're doing this far south," Lord Nuada mused with a smile. I saw Mistress Layla flinch at it. "Well, it seems like there are other things going on besides the Blight."

"Like political betrayals, milord?" I phrased my words as a question, but we both knew it wasn't. It was worth seeing the smile falter for a second. I couldn't understand why he chose to deal with grief like this, but it seemed to be rather common, given how Master Duncan reacted to it.

The smile, however, was back in place by the time he replied. "Sure, I'll bet this is the perfect time for some people."

"I know that voice. Nuada?" I recognized the speaker as soon as he broke through the small crowd. Bann Teagan, younger brother of the late Queen Rowan and Arl Eamon. He was surprisingly well-liked, for all that he avoided politics. He was also noted to being a skilled swordsman and hunter, who could give even Teyrn Loghain a run for his money if the need arose. "Hey there!" he laughed, clapping Lord Nuada on the back and kissing Lady Elspeth's hand. "Certainly didn't expect to see you here. Fergus left just a few days ago. He said you two were staying at Highever Castle."

"Well, there was a change of plans," Lord Nuada dismissed cheerfully. "I'm joining the Wardens, and Elspeth is delivering a message for Father." Yeah, a message that there was a traitor.

Bann Teagan's face fell. "Is Bryce not well? I know he's been having ill health recently."

"Of course he is!" If I ever needed more proof that Lord Nuada was in complete denial, I had it right here. "Nothing keeps him down for long!"

"I know. He's always been there when you needed him." Well, not anymore. "Hence my confusion."

"Something unexpected happened at the castle," Lady Elspeth whispered. Her face was passive like always. "That's all."

"Well, I hope everything turns out well," Bann Teagan sighed. "I'd hate for anything to have happened to Bryce or Elanor. They're both wonderful and dear friends." Yes, they were. Kind, fair, and just. Stronger than anything, or so everyone thought. Yet, in the space of a night, they were betrayed and massacred. The only two survivors were right here. One acting like nothing had happened and the other showing nothing I could read.

"Teagan, you bolted in here quick. What's all the ruckus?" The boisterous cheer of the room died down slightly as Arl Eamon stepped into the tavern. Almost everyone either saluted or bowed. I couldn't remember if he was well loved or not by the people, but I knew he was well respected, and that came across clear. "Oh, Nuada, Elspeth," he greeted with a soft smile. "Fergus was here not long ago. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have gotten rooms prepared in the castle for you."

"It's no trouble, Eamon," Lord Nuada laughed. "How are Isolde and Connor?"

"Isolde is distressed, sadly." He sighed heavily. "Connor has been ill."

The smile fell from Lord Nuada's face. "Do you know the symptoms?"

"Pale, mostly, and seeing things that aren't there. I wanted to send for a healer from the Tower, but Isolde refuses to let any mage get near him for some reason."

"Is it possible he is a mage?" Mistress Layla asked out of the blue. She looked thoughtful and reassuring. "Has he done anything strange recently? Magic typically shows itself around puberty, though it can be younger."

"Well, and do forgive me, Lady Mage, but I hope that is not the case." Arl Eamon sighed. "Connor is my only son. I would not like to see him grow up in another place."

"You would give up your son?" Cleon demanded. I put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "Your own son?"

"The law exists for everyone, not just people without titles," Arl Eamon answered softly. "Besides, if he's hallucinating because of his magic, then would it not be best for him to be with people who can actually help him?"

"That is why I love the Circle," Mistress Layla chimed in with a smile. "All of us can study and practice together, and learn how to control our power."

"Precisely." He smiled then. "If he has magic, I will send him to the Tower, for his sake, not my own."

"There is a mage in the Tower, Finn, who regularly gets care packages and visits from his family. I am certain you would be able to as well."

"Providing he doesn't hate me for sending him away, like my… ward did." Huh? "Regardless, Duncan, since you are here, do you mind if I talk to you?"

"Of course not, Arl Eamon," Master Duncan answered, even as the rest of us wondered what was going on. "Where to?"

"Well, perhaps outside. If we can make it out there."

"Ward?" Cleon asked as Master Duncan and Arl Eamon hunted for an easy way through the crowd. "What's a 'ward'?"

"It means someone he took in, but wasn't related to, basically," Lord Nuada answered. "I'd heard he had one, but I never met him. We were still out of the country then. Elspeth, you know anything?"

"No, I'm afraid not much more than that," she muttered. Was that annoyance in her tone? "I never asked. I wished I did. I only know there were rumors the boy was rumored to be Eamon's bastard son, and Isolde was furious."

"She would be, the bitch. Whoops, was that out loud?"

"Yes, but Eamon didn't hear you."

"Oh, that's good to know."

"I'm getting tired of asking things," Cleon grumbled. "Who?"

"Arlessa Isolde, wife of Arl Eamon," I answered. I noticed Lady Elspeth whisper something in Mistress Layla's ear and the two disappeared into the back rooms. What? "She's Orelsian, but it's a love match. I think."

"What does that have anything to do with it?"

"Humans will marry for political reasons," Lord Nuada explained. "It's even more true for nobles."

"That's nonsense!" Cleon snapped.

"We're pawns." No one should say that with a smile. "That's all."

"Okay, you're being creepy again. Aiden, make him stop being creepy."

"What?" I yelped. "Why am I getting involved?"

"Teagan, are you returning to the castle?" I heard Arl Eamon call. I turned and saw him near the door with Master Duncan.

"No, I think I'll stay here a while, Eamon," Bann Teagan laughed. I'd almost forgotten he was here. "Though, there's still a bit of daylight. Cleon, was it?"

"Ah, yes?" Cleon replied automatically.

"You're Dalish, right?"

"Yes?"

"Fancy a spar?" He grinned. "I've heard all sorts of legends about the skill of Dalish hunters." Cleon's face lit up in a smile. "I'd love to test it out for myself."

"I'm afraid, Bann Teagan, Cleon is actually suffering from some ill health," Master Duncan cut in before Cleon could reply. Cleon grimaced and looked away. "If you want to spar, though, might I recommend Aiden? I doubt you want to have a go with Nuada again."

"No, thank you!" Bann Teagan laughed. "I like my arms unbroken." He turned to me, smiling. "However, I would like that spar, if you're willing."

"If that is your will, milord," I replied automatically, as I tried to figure out what just happened. Oh, Maker, what was I being thrown into now?


"You should work on timing your blows," Bann Teagan laughed as we slowly stretched and made our way back to the tavern. We had sparred near the windmill, being the only piece of flat land that wasn't in front of the Chantry. "Cleaving weapons like that telepath their movements."

"I noticed, milord," I gasped out. I figured out why Master Duncan had wanted me to spar, instead of just refusing. I was strong, but not very skilled, and it showed when I fought someone truly competent and expecting me to know what end of a sword to hold. "I thank you for the lesson."

"Oh, don't be so formal. Not here, at least. You nearly gave me a concussion."

"My apologies."

"You can talk to Elspeth about timing. Or get someone to just teach you." He grinned. "Thank you for the spar, though. Eamon can't keep up nowadays."

"It was my honor, milord."

"Formalities, formalities. Here, I'll buy you a drink."

"I don't drink, milord." Unless we were at an Alienage celebration and I didn't have work the next day, in which case I always seemed to be the last one drinking.

"Oh, one pint won't do you harm!" He clapped me on the back as we entered the tavern. "Here, I'll be back in one bit."

"Ah, yes, milord." As he disappeared ino the crowd, I looked around the still bustling tavern. Arl Eamon and Master Duncan weren't back yet, and there was no sign of Lady Elspeth and Mistress Layla. Simply Lord Nuada flirting with a red-haired waitress and Cleon choking on something.

"What happened while we were gone?" I asked, patting Cleon on the back. "Please tell me you didn't poison him."

"Poison isn't my thing," Lord Nuada teased. "Bella here just gave Cleon a sample of the best ale."

"It doesn't seem to agree with him." I tried to keep my tone polite, but I couldn't keep the chuckle out of it.

"It's all right," the waitress chortled with a bright smile. I guessed she was 'Bella'. "Not many people can keep it down when it's their first."

"Dread Wolf take all of you," Cleon growled. "All of you."

"We love you too, Cleon," Nuada teased. "What do I owe you, Bella?"

"Lloyd will give you the fat bill in the morning," she sighed. "But I'll take the smiles and compliments for free. Been a while since I heard genuine ones."

"Oh, any time." She sashayed off and Nuada sighed. "She should be the one in charge."

"Oh?" I commented. "Why?"

"She's intelligent and moral," he answered immediately. "She practically runs the place anyway. Lloyd just profits from it, and likely does things I don't want to think about as killing people is bad when you're not in a war." Ah… "Oh, Aiden, can you do me a favor?"

"Yes, milord?"

"Elspeth and Layla haven't come out of that back hall yet. You mind checking on them? Layla isn't comfortable around me." Oh, so he noticed. "Cleon is too busy choking on his inability to hold alcohol."

"Nuada, I'm going to murder you!" Cleon snapped, launching himself across the table to get at Nuada. I just left them to it, ignoring the commotion. Some exercise would do them both good, yes? So long as they didn't actually kill each other, and I had faith in their sense. Most of the time.

Shaking my head, I wandered into the hallway and hunted around for anything that would indicate there was anything living back here. The first noise that caught my ear was giggling. Giggling. I hunted around until I noticed a door slightly ajar. I nudged the door open, keeping silent as I saw the two women sitting in front of a mirror. The two seemed to actually be having fun.

"Lady Elspeth-" Mistress Layla began, smiling. I noticed the eye shadow and blush and realized what was going on.

"Please, call me 'Elspeth'," Lady Elspeth corrected. She brandished a small brush. I focused on the red at the tip of it. Paint, but I swore it looked like… "Do keep still, though."

"Oh, I am sorry." She was still smiling. "Still, you must be a mage. I look beautiful, instead of pretty."

"A trick I learned abroad is to use make-up to enhance what is already there. Now, please, hold still so I can finish." She carefully painted Mistress Layla's lips red.

Red.

A crying soldiers with tears of red. A fighting soldier drenched in red. A helpless child lying in red. A torn apart woman dripping red.

Red. Red.

The walls crying red. The widows glittering red. The weapons singing red. The air filled with red.

Red. Red. Red. So much red.

"Aiden?" I gasped and Lady Elspeth was in front of me. My scattered mind took note of two things. One, she was a bit taller than me. Two, like Mistress Layla, she was wearing make-up. "You looked as if you were caught in a nightmare," she whispered, touching my face. "Are you well?"

"Yes, milady." My reply was automatic. "I apologize."

"What is there to apologize for? You aren't the first I've seen with battle dreams." I was startled by her smile. Movement on stone. "Now, are you truly well?"

"Yes, milady."

"I will take you at your word." She turned away. "Layla, you can stop staring at your reflection, now."

"But I look nice," Mistress Layla laughed. She spun from the mirror, smiling at me. I was glad to see her lip paint was pink, not red. "Aiden, you okay? Elspeth said you had been there for a bit."

"You seemed to be having fun," I replied. It wasn't a lie. "I didn't want to interrupt." That also wasn't really a lie. "Have you never worn make up before, Mistress Layla?"

"No, I have not. Most mages who wear it in the Circle wore far too much." She scrunched up her nose in disgust. "They used clashing colors too." Her face fell. "Besides, most mages refused to touch faces. The closest a lot got were hands or hair."

"Why?"

"When you were a child, you were afraid of accidentally casting a spell at the wrong time." She winced at that, like something had happened in the past to her. "When you were older, though, it was too intimate. You had to be careful. Even friendships could be considered a risk."

"For what?"

"Not all templars are kind."

"The Chantry fails in its teaching," Lady Elspeth declared softly. Her face was passive again. "Of course, that isn't a surprise."

Mistress Layla stared. "B-but the Maker is fair and-"

"If the Maker is fair, then explain what happened in Highever to me." The good cheer vanished in an instance. Frozen by her tone and stare. "Well?"

"I…"

"…" And, just like that, the ice was gone. "No, my apologies. I shouldn't have said anything." She strode out the room. "Come, we should-"

"Perhaps He needed you and Nuada to go to Ostagar!" Mistress Layla blurted. I felt like I was in the middle of a crossfire when Lady Elspeth turned back. "Perhaps Andraste needed you there," she continued far more softly. "They see a… a bigger picture than either of us."

"If that's true, I wish a different way was chosen." She glanced at me. "What do you think, Aiden?"

"I…" I began, trying to think. The Chantry… I tended to avoid thinking about it, because… "I think there are some good people in the Chantry?"

"I will take you at your word." And the way she said made me think she knew everything that I didn't say. "Shall we join the others?"

"Yes, I'd like that, milady." Anything away from this awkward conversation.


It was like stepping into another world, returning to the main room. Loud and boisterous. Cheerful. "Taverns never change," Lady Elspeth commented as we shifted through the crowd. "They're the same wherever you go."

"Even in Orlais, milady?" I asked, helping Mistress Layla as a drunk nearly bowled her over.

"Yes, they are."

"Orlais is so fancy in the books," Mistress Layla protested. "Ack!" I had to pick her up to prevent someone's drink from sloshing on her head. "Thank you."

"No problem," I reassured. "Ah, I think I found them?"

Sure enough, we were "Hey, there!" Bann Teagan called, lifting his own mug of ale. "Over here, you three!"

"Thank the Maker we finally found you," Mistress Layla breathed, stumbling over to the table. "It is so crowded."

"People have coin, miss, so they choose to spend it!" He grinned and handed me my own mug with a wink. I couldn't help but smile in response. "You weren't wearing make-up earlier, were you?"

"I found a make-up kit," Lady Elspeth explained with a small smile. "I… forgot mine."

"Like how Nuada forgot his shaving kit?"

"Yes, and thank you for the spare, Teagan," Lord Nuada laughed. He was always laughing, always cheerful. "But there's something far more important to comment on."

"Oh?"

"Layla, you look incredible."

"Th-thank you," Mistress Layla murmured. She was blushing red, and I had to turn away as my head morphed it to face streaming red for some reason. "Elspeth is a miracle worker."

"My sister is many things, but not a miracle worker." Lord Nuada grinned. "At least, she isn't when it comes to makeup. Arrows are another story."

"O-oh…"

"Nuada, what are you doing?" Cleon growled then, glaring at the lord. "Well?"

"I'm paying Layla a compliment," Lord Nuada answered innocently. "I thought that was obvious."

"Aren't you seeing that waitress girl later in your room?"

"Well, I don't think it'll be in my room. I'm sharing with Aiden and Elspeth again, likely, and it would be so rude."

"I thank you, milord," I couldn't help but deadpan. He just grinned in reply. "Cleon, that was an out of the blue question, though."

"It was not," Cleon retorted. "It's been bothering me for days."

"Oh, dear Cleon, if you're jealous…" Lord Nuada began.

"You are not my type."

"Alack, alay, woe it me!"

"I see some things never change," Bann Teagan laughed. "But really, you three. Sit down. Or would you rather go on to bed? You look tired."

"And they should enjoy the beds while they can," Master Duncan declared as he stepped up to the table. Arl Eamon was nowhere in sight. "This will be the last inn we're staying at."

"Thank the Creators," Cleon muttered.

At almost the same time, Mistress Layla groaned, "Andraste, help me."

"Is there something wrong with Lothering?" Lord Nuada asked. He seemed to take the announcement with easy cheer. As always.

"Speed, mainly," Master Duncan answered. "We'll just go straight past it. We're running out of time."

"Well, I guess I'd better enjoy the beer while I can. Master Lloyd, another pint, please!"

"Nuada, we're not getting drunk here," Lady Elspeth scolded.

"I know how many I can hold," Lord Nuada protested. "I'm not a lightweight like Cleon here."

"I can take it," Cleon growled. "I just think it's disgusting."

"Sure, sure."

"Well, I know how to settle this," Bann Teagan noted slyly. "A drinking contest!"

"Here, here!"

"Fine," Cleon spat. "We'll do this." Oh, dear Maker.

Master Duncan sighed, but smiled at the antics. "You'll have to march even with a hangover," he warned. "Remember that."

"Aiden, do you want to join in?" Lord Nuada asked. I shook my head. "All right. Maybe next time."

"I believe Layla and I shall stay near you," Lady Elspeth muttered. I thought I caught a few signs of annoyance, but I wasn't sure. "Is that all right?"

"Of course, milady," I replied. "I'm not really sure what happened."

"Nuada is being Nuada."

"Ah."

"Must we camp?" Mistress Layla complained. She looked revitalized by all the cheer, even if she was as confused by the drinking contest as Cleon. Did mages not drink? "I hate camping."

"You and I can share a tent, if you'd like," Lady Elspeth offered. "I know a few tricks to make it more comfortable."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!"

"I've a feeling I'll need to keep Cleon away from Nuada after tonight," I sighed, watching the contest start. It seemed to involve half the bar. This was going to end badly. "Oh, pardon my manners, milady."

"It's fine. You will need too. Nuada knows enough sleight of hand to fake drinking."

"Why would you want to know that?" Mistress Layla asked. "In the Tower, no one wanted to waste it." Oh, so they did drink. They must not have contests, then.

"It lets him win without the consequences."

"That is cheating."

"Only if you're caught," I pointed out. I frowned as some of the contestants sloshed their drinks. It was red. "What are they drinking?"

"It looks to be red wine," Lady Elspeth answered. I only stared at the red liquid staining the floorboards. "Are you well?"

"I am fine, milady." That was a lie. I was seeing blood where there wasn't any. I was hearing screams that weren't there. "Might we move away from the fire?" Fire made it worse. Fire added the smell of burning innocents.

"I would like that too," Layla murmured. "I do not like fire much." Lady Elspeth nodded silently and found a small corner for us to hide in and watch the antics of the crowd. It was fun, but dampened by all the red I could see.

Red, red, red. I hated the color.


Author's Note: Lots of cameos, and lots of fun. Because I wanted to contrast the later quest as much as possible, and contrast it with Aiden's inner thoughts. Hints here of the Taint catching up more and more with Cleon.

Next chapter – WE'RE IN OSTAGAR AT LAST. Nuada POV. Also realized just how freaking long this fic is going to be, so I apologize ahead of time for it.