So here's the next chapter guys ^^ How's everyone finding the story so far? I know it's quite different to DAI and it can be a bit depressing... make sure to let me know your thoughts in the reviews

CHAPTER 18: Truth Hurts

Everyone looked up as Oghren stumbled out of his tent, scowling.

"Ach! Leliana, get this stupid beast out of here!"

Kallian laughed as a pink animal squealed and bounced out. Leliana ran over and picked up the nug, cradling it to her.

"I am sorry Oghren, was he disturbing you?"

"No, but if he isn't careful I'm going to start thinking about how delicious he looks. A little taste of home, eh?" he said, sharpening his knife against a rock.

The bard held her nug away from him. "I will make sure Schmooples is never underfoot again."

The dwarf nearly choked, staring at her in disbelief. "Schmooples? You named a nug Schmooples? The last thing we need around here is a walking snack named Schmooples!"

Kallian smirked and walked over to them. She took the nug from Leliana and rubbed its belly.

"Sorry Leliana, I have to agree with him on that."

The bard put her hands on her hips. "What's wrong with his name?"

"Well…" said Kallian.

"It's a cute name!" protested Leliana.

"I can help you pick a diff-"

"I'll take him, thank you very much," said the bard, glaring at her.

"Just remember who gave him to you," replied Kallian, grinning.

"Ooh, a lovers' quarrel already?" said a familiar slippery voice. Zevran's teeth glinted in the sunlight. "This should be interesting."

Oghren grunted. "First Branka and now this? Where are all the available women?"

"Well, we still have the beautfiul Morrig-"

"Don't even think about it, elf," hissed the witch, glaring.

Wynne watched from afar, stirring the pot. Alistair, meanwhile, continued to sharpen his sword, staring at the ground.

Oghren burped loudly and everyone within a few meter's radius of him stepped out of his way. "Well, you should think about it, Morrigan. Ever thought of getting yourself a husband?"

"What, tie myself to another with bonds of servitude? It serves no purpose," scoffed the witch.

"Don't you want little Morrigans running about some day? The pitter-pat of little witchy feet?"

"My mother needed no husband to have her daughters."

"You can land yourself a proper husband if you just show a bit more skin."

"Is that how you "landed" your own wife? No wonder she turned to her own sex for comfort," retorted Morrigan acidly.

Even Zevran cringed at that. The others looked uncomfortable, moving away from the conversation. Leliana took Schmooples over to a shady area.

"Ouch. Now that's just mean," grumbled the dwarf. He turned to Kallian, who wrinkled her nose at the smell of ale and feet. "So," he said, taking a swig of the wineskin. "With the Chantry girl eh?"

The elf nodded. "Yes-"

"Rolling your oats," cut in the dwarf, bouncing his eyebrows.

"I'm sorry, what-"

"Polishing the footstones."

"Hang on-"

"Forging the moaning statue. Donning the velvet hat."

Kallian's face flushed bright red. "Are you just making these up right now?"

"Nope. Been saving 'em."

"Well, we haven't-"

"Ah, but you will soon. A woman's gotta relieve tension too. Say, how do two girls even do it?"

Kallian stared at him.

Oghren grunted. "Alright, suit yourself. I could ask that elf over there," he said, sauntering to Zevran.

Kallian didn't want to know how the assassin would have any idea about that.

She tried not to think about this conversation as she sat herself next to Leliana. The bard gave her the cold shoulder. Kallian chuckled and put an arm around her.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I won't make fun of the name again."

Leliana turned around ever so slightly, fixing her with one eye. "Really?"

The elf nodded, smiling. She leaned and pressed her lips to that flawless cheek. A ghost of a smile flit across the woman's face but she resumed her cool composure.

"Apology accepted. But Schmooples needs something too, no?"

Kallian felt a sudden weight on her lap and looked down to see the nug.

"You will be caring for him today," said the bard with a smirk.

The elf let her jaw drop in dismay. "Aw, come on!"

"Now, none of that," said Leliana slyly. She held the elf's chin with a finger and kissed her on the mouth. Kallian's eyelids drooped involuntarily. She tried to open them, with difficulty.

"The last time I did, he ran away five times," the elf grumbled. "It took hours to find him again."

"If you follow my instructions..." said the woman in her ear. "I'll make sure you get something in return."

Kallian's ears twitched. "Um..."

"Agreed?"

The Warden sighed. "Alright."

"Good," said the bard. "Then I can start packing. Wynne won't be too-"

"Oh, God!" said Kallian, groaning.

Leliana laughed at the growing wet patch on Kallian's pants. Schmooples squealed, looking slightly guilty.

"This is exactly why I didn't want to do this!"

"Oh, stop complaining," said Leliana, still giggling. She took the nug into her arms again. "You only need to get changed."

"Yeah, like that's going to help... now I'm going to smell like piss for the whole day."

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"Kallian, a word if you please?"

The elf stopped in her tracks, looking back quizzically at Wynne. Everyone else paused but Kallian signalled for them to continue.

"I'll catch up in a bit," she said to Leliana.

The bard nodded but her face was strangely guarded when she glanced at the mage.

Kallian frowned and turned to join Wynne under the tree.

"Are you quite sure this is the right decision?"

The Warden nodded resolutely. "It's better if we take care of this issue first, otherwise we'll be walking around Ferelden constantly at risk of attack from this mystery person."

"Is that really the reason? Or is it because you want to protect Leliana?"

Kallian's mouth clamped shut. She narrowed her eyes at the insinuation in the older woman's tone.

Wynne shook her head. "You are letting your emotions get in the way. There is no time to make poor judgements."

The elf made a disbelieving noise. "Wynne… I can't believe you think that I'd be that..." She shook her head. "I've thought about this long and hard."

"And yet the best of us can often act foolishly," said the mage persistently. "I've seen the way she looks at you, the familiarity with which you speak, how she always finds a way to place herself next to you."

Kallian hadn't expected to keep this a secret from Wynne, but to hear these things from the older woman made her blush. She felt like a scolded child.

"I've noticed your blossoming relationship and I wanted to ask you where you thought it was going."

The elf stared at her. "What do you mean by where it's going? It's going where all relationships go."

Wynne fixed her with a stern gaze. "You are a Grey Warden. You have responsibilities that supersede your personal desires."

Kallian shook her head. "I won't let it get in the way of doing what's right."

The expression on the mage's face was strict and unyielding. "You are young, and you are inexperienced. Love is ultimately selfish. It demands that one be devoted to a single person, who may fully occupy one's mind and heart, to the exclusion of all else."

"Maker's breath," muttered Kallian. "You sound like Morrigan."

Wynne looked rather offended by this but recovered smoothly. "I know you may not like what I say, but there was some reason behind her opposition to your decision."

Now the Warden narrowed her eyes. The mage had never been so stubborn before- if it was a question of judgement, Wynne had always approved of her decisions. But her relationship with Leliana was one she was determined to keep for as long as she lived. And she was tired of hearing others tell her what they perceived to be right.

"I'm not doing this blindly."

"Think of it this way then- you may be faced with a critical situation in the future. Imagine if you were forced to make a choice between saving your love and saving everyone else. Then what would you do?"

Kallian hesitated, feeling a bit sick in the stomach. "You don't know if that will happen."

"Nothing is certain in these times. You cannot take anything for granted. I wanted you to be aware of this."

"I thought... you of all people would support us," said the elf quietly.

Wynne paused for a strained moment before replying. "I will always support you, child. But that doesn't mean my methods will be to your liking."

The elf felt the life drain away from her. It was almost like going back to her hopeless life in the Alienage. Back when everyone told her it was forbidden and that she didn't know what she was doing.

"I know what you're trying to say," said Kallian in resignation. "But I also ask that you trust me on this. I will make the right choice."

Wynne regarded her cautiously. "I sincerely hope that you do."

She turned to join the rest of the group on the road, leaving Kallian standing there feeling deeply disturbed and slightly angry. She knew Wynne meant well, but it was like she'd been punched in the gut. And as she gazed at Leliana's back, the elf suddenly felt the physical distance between them stretch from meters to miles.

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"Seems like the person knows who he's dealing with," said Oghren, wiping his axe on the carpet.

"Not he. She," said Leliana without feeling. She walked with Kallian to open the door.

"She?" said the dwarf, shaking his head. "Gone are the days when women were soft and sweet, I can tell you that."

Kallian glanced at the bard with those dark eyes- like a gathering storm. "Ready?"

Leliana nodded. "Ready," she replied resolutely.

Her heart was thumping in her chest like a war drum, but she didn't falter. It had to end here. It had to end now.

As soon as she entered, all the memories from years ago came rushing back to her. Leliana's throat constricted when she saw Marjolaine- the woman hadn't changed in the slightest. Dark voluminous hair, mysterious eyes and sensuous red lips. She sat on the sofa with all the grace of a noblewoman, radiating dark allure and deceptive composure. There was a richly adorned mirror on the low table, along with a silver cup of wine. Her bardmaster turned to observe her guests leisurely, mouth curving up into a charming smile.

"Ah, Leliana!" she said, her throaty voice flowing like liquid. The woman stood up in one fluid move, walking toward them with easy steps. "It is so lovely to see you again, my dear," she said amiably to Leliana.

The bard eyed her incredulously. One might think Marjolaine was her friend, greeting and asking her about the years she had missed. Leliana shook her head, unable to understand the audacity of the woman.

"Spare me the pleasantries, I know you're-" started Leliana, glaring at her.

"Oh, you must excuse the shabby accommodations," interrupted the bardmaster, waving an airy hand at the room. "I try to be a good host, but you see what I have to work with?"

Leliana tried again to talk, but Marjolaine had not lost her quickness with speech. "This country smells like wet dog. Everywhere," she said in disgust. "I cannot get the smell out. Even now it is in my hair, my clothes… urgh."

The group listened with growing puzzlement at the unexpected amicability. But Leliana wasn't fooled. Kallian made a noise of contempt and Leliana could see the elf's hand itching to raise the sword.

"Why did you send the assassins?"

The bardmaster put a hand on her hip. "So business-like, your companion," she said, raking the elf once with her eyes appreciatively. Then she walked over to Kallian and the bard stiffened.

What's her game?

Marjolaine fingered the dark hair, tutting. "Hmm. An elf, but perhaps more refined than the others. A little work could do wonders for you."

Kallian's eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. She smacked the hand aside and whipped the sword up to the woman's neck. "Get to the point."

"Marjolaine," said Leliana. "It's time we ended this. You framed me, had me caught and tortured. I thought I was free of you here in Ferelden. Why do you want me dead so badly?"

"Dead?" asked the woman in mock surprise. "I know you, my Leliana. I know what you are capable of. Four, five men? You can dispatch of easily." Her eyes flicked to the blade at her throat and she smiled further. "They were sent to give you cause to come to me. And see? Here you are… does that answer your question?"

It was addressed deliberately to Kallian. The elf scowled in disgust. "I don't believe you. Spill the truth or I'll cut that tongue of yours."

"Ohh, very violent," tutted Marjolaine, an expression of false surprise on her face. Leliana wondered how the bardmaster could retain her composure with a sword at her neck. "That will not do. I thought your interests would be in a softer character, Leliana. But then again… you have always liked danger."

"What are you up to, Marjolaine?" demanded the bard, tired of these games. "Why are you here in Ferelden?"

At last, the bardmaster's eyes darkened, betraying her motive. "In truth, you have valuable information that can be used against me. For my own safety, I cannot let you be." She gave a false laugh. "Did you think I did not know where you were? Did you think I would not watch my Leliana? "What is she up to?" I thought. "You were planning something. So, I watched… but no letters were sent. No messages. You barely spoke to anyone. But then you left the Chantry, so suddenly. What conclusion must I draw? You tell me."

Leliana stared at her in mixed revulsion and shock. It was pitiful. Pitiful to think they had spent all those years together and to realize her bardmaster had never really known her…. That she had never really known Marjolaine. Right now, standing in front of her former lover, she felt nothing but disgust.

"You thought… I left the Chantry because of you? You are insane!" she shouted. "Paranoid!"

"If you think she's the sort to take pointless revenge, you must never have known her," said Kallian, eyeing the woman with contempt.

"Oh, is that what you think? If I were you, I would believe nothing she says. Not a one. You might end up in bed with a knife through your chest. The girl can be quite vicious with her lovers. Isn't that right, Leliana?"

The bard glared at her furiously.

Don't listen to her Kallian, she secretly begged. It's not true, not with you.

"I am not you, Marjolaine," Leliana shot back. "I left because I didn't want to become you."

"Oh, but you are me," said the woman with a cruel laugh. "You cannot escape it. No one will understand you the way I do."

Leliana stiffened as Marjolaine leaned in with a glint in her eyes, letting the blade draw blood from her neck.

"Do you know why you were a master manipulator, Leliana?" she asked lazily. "You enjoyed the Game. You revelled in the power it gave you. You cannot change or deny this."

"Shut your mouth!" the Warden snarled. "She's nothing like you!"

"And you think you can kill me, elf?" said Marjolaine, eyes flashing. "Think again!"

Everyone watched in surprise as the bardmaster twisted away from the elf's sword, fast. She shoved Kallian back and lunged for the mirror on the table. A long blade protruded from the handle she pulled out. Another dagger emerged from under her sleeve.

Kallian swung her sword, sparks flying as it hit the daggers. There was a loud scraping as the two locked weapons. At the same time, there were clanking footsteps as more guards flooded into the room.

Morrigan raised up a wall of fire, but Marjolaine's mage warded the men. Leliana and Kallian traded blows with the bardmaster furiously. The Orlesian was astonishingly agile, dodging attacks that limited movement. She used the furniture to evade the sword, landing accurate kicks and cuts on their arms. Leliana felt warmth seep into her as Wynne's spell healed her wounds. There was a sudden explosion from behind and Leliana was flung to the floor.

She looked up to see Morrigan returning a ferocious wind of ice crystals at the other mage. The rest of the group was tackling the guards in the corner. Kallian moved in to engage Marjolaine, eyes cold and hard.

Leliana rolled to stand and joined her lover. Even with the two of them attacking at once, the woman held her own. She didn't flinch as Kallian brought down a heavy strike on her dagger. The weight did bring her to her knees, however, and she could see the strain it had on her. Leliana took the opportunity to draw several gashes on her limbs and torso.

Marjolaine hissed and weakened, but still had the strength to twist away. She kicked the bard off her feet and slashed Kallian's side. The elf doubled over, growling. Leliana looked up to see the bardmaster staggering away, clutching her bleeding torso.

The bard advanced, her daggers glinting in the candlelight.

All the guards were dead now, with only the mage exchanging blasts of magic with Morrigan. Everyone else gathered around threateningly, watching Marjolaine back away.

"I took the blame, Marjolaine," said Leliana, walking towards her. "And I never had any intention of going back. You should have let me be when you had the chance."

The bardmaster was looking pitifully wild and manic now, her eyes flashing like a hare caught in a trap.

"My dear Leliana, you cannot expect me to believe that, do you?"

When the bard continued to advance, Marjolaine's face contorted into an ugly expression.

"Very well. If I must die… then I will not die alone!" she snarled and hurled her dagger before anybody could respond. Leliana dodged but cried out as it sailed past her to Kallian. The elf didn't even have time to bring her shield up. It pierced her armour and lodged itself in the chest.

"Kallian!" screamed Leliana.

"Argh!" the elf growled, dropping to her knees and clutching the handle.

The situation reminded her frighteningly of that night… the night when Marjolaine had stabbed her. Her world had become an explosion of pain and loss.

Not this time, thought Leliana. You won't take anymore from me!

The bard sprang up and beat the woman down with a ferocious whirlwind of slashes. In her state of injury, Marjolaine didn't have a chance. Leliana's dagger slipped past her defence and she disarmed the woman. As she stared down at her former bardmaster, all Leliana could feel was a cold numbness… and pity. Pity for the monster this woman had become.

"Kill me then," hissed Marjolaine, fear mixed with challenge in her eyes. Dark, but so unlike Kallian's.

At the thought of the elf, Leliana's eyes hardened, and she raised her dagger high in the air.

She brought it down.