CHAPTER 21: Welcome Home... Sort Of

"Take that, ya nit picking nug-lickers!"

Kallian's eardrums nearly split from the racket in the dank chamber. It was chaos in there, cramped with all of them plus the guards. A man lunged at her, snarling. She evaded his sword and kicked him back, stabbing him clean in the middle. Blood gushed from his mouth and he slumped to the floor. She ducked again as another stepped in to take a swipe at her head. Kallian parried his blow and smacked the blade to the side. He blocked her next strike with his shield and tried to force her back with it. The elf raised her sword but there was no need- the man cried out, collapsing from the dagger in his chest. She gave a quick thanks to Zevran and joined Alistair in cutting the last guard down. As he gurgled and breathed his last, the sound of burning and crackling died down too.

The witch tutted. "Once again, too easy. Completely unprepared."

"Better too easy than getting stabbed in the gut," said Alistair, sheathing his sword.

"How very wise of you."

Kallian hardly spared the dead bodies a glance and was already moving through the door. They followed her quickly into the dark passageway. As they passed the cells, rats scurried about and despairing moans echoed everywhere. Kallian shivered as cold droplets of water hit her neck and the smell of filth reached her nostrils. One man rattled his chains and leered at her as they walked past. She ignored him and moved on to the next cell, and then the next, and then the next.

"Come on," she muttered.

They advanced further into the dungeons and she nearly missed him as they rushed by. Kallian skidded to a halt, turning around with a pang in her chest. Everyone else watched silently as the elf strode over to the lonely cell. Kallian gripped the bars tightly, her knuckles turning white. No sound came out from her mouth.

He was thin. Completely skeletal. If it weren't for his shock of red hair and pointed ears, she wouldn't have recognized him. Kallian suppressed a surge of nausea at the stench of urine, rotting food and unwashed clothes.

"Soris?" she finally choked out.

The elf stirred from his curled up position on the freezing ground. Her cousin opened his eyes, sunken and rimmed with dark- almost- purple rings. His cheekbones stood out like cliffs and his roughspun shirt hung from his emaciated frame. Soris rose slowly and walked as though he were an old man. As he came closer to the light, she noticed bloodstains on his clothes. Seeing all this made Kallian want to die, guilt writhing in her. But what hit her most was his accusing, venomous gaze.

"What in name of the forgotten gods are you doing here?"

Kallian stepped back, feeling like she'd been punched in the face.

"I… I came back for you."

Soris' stony expression remained unchanged. "I'm so touched you remembered," he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "I thought perhaps you'd forgotten me."

She swallowed painfully, not knowing what to say. She couldn't open her mouth and stood there dumbly.

"Been having a good time playing Grey Warden, cousin? Well, I've been rotting here for your crimes!"

"I'm sorry-"

"Well sorry doesn't quite cut it."

Kallian felt anger flare up in her. I didn't ask for this. I didn't have the means to help you then! I've been running around the whole blasted country trying to fight this bloody war!

Was what she wanted to say. But she gritted her teeth and took out the keys, trying them out one by one. The door creaked open when she inserted the correct key. Soris made no move to open it further. Instead, some of the iciness fell from his expression.

"Why didn't you come sooner, Kallian? I waited and waited."

The Warden felt her chest tighten up. She didn't have an answer.

"You had the Grey Wardens on your side," continued the other elf, shaking his head. "You could have taken it to the king. I thought… she'll find a way. And then it just dragged on and on… I don't even know how long I've been down here."

"Soris," spoke up Leliana. "Please don't blame her, she has been thinking of you and Shianni constantly ever since Ostagar."

Her cousin narrowed his eyes at the bard, noticing the group for the first time. "And who are you?" But then he snorted. "Never mind. It doesn't matter." He turned to Kallian again. "I hear things from other prisoners down here- something about the king dying. Is that true?"

The Warden regarded him wearily before replying. "I'll tell you everything. But first, let's get you home."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zevran yawned as he waited outside.

A man barked out a loud laugh, and there were several scraping sounds as chairs moved. He could even smell the smoke from their pipes escaping under the door. The assassin leaned back against the wall, listening.

"What're ye doing, standing around doin' nothin'?" grunted Oghren, coming over to join him.

"Shhh," said Zevran, putting a finger to his lips. Though he doubted they would hear anything above the din. "Do you hear that?"

The dwarf frowned. "Hear what?"

"The sound of perfection."

There was a hiss and the smoke coming through the gap under the door turned red. Laughter died away, replaced by grunts of confusion. Zevran pulled Oghren to the side just in time as the door exploded open. Guards stumbled out coughing and reeling. The assassin stabbed them rapidly with ease, wielding his daggers without thinking. Oghren harrumphed but joined him in dispatching the Tevinter guards. Amidst the smoke and confusion, the men didn't have a chance. They left some of them alive, too wounded to fight back.

"So this is it, eh?" chortled the dwarf. "What's the trick?"

Zevran shook his head. "Not a trick, my friend, but an art."

"Whatever you wanna call it."

"An assassin never reveals his secrets, Oghren."

"Didn't want to know anyway."

Zevran chuckled and knelt down to the level of one of the captives. "So. Where do you keep the other elves?"

The man glared at the elf. "I'm not telling you anything."

"I am sure you will change your mind," said Zevran. "Shall we start with the toes then, my fine dwarven friend?"

Oghren pulled out his axe. "Don't mind if I do."

The guard paled along with the other men. Some of them struggled against the ropes binding them. Zevran scraped his daggers together threateningly. "Th-they took them already," spoke up one man. "Through the back alley."

The Antivan flashed him a dazzling smile. "Ah, see? That wasn't so difficult… we promise to come back for you soon. Try to make yourselves comfortable."

Zevran and Oghren hurried back to the rest of their group, who were still trying to navigate their way through the hospice. Kallian turned to them expectantly.

"Any luck?"

"Through the back alley."

"Great. Let's move it."

Everyone rushed out and sprinted through the alley. The moment they burst through the door, Kallian lunged forward with her weight to tackle the guard. They went down with a loud crash and she thrust her blade into his throat. He choked and went silent.

Oghren swung his axe, clipping a guard's helmet. He kneed the man's crotch and sunk his weapon into the abdomen.

Flames, stone fists, shards of ice and bolts flew everywhere as Morrigan wielded her staff and the warriors engaged the men with noisy clangs of steel on steel.

Leliana flicked her knives at two men in quick succession while the rest killed the remaining soldiers. They wasted no time, moving through the next door to step outside.

"What's this? Another shipment already? We weren't-" The guard walking toward them frowned. "Wait… you're no Tevinter. Who are you supposed to be?"

"Haven't you heard? We're here to relieve you."

"No you're not. There's nobody-"

Kallian drove her sword into his jaw. The other soldiers caught wind of what was happening and unsheathed their weapons. Leliana drew her bow fluidly and took down four of them with her arrows. Zevran hurled his daggers at two. Sten smashed the last three with his fists and sword.

Shipment? Thought the assassin. This is sounding very suspicious…

His question was answered by the elf waiting in the final room.

"You will regret this, you know," said the woman, unperturbed by the weapons aimed at her.

"Really?" said Kallian, flicking her blade and cutting off hair. The woman flinched slightly but still glared at her.

"Believe it or not, we have been given dispensation to do our business here. The humans talk a great deal about how wrong slavery is, but isn't it funny how quickly the smell of gold overcomes such ideals?"

"Then I presume you are also here for the gold," commented Zevran.

The woman gave him a disdainful glance, which quickly slipped off when the sword tip pressed against her cheek.

"Take me to the others," growled Kallian.

"Don't fool yourself, Warden. You're no hero, you're-"

The dark haired elf yanked the sword free as the body slipped to the floor.

Hmm. I suppose we can do without her.

Kallian kicked the door open and they emerged in a wide room, occupied by a single man with his guards. Confusion flit across his face before being replaced by a languid smile that could compete with Zevran's.

"Ah, the Grey Warden I have heard so much about. Well met, I am Caladrius," he said, as if nothing had happened.

"Careful," the assassin whispered to Kallian. "A witch would be more trustworthy than this man."

"I heard that, elf," said Morrigan.

But he didn't need to warn her. The Warden walked down the steps toward the bald man.

"Kallian," warned Leliana, but the elf didn't hear her.

The man signalled discreetly to his guards and continued to talk. "Perhaps we can negotiate… there's no need for more bloodshed."

Kallian still didn't reply. She simply tested the blade out with her wrist threateningly.

"I have heard that you are trying to erode Loghain's support. It must be a difficult task, yes? Perhaps you could use some help."

The elf advanced, and the guards stepped in front of the mage to form a protective wall.

"Hiding behind your minions?" scoffed Kallian. "Coward. I suppose I can't expect any less from a slave trader."

Caladrius tutted. "So this is the response of a Grey Warden: to refuse an offer of peace."

And the fight began.

Kallian lunged forward so quickly the guards faltered. That was enough for her to break the barrier- they stumbled back to expose Caladrius to her attack. The mage scowled and fired a bolt at her but she rolled forward to evade it. Zevran propelled himself over the rails and landed on the ground below, rolling to break his fall. The guards charged at the group and the assassin twisted away to avoid a particularly vicious swipe. He released his daggers quickly at them like darts- two of them went down with the handles protruding from their chests. It wasn't long before it all ended.

Zevran pulled his blade out of the guard and stood to join Kallian. Caladrius cried out as his ward failed, allowing the Warden to cut his cheek. They were now at the foot of the stairs- he was planning on a quick escape, leaving his men to die. Sten took massive strides and kicked the man down, putting a boot on his back. Kallian reached his level and glared down at him in loathing.

"I surrender!" said the man, his cheek pinned to the ground. "Have mercy on me!"

"Mercy?" said Kallian with a harsh laugh. "I don't think so."

"Hear me out, dear lady!" said the mage desperately.

"There is no point in letting him live," said Sten with his emotionless voice.

"Were I to… use the life force of the remaining slaves-"

Zevran flinched as the blood splattered the floor, the walls, the steps and everyone close enough. Kallian wrenched her blade out of his back and rolled him over, taking the keys calmly.

It was over.

As they followed her through the last door, he felt a slight sense of unease at her display of brutality- it was the third time that day. Zevran found himself thinking he would not want to be the one with her sword at his throat. Not for the first time, the assassin was glad he had refused Talisan's offer.

Loyalty was not a virtue of his, as with any intelligent assassin, but he was certain he was on the right side.

There was a loud burp as Oghren took a swig of his ale.

"Sorry," he grunted.

Yes, if Zevran ever did leave the group, he would miss this smelly dwarf the most.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Everyone tried to fit into the cramped space of the dining room. Leliana took a seat next to Kallian, feeling very awkward in the small chair. Sten and Oghren chose to stand while the others sat down. Soris stood nearby with Shianni, his shoulders hunched. Leliana noticed the hostility in his demeanour had lessened, but he still eyed them warily. His wife, Valora, stood next to him with a similar expression. Shianni caught Leliana's gaze and gave her an apologetic smile. There was a long pause before Kallian's father broke it with a cough.

"Well," he said with an awkward smile. "I must say it has been a frightening experience for everyone in the Alienage. Thank you all for helping us."

"We did what we had to, sir," said Alistair.

Wynne nodded. "Kallian has been exceptional this past year. We could not ask for a better leader- we are simply returning the favour."

Cyrion smiled widely, pleased with being addressed as 'sir'. "Still, I thank you. And I welcome you all to our home. It's not much, but we will try to provide whatever we can."

Zevran chuckled. "Compared to the outdoors, your home will be a mansion."

At this, Cyrion's smile turned to a worrying frown. "You must have been travelling far… may I ask what you have been doing?"

"Er…" Kallian looked to Wynne for help.

The old mage gave her father a reassuring smile. "Oh, I'm sure you've heard of what Grey Wardens do. Protecting villages from enemies, keeping the peace, helping poor old folk like me."

Cyrion eyed her staff, his gaze lingering on the orb at the top.

"And we met the Arl of Redcliffe too, didn't we?"

Kallian nodded.

"He was a lovely man, very keen to help us against the Darkspawn," said Wynne with another smile.

"Yes, nothing to worry about," added Alistair helpfully.

"I see…" said Cyrion, looking dubious.

Oghren grunted. "If ya call-"

Zevran laughed loudly over his dwarven friend. "I am sure that, after all this, you must want time with your family, Kallian."

"Oh, yes, of course," said Alistair. "We'll just um…" He looked around for any other rooms that would fit them. "Wait outside then."

"You can wait in my room, or Soris'," offered Shianni, though she regarded Sten sceptically. "Be careful not to bang your head on the doorframe."

Everyone got up to leave the dining room. Leliana tried to stand as well, but Kallian put a hand on her arm. The bard looked down at her quizzically. Soris' eyes flashed at the gesture and Leliana sat down uncomfortably. Cyrion examined her curiously but made no comment. Instead, he smiled at her kindly. Then he turned to Kallian with a guilty expression.

"I am sorry about your mother, my dear."

The Warden shrugged. "I guess you had no choice," she said, though there was a hint of resentment in her voice.

"We didn't know either," said Shianni.

"It was a promise I was to bring to the grave. Your mother was adamant that you lead as normal a life as possible. But I am sorry you had to hear it from another," explained Cyrion.

His daughter nodded slowly.

"At least we're all still here, thanks to you," said Shianni, smiling.

"And to your friend here also," added Cyrion.

Kallian cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Speaking of which… father, Soris, Shianni, Valora… this is Leliana."

Leliana straightened up and smiled at them. Shianni and her uncle returned the smile but Soris eyed her suspiciously.

"That's a lovely name," said Shianni.

"Thank you," replied the sister, relaxing somewhat.

"No, thank you," said Cyrion. "For keeping our daughter safe and bringing her back to us."

Kallian took a deep breath and exchanged glances with her, the bard's own worry reflected in her eyes.

"She's a close friend," started the elf uncomfortably. "I let her stay here because-"

"You're together, aren't you?" cut in a sharp voice.

Everyone stared at Soris, then Shianni, Cyrion and Valora turned to the pair.

"Together, as in…?" Valora let the question hang in the air.

"Lovers. Mates. Whatever you want to call it," said Soris acidly.

The bard felt an awful feeling of dread. Kallian had warned her beforehand of what might happen, but she hadn't counted on such animosity.

Cyrion gaped openly at them while Shianni regarded them sympathetically. Valora simply stared as though Kallian had sprouted horns.

There was an excruciatingly long silence as they all tried to digest this. Cyrion's face became grave and seemed to age further.

"So you…well I…" began the older man. "Is this true?"

Leliana felt the weight of their gazes with an intense discomfort. Kallian squeezed her hand under the table. "Yes."

Her father worked his jaw before finding the words again. "Then… I'm confused," he said, shaking his head. "Why did you agree to marry Nelaros?"

Leliana glanced at Kallian, who grimaced. "Did I have a choice?"

Cyrion looked at his daughter sadly. "There is always a choice. If I had known… I would never have forced you into marriage."

The Warden stared at him. "Really?"

"Of course," he said. The man looked genuinely hurt. "I may not like this… situation, but I would not condemn you to such a life."

"Maker," breathed Kallian, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I had no idea."

"You were so confident about the marriage. I was completely convinced."

His daughter smiled bitterly. "Mother had me promise."

"Adaia was thinking of safety and security… as all mothers do."

"And she was right to," interrupted Soris suddenly, glaring at Kallian. "I didn't know you would stoop this low, cousin."

Kallian's hand tensed under Leliana's.

"What did you say?" she growled, standing up.

"When you told us years ago, I thought- she'll get over it. She'll get married. That's the path we all take. I never imagined you would actually do this."

"Please, Kallian," said Cyrion, putting a hand on his daughter's arm. "Sit down. Soris, put a rein on that tongue."

"Why should I? I've been rotting in that cell for a year while our dear cousin has been doing Maker knows what with a woman. And a shem, no less. It's disgusting!"

"Soris!" said Shianni, horrified.

Kallian grabbed the front of his shirt. "You bastard!"

Alarmed, Leliana tried to pull her lover back but she was too strong. Soris stood up and threw a punch at Kallian. The Warden returned the blow and soon they were wrestling with each other while the women shouted. There were footsteps as the others came into the room. Sten pried the two apart.

"What in Andraste is going on here?" said Alistair.

"Thundering stones!" said Oghren. "Is this how elves throw a welcome party?"

"You're doing the wrong thing, cousin," said Soris, wiping the blood from his face. "No Alienage will take you back."

"I'm not coming back," snarled Kallian.

"Both of you, be quiet!" snapped Cyrion. The two glared at each other but stopped hurling insults. "Now sit down."

Leliana signalled with her eyes at Alistair. He nodded and led the others back upstairs.

"Frankly, I don't know what to think," said Cyrion, rubbing his temples. "Soris has spoken badly... but you will understand, Kallian, that I cannot give my approval."

Leliana's heart sank unpleasantly. The Warden glared stonily at the table.

"But neither can I force my opinion on you. I can only extend to you a hand of welcome. Nothing more."

Soris bristled. "Then you're letting her go?"

"Yes."

The elf made a noise of disbelief.

"Leave her be, Soris," said Shianni, glaring at him. "You know what she's been through."

"Can you imagine what they'll say of her if they find out?"

"And you care about what they say?"

Cyrion banged a hand on the table. "That is the responsibility she must bear. It's not our place to intervene." He turned tired brown eyes to his daughter. "Besides, you are of age now. And who knows what you will face in the future. I am not fooled- I know this is a dangerous road you must walk. If this is what makes you happy… who am I to persuade you otherwise?"

"Do you remember when mother was imprisoned?"

Kallian's father blinked at the non sequitur. "I do. Why?"

"Leliana was the one who saved her."

Everyone stared.

Kallian stood up abruptly and took Leliana's hand. "Come on," she said emotionlessly. "It's time to leave."

The bard walked out with her, casting a helpless glance over her shoulder. She had very much looked forward to meeting Kallian's family. But she had also known the likely result of such a reunion. And it had ended terribly.

The door closed and rattled the weak structures as they stepped out with heavy hearts and feet. Leliana glanced at Kallian, who looked utterly dejected. A surge of sympathy rose in the bard's chest- she hugged her.

"Sorry about that," mumbled the elf.

"You don't need to apologize," said Leliana. "We expected this, no?"

"I didn't think Soris would…"

"Shh. Don't think about it," said the sister, rubbing the elf's arm. "Shianni was very nice. And your father was much better than you described him."

The door creaked open behind them again and they turned to see Shianni. She sighed and came over to them.

"I am so sorry about my cousin," she said, putting a hand on her forehead. "This wasn't a great ending, I know."

"Understatement of the day," answered Kallian with a snort.

"But you know you're always welcome here, don't you? Both of you."

Leliana nodded sadly. "Thank you."

Shianni smiled. "And I don't have a problem with you two. You look cute together."

This forced a weak smile out of Kallian.

"Well… I guess this is it, huh?" said the red haired elf. "You're going to leave now and do all that heroic stuff."

"Yeah…"

Shianni pulled her cousin into a hug and wiped the moisture from her eyes. "Be careful, cousin. I don't want to lose you too."

"We'll see each other again."

"I'll talk some sense into Soris... he's just upset. Living in that dungeon hasn't been good for him. And you know how much he looks up to you."

Kallian shrugged. "He feels betrayed. I get it."

"He's scared," said Shianni, shaking her head. "He knows the stories about... about..."

Kallian nodded, too depressed to reply.

The elf hugged Leliana as well, giving her a grateful smile. "You'll make sure she doesn't do something brash, won't you? She can be a bit hot-headed sometimes."

Leliana laughed. "Don't worry. She will be safe with me."

Kallian rolled her eyes. "I'm right here, you know."

The three smiled but none of them could bring themselves to laugh. They all knew promises were no use, especially during this time of war. But it was encouraging to know that one family member, at least, was happy for them.