.xxxii.

It's a difficult decision, but Alba decides that she will tell the Master what Ava knows. It had been a few days since she'd said anything, but her words have had an affect, she can tell. The dark haired woman doesn't smile as much anymore, does not sing jaunty songs to herself as she works, doesn't laugh breathlessly at anything anymore. Though she is not weakening. Everyday, she grows a bit stronger, walking with purpose, allowed more time out of her collar by the Master in preparation for the masquerade. He wants her looking as intimidating as possible. And it's working. Even the other slaves, who have come to like her very much have been avoiding her more and more, frightened by the change in her demeanor.

She does not want to see her friend punished, but she knows the penalty for any sort of rebellion against the Master is death. And if the truth is to be told, Ava has protected her so many times since they've met, she does not want to know what it is to be alone again, on her own. It seems the lesser of two evils to simply tell him; maybe she'll get off with only a few days without food, or a whipping even.

The Master doesn't even seem surprised when she comes to his study several nights later, head bowed, speaking softly. She shares her concerns, and he listens, watching her with the detached interest of someone watching a slug slithering across the ground.

"I think she is under the impression that you have not upheld your word, Master, and I would not like to see any harm come to her because of this," she speaks, not meeting his eyes. Too late, she realizes that she should have kept her mouth shut. Perhaps death would be preferable to the woman who has walked around looking almost like a corpse over the last few days. She's not sure what compelled her to tell the Master what she knows, but she suspects it was not entirely her will.

"Is that so?" Danarius drawls, reclined in his chair, book in hands, running his finger around the rim of a wineglass. "I can't imagine what gave her that thought." She can feel his eyes cut to her. "What might have made her think she had to worry about me not keeping my end of the deal?"

"I-I do not know Master," she lies, hesitance giving her away. He laughs faintly. Within seconds, he has enthralled her, and she tells everything: the conversation she had over heard, which she had then told Ava, and what she feared the woman might do as a result. His blood magic leaves no secrets to be uncovered, no lies uncorrected by the truth. It is terrible, the ease with which she speaks, and when she's done, he releases the spell on her. She wonders what terrible torture the Master is planning for her betrayal.

"Fantastic. You performed well, Alba."

She stares at him uncomprehendingly. "Master?"

"I had concerns that you were not smart enough to do as I hoped, and allow what you overheard to let slip to my little Ava, but you did. Better than I had expected, really. It will be very entertaining to see her try to kill me."

Alba cannot speak through her shock. How is it possible that he had known she would tell Ava? She had shocked herself by doing so.

"I'm sure you remember, but when I acquired my Fenris, I had held a tournament to pick the strongest victor, and make them my new body guard. What I did not expect was such an interesting creature as he to win. Strong, and so very willful. But after I saw him I knew he would be the one, I knew he would win. When he did, I was very pleased. That is a key element in choosing a lyrium warrior." He pauses to take a drink, enjoying her confusion. "The weak do not survive.

"The ritual by which I made him even more and beautiful required that he was in a... certain mindset, at the time it was performed. It is necessary that subject be ready to fight to death. Angry, raging, even. Operating purely on instinct. That is when they are most responsive to the fusing of their spirit and the lyrium."

"You... wanted me to tell her what I heard, so that she would be angered? So you can make her a lyrium warrior?" Alba parrots, not believing what she's hearing. How has she become complicit in this, without even knowing? "Is this why you have had so many blood rituals..." she trails off, the pieces clicking into place.

"Again I am astounded by your powers of observation. Yes. And if all goes as planned, I will have two at my disposal. A lovely little pair, in fact. I am quite excited about that, I can hardly keep still. It will be so nice to see my little wolf again, next to my little bird." He grins. "I'm starting quite the collection, aren't I? If I wasn't already, I would be the envy of every magister in the Imperium."

She blinks, as if the action can somehow dispel her confusion, and dawning horror. "I don't understand-"

"You don't need to. What you will do is watch Ava carefully. Report her actions to me. You will tell me her thoughts, her plans, anything she says to you."

As she nods, accepting his orders, a rush of cold shame chills her heart. "As you say."

"Delightful," he grins, bright white teeth catching the light streaming through the windows. "I am much pleased with your service, Alba. You may go."

As she walks away, she cries for the first time in years. Somehow, this mission of espionage is the worst punishment possible.

When she encounters Balazs, he stops working, almost dropping buckets to rush to her side. "Sister? What's wrong? Are you crying?"

"It's nothing," she quickly assures him, scrubbing at eyes she did not know were streaming. "Don't worry about me."

"I could not say the same to you, could I?" he smiles, ducking his head to her level and handing her his handkerchief. She takes it, warmed by his concern. If she disobeys, he undoubtedly will suffer for it. She has to remind herself that he is her priority. The task ahead is unpleasant, but she must do it for his sake.

"Back to work!" the foreman yells, cruel voice giving warning.

Balazs gives her hand a squeeze. "Everything will be alright. Don't cry."

She smiles. "Thank you, little brother."

As she turns away from him to allow him his work, she catches sight of Ava, who watches with the first flicker of emotion Alba has seen on her face in days.

Longing.

Author's Note: I'm really glad you guys aren't giving me guff about being late with these updates. It's the last week before Spring Break, so everything's been kicked to 11 over here. But I haven't forgotten, I swear! I'm sticking with it!

IDRK-It'sme: Aww, you flatterer! Yep, Hawke's really stepped in it now, huh?

MC: Sebastian had so much potential and promise, and I think the writers sort of just gave up on that. I'm with you, I will forever stand by him. And as for the praying, I was inspired by a bit of banter that Fenris and Sebastian have about going to the Chantry. Now seems like a good time to test that faith!

Nezumi: You're back! Would any of those video games happen to be Inquisition?;) If so, I totally understand. Fenris is ready to tear the entire city apart. Poor guy, I feel bad for torturing him like this.

Avatarfan444: AHH! Thank you! You make me blush:D Like I said, the only point of reference I have for Fenris' faith, or lack thereof, is some of the banter that he has with Sebastian. It's also my belief that some of Hawke's faith may have rubbed off on him as well. Whatever the cause. he's desperate enough to try anything. They all are. Oh, Hawke, always causing more trouble than she's actually fixing.

I seriously love you guys. Confession time: sometimes while I'm out doing whatever I'll sneak a peek at my phone to read your reviews because they make me smile so much! Honestly, thanks so much, each and every one of you!:D

Next up: Merrill and Anders discuss Tevinter! Because it sucks! Thedas is seriously screwy guys I'm telling ya. Oh also Carver is adorable. Stay tuned!