WARNING

I do not own the characters of Dragon Age. Some dialogue, words, and phrases are created by Bioware and belong to them. This fic was written with the purpose of providing a fun time to everyone.

ALL THAT REMAINS:

SEBASTIAN

by

Airshadow

"Blessed Andraste, Bride of the Maker, take in your caring hands the souls of our departed brothers and sisters, so that the holy blaze purify their sins and allow them to rest in peace. Give the living hope and comfort in their darkest hour..."

Hidden in a corner, Sebastian inhaled the incense that perfumed the main altar of the Kirkwall chantry. He knew that the prayers for Leandra Amell would continue all night long. The good mothers would do that for her orphaned children. Their Reverences were very kind. Although the rumors that surrounded Dionne Hawke had raised more than an eyebrow among them, they agreed that she was a good woman, who was more concerned with helping anyone in need than losing time in more frivolous things.

Sebastian walked slowly towards the altar; he needed to pray. His next mission wouldn't be easy because he had to meet Carver and break the news. The lay brother humbly knelt down in a nearby corner and, lowering his eyes, whispered, "Blessed Andraste, Bride of the Maker, give hope and relief to this family that has lost too much. Grant me words of wisdom and relief for these siblings that have lost their mother...".

Slowly, the penitent prince stood up and left the chantry; a thunderclap in the sky announcing an incoming storm, telling him he'd better hurry up. Sebastian wrapped himself with a black cape and make his way through Hightown. His first stop was Hawke's estate; he wanted to be sure that she was alright.

A slender figure was pacing back and forth in front the mansion's door, stopping from time to time he and watching the place as if he wondered if he should enter or not. The Heir of the Throne of Starkhaven smiled. He knew who and why the person was there.

"Fenris?"

The Tevinter elf turned quickly, as he drew his sword, to face whoever was calling him, but stopped when he saw who it was.

"I thought that you would go to the Gallows..." said the ex-slave coldly.

"And I thought that you would go to the guard's barracks," replied Sebastian with a smile.

"I came to be sure that she's alright... A clumsy witch isn't the best of company."

"Merril will care for her well... "

"I hope so," said Fenris, broody as he looked at the building. "The last things Hawke needs right now are blood magic and demons in her home."

"You should go inside... She needs you." Fenris shook his head as the rain started to fall and Sebastian added, "Pride is a sin... "

"As I once told the Mage: Leaving her was the hardest thing I had ever did," he murmured while he walked away, and it was then that the exiled prince understood.

Sebastian closed the lifeless eyes of Leandra and murmured a prayer. When he turned his eyes towards his heartbroken friend, he saw Fenris embracing her lovingly while she rested her head on his shoulder, as if she was looking for relief. The elf held her as if he tried to protect her from any more suffering. Slowly, he took her away from there and led her towards the nearest exit.

Anders moved closer to what remained of Lady Amell and cast a spell; an arcane shield appeared around the body. After that, the pair of men followed them.

"Still he loves her," he thought.

- o0o -

Sebastian arrived at the Gallows without incident, just as the Chant of Light beseeched the Maker to protect his chosen ones. The Storm was increasing in intensity, as if the sky wept over the unjust death of Lady Amell. When the last member of the House of Vael arrived at the Templar's Quarters, he was received by the one member who was on duty at the gates; as a well known assistant of Grand Cleric Elthina, he was quickly shown to a dry room in the Templar Hall, where a friendly fireplace awaited him.

It didn't take long for Elsa, a tranquil mage, to appear. Sebastian's heart shrank with sorrow every time he crossed paths with one of those poor creatures of the Maker. After offering some empty pleasantries, the emotionless woman led him to Knight Commander Meredith Stannard's study.

The Knight Commander was reading some papers when Sebastian arrived. Only when the door closed behind them did she look at him inquisitively with her steely cold blue eyes.

"Milord Vael," said Meredith while she slowly stood up.

"Good evening, Knight Commander," said Sebastian with a bow.

"A stormy one..." she replied. "I have understood that your visit is not to discuss the weather."

"A terrible event has happened: The mother of one of your Templars has died by tragic circumstances, " he explained. "I'm here to bring the news and provide spiritual aid."

"Which knight are we talking about?" Meredith asked coldly.

"Ser Carver Hawke... "

The usually emotionless face of Meredith suddenly looked embittered for a second. "I heard many rumors about his older sister... Assuming that we are speaking about the woman known as 'Hawke'."

"She is a good person, Knight Commander," assured Sebastian "I have met her personally, as well as Your Grace"

"Is blood magic involved in this event?"

"The Guard Captain is still conducting an investigation," answered the lay-brother. "We have to wait her report when the time comes."

Meredith stared at the young man in silence for few moments before she looked at the closed door and called out for Elsa in a loud voice; she appeared without delay. The Knight Commander gave the tranquil some instructions, and she quickly left to fulfill them. She then glanced at the lay-brother and said, " I expect a copy of the investigation when it is done."

The sound of footsteps approached the study, and in few minutes someone was knocking the door.

"Come in," the Knight Commander said dryly, and the door opened on a pale Carver standing in the doorway. Meredith looked at the men and added, "I'll leave the two of you alone so you can talk." She left her study and Carver came in, closing the door behind him.