Title: Ghosts
Author: May Chang
Warnings: general, adventure, AU
Pairings: M!Shepard + Ashley, M!Cousland x Zevran
Disclaimers: Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect are the property of BioWare.
Author's Note: Shepard is a Paragon/Earthborn/War Hero/Infiltrator.

Part Thirteen

The sun was just setting when Shepard arrived at Lake Calenhad the next day. Wynne and a couple of young mages were there to greet him when the boatman rowed Shepard to the Tower and he gave the First Enchanter a tired grin. Greagoir wasn't there, but another young templar was there to see Shepard's arrival. He gave the commander a nod in greetings and with a nod to Wynne who returned it the templar left.

"Hello Wynne," Shepard greeted. "It's been awhile."

"Hello Shepard," Wynne said with a smile. "That it has. You look terrible, you should get cleaned up." Shepard looked down and gave a sheepish laugh at the sight of mud covering him.

"Yeah, that's a good idea," he replied. "Perhaps we could talk over dinner?"

"Of course." He gave Wynne a warm smile as she motioned for one of the young mages and asked him to lead Shepard to one of the guest rooms. With a nod the First Enchanter went back to her young changes and Shepard followed the apprentice up the stairs. The young mage fiddled with the sleeve of his robes, casting quick glances at Shepard as they walked up the stairs.

"Yes?" Shepard asked patiently. The mage started, cheeks flushing as his eyes darted down to the ground.

"I-I was wondering how you, um, how you like it here so far," the apprentice asked. "Uh, here as in, uh, Ferelden, n-not the Tower." Shepard scratched his cheek as he thought about the answer.

"Well, it's a big change for me, that's for sure," Shepard replied honestly. "But so far I like it. You'll probably think this is funny but I really enjoy the air here."

"The air?" The apprentice gave Shepard a bemused look.

"Oh yeah, it's just cleaner than from where I'm from and plus I rather enjoy the smell of pies baking," Shepard said with a grin. The apprentice giggled at that, his cheeks pinking up before going silent.

"So... so you're not afraid of mages?" Shepard blinked at that question, giving the apprentice a sharp look. He was looking at the ground, hands fidgeting with the sleeves of the robes.

"Should I be?" Shepard asked. "I'll admit, I've never seen people with the power to set people on fire or freeze them, but you are all still human." He paused for a moment then spoke again.

"Although with the thing with the blood mage, yeah, I can see people being afraid," Shepard amended. "But people like Anders and Lachlan make up for the crazies." The teenager finally looked up at Shepard, eyes wide and Shepard shrugged in response. They stopped in front of the guest quarters and the apprentice fidgeted a little more before giving Shepard a shy farewell then scurried off somewhere. Shepard rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly unsure as to why the apprentice had asked the question then he walked into the room, shut the door and dropped his pack onto the ground.

With a sigh of relief Shepard pulled off his armor, wrinkling his nose at the state and smell of his undershirt. Dumping the armor on the floor for now Shepard walked over to the basin, splashing the water on his face before leaning against the counter to look into the mirror. His hair had grown quite a bit, enough for Shepard to feel like he was trying the pass for one of Earth's more good-looking actors, especially with the stubble. He thought about shaving before going down to meet Wynne then looked down at his shirt, and decided he'd rather have a bath first before meeting the First Enchanter.

"So did you find your answer, Shepard?" Wynne asked over dinner. The First Enchanter had set up a private dinner with only a couple of Templars by the door. Shepard could feel his mouth watering at the sight of roasted chicken on a bed of greens and fresh bread. The First Enchanter had an amused expression on her face and Shepard had a feeling she could tell he was hungry.

"Yeah, I think so," Shepard replied slowly as they began to eat. He then began to tell Wynne of what happened and what he managed to find out from the beacon between bites. When Shepard finished with his tale, his plate was scraped clean. Wynne made a thoughtful noise, nibbling on a piece of bread.

"If what you say is true, that the Protheans used a device to enter our world," Wynne said slowly, "then how does it explain you? You did not have this device when you arrived."

"I... Huh," Shepard said. "I didn't think about that." He was quiet for a moment, taking a sip of ale before a thought crossed his mind.

"The portal."

"Portal?" Wynne arched an eyebrow. "Ah, the one the blood mage had summoned."

"Right, that portal," Shepard said, sitting up and leaning forward in his seat. "It was... It was calling me."

"Calling you?" Wynne frowned, looking concerned.

"Yeah, like-like it wanted me to go through it." Shepard rubbed his chin with a knuckle as he gave his plate a thoughtful frown. "Course my gut told me that was a bad idea, but I think... I think I went through a portal like that before." Wynne was quiet for a moment and Shepard had a feeling that she was mulling over that idea.

"Perhaps," she said slowly. "Though I must admit, I have not heard of such of thing. Then again I have also not heard of anyone being invisible to the demons and spirits."

I'm just special that way, Shepard thought mirthlessly as he took a drink of ale. He looked up to see two servants enter the room, one to collect their dishes and the bread basket, and the other to serve them dessert, a warm pastry drizzled with some golden syrup and hot tea.

"Well, for now, I'm here to stay," Shepard said aloud. He gave Wynne a smile. "And I have to admit, I rather enjoy my stay so far here in Ferelden." Wynne gave a soft laugh as they started on their dessert. Shepard tried the golden syrup and was surprise at the flowery sweetness.

Better than mint chocolate chip ice cream, he thought, digging in with gusto.

"You will be returning to Highever now, yes?" Wynne asked.

"Yes," Shepard replied, looking up. "Kind of want to let Fergus know that I'm still alive after, uh... how long now? Three months?" He took the last bite of the pastry, restraining the urge to use his fingers to wipe up the syrup and lick it away. Even in the high-class party where he first met Captain Anderson there hadn't been anything like this being served.

"Almost three months," Wynne agreed. "I have some business in Amaranthine so perhaps we can travel together to Highever. My, you really enjoyed dessert." Shepard gave the First Enchanter a sheepish look.

"Uh, yeah, this syrup thing is amazing," Shepard said. Wynne blinked.

"Syrup? That's just honey, Shepard." Shepard gave Wynne a puzzled look.

"What's honey?"

Anora and her maid had settled into the castle easily though the former queen was still a bit unsettled with Zevran lurking about in the background. The Orlesian maid also did not like the fact that Zevran was guarding them, but to be perfectly honest Fergus felt that the assassin was perfect for the job.

And there was the fact that Fergus liked Zevran. Having an Antivan in the castle made the teyrn feel a little more comfortable strangely enough – Fergus chalked it up to the accent.

The former queen spent most of the time by herself, reading the books in the library or wandering the garden in the castle. The first time she went to the market, apparently most of the people stopped and stared at her, whispering to each other as they tried to figure out why Anora was in Highever. After that Anora chose to not go down to the village unless it was absolutely necessary or Fergus was there.

Fergus had also started to spend some time with Anora when he wasn't busy doing paperwork or working on his swordplay. He would bring her news of what was going on in Highever, what was happening with the banns and, with some reluctance, what the king was doing. Alistair had taken a while to get use to the crown, but it would seem that he had his father's charm and political ability. Already there were some changes happening in Denerim, Amaranthine and the area near Ostagar.

On the third day since Anora's arrival Shepard finally returned to the castle. The teyrn made his way to the main hall and froze at the sight of the commander, his heart nearly stopping in shock. Shepard was talking to Calum with a smile on his face and, taking in the sight of Shepard in splintmail, messy short hair and what looked like a smudge of dirt on his face, Fergus saw Aedan.

It was as though his little brother had just come back in from combat practice.

"Fergus!" The teryn started as Shepard called out a greeting. A second person – Fergus belatedly realized it was the First Enchanter – looked up and gave Fergus a warm smile, a smile that made him think of his mother. Mustering up a smile of his own, Fergus approached Shepard, Wynne and Calum.

"Shepard! It's good to see you," Fergus greeted then turned to Wynne. "First Enchanter, it is a pleasure."

"Your Grace," Wynne said warmly, bowing her head slightly in greeting. "I'm afraid I cannot stay too long, I have a boat to catch in Amaranthine."

"Surely you have time for lunch."

"I wish, but..." She gestured to the Templar behind her, rolling her eyes and Fergus suppressed the urge to chuckle. "Another time, Your Grace."

"First Enchanter." Wynne gave both him and Shepard a warm smile and then left the halls, the Templar following after her. The teyrn then turned to Shepard who gave Fergus a sheepish grin when his stomach growled.

"So maybe I should drop off my stuff in my room first and then we can eat?" the commander asked.

"Of course." Shepard gave Fergus a nod and walked off, and Fergus took the time to return to his study, Calum following after him. The seneschal quickly ran down a list of what Fergus had to look forward to after lunch and he gave an irritated sigh as he looked over a few missives, signing at most two and outright rejecting the others. A servant arrived after Fergus rejected the fifth pamphlet – something calling for limiting the movements of elves – announcing that lunch is served.

With a nod and dismissing the servant, Fergus opened a draw and pulled out Shepard's gauntlet. To be honest perhaps gauntlet wasn't exactly the right word as the teyrn studied it. It was too flimsy to stand up to any force so perhaps bracer would be a better description. Fergus tucked the glove into his pouch, got up from his seat and left his office, meeting Shepard outside of the dining hall, looking refreshed and in a clean change of clothes. Lunch was simple – warm bread, yellow cheese and a thick beef stew – and the conversation was plenty as Shepard related to Fergus his adventures.

"I see you've been busy," Fergus said in amusement, taking a drink of ale.

"I like to be busy," Shepard said with a grin. "And the situation isn't so different from what I've experienced in my world. Well, except for the shades and fire demons who explode upon death. That's new and not so new now that I think of it, I do cause a lot of explosions back home." Fergus chuckled at that then leaned forward in his seat.

"What would you say to being part of my army?" Fergus started. "Ser Reilly could really use some help in inspiring our men to use the bow over the sword. In fact I'd like it if you'd help train them." Shepard stared at Fergus with a surprised expression.

"Really?" Shepard asked. "You want me to—Really?"

"Really," Fergus said, feeling rather amused. "You're probably one of the best marksman that I know of, and I have a feeling you would not enjoy doing nothing during your stay here."'

"Yes," Shepard immediately said. "I mean, I'll do it. Definitely." Fergus smiled then pulled out the odd-looking bracer from his purse, handing it to Shepard. Shepard's eyes widened and took it from his hand.

"Where did you find this?" Shepard asked quietly as he looked over the bracer.

"A traveling merchant," Fergus replied in irritation. Shepard looked up and Fergus waved at him. "He probably thought you were dead and pulled it off your arm. Apparently he was selling it as some sort of gauntlet." Shepard shrugged as he slipped the bracer onto his left wrist and stared at it.

"Andraste's flaming sword!" Fergus swore, jerking up from his seat in shock as Shepard's left arm was suddenly engulfed in yellow-orange lights. The commander said nothing, bringing up strange lights and waving his hand around before the lights all disappeared.

"I'm glad it still works," he said with a relieved sigh and then looked at Fergus. "Oh, uh, this is an omni-tool. It's, um, a tool. From my world. It's harmless. Mostly."

"Mostly?"

"Well, it's only harmful to certain non-organics so we'll be all fine," Shepard said with a grin. "If anything it's just going to give me a better advantage against the other guy." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck with a thoughtful expression.

"Hm... showing you how it's to my advantage might have the Templars up here to smite me though." Fergus raised an eyebrow but Shepard said nothing more after that. "So. When do I start?"

"Slow down, Shepard," Fergus replied with a chuckle. "First let's discuss what's to be expected."

To say Shepard was excited would be a bit of an understatement. He had trained a few people before, but it had mostly been how to avoid detection from humans, aliens, robots and cameras. After the Blitz Shepard didn't have the time to train people, his unknown status shooting up to celebrity overnight. He was still knowned in his world in a bizarre sort of way but at least this time Shepard was teaching how to shoot well instead of how to hide well.

Shepard took a deep breath as he paused to look out the window at the darkening skies. It had been spring when Shepard had arrived to Ferelden and now the leaves have already changed, starting to fall. A city brat, Shepard had only seen this on the Extranet and on datapads. He started against down the hall, looking forward to see a noblewoman walking slowly down the hall, reading her book. She looked up just as Shepard started to walk past and froze.

"Aedan Cousland?" she asked. The tone of her voice as she spoke the name was freezing to Shepard and he paused, suddenly alert.

"No, John Shepard," he replied. The woman's eyes narrowed as she studied him then nodded.

"I beg your pardon," the noblewoman started, her tone warming up suddenly as she closed her book. "I am Anora The—" She suddenly stopped, a pained look crossing her face before she started up again.

"I am Anora mac Tir," she introduced herself. "I have heard of the rumors about the Hero of Ferelden's sudden appearance." The noblewoman seemed to study Shepard before she nodded.

"Then I take my leave. Have a good evening, Shepard." With a nod to Shepard Anora returned to walking down the hall and the commander watched as she turned a corner then rubbed the back of his neck.

Guest of Fergus? Shepard wondered. After a moment he turned and returned to his room, wanting to get cleaned up. Locking the door behind him Shepard stripped off his shirt as he made his way to the back room to clean up and found a tub with steaming hot water waiting for him. He had no idea when or how the servants knew when to fill the tub, but it was definitely welcomed and in perhaps record time Shepard was naked and easing himself slowly into the hot water.

"Oh yeah, that's the stuff," Shepard groaned to himself when he was fully seated into the tub. Baths were a luxury even in his universe – well, that is to say that on the ship water was rationed to short showers and most of the crewmen used the sonic shower instead. Water on Earth was also rationed as most of the water on the planet was polluted with garbage from centuries ago – surprisingly enough no one had found the best way to clean all the water on a planet just yet. Shepard could honestly say that he had one true bath in clean water the day of the party after the Blitz.

Dunking his head under water for a moment, Shepard wiped the excess water off his face as he stared at the wall across from him. Had he really been in Ferelden for half a year already? Shifting his legs Shepard gave a sigh as he leaned back so his head rested against the edge of the tub. It took a moment before Shepard realized that someone was in the room with him, and that someone was definitely not Fergus. The person was leaning against he doorway to the room and the shadows just happened to fall across his face.

"Enjoying the view?" Shepard asked, turning slightly to face the intruder.

"Oh I definitely am," the man said, the accent making him sound rather lecherous to Shepard's ears. He raised an eyebrow as the man stepped forward to reveal a blond, tattooed elf, and the elf leaned against the wall, just looking over Shepard. "Very handsome indeed."

"I think you need to get your eyes checked," Shepard said, raising a hand to look down at the burn scars and then back at the elf, shifting to sit up and crossed his arms. For some reason, Shepard had the feeling that he wasn't quite safe in the tub and not in the weird-blond-elf-is-going-to-murder-him way. "Who are you and how did you get into my room? I know for a fact that I had the doors locked."

"And you did," the elf replied cheekily. "Ah, but what are locks to a rogue such as myself? My name is Zevran – Zev to my friends – and you must be John Shepard."

"I am," Shepard conceded. "So what are you doing here?"

"Offering to scrub your back." Shepard snorted at that and looked away to rub the back of his neck. "If I must be honest, it's to get a look at you. I had heard that His Grace had picked up a fellow who dropped out of the Fade and looked like the Hero of Ferelden. They weren't lying about that last part." He felt something akin to pain in Zevran's voice and Shepard blinked, turning to look back at the elf. Zevran was giving Shepard a look, almost wistful and sad.

"You are not Aedan," Zevran said softly.

"No," Shepard said quietly. "No I'm not." Zevran just stared at Shepard before he bowed his head and left the room. He listened to the door open and closed behind the elf and Shepard splashed some water onto his face.

He wondered what Aedan had meant to Zevran.

That's right, Shepard has no idea what honey is. Remember the news about bees dying and no one knew why? Yup I decided to pull that in and made bees extinct ergo no honey (except that since Shepard was Earthborn he probably wouldn't have had honey in any case.)

Next arc will be set at the end of DA:O - Awakenings so spoiler alert!