~Where the Monsters Live~

Drea sat in the study with her chin resting in her palm as her tapered fingers lightly tapped against her temple. Her journal was sprawled on the table before her and she kept scanning over the same words repeatedly. With a sigh, she stretched out her free hand and started absently drumming her fingers on the solid wood. Ever alert, Arkon snapped his attention to the door but when it actually opened, Drea was so engrossed that she didn't acknowledge it.

"Commander. I didn't realize anyone was in here," the person said. Without looking up, Drea recognized the voice as Nathaniel's. Turning to leave, he reached for the door that was already closing.

Still focused on her papers, Drea called after him, "How's your lip?"

Pausing, Nathaniel let the door close as he turned to face Drea. Without a hint of lightheartedness he replied, "It's fine as long as I don't smile. Which around here is not too difficult." The only thing that kept her eye roll private was the fact her face was still turned towards the journal on the table. After getting no reaction from her, Nathaniel finally asked, "So what is it that has you so enthralled?"

She stopped drumming her fingers and laid her hand flat on the table. Still not looking up, she threw out a short answer, "Some issues have come up and I'm already starting to wonder if being a Warden and an arlessa is a conflict of interest."

Nathaniel remained quiet, giving her time to elaborate. When she did not, he sighed, "Look, it might not have occurred to you, but I may actually be able to understand your dilemma. I was raised in a noble family and I'm learning what it is to be a Grey Warden. It's not exactly your experience, but it's the closest of anyone here."

Finally, Drea looked up at Nathaniel. It annoyed her that he was right, but she couldn't argue. Sitting up, the hand that was propping her chin thudded against the table as she pointed to the first page, "Fine. There are two hunters now in Amaranthine that have apparently come across a large chasm that is swarming with darkspawn. It sounds like it could be an entrance from the Deep Roads, which would explain why the attacks have been so heavy here. As a Warden, I am bound to pursue this." Moving her hand to the next page, she tapped it as she continued, "But as Arlessa Cousland, my concern is with a problem on Pilgrim's Path. It seems that next to no caravans are able to make it through this road - our main trade route. We can already see some of the effects from being cut off like this and it won't take long until serious damage is done to the arling's economy, not to mention the people who will be lacking much needed goods. Nothing I've heard implies darkspawn, but there is a merchant in the city who has been hit particularly hard who might have more information." Drea leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. Wearily she added, "And I've jotted down many more minor issues that Varel keeps um…bringing to my attention but these are the two that really concern me."

Nathaniel crossed his arms and took a moment to mull over the two pressing situations. Carefully he replied, "Basically you don't have enough information at this point and have to track people down in Amaranthine?"

Drea nodded, "As frustrating as that is, yes."

With mention of going to the city, Nathaniel's demeanor changed slightly. Uncharacteristically hesitant, he asked, "Would you consider…letting me come along? I was speaking with Samuel, the groundskeeper and…well he told me that Delilah still lives. She married a shopkeeper and is in the city right now…" He kept his tone neutral, but there was no mistaking the subtle sparkle in his eye.

"A Howe with a hidden, personal agenda? Big surprise," Drea snapped without thinking.

The glint of hope in his eyes turned to stone as he squared his shoulders. Without a word, Nathaniel turned and started marching to the door. "Wait," Drea groaned, knowing she unfairly crossed the line. He kept walking. "Would you just stop?" she asked louder but he neared the door. "Stop," she demanded as she pounded her fist on the table and rose to her feet. Her chair loudly scrapped against the stone floor as it was pushed back. As ordered, Nathaniel stopped, but refused to face her. She noticed the quick rise and fall of his shoulders - he was angry.

"Look," her tone was quickly deflated as she spoke, "My brother had left with our soldiers before the assault on Highever, but part of me was sure he and the men were killed after leaving the castle gates. So, when I arrived at Ostagar to find out my brother was still alive, I was ecstatic. He was scouting in the Wilds so I couldn't see him until he returned in the evening but then…the attack came earlier than expected. And I lost him a second time…" her voice trailed off as she stared into the distance. Quietly she continued, "While Alistair grieved for those in his Order that he knew for less than a year, my heart bled for everyone I had ever cared for." The silence sat heavily for a moment until she realized she had drifted off. Glancing back over, she saw that Nathaniel had turned to watch her. Clearing her throat, she quickly moved on, "When Fergus appeared after the Blight it was like the Maker himself smiled on us. I can't deny anyone that. Tell the others to pack; we'll all be leaving for the city in the morning."

He stood stiffly by the door, more than a little surprised she had shared something so personal. Finally he nodded, "Thank you." With that, he left the room.

Frowning at Arkon, who was quietly watching from the corner, Drea slumped into her seat as the air slowly hissed past her lips. "That went well," she muttered.

Before the group had even left the Vigil, Drea made it clear that they would be free to do as they pleased once they reached the city. She would secure two rooms at the Crown and Lion for the night, and would be leaving early the next morning. Excited by this idea, they were all quick to disperse upon arrival while Drea, on the other hand, spent some time with a guard captain at the front gates. He was extremely helpful in explaining the city to her, and even gave her ideas of where to find the men she sought.

Casually, she took in the sight of the city as she set out in search of her first contact. The decent sized city seemed to be structurally sound, but if it truly was the jewel of the arling, it was in desperate need of shining. The tall stone buildings seemed to carry a heavy sadness to them, as though they had seen better days…or perhaps had been built with better days in mind but still lay in wait for them. It was dreary and depressing - not quite what she had expected. As she rounded the corner towards the market, she stopped short.

In the market square stood Nathaniel and a beautiful young woman with flowing dark brown hair. He stepped forward to embrace her as a blissful look settled on his face and suddenly Drea could easily see the family resemblance. His thick, muscular arms seemed to naturally belong around her as he enveloped her with a tenderness Drea never would have expected. His sister was positively giddy as she tightly clutched Nathaniel, tears rolling down her cheek. Finally he stepped back to lovingly smooth her hair and wipe away her tears as she beamed. Quickly, Drea averted her gaze and kept her distance as she passed through the market to her first contact. She had serious business to attend to, and this was no business of hers.

For the size of the city, Drea was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to navigate. It took her very little time to locate both of her contacts, and left her with many hours to learn all she could of the city. By early evening she made her way to the Crown and Lion to secure her rooms and settled at a table on the second floor that looked over the main tavern. She was scribbling notes her journal when Nathaniel found her. Without waiting for an invitation, he easily slid into the chair across from her and plunked down two mugs. Carefully closing her journal, she pushed the mug back slightly. "I…uh…" she clumsily started.

"It's water. I thought that was a pretty good find in a place like this," he supplied. He was not much of a drinker himself, preferring to keep his senses clear, and he had noticed her subtle avoidance of ale. It wasn't something she announced, and most people never picked up on it as she generally accepted any alcohol that was offered to her. They didn't realize the full mug would eventually get left somewhere.

"It is quite a find," she agreed, bringing the cup back to her and taking a deep drink. The mug clunked lightly against the table as she set it back down. "How did it go with your sister?"

"It was like the Maker smiled on us," he recalled her own words. His slight grin was soon followed by pursed lips as he added, "But she's given me a lot to think about. How did it go with your contacts?"

She noticed his quick change of topic, decided to let it go. "It went well, they were helpful," she replied. "It's clear that I must go to the chasm. I have no explanation for the number of darkspawn the hunters saw here. It's too many for a simple entrance to the Deep Roads, and even a Broodmother doesn't produce in numbers like that. I just hope the people of the arling realize this is the bigger threat, because after talking to the merchant, the trouble on Pilgrim's Path is worse than I thought. It seems body parts of victims from the road are turning up in nearby villages like some sort of threat or warning."

"Or challenge," Nathaniel added. "If these body parts are showing up in villages with none of the villagers being harmed, it tells me it's a decision-making being of intelligence. Maybe it's a person filled with rage over something? Trying to get some point across?"

Drea cocked her head slightly, considering his suggestion, "Possibly. At any rate I don't think it's darkspawn, I doubt even talking darkspawn could be that particular. From the evidence, the only danger is to those who travel the path which is pretty much no one now. I just hope people see it this way and don't think I'm putting their needs second and trying to endanger the economy. I can't have a revolt so early…"

"Are you really that nervous about public opinion?" Nathaniel asked, surprised at the idea.

Absently, Drea traced her fingers over the leather cover of her journal before finally nodding. "When you're being watched, there's a bit of pressure to be successful, yes. Mistress Woolsey was sent by the First Warden in Weisshaupt to be our treasurer, but I can guarantee you her other duty is to report back on our progress."

Nathaniel's eyebrows crinkled in a questioning look, "You really think so?"

Nodding again, she explained, "This venture is too important for them not to keep track. Having Wardens as land owners represents a more respectable form of authority. Sure, they love us now," she gave a small wave of her hand before continuing, "but between Blights after a couple generations without so much as a darkspawn spotting, we remain vigilant but they see us as an outdated Order. The only respect we get are from the dwarves who always deal with darkspawn in the Deep Roads. So when a crisis arises, it's that much harder for us to get the force and resources we need. But, if in each country we owned land and were respected as a member of the noble class, it would be less of a struggle."

Turning his focus on his mug, Nathaniel lightly tapped his fingers along the side. "That does make sense," he agreed. "Personally, about this business on Pilgrim's Path, I see it as a good thing." It was Drea's turn for a questioning look and Nathaniel continued, "It's going to force the merchants into trading through the port with other countries. In fact, Delilah said it's already starting to happen. I mean…we're a port city. Don't you find it a little sad that shutting down one road, even to Denerim, would cripple us like this? The only way for this arling to move ahead and thrive is to embrace the port and increase the trade with other countries. In all of Ferelden, we are in the best position for wealth and our economy should be practically independent from the rest of the country. But instead, people here are too afraid of change and strangers. It's sad. Even as a child, I could see that the poverty here is avoidable - every last person should be living in comfort. It might not be the most pleasant way to make change happen, but I can see good coming from this."

It wasn't lost on her that he commented on the wealth for the arling rather than wealth for himself. Genuinely impressed, Drea replied, "That's very forward thinking Nathaniel. I think you're right, we should be using our position on the sea to our advantage."

For a moment, their involved conversation slowed down. Drea looked around the tavern to see if the other Wardens had arrived. Oghren was perched on a barstool, looking like he may have been there for a while. After scanning the room a second time, she spotted Anders in deep conversation with a stunning blonde woman. She appeared to be very upset, but rather than being the cause, Anders looked as though he were trying to console her. It was her natural instinct to find out what the problem was, but she reminded herself that they were on their own time. Turning back to Nathaniel, she saw his icy eyes narrowed as he also watched the situation with Anders. His dark hair was neatly pulled back in a braid and his face, which had been freshly shaved that morning in anticipation of seeing his sister, already had slight stubble. She had to admit he was a ruggedly handsome man, and as much as she didn't want to admit, someone she was enjoying talking with. Dropping her gaze back down to her water, she quietly asked, "Have you been to the kennels?"

"Again with this?" he snipped, the all-to-familiar hardness back in his tone. In the kennels was a sullen mabari that Drea had come across on the day of her arrival when she was clearing the cellars of darkspawn. The dog's master had fallen victim during the attack and the mabari was inconsolable. As fate would have it, the dog's master, Adria, turned out to be like a mother to Nathaniel. He was deeply hurt by the loss so when Drea suggested he see if the dog would imprint herself to him, it was a sore point. Tearing his eyes from Anders and settling on Drea he asked, "What business is it of yours anyhow?"

"It's not, I suppose," she sighed. Instinctively, her hand dropped down to scratch Arkon's ear. As always, he was near her, but in such a setting, he preferred to keep watch and be alert. When her hand touched him, his stance softened as he leaned towards her. "It's just…" she paused, not exactly sure what to say, but unable to be silent on the topic. Arkon's tongue lolled from his mouth as she continued to scratch. He contentedly panted as she continued, "The mabari are special. Ark has saved me more times than I can count, and that's before the Blight even started. He's not just a dog -we're friends, I mean growing up he got me into as much trouble as he got me out of. And he's so smart, even if he tries to convince people otherwise. I know when I talk with him, he understands just what I'm saying and even though he might not approve of everything I do, he stands by me…loves me unconditionally. No matter what else happens, with him beside me, I am never truly alone. He's about the only thing I can count on." She paused to smile down at Arkon who had turned his head up to see her. It was hard to miss the loving expression in his gaze as he softly whined. Her smile grew and she rubbed the top of his head with both hands, murmuring things to him that no one else could quite catch. Almost reluctantly, she finally turned back to Nathaniel, and finished, "I realize just how much goes on behind those knowing eyes of theirs. If she doesn't reimprint herself to someone else now that Adria is gone, she will die of her depression. That's just so tragic…"

Nathaniel realized that brief exchange was the most human he had ever seen his Commander. He, like everyone else, knew the two were inseparable, but hadn't given any thought to the attachment. It wasn't a huge emotional display, but it was enough to drop the harshness from his voice. "Well, I have been actually," he replied. "She seemed responsive, but I'll make sure to see her when we get back."

Drea smiled, but before she could reply, they were interrupted by Anders and his teary eyed new friend. "I'm really sorry to disturb you Commander but I don't know what else to do," Anders broke into their conversation.

"It's fine," Drea replied, her usual stiffness immediately returning. She gestured to the free chairs at the table, "Please sit."

The woman bowed deeply to Drea before sitting, evidentially already knowing who she was. Nervously she sat and kept her eyes lowered to her lap, continually dabbing at them with the cloth in her hand. Anders rested one hand on the woman's arm as he turned to Drea, apparently volunteering to speak for her. Inwardly he winced as he began, already sure it was pointless to bring this to her, but he had no other ideas, "So times are tight all around in the arling, but this woman is a minstrel. She's been performing at this tavern for nearly a year but this morning the owner cut her loose - there's just not enough money coming in. There's nowhere else in the city for her to go really, but travel to Denerim is too dangerous right now. And, by the time the road does open up, what money she has to buy passage will be used up on food and a room…" His explanation came out in a quick blurt, but even so, the woman's face crumpled again at hearing her hopeless situation. He tightened his grip on her arm and added, "I don't know Commander, I just want to help, but I don't know how."

For a moment, Drea eyed Anders suspiciously. While he had proved to be compassionate, he didn't strike her as the type to get involved with other people's problems. It was obviously the woman's looks that drew him in, but Drea wondered if his concern was genuine, or a lengthy ploy to get her in his bed. Likely both. Nathaniel offered her a shrug, seeing no real harm. Finally, Drea addressed the woman, "What's your name?"

Looking up, her bright blue eyes were still welling with tears. "Ashlyn, my Lord," she replied in a shaking voice.

"Ashlyn," Drea repeated, "I find myself in need of a court minstrel, but am not able to offer much in way of money. If you are interested, you will be supplied with room and board so at least you can hold on to your money to buy passage to Denerim when the road is open again." Both men were taken aback by her offer, but wisely, other than exchanging a look of shock, they kept it to themselves.

Ashlyn blinked rapidly in surprise, causing the tears to drop onto her cheeks. Quickly she wiped them away and with her free hand, caught Drea's arm, "Yes, thank you. Thank you…I…can hardly believe my luck." Her chin quivered as she tried to smile at Drea, still overcome with her emotions.

Only Arkon had noticed Oghren approach as he sauntered over to the last free chair. Having heard the entire conversation he chuckled, "Oh good, new blood!"

"You will keep your grubby mitts off her you little nug," Anders growled defensively, drawing an entertained hoot from Oghren.

Drea frowned at the men who suddenly became little boys fighting over a new toy. Cutting off their exchange, Drea spoke over them, "She will be bringing some much needed class and respectability to the Vigil and will be treated honourably." She shot a warning glance at Oghren and Anders who quickly quieted. "Besides," she added, "music calms the beast. You don't want to be responsible for interrupting that."

Confused, Ashlyn glanced around the table, unsure if she had missed some sort of dark joke. Hesitantly she asked, in her soft spoken voice, "Are you saying you're…a monster?"

Anders and Nathaniel's faces both froze in tight expressions at such a bold, almost insulting question. Oghren laughed loudly. Subtly, Anders patted at her arm, trying to warn her not to say such things, but it was far too late - the question was out there. Drea ignored the Wardens and focused on the naïve minstrel. Unsmiling, in a serious tone, she replied, "Yes I am…Everyone has a darkness inside them, and the people you should never trust are the ones who deny that."

Her uncomfortable words thickly settled on those at the table. Gathering up her things, Drea drew herself to her feet. Offering Ashlyn a small nod she excused herself, "You are welcome to our group, and we will be leaving very early in the morning. But you must all please excuse me; I have a great deal of work to do before I can settle for the night." Everyone respectfully stood as she walked off towards the room with Arkon at her heels.