Hey guys, UPDATE I think some people accidentally skipped Chapter 16: The Dalish
Anyway if so then please go back and read it otherwise this Chapter kinda jumps forward a bit
Hope this is a good starting point
But if not, it's because like I said, it was suppose to be one chapter but was cut into two
Once again special thanks to KnightOfHolyLight for their very kind review
Anyway. Enjoy!
"The Past is full of Loss...
No one knows this better than the Elves
For them, Loss is an old and familiar enemy
Their Homeland, their History, their place in this world... all of it Lost to the Past
What would someone do to get it all back... would they walk down a forbidden path...
Would they sacrifice their very soul... to reclaim that which was Lost..." - excerpt from the Tales of Varric
Sundermount,
The Mountain Trail
As the group walked up the trail even further up Sundermount, Garrett and Bethany noticed that Fenris seemed... off, he was walking beside them now but... it was like he somewhere else in his head.
Aveline and Anders were walking in front of them with Kane and Isabela behind the Hawke siblings alongside Fenris. That was weird with Marethari... she knew things about us just by looking... but why is Fenris affected, Marethari talked about Bethany and me not him Garrett pondered as he walked.
"Fenris... you alright there?" Garrett asked as they walked up the trail, Fenris snapped out of it and looked at Garrett saying "I'm fine." "You're not" Garrett said as he and his sister looked at Fenris whom tilted his head slightly then spoke. "Something Marethari said when she was gazing at the two of you," Fenris said confused as he looked at his right Steel Gauntlet where his Slave Brand was hidden.
Fenris looked back at the Hawke Siblings confused saying "I feel... I don't know... sad." "Sad" Bethany parroted as Garrett noticed how Fenris had looked at where his Slave Brand was as he talked. "But I don't know why... I feel like I should know but I just can't" Fenris grunted looking thoughtful as he glanced at Garrett then at Bethany. "Maybe it stirred up some forgotten memories" Garrett suggested looking thoughtfully at Fenris, "perhaps" was his simple reply. Then Fenris suddenly speed up leaving the Hawke siblings, as Fenris walked, Bethany, wanting to help like her brother had, called "it'll come back to you," as Fenris left them he muttered "no... it won't."
Isabela suddenly walked up to them alongside Kane saying "he seems more broody than usual and that's saying something." "He's got his own problems right now" Garrett replied thinking that Fenris probably wouldn't talk about it again, "fair enough, but he broods to much" Isabela replied.
As they reached a curve up the trail the group heard a strange buzzing noise of some kind and Anders unsheathed his Staff and Bethany said "Magic's being used." Garrett nodded at Bethany then walked up faster and passed Anders and Aveline as he took point and lead them pass the curve where a strange Elven woman was sitting on the ground, the First.
The First stopped whatever she was doing and appeared to pocket something then stood up and turned around spoke with that strange Dalish accent "oh, I didn't hear you, you're there one the Keeper told me about, Aneth ara."
The First looked young, maybe two or three years older than Bethany, she had black hair and tattoos on her face similar to Keeper Marethari's but hers were a lighter shade than the Keepers. She had light green eyes with a green scarf wrapped around her neck, she wore a thin Chainmail of some kind with black fur shoulder pads strapped on and a green Apron attached to the front with a tick leather belt, she was barefoot and had a wooden Staff sheathed on her back.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't ask your name's, unless... it's not rude to ask a human their name is it? I'm Merrill... which you probably knew already, I'm rambling sorry." the First stammered as she looked at them then at Fenris, then at Fenris's Markings. "I've never met a human before... Dalish mothers frighten their children with stories of humans you know" the First, Merrill, said as looked at all the humans in the group.
Garrett raised an eyebrow at that the Dalish tell scary stories of humans to their children? Merrill, realized she probably said something wrong then stammered "not you personally sirs and misses, I'm sure they don't have any tales about any of you... or not scary ones at least, ah not that any of you aren't notable enough to have a story... uh... I'll just shut up now." Garrett, feeling a little sorry Merrill, said "you seem nervous, relax I'm Garrett Hawke and this is my sister Bethany." "Hello" Bethany said as Garrett continued "this Aveline and Anders, that's Fenris, this is Isabela and that's my dog Kane," everyone greeted Merrill politely which seemed to put her more at easy.
"So Merrill you're the first right" Garrett asked wanting to understand a little more about Merrill. Merrill nodded saying "yes I am the First to Keeper Marethari ... or I suppose I was... I've been studying the old ways for as long as I can remember. I know things, the Dalish lore we've been able to protect and what can help us the to the summit of Sundermount." Merrill looked at Garrett saying "the Keeper said you came from Ferelden, I spent most of my life there, we only came north here a few years ago. Have you been in the Free Marches long? Do you like it here compared to Ferelden?"
Garrett shrugged saying "there's no Darkspawn here, not as brown as I'm used to but there's opportunity here," "I miss the cold... it's gets kinda hot here" Aveline put in offhandedly. Bethany stepped forward saying "why are you leaving the Dalish... isn't this your home?"
"I have to... let's leave it at that for now, all right?" Merrill replied looking almost regretful "Are you in trouble or something" Anders asked crossing his arms "it's not like that! Not exactly... anyway, the Keeper and I had disagreements... but it'll sort itself out in time."
The Hawke siblings and Aveline nodded knowing that it was something personal, then Fenris suddenly spoke up saying "what was that noisewe heard earlier," Merrill looked uneasy saying "oh... I didn't hear anything." "Liar" Fenris replied instantly looking at her intently when Anders stepped forward saying "you're a Mage... it's okay you're among friends here." Merrill stumbled backwards saying "uh how did you know?" "I'm a Mage too" Anders said smiling slightly at her as Garrett pointed at his sister saying "Bethany is too."
Bethany nodded saying "I'm sensed the Magic being used earlier, don't worry we're no friends of the Templars." Merrill smiled slightly at Anders and Bethany saying "ah that good... I've never met a human Mage before." Aveline spoke up saying "does the Chantry know about the Dalish Mages?" "oh they do, It's one of the reasons the Dalish are always moving and never staying in one place too long... they usually leave us alone if we stay away from the big cities and towns" Merrill replied causally.
Bethany looked at Merrill saying "and no one minds having to pick up and move, over and over, just to protect a few of you?" "It's not the only reason we move around a lot and once we've picked over a hunting ground there's no real reason to stay... but my Clan's in danger now that our Halla are gone" Merrill said. Garrett turned to look at his sister then back at Merrill saying "if you go to Kirkwall you'll be an Apostate in a city full of Templars." Merrill paced back and fourth saying "I know but if I don't go to Kirkwall I'll be alone... a solitary elf is easy prey for anyone... at least in the city I can get lost in the crowd."
"Seems she's got it covered" Anders said as he gripped his Staff. "What were you doing before we got here anyway" Garrett asked a little curious, Merrill shrugged saying "I was just checking into something... anyway we should go. Your task is for Asha'bellaner, it's not wise to make her wait." Garrett nodded saying "what do we have to do with the Amulet?" "It's a Funeral of sorts, I'll perform it when we get to the Mountaintop, Getting there is the tricky part... our hunters haven't been able to reach the summit.. dark things are about so they put a Sentry post up for everyone else back in Camp" Merrill said to the group.
"We're prepared, let's go" Garrett said as glanced at the group noticing that all of them were ready for a fight if it came up. Merrill lead the way as the group followed her up the rest of trail.
After walking for a bit the group saw the Sentry point Merrill had mentioned where three Dalish Hunters had set up a small camp and Anders pulled Garrett aside to talk, to Bethany's annoyance. "Hawke, the Veil is thin here... be ready for anything" Anders said as they walked towards the three Dalish Hunters, Bethany gripped her Staff having heard Anders's warning but still cold towards him.
Aveline looked at Anders saying "what's that mean exactly?" "The barrier between this world and the Fade is weak here... sometimes things from the other side cross over... usually weak ones but sometimes strong ones" Anders said causing Aveline eyes to widen. "You mean Demons" Aveline said as she got ready for something, "yes... but not just Demons... sometimes Spirits too" Anders replied as they reached the Dalish Hunters.
One of the Dalish Hunters stood up and walked up in front of them, looked at Merrill and harshly spoke in the strange Dalish accent "so the Keeper finally found some people to take you from here huh?"
Merrill grew annoyed at that saying "yes... she did." The Dalish Hunter in front of them crossed his arms and scowled "then finish your task quickly and take leave already." Garrett raised an eyebrow at how rude the Dalish Hunter acted as Isabela spoke up saying "so... this is a bit awkward... anyone else think it's awkward, how about we move along."
Merrill stood her ground to the Dalish Hunter saying "I've made my choice Junar and I will save our clan... whatever you or the others think." The Dalish Hunter in front of them, Junar, scoffed at Merrill then walked past Merrill making sure to roughly bump into her shoulder as he walked down the trail.
"How rude" Bethany said as she watched Junar leave them; the other two Dalish Hunters stood up and started to leave. The one on the right nodded politely at Merrill then awkwardly moved on as Merrill said "goodbye Pol," "goodbye" Pol replied as he left them.
The last Dalish Hunter however stood in front of Merrill and sighed "is this what you truly want Merrill... you can still change your mind." Merrill nodded saying "yes Fenarel... I need to see this through, I just have too." Fenarel looked uneasy at that then looked up at the rest of the group then turned back to Merrill saying "okay Merrill... be careful up there, we had some trouble earlier, if it wasn't for Junar and me then Pol would be dead."
Suddenly they heard Junar's voice from down the trail calling "Fenarel! Come on this is no longer our problem... it's theirs!" "Thanks for the advice Fenarel" Merrill said as Fenarel patted her shoulder saying "no problem," then as he was leaving he turned to Garrett saying "look out for her okay."
As Fenarel left Garrett nodded thinking what did Merrill do to earn so much hostility. Varric, trying to lighten the mood, looked around saying "so... nice Mountain you Dalish got here... I mean it's very Mountainous today isn't it, lots of... Rock and Hillside."
"I'm sorry, you're not seeing the Dalish at our best, we're good people that look out for each other... just not today apparently, let's go we should hurry, we're almost at the Sundermount Passage" Merrill said sounding sad as beckoned the group to follow her as she continued up the trail.
Garrett felt bad for Merrill, he didn't know what she had done but so far as he'd seen Fenarel was the only person even talking to her. The group and Merrill left the Dalish Hunter's Sentry Post and walked along the trail for awhile when something happen and Kane started to bark then growl, Anders and Merrill had their Staffs out.
The Hawke siblings and the others took notice and drew the weapons when suddenly puffs of dirt began to erupt out of the ground, "use Ice or Flame Magic" Anders called to Bethany and Merrill. Bethany heard Anders's words and cast Elemental Weapons, instantly Bethany's staff glowed channeling it's base elemental power to Aveline's and Garrett's Longsword and Shield, Fenris's Greatsword, Varric's Crossbow, and Isabela's Daggers enchanting them with Ice Magic.
Out of the ground along with the puffs of dirt came... Corpses... Walking Corpses... some even had weapons though most were unarmed.
What in Thedas is thisGarrett thought as he looked around the area seeing nearly sixteen of the walking Corpses with five of them holding weapons. Anders used Chain Lightning on two walking Corpses that tired to charge him causing them to stop and fall over crumpling away, Merrill shot a hurried Fireball at three of the Corpses slowing them down but not stopping them.
Garrett slammed his Shield into one of them causing it fall back then he stabbed his Longsword into the chest of another one causing to stop in it's tracks... then it looked at Garrett with it's empty eye sockets... and keep fighting.
What the hell! Garrett thought as the Corpse tired to grab him by the neck even with his Longsword in it's chest. Garrett pulled back not letting the Corpse grab him and slammed his Shield into it's mouth causing it fumble back it with it's jaw almost snapping off from the blow. Garrett pulled his Longsword back and stabbed the Corpse again and again until it let out a strange grumbling sound and stopped moving as it crumpled away.
Just have to hit them til they crumple Garrett thought as he moved on towards Bethany, whom had used a lot of her Magic casting Cone of Cold to freeze four of the Corpses in place, and smashed them apart with his Shield. Fenris was using his both hands to Cleave the Corpses apart with his Greatsword as Isabela was using her superior speed to weaving in and out of the Corpses stabbing and slashing them til they crumpled. Aveline, Kane and Varric were doing okay as they stayed close to Merrill, whom used Flame Magic against the Corpses with Aveline covering her and Kane helping Varric if any Corpse got too close.
Anders used Chain Lightning and Spirit Bolt on the walking Corpse stopping them from getting close to him but, unlike Bethany and Merrill, he seemed to have no trouble using a lot of his Magic like they did, he's the strongest Mage here Garrett thought seeing the way Anders was holding his own.
Garrett turned to glance at his sister, after taking down two Corpses by hitting them till they dropped, having noticed Bethany stop to pull out a Lyrium potion they had gotten at the Black Emporium and drink it.
Then Garrett noticed that Fenris was being overwhelmed, Fenris had been having trouble ever since a few of them had surrounded him. Fenris had slashed apart one of the armed Corpses when one of the unarmed Corpses grabbed onto Fenris's Greatsword hilt and another had grabbed his right arm, forcing him to drop his Greatsword and kick the Corpse that tired to pick it up.
Fenris's Tattoos glowed blue white and stuck his left hand in the Corpse that tired to steal his Greatsword... and the Corpse didn't crumpled... Fenris had to keep wriggling his hand inside it's chest to kill it. Then another Corpse had grabbed Fenris by his left arm and Fenris got pulled down to the ground by the another Corpses pulling on him.
Garrett rushed towards Fenris to help him as Bethany took careful aim and cast Winter's Grasp on a Corpse that jumped on Fenris, trying to choke him as the others held him in place. When suddenly Fenris's Tattoos glowed brighter than the Hawke siblings had ever seen and a strange burst of light appeared from Fenris, shattering the Corpse Bethany had frozen and pushing the others away but not finishing them. Garret had now reached Fenris and pulled him up by the arm and slammed his Shield into one of Corpses that had gotten up and tired to rush at him and Fenris.
Varric saw that they needed help and began sniping at the Corpses to cover Garrett and Fenris. Fenris scooped his Greatsword up from the ground and pulled free of Garrett moving to stand back to back with Garrett.
Together Fenris and Garrett held their ground as the group finished the last six Corpses, after the fight was over they all regrouped. Isabela called over to Fenris saying "you okay Mr. brooding," Fenris nodded saying "underestimated them but no lasting injuries." Garrett glanced at Isabela, Varric, and Aveline seeing how they had held up, good thing we Mages on our side... otherwise this fight would have been longer. Fenris turned towards Garrett saying "thanks Hawke,""no problem... what was that trick you did" Garrett asked Fenris with a raised eyebrow, "Spirit Pulse, it drains a lot out of me so I don't use it much" Fenris replied.
Anders walked towards Aveline and Isabela using his Magic to heal them and restore their strength, Bethany walked over to her brother and Fenris doing the same. Garrett watched as Bethany healed him and Fenris, restoring their strength, as she finished Bethany let out a heavy breath.
"You okay" Garrett asked her, "just tired... used a lot of Magic in a short time-span" Bethany replied as Garrett pulled out a Lyrium potion and handed it to her. Bethany took the potion gratefully and drink it saying "it's good that we can shop at Black Emporium huh." Garrett smiled saying "yeah Xenon's... a bit strange but his stock does come in handy," Bethany chuckled slightly at that as she dispelled Elemental Weapons with a wave of her hand.
Garrett saw Anders use a Lyrium potion as well but didn't look as haggard as Bethany or Merrill did, Anders as a lot more experience using lots of his Magic in Battle. Merrill waited for them looking a bit tired herself but not complaining as they got ready to continue, Isabela muttering "that was digesting, hope we don't have to fight those things again." Varric chuckled saying "walking Corpses who would've thought, ah Hawke the crap we put up with" "like I said the Veil is thin here but we should be safe for now... I don't sense any more of them" Anders said as they walked.
Garrett turned towards Anders saying "what exactly are those things?" "basically they're corpses possessed by weaker demons" Anders replied nonchalantly. "Weaker, are you serious" Aveline asked as she looked at Anders with surprise, Anders turned to her grinning slightly as he spoke, "seriously... you don't want to meet the stronger ones... the Wardens have."
Together they all entered the Sundermount Passages and walked through them, as they walked a few rather large Spiders attacked them, but with three Mages in the group, it was over fairly quickly. Reaching the other end of the Passage and exiting onto the top of Sundermount the group saw how high up they were and noticed two stone Pillars that had a... Magical field running between them, a barrierGarrett thought.
"What now" Isabela complained as she glanced at the Magical Barrier and Varric chuckled, Garrett glanced at his sister and Anders looking to see who would get past this but neither of them stepped forward.
Instead Merrill stepped forward saying "I can open the way forward, one moment." Merrill pulled a small Knife out of her pouch and slide the blade across her hand leaving a thin cut, then closing her hand and forming a fist with droplets of blood surrounded her hand as reached forward and tapped the Magic Barrier causing it to collapse.
Blood Magic! Garrett thought as he narrowed his eyes knowing that rest of the group would have similar reactions. Bethany's eyes widened as she stared at Merrill and her hand with Kane stood beside her growling slightly. Fenris, his eyes alight with suspicion, stood forward saying "Blood Magic! Foolish... very foolish." Aveline carefully gripped her Shield, Isabela and Varric exchanged a look of surprise, and Anders looked at Merrill sternly as he pulled out his Staff once again. Merrill turned and quickly stammered "yes, it was Blood Magic but I know what I'm doing, the Spirit helped us didn't it?"
Suddenly Anders stepped forward saying "THAT was no SPIRIT, I can tell," Garrett, still with his eyes narrowed, said "call it what it is... you summoned a Demon." "Demons are just Spirit... like Honor or Joy, it's not their fault they are what they are" Merrill said more firmly. "You're wrong! You know nothing of Spirits! Don't spread your ignorance" Anders said as Fenris scoffed "ignore the Tiger, not it's fault that it's going to eat you, sound advice."
Varric raised an eyebrow looking at Anders and Fenris thinking look at that... never thought they'd actually agree on something.Merrill looked uneasily at her hand saying "now is not the time... let's just go," then somewhat slowly the group followed her past the stone Pillars. Upon passing the Pillars Garrett saw what looked like... ruins of an ancient Graveyard of some kind... there were strange Stone structures laid about with carvings in them that Garrett could not read.
Merrill saw Garrett and the others looking at the ruins and spoke up, in that strange Dalish accent they were still getting used to, saying "in the days of Arlathan, when my kind were Ageless, the Elders came here to sleep. Uthenera, the endless dream they called it,but they haven't slept easily peaceful for ages... the Barrier was put up so that they might rest easier." I know nothing of Dalish Tales... I wonder if any of what Merrill said is true or just Tales the Dalish tell... but the Barrier was put up for this place... so there must be some truth to it Garrett thought as he followed Merrill to an Altar at the top of the Mountain.
Bethany and the others walked up a bit but mostly kept their distance, as Garrett stood with Merrill in front of the Altar pulling the Amulet out he noticed how high up they were. You can see the surrounding area for miles ahead from here, I can even see Kirkwall, one scout up here could keep a camp safe almost effortlessly Garrett thought offhandedly.
Merrill nodded at Garrett as he placed the Amulet on the Altar then she beckoned him to step back with her, together they stepped back from the Altar a bit. Merrill cleared her throat and began chanting in that strange Elven language they had heard a little at the Dalish Camp.
Garrett turned as his sister moved to stand beside him and exchanged a look with him, after all this time it's done, they seemed to say without talking. Anders shifted uncomfortably beside Aveline, Fenris stood in front of Isabela looking at Merrill with suspicion as Kane sniffed the area as Varric stood beside him. Merrill finished chanting and suddenly... a bright light erupted from the orb in the center of the Amulet... it was bright that the Hawke siblings had to cover their eyes. The others also cover their eyes... then just as abruptly as the light had appeared it stopped leaving a cloud of gray smoke in it's wake.
Garrett and the others lowered their hands and looked at cloud of smoke now clearing away from the the Altar. Garrett watched in wonder as the smoke cleared and... Flemeth was standing atop the Altar next the Amulet... which was smoking.
Flemeth, still wearing that strange outfit from when she saved them in the Wilds what seemed like a lifetime ago, looked around saying "ah here we are... it's good to be back." Her again Aveline thought as he stared at the Witch of the Wilds. Fenris held his fighting Greatsword firmly snarling "a Witch!" "Fenris no... if she wanted to do us harm she'd have done it... and we wouldn't be able to stop her" Garrett said calmly as Bethany nodded, "calm yourself Fenris we know her" Aveline as Flemeth stepped off the Altar to stand before them.
Merrill knelt low saying "Andaran atish'an, Asha'bellaner." Flemeth, whom had vaguely glanced at Fenris as if he was barely worthy taking note of, looked at Merrill saying "one of The People hmm, I see, so young, so bright. Do you know who I am, beyond that title?" "I know only a little" Merrill replied not looking at Flemeth but at her own two feet. "Then stand child, The People bend their knee to quickly" Flemeth said gesturing causing Merrill to stand up straight as if nervous. Isabela turned towards Garrett saying "friend of yours," before Garrett could reply Flemeth turned to Isabela saying "you say the word as if it's a coin meant for spending, that's rather cruel even by my standards." Isabela scoffed saying "you don't know me," "oh but I know your type" Flemeth replied before turning to glanced at rest of the group then finally at the Hawke siblings.
Then looking at Garrett, Flemeth said "so refreshing to see someone who keeps their end of a bargain, and I half-expected my Amulet to end in a merchant's pocket!" "I agreed to deliver the Amulet and I keep my promises... were you... inside the Amulet... all that time..." Garrett said as he gazed at Flemeth just make sure she was really there and not a trick.
Flemeth smiled coldly, saying "just a piece... a small piece, but it wall I needed; a bit of security should the inevitable occurred... and if I know my Morrigan it already has." Anders looked at Flemeth uneasily saying "what are you.. this is no Magic I've ever seen?" as Fenris looked intently at Flemeth and stepped forward his Greatsword held firmly saying "you are no simple Witch... I've seen powerful Mages, Spirits, Demon, and Abominations... but you are none of those." Flemeth glanced at Fenris amused as if he was small child acting bad as Fenris continued "what are you?"
"Such a curious lad, the Chains be broken... but are you truly free" Flemeth said still looking amused at Fenris which was really starting to annoy him. "You see a great deal" Fenris grudgingly responded as Kane started sniffing the air looking curious. Flemeth then turned her gaze from Fenris to Anders and narrowed her eyes slightly saying "ah how... interesting."
Anders looked warily at Flemeth as she suddenly began walking towards him to the surprise of the group. Anders took a step back as Flemeth approached when suddenly Merrill stared at Anders, and Bethany tapped Garrett's shoulder muttering "it's happening again."
As Flemeth walked and closer causing Anders to take another step back when suddenly... a bright blue Fire erupted around Anders, his veins lit up, beaming bright blue, his eyes glowing bright blue as well... Justice had come out.
Anders held his Staff out and spoke in that strange astringent and cold voice that did not belong to Anders but to Justice, "FOUL WITCH, MORTAL OR DEMON WHICHEVER YOU BE, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!" Flemeth smirked, looking amused at Justice/Anders's words, calmly saying "now that's what I wanted to see, I wonder if you realize your full potential... probably not" Justice/Anders stared at Flemeth as she stare back until Justice/Anders took another step back from Flemeth causing her to smirk, Justice had... backed down.
Justice/Anders stayed where he was holding his Staff as Flemeth walked back to the Altar and turned around saying "I am a fly in the ointment, I am a whisper in the shadows yet to come, I am also a very, very old woman." "I don't understand why did you need me to bring... you here?" Garrett asked curiously, "because I had an appointment to keep!" Flemeth said laughing. Smirking Flemeth continued "and because I did not want to be followed, you Smuggled me here quite nicely."
Garrett and Bethany shared a look thinking smuggling... does she know... about our time in Kirkwall. "Did you... overhear things... when you were... with us" Bethany asked nervously while standing behind Garrett. "Bits and pieces child" Flemeth said offhandedly as if it was the most boring thing in the world causing Bethany to look uneasy at her. Flemeth chuckled saying "your day to day lives are quite dull child and like I said... bits and pieces." Bethany nodded still looking uneasy as Garrett spoke up saying "You have plans I take it."
Flemeth gazed at Garrett with interest as she began to speak, "Destiny awaits us both dear boy, we have much to do... but before I go, a word of advice." Flemeth gestured to the surrounding area visible from Sundermount saying "we stand upon the precipice of change, the world fears the inevitable plummet into the abyss. Watch for that moment children, and when it comes... do not hesitate to leap for it is only when you fall that you learn whether you can fly."
Garrett rubbed the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard saying "I don't understand... what should I do?" Flemeth laughed harshly saying "do as I do, become a Dragon," then turning serious again Flemeth continued "you could never be a Dragon." Flemeth turned to look at Merrill saying "as for you child, tread carefully for no path is darker than when your eyes are shut," Merrill nodded saying "Ma serannas, Asha'bellaner."
Walking up to Garrett and standing in front of him, Flemeth said "the Amulet is useless to me now, take it to Xenon for a reward... he'll be pleased to see it," the Hawke siblings gaped at Flemeth causing her to laugh saying "did you never wonder why he invited you to his Emporium." Varric just stared at Flemeth and Garrett in turn, then Flemeth spoke again, saying "now the time has come for me to leave, you have my thanks... and my sympathy."
Garrett nodded slowly still a little thoughtful about what Flemeth had said and what she knew, suddenly Flemeth turned around and began glowing. Flemeth, still glowing, started to change shape... growing tall as she suddenly jumped higher than seemed humanly possible while still shifting her form, in mid air she had... turned into a Dragon and flew off.
The group watched as the Dragon that was Flemeth flew off into the distance, "this is probably the one true Tale I could tell and no one would believe me" Varric said as he watched the Dragon flying off into the distance with his eyes wide.
Garrett grinned slightly at that trust Varric to lighten the mood as Merrill turned towards them saying "that's it we're done." Justice/Anders suddenly turned back into Anders, the blue glow fading away slowly, and breathed a heavy breath as the blue light disappeared completely. "Are you okay Anders ?" Garrett asked as he looked at the man, even Justice was worried about Flemeth. "Yeah, that was just... unexpected," Anders replied looking a little shaken as Garrett nodded then noticed Flemeth's Amulet still on the Altar, she didn't need it anymore, so Flemeth's the reason Xenon lets us shop in the Black Emporium.
Garrett walked over to the Altar and picked up the Amulet noticing that strange marking... were completely gone it. Also the Amulet was now room temperature again and the orb in the center was... gone, instead there a small pile of ash in the now empty center of it. "I'm sure the Flemeth was right about getting a reward for it... she has no reason to lie" Merrill said looking at Garrett taking the Amulet again.
Together the group and Merrill left the ancient Elven ruins, the group waited as Merrill reformed the Magical Barrier then continued on when suddenly Bethany walked up to Merrill grabbed the hand that'd she'd cut to open/close the Barrier in hers and healed it for her. "It looked like you could use some help" Bethany said after she had healed the cut, Merrill smiled slightly saying "thank you."
The trip back through the Sundermount Passages and down the trail back to the Dalish Camp was made in silence and was surprising tame with no attacks of any kind. Now they all stood in the center of the Dalish Camp with Keeper Marethari and Garrett was showing the Amulet to her. Marethari looked at the Amulet, noticing the difference, and said "Ma serannas, your debt is paid in full."
Marethari looked at Merrill sadly then said "it isn't too late to change your mind, da'len." Merrill returned the sad look to Marethari saying "Dareth shiral, Keeper... I must do this," Marethari nodded glumly as she looked away from Merrill. "I'm ready let's depart" Merrill said having grabbed a few pouches and bag carrying her things. As they left the camp, one of the Dalish Hunters they'd seen earlier, Fenarel, walked up to Merrill saying "I wish you wouldn't do this Merrill but it's your choice to make... goodbye." "Thank you Fenarel" Merrill replied as she nodded at him and moved on with the rest of the group outside the Dalish Camp.
Back in Kirkwall
The entrance to the Alienage
"Well this is it, are you ready" Aveline said as she, the Hawke siblings, Kane, Isabela, and Varric stood with Merrill just outside Alienage, Fenris and Anders having gone to their respective homes upon reentering Kirkwall.
Merrill walked into the Alienage gazing at the assortment of houses, huts, small shops, and how crowed it seemed to be in the relatively small ghetto that was the Alienage saying "Elgar'nan. Is this... is this really where the Elves live?" "If you think this is bad you should see Darktown, but housing here is cheap, you should be able to get a small hut with the coin the Keeper gave you" Aveline said causally as Merrill keep looking around the Alienage and especially at all the Elves.
"I didn't think it would so... so... I've never seen so many people in one place before, it seems so lonely" Merrill said. Garrett had mixed feelings about Merrill, on one hand she was a Blood Mage and seemed to have done something bad but on the other hand she was so young, only a little older than Bethany, and seemed so naive about the world.
"You already know us Merrill, you'll make other friends soon enough" Garrett said. Merrill turned to face them saying "I... thank you, thank you for everything, for all your help. Will you come visit me later, I could use some friends." "We'd like that Merrill" Bethany said having the same mixed feelings about Merrill that her brother had. "Thank you... I'm thanking you all too much aren't I? I mean it though" Merrill replied smiling as she left them to go see about occurring a hut to live in.
"Ah she's like a little lost Kitten" Isabela said watching Merrill go, "at least most criminals will leave her alone because she's Dalish" Varric said. Aveline turned to Garrett talking in low voice so no one else could hear "Hawke you realize that I now know of three Apostates in Kirkwall now, I can't really protect her but I won't turn her in... if the Templars come for her though I can't do anything." "I understand Aveline, and thank you for that, but Templars have their own problems and the City Guards have their own" Garrett replied in that same low voice.
"Well me and Isabela are heading to the Hanged man, later Hawke" Varric said as he and Isabela left them heading for the Hanged Man.
The Hawke siblings, Kane, and Aveline left the Alienage and walked through Lowtown as Bethany noticed how late it was. "Aveline it's pretty late would you like to join us for dinner, I'm sure our Mother would be happy to see you again" Bethany asked as Aveline and Garrett turned to face her. Aveline looked thoughtful saying "I'm not doing anything else... sure if you if don't mind Garrett?" "I don't mind... besides I think it'd be good for Leandra to see you again... not all of her old friends will speak with her anymore" Garrett replied as he pet Kane. "
Is it because of her going off with a Ferelden man" Aveline asked a little surprised at how anyone could be rude to Leandra Hawke... she was just such a nice person. "I think it's mostly because of where we live and... how relatively poor we are in comparison to them, and I think it's also because Gamlen lost all the respectability our family had here " Garrett said.
Bethany nodded saying "it's not fair, but some of her old friends still talk to her, so at least there's that," "they just don't care enough to actually help her" Garrett added bitterly. Aveline sighed saying "just the way it is Hawke, I'd help if I could but I can't really do anything," "I know Aveline, it's okay" Garrett replied honestly.
"Here we are" Bethany said as they reached Gamlen's house and Garrett unlocked the door and opened it. Together the Hawke siblings, Kane, and Aveline entered Gamlen's house and saw Leandra getting started with Dinner and Gamlen sitting in the breakfast table. "You're back, I wasn't sure if I should set up for you two" Leandra said smiling as she saw her two children coming home after hours away.
"We invited Aveline over for Dinner if that's okay" Garrett said as he closed the door and locked it as Bethany moved to sit at the breakfast table with Kane following, "I don't mind, we went through a lot together" Leandra said smiling. Together the Hawke family and Aveline sat at the breakfast table as Leandra started handing out plates, as they got ready to eat Garrett looked thoughtful remembering Flemeth's words.
We stand upon the precipice of change, the world fears the inevitable plummet into the abyss. Watch for that moment children, and when it comes... do not hesitate to leap for it is only when you fall that you learn whether you can fly...
I made the Walking Corpses a lot tougher because, well... they're ZOMBIES!
Anyway I added three Dalish Hunters at the 'Sentry Post' on Sundermount instead of only one,
If you paid close attention you'll notice that Junar, Pol, and Fenarel were in Merrill's Dalish Clan in the first Dragon Age
Also, I'd like to recommend a short story written by Squishy Eeyore called Gift, it's about Christmas for the Hawke siblings, it's really good and deserves more reviews
Thanks for reading and please review!