PAST RELIVED

TRUST. TRUST WAS THE DOWNFALL of all great men and women. Trust and love.

The first time Sinniralin realized this was when she was no older than sixteen and a well-known bard in the underworld of Highever. By the time she was sixteen she had been working the dirty backstreets for quite some time. It had all started fairly innocently when she and her sister had been scurrying down one of Highever's twisting alleys scavenging for food or leftovers. They had passed the baker's crowded stall and before she knew it her small hand had reached out and grabbed the round, newly baked bread. A man turned to look at her, but she stared back at him acting as if she had very well paid for the bread, an indignant look upon her face. His eyes darted and he nodded an apology. She snorted through her nose and kept walking.

It had been simple, a little too simple and the next time she found that stealing both bread and meat wasn't much harder. Before soon she found herself stealing more than just food. It was around that time the tall and handsome Belkin had approached her. The first time she saw him she thought he was one of the nobles coming to drag her to the inquisitor's office, but he had smiled his charming, unarming smile and offered her a better life should she choose to become part of his guild. Perhaps it was his kind green eyes which twinkled gleefully or maybe it was his charming manner that made her say 'yes' before consulting her sister.

Her sister had been angry with her for not discussing the matter with her before agreeing to it. It was either that or jealousy, at the time Sinniralin couldn't tell. She had made a deal with Belkin though before agreeing to join his band of thieves as she liked to refer to them later on making him promise her sister could come with her. Lesdra had begrudgingly agreed to go stay at the guild with her though stating: "only because I'd rather sleep in a bed than on the streets."

The next three years was spent in Belkin's guild mastering the arts of stealing and manipulating people. Belkin was a good, if not stern mentor and he trained her relentlessly. There were nights when they had sparred for so long she went to bed aching in every muscle and sinew. Belkin taught her how to use her cunning and create illusions, and he taught her how to become invisible in a fully crowded room.

It was during this time Lesdra started to stay away from the guild for longer periods of time. It started gradually and by the time Lesdra didn't return Sinniralin was so caught up in the underworld she barely had time to reflect on it. There was no note, nothing, her things had simply vanished. Sinniralin looked for her for a while in every face across the market place, but she was nowhere to be found so eventually she gave up and focused on her work instead of the dull emptiness that resided in her heart.

.

"Sin, you are thinking of something." Belkin's deep suave voice said to her where she sat in the cushioned chair opposite him sipping her wine.

She looked up at him. He was very handsome indeed. Green bedazzling eyes, a defined jaw-line and long dark eyelashes, dark unruly curls framing his face. He must be in his late twenties, judging by the small wrinkles at the corners of his smiling eyes. She smiled inwardly. The man never seemed to stop smiling his suave, charming smile. Being the youngest girl in the guild, and elf she kept her small infatuation with the man to herself. Belkin was always surrounded by beautiful women. They were always curvy, voluptuous things, not fat or chubby, but with breasts and legs one could only dream of. Unlike her they were all Shems with long and thick hair. Brunettes seemed to be a favoured colour unlike her with her pale skin and snow white hair. The only thing resembling colour with her was her piercing ocean blue eyes and rose-pink lips.

"I'm just going over the plans in my head." She lied evasively.

His eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to deceive a con master?" He asked amusedly.

She laughed and shook her head twiddling a strand of her long hair between her fingers. "Would I ever?" she asked innocently.

He huffed. "Is that not what I have taught you to do?" His eyes wrinkled in his trademark smile as he raised his cup a little.

She shook her head. "You think things will go well tomorrow?" She asked eyeing him from where she sat before turning her gaze toward the grand skyline of Minrathous.

He looked thoughtful for a while before he raised his gaze. "This, Sin will be the biggest coupe we will have ever pulled off. If things go well we'll be settled for life. If not..." He laughed. "Well, then I'm sure we will at least die a most gruesome, dishonourable death."

The thought scared her a little. They were going to break into and assassin one of the high Magisters of the Tevinter Imperium. It was a crazy, foolish scheme, so crazy it had to be done. She felt the exhilaration along with the fear mix and mingle within her. A mysterious man had approached them shortly after she had joined the guild and after much consideration Belkin had accepted the man's offer. She had thought maybe he was joking, but quickly realized he was not. This only added to the intensity of her training.

He leaned forward and lifted her chin with his thumb and forefinger looking slightly concerned. "You are not worried, are you?"

She lifted her gaze suddenly feeling a little tipsy from the wine. She covered his face with her palm nudging it gently as she laughed. "Your charms won't work on me." She teased as he laughed into her palm.

He grabbed her by the wrist and uncovered his face a sly look upon his face. "No? Are you sure because that is what they all say." He said, his face only inches away looking serious for the first time.

She smirked, this game she knew well, she might not be experienced with it completely yet, but she'd seen it played out many times before her. He was testing her, to see if she would recognize the situation for what it was. She gave him a sultry look cocking her head in a challenge, an attempt to let him know she knew exactly what he was up to. He didn't take it as such, but leant forward and pressed his lips against hers. They felt soft and gentle against hers at first then his kisses became more demanding, urging her to abide him.

Belkin was kissing her! It was still hard to fathom even as she felt his tongue slip into her mouth, and when his strong hands left her hips and found their way to her breasts she thought that surely she was imagining things. She marvelled at the sensation when he cupped her breast kneading it gently. His hands and lips moved skilfully as he unlaced her blouse revealing her youthful body in the dim light. His hungry eyes roamed her body as it had been then, untouched and pure. Then he kissed her again. She felt herself picked up just to be tossed onto the large bed. She giggled and he smiled as he undressed and climbed onto the bed.

"You find me funny, my dear lady?" He cocked his eyebrow.

"Would I ever?" She winked as he placed himself on top of her. She was about to say something more, but he silenced her impatiently with his mouth and she was happy to obey as she felt his hand stroke against her hot centre. His hands brought her pleasures she had never known before and she pressed herself hard against him begging him for more. Belkin was kissing her feverously when she felt the tip of him between the folds of her burning heat. He pushed into her slowly granting her time to adjust herself around him until he felt her buck her hips underneath him. She closed her eyes welcoming his gentle thrusts, her breath turned into little gasps and moans of pleasure as his movements became more passionate, and he buried himself deep within her whispering aroused words of desire in her ears. He picked up his speed and didn't slow until he felt her walls contract around him sending him in to bliss exploding within her.

She woke in the morning expecting to find that he had left during the night as he always did with his women, but instead she felt his soft lips pressed against her shoulder blade as he slept next to her. She smiled a little to herself at the feel of his muscular body providing her with warmth. She felt him stir behind her. Would he regret last night? How was she going to act? Like normal or should she...? Her thoughts were interrupted by his groan as he pulled her closer.

"Are you trying to pull a runner on me...?" He murmured.

She chuckled. "No, you know I wouldn't do that, you on the other hand are not known to stay the night."

He scoffed behind her back.

"Have you lost your touch or have I snared you in my web?" She teased. It earned her one of his suave laughter.

"You do not know how very alluring and exquisite you are Sin." He said sounding a little serious.

She turned to face him. If he kissed her she could bet her lifetime on that he loved her, which seemed more than unlikely to her. He studied her face and pulled a string of hair from it.

"Surely you must know the power you hold over me." He said.

She blushed, stuttering. "Y-you... I d-do... not!"

"But you do."

She giggled at his words and swatted his shoulder gently. "Stop it you flatterer. You just wanted your fun with me. I hold no illusions of what I am or am not to you."

He chuckled. "And did we have fun or not? But honestly Sin even a shameless seducer such as myself has a weakness. Mine happens to be you. Now surely you must understand how inappropriate that would have been a few years ago, barley thirteen it would have been preposterous - a crime even, though in my defence Sin, you looked much older than your age."

She stared at him incredulously. "Did you just admit to recruiting me purely because you wanted to sleep with me when I was thirteen?You pervert." She feigned shock in a very believable high-pitched voice.

He laughed his twinkling laughter. "See this is what I mean. You're one strange cookie."

She gave him a sultry look. "I sure seem edible enough for you."

He burst out in a loud laughter. "It's a good thing I know you're not that tacky." He said when he finally regained his senses before pulling her into a kiss.

She smiled into his kiss. He was a master illusionist indeed. She had not expected this from him, but perhaps it had nothing to do with his skills as a con master? Whatever the reason, she was happy and couldn't care less.

.

.

They had made their way into the underground tunnels running in a higgledy-piggledy fashion underneath the high rising castle when she first sensed something was wrong. She'd heard stories of the Tevinter's obsession with forbidden magic and it had made her weary of their safety. She glanced over at Belkin and the other two assassins creeping along the dark tunnels next to her. She smiled a little when she found her stomach stir and flutter at the sight of Belkin's sharp features and concentrated face. Memories from the night before burned on her cornea and she shivered slightly before turning her attention to the task at hand.

She thought she'd heard something stir behind them and glanced over her shoulder just in time to see the large creature sweep in from one of the connecting tunnels. She spun, acting reflexively, diving towards the creature jabbing her blades at it. Belkin and the others turned quickly at the soundless attack, Sinniralin's slapping boots the only sign of battle. The two assassins drew their bows, firing them with impeccable speed. Belkin called on his magic as he rushed towards the dark creature, spikes pushing out from its dark hide. Sinniralin was knocked to the ground by one of its large tentacles. Wincing she rolled over and back paddled as it came lunging towards her. The time seemed to stop when the beast leapt, all tentacles and fangs flying towards her, then in an instant time returned to normal and the beast lay dead on the side next to her Belkin hovering above it panting heavily.

"What is that?" She asked in horror.

Belkin circled it, the two assassins still aiming their bows at it. "Of that I'm not sure of." He poked it with his leather-clad boot. "Some sort of guardian. Strange the Giver never mentioned guardians patrolling these tunnels."

"Maybe he didn't tell us everything we need to know? This place feels strange, something's not right." Sinniralin said as she brushed the dirt off her knees.

"No matter, we have a task to accomplish and the Giver won't pay us unless it's done. Let's press on." He said sternly.

She sheathed her daggers at her hips following him straining her ears listening for any other guardians. There were no more of them and they found their way through the hidden door leading to the Magister's library. It had been easy, too easy. Something pecked at her consciousness and she tried desperately to figure out what it was. There was something eerie, yet familiar about the place. She glanced around the large library as they shuffled towards the door then stopped.

"Now it's all up to you Sin." Belkin told her as he rummaged around the thin leather bag he had strapped to his side. He pulled out something looking like a shredded cloak.

She frowned, what was she going to do with that?

"Here put this on. It shall help you reaching the Magister's study undetectable."

She felt a strange sensation as she put it on. It reminded her of what it felt like when the sun crept out after a long winter, caressing the snow covered ground. It swirled at her feet in a snakelike manner where she stood. She looked up at Belkin.

"Just be careful. We will meet you back here in ten minutes, that's all we've got before the Watchers have finished their rounds. Once they are back in position there is no way for you to escape, is that clear?"

She nodded biting her lip in concentration.

"Remember, move along with the Watchers movement, as long as you do you will be safe." He instructed her then he slowly opened the door. Peering into the thin hallway he waited a little longer before motioning with his hand. "Hurry now. I will mend time from here best I can and be careful."

She crouched and slid out through the door keeping close to the shadows, moving soundlessly across the carpet covered floors. She crept along the hallways twisting and turning, moving as swiftly as she could. She heard the first Watcher long before she saw him and she slithered in underneath a elegant sofa embellished with golden embroidery on it. The Watcher moved in a floating motion and she wondered whether the legends of the Watchers were true.

The Watchers were said to be old tevinter mages, possessed by something darker then the Fade's abominations. These mages were – unlike the abominations, still in control of their own minds, and whatever demonic essence lived within them fed them with their unnatural powerful magic. They said Watchers had no soul and where their hearts once beat nothing remained but a black hollowed out empty space. That was the reason Watchers could not be killed unless you found its heart and pierced it.

She lay there until the Watcher rounded the corner. She had to be quick now or the Watcher behind would see her slither out from the sofa and sound the alarm or worse, deal with her itself. She moved swiftly along the corridor the shadowcloak helping her melt in with the deep red drapes which adorned the walls. She followed the passage stopping where two corridors met glancing sideways before continuing, all the while listening intently for any forewarning of Watchers. At the second passageway she turned left speeding up. She came to a halt in front of the impressive wooden doors leading to the High Magister's study. She couldn't have missed it even if she tried to.

She took a deep breath and braced herself before pushing the door open with both her hands. The Magister's study was grand. Across the top of the walls ran a golden border which was richly detailed with strange creatures and symbols. She undressed to her thin linen garments and walked slowly into the room. The High Magister's chair was turned towards the large windows gaping out at the grand view outside.

"My Lord." She cooed. "Jaryn told me you require my services today." She said as sultry as she could her daggers hidden in her boots. The boots had been made purely for this occasion and looked more like fine ball boots than an assassin's boot. Jaryn was the Magister's right hand man who thought that his master paid him far too little to keep his secrets, especially when Belkin had waved a bag of coins at him. Jaryn's greed had gotten the better of him and Belkin had retrieved the information of the Magister's appetite for young girls.

The chair swung around and a fairly handsome man stared at her. He seemed unconvinced. "You are not what Jaryn usually sends me. You did not bump into the... Magistress hope." He said in his strong tevinter accent. At first she found it hard to hear what he said, but quickly deciphered the strange accent.

"No my Lord, I assure you I did not." She said feigning coyness.

The Magister rose from his seat and approached her. He moved in a confident manner, circling her in a predatory manner. He chuckled slightly at the sight of her, undressing her with his eyes. She couldn't possibly have felt any more exposed had she been completely naked. He clasped her face with one of his hands, turning it to each side studying it closely. She let him which was perhaps why she was surprised when he backhanded her across the face so that she fell backwards. She started up at him in shock, her cheek blazing with pain. He laughed as he leaned over her, a most unpleasant laugh, and released himself of his robes and silky trousers.

She grabbed desperately at her boot as he forcefully spread her legs trying to rip off her undergarments. Feeling the hilt at her fingertips she gritted her teeth stretching further. Her fingers barely had time to close around it before he shoved her back onto the cold marble floor. She hissed at him angrily, twisting in the very same manner Belkin had taught her and practiced with her so many times. He growled angrily trying to force her still tugging at her briefs, but she used the force from her twist to swing her hand clasping the dagger at his head. It buried itself in his temple with a horrible cracking sound. She saw his eyes widen and he made a grunting noise before he fell to his side, his dark blood spraying onto her white undergarments. She back paddled away from him scrambling to her feet. The blood felt hot against her skin and she grimaced wiping her face off.

She scurried over to her clothes pulling them back on her mind set on making it back to the library before the Watchers round was done. She was about to put on her shadowcloak when the door flung open and five Watchers burst in through the door.

"There!" She heard a familiar voice call out. She spun around, the cloak still in her hands.

"Lesdra?" She stared at the strange yet familiar figure in front of her. Lesdra had been just a nuance darker than Sinniralin, but now she stood opposite her hair as black as the night, dark circles around her eyes, with mauve lips.

"Hello sister..." She said in a monotonous, dead voice, the Watchers hovering behind her like ominous shadows.

Belkin! Sinniralin's thoughts reeled through her head. Had they found the others or was it just her? Were they safe? What was Lesdra doing here? "Lesdra, what are you doing here?"

Her sister stretched where she stood her dark eyes seizing her up. "I thought you might be the one to do it..." She croaked. "I never thought you'd be able to finish it though." She added looking at the high Magister's lifeless body.

Sinniralin felt a chill creep up her spine. "What do you mean?"

"Don't be foolish now Sin. Did you really think I was completely clueless as to what your plans were?" She cooed. "I knew everything and I am here to stop you from leaving." She flicked her hands and they burst out in yellow flames.

Sinniralin backed away slowly. "You're a Tevinter mage now? I kept you safe from the templars all that time for you to turn to the Tevinters?"

Lesdra snorted. "An apostate! Apostate Sinniralin!" She shrieked madly. "That's all I was ever going to be. No... I could never settle for something like that, not with the power I knew I could have. Look at me now Sin." She said pulling up her hood.

A wave of terror and hopelessness washed over Sinniralin as she gasped. "No Lesdra, tell me you did not call upon Tes'Hathr! You know what that did to mother..."

"Tes'Hathr..." Lesdra purred. "The forbidden God, father to the archdemon, father to the two..."

"I know the story." Sinniralin cut her off feeling the bitter resentment well up inside.

Their mother had called upon the forbidden God in an attempt to gain enough powers to keep them all safe from the templars. Lesdra was right in one thing, their mother had been weak and the God's essence had poisoned her soul and turned their mother into something worse than an abomination, a creature who fed on souls and dead flesh. The last time Sinniralin saw her before leaving for the city with her sister their mother had given in to the madness and nothing but an empty shell remained of her.

"Then you must see the differences. She was weak, look at me I have more power than mother could have ever dreamt of." A cold smile crept on to her face. "I have so much power that I have - in fact, put an end to the great con master and thief Belkin."

Belkin's head landed by Sinniralin's feet with a loud thud. Despite herself she screamed at the sight of her love's head rolling to a stop by her feet. She felt the tears well up from her eyes. Not Belkin! He was everything she knew, her mentor, her friend, her lover, her safe harbour.

"Why?" She cried staring in horror at her sister. What had she become? This was not the Lesdra she grew up with.

"I require gold and power. Gold can be required through services to the Magisters and inquisitors and powers come from the Tevinter scholars who have been taught by the old gods themselves. The price on Belkin's head was more than what I needed, and as a bonus I will be getting yours as well. There will be no more worries about my schooling in magic."

"Gold, you sold me out for a fistful of gold and some measly magic lessons?" Sinniralin felt herself treading on the edge of madness.

"What else did you think?"

"I don't know, revenge, hate, an attempt to conquer the world!"

"It's so you Sinniralin, making things far more complicated than what they have to be." Her sister took a step towards her. "It has been nice to see you sister, but I'm afraid I have more important things to attend to."

Sinniralin felt herself slung backwards by an invisible force. She grunted sensing Lesdra's magic rush towards her in another attack. She rolled over pushing to her feet swinging her body as a bolt of electricity brushed against her right arm. She gritted her teeth at the burning sensation in her arm. Tearing at the shadowcloak slipping it on she jumped and dodged Lesdra's magic.

Time slowed as the shadowcloak fell onto her shoulders and a familiar coiling stirred in her stomach. She pushed it down refusing to use her magic. She'd managed this long without it she would manage without it now as well. Looking up she saw Belkin's severed body lying in a pool of blood behind Lesdra. Struggling against time she skidded towards it grabbing it with both her arms. Lesdra's and the Watchers' movements were starting to catch up with her and she knew she had to hurry. Pulling the heavy body along with her she dashed out in the corridor seeing her enemies spin around. Time was running out and Belkin's body was too heavy slowing her down considerably, but she couldn't leave him.

Come on! She shouted inwardly as she tugged at her mentor's body. She cried in frustration pulling him harder as she heard time snap behind her back, her pursuers rushing towards her. She stared at his body, the silver charm he always wore still hung around his severed neck. She grabbed it and let go of the body dashing for the end of the corridor. The cloak billowed behind her as she fled, tears streaming down her face, hardly remembering which way she had come from. Turning a corner something heavy crashed into her sending her hurtling across the hallway. Pushing to her feet she felt the sharp blade bury itself in her back. She gasped and fell to her knees in agony. Lesdra pulled her up by the hair giving her one final stare before she whispered into her ear.

"Good bye sister."

Then she felt herself shoved backwards crashing through one of the castle's large windows falling headlong towards the ground below.

Trust. Trust was the downfall of all great men and women. Trust and love.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: So, here it is, the update to Edge of the World - finally! I'm sorry it took so long but Keeland has been taking up quite some time along with my own books and the work I'm doing for Ms. Kempa.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter where we got to know a little about Sinniralin and her background. I hope you'll keep reading this story as I myself is really excited to see where Sin will take us and what impact she'll have on the wardens and their companions.

Future romances are: Sin/Leliana and Cousland/Alistair.

So yes, for the weak hearted there will be Femslash, if you're not a big fan I urge you to broaden your horizons and give it a try. :)

Enjoy and till next time go read Tread Carefully if you haven't already. ;)

Don't forget that reviews make me a happy, happy girl.

Keep it real! (To quote Booty Bay's goblins)

/Elmjuniper

Ps. I'm still in need of a beta-reader so should you feel the desire to, drop me a mail. :)