Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or any of its characters.

Mania

"…a demon is a divine power, capable of influencing—for good or evil

The thoughts, emotions, words, and actions of a human being

(or even a god)."

Nathaniel stripped out of his studded armour and let it drop to the floor. He sat at the edge of his bed and stared at the wall opposite him. He still couldn't believe how disrespectful he'd been to the Warden-Commander, who was not only the arlessa, but the bloody Hero of Ferelden. He wasn't sure if it was a deep seeded prejudice born from years of nobility, but whatever the reason, it was quite obvious her race was the main reason for his insubordination. Not only did he make the off-colour remark about having an elf as a leader, but he yelled at her when she'd given him an order. He sighed and flopped onto his back. While she'd been incredibly understanding of his faux-pas, he knew he'd never be able to erase that first impression. He needed to think of a way to redeem himself in her eyes. Unfortunately, he knew so little about the Commander, which made redemption all the more difficult. A knock at his door interrupted his rumination.

"Come in," he beckoned. The door opened just slightly, but it was enough to allow Sigrun to poke her head in.

"Wanna talk?" she asked softly.

Nathaniel sighed. "The Commander hates me."

Sigrun entered the room and shut the door behind her. "I'm sure she doesn't hate you. She's probably just nervous at being thrown into this position."

"Still, the fact that she hates noblemen doesn't exactly work in my favour," he retorted.

Sigrun started gathering up Nathaniel's discarded armour. "Just prove yourself on the battlefield. She'll know soon enough that no simple nobleman can handle himself like you can. And who knows? Maybe she'll be taken by your chivalry, wit and good looks, just like I was," she winked at him playfully.

"And yet you still left me," Nathaniel grumbled. "I never thought I'd share something in common with Oghren – having my mate lured away by another woman."

"You know how sorry I am for that. When I joined the Legion I never really saw myself as being romantically involved with anyone. It was useless to love, because I was already dead. Ever since I've joined the Wardens and became a surfacer, I've been inundated by so many new concepts. I'm only now discovering who I am."

Nathaniel sighed and pulled Sigrun into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry, I'm just being a grump."

Sigrun pulled back slightly to smile at him. "Look at the bright side! You can ogle the Commander while she's not looking. You've always had a thing for elves."

"I don't have a 'thing' for any race. I just recognize beauty when I see it," he replied.

"How many times have you gotten laid using that line?"

Nathaniel chuckled. "I never kiss and tell."

Kallian gazed out her window while reflecting on the events that had transpired in the throne room. Her thoughts kept returning to Adaia. She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter, who was sleeping peacefully. As Kallian returned her gaze to the window, a crow flew straight into her room. Kallian frowned and looked around the room in search of something she could use to direct the bird out the window. She spied a broom just as the bird landed on her desk. She approached the bird slowly, so she wouldn't scare it. Equipped with her broom, she readied herself to strike at just the right moment.

"If you dare hit me with that broom, I shall make it my personal duty to make your life miserable."

Kallian froze, her eyes transfixed on the bird. "Did you just…talk to me?"

"Of course I did, you foolish elf!" The air in the room seemed to crackle, and within moments the bird shifted to –

"Morrigan? What are you doing here?" Kallian whispered heatedly.

Morrigan smirked and folded her arms across her chest. "Is this how you normally greet your guests?"

Kallian was still in shock. She gaped at the amber eyed witch, and for the first time in Kallian's life, she was speechless. After a few dumbfounded moments, she finally regained the ability to speak. "Aren't you supposed to be in the Frostback mountains? I heard tell that a pregnant, raven haired woman of unknown origin was spotted somewhere in that area. I figured it was you." Kallian's eyes widened. "Did you have the-"

"It did not survive the birth," Morrigan replied. Kallian was sure she saw a flash of pain in Morrigan's eyes. Not wanting to seem weak, the witch quickly re-donned her mask of indifference. "Perhaps the child was not strong enough to absorb the soul of an Old God."

Kallian spared a glance at her slumbering daughter. The thought of Adaia dying brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't imagine losing a child. It just felt unnatural. "I'm sorry Morrigan, you must have been devastated."

"'Twas…disappointing…To have carried the child for so long - feeling it grow inside of me…" Morrigan sighed and shook her head. "Enough of this maudlin talk, it accomplishes nothing. I came here to ask a favour of you."

Kallian raised an eyebrow. "Favour? What kind of a favour? Because honestly, the last favour I did for you nearly cost me my life."

"And you have my deepest thanks. I shall never forget that you played a large part in saving me from the fate that Mother had in store," Morrigan replied. Kallian knew that her words were genuine.

"By the Creators, I know I'll regret asking this, but what is this favour you wish of me?"

Morrigan smiled. "'Tis not as dangerous as killing Flemeth. When you gave me her grimoire, I knew I would be able to unlock many of her secrets. One of them being the spell of immortality I shared with you. What I had not counted on was a record of all her daughters…the very ones whose youth she stole. Almost all of them have perished…but I did manage to find one."

"I thought you had no desire to look for any of Flemeth's daughters," Kallian countered.

"I spoke the truth. At that time, I did not wish to seek out any of Mother's offspring. However, in recent times, my curiosity has been overwhelming. I do not know from whence this obsession came, but it needed to be sated. Which brings me back to the favour I need from you," Morrigan explained.

"Which is?"

Morrigan began to pace. "As I mentioned, I was able to find one of Flemeth's daughters. I discovered that she lived in the Wilds, not far from the hut we inhabited. Based on the information in Mother's grimoir, I was able to find her home. However, when I arrived, her small shack was in shambles and there were signs of a struggle. I found a piece of her clothing, which prompted me to take on my wolf form in order to track down her scent. 'Twas not long before I found her. A barbarian held her captive in his ramshackle abode. I spied the girl from a window, and saw evidence of her torture. I remained hidden until the barbarian returned. Within moments I heard her screams. I decided that it was time for me to intervene…he was not difficult to kill, I quite enjoyed it actually. After I saw what he'd done to her…" Kallian could feel Morrigan's anger consuming her. "When I attempted to speak with her, she was entirely unresponsive. She simply stared straight ahead. I searched the room for something – anything – that might bring her to her senses, when I found a plant. This particular plant is toxic, and if consumed can cause loss of speech, altered perception, and if untreated, will eat away at your insides. As luck would have it, I was able to find the proper ingredients to heal her, however she may not recover for several days. She began speaking two days ago, though any time she opens her mouth the majority of what she says is nonsensical. I cannot leave her vulnerable, especially after what she had to endure. I need your help Warden…Kallian…can you protect her?"

"Of course," Kallian replied. "When should we expect her?"

"In two hours."

Kallian's jaw dropped. "You're not giving us much time to prepare for a visitor. I'll go talk to the seneschal and see if he can find her a room. By the way, what's this girl's name?"

"Her name is Charlotte. That is the only information I was able to unearth from her…ramblings," Morrigan frowned. "Perhaps she will warm to you."

"Don't worry, I'll guard her with my life," Kallian smiled reassuringly.

The corners of Morrigan's lips curved upward. "I know, 'tis why you are the only one I would trust with this task." The witch turned toward the window, readying herself to shape shift.

"Wait! Is there anything else I need to know before you leave?"

Morrigan chuckled. "She is a mage, and she is almost as powerful as Flemeth. I wish you luck." Without so much as a backward glance, Morrigan shifted into a raven once again, and flew out the window.

"Hey! Sparkle fingers! Any idea what this announcement is about?"

"No idea," Anders replied. "Anyhow, why are you asking me? You're the one that travelled with her during the Blight."

Oghren shrugged. "Eh, she's too hard to read. I never know what she's thinking. All I know is that when she goes into battle mode those darkspawn ghoulies don't stand a chance."

Following breakfast the next morning, the Wardens had been ordered to meet with the Commander in the Keep's dining hall to discuss a matter that was supposedly of great importance.

"Perhaps she wants to discuss what happened yesterday…what her daughter managed to do," Nathaniel suggested.

Anders mulled it over for a few moments, then shook his head. "No, I don't think she'll want to draw too much attention to it."

"Well, you won't be held in suspense for too much longer – here she comes," Sigrun inclined her head toward the entrance of the dining hall.

As the Commander approached, Anders felt a slight tightening in his chest. He could not take his eyes off of her. She held herself with a quiet dignity, each movement was deliberate, and her violet gaze seemed to take in every single detail of her surroundings. She stopped once she arrived at the head of the table and sat in one of the many uncomfortable chairs that the Keep had to offer. She took a deep breath. "I'm glad everyone could make it. There's something that I want to share with all of you," she paused and studied each of their faces, ensuring that she had everyone's attention. When her gaze settled on Anders, he couldn't help but wink at her. He saw jaw clench in annoyance, however, he also noted the blush that had crept up her neck all the way to her cheeks. "An old friend came to see me last night. She needs my…our help. We are protecting a young woman named Charlotte. She's staying in the room right next to mine." The Commander exhaled slowly, "no one is to enter her room under any circumstances. Attending to her needs falls solely on my shoulders, is that understood?" Most of the group nodded in agreement, but Anders' curiosity had been piqued. He lifted his arm and waited for the Commander to acknowledge him. When she noticed he had his hand raised she rolled her eyes (almost imperceptibly). "Yes, mage?"

He sent her the most enticing grin he had in his repertoire. Her lips curved downward in what could only be described as disapproval, however, her eyes belied her true reaction. He sat a mere three feet away from her, and while her stance was closed off to him, he saw her pupils dilate significantly as he held her gaze. "Commander, normally I would never question your decision-making, but why all the secrecy? Should we not be made aware of the details surrounding our new guest?"

"The details are none of your concern," the Commander replied sharply. "This issue is strictly 'need to know'."

Anders held up his hands in acquiescence.

"Does anyone else have any questions?" the Commander's inquiry was met with silence. "Good. I will be going into town tomorrow. This is my first time in Amaranthine and I would like to familiarize myself with its people. Would it be possible for one of you to accompany me? I know giving a guided tour is not something a Warden would—"

"I would be honoured to show you the city," Nathaniel offered. "I grew up here after all."

The Commander hesitated before replying. "Very well, we'll be leaving mid-morning. For the time being, you are all dismissed." She turned heel and left the room abruptly.

Sigrun turned to Oghren. "Is she always like this?"

"Give 'er a few days. She just needs to get used to leading again," Oghren replied.

Anders leaned back in his chair. This 'guest' of theirs was still on his mind. He needed to find out why her presence was being kept secret. He just had to make sure the Commander didn't catch him sticking his nose where it didn't belong.

Anders waited until he was sure that everyone was asleep. He slowly opened his chamber door and peaked out into the hallway. As he had expected, the hallway was deserted. He crept toward their guest's room. His heart hammered in his chest once he reached her (what did the Commander say her name was? Ahh yes, Charlotte) door. He was immediately greeted by a magical barrier, no doubt to ward off unwanted guests. The barrier was strong, but Anders made short work of it. Just as he was about to sneak in, he heard a voice coming from the other side of the door. He quickly realized that the girl was talking to herself, though he couldn't make out the words. Once he'd mustered up enough courage, he opened the door and stepped into the room making sure to shut the door behind him.

"This disorder is here by design. Insanity is sown in the soul. Sly words whispered by strangers infiltrate my careful control."

The girl – Charlotte – sat on her bed. She was facing away from him, rocking back and forth as words that bore no meaning spilled from her lips. Her hair was a beautiful shade of red, and it hung at her shoulders in loose curls.

"I was anchored in reality, but that iron is wrought with rust. My mind is lost to the wind, running away with the dust," she murmured.

Anders moved toward her, "Are you alright?" Her muscles stiffened at the sound of his voice. "It's alright, I just wanted to come by and introduce…" She slowly turned on the bed until she faced him. He inhaled sharply. It was obvious the girl had been tortured mercilessly. Bruises covered most of her face, though they had begun to fade. What concerned him most was the vicious scar that started at the corner of her mouth and continued upward until it met with the corner of her eye. He could tell from where he stood that the laceration had been deep. More than likely, her attacker used a serrated blade to saw through the flesh of her cheek, and then did a horrible job of sewing the skin back together. Despite the scar he could clearly see that she was quite beautiful. Her eyes were the colour of emeralds, and her lips were full and pillowy. Even though she was a touch too…zaftig for his tastes, he knew without a doubt that countless men would find her well-rounded figure irresistible. He motioned to the scar. "I can fix that if you-"

Her eyes darted back and forth, almost as though she was seeking a means to escape. "A voice in which emotion sharply ridiculed itself; a monstrously vigorous voice mockingly tearing a life with an unanswerable question..."

Anders took another step toward her, "I promise I won't hurt you." He reached out to squeeze her shoulder reassuringly, but before he made contact he was thrown backward by the strongest force he'd ever experienced. His back hit the hard, stone wall in the hallway. By the time he regained his wits, the girl had already slammed shut the door to her chambers. He slowly got to his feet while clutching his head. "Andraste's tits! What just happened?" She's a mage, idiot! However, she wasn't like the mages in the Tower. Insane ramblings aside, she was quite possibly the strongest mage he'd ever encountered. He decided to retire to his chambers and reflect. Just who was this mage they were protecting? That and a dozen other questions were flowing through his mind. He turned in the direction of his room, only to find the Commander glaring at him, her violet eyes flashing.

"Mage," she hissed angrily. "What are you doing here?"

Anders swallowed audibly.

He was in deep shit.