Author's Notes: Hi everyone! Here is the beautiful chapter 7 of our wondrous tale :) If you have me on author alerts, you might notice that I've been posting a new story pretty frequently (will be posting chapter 3 here of it right after this one). I got sucked back in to my childhood love of Power Rangers thanks to Netflix and a lack of anything better to do, so of course my muse was intrigued and wanted to dabble in that. If Power Rangers slash is your thing, I'd head on over there and check it out!
In the meantime, what the future has in store for Thayer is a little more than he bargained for. I can't say much more than that, but I've read this chapter a few times, and I always feel melancholy afterward. You'll see why. Hope you enjoy! :)
Gatorsnacks: OMG. I have to commission someone to draw that, because the idea of it in my head is hilarious. Especially because you know Alistair the little piggy would have all his food...haha!
Lihael: I'm glad to see you followed Thayer on his journey! Yeah, the family relationship between him, Hawke and Leandra plays a bit part of this, as well in other ways. You shall see :)
Thanatos Orpheus Messiah: you know, I didn't mean for the message to correlate back to chapter 3, or at least, I don't think I intended to. I wrote chapter 3 ages ago (I think close to 2-3 months) so who knows, my brain was all over the place back then. At any rate, I agree-my Hawke tended to be much more sarcastic/witty because you just...NEED someone like that in the party, especially if you don't use Varric consistently.
Thayer had quickly come to realize that the Maker had an odd sense of humor. Had he any knowledge several years ago of what his life would eventually be like, he'd have thought it crazy. Becoming a Grey Warden, defeating an archdemon, becoming the Ferelden Commander of the Grey, finding family…it all seemed so absolutely outlandish, especially for someone who had only just passed their Harrowing. He knew things happened for a reason. What he didn't know was why these things were happening.
Not that he should complain, he thought. He'd spent many years in the Circle secretly pining away for a family. Now that he had one, he wasn't sure what to do with it—or himself.
He stared at himself in the full-length mirror hanging on the inside of the armoire in the bedroom Leandra had set up for them. He buttoned up the front of his pajama shirt, trying to wrap his mind around where he currently found himself. This would take some getting used to, just like it had in Vigil's Keep.
Oh, Vigil's Keep. Thayer knew there was so much work to be done back there. He didn't even want to think about it right now.
"Maker's breath, we could live like kings here," Alistair said excitedly as he plopped atop the plush goose-down comforter that lay over an even softer mattress. His face could barely contain his grin.
"Live here, in Kirkwall? Hmph." Thayer glanced over his shoulder at the warrior. "I wish we could shirk our responsibilities back in Ferelden so easily, but…"
"Oh, yes, no need to remind me." Alistair lay back upon the bed with a satisfied groan. "You're the one who said we should enjoy ourselves while we're here. I'm holding you to that."
Thayer remained silent. He did say that. And damn it, he wanted to enjoy himself. But enjoyment was difficult, knowing that tomorrow, the two of them would go to the Gallows in an attempt to find his sister. He hoped beyond hope that she would be alive. He didn't know what he was going to talk to her about, but that was yet another worry for a different day.
"Come to bed, love, you've been staring at yourself for the past ten minutes. I know you're handsome, but you can't be that self-absorbed."
Alistair's comment brought a small smile to Thayer's lips. He turned around, headed over to the bed and crawled onto it. There, he stared at the blond for a few seconds, just taking in the sight, smell and feel of his lover. It had only been several days since they'd been reunited, but Thayer couldn't have been happier. Even with everything going on around him, it was nice to have a constant in Alistair.
"What?" the warrior asked. He touched his cheek, perplexed. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No. Just…glad that you're here, is all."
"Where else would I be? Well, aside from the Hanged Man. But you fixed that, didn't you?" Alistair smirked. He reached over and pulled Thayer closer to him. "Come on, then. You need to get some sleep."
"Actually…" Thayer brought a hand in between them and palmed Alistair's chest, pushing him onto his back. "I had something different in mind."
A mischievous glint appeared in Alistair's eyes. "Why, Ser Amell, whatever are you doing? I'm just an…innocent cook's assistant…"
It was Thayer's turn to smirk.
"Yes, well, tonight, I want meat."
. . . . .
Breakfast at the Hawke estate was nearly as grand as dinner had been. Even though Thayer was used to this type of grandeur from back home at Vigil's Keep, having it here with family made it different. He wasn't sure how, but he could feel it.
Both Leandra and Garrett knew what Thayer intended to do that day. Although Leandra had several things to do around the city, Garrett was free, and surprisingly offered to accompany his cousin and Alistair to the Gallows.
"Best you have someone who knows where they're going, lest you get sidetracked by bandits or something of the like. Not that you can't handle it, but…" he said.
Thayer dressed in his best robes and ensured that he had his staff with him. It had been a long while since he'd seen a Circle, and he didn't want to make a bad impression.
As they embarked on their trek through Hightown and down into the Gallows, Hawke was rather talkative. He told Thayer and Alistair about the strength of the Templar's presence in Kirkwall compared to that back home in Ferelden, and how they seemed much more likely to accuse mages of wrongdoings. This, of course, didn't sit well with Thayer. Although being a mage was by no means something to be fiercely proud of back home in Ferelden, he had certainly made a name for himself, and people respected his supernatural skills. He didn't like the idea that he would be so quickly condemned elsewhere simply because of his being.
They reached the Gallows early in the afternoon. Thayer briefly had a flashback of his arrival to Kirkwall just a few days previous, which sent an uncomfortable chill down his spine. Much had changed since then, but that didn't change the uncomfortable feeling that hung in the air. The malaise was so prevalent that even Alistair seemed to notice it. The two of them shared a look and then stared at Hawke, who led the way without hesitation.
He had apparently noticed their slowing down. Without skipping a beat, he said, "You get used to it."
They soon approached the docks. Hawke waited for both Thayer and Alistair to catch up before he turned to them and said, "We'll have to catch a boat across the way to the tower. Where's that Templar…? Wait here."
He left the two of them behind momentarily in order to find the Templar in charge of the ferry. A few moments later he came back with a blond haired woman fully clad in armor. She had a somewhat rowdy look about her that made Thayer furrow his brow.
"You three want across? What business do you have at the Circle? We don't just let anyone over there."
"I'm looking for somebody," Thayer said. He didn't realize it, but his voice deepened, his posture improved and his eyes narrowed. He'd adopted the same look he did whenever he assumed his Grey Warden persona. It was a natural response when met with someone like her.
"Oh yeah? And who would that be? Another mage?"
"Yes, in fact. My business is my own."
"You Fereldans, you all think you can just waltz in here and do as you please. Unless you tell me what you plan, I'm not letting you across."
Alistair opened his mouth to say something but Hawke cut him off. "He's got a package to deliver to the Tranquil. Some materials for enchanting."
"Where's the package?"
Both she and Garrett looked expectantly at Thayer. Despite a moment's hesitation he managed to pull out a small leather pouch. "Right here."
The Templar seemed convinced. With a sigh she said, "All right, follow me. C'mon on, then."
Their ride was short. Once the three men were on the Circle grounds and the Templar was gone, Thayer turned to Hawke and said, "Quick thinking. Very nice."
Hawke shrugged. "Eh, I've been known for it." He slowly grinned. "Now, what do you say we see if yet another cousin I didn't know about is hiding in here?"
Thayer was anxious. Or perhaps he was past that; he wasn't sure. His heart thumped so hard in his chest he could feel it in his throat. He showed little discomfort, however—if he'd learned anything over the last few years, it was how to weather the storm inside with a perfectly maintained façade.
Hawke guided them through the grand doors of the Kirkwall Circle. Much like the Circle back home, the entry was a large, hexagonally shaped room with no natural light and wall made of pure stone. Thayer immediately felt transported back to the place he'd called home for so many years of his life. He felt like an Apprentice again, nervously awaiting the day when his Harrowing would come.
Thayer's dip into his past was abruptly disturbed by a heated argument between a Templar and an elf who stood just a ways in front of them beside a large, multi-colored tapestry. Standing between the Templar and the elf was a young woman fright etched onto her face.
"If she is caught anywhere outside of the Circle again, Orsino, she will be made tranquil. Do you understand?"
The elf spoke with restraint, but obvious anger weaved into his words. "It was an honest mistake, but yes, Knight-Commander, I understand completely. You've made your point."
"That's Knight-Commander Meredith," Garrett whispered. "She's got a vice grip on the Circle here."
Almost as if she heard her name, Meredith turned sharply to face Thayer, Alistair and Hawke. She folded her arms over her breastplate. Her blue eyes glowed with curiosity.
"Ah, if it isn't Hawke, the name on everyone's mouth nowadays. And you're here with two companions." Meredith approached them quickly; she moved with purpose. She was somewhat taller than Thayer—just enough to look down her pointed nose at him. She almost seemed to ignore Alistair's presence. "Who are you?"
"My name is Thayer Amell, Knight-Commander."
Her tone changed suddenly at his announcement. Even her stance loosened slightly. "Amell? You? You're the Warden-Commander?"
"That would be me, Commander."
"And just what, pray tell, are you doing here in Kirkwall? Last I had heard, you were up to your neck in darkspawn troubles in Amaranthine."
"You must be behind the times, Commander. I've dealt with that problem and am taking personal leave before I return to Amaranthine."
Something flared in Meredith's eyes at Thayer's comment. He was by no means threatened by her—not in the way everyone else in the room seemed to be. Hawke was of the same mind, as he stood almost boredly beside Thayer, arms crossed over his chest.
"Well," Meredith spoke briskly, "I sincerely hope you enjoy your time in Kirkwall, Warden-Commander. If there's anything I can do for you, please stop by the Templar headquarters here in the Gallows. For now, I am taking my leave." She looked at Orsino. "I trust we are done here. Control your mages, or I will."
Without another word, Meredith left the premises. Thayer's eyes followed after her briefly as she took hear leave. He eventually focused his attention on Orsino, the elf Meredith had been speaking to.
Orsino approached the three men with flushed cheeks. His hands remained firmly clasped at his front. "I apologize for that scene, Warden-Commander. Meredith was…simply returning one of my mages who got lost running an errand. Maker forbid she get lost when she's never permitted to leave the grounds, but." He cleared his throat. "Where are my manners? My name is Orsino. I am the First Enchanter of the Circle of Kirkwall. What can I help you with, Ser?"
"I'm here on a personal matter, First Enchanter," Thayer explained. "Do you have somewhere we might speak in private?"
"Oh, oh, yes, certainly, Commander. Follow me, we can speak in my quarters."
Orsino led Thayer and his companions through the main level of the Circle. Thayer couldn't believe how similar it was to the Fereldan Circle Tower—almost down to the layout of the rooms. Orsino stopped just shy of a large door, magicked a lock open and then guided the three men inside.
Unlike First Enchanter Irving's quarters, which was lined with bookshelves, Orsino's room was filled with stations of all kinds. From this alone Thayer surmised he was more of a practical mage than theoretical. Alchemical tools and apparatuses were scattered about several circular tables, working independently of Orsino's hand.
Orsino took a seat behind his large wooden desk. Atop it were several books all propped open and facing his direction. He had a roll of parchment paper with a quill and inkwell stationed beside it.
"Please, sit."
Thayer, Alistair and Garrett each took a seat in the chairs before Orsino's desk. The First Enchanter leaned forward and looked at each of them.
"What brings you here today, Warden-Commander?"
"As I said, I'm here on a personal matter." Thayer took a moment to gather his thoughts. How did he want to put this? "I've recently become aware of some…familial connections, I suppose you could say, that I am curious about."
"Reasonably so," Orsino said. "We are all curious about where we come from. Mages especially."
"You see, I've discovered that my mother lived here in Kirkwall, and that before gave birth to me, she had a daughter. Her name is Solona Amell. I came to the Circle here because I was hoping she might still be here."
"Solona…" The First Enchanter stroked his chin. He suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! Ah, yes, Solona. She is here. She's just recently taken charge of the library. She's a quiet one, very introspective. She's been in the Circle since a very young age, if I remember correctly."
"Yes," Thayer agreed. He refrained from explaining that she was the reason why his mother and father had fled Kirkwall.
"You wish to meet her, then?"
Thayer's heart skipped a beat. "If it's not any trouble."
"Certainly not. I daresay it would do her some good to know that she has someone in the outside world looking for her. Solona doesn't speak with many of the other mages around here. She much prefers keeping to herself and the books. If you'll excuse me, I'll go find her. I'll return shortly."
Orsino lifted himself from his seat, disappearing into the hall.
"You all right?" Alistair asked.
"Yes, fine. Just…curious."
Thayer was more restless than anything, though he was having difficulty expressing it. What would she be like? What would she look like? Would they have anything in common? Would she excel at the same types of magic Thayer did?
So many questions.
"Solona, if you'll just join us in here…"
Orsino's voice carried down the hall and into his quarters. Thayer couldn't help but turn around, wanting to catch the first sight of his sister. He subconsciously held his breath in anticipation.
Solona appeared in the doorway with hands linked behind her back. The first thing Thayer noticed about her was her skin—it was almost unnaturally pale, an obvious indication that she'd never left the Tower. Of most interest was her bright blonde hair, tied tightly back in a bun. Considering Thayer had a full head of dark hair, it seemed somewhat unfitting.
"Please, take a seat, Solona."
"No, if you don't mind, I'll stand. I've been sitting for some time, now."
Solona was soft spoken, but her voice rang with clarity and certainty. She moved close to the chair in which Thayer sat. Feeling fidgety, he moved to stand. She eyed him with a calculating stare.
"You've come to visit me?" she asked.
Orsino laughed. "Solona, at least let him introduce himself first."
She nodded curtly. "Very well, then. Who are you?"
"My name is Thayer," he said, clearing his throat of a large lump that had begun to form. "Thayer Amell. I have reason to believe we're related."
"Amell…" Solona furrowed her brow only slightly. Her eyes seemed to disengage from the conversation for a few moments. She suddenly blinked and brought herself back with a shake of her head. "It's possible we're related, but I know nothing of my blood family. I grew up here in the Circle."
"Yes, I thought the same thing. You see, I grew up in the Circle in Ferelden. But I've recently come to learn that I have siblings—that you are one of them. Our mother, Revka, had you here in Kirkwall, but you were magical from birth and the Templars took you to the Tower."
Thayer hoped to find some sort of confusion or surprise in Solona's face, but she registered little emotion. It was almost as if his story had done nothing to affect her.
Solona cocked her head to the side. "I don't understand the purpose of your visit. What is it that you want?"
He wasn't expecting that question. Thayer tried to not appear thrown off guard by it. "I wanted to investigate the claims further and see if they were true. It would appear they are."
What else could he say to her? Solona seemed nonplussed to discover that she not only had family, but living family that was actively seeking her out. While there was little that could be done about them interacting over long periods of time, just the knowledge of her existence had been enough to rile Thayer up. He thought it was an exciting discovery. Her disinterest was almost like a slap across his face.
Alistair, who had been silently watching, spoke up with a curious tone. "Shouldn't you, you know, be a little bit more excited about the news?"
"What purpose does this serve me?" Solona replied frankly. "I grew up here in the Circle. What I know of family is in the enchanters and my fellow mages. While it's an intriguing concept, having a mage for a brother, unless he plans to induct himself into the Kirkwall Circle, there is little we can do in terms of interaction. I lead a busy life and don't have time for frivolities."
As upset as Thayer felt inside, he did everything he could to ensure it didn't show. His sister had essentially said she didn't care about his presence and wasn't looking to get anything out of it. This made him wonder why he'd even come in the first place. She was right: unless he planned on joining the Kirkwall Circle, there was little they could do. He lived a far more independent life that required a lot from him.
"But you're family," Alistair said incredulously. "Brother and sister."
"By blood, perhaps," Solona said. "But he was never a part of my life, nor was I a part of his. We're essentially strangers driven together by unusual circumstances. I'm sure Thayer agrees. Don't you?"
Strangers driven together by unusual circumtances.
"Story of my life," Thayer muttered under his breath. Louder, he said, "True. I've accomplished what I've come to do, so it would be best if we were on our way now."
"If there's anything you need from me in the future, don't hesitate to contact me here at the Circle." It was the first bit of sincerity and warmth Thayer had seen come from Solona. Though he didn't blame her for her curt attitude, he couldn't help but wish she'd been more welcoming. "If you'll excuse me, I must return to the library. There is a large amount of cataloguing to complete today."
Solona gave a bow of her head before turning and heading for the door. Before exiting, she said, "It was nice to meet you."