11111

Another day a new quest, not that Alistair minded, in fact right now he welcomed it. He needed a distraction. Just as he was beginning to get used to the idea of becoming king a new surprise hit him, marriage. His fellow Grey Warden had arranged everything, the silver tongued bastard. As soon as Odin had finished his post-escape pick me up, curtsey of Oghren, he was discussing politics with Eamon and Anora. How someone who grew up in the slums of Orzammar became such a political animal was a mystery to Alistair but within the hour Odin approached him with his plan. As usual the logic was irresistible; Alistair's royal, if illegitimate, blood would be linked with Anora's known capabilities for ruling and together they would unify allies and enemies alike for Ferelden. On paper it was perfect, Alistair could see that but marriage to Loghain's daughter… Having that monster as his father in law! Still he had agreed to it and so, apparently, had Anora. Perhaps he should spoken to her himself, but between the shock and the rapidly approach Landsmeet he hadn't found the right moment.

From what he saw before he left he wasn't the only one feeling reluctant. Anora looked grim and kept shooting him strange looks as though she was sizing him up. Eamon looked stunned when Odin told him the arrangement, hadn't he heard something about arguments with Calian about Anora? It was oddly comforting that he wasn't the only one feeling worried. Still at least he could escape the discussions for the moment. Eamon had suggested he stay on the estate but both Odin and he disagreed, albeit for different reasons. The future king just wanted fresh air and to stretch his legs. Odin on the other hand pointed out that since he was meeting several nobles it might be a good idea to be introduced to the man who they would hopefully make king. That hadn't been too bad; most of the nobles were grateful for their relative's rescue from Howe and agreed to support them. Odin had naturally done the talking but the nobles had noticed him. There had been looks, murmurs about his resemblance to his father, King Maric and his half brother Cailan. There had also been whispers about 'lack of experience' and 'bastard blood on the throne'. If he became king, he supposed, he'd have to get used to such comments.

Anyway they could now find out for what was happening in the Alienage and leave the politics behind…probably.

11111

Shianni felt like banging her head against a brick wall, at this point it would probably be more useful than arguing.

The last year had been a nightmare and it was all her fault. In a fit of righteous indignation she had smashed a bottle over some human pig's head, that stupid mistake had cost her entire community dearly. The human had been Bann Vaughan who responded later that day with armed troops and abducted her and every other young woman in her cousin's wedding party.

Her cousin… she had always been a pillar of strength, even when they were children. But not even Kallian could fight her way out without any weapons. In the end Kallian had paid the ultimate price, it should have been her.

The riots and purges that followed had left many dead and now plague was also sweeping through the slums. Of all the horrors and suffering of the last year that was the most mystifying; it was supposed to come from the Darkspawn in the south but if that was true why was their community suffering so much? Then as soon as this plague hit these Tevinter mages arrived offering a cure and quarantining people who hadn't been seen since. What to do…

"What's going on here?"

Shainni turned and faced the oddest sight she had ever seen. The questioner was a dwarf and behind him was a man in golden armour, a rather good looking elf, an old woman who was obviously a mage, a Mabari, an old man wearing only a loincloth and a wooden chest which appeared out of nowhere. Did they drag it here?

"Er…" stammered the elf trying to get her thoughts in order, then she remembered what her kinsman told her.

"Wait… Soris told me about you. You're the ones who freed him from the dungeons." She paused checking to see if anyone was listening in before quietly adding, "And you were the ones that killed Vaughan, I hope he suffered."

"He did," said Zevran "I used one my more slow acting poisons, it should have given him several hours of agony I assure you."

The look of vengeful satisfaction on her face spoke for itself.

"So what has been happening here?" asked Wynne.

"These foreigners say they're here to help with our outbreak of plague. Funny thing though, all the 'help' disappear."

"Sho let'sh find out why." Cohen promptly marched up to the nearest Tevinter in robes and held his sword to the man's throat.

"Nothing like the direct approach," muttered Odin with a sigh.

"Just be glad he's on our side," replied Alistair.

The elves, barring Shianni, who was rooted to the spot eyes wide, scattered. The Tevinter men drew their weapons but made no move, after all their leader was talking very, very quickly to Cohen. When he finished Cohen grinned and cut his throat. The fight which followed was short and one-sided.

"Well that's one way to investigate," managed Shianni.

"Cohen's special brand of diplomacy," explained Odin. "Very effective if rather messy, I do wonder if he was always this…direct."

"Imagine what he was like in his younger days," said Alistair, thinking out loud "The body count would've been…"

"Even more than ours combined," decided Odin.

Cohen meanwhile approached them, oblivious to their conversation.

"It sheems theshe lot are shlave tradersh."

11111

Caladrius had to restrain himself from rubbing his hands with glee on a regular basis. This latest business venture had been more profitable than he ever could have believed. It made up for dealing with the long sea voyage, foul weather, disgusting food and inbred locals, just. These barbarians and their power struggles, during a Blight no less, had provided a truly golden opportunity. The influence he could buy when he returned home could lead to…

What was that noise?

The answer broke through the door. The Grey Wardens!

Caladius, whatever else he was, was no fool. He had some useful bargaining chips and made his case to the dwarf leading this odd collection. When he heard the terms the Dwarf smirked.

"I have a counter offer; leave Loghain's letter, leave the gold and the elves."

He frowned "Now, that's not much of a deal is it?"

The dwarf smirk grew larger and colder. "It is not; nevertheless it is the only way you'll be leaving alive."

Savages to the end thought the Mage as he raised his staff. Then he dropped it as a dagger skewered his wrist. He looked at the smiling elf with a second dagger and wondered why a wooden chest with odd teeth decorations seemed to be getting closer.

11111

Elder Valendrian of the Alienage did not expect to be rescued. The moment he was taken into the 'hospice' he found himself bound and thrown into a cage with many other friends and neighbours. For years he had counselled peace and moderation; stopping younger and more hot-headed elves from bringing disaster upon the community with understandable but futile acts of violence or resistance. As it was disaster had piled upon disaster and no amount of passive acceptance had stopped this. A sad part of him felt that he had badly misled his people and may be it would be best that he be taken away. Tragically however it seemed that everyone would be exiled along with him.

Abruptly this bleak future was turned on its' head. The Grey Wardens and their allies cut through the slavers and, once the fight was done, immediately began breaking chains. The reunions that followed had been heartfelt but the losses were also noted. The wardens had been thanked for aiding them but for the elder it was bittersweet. He had had lost so many this last year and age was creeping up on him. Perhaps it was time for some new blood. His eyes turned to the one person in the Alienage who had spoken out against the Tevinter. She was talking to the elf accompanying the Wardens. She was… smiling for the first time in months. The elder smiled, yes new blood indeed. The Landsmeet would commence tomorrow and a new ruler could be chosen; new blood.

11111

Well another day's work done, thought Odin. That smug Tevinter Magister was dead and they had proof that Loghain was linked to slavery. In his personal opinion the slavery accusation would probably not sway many nobles but maybe he was just being cynical. Still he was tired; now was time to eat, drink and sleep for tomorrow…speeches.

11111