Dragon Age: King in Exile

Part Twenty-One

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King Cailan has written Alistair into the succession and is ready to recognize him publicly. Loghain will do almost anything to keep that from happening. The darkspawn give him the perfect opportunity. Alistair/Cousland, featuring F!Tabris.

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Disclaimer: Nothing you recognize from Dragon Age belongs to me.

A/N: Yes, I'm back. Currently I'm only working on this story (sorry Running Silent readers), but I believe I will be able to start posting with some consistency again. I found a bit of inspiration and am happy to continue sharing this story with you! Thank you to anyone who has come back to check this out after I've been gone so long.

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The magical barrier felt liquid against Elissa's skin. She shivered at the strange, cold touch of it as it passed over her face. When she opened her eyes, she was on a set of stairs in a small stone room, like any other in the temple. As the group passed through the next doorway, they were immediately set upon by werewolves leaping out from behind a homemade barricade.

Elissa backed towards the doorway, allowing the melee fighters to take the brunt of the assault. No one could blame her if she watched her husband's back more carefully than the others, firing quickly to make sure no wolf could harm him. Her fear for his safety was the only thing keeping her from pausing to admire his handsome form in battle. It was an amazing thing to witness, powerful muscles moving under shining armor, his tanned face set and fierce, his sword glinting under torchlight.

She gasped as one of the werewolves broke through the line, coming directly for her. She nocked an arrow and shot, drawing again as soon as the first arrow fired. As she released a second time, a gleaming silver sword came down on the beast's head. As it fell, she looked up to see Alistair panting down at the beast. Her cheeks warmed, and she couldn't help meeting his eyes with a smile. He was watching her back too. A goofy smile broke across his face in response. The two stood smiling at each other until a voice broke them out of it.

"I'd say that was a good sign," Kallian said, more cheerful than she'd been in days. She wiped her daggers clean of blood. "Witherfang must be down here. Let's keep at it!"

They gathered themselves and followed Kallian, deeper and deeper into the ruin. They passed more barricades, fought more werewolves. They were well underground now. Elissa, feeling unsettled, tried not to notice how deep the ruins delved.

Kallian pressed on as hard as she could. Elissa figured their leader wanted this over with as much as they all did. They didn't stop until they were confronted with four werewolves, standing tall instead of leaping into battle.

"Stop!" one cried. "We do not wish any more of our people harmed. I ask you now, outsider, are you willing to parley?"

"We're talking now, aren't we?" Kallian said, and to her credit, Elissa thought she was really trying to be patient.

"The Lady believes that the Dalish have not told you everything, so she wishes you be brought to her. She means you no harm, provided your willingness to parley is an honest one."

Kallian made a half turn, looking back at them. Elissa could see her eyes roaming over all of them, seeing injuries, hunger, and exhaustion. Elissa hadn't realized it herself until that moment, but Maker she was tired. It had been a long day already.

"I agree," the elf said finally, turning back to the werewolf. "Take me to this Lady."

The werewolf made a sound of agreement. "Very well. But know this, outsider: we will protect our Lady to our last breath. If you break your promise and harm her, I will come back from the fade itself to see you pay, as would any of us who serve."

With that he turned, expecting them to follow.

Elissa followed through winding corridors and through further chambers, with more of the makeshift barricades. Some were old tombs, and others seemed to be ceremonial chambers.

Then the werewolf led them through a large doorway into a massive chamber that Elissa was shocked to find so far underground. And even stranger, it was filled not with the massive roots they'd seen elsewhere but with trees, vines, and other greenery. It was shockingly beautiful and full of life, an impossibility so far beneath the earth.

There were many werewolves in the room, growling and watching carefully, but not approaching. They seemed to be abiding by the parley, at least for now. From behind a row of werewolves, a woman emerged. Or something that looked like a woman. She was unlike any creature Elissa had seen before. Her skin was a strange greyish green, but instead of looking ghastly, she seemed otherworldly. Vines ran up her nude arms and legs, and long dark hair cascaded over her full breasts. Her eyes were black as night but seemed warm and kind. She touched a howling wolf with twig-like fingers, quieting it. The werewolves kneeled in her presence.

"I bid you welcome, mortals," she said in a soft, melodic voice. "I am the Lady of the Forest."

Kallian looked nonplussed. "I was expecting Witherfang. You lead the werewolves?"

"Those whom I have helped are very grateful for what I have done for them. I offer them guidance, but I do not command them."

Elissa looked around at the wolves kneeling. It didn't look like that from her perspective.

The Lady's black eyes focused on Kallian. "No doubt you have questions, mortal. There are things Zathrian has not told you."

"And how would you know that?" Kallian asked, her eyes narrowing.

"There are things that he would never tell. Things that you should decide for yourself whether you need to know." She paused a moment, looking at her rapt audience. "It was Zathrian who created the curse these creatures suffer, the same curse that Zathrian's people now suffer. Centuries ago, when the Dalish first came to this land, a tribe of humans lived near the forest and sought to drive the Dalish away." Her eyes took on a faraway look. "Zathrian was a young man then. He had a son and a daughter that he loved greatly, and while out hunting the humans captured them both."

Elissa glanced at Leliana, who had begun to tell them a similar story she'd heard from Sarel. Leliana locked eyes with Kallian, nodding.

The werewolf nearest the Lady continued the tale in his gravelly voice. "The humans tortured the boy, killed him. The girl they raped and left for dead. The Dalish found her, but she learned later that she was with child. She… killed herself."

Kallian gave him a considering look. "So Zathrian cursed the humans, I take it?"

"Zathrian came to this ruin and summoned an ancient and terrible spirit, binding it to the body of a great wolf. So Witherfang came to be," the wolf continued. "Witherfang hunted the humans of the tribe, killing some and turning others. They were cursed by his blood, becoming twisted and savage creatures."

"Twisted and savage, just as Witherfang himself is," the Lady jumped in. "They were driven into the forest. When the remains of the tribe left this land, their cursed brethren remained as pitiful and mindless animals."

"Until I found you, my lady," the werewolf said again, kneeling to her. "You gave me peace."

"I showed Swiftrunner that there was another side to his bestial nature," the Lady explained. "I soothed his rage, and his humanity emerged. He brought others to me."

The Lady stroked Swiftrunner's shoulder. "We seek to end the curse," she said. "The crimes committed against Zathrian's children were grave, but they were committed centuries ago by those who are long dead." She shook her head. "Word was sent to Zathrian every time the landships passed this way, but he has always ignored our messages. We will no longer be denied." Her expression hardened.

"We spread the curse to his people so he must end it to save them," Swiftrunner said with a growl.

Kallian looked at them both. "Zathrian said he needed Witherfang's heart to save his people."

"Bring Zathrian to me," the Lady said. Her gaze darkened. "Tell him that if he refuses, I will ensure that Witherfang is never found. He will never cure his clan."

Elissa could read Kallian's frown as clear as day. Without the cure, she would never get her Dalish army. The Lady had them caught between a rock and a hard place. They had little choice but to play her game.

"It took us days to get here through the forest," Alistair spoke up. "Is there an easier way to get back to the Dalish camp?"

The Lady turned to the werewolf beside her. "You can guide them," she said. "There are ways that only those who live in the forest may understand."

Swiftrunner bowed his head. "As you say, my lady."

It was late in the day, and up above ground the sunlight must be waning, but Kallian made no attempt to stop for the evening. Swiftrunner led them through another passage and up a winding stair to the surface. They could spend the night back at the Dalish camp.

But when they exited the ruin, Zathrian stood silhouetted against the sunset coming through the trees.

Kallian took a defensive stance. "What are you doing here, Zathrian?"

Swiftrunner let out a deep, menacing growl.

"There was no way to tell what would happen once you reached this ruin, so I decided to come myself." Zathrian looked at the werewolf. "Why is that beast still living, Warden?"

She crossed her arms. "Because I trust it more than I trust you right now. You'll be coming with us if you want that cure."

The keeper raised a brow. "And if I don't?"

Elissa's body was taut, in waiting. Would he attack? Would he run?

Kallian glared at him. "If you don't, you'll never see Witherfang again. You'll never get that heart, and your people will continue to die. And it'll be your own fault."

Swiftrunner growled again, as if in furious agreement.

Zathrian glanced between the wolf and the warden. "It seems I have little choice. Where are you taking me?"

"To the Lady of the Forest," Kallian answered, taking his arm and leading him back down into the ruin.

He scoffed. "Is that what the spirit calls itself now? And what does it want with me, if I may inquire?"

"She wants a cure," Wynne jumped in, giving Zathrian a long look. "More than you do, it seems."

"We shall see," he said, and they wove their way back down underground, to see the Lady.

…

When Kallian led Zathrian into the Lady's chamber, the werewolves' roars were fierce. Only the Lady was able to quiet them.

"How have you returned with Zathrian so soon?" she asked.

"He was waiting for us in the forest," Kallian answered. "I've brought him as you asked. I want a cure, for his people and yours. I need an army. The Dalish have committed to fighting the blight if I save them. What about your people?"

"I do not command them," the Lady said. "Not now, and not when they are human once again. You may ask them and perhaps they may accept."

Kallian felt irritation welling up in her but knew better than to ask more just yet. "Fine." Gratitude was a powerful force, and she hadn't earned it yet. She would get what she wanted in the end. She pushed Zathrian forward. If the Lady wanted to talk, Kallian would make them talk.

"So here you are, spirit," Zathrian said, and the lack of respect in his voice galled the werewolves, who growled in response.

"She is the Lady of the Forest!" one cried, towering over Zathrian. "You will address her properly!" Only the Lady's hand calmed him and brought him back to her side.

Zathrian scoffed. "You've taken a name, spirit? And named your pets as well?"

"It was they who gave me a name," she said. "And the names they take are their own. They follow me because I help them find who they are."

"Who they are has not changed from who their ancestors were," Zathrian said with scorn. "Wild savages! Worthless dogs! Their twisted shape only mirrors their monstrous hearts!"

Kallian looked around, watching the werewolves react. It would be just her luck if Zathrian brought on his own death with these insults, leaving her without an army.

"I do not see the point of being here," Zathrian continued. "There is no resolution, no forgiveness. We all know where this will lead."

"It does not have to be that way," the Lady argued. "There is room in your heart for compassion, Zathrian. Surely your retribution is spent."

He shook his head, though some of the rage had fallen from his expression. "My retribution is eternal, spirit, as is my pain." His voice was tinged with grief.

"Is your pain the only reason you will not end this curse?" the Lady asked. "Have you told the mortals how it was created?" She turned to Kallian. "Such power to bind Witherfang… to bind me… could not be accomplished without Zathrian's own blood."

Kallian heard a sound of discontent behind her and knew it was Sten. All of this magic must have his skin crawling by now. He'd stopped complaining quite so much after they fought in Haven, but she knew how much he hated it all. Sometimes she wondered why he even bothered traveling with them anymore. She'd freed him, sure, but he was far from happy on this journey.

The Lady continued, "Your people believe you have rediscovered the immortality of their ancestors, Zathrian, but that is not true. As long as the curse exists… so do you."

Kallian turned to Zathrian, watching his expression. There was a weakness there now, a vulnerability.

"Aren't you tired?" Leliana asked, coming towards the keeper. "Don't you wish to end it all, to see the ones you've lost again? Why force your people and yourself to suffer?"

"That's not how it is!" Zathrian protested. "I did it for my people! I did it for my son and my daughter. For justice, I would do anything!"

"This isn't justice," Alistair said, coming up beside Leliana. "It's hate. You're not protecting anyone anymore."

"I don't believe the curse will end with Zathrian's death alone, but I believe it plays a part," the Lady cautioned.

"So we kill him now!" one of the wolves said. "Slay them all!"

"You see!" Zathrian turned to Kallian, triumphant and angry. "They turn on you just as quickly. They are nothing but beasts, inside and out!"

"No," Kallian said, gripping his arm to stop him from reaching for his staff. "They're angry, and so am I. I don't care about your revenge, and I don't care if you live or die. But I need an army and I won't leave here without it. You're doing this, Zathrian."

"I won't!" he protested, ripping his arm from her grip and looking around like a cornered animal. "You'll die with them!" he cried, glaring at Kallian. "All of you will suffer as you deserve."

A sudden burst of magic pushed Kallian back, making her wince away from the light and pressure. When she looked back, Zathrian stood tall and angry with staff in hand.

The Lady glowed with a bright light, and a white wolf stood in her place. Within a moment, the werewolves were in the fray.

"Don't kill him!" Kallian ordered. "I need him alive to end the curse." She hoped the werewolves could control themselves well enough to follow that order.

Zathrian slipped out of their grasp, summoning shades and bringing the trees around them to life. He kept them busy, kept them distracted, while he slipped into empty corners to cast. But between the werewolves and Kallian's party he couldn't keep up.

Morrigan was able to imprison him with a spell, allowing Kallian to hold her dagger to his throat as he kneeled, beaten.

"No," he said finally. "No more. I cannot defeat you."

The shades disappeared. The trees stilled where they stood. Alistair and Sten held against the werewolves who tried to approach the defeated Zathrian.

Witherfang disappeared into a bright light, leaving the Lady in its wake.

"Will you end the curse now?" she asked. "End this for us both?"

Kallian slowly removed the knife from his throat.

"Hasn't this gone on long enough?" Wynne asked, coming beside him to heal a few small wounds.

He bowed his head as the healing magic came over him.

Elissa came up to his other side as Wynne helped him to stand. "Don't be afraid to see them again," she said quietly. "Your son and daughter… they'll have forgiven you. I'm sure of it."

Kallian gave Elissa a long look, wondering what had given her such conviction. Kallian had failed people too. She wondered if Shianni had forgiven her, if Soris had, for leaving them to clean up her mess.

Zathrian met Elissa's eyes. "Perhaps I have lived too long. This hatred in me is like an ancient gnarled root. It has consumed my soul." He looked at the Lady. "What of you, spirit? You are bound to the curse as much as I am. Do you not fear for your end?"

For the first time, she looked on him kindly. "You are my maker, Zathrian. You gave me form and consciousness where none existed. I have known pain and love, hope and fear, all the joy that is life. Yet of all things, I desire nothing more than an end. I beg you, maker… put an end to me."

Zathrian looked down again, then locked eyes with the Lady. "Very well. Let us put an end to it all."

The Lady said goodbye to her wolves, then she and Zathrian stood together in the center of the chamber. He spoke words in his own tongue, then, raising his staff, they were both surrounded in a ring of golden light. Squinting against the brightness, Kallian saw Zathrian fall, and the Lady become consumed in a glow that got bright and brighter before overwhelming the entire room. When Kallian could see again, the werewolves were gone. Instead, naked humans were lifting themselves off the floor where they had fallen, marveling at their bodies and exclaiming joyfully to one another.

"It's done," Leliana said, smiling.

Alistair came up beside them. "Err… do you think we should find them some clothes?"

Somehow they scrounged up enough clothes for the former werewolves to cover themselves, even if some of the items didn't quite fit. Their fingers were a little clumsy with ties and buttons, unused to handling anything so delicate after living their lives as beasts.

They spent the next few hours discussing their future, a discussion Kallian was hoping to have a say in. She had a plan now, something that would hopefully work out well for everyone.

"What do you think of heading to Redcliffe?" she asked. As the descendants of a long-dead tribe, they had no home anymore. "Redcliffe just lost a lot of their population, and I'm sure you could get work among their soldiers. I'm gathering forces there to fight the blight, and I need your help."

This devolved into a discussion on the blight, which she'd had to explain to them with some help from her companions. She tried to get across the importance and urgency of their war, which at least a few of the humans seemed to understand even though it was outside the world they had known for so long.

After living together their entire lives, they seemed loath to part from one another. Seeing as they had nowhere better to go and no real job prospects—especially prospects that would keep them together—they agreed, and would go straight to Redcliffe as soon as they could be off. Kallian hoped Eamon would be ready to welcome a bunch of ex-werewolf soldiers into his army. Hey, it was all for a good cause, after all.

"Tell Arl Eamon I sent you," she said. She had at least one other stop before they could return to Redcliffe, so she wouldn't be lucky enough to see Eamon's expression when the bedraggled group arrived. Kallian smirked at the thought–she really would have enjoyed that.

Sleeping in the ruin was not the daunting prospect it had first seemed, not with a few dozen humans nearby who called the place home. Even if the bunks smelled a bit like wet dog, well… Kallian would take what she could get.

Before sleep could take her, Kallian heard movement in the room. Cracking open an eye she saw two familiar figures silhouetted dimly in the doorway, whispering and giggling as they snuck out of the room. Alistair and Elissa better hope they wouldn't run into any giant spiders while finding a secret spot for their lovemaking. There wasn't enough gold in Thedas to make Kallian go after them. With that last thought, she rolled over and soon fell asleep.

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