Dragon Age Origins: Dovahkiin

by Arch-Daishou00

(M) 'Mature story' "Sea-bound to foreign shores, the Dunmeri Dragonborn Miara and her kin embark on a new land on orders from the emperor. The family's mission; To investigate and explore these foreign nations. But no objective is ever straightforward for a Doom Driven hero" Co-Author: Etheral-23. UNIGORE did the original artwork. "Thank you so much!"

17. Revelations in Denerim

Disclaimer: We do not own the Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age Series

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Revelations in Denerim

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Campfires lit up the area for the Wardens and their allies as nightfall came. After two days of traversing the Imperial highway the group would make it to Denerim in the morning. Theron sat beside Gin and Neria cleaning his weapons and gear as he wore a simple jerkin and leather pants. The roguish elf to his right ate some cooked rabbit as he observed Miara discussing on what they should do when reaching the city with Marcus. The Dalish elf kept an eye on Odahviing who rested close by along with Serana who spoke to her daughters.

The elven warrior would be lying in say he fully understood all he was told during those two days. Fully sentient dragons claiming to be the children of the Tamrielic dragon god Akatosh. Miara having the blood and soul of one these dragons. That part was as difficult to understand and doubt he ever could in honesty. But next part almost made him attack Serana upon learning she was undead.

Vampires... Actual real vampires, gods preserve him what did he get involved with.

After some reassurance and calming words from Neria and Gin, Theron relaxed. Somewhat... "How did you get used to having a dragon and vampire around?" He questioned the city elf who glanced at him while eating.

"I haven't, but since Serana saved my life after Ostagar I don't really care anymore. I just accept we are with very weird people and go from there." Gin shrugged as he resumed eating.

The dalish grunted, "And here I thought Sarya's acts of magic were hard to come to terms with"

"It's... a lot to take in, I know" Neria said with understanding. "But we can count them as strong allies."

Well, if anything having a dragon on their side was a great boon in their quest against the Blight... even if it would take some time getting used to the whole 'talking dragon' part.

Regardless, perhaps what he should be thinking about was their next move. Theron was informed that their task as Wardens had hit a severe blow by one of those human lords holding them accountable for their king's death at Ostagar, when in fact it had been that very human who left his king and the rest of the army to die. Because Shems were a bunch of ungrateful and treasonous curs like that.

So now even the very people they had to protect would be hunting them down like criminals... and they were going straight to the human capital.

Call him paranoid, but did not believe that was the best idea.

He made his opinion know as he called over the campfire, loud enough for the others to hear him. "We are to go to 'Denerim', right?" At the nods of confirmation, he continued. "I do believe our party is bound to draw more than a bit of attention. With or without a dragon"

Odahviing grunted uncaringly, already knowing he would have to keep a good distance from any human settlements.

"I do get what you mean" Alistair, holding a plate with stew, agreed. "A group as diverse as ours? That gets attention quickly. That and, you know, some of us wearing Warden armor. Might as well be hanging a bullseye over our chests"

"I've been discussing that with Miara." Marcus addressed as he gave some food to Loke. "We need to find a way to stay unnoticed."

Miara lifted a finger; "And I have a solution, hooded cloaks with the right enchantments."

Sitting close by Brianna, Leliana cocked her head; "Where would find any cloaks? As well as the proper size for some of us." Her gestured to Sofie who was walking over and then towards Sten who sat some distance away from the group. "Serana and yourself are good, but for the rest of us..."

"I made plenty. And some the right size for our Qunari and Sofie, they're stored back in my house." Miara brings up garnering questioning looks; "What?"

"Uh and how do we get to Tamriel and back in a few days?" Brianna brings up while reading.

"That's why we have Butler!" Theron froze as Sarya chimed happily while strolling over and plopping down beside Neria.

"Butler?" A few questioned as Sarya received several glares from her mothers and sister. Morrigan seemed to have heard the conversation as she walked over from her campfire out of curiosity.

Oh Sarya and her mouth... Sofie glanced to her mothers who looked at one another before both sighed. "Okay." The older Dunmer spoke up as she stood; "I am about to bring up a topic I know is taboo in Thedas but not in Tamriel." She remarked slowly as she peered to everyone and then Sten; "For you I know we're likely stressing your tolerance with everything. But I hope you can endure some more?"

A long grunt came from the Qunari but nothing more. The Dragonborn was going to take that as an 'okay'.

Miara cleared her throat, and prayed; "Summoning."

"Summoning?" Brianna repeated, "Summoning... what exactly?"

"Well Conjuration involves a number of things" Sarya was already explaining, "By manipulating the energies of the outer worlds; we can call forth the entities that lie beyond-"

"Oh gods" The dalish elf's displeasure was evident. "You're going to summon that demon"

Immediately, the camp was in uproar. From Neria who suddenly stood up, a horrified look on her face. Brianna looked cautious but also... intrigued? To say nothing of Alistair who was looking at them as though they had committed a grave sin. Sten's hand had already gone to his sword, years of qunari discipline burned into his mind already putting him on alert.

Leliana was praying, her gaze shifting from Sofie to her mothers in concern. While Morrigan could not hide the amused smile growing on her face, she was obviously taking delight from all this.

"How could do you allow such practices?!" Alistair shouted in a clear show of disapproval.

"You summon demons?!" Neria blurted, "T-The Circle is no stranger to binding spirits and keeping demons trapped, but the fact that Tamriel could be so foolhardy as to-!"

"Enough!" Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Marcus who had brought the camp to a halt. His silver eyes gazing intently at every member of their party who had shown their disgust for such a notion. "I remember back in Highever, when my family was about to be slaughtered, Miara had summoned a spectre, the ghost of a man from an actual, honest to the Maker, afterlife. The spirit, the man, protected my family with courage and honor"

The camp remained silent after that.

"Time and again our friends from Tamriel keep revealing things that... are hard for us to wrap our minds around"

"Sorry about that" Miara quipped, though not insincerely.

The noble continued, "And time and again they have proven themselves trustworthy allies" He nodded in their direction. "Your summoning magic, it deals with summoning those demons from... Oblivion was it? Your equivalent of the Fade"

"Amongst other things" Sarya simply replied.

"But... it's too dangerous!" Neria still said in defiance, she just couldn't accept the idea. "It would only be a matter of time before a group of powerful mages decide to-"

"Neria, conjuration magic has existed for well over four thousand years" The vampire stated.

The elven mage fell into a stunned silent. Alistair and Leliana weren't faring much better at that revelation.

"Mage kings enslaving people with magic, armies of demons threatening the mortal world? We've dealt with that, all of it" Serana continued, "And every time, Tamriel has beaten those dark forces back. It has shown us the dangers of such magic, and we've only grown wiser from those experiences. Refined those arcane arts for generations to make them safe"

"Still doesn't make it any less dangerous." Sten spoke up in a steely monotone.

Miara nodded; "Absolutely, any rookie mage trying conjuration should never practice alone without their teacher. Or unless they extensively trained enough to 'fully' know and understand the Daedra they want to summon. The Mages Guild along with every arcane academy in our country makes it very clear to every student that Daedra are extremely dangerous beings."

"And before you say anything hun," Sarya quipped as she saw Neria about to speak again; "There is no possession. Daedra do not possess people like those thought constructs in your Fade. A Dremora would laugh at you and then kill you for the insult."

Leliana slowly peered over to Sofie who reassured her; "All of you will be fine. Butler is a personal summoning my mothers' attained years ago. He is one of four Daedra we have earned trust, respect, and friendship with. That is beyond difficult but not unattainable. The other three are also personal summonings. Two being warriors, one a merchant, and Butler." The Nord looks over to Theron; "And you met him at least?"

Theron nodded dryly. "Take it that was an experience?" Gin remarked unsure to how to take this topic. All this was way over his head.

"Can we see him?" All eyes turn to Brianna who finally spoke up. Neria only squawked at her friend's question; "What do we have to lose? I think Tamriel seems to know what they are doing if they have been working on this for thousands of years."

Sten muttered something in his native tongue.

"Of course!" Sarya brightly said, standing up and dusting herself off. "We do need him to get our stuff after all!"

Purple magic shined in her hand, the same as Theron had seen before. Leliana clung to an amulet of Andraste while Alistair made no discretion of grabbing his sword. Most of the Thedosians tensed as Sarya casted a great sphere of swirling purple arcane energy, from which it emerged a tall being with coal black skin, black markings, dark eyes and horns on his head.

"You called, my lady?" The being asked in a regal, perfectly sophisticated tone while giving a court nod.

"...That's a demon?" Gin muttered, rather unimpressed. "I feel the Chantry has been overselling some things"

"My, oh my" Morrigan approached, a deeply fascinated look evident in her eyes as she looked at the daedra up and down. "So this is a dremora. He certainly feels much different from the spirits of the Fade"

"You didn't draw blood" Alistair remarked, stunned. Somehow the fact that Sarya had not used a drop of blood was making him feel far more alarmed than the actual DEMON standing nearby.

"Bloodletting to power conjuration magic stopped being a thing many thousands of years ago" Sarya explained, "Of course, that doesn't mean blood magic has disappeared from Tamriel, or living sacrifices for that matter. That's still very illegal and wrong by the way. Those sorts of rituals depend on-"

"No" Neria shook her head vehemently. "Y-You just can't do that. Summoning demons without empowering yourself with blood? That's... that's impossible"

"Honestly." Butler quipped; "How primitive and archaic is the magical arts of these lands?" The dremora cocked a brow at Morrigan who inspected him while gazing at all the people around; "I see you have gained new comrades my lady, but AH!" Theron froze as Butler pointed to him; "I remember you! Grateful you're not pointing an arrow at me this time."

Brianna stood up as she came over beside the swamp witch; "He does feel quite different from an entity of the Fade."

"Indeed he does."

"Bri please get away from... him." Neria looked almost in a near panic.

"I think we're fine Neria." Amell said gazing to her friend and then back to Butler; "We are aren't we?"

"While I am an entity of war that is not the path I choose." The Dremora responded before looking to Sarya and Miara; "Was there something you require mistresses?"

Miara grunted; "Cloaks"

"Is it a formal event?" The demonic being asked, "Will you be requiring a certain theme, or perhaps something more daring in design to go with your more risqué attire?"

Miara smiled mirthfully at that, "Just cloaks of concealment"

"Not exactly the ideal if you wish to attend a party" He joked in a completely serious tone, with a snap of fingers he summoned a chest next to him. "I do believe my mistresses like to be the center of attention"

The dunmer woman gave him a dry look, along with her lover and their elven daughter. "That'll be all, Butler"

"Of course, ma'am" With an elegant flourish, the dremora vanished in the same swirl of energy he manifested from.

"'Like to be the center of attention'" The Dragonborn grumbled as she knelt before the chest and opened it. "So what if I like to use outfits that show a bit of cleavage?"

Serana quipped, "To be fair, dunmeri attires are very daring for most cultures. Your 'bit of cleavage' would make a priestess faint"

"Oh this coming from you? The one whose outfits always scream; 'Look-Upon-My-Bosom'"

Poor Neria muttered in desperation, "How can they be bantering like normal after summoning a demon...?"

"They didn't use blood or sacrifices..." Alistair did not fare much better while he murmured to himself.

"Pourquoi a fait je rejoins ces gens? (Why did I join these people?)" The former Lay-sister and Bard muttered before peering towards Sofie.

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Sarya scribbled away at her journal as most of the party went to bed, with the exception of those on night watch duty. Apparently it was common for Sten to do a lot of those, guess her display of magic gave him more reason to stay awake and keep an eye on things, namely her and her family. From what she read of Qunari culture, she hated it already, uncultured, oppressive, paranoid barbarians...

After her display of magic they had answered like a hundred of Neria's questions. 'Yes Neria, there are very harmful daedra and dealing with them can be extremely dangerous. So teaching students how to be careful with them was imperative for all magic academies', 'No Neria, living sacrifice is not only illegal in Tamriel, it's considered wrong and evil', 'Yes Neria, mind manipulation magic exists, and no we don't need bloodletting to achieve it', 'Please don't run, Neria'.

Poor girl was a product of her environment. Sarya was not so naive as to believe there weren't magics whose existence could be morally wrong, or even downright evil, but to fear a type of magic because of its past or the risks it carried was tantamount foolishness. All magics were inherently dangerous, as her mother would say; 'Magic, by its very nature, is volatile and dangerous'. It wasn't just about controlling the elements so you wouldn't accidentally set everything on fire, or freeze someone to death or such. Even healing could be dangerous if done in excessive amounts, the flesh could become cancerous if the restorative energies were not applied within a certain limit.

The Telvanni mage clicked her tongue as she scribbled away her findings regarding the Fade. That dream realm just had to be an Oblivion Realm, it was the only way to explain why magic here run the risk of becoming uncontrollable even if the caster wasn't actively using their natural talent. All it took was a child throwing a tantrum to accidentally unleash their magic and harm someone. Whereas in Tamriel because of the anuic magic from Aetherius, the only time magic could run out of control was when the user was actively casting, rather than going about their everyday life.

Not to mention how everyone in Tamriel had the potential to use magic rather than a select few in Thedas...

It certainly was one more factor that fueled Thedas' fear and paranoia regarding magic, one Sarya could understand, but in the millennia that this kept happening it looked like there had been few attempts to change the system into one that could give their mages a valuable place in society and provide things mundane means couldn't.

The scholar in Sarya wanted to debate with their mages and authorities, the Telvanni mage in Sarya wanted to subjugate those fools and make them listen. But that would be too 'dragon' of her, her mothers' wouldn't approve.

Speaking of, Miara and Serana were busy making a few adjustments to the cloaks they had gotten from Butler; just to make sure they would fit everyone in their party. Her human mother looked over Sarya's shoulder out of curiosity.

"Are you upset, honey?"

"Why do you say that?" Sarya replied as she kept writing.

"Because you've been writing; 'superstitious backwater peasants' repeatedly but in different ways"

"...I should make my observations more objectively shouldn't I?"

"I'd say" Serana muttered, "Sound a bit too much like Neloth there"

"I wish Master Neloth was here" Sarya lamented, "Could really use someone with his speech skill to show how stupid the Chantry is"

"Good thing he isn't" Miara grunted in displeasure at the thought, continuing on with her sewing. "Half the country would be chasing him for heresy, the other half would be burning"

"You know, it's saying things like that that makes Neria so nervous" The young Amell's voice was heard as she approached the mothers and daughter. Bereft of her Warden robes, Brianna wore a simple linen shirt and pants that did little to hide the beautiful curves and endowed bust size. Her long raven black hair was loose, and her blue eyes had a dull gleam against the glow of the fire in front of them.

She took a seat right next to Sarya, trying to get a good look at what she was writing. Only to frown in confusion. "Is that code or something?"

"Dunmeri actually" Sarya replied, "I always write my journals in dunmeri when I'm not publishing something"

"Ah. I forgot you come from a different continent sometimes..." A thought occurred to the human mage. "Then how come we are speaking Common right now?"

"Your Common and ours seems to be exactly identical" Serana supplied.

"...The odds of that happening are borderline insulting to contemplate"

"I dunno" Miara merely mumbled out, "Blame the gods, I always do"

Brianna figured she could later ask more about the Nine Divines later; "Have to say this has been interesting night."

"Besides your best friend and former Thedosian Templar having panic attacks over Tamriel's school of conjuration?" Sarya quipped with a long drawl.

Amell grunted; "I can't speak for Alistair, I blame Wynne and Irving for the way Neria is." The bitterness in her voice caught the trios' attention.

"Not fan of their tutelage I gather?" Serana queried.

"They..." Brianna sighed as ran a hand through her raven locks; "They are not bad people. Nor are they bad mages, quite the opposite. But those two are so ingrained by Chantry edicts they might as well be apologists!" The young human mage strained to keep her voice down but her anger was slipping through. "Neria couldn't have had two better teachers in the arcane, but they also put in all that Chantry nonsense into her."

Miara took a seat on the ground beside her daughter and Brianna; "Take it you're not religious?" Oh that was a nasty glare she received on that question.

"Follow a faith that makes it alright to snatch children right out of their parent's arms while crying and screaming? No I don't follow the Chantry."

"Is that what happened to you?" Serana asked with some concern.

Brianna shuddered as she rubbed her hands; "I..." She paused as she looked to the ground.

"Hey." Sarya patted her shoulder; "You don't have to tell us."

"...No, you should know." The young woman took a deep breath; "I come from the Amell Family. We're a noble house in Kirkwall, that's in the Free Marches. I was the oldest of five when my magic manifested when I was four. Does not matter if you're a noble or not, you're stripped of all titles and taken away. My mother was in tears, screaming as they took me. Guess I can count myself lucky not being put in the Kirkwall Circle." She rubbed her arms and soon her eyes as she could remember that day vividly. "Though what happened to Neria was just as bad if not worse. The Templars beat her father as they took her away..."

Looks of anger and indignation marred their faces. "Was it necessary? He was a single man and they armored knights"

"He wasn't a man, not to them. He was an elf" Brianna replied, "That is enough for a lot of people here"

Miara shook her head in disappointment; her heart went for these young mages who had been forced to endure so much.

Brianna sighed, staring intently into the flames. "I envy you Tamriels, far more than I can put into words" The Amell admitted. "You come from a place where you are not locked up because of your magic, hard thing to do when everyone is capable of it" The concept alone was just so... astonishing. Tamriel would be Tevinter's paradise, and the Chantry's worst nightmare. "It's not only allowed, it's encouraged. You can do as you wish with it" Brianna pulled a small flame from the bonfire, holding it in her hand. "But here... here we are told we are proof of the Maker's hate"

"Do not idolize Tamriel" Miara advised. "We had gone through our own difficult times. And not always has magic been celebrated as you'd like to believe"

"And yet your mages enjoy far more freedom than any mage here ever will, than I ever will" She clenched her fist, making the flame banish from her grasp. "Even as a Warden, away from the Circle... I still feel trapped sometimes"

She could still remember her mother's heartbroken face when the Templars tore her away from her arms, hear the anguished cries that were the last sounds she had heard from her mouth. Taken away from everything she knew, her birthright, her family, and she had been powerless to stop it.

Brianna hates that feeling. She hated that hopelessness, the power the Templars and Chantry lorded over the Circles with complete impunity.

If one's path was shaped by their own knowledge, their ideals and morals, then it was only through strength that they could actually follow it through. Perseverance, strength of will... raw power.

In the end, it all came down to power.

Brianna wanted to be free, but she would never feel free so long as she kept fearing the power the Templars had over her. Even as a Warden that fear persisted. So when she looked at these foreign mages, so free, so brave... so powerful, Brianna felt envy. She wanted that strength, she craved it, and she needed it.

In them, the Amell saw the key to her release. The way to never let anyone ever cage her again.

"I... wanted to ask you something"

Sarya nodded towards her, "Go on"

The human mage took a deep breath, "I want you to train me"

That caught the two mothers and their daughter by surprise; "Train you?" Miara cocked her head; "I've seen enough of your talents to know you are well skilled as you are. Whoever taught you did a masterful job."

"Senior Enchanter Anya, she taught me to never stop learning." Sadness etched in her eyes; "She died a year ago, old age. She never joined those stupid Fraternities of Enchanters, but she was always outspoken when it came to the Templars and Chantry. Did not garner her many friends but was respected all the same. Point is; I want to learn your ways of magic and the sword."

Sarya turned to her mothers who bore an unreadable expression; "Why do you want to learn from us?" Miara questioned in a steely tone.

"I can't say it's for the greater good or anything like that. I'm not Neria; I want to never know fear of being taken by anyone ever again."

Serana's expression became more unreadable for a moment; "I can understand that, child" Her voice was heavy, forlorn. "To be caught in the winds of fate, pulled from one side to another with no agency of your own... Yes, I understand what you want very well. But power alone is not enough; strength is a means, not a goal"

"Power for power's sake is meaningless" Miara added, her own experiences had taught her that much. "And power can corrupt"

"You sound like the old mages at the Tower" Brianna replied dispassionately. "I know what I want. I want to be strong; I want to be in control of my life. For that I need influence, I need power. Because no one, absolutely no one, will give me the freedom I desire... and the people who would rather see me in chains outnumber me greatly. You say power alone is no goal, but until I obtain it, I have no other way to actually set out any sort of true goal for myself. I'll always be caught in forces beyond my control"

Miara and Serana shared a concerned glance. "What do you even want to learn from us?"

"Everything" The reply came out as a breathy whisper, laced with desperation. "The things the Chantry considers heretical, the magics your people have refined for centuries. I don't care if it's primal or dark, old or new, holy or profane... Please, grant me your knowledge" She begged of them, "You may look at me and think I'm heading down a dangerous path, but the truth is that I've been on this path all my life... because other people, always other people, have put me here to begin with"

Her eyes glistened, almost as if she was trying to hold back tears. The desperation of her life as a mage, the visions of an uncertain future, the lack of any sort of control over her own life. Always bound by invisible chains... Brianna wanted to shatter those chains, more than anything else.

"And once you have that power" Miara asked, "What will you do with it?"

The human mage let out a humorless laugh, "I'll finally be able to choose. To go wherever I want, see the things I've always wanted to see... Meet with people I've always want to meet"

"And if that means abandoning the Wardens or Neria?" Miara quipped.

"I'm won't abandon the Wardens in a time like this. I'm not that selfish. And I would never leave Neria, ever." Bri glared at the Dunmer; "I'll be dead from the Taint in thirty years, but I want to make those years count for every second. And for them to be mine, my life, my choices."

The dragonborn leaned in; "And you will have to take responsibility of those choices. There is a gravity for every choice. Small or large, every single decision will matter. And some can cost people their lives if you're not careful."

"I am not a child, Miara" The Amell replied sternly, crossing her arms. "I may have been kept from making any sort of meaningful decision on my own, but I'm not so ignorant to the world around me as to believe that only I am affected by them"

The dunmer held up her hands, "Very well, you're a grown woman. So-"

"I'll teach you"

Sarya, who had remained quiet throughout the whole exchange, was beaming widely at the human mage who blinked a couple of time in surprise, staring back at her.

"That desire to know more, to have more, and to BE more... Yes, I can respect that quite well. Those are wonderful traits for a mage with ambition"

Miara held back a sigh; she wasn't too fond of the Telvanni ways that Sarya looked up to so much. At least her daughter crushed her opponents by showing up she was superior to them in terms of intellect and skill rather than underhanded methods and complicated plots in court.

And if Miara herself was being honest, she too respected Brianna's desire. As a dragon, having power was very important to her; though she tried to contain those instincts least they drove her through a darker path. Regardless, Miara did find herself curious to what direction Amell's path would lead her, that drive to have control of her own life, that ambition to become stronger, those were respectable traits in-and-of themselves.

"I'll teach you everything you can learn" Sarya grasped Brianna's hands tightly, "And the whole world will know how powerful you can be"

"Truly?" Brianna smiled with blooming hope.

"All I ask is that someday, you pour all your power and intellect into showing the Chantry just how much of a broken institution their Circle is and how people like you, who have grown beyond their reach, can make better job than they ever could"

At those words Brianna smiled; "Oh you got a deal."

"I suppose if you're really interested in learning the sword as well I'll teach you then." The former Circle mage looked to Miara who grinned; "If you're that interested." the young human nodded quickly. "Very well." And she could look for a way to cure the Blight while at it. There should be some way. She was starting to like these kids.

Serana bit back a long sigh; "Well if nothing else this will prove interesting." And entertaining if this girl can survive Sarya's eccentrics. "Shame we can't get Neria into this to."

"I have enough work helping her learn that Arcane warrior skills." Miara crossed her arms; "Whatever else I can do along the way I'll try."

Brianna shook her head; "Just not your conjuration. You won't get her to do anything for that. Or any dark arcane magic for that matter. She really is a goody-goody."

"A shame" Sarya lamented.

Serana shrugged, "Well, if she doesn't want to it's her loss"

"Brianna, my dear, your training starts tomorrow" An excited grin formed on Miara's face. "Ohhh I can already imagine it, some light armored robes would look great for you. And the sword design, hmm, a thin longsword would suit you"

"And she's got the 'I-am-going-to-smith-a-lot' face now" The vampire deadpanned, "It's identical to the face she makes when we're making love"

Sarya cringed audibly while Brianna shuddered. These were her teachers, she realized, the thought frightening her and exciting her all at once.

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"Okay, I'll say it" Alistair spoke up, adjusting the dark blue cloak around his armor while keep his head covered by the hood. "A whole party of people wearing cloaks is incredibly suspicious, to the point it defeats the purpose of wearing cloaks"

As the group marched towards Denerim, they had already donned the long cloaks Miara had brought for them as to keep themselves from garnering too much attention, the Warden's gear was a dead giveaway, while the mages had to conceal their staves inside line wrapped bags as to not let the entire world know their status as magic users.

"It does feel counterproductive" Theron mentioned

"I did say these cloaks are enchanted" Miara replied, half of her face hidden behind the hood, the visible part of her skin once more changed to a white color with her illusions, which Sarya had done as well. "Subterfuge enchantments work in different ways. Either stops your gear from making noise, making it blend into the shadows more seemingly, or make people not pay attention to you"

"Are you saying we won't be seen at all?" Gin asked in surprise. He really could have used something like that in some of his 'jobs' for Slim.

"It's not infallible" The Dragonborn explained, "But the everyday peasant is already inattentive with how many things they have going on in their own lives. Guards won't be much trouble unless you speak to them directly face to face, or actually do something that draws attention. But it won't work on more observant individuals"

"At least it should limit the odds of Loghain's people spotting us the moment we enter the city" Marcus added.

"That's the plan." Sofie murmured walking beside Leliana and Sten. "Next to learning what happened at the landsmeet we should get more supplies."

"And do any odd job around the city to get money to buy said supplies." Sarya quipped with a grin; "We use Tamriel currency too much and people will get suspicious."

Leliana adjusted her cloak; "The Chantry board always has something on it. And we can look around; you can find someone in need of help and willing to pay."

"Wonderful." Morrigan drawled.

Gin got close beside Marcus; "Those of us who have family here. Mind we go see them?"

"Go ahead; just be careful about revealing yourself." He paused; "Mother Mallol will be at the chantry, I'll go see her."

Brianna rested a hand on Neria's shoulder; "You can see your father." Those words made Neria stop in place, making Brianna turn to her in concern. "Neria?"

The elven mage looked so conflicted, her gaze shifted around as her mouth opened and closed repeatedly. "I... I haven't seen him in years" She said, her voice suddenly heavy. "Shou-Should I see him?"

"Of course you should" The Amell said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Why shouldn't you?"

"It's been so long" Neria sighed, "I grew up knowing I'd never see him again. Now I'm not in the Circle anymore, and I have no idea how our journey is going to end up and..." She paused, pursing her lips. "What am I even going to say to him?"

Brianna gave her friend a sympathetic look. "You talk as though the two of you are strangers"

"We might as well be" Neria sadly reply. "I was so young when they took me. I... maybe it's best if I don't go to the alienage. It'd save us both heartache in the long run" Gin said he rarely spoke to people anymore. If she just suddenly barged into his life again only for her to leave it and never return, again, it'd break him.

An angry frown formed in the Amell's features. "No" She said, with such firmness it took Neria aback. "No more of this moping self-doubting attitude of yours. Not when it comes to your family. You're going to go see your father"

"B-Bri-"

Her longtime friend gave her a pained expression; "If given the chance I would do anything to see my mother, father, and siblings again. I wouldn't waste that chance for anything."

Neria stared at her friend for the longest time before feeling a nudge on her hip. She looked down at her Mabari who made a whimpering sound. "Think I should go to?" Bran barked twice which made the elf sigh; "Alright..."

Miara grinned, "In the meantime we can see what we can do around the city."

"Sounds like a plan." Alistair grinned before getting serious; "There are a few gang elements in the back alleys here so watch yourself."

Sofie popped her knuckles as she smiled; "Always up for a good fight."

"Somehow knew you'd say that." Loke seem to bark in agreement.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Did the crowd get bigger when they were last here? That was the question in Miara's head as they entered the large city with Fort Drakon standing ever vigilant. "Maker it has been a long time since I was here;" Leliana mused with a smile as she watched the crowd. "I wonder what kind of shoes they have for sale at the market."

"Shoes?" Sarya and Miara chorused as she looked back to the redhead.

"I've always loved shoes. And you can learn a lot by what people wear on their feet." Leliana peered over the two Tamriels, "Don't tell me shoe fashion is not big in Tamriel"

"For high class Cyrodiil, High Rock and Summerset, definitely" Serana supplied, "In Skyrim, people's fashion for shoes extends to how well they shield you from getting frostbite"

The bard's face lit up, her imagination already taking her to "Oh I'd love to see what kind of shoes they have in your lands"

"And this conversation has quickly grown inane for me" The swamp witch made her displeasure know. "Please, let us do something more productive"

"Alright, listen up" The noble called their attention, "Everyone has different things to do. I'll go consult with Mother Mallol about what happened at the Landsmeet. Alistair, Sten, you're with me" The two nodded in reply. "Gin, you said you wanted to go to the Alienage, now's your chance"

"I can also get information, have some ties to the underground that will be useful"

"And those ties would be?"

"The sort you would not approve of"

That was enough for the noble to understand, "Of course" He sighed, "Well, I'm not going to say no, not at a time like this"

The city elf nodded before giving the elven mage a look, "So, you ready?"

"Y-Yes" Neria did not sound ready, but he doubted many would be in her shoes.

"I'd like to join them" Theron added, "See for myself how elves fare here"

"Very well" The noble nodded before turning to the others. "Get us money and supplies. If you can build connections that will keep us posted on the goings on here the better." With Leliana's experience as a bard, they should be able to establish one or two informants for the right price "There is a bar near the docks called the Pearl, we'll meet there at sunset" With a farewell nod, her turned towards the Chantry, Loke, Sten and Alistair following closely behind.

"Oh, I know!" Sarya brightly said, "Last time I was here I sent a letter to the Mages' Collective, let's see if we can find them" She grasped the amber eyed woman's hand and began dragging her through the crowd. "Come on Morri!"

The swamp witched mouthed incredulously; 'Morri?'

Sofie turned to Brianna, "You're not joining them? Figured you'd like to meet mages who do not answer to the Circle"

"Maybe later, for now I'd rather avoid Morrigan's company, even if Sarya's there as well... She is most unpleasant"

"Product of her environment, much like Neria." Miara expressed as she gazed at the crowd. "Sofie, go check the Chantry board with Leli, Bri you can come with me and Serana or go with them."

"I'll go with them." The Amell chirped happily as she got close to the tall Nordic woman. Much to the former Bard's ire as they strolled off.

Miara turned to the city elf as he and the other two were about to leave. "Gin, those 'ties' of yours to the underground. I remember how you said you would steal from stuck up humans before" She grinned, "They're Thieves' Guild aren't they?"

Neria and Theron gave him a disapproving look, but he ignored them. "Yeah"

"Let me talk to them, I know how to make business with a Guild"

The shaggy haired elf quirked an eyebrow but shrugged, "Alright, look up Slim Couldry, he's got a business nearby. Tell him you know me" Without another word, the three left, but even as they parted they could hear Neria's muffled disapproving words to Gin, who seemed to pay them no mind.

Serana sighed as she crossed her arms; "So just the two of us, once again."

"I know; if we just had Lydia or Jordis along with us too it'd be like old times." The hidden dunmer chuckled after receiving a glare from her lover; "Kidding, kidding." She slowly froze as she swore she felt someone watching her. Actually if she were honest she felt it the moment she entered the city. But that couldn't-. She stopped as surveying the area as she a familiar young dwarf standing in the market place. "Sandal?"

Serana cocked a brow as she followed her lover's eyes. "Wasn't that one of two dwarves we saved in Lothering?" Both were a little weird but she couldn't forget the blond hair one with eyes so blue they looked like the ocean.

And sure enough it was that very same strange Dwarven boy who was smiling directly at them and was waving as well close by his father near Gorim's market stall.

"Hello~" The young dwarven lad greeted them in that awkward fashion of his.

"Sandal, don't talk to strangers-Oh!" His father cut off his admonishment the moment he turned to see who Sandal was talking to. "If it isn't our saviors from Lothering! Well, two of them at least" He beckoned them to come closer, to which the two did.

"It's good to see you two made it out alright to Denerim" Miara smiled pleasantly at them.

"I should say, we were fortunate most of our goods were spared" The older dwarf said, "But, my lady is it safe for you to be traveling here considering who your companions are? Teyrn Loghain has declared the Wardens are-"

"Shhhh" She shushed him, placing a finger to her lips as she drew closer, whispering to him. "We are trying to keep a low profile. Trust me; we know what Loghain's been doing. Which is exactly why we're here, we need to know what's been going on"

"Ah, of course of course!" The dwarven made swiftly nodded. "Don't worry, my lips are sealed"

"Thank you" Serana said, "So, you're making business with Gorim?"

"I do, ah; you do know him by chance?"

"Know her? She pretty much bought nearly all of my schematics" The auburn haired dwarf in question jovially spoke, appearing from behind his stall, carrying a couple of heavy boxes in his arms. "Did your lady love enjoy them?"

"Oh she did" Miara mirthfully replied. The elf extended her hand; "Miara Redoran, Serana spoke highly of you. And I must say Dwarven armors and weaponry is fantastically beautiful!"

"Gorim Saelac." The former warrior chuckled as he shook the woman's hand; "Lady Volkihar said your enthusiasm towards smithing could rival Wade's, she wasn't exaggerating." His smile soon turned serious; "I'm glad you're all okay, Between Bodahn and everything I heard I feared the worst."

Serana waved it off; "We're okay, we just need to know what happened at the Landsmeet."

At that Gorim shook his head; "And I honestly thought Dwarven politics were a headache."

"At least it's more blunt than Orlais." Bodahn snorted before peering to Miara and Serana. "I'm glad we did run into you again. I had a proposition for you and your group."

"And that is?"

"I'd like to help and join you." Both ladies blinked at that; "What?"

"No offense, but as far as Loghain is concerned we're the enemy of Ferelden." Serana brings up; "And there is your son you have to take into account."

"I know" Bodahn let out a weary sigh. "But we need to continue our businesses, there is no eating otherwise"

"Food would be the last of your problems" Miara pointed out.

"Which is why I believe traveling with your party is our best choice!" The dwarven man said, gesturing at them with both his arms. "I've seen your battle prowess with my own eyes, yours and your companions', superior skill have I seldom seen. Besides, a merchant who can procure all manner of goods would only benefit you"

"Hmm" The dunmer in disguise crossed her arms, pondering his proposal. "We can't hand them everything ourselves"

"Not when our coin comes from Tamriel" Serana agreed, "That's a sure way for Loghain to track our movements"

Miara nodded slowly as she turned to the merchant. "I'll have to consult with the others, Bodahn"

"If I might add, you can't go wrong with Bodahn." Gorim interjected with a grin; "He's a good man and an amazing merchant."

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

A revered mother hymned to some children as Marcus, Sten, and Alistair with Loke entered the Chantry. The holy temple was partially full with many people in mourning. Those who lost people in Ostagar and Cailan. True to Miara's words no one paid any attention to them as they walked around. The young Cousland's eyes scanned around the Chantry as he saw many sisters and mothers speaking with the grieving.

"Don't want to think on how many were lost." the former Templar muttered with grief as he saw children crying and holding onto their mother. He slowly peered to Sten; "Do Qunari mourn their dead?"

"Yes." the silence following said there would be no elaboration further. Sofie could talk to this man better than he could.

A whimpered came from the mabari before his ears perked and ran ahead. "Loke!" The noble hissed before hurrying to follow along with the others. A few turned at the sight of a large Mabari hound running through, which made a few people gasp or jump out of the way. The trio chased the hound into a small library where Marcus sighed as he saw a surprised Mallol almost tackled by a happy Loke.

"Loke?" It was hard not to recognize the hound after so many years, "Then-" Looking up; she let out a soft startled gasp.

A large relieved smile spread in the young noble's lips, "Mother Mallol" He called out to her.

The Chantry sighed, allowing herself to smile. "My Lord Cou-" She stopped before she could go any further, "Young Marcus" Part of her wanted to embrace him out of joy, but she refrained herself. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you are alive"

"It was a close call on Ostagar" Marcus softly spoke, with a wave of her hand he beckoned her to follow him deeper into the small library, where they talked in whispers. "I am traveling with the Wardens, I've heard Loghain-"

"Has branded them traitors, I know" The dark haired Mother replied, eyeing his companions. "I regret to tell you that many here believe Loghain's claims. It is prudent you keep the fact you are here a secret"

"What happened at the Landsmeet?" Marcus asked her, "We were delayed in our journey and we couldn't present our case"

The Mother's gaze became apprehensive. "Maker, it's not good. Ferelden is pretty much divided now, Loghain declared himself Regent, half the bannorns and arlings do not recognize his claim, while the other half is siding with him"

"Regent?" The Cousland replied incredulously, silver eyes widening. "What about Anora, did she allow this?"

"The queen stays her hand" Mother Mallol sighed, "She's letting her father act as he pleases without interfering"

That... sounded nothing like Anora. She never rested on her laurels, especially in a crisis like this. "Anora would never do that." Marcus spoke in resolute.

"She is still a young woman, and like all of us can be in shock. And grief..." Mallol sighed heavily; "She mourns her husband, our late king. But what was spoken at the Landsmeet... Lady Alfstanna had never seen the queen in such a state. Especially everything her father and Howe said..." Mentioning Rendon's name felt like a cruse as Mother spoke.

"Darkspawn ravage these lands and the people would rather fight amongst themselves... Complacent..." Sten murmured garnering looks from the others.

Mallol blinked wide eyed at the towering man before turning back to Marcus who sighed; "Mother Mallol this is Sten of the Beresaad. He is Qunari." That got the woman's attention as she paled at that. "He's on our side no worries." Sten grunted as the young noble gestured to the man beside him; "This is Alistair, a Gray Warden and former Templar."

"Mother," the said former Templar nodded; "Everything kind of just went to hell in a blink didn't it?" He weakly jested.

"In more ways than one young man." Mallol sighed as they came to a table with chairs. She gestured all to sit as she did the same rubbing her brow. Loke sat beside her whimpering lightly. "And I have more dreadful news."

"I figured..." Marcus grunted as he and Alistair sat, Sten remained standing.

It took a long moment for the revered mother to gather herself as well as to rein her own anger as she looked to Marcus; "The Couslands have been stripped of their titles and nobility. Labelled as traitors of the crown by Loghain and Rendon."

Time had seemed to freeze as Marcus had become still as a statue... "W-What..." He barely whispered.

"Rendon Howe;" Even Mallol could not bit back the growl in her voice. "Said he 'discovered' documents in which your father pledged loyalty to Empress Celine and Orlais. Giving them vital areas to which the empire could bring a second invasion to reclaim what was lost to them..."

Though Sten's expression remained as stony as ever, Alistair's shock was evident, he looked at his fellow warrior with concern. In the short time they've known each other, Alistair came to realize Marcus was a man of focus and dedication, someone who always remained level headed even in the thick of battle, and could lead their party with a sound mind.

Now? Now the man looked so shaken, so utterly confused and stunned. It felt wrong for Alistair to see him like this.

"A-And the court... believed him?"

"Loghain did, and that was enough" She said with a remorseful tone.

Marcus joined his hands, resting his elbows on his knees, trying to reign in the growing storm of emotions inside him, the metallic gauntlets clicking as they tightly shook.

After a few seconds, he spoke once more, "And what is to be of our lands?"

The Mother really felt she shouldn't say anything more, but she could not hold this from Marcus, even if it drove the dagger deeper into the wound. "...They've been given to Howe, who was granted the title of Teyrn"

The young man's shaking stopped, the piling anger in his eyes dulled, almost like he had completely frozen. He didn't seem to react to the world around him, not even when his Warden friend placed a hand on his shoulder, muttering words of sympathy.

For a small eternity, he remained silent. And when he finally spoke, his voice had lost all luster, there was none of the young man's natural charm and intelligence. Only a voice as cold as the grave.

"Thank you for your help, Mother Mallol" He said the words clipped and emotionless, like he was quoting from a book. "We have a large task ahead of us, so it's unlikely we'll see each other for a while" He nodded courteously at her, "Maker be with you"

With that, he quickly left, his hound trailing behind him with a worried whine. "Marcus!" The Warden swiftly went after him, muttering apologies and thanks to the Mother as he left as well. The Qunari didn't even acknowledge her at all and just followed.

The Mother wanted to say 'Maker be with you as well', but she knew her words wouldn't reach him. All she could do now was pray for them, not that it would mean much for the Cousland family, not after everything that's happened.

Lately she'd be wondering just how much did her prayers mattered to the Maker.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Marcus felt like he couldn't breathe as he exited the Chantry. His chest heaved, heart pounded so loud he couldn't hear the people roaming the market. His were unfocused, staring at nowhere while his mind bombarded him with images of the past.

There stood a young boy who sat beside his father as was introduced to his father's friend.

The young man shook. Gashing his teeth as emotions swirled like a whirlwind inside him.

Both his father and Rendon laughed finding the boy riding his mabari like a pony while being chased by Nan.

Tears rimmed his eyes, not hearing or seeing Alistair and Sten at his side along with Loke who whimpered.

The boy beamed as he moved the wooden dagger he held in the manner uncle Rendon showed him.

Marcus almost staggered forward as the past flooded his mind and soon the massacre of weeks ago bleed into them. Oriana, Aldous, Nan, Landra, Dairren... His father... He could see their lifeless bodies so vividly as they were right before him. He wanted to scream, roar to the heavens and at the Maker. But everything soon came clear to him as he saw someone walking through the market.

There he was... The man whom his father had called brother, who had broken bread with them over many a feast.

The man whose soldiers marched through Highever, slaughtering his people, his friends and family.

The man who dared sully his proud family name for his own gain, and taken the lands that rightfully belonged to them.

The man who killed his father, his sister-in-law, his old caretaker, and many loyal servants and friends.

Howe wandered through the market, wearing on his shoulders a purple cloak with golden embroidery, parading around as if the world belonged to him. Showing his 'prestige' with ostentatious displays of wealth as he bought the most expensive items he could find. No doubt with coin taken directly from Highever's coffers...

Marcus didn't even realize he was moving until his hand went to his sword, but he didn't care. There was no Blight, no war, nothing that would stop him from claiming his vengeance right here.

And he would have. Had Alistair's arms not pulled him away, aided by the much stronger grip of Sten's own limbs. They dragged him away forcefully, taking him to a remote alleyway discretely. The Qunari shoved him against the wall, keeping him pinned in case he would try anything. While Alistair carefully looked over the street to make sure nobody had saw them.

"What was that?!" The Warden seethed angrily. "You nearly took out your sword in public!"

Marcus didn't even return his gaze.

"Maker's sake, Marcus..." Alistair rubbed his eyes, "I know this is a hard time for you, but what happened? You looked like you were about to kill someone"

"He's right there..."

Alistair cocked a brow as looked back to the crowd. "The noble with the guards?" He peered back to Marcus who nodded but kept his gaze on Howe; "The only thing you'll receive from killing him now is the headsman's ax. Now is not the time-"

"And when will be the time Alistair?" The former noble glared back; "When? Long enough for that bastard to convince every person in Ferelden my family were traitors!"

"You're not thinking rationally." This time Sten interjected with a steely tone; "Your emotions are clouding your judgement."

Marcus only glared up at the Qunari; "So says the man who butchered a family in a fit of rage."

"Hey!" Alistair shouted getting a few glances from the people but quickly ignored; "I may not understand the Qun, or the Qunari., or even Sten for that matter. But he knows he's done wrong and wants atonement for it." He lightly growled as Marcus looked back towards Howe's direction; "You're not even listening are you?"

"Should I be?"

"You have your mother, nephew, lover and her daughter waiting for you. What good would you be for them if dying now?!"

"I... I just can't stand it!" Marcus hissed out in desperation. "I see him here, smiling like that... and all I can see is my father, dead on the ground" He was trembling in barely contained rage. "And all I want to do right now is bury my blade in his treacherous heart..."

Alistair's gaze softened, "I can't even begin to understand what you're going through, Marcus" He softly said. "You deserve your vengeance, but right now you know you can't enact it, otherwise we will lose everything we've been fighting for, and your family" He shook his head, "They'll never get their justice"

The young noble knew; he knew that very well.

But the sight of Howe along was enough to inspire a rage he never thought himself possible of.

He had nearly ruined everything, just to satiate his revenge.

And it hurt, knowing that Howe was out there, basking in the power Loghain had given him, while he could nothing about it.

The only comfort he took was knowing that justice would eventually come, but even then it was a poor consolation. He felt ashamed he couldn't avenge his family right there when they had the chance. That they lost Highever, everything they owned, to that serpent. Every second Howe still draw breath pained him greatly.

Marcus let his legs give in, his cloaked back scrapping against the wall as he fell. He placed a hand against his face as a chocked sob escaped his lips, the weight of failure crashing down on him.

Surprisingly it was Sten who spoke next; "Focus on what we must do. Stopping the Blight. Justice will come for that man at the right opportunity."

A tearful Marcus looked up the stone faced man who stared back with his usual indifference. Turning back to Alistair the former Templar gave a sympathetic nod with a whimper coming from Loke. The former noble closed his eyes as he rested the back of his head to the building. His tears refused to cease despite rubbing his eyes. "Everything feels... so wrong."

"I agree on that." Alistair murmured with a groan.

"Sten, I-"

"Your words were out of anger, nothing needs to be said."

Marcus gave a nod while Alistair thought for a moment; "Think this is one of the rare times you spoke so much." He peered to their Qunari comrade who grunted.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Theron could only stare as he walked beside Gin and Neria with Bran as they entered the alienage. Pol had told the Sabrae Clan what it was like. They had heard a few stories of these places. But to actually see it with his own eyes. Clothes that might as well been rags, homes so rotten they should be condemned... Desperation, hopelessness. These were the Elvhen of the city?

A shudder escaped Neria as she gripped her staff; "Nothing's changed."

"Doubt it ever will." Gin retorted as he looked to their Dalish cousin. "Your thoughts? Still think the Dalish have it worse? At least you have weapons. We're not even allowed to have any to defend ourselves or they purge us."

"Gin!" Neria chided with a stern gaze.

Theron spoke not a word as he only stared the alienage. "...Ir abelas." Was all the warrior could utter.

The roguish elf was surprised by the words but soon ran his hand through hair; "So am I..."

"Gin?!" A female voice garnered their attention as they turned to the sight of Shianni a few feet away. Her eyes wide as she stared at her cousin/lover. Miara did say someone with sharp eyes and mind could spot them quickly.

Seeing his lover once more brought a calm to Gin, as it were a spell; "Hey Shianni." The redheaded elf nearly flew over to them as she embraced her cousin while lightly smacking his chest.

"You stupid jerk..." She remarked in a muffled voice with her face buried in his chest; "W-We thought-"

"I know..." He simply hugged his cousin back as her body shook from grief and relief.

Neria only stared, shock etched on her face as old memories came to her. "Shianni..?" Was that really her?

Said elven redhead detached from Gin giving a cocked brow "Hi?" The red headed elf replied with a bit of uncertainty. "I'm sorry, do we know each other?"

"It's me" The mage said, placing a hand on her chest. "Neria"

Eyes grew wide in recognition, and Neria found two arms latching themselves around her. "Oh Maker, it's you!" She pulled away, holding her shoulders while staying literally at arm's length. "But, what are you doing her. You were taken to the Circle" Shianni said the last part in a hushed whisper.

Gin's reply was equally as quiet. "She's a Warden" He explained, much to her surprise. "And this is our companion, Theron Mahariel, he's one too" He waved his hand at the cloaked dalish who choose to keep his distance from this personal reunion.

"Andaran atish'an" The darker skinned elf said with a tip of his head.

"An-Andaran atish'an" Shianni replied in a more broken pronunciation, trying to recall the lessons on elven language the elder had given to them since children. She turned her gaze to Gin once more, "I'm happy to see you, but, what's going on? We heard terrible things about Ostagar..." Thinking that she had lost Gin like that, merciful Andraste she was devastated, and her uncle- "Your father!" She blurted out, "Oh you have to see your father, uncle Cyrion will be so relieved to see you're okay" She turned to the elven mage with a wide smile, "And you Neria, your father still lives in the same place, oh you have no idea how happy he'll be"

She had a few recollections about her old childhood home, run down, like nearly every building in the alienage. What she remembered the most about it was that it was filled with many, many shoes, as was normal for the home of a shoe cobbler.

"That is a big dog." Shianni's voice got Neria out of her thoughts.

"He's mine. Saved him in Ostagar, I call him Bran, he stays with me now." Neria smiled as she petted her hound. Oh her heart wouldn't stop pounding as she patted her chest. She squeaked feeling a hand on her shoulder she peered over to see Theron now at her side.

"Go to your father." His voice soft as his words were gentle. So much so it surprised her but she soon nodded as jogged into the alienage with Bran close. "I envy you both; I lost both my parents when I was a babe."

"You still had your clan." Gin reasoned.

"...True..." Theron's voice was solemn as he soon strolled into the alienage, leaving Gin and Shianni alone. "I'll go speak to your elder, you should meet with the rest of your family.

Seeing no other around the elven redhead was quick to embrace her lips of her lover who returned it with equal warmth. After what felt like eternity they parted, both needing air. "I was so afraid..." Shianni shuddered holding back a few tears. "What happened?"

"Better to tell you when we see my father and Soris"

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Neria glanced at the many elves roaming about with their daily lives. Absently her mind recalls herself as a child playing happily. What would have life been like had her magic never manifested? She shook the thought away as walked about the houses. Or least what they called houses for the alienage. By the Maker they looked worse than she remembered. But she soon froze at one house. A small wooden sign was above the door with the carving of a shoe and hammer... Kailu's shop. Neria held her staff close as her heart pounded.

"Now remember, what is the most important part of a shoe?" Her father's voice rang in her mind as she remembered sitting down during one of his works.

"The insole?" A little elven girl remarked back with a smile.

"Very good! What's the point of a shoe if your foot is not comfortable."

Neria felt tears forming; she thought she had forgotten that memory... Or did she repress it after... She shook her head quickly. Bran let out a small whimper. "I know, I need to be brave." She slowly knocked on the door.

"The door is open!" That same smooth voice she recalled now spoke up. Aged a bit though.

Her father was just behind that door. Willing up the courage she opened the door. The deep smell of leather greeted her nose as shoes and boots were on tables or the wooden floor. A smell she had nearly forgotten as she and Bran walked in. "If you're here for a pick up or bringing a pair for work write a note on that table."

Time stood still for Neria, his back was turned sitting at a table hunched forward working. He worse a simple shirt and pants, his short hair was a lot greyer now. "Well, are going stand there or speak?" Kailu spoke again while he worked.

"I-I'm sorry..." Neria could barely talk as all she wanted to do was run over and hug him.

"What for?" He gruffly asked.

He... didn't recognize her. Of course he didn't, she hadn't seen him since she was a child. He had no idea what she looked like now, what she sounded like. She didn't know what to say, how do you suddenly tell someone you're the child they haven't seen in years?

Her lips pursed. "I was just... passing by"

"'Passing by?'" The man repeated incredulously, "What, you just wanted to see a shoe cobbler work?"

"I'm sorry-"

"Stop apologizing girl" He interrupted, shaking his head. "Andraste, didn't your parents teach you to have some spine?"

"...I haven't seen my parents in a long while" She admitted, that much was true.

The man stopped his work for a moment, "Ah... I'm sorry lassie. I'm getting into my years and, well" He sighed, rubbing the tip of a shoe to add a bit of luster. Though with elven shoes, 'luster' usually meant just one less layer of dirt. Their shoes were hand me downs for generations usually. "I don't exactly deal well with people"

Neria took a small seat on the other side of the room, briefly wondering if that stool had always been there. "My father's a cobbler too"

Kailu made a sound of understanding. "So, you were feeling nostalgic then?"

"You could say that" The mage muttered. "I'm... dealing with all sorts of issues lately, thought something nostalgic would give be a bit more strength"

"Hmph, don't know if you'd find inspiration here lass" Kailu said, his voice growing heavy. "Maker knows I don't find much myself. The Alienage... it's a struggle to live here"

"I haven't lived in one for years" She said, "I think it got it better than most in the end, but still, where I lived had its own challenges"

"Really?" He muttered, curious. "Can't tell if you were lucky or not, many people would wish to escape this place"

She frowned slightly, "Why are you unsure?"

"Sometimes" He paused, sighing. "Sometimes people don't have much of a choice" He kept on working on the shoe in his hand. "Got a little girl myself, well, she should be a young woman now... she got taken to the Circle of Magi when they found out she could do magic"

Neria remained silent.

"Haven't seen her in years" He lamented, his voice growing weary. "You know... maybe instead of keeping an old man company, you should be visiting your family. Don't know which Alienage you grew up in, don't know if you still have any family left but... they can help you with your problems much better than a stranger like myself"

For a moment, neither one said anything.

"...I grew up in this Alienage" The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them. "My dad... I don't remember much of him, but I always look back at him fondly"

Kailu stopped his work.

"Then one day, I found I... I could do things other children couldn't" She muttered, a chocked breath escaping her lips. "The Templars came and... took me away from him"

The shoe cobbler slowly set down his tools.

Kailu slowly turned, his face had a lot more wrinkles, but their skin tone matched along with their eyes. His lips parted as he felt a shudder escape his lips; "C-could you come closer lass? My sight is not what is was..."

Taking a quick look to Mabari and made sure he stayed put Bran laid down as Neria slowly got to her feet. Her step were soft as slowly drew closer. Kailu's heart beat grew quicker as the slight blurry figure came forward. Slowly the figure became more and more clear as Neria soon knelt down to her seated father. Her lower lip lightly shook as her tears threaten to release right then.

Kailu took a long hard look at the young girl's face. He took in every inch and soon locked with her eyes. His hands shook but soon held her cheeks. Tears fell from his eyes; "My Neria?" He shuddered out in a hoarse tone. Almost afraid to hope that this girl was indeed her...

"I'm home..." She shuddered out as her tears soon ran fully as she and her father embraced. Kailu only cried out as he wrapped his arms around his daughter. Something he had thought he'd never do again once the Templars took her and beat him.

"You're home."

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Gin barely had time to get a word in as Shianni brought him home and his father enveloped him into a hug. Nor could he hide a few tears hugging his father back, thankfully he even was given this chance. This was the scene greeted by Soris as he entered into the house. The young man nearly tripped as his cousin stood back home.

"You had us scared to death you bastard." Soris weakly grin with some tears as he hugged his cousin and friend.

"Sorry about that."

"When we heard the news we feared the worst" Cyrion said, taking a seat at the end of the table. Gin made himself comfortable by leaning back on the chair next to his father, Shianni serving them a few mugs of water. "And now the teyrn is proclaiming Wardens were conspiring with Orlais to kill the king. Madness"

"Shem lords" Gin shrugged, running a hand over his shaggy hair.

"But you're a Warden, a hero" His father firmly said, slamming his hand over the table. "What teyrn Loghain is done is an insult to your order"

"Speaking of, you said you had Warden Friends around yeah?" Soris asked, "Where are they?"

"Neria is visiting her father, yes dad, that Neria" Gin said before his father could question him. "Our other elven Warden is a dalish, his name is Theron. Told us he wanted to talk with elder Valendrian for a while, give us some time to talk"

"But there are others, right?" His cousin asked a touch nervously, no doubt frightened by the thought of being so few Wardens to fight the Blight.

"Some yeah, don't worry, they're around Denerim with our allies, helping us fight the Blight" He smiled softly, "That Miara woman, who came around that time? She's one of our companions"

"Oh" Soris' eyes widened considerably. "W-Well that's something"

"Her lover Serana and her two daughters are with us. They are... An eccentric bunch. Their son is at Redcliffe with some dwarves and Golem" No way was he going to speak about Odahviing and the rest of the Tamriel weirdness. He was still trying to figure half of it out. "Also a lay sister and Qunari are helping us."

Shianni stopped as she took a seat and went for a cup of water; "Huh?"

"Yeah, it's complicated... And really weird. But we have a good group. I think."

"I'm still at the golem part." Soris blinked a few times.

Gin sighed as he shook his head; "We will be meeting up with them after leaving here to meet Arl Eamon."

"Heard he is a good Shem." Shianni mentioned as she sipped her water. "With some luck he'll help clear this mess up and deal with the Blight."

Another sighed came to Gin as he took a cup of water; "Hopefully, long as nothing bad goes down like that werewolf thing with the Dalish."

"W-Werewolves?" His father looked like he might have fallen over had he not already been sitting.

"And that was just the start" Gin snorted, "Who knows what else we'll face on the way"

"Gin, please, you're going to give your old man heart problems" Cyrion softly pleaded to his son.

"Ah" Maker, he really didn't have people skills did he? "I didn't mean to worry you, but..."

"It's the reality of your situation" His father said understandingly. "I know your journey will be filled with danger, you can't blame a father for worrying" He reached over and tapped his son on the shoulder. "But you can be sure that I'm immensely proud of you"

His words touched Gin's heart, making it swell with joy. But a growing part of him couldn't help but feel ashamed. His father had always felt such unending pride on him, but what he had done to deserve it? He had lied constantly to him. Gin had never done any 'honest work' like his father; all he ever did was picking pockets and contraband per Slim Curly's instructions with the thieves' guild. Just proving to the Shems he was the 'thieving knife ear' they thought all elves were...

Gin couldn't bear it anymore. He didn't want his father to have this... idealized image of him; he wasn't the dutiful son he thought him as. And he was going to come clean about it now; he had his duties as a Warden that was something he could honestly take pride of.

"Dad" The shaggy haired elf began uneasily. "There is something I... must confess, it's... honestly not easy for me to do so. Because I never wanted to you to think badly of me..."

Before he could fully explain himself, Cyrion let out a long breath, his gaze softening. "Son... I've always known about you and Shianni"

Soris chocked on his water, Shianni looked like she had been turned into a statue, while Gin's mouth might as well be catching flies now.

"You two tried to keep it secret, but after enough time passed I managed to piece things together" Cyrion confessed, wringing his hands. "I... honestly didn't know how to react, how to even confront you two about this. Maker's sake, you're my brother's daughter Shianni..."

Said niece remained completely silent, her cheeks slowly matching her hair.

"I mean, it's not unheard of, but... certainly not the norm either" The older elf rubbed his neck. "I mean, I just hoped this would eventually... end. That's why I pushed you to get married, Gin"

Gin suddenly wished he was back in Ostagar, fighting hordes of Darkspawn.

"But maybe... maybe I shouldn't judge you harshly on this" Cyrion sighed, "Maker knows we elves don't have a lot of opportunities to be happy. And when the chance to find something that gives us comfort arrives... one should never let it go"

The Warden took a deep gulp, his eyes briefly meeting Shianni's. Soris was doing his best to avoid their gaze. "You... You're alright with it?"

"'Alright' is a strong word. 'Not upset' would perhaps be more fitting" His father awkwardly said, "I'm sorry son, this is all so very... uncomfortable for me"

"I think we can agree we're all VERY uncomfortable right now uncle," Soris cleared his throat. He looked to Shianni who had not moved; "When the hell did this happen?"

The redhead found the floor more interesting all of sudden, not able to look at anyone; "When we were fifteen or fourteen. It just... never stopped" She bowed her head in shame. "I'm... I'm in love with Gin..."

Cyrion grunted adjusting in his chair; "I'm not angry at either one of you. I'll say that now." He ran his hand over his face. "Are you happy with one another?" He looked to his son and Shianni.

"I am." Gin remarked quietly; "Right or wrong, I love Shianni with all my heart." The female redhead felt her heart swell at the deceleration.

"Uh..." The male redhead elf rubbed his neck; "I'm... still trying to process this. I mean, thinking about things... A lot is making more sense now." Soris paused; "How does anyone react finding out your cousins are in love with each other?"

"I think we're figuring that one out right now." Shianni murmured as she held her cup; "You don't hate me uncle Cyrion?"

"I could never hate you child. Any more than I could hate my own son...We're going to have to adjust to this, we all are. Slowly, I think..."

Gin wished he had some of Miara's brandy she got from Butler right now.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Theron was silent as he stared up at the vhenadahl. So much went through his head of the old stories of the elves that remained in human cities. Flat ears, not true elvhen. They were cowards who gave up being with their human masters...

But that was not what he was seeing now here in the Alienage.

These elves had no warriors among them, no weapons. They had been taken from them by the humans who declared they were never to bear arms. And the guard kept a close eye on them; no doubt waiting for an excuse to put the elves 'in their place' should they ever entertain the thought of uprising against them.

But what chances would the city elves even have? The humans outnumbered them greatly. Without mentioning the previous issue of their lack of gear. Even the dalish were better armed than them, and most of the time they couldn't outfit all their warriors with war-worthy weapons and armor. If any city elf wanted to fight the humans, they would find themselves wearing poor quality cloth and leather against iron and steel.

The Dalish knew to never give up, for their spirits could endure as their ancestors had for so long. But the elves of the cities, their spirits had been broken too long ago.

Either endure the injustices of human kind in their cities, or join the struggles of the dalish in the freedom of the wilderness. To Theron, living free yet struggling were better than this slow death. And even though he'd like for all elves of Thedas to open their eyes and choose to live with pride, it would only be inviting an inevitable conflict with the shemlen, one they wouldn't be ready for. Not by a long shot.

"I was wondering why people weren't taking notice of you?" His mental musing was stopped as an elderly voice spoke behind him. "I thought perhaps you were a ghost then." Theron turned to see an elder elven man peer back at him. Valendrian gave a warm grin; "But you are merely one of our free brothers of Dalish. Andaran atish'an, I am Elder Valendrian."

"Andaran atish'an Elder, I am Theron Mahariel of the Sabrae Clan." He adjusted his hood; "Pol joined us here last year."

At that the old elf showed recognition; "So it was your clan he joined. Is he well?"

"Yes, he has adjusted with time." He paused; "Apologizes for the garments, but with my current company we must be inconspicuous."

"What brings you here, young one?"

"Circumstances beyond my control" The dalish admitted, "But… I believe I can take this opportunity to learn" He walked closer to the elder. "About our people here in the city"

"They are seldom happy tales, my boy"

"Such is the case for the elvhen" Theron knew that all too well, "But even still, I must know"

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Morrigan had a complicated relationship with cities. A part of her found them fascinating, filled with sights and sounds one seldom would wind in the wilds. The way these simple minded folk would interact was also very intriguing.

Another part of ther wanted to sneer at every corner. This 'civilized' folk knew nothing of struggle; they carried on their insignificant little lives, expecting things to be handed to them on a silver platter. They lived in a cage of their own making, shunning anything that was different, content with living with the dogmas their culture dictated for them. Miring in complacency and stagnation, and the result was only weakness.

Morrigan understood the hearts of men far better than they themselves did, her mother made sure of that. She knew answers to questions their philosophers had pondered for centuries, but were in truth too afraid, too narrow minded, and to ever accept. The pursuit of knowledge, of true power, did not allow anything else but a great mind willing to search through those places mortals were too afraid to tread.

So it came as a great source of confusion, to see a mage so knowledgeable and powerful as Sarya, to mingle about this city and smile like that. As though she couldn't see the very weakness Morrigan saw. It was paradox to the swamp witch, that someone could grasp the mysteries of the arcane like this, and yet find herself content with this obtuse city life.

"Have you tried these pastries, Morri?" The powerful and knowledgeable mage said with a mouthful of sweets, spitting a few pieces as she did so. "They're so good!"

Or perhaps it was the fact that Sarya Redoran appeared to be completely out of her mind. Living in her own little fantasy world, where apparently she thought it was okay to refer to the witch with such a moniker, regardless of how many times she protested.

"I can feel your teeth rotting from here" Morrigan deadpanned. "What are you even eating?"

"They're pastries filled with peanut butter and jelly!"

Morrigan ignored her current companion as she gazed about; "So how was it that you found the Mage Collective? From what I've heard they are a rather secretive group." Well they had to be given they were not sanctioned by the Chantry. So its members had to remain anonymous or face imprisonment or worse, be made Tranquil. "So how did a foreign elf manage to discover them?"

Sarya gulped down her pastry; "A lesson both my mothers' taught me; 'A secret can be found no matter where if you listen and look.' Doesn't matter where you find it or from whom. And I paid attention to everything I heard and saw when first coming here."

So she was attentive despite not acting like it. "And while here you heard of the Collective?"

"Brave bunch, smart too by how they do business. At least they're competent. Even you have to admit that." The hooded elf grinned before licking the icing off her lips.

"They show a modicum of intelligence." Morrigan begrudgingly admitted.

Sarya beamed as they walked around a corner to an alley; "So becoming their friends can help in the long run for us and them."

The alley, much a lot of alleys in Denerim, was dark, damp, and smelled of wet dog. But there was something here that Morrigan could feel, a hint of mana in the air. Sarya walked over a small crate tucked in a corner of the alley, behind a few large burlap sacks, and tapped her finger over it. A rune began shining open the crate, and this one opened itself like a lid.

"Found this the last time I was in Denerim, quickly realized it belonged to the Collective" Sarya helpfully informed as she went over the various letters that were found inside the hidden chest. "It's a dead drop, a place where people secretly leave packages and documents for other people in the know to pick up" She clicked her tongue as she threw some of the letters back inside. "Left them a letter a while back, hopefully they actually took it seriously..."

"If you addressed them as a foreign mage looking for them, I too would be suspicious"

"Ah! Here we are" She smiled brightly upon seeing a letter addressed to her. She opened it and began reading its content, "Miss Redoran, if your claims are true, then the Collective would be interested in meeting you. However, they are still outlandish tales, so we must still be precocious, ours is an organization hunted by the Templars and we are to ensure you do not represent a threat to us. If you're indeed a mage with skill, then you'll be able to dispel the enchantment we've placed upon this here letter, revealing our usual meeting hideout in Denerim. Sincerely, the Mages' Collective" She clicked her tongue. "Enchantment huh? Let's see..."

Morrigan drew close, watching with curiosity as Sarya waved her fingers over the letter. Arcane sigils and letters formed over the paper, before dimming down and highlighting a number select letters. The letters re-arranged upon the paper, forming a sentence.

"There we go" The dunmer in disguise smiled satisfied. "'Warehouse 5, near the docks, back alley on Vanedrin Street'" She gave the witch a bright grin. "Wanna meet mages unaffiliated with the Chantry?"

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Leliana would admit she wasn't terribly fond of Denerim. Mostly due to certain... incidents that happened to her last time she was here. Things she didn't want to dwell on. But also because it made her miss Orlais all the more. It was hypocritical to call herself Ferelden when all she could think about was her old home, a home she no longer had any chance to return to... Not that there was anything waiting for her in Orlais.

The dour brown colors that littered Denerim served only to remind her of Orlais' vibrant architecture. The tall gleaming white houses with sky blue roofs. The golden decorations and lion heraldry that seemed to dot every nook and cranny, even the darkest of Val Royoux's alleyways.

It was hard to let go, Orlais had been her home, the land where she grew up. And after having been cast aside due to Marjolaine's machinations, she found herself adrift, homeless. The Lothering Chantry had given her a place to belong, one she had willingly abandoned, but this time she didn't feel lost. Not when she had such good company.

Sofie always made her feel at ease, that regardless of where they went, Leliana could look at her side and find the tall warrior woman standing there for her. It made her feel safe. And in this task of theirs, given to them by the Maker himself, she found herself with a greater purpose, one much more important than anything her life as a bard could have given her.

It wasn't just Sofie; most of their companions were wonderful people. Fighting at their side was a privilege, and enjoying their company a great pleasure.

"Do you always wear armor everywhere you go?" The rich voice of the Amell mage questioned the nord.

...Of course, that didn't mean some of them didn't test her patience. Morrigan with her outright rude attitude. And ugh... Brianna's barely concealed attempts at flirting with Sofie. The way she clinged to the taller woman's arm made Leliana's finger twitch for one of her daggers.

"It's an adventurer thing; you will be wearing armor 90% of the time when traveling"

"That's a shame, even with your stature and build I'd think you'd look lovely in dresses" Brianna smiled saucily, her blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "It's a shame to hide this body" She pressed a hand over Sofie's bicep, squeezing the hardened flesh of the bulging limb.

"Oh I've had to be in a few dresses from time to time. I don't hate it, but I like wearing pants." Sofie bemused with a grin.

A purring sound came from Brianna; "Wish I could have been there see that."

Leliana bit back a growl as the trio had taken a few requests from the chantry board. They were currently strolling through the inner part of Denerim for a chantry a request of a missing person by Sergeant Kylon of the guard no less. It wasn't so uncommon as the former bard had explained. Despite appearances Denerim held an abundance of criminal elements roaming the city. Many the city guards just could not handle. So Kylon was open for any help he could get, even if it meant sell swords.

That reminded the Nord of a few cities back home being just as bad, well horrible more like it. Between Windhelm, Riften, and Markarth thirty years ago she wasn't sure which one was the worse of the three. Well, justice came for that bastard Ulfric, and the Blackbrair and Silver-blood families reaped the rewards of their own misdeeds. Along with every corrupt guard that filled their coin purse with their gold.

Least the Riften guards can be thankful they didn't share the fate of those in Markarth along with Thonar Silver-blood. Gods, no one in Skyrim will ever forget that day.

No matter how structured or civilized a city was, there would always be that underlying criminal elements going around. Her mother had actually used her position as Guild master of the Thieves' Guild to put a lot of the crime in the major cities under control. She enforced on the tough Skyrim thieves to follow the doctrine of their peers in other provinces. Avoid bloodshed if possible, and take care of the poor.

It was one of the ways her elven mother sought atonement for her own misdeeds. And though there was that darker side of her she could never truly let go of, Miara had raised her and her siblings to follow a better path, to be better than her. Honestly, the same could be said about their mother Serana. Though their vampiric mother was less upfront about her lessons come to think of it.

The less going into grandmother Valerica's thoughts on 'morality' the better. Or even their other Grandmother (with a capital 'G') and her own unique perspective on the matter.

Hmm, now she was starting to understand why Miara was so insistent in her teachings. Morality was a fragile thing in their family...

"As I live and breathe, that you Lady Sofie?"

The nord and her companions tensed in alarm, worried that someone had managed to recognize one of them even with the cloak on. Sofie momentarily felt some relief when she saw who it was, the same auburn hair and thick stubble, the same awful splintmail. She had met that man before, back when she first arrived in Thedas with her family.

"I remember you" She said, "Thomas, from the Blackstone Irregulars?"

"Aye" The mercenary nodded, "We heard bad stuff from Ostagar, from the boys who came back at least..." He said mournfully before shaking his head. "At least you made it out alright"

"It got close" She waved a hand at the other two women with her. "These are my companions" She specifically did not use their names for safety reasons.

"Pleasure" He nodded, "The whole world's gone insane. They say the Wardens left the king to die, but our boys who survived tell a different story"

"Then I am glad some survived to know the truth." Sofie addressed with a nod.

"Aye, I've met a few Wardens, Commander Duncan included, honorable men and women. All of them, but the words coming from the hero of river Dane can sway many." Sofie picked up on the meaning of those words as she gave a nod; "What brings you out here?"

"Chantry board, you?"

"Same, but also doing more for the Irregulars. I may have something for you as well."

Sofie gave shrug; "I'm game if it helps with coin." She peered over to Leliana and Brianna; "I'm going to speak with Thomas for a minute."

"We understand, we'll stay here." Bri smiled as the Nord warrior and mercenary walked a bit away from them to speak privately. She felt a tap on her shoulder to glance at Leliana; "Yes?"

"May we have a word Brianna?"

"Something wrong?

"Not... precisely" The bard choose her words carefully. "I wanted discuss this 'attitude' you have with Sofie"

"You mean my blatant flirting?" The mage did not mince her words, she was very much aware of what she was doing. "It's a slow process, regretfully..." She sighed to herself a touch too dramatic.

"Right" Leliana's reply came with a clipped tone. "It's becoming a touch uncomfortable. The looks, the suggestive words, how you clearly don't respect her personal space-"

"I love feeling her muscles" The Amell smirked, "Hard as rocks aren't they?"

That they were, Leliana had to agree. "Yes..." She said rather dazed before shaking her head. "So, I wanted to ask you to please tone it down"

The mage gave the taller woman an unimpressed look, seizing her up and down as she pursed her lips. "Really. So is this uncomfortable for Sofie or... for you?" She asked, already knowing the answer. "What does it matter to you if I take Sofie to my bed?"

Feeling her eye twitch, Leliana realized a tactful approach would not work on her, so Leliana went straight to the point. "Let me make it clear. You are not going to bed Sofie, not now, not ever"

"Oh my" Brianna grinned, fiddling with a lock of her raven black hair. "I did not know you were this possessive, Leli"

"I'm not possessive" The redhead quickly replied, "Sofie's not a possession"

"And here I find you, marking your territory like a mabari"

At that Leliana faintly growled as she leaned forward, letting her height add to the intimidation as she glared; "I was a bard, girl. Would you like to know what we do to people?"

Once more Brianna was unimpressed as she only grinned back; "Honey I can make lightning." At that she lifted her hand with small arcs buzzing around her fingers. "You don't scare me."

Both ladies stared at one another, one with a challenging glare, the other a long and heated gaze. This was the scene Sofie returned to as she finished speaking with Thomas. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing." Both ladies chorused as she broke off from their respected stares.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

"You know I could have handled him." Miara bemused as she and Serana had left their dwarven friends to roam about Denerim for work.

Serana rolled her eyes; "And we both know you outclass him and would have made a mockery of him."

Not long after bidding farewell to Gorim, Bodahn, and Sandal they ran into an aged knight in full plate armor. A Ser Landry, a survivor of Ostagar who mistook the lovers as Wardens since they spent all their time with them. Neither could persuade the man nor make back him down since he firmly believed the Warden had abandoned the king to die. So he wanted to duel them both to avenge the king.

While the hidden Dunmer had no problems facing down the idiot, Serana was not in the mood and charmed him into returning home with hypnotism.

Regardless, they had their own job to do. Gin had confided in Miara he'd worked with a prominent member of the Ferelden Thieves' Guild, a man known as 'Slim Couldry'. Having information from the underground would be very useful for them in the long run, so it was better to enlist his services now. They did not want to bother the city elf now that he got the chance to meet with his family, and they wanted to get to know the kind of thieves around these parts on their own.

Couldry ran his own trading emporium and delivery service, one didn't have to travel far from the market place to find a moderately large building with the words 'Couldry's Cauldron' hanging from a sign shaped like a balance scale, a near universal sign for a trading office.

As they entered, they saw it was a typical trading business that dealt with all manner of goods. Ranging from weapons and apparel to even jewelry and potions. All of them neatly arranged in specific shelves and racks. Miara suspected they kept their less than legal items hidden away safely where the guards wouldn't find them.

At the end of the shop, behind a desk, was a large bellied (clearly his title was ironic) man with red hair and a slight stubble under his lip, looking over a ledger as he filled the numbers. Next to him was a very dark skinned elven woman, brown hair tied up in a knot, taking notes from whatever he was talking to her about.

Their presence was soon noticed, and the large man smiled jovially. "Ahh, new costumers. What I can help you with?"

Miara smiled, not in a friendly way, but rather it was a gesture she learnt over years of work with thieves. "Greetings, I am Miara Redoran, this is my beloved Serana Volkihar. We are interested in making business with you"

"Well, you will find no better prices than my shop"

"I actually was thinking of other... 'business avenues' I hear you dabble in"

She had to hand it to him, he kept his expression casual. He shrugged, "I'm afraid I do not know what you mean"

"You don't need to keep up the act, I'm a friend of Gin's" The dunmer in disguise leaned forward, keeping her smile. "And a fellow acquirer of rare goods"

Serana took note of the small bodily shift from the elven woman beside Slim. While the man himself remained unfazed, getting a long look at both ladies; "Ah I recognize you both. The foreigners from this far off land called Tamriel. The alienage has never been so chatty when you came to visit them Lady Redoran."

"I was there." The elven woman remarked; "Still hard to believe our people have their own kingdoms and rule themselves and not under the Shems."

Slim gave a nod; "It is hard to believe isn't it Dirana. That not all our people are broken as we are."

That garnered both ladies attention with Miara's brow cocked; "Your people?" She took a longer look at the man before he took notice of the detail of his ear. And having a very elven point to them. "You're a Mer."

"Mer... Ah yes, that's what the elves call themselves in Tamriel correct?" Dirana nodded to Slim's question. "Indeed, I am elf though half as many would like to remind me." The man got up from his chair. "I grew up in the alienage with my mother and her family. Dirana here is my cousin."

"You came far to earn this place." Miara quipped.

"Wasn't easy by any means. Being a half-breed bastard many judge you on that alone. Took many years to get where I am. Was even able to get my family good work here." Slim walked around his desk; "Yet you say Gin confided to you that I am may do less than reputable work?"

"When Gin heard me talking about doing the same sort of work myself, he thought he could trust me with this" She said, resting her hands on her hips.

Slim's eyes slightly widened in realization. "Ahhhh a fellow thief then. Independent or guild? If Tamriel has guilds"

"Skyrim's Thieves Guild, the northernmost land of Tamriel" Miara stated, keeping a proud smirk on her lips. "Guild master for nearly a decade"

"Ahh! A woman intimately familiar with the business then" He joined his hands, his voice adopting a greater jovial tone. "You had my curiosity, now you have my attention. Please, come with me to my office" He motioned for them to follow him to the room at the back. "Dirana, please watch over the shop in the meantime"

"Of course" The dark skinned elven woman replied. And Serana noticed her stealthily hiding a dagger inside her dress. Impressive, she hadn't seen her take it out before.

He led them through a door that lead to a modest sized office, where inside laid a large desk with various stacks of papers and letters over it. A few shelves with books on various subjects, and finally a three comfy looking chairs with red cushions, one behind the desk and the other two in front of it.

"Now" Couldry took his seat, waving at them to do so as well. Once they did, he joined his hands together. "From one professional to another, how may I help you?"

"Loghain has declared our companions traitors" Miara said, her voice firm to emphasize the severity of the situation. "The Wardens, which includes Gin" If Couldry liked the young city elf, then he would be more inclined to help them.

"Indeed, and it's only a matter of time before word reaches his ears that some Wardens survived" Slim said, "He'll send people after them"

"We need to know what he plans to do. For that we need information" Miara said, leaning back in the chair with one leg crossed over the other. "I'm willing to pay for you to let us your guild's chain of contacts. Share what you find about Loghain"

"I'm afraid it's much more serious than that" Couldry said, his voice turning grim. "The country is divided after the Landsmeet; it's only a matter of time before infighting truly starts. That'll make things even more difficult for my people, more dangerous. If I'm taking a risk for you I expect something in return"

"We have money" Serana brought up. "Lots of it"

"Your coin is foreign, and it can traced. We could smelt it down and reforge it yes, but that has its own issues. Nobody is dumb enough to steal a royal seal for crafting sovereigns that involves the entire guard on a warpath to find them. We risk too much attention that way"

Pragmatic and smart, he was a good guild master. "What about precious gems?" The hidden dunmer asked.

"Hmm, tempting. But I actually was thinking on something more practical" He said, "We get you information; you do a few jobs for us in return"

The dunmer saw where this was going and soon smile; "Do some jobs, prove ourselves and earn your trust."

"And we both earn coin along the way. Maybe enough on your end so not to use your nation's coin. And you earn information that helps you and the wardens." Slim paused; "I honestly have many doubts that the Wardens betrayed the king. But given this comes from Loghain who is a national hero, many are swayed by his words alone."

Miara and Serana had seen that before... And as far as the Dragonborn was concerned this won't be like Skyrim if she can help it. "So what jobs do you have currently?"

Slim's eyes rose; "Eager for work?"

"Eager to prove myself an asset for you and your guild. And once things settled, maybe have talks with my guild."

"I like the sound of that." Slim grinned as he looked over several papers and pushed them forward on his desk; "Once done I have a contact at the Pearl or come back here." Opening a drawer he placed a small ornate gemstone; "The contact will know you're working for me with that."

Serana rolled her eyes seeing the smile on her lover's lips as she took the papers and small gemstone. Well, this will keep them busy for a bit.

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"While I imagine the color of my skin is particularly intriguing to you, good people. This is not among the subjects I wanted to discuss"

"Ah, our apologies. It's simply intriguing to know there is actually such variety of elven kind elsewhere in the world"

Morrigan did not share that sentiment at the moment, "I do believe your mothers would not approve of you revealing your true form to people, again"

"I wouldn't take you for one to listen to mothers" The now revealed dunmer replied flippantly.

Having followed the letter's instructions, they quickly found the abandoned warehouse that was protected by magical wards, which were easy for Sarya to detect. After knocking on the supposedly empty building, they were received a group of robed mages who carefully observed them, keeping their staves up and their spells prepared in case they would try anything.

Sarya took it in stride, revealing herself to be the same person who had written to them weeks ago... along with dropping the illusion that masked her skin and eye color.

There were questions, many questions, of course. Which the Dunmer was all too happy to answer.

"Ahh you paint an ideal picture, my lady" The man in charge of Denerim's Collective, a swarthy skinned bald man by the name of Marellion, said dreamily. "Magic academies seen as prestigious institutions, minimal government oversight, and no religious dogma imposed on them. And the ability to go wherever you want as a free individual... the only thing that trumps all that is your claim that magic is something innate within ALL the peoples of Tamriel. Which, I find it hard to believe"

"Maybe one day you'll see what the Tamrielic magical scenery is with your own eyes" She smiled at the gathered mages of the Collective. "I was by chance I came upon the knowledge of your society's existence. Would you mind sharing with me what it is the Collective does?"

"We want to work as mages without the Chantry oversight" Marellion said, crossing his arms. "The Chantry hoards mages into their Circles, and few times do they even allow them to work for the populace. Sadly, the only time that happens is when there are plagues, or the Circles are drafted into war"

Morrigan rolled her eyes, pathetic.

"But that is such a waste of potential, the practical uses magic has. The Chantry could be setting up clinics with mage healers; they just need to station a few Templars. But they do not even entertain the thought" He spoke passionately, he really believed in what he was talking about. "So the Collective works by dealing with matters the Chantry won't allow the Circles to do. That includes proper investigation of Maleficar; we know the difference between a mage who just wants to live in peace and a dangerous one who dabbles in dark arts. At times we help some mages evade the Circle, so long as it doesn't compromise our organization"

"Your activities also include selling magical items through a dark market?" Sarya asked with a raised brow.

"Um, well" He looked embarrassed. "We need to make money somehow. The smuggling of items is big part of our business."

"What about long term goals, don't you want to remove the inane Chantry oversight?"

"If only it were so simple" Marellion sighed, "Unfortunate, only the Fraternities can deal with the Circle politics. We are an underground group made up of apostates and members inside the Circles, our clients and operations are secret, according to Chantry law, we are criminals. Not unlike the Thieves' Guild. So we try to maintain a low profile and not ruffle the hornet's nest"

These people walked a very fine line, and they were all brave to even try such things given the Chantry's hold over Thedas.

A female mage sighed as she leaned against the wall; "And then there is populace, many deeply fear magic in large part because of the Chantry." She held her staff close; "I've seen what villagers can do when driven to hysterics." She shuddered.

"Sadly the masses are like idle sheep." Morrigan quipped; "Most do not have their own coherent thought save what is told to them."

"Your friend is not wrong." Marellion expressed before looking to the Telvanni mage; "Would there be a way to get in contact with your mage guilds in Tamriel?"

Sarya tapped her chin; "I think stopping the Darkspawn and the budding civil war in Ferelden should take priority."

There came grunt from an elven mage with fair skin and short brunette hair; "Not sure what we can do for either of those. At least not openly if we don't want Chantry after us."

"Then what can I do to help?" Sarya beamed; "have to build up trust between us right?"

"That would be beneficial lass," An elderly man spoke with a non-Ferelden accent.

"Now!" With a skip in her step, she went over to one of the walls and began tracing her finger over a support beam. Blue marks that faintly glowed with arcane energy forming from where her finger trailed. "I'll laid down a Mark and Recall rune here, that'll allow me to come over whenever"

The mages shared a confused look amongst themselves. "Mark and Recall?" The collective elven mage asked.

"Basically it allows me to teleport from one place to another"

Even Morrigan had to do a stupefied double take at her statement.

"What?!" The female mage from before blurted out. "T-Teleport?! But that's impossible! You can't just transfer your own mass and matter over distances! That would require you to split your body to the smallest substances and transfer it while still somehow keeping your mind together! The other alternative is opening a rift through space, but alone is just-!"

"Look, I can teleport. Don't argue with the mage whose lands have cultivated magic for thousands of years, you will lose. Badly"

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Miara and Serana were first to arrive at The Pearl after doing all the work for Slim and returning to his shop. And discovered it was more than just simple homey tavern. If the array of beautiful men and woman (Be they human, Elf, or dwarf) roaming about in revealing garments gave it away. Smart and clever having a Brothel at the docks, many sailors coming in after long days at sea. And eager to pay coin to 'relieve' all their pent up stress.

And the proprietor kept her establishment at a refined level. Both were greeted by Madam Sanga at the door, her beauty only matched by her sharp mind as they spoke before entering.

"She acts uncaring but is anything but." Miara remarked as she and her lover sat at the bar. "Reminds me of that Brothel in Blacklight."

Serana snorted; "Less stingy compared to that weirdo in Morrowind at least."

The dunmer looked over the selection of drinks they had on the shelf The Ferelden beer had NOT left a good impression on her, so maybe their mead would be better perhaps...

"Don't bother with the local stuff" A rich accented voice from the edge of the bar said, "Try antivan whiskey, by the far the best they have here"

Miara's fake blue eyes shifted to the side and- Oh sweet Dibella's heaving bosom. Sitting there was a woman whose looks just demanded attention. Dark tanned skin without blemish, long curly dark locks wrapped under a blue bandana. She wore plenty of jewelry, including a large piece around her neck and two large earrings hanging from her lobes, with one piercing on her lower lip. Her clothing left little to the imagination. Her legs (gods those long toned legs...) covered in leather boots so high they reached her lower thighs, she wore no pants, and the only things covering her underwear was blue sash tied to her waist, and the flap of a sleeveless white shirt that showed her very generous and prominent cleavage.

"Well, hello there~" A wide smile formed on Miara's lips, drinking the sight of the woman before her like fine wine. "Who might you be, my dear?"

"Isabela" She said with a faint flourish of her hand, "Captain Isabela of the Siren's Call, at your service" She added with a wink.

By her attire Miara could tell the woman was no sailor from any official navy, much less a trader. No, it was clear this woman was a privateer, perhaps a pirate. Miara knew those sea dogs came in all manner of flavors, from the rogue and daring to the true scum who were no better than bandits of the seas. She wondered how Isabela tasted like then.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Isabela" The dunmer turned up the charm, making sure to add an extra husky tone to her voice. "I am Miara Redoran, and I sail from lands you've never heard of"

"I consider myself a well-traveled sailor." She said, her voice carrying a sense of smugness to it. "There aren't any seas I have not sailed through"

Now it was Miara's turn to smile smugly. "I come from Tamriel"

"...That's new" The pirate said, her eyes shining with interest

A pair of hands clasped Miara's shoulders as Serana leaned herself beside her lover; "You have no idea," The vampire purred with a seductive smile. Clearly she liked what see saw as much as Miara; "Serana Volkihar, and we'd loved to tell you anything you like to know." Miara shivered hearing that deep husky change to her lover's voice.

Now Isabela's eye gleamed as her smile not only returned but grew almost hungry; "Oh I would love to learn your culture and ways. And would just enjoy showing both you ladies Rivain hospitality." she purred back

"We would so love that," the lovers' chorused.

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"When you said tavern..." Neria slowly spoke as her cheeks grew more and more scarlet; "This wasn't what I was expecting." Her eyes grew several sizes as a half-naked and very muscular man walked passed her.

"It's a tavern that happens to also be a brothel." The former noble cleared his throat "Madam Sanga is a nice person. So long as you don't cause a fuss or hurt her employees."

Sofie cocked her head with a teasing grin; "You sound familiar with 'Madam Sanga'."

"I was wilder when younger and before meeting Iona. That's all I'm saying."

The group had slowly met up with one another as they entered the docks and made their way towards the Pearl. For the more pure among them (Alistair and Neria), they blushed heavily at the people roaming around the establishment. Brianna however could not stop smiling; "Can we stay for the night?"

"Bri!" Her elven friend hissed back. Both Bran and Loke sniffed around as they roamed around the tavern/brothel.

"If you have the coin" Gin merely replied, unperturbed by the nature of the establishment.

"Oh right, I have to pay for sex here" The human mage was honestly considering her options. "I mean, it's not exactly how I imagined the first time I'd sleep with someone outside the Circle. Wanted to try my skills at seducing" She gave a discrete look to Sofie's way. Leliana caught it, and had to suppress a growl.

"First times are supposed to be 'special', people say" The city elf said, doing air quotations.

"I said 'outside the Circle', not 'first time ever'" Her smile grew devious. "Doing it hiding from Templars, now that's a rush"

"Hmmmmm..." Neria let out a pitiful sound as she tightened her hood around her ears, not really wanting to know more about her friend's sex life. It was bad enough she had shared with her EVERY DETAIL of her first experience with a man before... and somehow, it was even worse when she also shared the details of her first time with a woman...

"Speaking of deviancy and debauchery" The swamp witch dryly quipped, "Where are Miara and Serana, shouldn't they be waiting for us right now"

Sofie's tone actually managed to sound even more deadpanning than Morrigan's. "Most likely rented a room..."

"They're here" Sarya mumbled unenthusiastically. "I can feel them... with company..."

"Seriously?" Alistair and Neria bemoaned while Sten only grunted with his arms crossed.

Marcus walked up to the bar and greeted the keep who nodded to him; "Did two ladies, one elf and very tall Avvar come here?"

"Aye, they went with Captain Isabela for a spell."

Sarya walked over; "Is this Isabela beautiful?"

"Oh sweet Maker is she ever..."

"We're going to be here for a while." Sofie grunted.

That made Neria squawked as she came over to the Nord woman. "B-But your parents are..."

"You have heard of open relationships haven't you?" Sofie cocked a brow as the elf's cheeks grew red once more. That left a few speechless as she rolled her eyes; "They believe in having fun."

Sarya took over as she droned "And share their bed with anyone that strikes their fancy once in a while. And can be more than just... one" She couldn't stop a giggle at the sight of Neria and Alistair's faces turning bright red.

"Well that must have made for an interesting upbringing" Marcus idly commented as he paid for a couple of tables, both at the edge of the bar, away from any possible prying eyes and ears. He didn't notice a brown haired man with two long braids and simple clothes, sitting at the end of the bar, looking their way.

As they made themselves comfortable, with Sten choosing to stand up with his back against the wall, Morrigan took a swig of her mug, making a face as clearly the swill did not suit her tastes. "I cannot believe your mothers are that... open"

"Here I thought you'd understand" Sarya commented, stealthily casting a spell on her own mug to make it taste better.

"Why would I?"

"Well, you being a wildling and all-"

"-am supposed to embrace the idea of people just doing whatever they want when already they have a lover?" Morrigan sneered, "Please"

"Huh, who would have thought" Alistair drawled, "The Witch believes in committed relationships"

"It's more along the lines that I don't like other people playing with my own toys"

"Ah, now that's more in line with what I was expecting from you"

Bringing their conversation to order, Marcus leaned forward of his seat. "So, I trust your personal affairs are in order?"

"I... met my dad" Neria smiled ever so softly, Brianna placed a hand upon hers, letting her know she was happy for her. "It's so very strange, knowing he's here and..." She sighed, though the smile never diminished. "We'll try to keep in touch somehow. But for now I'm happy to know that he's still in my life"

"Good" The noble born warrior nodded, his voice growing distant for a moment. "Treasure that, Neria" The elven mage knew he spoke from experience; she dared not bring up painful memories so she merely gave him a thankful nod. "Now, to business. Howe has gotten Loghain's ear, he's branded the Wardens traitors... alongside with my family" He ignored the looks of outrage and shock in their faces, now wasn't the time for pity. "Have you been able to procure anything of use?"

"Supplies and money are accounted for" Sofie spoke up, "Meanwhile; I've entered a partnership with the Blackstone Irregular mercenaries. We'll have their support in the coming battles if I hold up my part of the bargain and do some contracts for them"

"I've heard of them, they're talented" Marcus nodded in approval.

"The Mages' Collective is willing to lend us some contacts and items" Sarya said, "We'll be better prepared to deal with the Circle of Magi and the Chantry with whatever information they can give us"

"Will the Circle present trouble?" Neria asked, "The Treaties pretty much force them to aid us, even the Chantry and Templars can't do anything about it"

"It never hurts to be prepared" Brianna pointed out, "Kinloch Hold is amongst the most stable Circles, but after what happened with the Dalish, I wouldn't be surprised if something else stops them from lending us aid"

"This is absurd" The dalish among them said with growing irritation, "We are supposed to save this land, and yet we are forced to sneak like thieves to do so" It did not make any sense to Theron.

"I don't like it as much as you do" Marcus said in understanding before directing his gaze to Gin, "Speaking of thieves" He tried not to make his tone too judgmental, "My first instinct when it comes to the Thieves' Guild is to put any of them in a cell... but these are desperate times. What about the Guild, can we make use of their network of information?"

"Miara and Serana said they'd handle it" Gin shrugged, "Told me to go see my family" He paused as he looked at his cup; "Things are okay." He muttered as he looked up to Marcus; "Anyways, if those two met Slim and proved themselves we got more friends then."

Theron glanced over; "Trusting in thieves..."

"Hey." Gin pointed a finger at the Dalish warrior; "Call me and Slim whatever you want I don't care. But the guild made damn sure the poor and Alienage were cared for as best we could. Better than the damn shem lords." Gin remarked with an edge before peering to Marcus; "No offense."

"None taken, Iona told me a lot. Honestly I never understood why Anora or Cailan didn't take better care of this place." It wasn't like the capitol was low on money.

Leliana sipped her mug with a small sneer, Ferelden ale never tasted well. "We should discuss what we do next."

"Um, excuse me." A man voice caught their attention as they all turned their heads. A man in simple clothes with brunette hair with long braids in the front of his face. He lightly backed up at the imposing sight of Sten staring him down. "Please I don't mean to interrupt, my name is Levi Dryden."

That got Alistair's attention; "Dryden... I recall Duncan telling about meeting someone named Dryden."

"That's me. I knew Duncan, he was good honorable man. And I'll never believe the lies coming from the court. I came to him on something I found, something the Wardens I know would like to have back. Soldier's Peak"

Marcus's eye grew in recognition; "Are you sure? That fortress was lost since The Storm Age."

"Aye, after that mess with king Arland and the Warden were banished. The place was forgotten"

"So" Brianna asked, "You want us to help you recover it"

The man wringed his hands in embarrassment, "I-I know it's a lot to ask, you guys have a lot in your plate and all what with the Blight. But... well, Duncan made me a promised, it would help clear my family name"

Marcus frowned in confusion, "Your family...?" His eyes suddenly snapped open in recognition, "Oh sweet Maker, now I remember. The Dryden family..."

"Ohhhh of course!" Neria smiled as knowledge from her studies surged to the surface. "The Warden Commander during the time of King Arland was Sophia Dryden, it was she who..." Upon seeing the expression on Levi's face, her smile slowly diminished until it disappeared, "Lead an uprising against the king" She lamely muttered.

"I assure you that's not what happened" The man replied strongly. "I believe I can find proof of my family's innocence in that fortress"

"Look, Levi" Marcus sighed tiredly, "On another time, I would have loved to help you" Recovering pieces of Ferelden history was very important for him after all. "But now we're pressed for time, and honestly we don't have any use for a fortress. Our quest will take us throughout Ferelden constantly. Recovering Soldier's Peak will be a waste of time" At that, Morrigan and Sten nodded in agreement.

Levi's shoulder sagged, all hope vanishing from his face, ready to give up.

"Actually... we may be able to use it"

Until Sarya's soft voice spoke up, making all gazes turn to her. Her eyes looked lost, shifting as though she was looking at opportunities presenting themselves in front of her, a hand cupping her chin.

A smile slowly broke in her lips, "We turn the fortress into a hub point for our party and still continue our quest without wasting time traveling"

Confused looks were exchanged. "How so?" Sofie asked, before her own eyes widened. "Unless you mean..."

Her sister's smile grew bigger, "By installing a Rune travel system. I call it fast travel but the Mages Guild loves the flare."

"Huh?" a few in their party quipped.

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Soldier's Peak…. Are you ready?