Disclaimer: We do not own the Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age series.
Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23
Calm before the Storm
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Serana groaned as she turned over on the bed, wrapping the blankets closer to her naked form. Her body utterly exhausted but thoroughly satisfied. She hummed pleasantly when Miara's arms wrapped around her, the dunmer's chin resting on her shoulder as she nuzzled close.
"Well you were... full of energy there" The vampire muttered, this particular session of their lovemaking had been very invigorating.
"I got really excited thinking about all the things I could make with the star metal" Miara admitted.
Serana rolled her eyes. "You don't need to tell me that. You moaning out the kinds of weapons and armor that came to your mind kinda gave it away. Could use less of that next time we have sex you know?"
"Sorry..." The dunmer's ears dipped in shame. "It's just that I never had the chance to work star metal before"
"So, you're saying you got off on that dumb rock rather than me?" The vampire droned in her usual snark.
"Oh honey," Miara purred back with a smile as Serana gasped as the Dunmer's hands moved over the Nord's body. One hand caressing a breast, the other going down further and reaching her lover's womanhood. "You're in a league all your own." Serana shuddered feeling the Dunmer's fingers massage her newly aroused nipple and teasing her flower.
The Nordic vampire bit her lip; "N-no fair..."
"When do I ever play fair?" Miara whispered and kissed her lover's neck.
"I'm surprised" The vampire huskily said as the dunmer assaulted her neck, "You haven't worked on that thing yet"
"And leave you hanging like this? Please, I'm not so cruel" Miara laughed, "That and I haven't made up my mind on what to do"
Serana rolled her eyes, "Good to know"
"Come now" The Dragonborn hungrily eyed her, "We have time, let's seize the day"
The vampire laughed as the dragon loomed over her and claimed her prize.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Alistair paced through Sophia's old office, bereft of armor and donning a simple linen shirt and long pants. His hands resting on his waist as he looked over the various maps of Ferelden and its regions displayed on a large war table. He couldn't tear his eyes from one place in particular.
Redcliffe, Maker it's been soon long since he's been there. He both looked forward to going back to the place he grew up, and dreaded it at the same time.
Arl Eamon was a good man, loyal, reasonable... but he was also a pragmatic man. Alistair knew what he'd ask of them the moment they crossed the gates and met him to request his support against Loghain. He knew far too well what would happen.
Loghain had gone mad, Anora did not dare challenge him... and his brother Cailan laid dead amongst countless others at Ostagar. Eamon would ask him to be their instrument to spearhead their opposition to the regent with a great show of legitimacy. This meant everyone finding out the truth about him.
Maker he seriously had hoped it wouldn't come to it. But with their current circumstances, and the fact that Redcliffe was their most logical next destination, the former Templar knew his secret would finally come to light.
And then, it would all change. Things always changed when his lineage came up. He didn't want to be Alistair of the Theirin bloodline; he wanted to be Alistair, the wise-cracking Warden.
A sigh escaped his lips, "Going to need a pint for this..."
"You seem distressed." Marcus voice caught his attention as he glanced to the door of the room. Much like his friend, the former noble wore simple clothes as he strolled inside. "So our next sojourn is to Redcliffe, Eamon."
The former Templar nodded; "How well do you know him?"
"I know he is one the better nobles in Ferelden. Remember my father, mother and him having quite a few discussions during a visit to Redcliffe when I was boy. I got along with him alright, heh. Even approved my future marriage to Iona. Said; 'Boundaries only remain until someone makes the first step.'" Marcus chuckled.
"Sounds like him. Guess he would know given his own wife being Orlesian." A snort came from Alistair; "Maker did that cause an uproar."
The Cousland grunted; "That is being polite." He stepped up to the war table. His eyes stared at the map; "Glad he kept his senses with all this madness."
"Arl Eamon has always been a just man" The senior Warden said, "I know he'll help us" Though he did not mean to, Alistair couldn't keep the unease out of his voice. Something that did not go unnoticed by the young noble.
"Okay, you seriously are distressed" Marcus said, looking at Alistair with concern evident in his blue eyes. "Is there something going on, Alistair?"
"I..." The Warden trailed, pausing as he sighed. There really wasn't any way out of this, was there? The truth would come out one way or another. Marcus would eventually find out, being the leader of their party. And in the time they've traveled together he's shown himself to be a good man, someone who cared for the wellbeing of his companions while also focusing on their task.
Alistair could honestly he respected him, in Marcus he saw the leader the former Templar knew he himself could never be. If there was someone he could confide with, it was Marcus.
"Look, there is something I've been keeping secret" Well, here goes nothing. The Warden paced, scratching the back of his head, gaze to the floor. "Something that will come out in Redcliffe"
Marcus pursed his lips, slowly nodding. "Go on"
"I'm a bastard; you see" Alistair bluntly said, "The son of someone important"
"Oh Andraste" The Cousland rubbed his eyes, letting out a long sigh. "You're Eamon's son, aren't you?"
"Um, no. Heh, Maker that'd make things so much easier" He nervously said, "Nah, I ah- I'm the son of someone higher in the ranks you could say"
"Higher in the ranks?" Marcus repeated confusingly, not understanding where the other man was going with this. "Higher... than an arl"
"Yeeeah like, perhaps um..." Alistair winced in anticipation at the reaction that was bound to come; "A king?"
Immense shock etched on the Cousland's face slowly as realization hit. "Y-you're Maric's son..." Oh sweet Maker above...
"Yup."
"I heard... stories..." Marcus was trying to collect himself and failing; "Even my parents said the late king fooled around far too much" The rumors about some potential bastard being out there was fairly possible to the people who knew Maric.
Alistair nodded; "Oh he did, how I'm here." He grinned before sighing as he rested his hands on the table; "Felt it best to tell you given where we are going next."
For a moment the former noble couldn't speak despite his mouth moving. He shook his head clearing his throat; "Who... was your mother if I can ask?"
"Eamon told me it was a maid girl father charmed. Died giving birth to me. But since I'm a bastard I was kept far away from Denerim. Arl Eamon looked after me, sort of. Slept with the hounds and horses but wasn't mistreated. Then Isolde became the arl's wife. Woman utterly despised my very existence. She knew I was bastard, but she thought I was Eamon's"
Marcus gave his friend a look; "He never told Isolde?"
"Barely a handful of people know who my father was. But for Isolde, just having me around was a slight to her. You can guess who convinced Eamon to send me to the Templars."
"I think I should have words with that woman" The Cousland said with disappointment and disgust in his voice.
"Please don't start anything on my behalf, I'm okay with it, it's all behind me now alright?" Alistair pleaded with him. "Look, I wanted to bring this up because I just know Eamon will suggest a crazy thing, like me becoming king"
Marcus remained silent for a moment, enough to make Alistair nervous.
"Why would that be crazy?"
"'Why would-?' Marcus have you met ME?" The son of Maric said incredulously, gesturing at himself with both hands. "I'm not a king; I'm barely even a leader. Maker's sake, I don't even know how to lead a group of people"
"But Alistair, the country-"
"No! No" Alistair firmly said, "I don't want the throne. I grew up my whole life pretty much being told I'd never be anything more than Alistair, son of a random maid, I don't need that in my life okay? I wasn't prepared for it, I'm... I'm not suited for it"
The Cousland slowly exhaled, "Pardon me for saying so, but you don't think too high of yourself"
"Miara says that a lot. Scolds me when I do it. You would think she was my mother." Alistair gave a snort.
"Because she likely sees more in you than even you think."
The former Templar grunted; "Alright then why not you take the throne? The Couslands have been the oldest family in Ferelden. Even more than my own."
"Did you already forget I was stripped of nobility thanks to that bastard Rendon? And I am not marrying Anora because we both know she won't relinquish the throne. And I will not put Iona or Amethyne through that." Marcus took a deep breath. He also knew Ferelden nobility would never accept an elf as Queen. And one of the more hateful among them likely hire assassins every time they turn around to go after them. No, he would not put either of them or his and Iona's future children at risk. "Fergus had the mind for politics, not me. I am just a warrior."
"And so am I, I'd be more likely to punch or say the wrong thing to some highborn and cause a damn war for the dumbest of reasons."
Marcus rubbed his eyes in exasperation; "Will you even think about it?"
"Already did!" Alistair quipped happily.
"Alistair, I know this is asking a lot of you. But you're Calenhad's heir!" The Warden scoffed at the remark, rolling his eyes and waving him off. "I'm serious. You hold a greater claim to the throne than Anora ever could, we can rally the nobility against Loghain, force him to stand down"
"And place someone who has no experience on the throne, great plan" Alistair gave him a sarcastic smile. "Look, I've grown up all my life being told I won't ever get the through, that this is my lot in life. And I'm fine with it, I'm HAPPY with my life being like this" Here, being a Warden, this is where he had to be.
"We can't escape responsibility, Alistair" The Cousland warned him, "It catches up to us, one way or another"
"Oh, so first I'm thrown aside by Maric, and now it's MY responsibility to sit on the damn chair" Alistair bitterly remarked, letting his arms fall to his side in exasperation. "I was never in charge of my life in the first place" He didn't regret becoming a Warden, but the more he looked back on his life he could see how little agency he had over it.
Marcus' mouth opened and closed multiple times, struggling to find the right words. The young Cousland sighed, running a hand through his black locks before giving his companion an apologetic look. "I don't want to force this on you, Alistair. I truly don't"
The Warden returned his gaze, "But you will"
"...But I will" Marcus admitted, his voice heavy. "Because I must think of Ferelden"
Alistair let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he approached the door. "And that's what I admire about you Marcus, you know how to lead people, you know how make choices, even if they're hard. You're a leader... and I know myself well enough to know I'm not one"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The early mountain air was crisp as the morning sun rose over Solder's Peak. Dressed in her leathers with a thick fur hooded cloak, Leliana held her bow in her hands as she walked through the dense trees. Beside her was Sofie, now adorned in what she called Nordic carved armor made by her elven mother. As they had left the Peak she remarked her armor was different since made from ebony, rubedite, and rubedo Hide with ancestor silk.
In her hands was a Nordic bow as she kept footsteps utterly silent. "You know," the former Bard lightly grinned; "As much as you say you're a warrior you walk like a rogue." She muttered brightly.
"Comes from having two mothers who are literal stealth masters. Oryrn and Sarya learned it to. Can't hear them move unless they want you to. Plus, enchantments are a big help." The nord grinned back. "Though as animated as my little sister is, you will hear her whether you like it or not."
Leliana giggled at that. It really wasn't an exaggeration to be honest; the redhead never met such an active person outside of Marian Hawke. "When do you think your sister will be back with the others?"
"With her, I don't even try to guess."
It sounded so fantastical to Leliana, to travel to the other side of the world to a faraway distant land in an instant. Magic was truly a wondrous thing. Leliana lamented the fact the Chantry did not endorse the practices that could truly help man as much as they should. The fear of the south becoming like Tevinter was ever present in their minds.
Oh Leliana had a hundred questions for when they got back. What kind of people did they meet? How was the culture there? Things such as the writing, the customs, the clothing. Ohhhh the shoes! They must have some very interesting footwear.
Sofie was always telling her the most fascinating tales. Villains she would pursue, powerful creatures she would hunt. The deer they were hunting were not exactly the apex of majestic or mystical creatures, but Leliana thought any activity with Sofie was bound to be an adventure in and of itself. She always manages to make the bard smile and laugh.
Following the tracks on the snow, the bard spotted an average sized deer. The tracks were fresh so it couldn't be far. There, further in the trees she spotted it. A doe, grazing on a patch of frost covered grass, completely unaware of their approach.
"All yours" The nord offered with a nod and a smile.
The cold did little to stop her nimble fingers from deftly knocking an arrow, she steadied her breath as she aimed and exhaled as she let loose. The arrow pierced the doe, this one let out a cry as it fell. Quickly, Leliana jogged towards the fallen animal; taking out her knife she put it out of its misery before it could suffer any more, and offered a silent prayer to the Maker, asking forgiveness for this noble beast's sacrifice.
"Nice" Sofie said with approval, "Very swift kill. Your draw, your aim, all of them was very fast" The warrior scratched her chin. "Gotta say, I seldom have seen you miss in battle"
Once more the beautiful redhead smiled; "I was always very good with the bow. Even as a little girl. Quite a few people remarked I could rival the Dalish."
"You could give a Bosmer a workout." And that was a compliment.
"Thank you. So how many more deer you think we need?"
Sofie rubbed her chin; "Maybe three more, I can carry them back."
"I have no doubt you could" Leliana quipped. Sofie was ridiculously strong like that. It made her wonder if she would weight as a feather when carried by those large arms of hers-
The bard had to shake those thoughts away. She was getting very careless lately, thinking about Sofie like that on inappropriate moments. She wanted to show the warrior more respect than just looking at her like a piece of meat. Unlike some other people she could name right now...
Alright, she was no longer lying to herself about 'liking' Sofie like that (ugh thinking it like that she sounded like such a child). It was hard not to, Sofie was very attractive, sweet, kind, honorable. Basically the idealistic wandering adventurer in Leliana's mind, who had pretty much swept her right off her feet.
She wanted for Sofie to return those feelings, not just sleep with her. Otherwise Leliana would have already pulled every single trick she learnt as a bard to take Sofie to bed. And while the prospect was very much... tantalizing to the redhead, Leliana wanted more than that. That hopelessly romantic heart of hers wanted the ideal.
A simple but tender hold of hands, dinner by candles, long walks where they could talk about mere banalities because their company was all that was needed to make each other's day bright.
It was a... slow process, Leliana would admit. She had seduced people before, many men and women, but she had never tried to make someone develop actual feelings for her. She... wasn't sure she knew how to do it. Last time she thought someone could return her feelings it-
No, push those thoughts away Leliana. It wasn't worth it.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Hammer strikes echoed throughout the area outside the peak. In her Blacksmith clothes and apron, the dragonborn was hard at work making the new gear for her companions. The hot metal moved on the anvil like clay from the elf's hammer. Her eyes focused, tuned out from the world around her save the figure that stood near the table that held all the crafting material.
Levi rubbed his chin; "Don't think I ever seen any metal like before. Don't think even my brother Mikhael work on something like this."
"Your brother is a smith?" She asked while working.
Levi chuckled; "As my brother put it, he refused to be fat like most of our relatives. Been in the trade well over twenty winters." His gazed turned to the elven woman; "Would you be insulted that I summoned him here to help out?"
"Please, I'd welcome it." Miara snorted; "More smiths the better, especially if they're good at the craft."
"He might hate bragging but I don't. I say he could even rival Master Wade in Denerim."
Strolling up to them Bodahn whistled as he watched Miara work the steel; "Have to say mum, you work metal like a Dwarf. Maybe even like Paragon Branka."
"Thank you" She didn't know much of dwarven culture, but if it had the word 'paragon' on it then it was high praise in her mind. "So, how is your business going from here Bodahn?"
"Ahh just marvelous! Master Levi here has made me a very generous offer" He nodded to the human who nodded back with a smile, "We've just entered a partnership you see!"
"Master Bodahn has contacts with the dwarven merchant guild" Levi explained brightly, "He gets his business being an intermediary between them and other smaller guilds and enterprises. With my own connections we are selling fine dwarven goods to our usual clients"
"I'm happy to hear that" Miara sincerely said, "It's better than to go traveling around Ferelden with a Blight going"
Bodahn nodded; "I feel better knowing my boy and I are out of danger. Though with the Darkspawn nowhere is really safe nowadays." he muttered grimly as he had experienced the Deep Roads while living in Orzammar. He turned to Miara; "Your family could easily go back with whatever magic your daughter put up. You could just go back to your Tamriel and be safe there."
At that Miara stopped as she looked the dwarf in the eyes; "And we could never forgive ourselves for doing such a cowardly thing." Her voice stern like steel; "I have met countless people who have had the means, skill, or power to stop terrible things. And they refused to lift a finger because their lives were more important than stopping a bandit raid, or hordes of monsters attacking a village. Me, as well as my family have no respect for pathetic cowards like them. My point is; the strong protect the weak. My family has the skills and the means, regardless of what your Chantry would deem as heresy."
"Spoken like a true hero," Levi remarked in awe of the woman's conviction.
At that last word Miara resumed her work; "I'm no hero Levi, trust me on that." she muttered in a whisper. The hammer strikes drowning out the rest.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Walking through the large room connected to Avernus tower; Serana stopped in her tracks as the fast travel crystal suddenly lit up on its pedestal, indicating its activation. It looked like Sarya and the others were now returning from their impromptu trip to Tamriel. Her lips curled, already imagining how that journey must have gone for them, no doubt seeing a proper place of magical education would leave quite the mark on the young mages.
Flares of arcane energy appeared close to the crystal, and out came her youngest daughter and her three companions. The mages, as she expected, looked rather dishearten upon returning. Neria and Brianna in particular looked had this disappointed yet accepting look in their gazes. Though she could see the embers of a fire in the Amell's eyes, something that had only grown stronger upon seeing Tamriel.
"Hello girls" She smirked at them, "Had fun?"
"Lots!" Sarya brightly cheered, approaching her with a skip. "Oh, look who joined us!"
Before the vampire could question her, a fifth blared of magic manifested in the hall. And to her surprised out came a white haired dunmeri woman dressed in daring attire. Her red eyes gazed at her surrounding with great scrutiny, "I suppose this place will have to do"
"Alfe?" Serana muttered in disbelief upon seeing one of Divayth Fyr's own daughters here in Soldier's Peak.
"It has been a few years my dear." The dunmer smiled.
Serana's eyes slowly shifted towards her daughter who deadpanned; "She's been using her scrying to pretty much spy on us, guess what she saw." That was more a statement than question.
"I only felt it best to assist my dear student along with my old acquaintances." Alfe remarked as she surveyed the room; "Reminds me of High rock architecture."
Footsteps were heard as Theron and Gin entered; "Hey you're back!" The rogue warden grinned before noticing the white haired Dunmeri who looked at him and Theron. "And this is?"
Alfe cocked her head while glancing to Neria; "It will be fascinating to figure out the evolution of our Mer cousins."
"This is my teacher, Master Alfe!" Sarya excitedly introduced the older dunmer.
"And that is all I need to know to stay far away from you" The dalish declared before leaving the room to practice his archery in the courtyard.
"Awwww but she's really nice, Theron!" Serana's daughter called out to him.
"So" Alfe looked down at Gin, her chin raised slightly up. "Are you a mage?"
"Um, no, I don't have magic"
"Then I have no interest in you" She stated. With a snap of her fingers she called to Sarya, whom quickly stood at attention, old habits as her apprentice surging back to the surface. "Sarya, take me to the laboratory"
"Of course!"
"You three" She motioned for the young mages to follow her, "come along"
Sharing a look, Neria and Brianna shrugged as they followed after the dunmer's. Morrigan didn't like being ordered around... but she wouldn't say no to seeing a very old and experienced mage at work, so she went along anyway.
"We're gonna have so much fun! Morri and Bri are really eager to learn!" Sarya excitedly said, pretty much skipping in circles around her mentor. "Neria is a bit of a sourpuss, but she'll turn around!" Said elven mage frowned in irritation, mouthing 'sourpuss?' under her breath.
As the group of mages made their way for Avernus' tower, only Gin and Serana remained. The city elf blinked a few times before finally speaking, "Wow"
"I know" Serana said in understanding.
"She's..."
"I know" The vampire stressed with a long sigh. Well if there was a plus, at least it wasn't Neloth. By the blood she wasn't sure who would chase that bastard around all over the mountainside; her or Miara.
XxX ~ the next morning ~ XxX
Sitting in the war room, Loghain kept his gaze on the map of Ferelden. His eyes looked over every settlement, village, holds, and then to the border of the map. With all the chaos growing in his nation he knew Orlais would happily take the opportunity to 'reclaim' their former territory. Thanks in part to those Orlesian Wardens and their fear mongering with the Darkspawn, and Bryce's traitorous acts, Ferelden was turned on its head.
But he would not let himself be blinded by fear, lies, and deception. Loghain would protect Ferelden from within and without. Presently though another matter called his attention as Howe entered the room; "So was it idle gossip?"
"Afraid not, there are indeed surviving Gray Wardens along with Marcus Cousland." Rendon sneered with disdain as he neared the table. The informants from the Pearl had confirmed it.
Loghain slammed his hand hard upon the table, "How could you have let him escape, Howe?! Unless you see a body you must never assume your enemy is dead!"
The Teyrn's lips pursed, eyes momentarily twitching as if to hold back from lashing out in irritation against his superior. "I assure sire, I will not make that same mistake again"
"The Orlesian Wardens are already at our doorstep, if they find their comrades they'll reconvene with them!" Loghain harshly spoke. "If we let them convince enough of the bannaron with their lies, Orlais will be able to march unopposed to the heart of Ferelden itself!"
"I am well aware of this, sire" Howe respectfully replied. "I will take measures to see the Orlesian Wardens never reach their companions"
"See that you do" The Regent growled. "But there is still the matter of Marcus and the other Wardens" As of right now they had no clue of what their current location was. But he could at least expect Redcliffe to be one of their objectives, most likely seeking to join forces with that malcontent Eamon. Thankfully his apostate agent should have taken care of that issue.
"Tracking them should not prove too difficult, but I've procured more specialized help to deal with them" Howe smiled.
"Specialized?"
Rendon's smile only grew larger, and waved his hand at a dark corner of the room. As if melting away from the very shadows emerged the lithe figure of a blonde, tanned elven man with facial tattoos. He wore a reinforced leather armor designed for mobility and speed, and armed with at least two daggers and multiple throwing knives strapped all over his person.
The elf did a rather exaggerated curtsy and spoke with a thick antivan accent, "The Antivan Crows send their regards"
Loghain sneered in disgust, "The Crows?" He had already used more cloak and dagger than he would have liked with Eamon and now to hire an Assassin...
The elf was quick to speak; "Think of it as a measure of discretion Lord Regent."
"How so?"
"Currently your men and yourself are dealing with the unruly Bannorn who openly defy you and Lord Howe. The nobility is ready to tear itself apart which could lead to civil war. And these Warden and exiled noble to add to your already staggering headache." The elf mused.
Loghain cocked a brow; "I see your 'guild' is keeping a close eye on Ferelden." He used the term guild very loosely.
"A necessity given my guild's profession. While I could explain it, I doubt you honestly care. What you need is solutions to your problems. The Crows are willing to handle your Warden troubles quick and quietly. For a fee of course."
Bile could be felt in the hero of River Dane's throat. As much as he loathed the idea, the elf had a point. "Fine, see to your task, Crow. No doubt Rendon will handle to details."
Howe smiled; "Naturally."
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Wynne could say she has never felt her age more than she did presently as she rested in her room. She was lucky her and several of her fellow mages survived the massacre of Ostagar. Escaping and hiding from the Darkspawn, healing the wounded and ensuring none were blighted, and making it back to Kinloch Hold was no easy chore.
She never felt happier to see that old tower and enter the circle where many were surprised of their survival. Irving and Greagoir both wanted explanations while word from Denerim came in the passing days. By all that was holy had sense truly left General Loghain? Ferelden was descending into chaos. And it looked like the Circle might be the only semi-stable place currently. Though the elderly woman felt it was only just.
It seemed the universe had a sense of humor because out of the survivors was Uldred. And ever since returning to Kinloch Hold he has been more active than ever with numerous meetings with Irving and the Enchanters. Wynne had to excuse herself from the current meeting on account she felt rather tired, and had enough of Uldred's prattling.
She could only pray the Circle could remain stable even as the world outside crumbled.
Then, she felt it.
Foul, so very foul arcane energies spreading through the tower like poison on a wound. There were flashes of magic bursting in the floors above, even if one couldn't feel the arcane energies they could still feel the tremors going through structure.
The Templars around her were quickly mobilized, taking up their swords and shields as they sped up to the source in the upper sections of the tower. Wynne's eyes widened in fear as she realized where the chaos was coming from.
The meeting, Irving... Uldred.
No... It couldn't be. Even Uldred wouldn't dare to...
Wynne was already running before she even realized, enhancing her own body with Creation magics for her stamina to keep up. As she neared the library she could hear the shouting, the sounds of magic being cast, swords striking against flesh.
Standing on the entrance she saw chaos everywhere, abominations and demons striking Templar and mage alike, while to her horror blood mages aided them.
A shrill scream drew her attention, and saw young Petra petrified against a wall as she was cornered by a Rage Demon, its fiery gaze locked on hers with sheer malevolence, its foul intentions clear as it raised a burning claw, fiery magics gathering to strike her down.
Wynne moved faster than even she thought possible, taking her staff, this one vibrantly shimmering with magic, and stood before Petra and the demon. She slammed her staff in a burst of arcane energy the moment the demon struck, the resulting clash blinding her.
The whitness gave way to darkness.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The reverberating sound of hammer on anvil rung out outside the Peak as Miara continued her work on the forge. For days the elf had tirelessly been crafting new weapons and armor for her new comrades. Some of it laid on one of the tables for which Sten was inspecting. "Your work is excellent."
It said a lot coming from their solitary Qunari companion who did not give out praise often. Or at all...
"Thank you Sten, consider this armor and weapon as a gift. A thank you for your tolerance over all the crazy my family has been showing." She should add Alfe to that since she of all people came back with her daughter and mage company from Tamriel.
A low grunt came from the towering man; "While most of your...Methods would undoubtedly get you executed in Seheron and Par Vollen, you have shown to be honorable..."
How he said that garnered her attention; "Is that confusing to you?"
"Very."
Miara faintly winced as her ears dipped; "Well I can say if you can endure my family, you pretty much can endure everything weird in Tamriel."
"I'd rather not." The Dunmer weakly chuckled from the Qunari blunt words before continuing her work.
Miara placed the greatsword on the flames once more, the qunari noted she wore no gloves nor did she use tools to handle the weapon as it was being heated, just her bare hands. And yet her palms were not reduced to horrific burns. The elf had offhandedly mentioned her kind were resistant to fire, but the qunari did not expect to be to this degree.
"So" Ugh, here it comes. That pointless practice the southern and apparently foreign lands were obsessed with. This 'small talk' was easily one of the most annoying traits of the people here. "My Sofie tells me you can't go back home"
"I cannot" Sten confirmed.
"May I ask why not?"
"I am soulless now; I have no place amongst my people anymore"
That made Miara pause, looking up from her work before giving him a strange look. "You don't mean it LITERALLY, right? Cause that's actually a very real thing that can happen you know..."
Of course it was.
"Not in the sense you understand" Sten replied, "But to us qunari to be parted from a part of ourselves is the same as having no soul"
The dunmer pursed her lips, removing the hot blade from the flames and setting it over an anvil, grabbing a hammer she began to even out the edges. "And what form did you soul take?"
Her words surprised him, almost like she could understand him. A rarity amongst these lands. Perhaps her culture was a touch more familiar with concepts similar to a qunari warrior's honor.
"A sword, my sword" He said, unable to stop the mourning in his voice as he thought back to his Asala.
Sten noticed the elven woman's eyes moving about in thought while she worked on the greatsword in her hand; "I am to assume the Antaam have unique weapons meant only for them?" He nodded once more, surprised again; "And this is more than simple weapon. It is an extension of your very being, of who you are."
At that genuine surprised actually showed on the stoic man; "You are correct."
"Many warrior cultures in Tamriel view their weapons as the Antaam do. From Redguards, Orcs, Nords mainly. Read some tomes that the Akavir are the same." The dunmer explained as she kept working; "does your soul have a name?"
"...Asala."
"Was that why you slaughter that family? Asala wasn't in your hands?"
Sten was quiet for the longest of moments before he nodded in remorse; "I awoke being tended to by the farmer's wife. I asked where my sword was and they stated they only found me," His head lowered with his gaze meeting the ground; "I knew they did not lie, none had a reason to do so. But without Asala-"
"You panicked."
"Yes."
"And you slew them" She kept her tone even, but the qunari did not fool himself into believing he wasn't being judged for it.
"I did" He admitted with remorse. "Without my soul I felt uncontrollable rage sweep over him, I lashed out blindly" Like a savage beast... like a Tal-Vashoth from Seheron.
Dishonorable, mindless, soulless. In one single moment of weakness he had cast aside the teachings of the Qun, and reverted to the chaos and savagery their sacred texts always taught them to control. Though now his mind was his own once more, with the teachings of the Qun guiding him through the right path once more.
That was the only comfort he could take, that he could still follow the Qun, even though he had no soul. He was bas, a thing, unknown to the eyes of his kin. Dangerous and wild, too much of a threat, one to be quelled before those rampaging urges could overtake him once more.
The sounds of Miara's hammer striking the blade were soothing to the Qunari, it brought him peace. She hummed in thought, inspecting her work. "Do you know where you lost it?"
"Near Lake Calenhad"
She spared him a side glance. "And yet somehow you ended up in Lothering"
"The how eludes me, but it is unimportant"
"So even with the blade I give you, if you return to the Antaam without Asala..."
"I would be killed on sight. Seen as Tal-Vashoth, a traitor"
At that Miara grunted. The Dunmer was really not a fan of this Qun the Qunari follow. While she could respect the discipline and skills of the Antaam from what she has seen while training with Sten. The rest of it she was not fond of in the least. A thought soon came to her; "What if we look for Asala?"
Sten cocked a brow; "The pressing issue is the Blight." Choosing duty over self-preservation like any true soldier. Despite his one horrific action, this man was proving to be an honorable person. Willing to fight against the Darkspawn for people not even a part of his people or culture.
"Nothing wrong looking for clues while on our journey." Miara remarked back; "While I do not grasp parts of the Qun, and doubt I want to. I can give respect to the Antaam and its soldiers. A warrior's discipline and honor, I can get behind that. Because as my Sofie told me, you are a man who seeks to make amends. So for that I want to help you get Asala back."
"Perhaps it will be a fruitless endeavor" The qunari pessimistically replied before pausing for a moment, "Regardless... I thank you"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Serana watched as Avernus worked to organize his laboratory, seeking to make room for the new 'research partner' he'd recently acquired. Alfe had wasted no time in setting up shop, bringing her own magical instruments from Morrowind. Dozens of vials and philters, along with multiple tomes of arcane knowledge along with empty journals to fill with research.
Divayth's daughter showed great interest in this Blight, having drawn similarities between this one and the Blight that had assaulted Morrowind a few centuries ago.
Before she could make the young women work like servants, Serana had felt their time could be better spent, so she gave Brianna and Morrigan tomes on conjuration, while also helping Neria practice those Arcane Warrior barriers to form around her body.
"I cannot tell you how excited I am to have a fellow scientific mind help me with my research" Avernus said jovially at the elven woman whom, despite her looks, was much older than him. "Especially one with your knowledge"
Alfe glanced at him; "I imagine all of this is rather refreshing compared to the isolation you endured."
"It is good to be among fellow followers of the arcane once more." Avernus gave a nod.
Sarya smiled while going over some notes; "None are better than Master Alfe. She is practically a wellspring of knowledge and experience."
"For which I will endeavor to figure out how to deal with this Blight."
At that Serana came close; "Could it be like the Ashblight?"
"I won't know till I have samples to study."
Avernus adjusted some tomes to his shelf; "You would need to find Darkspawn for that. What reserves I had are all but dried up."
"Luckily there is a Blight going on." Sarya quipped cheerfully.
Serana gave her a half-hearted glare, "Just keeping working on those fast travel amulets. Our party will need them"
"Already on it!" She said, pointing at a few human sized frost atronachs lining up necklaces, rings and bracelets along with large soul gems on a table for her to work on.
The vampire turned her gaze to Neria, who was keeping a shield that shimmered with a rainbow hue around her person. The barrier actually stuck very close to her, outlining her entire body. "This Arcane Warrior shields are very fascinating" The dark skinned elven mage said. "They actually work by redirecting ambient energy to the user's personal aura, so the magic keeping the shield up lasts longer and makes it possible to regenerate it slightly on ambient with high mana in the air"
The Volkihar gathered a simple lightning bolt in her hand and struck Neria, who let out a shrill cry as the electricity sprawled over her shield, flashing and letting out a loud noise, but leaving her unharmed. The Thedosian mages looked at the scene with various degrees of surprise.
"And it works very well" Serana smiled widely.
"Could you PLEASE not strike my friend when she's testing new magic?" Brianna irritably called out.
Morrigan lifted her head from her tome; "Well we won't know how good the shield is unless we test it." Lifting a free hand, purple arcane energy surrounds it. "Magic is a process of trial and error after all." Extending her hand a gate of oblivion opened.
Neria tensed saved the rest as a harpy-like creature appeared with blue jewel-like skin with large bat wings for arms. Legs like a bird, and the upper torso of a beautiful woman with red eyes.
"A winged twilight," Alfe spoke up; "Well done."
"Quite the beautiful creature;" Avernus spoke with wonder.
"They reside in Moonshadow, one of the nicer realms of Oblivion." Serana came over and giving a bow for which the Twilight returned. "Welcome to Thedas."
The female daedra looked about; "A strange land." It spoke in a soothing feminine voice. It looked to Morrigan; "You summoned me?"
"I did."
"What do you require?"
"Was merely trying my first attempted at Conjuration. You may roam about if you wish or would you rather return home."
It looked over to Sarya who waved; "I shall stay." In a blink it flew over to the young Telvanni who greeted it with a smile.
"Well isn't that something." Brianna remarked as she looked back to her tome.
Neria took in a deep breath, steeling herself. "Bri, I respect your desire to learn more magic, but don't think you think it's risky to learn this magic?"
"They seem fine with it" Brianna shrugged, throwing a thumb at Serana's direction.
"What I mean is" The elven mage tried again, "What do you think would happen if you're suddenly summoning demons in front of people? Templars in particular?"
"That's why I won't" The Amell merely said, "Please Neria, I'm smarter than that. I'll use when there aren't unwelcome eyes watching us"
"...I suppose" Neria did not sound so convinced. It didn't take a genius to see she was very much against the thought of her friend learning that craft. But she lacked the spine to actually come out and be direct with her words.
"T'is foolish to approach magic carelessly" Alfe said as examined a tome on Darkspawn biology. "But it is just as foolish to shun knowledge just because some believe it's dangerous"
"You have to have some measure of daring when being a mage," Sarya quipped with a grin. "Safely of course but try things outside your comfort zone once in a while. Look at Morri; self-assured, confident, knows her strengths, and overall quite a talented mage from outside of your circle."
At that the raven haired witch felt her lip faintly smile receiving dry glares from Brianna and Neria.
"Bitchy attitude though, but makes up for it being ridiculously beautiful."
Morrigan's eye twitched; "Insulted and complimented at the same time."
"She does that," Serana and Alfe chorused.
XxX ~ the next day ~ XxX
Miara smiled with pride as Alistair, Marcus, and Sten wore their newly made armor; "What do you think?" The Dunmer plants her hands on her hips.
"How did you make all this in less than a week?" That was the first thing came out of the former Templar's mouth; "It's like I'm not wearing anything at all."
The elf winked; "To your first question, nearly two centuries of experience and hard earned skill. As to why it does not weigh you down is because I fully enchanted all the armors."
"And it feels amazing" The young noble complimented. "Might as well be wearing mere leathers with how light this armor is" The vanguard style crafted ebony sure suited him as well.
"I'm surprised you haven't made anything with that star metal you found" Alistair pointed out, rolling his shoulders, feeling the gear adjusting. "You wouldn't shut up about it when making these"
"Oh trust me I wanted" The dunmer let out an irritated groan. "But every time I set about to forge something with it, I back out at the last moment. I just can't settle my mind on what to do. I only have so much of the metal to work with and I don't want to waste it. That thing is beyond rare, and I doubt just more will drop from the sky just because I want to"
"Fair" The Warden conceded.
"We should have everything ready to continue our journey" Marcus pointed out. "The Keep is mostly done to accommodate us, we have a fast way back thanks to Sarya's magic, our supplies are well stocked and our gear done" No reason to further delay.
"Right" Alistair replied, sound a touch unenthusiastic. "So Redcliffe is next then"
"It is" Marcus said far too seriously.
The dunmer looked back and forth between them, not knowing where this sudden tense atmosphere had come from. She decided to set it aside for the moment and instead lifted her right arm to use her communication ring. "I'll check on Oryrn then, see how things fare" Her son did not take long to answer, a small sphere lighting up over the ring. "Hey there honey, we were just-"
"Good, I was just about to call you" Her son sounded harried, which already set off alarms in their heads. Marcus and Alistair exchanged a worried look as Sten's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You need to come to Redcliffe INMIDIATELY, something happened to the Arl"
"To Arl Eamon?" Marcus said; eyes wide. His concern mirrored by Alistair's. "What's wrong, what happened to him?"
"He's fallen ill" Oryrn grimly informed them. "Bann Teagan said it was poison, the culprit was already apprehended. A man who claims to have been hired by Loghain"
"Loghain!" The Dunmer, former noble, and Templar yelled out. "Has the man gone bloody insane!?" Marcus raised his voice in shock and anger.
They heard a shuffling sound as another voice took over; "Ask that later Marcus, point is you guys should get here and quick." Sereda remarked back.
"And we were about to be introduced to him. Sodding tits..." Faren bemoaned.
"How is his condition?" Miara asked.
"I don't know" Oryrn replied, his voice tense and frustrated. "Bann Teagan is keeping everyone but himself and the people closest to him handle the situation"
Despite whatever work Oryrn must have been doing for Redcliffe, it stood to reason they wouldn't let an outsider approach him just like that. They needed to get to Teagan, if Marcus spoke to him then the Bann would allow their mages to assess Eamon's condition and help him.
Sharing a look with the young noble, the dunmer could tell he was thinking the same thing.
"You better hurry"
"We will" Miara said, "Keep us updated" And with that, the connection was finished.
Marcus wasted no time, "Gather the others. We leave for Redcliffe within the hour"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Hope ya like!