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!"

36. Test of morality at Edgehall: Act I

Disclaimer: We do not own the Dragon age or Elder Scrolls series

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Test of morality at Edgehall Act: I

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Neria let out a sigh after taking a long sip of her water. She sat at one of the tables in the main hall alongside Oryrn and both of his mothers alongside Wynne and Theron. The rest of their group, save Sofie and Leliana, were feasting on a large breakfast. Jordis and Lydia had already left the day before to commence their scouting mission on the Darkspawn.

Bran laid at his master's feet, chewing on a sizeable meat-covered bone, much like Loke was near Marcus. Close by, Shale absently observed with a vague interest of its companions.

"I never properly thanked you for returning the arcane blade to the clans," Theron glanced up from his meal to Miara. "Even more so, we now have the means to recreate that weapon."

"I gave my word," the Dragonborn offered a sincere smile at the young elf warrior. "I'll pay Varathorn and Ilen a visit once this mess is over. Nice to converse with fellow smiths."

Sereda chuckled beside Marcus, Faren, and Alistair as chatter between them was cheerful and cordial. Then, taking a bite of her food, Sarya turned her head just as Sofie and Leliana appeared in a flash of light. "Well, about time you two showed back up," she quipped with her mouth partially full before gulping it down. Others offered a friendly greeting while the youngest of Miara's noticed something about her older sister and redhead she could not explain.

Serana, however, cocked a brow taking note of the two holding hands. The Nordic vampire could also see the emotions glowing off both.

"You two look positively glowing," Bann Teagan expressed with a grin.

"With good reason," Sofie interjected with a slight flush to her face, "Something we wish to bring up to everyone."

"You're dating," Alistair stated simply.

"Must be" Marcus nodded.

"Finally," Sereda added with exasperation.

"Can we finally pretend otherwise?" Miara asked with a hint of desperation, to which Serana eagerly nodded.

Sarya repeatedly nodded with a large grin, "I didn't even need to perform divination to know this would happen."

"You were not exactly subtle, my elder sister," Oryrn commented with a small smile of his own.

Well, this was not exactly going as Sofie expected. "Wait, you all figured we would end up together?"

"It was painful to see you dance around the other so much," Theron said with a drawl.

Even Bann Teagan was not above throwing in his two septims. "I barely know you, and even I could see it."

Leliana blushed and looked away, "Not my smoothest courting, I'll admit..."

"That was courting?" Wynne said with a mirthful smile on her lips. "Oh my dear, that was not courting. That was two adorable youths fumbling around."

"Okay..." Sofie slowly said, her hand grasping Leliana's. "So... yeah. We're together now... surprise?"

Zevran snorted beside a smirking Brianna while Gin's head swayed from side to side, "Just shock, it took so damn long."

The Nordic woman slumped forward while a hearty laugh came from Faren, "Think we can all agree we are happy for ya!"

While Sten was his usual consistently stoic, he offered a slight approving nod from where he was. Morrigan only rolled her eyes at the scene, continuing her feasting.

The new couple came to sit beside Miara and Serana while Teagan told some servants to prepare a plate for the two. Leliana soon was flustered, surrounded by Sofie's mothers, who playfully fussed over her. "You will be quite the edition to our little family, my dear." The redhead's cheeks matched her hair.

"Should we pick out a wedding dress or just have you make it, hun," Serana teasingly smirked.

Miara tapped her chin playfully before smiling brightly, "Oh, I can make up something within a week."

"Mothers!" A flustered Sofie rang out, glaring at both.

Poor Leliana could only square her shoulders and hang her head, smiling sheepishly as Miara and Serana began fiddling with her hair, undoing her braids, and then doing them again. They were treating her like one of their own.

Which... was honestly very nice.

"I always a wanted sister!" Sarya said excitedly.

"Really?" Sofie deadpanned.

"A quality sister," The mage replied.

"Okay, that's it. Come here"

"Uh-oh"

Before Sarya could get far away, Sofie snatched her from the ground. She locked her up in a tight one-armed hug, her impressively sized muscles and strength rendering her unable to fight back as the nord began rasping her knuckles over Sarya's head.

"Mom, mom, help!" The mage squealed as her scalp burned.

"Play nice, girls," Miara said with an airy tone as she combed Leliana's hair. "Oh, your hair would look lovely if you let it grow longer."

"Y-you think so?" The redhead muttered, blushing at the attention, "I usually always kept it short."

Serana's head shifted from side to side, "Maybe a little past your shoulders would be perfect." The Nordic vampire ignored the cries of her elven daughter.

Honestly, the scene with the others brought out a few smiles and laughs. But, for the rest, it brought up happier memories of a more joyful time. But, for Shale, it stayed unconcerned till its glowing went to one of the partially open doors glaring, "Reveal yourself. I know someone stands behind the doors."

The group paused and turned to the doors Shale was staring at to see the young eyes on Connor peeking out.

"Connor," Teagan rose from his table, "Everything alright?" He walked around the table, strolling over to his nephew.

The young boy nodded shyly, revealing himself adorned in a refined cloth shirt and pants. Given the horrid state of Kinloch Hold, it was felt best for him to remain here, being trained by the Circle mages brought to Redcliffe to look after the Arl with Sarya's occasional assistance. The months after the undead siege of these lands has been a whirlwind for the young noble. But free from the Desire Demon who came to him, he had returned to the innocent child they saw before them.

Outside his tutorage from the mages, he had been at his mother's side. Outside of Sarya, he had not spoken with the foreigners nor Marcus and company.

"Mother is at father's bed chamber. I had no lessons today, so I got bored."

Teagan chuckled, patting his nephew's back, "Why not join us then? You remember Marcus, don't you?"

"Good to see you, Connor," the Cousland grinned at the boy.

"Did you bring your mabari?!" The boy excitedly asked.

"I brought two. How's that for a deal?" Both hounds quickly stood up with a whistle and ran over to the boy. They immediately descended into giggles as he was assaulted by two rough tongues as the great dogs gently pushed at him. "Come on, and I'll teach you how to order a mabari around. These mutts can be a handful otherwise."

As he took the boy outside with the mabari, the ambiance in the room quickly soured.

"He remembers nothing still?" Alistair asked in concern.

Teagan sighed, rubbing his eyelids. "Not a thing..."

"The Circle is already aware of the boy," Wynne said, not without sympathy, but she knew what had to be done. "A possession with such devastating consequences is not something that can be ignored. He will need to be trained."

No longer in her sister's grasp and the time for merriment over, Sarya glared at the Circle mage. "I shudder to think how your Templars will treat him when they find he was partially possessed. They'll be looking at him every second of the day for any single sign."

"It is not our place, Sarya," Miara said sternly. "We did what we could, and we saved his life. But, unfortunately, what becomes of him is his parents' choice, and right now, Isolde has little of it."

Oh, Serana could hear the underline strain in her lover's voice just saying that. Had Miara had any say in the matter, Connor would never set foot in a Thedasian Circle. Sadly though, this is not Tamriel. Nor does she have the right to take a child away from their family. Even if that meant someone else was going to do just that.

Now the undead woman bit back a growl; thinking about the situation made her mood sour.

However, Brianna would not let the subject drop glaring toward the Dragonborn, "You, of all people, can't do anything?"

"Divinity does not give me the right to do as I please. On the contrary, such power must be taken with absolute responsibility and never misused." The room's atmosphere felt colder, rivaling Miara's harsh glare towards Amell, who wisely backed down. "Because believe me, when I get the desire to do as I please, it takes a lot out of me to hold back."

By the expression of Bann Teagan, Sten, and Theron, that topic that the dunmeri woman brought up in private was still hard to comprehend. It would have been dismissed outright if it had not been for how grave Miara spoke on the topic.

"At any rate," Sereda interjected, "We should discuss what we're doing before heading to Orzammar." Then, she glanced at Alistair, "Where were we going again?"

"Edgehall, Winter traveling will be hard enough as is. We can resupply there before traversing up the Frostbacks."

"That close to the mountains, the roads will be completely covered in snow," Oryrn pointed out, "And we yet lack the means to fast travel to Orzammar. So a stop on the way sounds best."

"Or we could ask a certain dragon," Brianna brought up, "to take a certain mage who KNOWS how to make those transport runes to Orzammar, and then we can avoid the whole trip."

"Odahviing won't do it," Sarya reproached, "He thinks it's beneath him to be ridden just for that purpose."

"So, because he's a stubborn coot, we must take the long road and waste time?" The Amell mage deadpanned before looking at Miara. "Aren't you his ruler? Can't you just order him to?"

"Why would I?" Miara shrugged, "It's not an emergency, and yes, I agree; It's beneath him. I wouldn't do it"

"Your morals are all screwed up..."

"I'm a dragon."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Despite being the afternoon, cloudy skies reigned overhead with snow coming down. Hoofs, paws, and large stone feet crunched through the white-covered ground as the wardens and company began their journey from Redcliffe days ago. Miara, having returned Bodahn's wagon at the Peak now that everyone, save for Shale and the hounds, had horses.

"Looking at you lot makes me feel colder," Brianna dryly quipped, gazing at Miara and her family. Who, unlike the Thedasian group, wore thick fur cloaks, they did not. Even Morrigan, per Sarya's urging, changed attire for the frigid weather.

Sofie shrugged, "The winters back home in Skyrim are way worse."

"Remember Jarl Balgruuf's ice beard," Sarya snickered, garnering a snorted chuckle from family.

Shaking her head, Miara looks to the others, "The point is, we just got used to this kind of weather. Which is necessary if wanting to live in Skyrim."

"Realmente extraño a Antiva en este momento," Zevran muttered as he shivered, "Home might be up north, but the weather is always nice. And don't smell like a wet dog." He looked at the two Mabari hounds who made whining noises, "Apart from you two dashing heroes, of course."

Wynne partially heard the conversation but kept her gaze on the summoned ice manes Serana and Sarya were riding on. Beside her, Neria noticed her former teacher's gaze. "I know it is a bit weird."

"I didn't pay close attention to them and Miara's horse when going back to Ostagar. But now," Her voice trailed off.

Her former student understood, "I at least know Shadowmare is sapient." But, unlike Odahviing, he never speaks. Save for giving condescending glares at everyone outside of Miara and her family and showing annoyed disdain when Bran and Loke get close to him.

"We are with an unorthodox party, my dear," Wynne muttered.

"They are not all bad."

The older woman quickly noticed the slight affection in her former student's tone. While also seeing Neria's eyes peering at the Dunmeri Templar.

"We should be nearing Edgehall," Marcus spoke from his position at the front of the party. "We'll warm up soon enough."

"Finally..." Theron said as he tried to take his slight shivering under control. "My clan hasn't been to nearly enough cold places for us, certainly nothing this freezing. We always move when winter nears."

"I'd even take an Alienage if it means escaping this cold," Gin muttered. At least an Alienage had walls and houses, ran down as they might be, enough to ward off the elements.

The white-capped tree-filled road slowly gave way to a small clearing, letting the first glimpses of civilization appear between the foliage, indicating they were nearing their destination. Edgehall was not the richest of the arlings. Still, it was decently sized and possessed multiple settlements in the surrounding area across the hills, away from the patches of dense forest and never venturing further west. The Frostbacks made the terrain too rocky and less hospitable.

"We're likely to find a few of the Merchant Guild families here," Marcus pointed out a slightly interesting tidbit. "Edgehall started as a small outpost for surface dwarves, and they used to mine the area here before the entrances to the Deep Roads were severed, and they left. Still, there's a slightly larger than an average number of dwarves living here for a human settlement."

"I've come to find my surface-dwelling people really can't keep themselves away from mountains and caves," Sereda pointed out with a mirthful smile. "Seems the Stone is always calling to us."

The conversation took a turn as Serana's keen eyes observed detail of the high-walled town as they drew closer. "What is that?"

Another wall of certainly poorer make was at the edge of the roads on the town's exit. A flimsy wooden construction, tall enough to hide any small buildings behind it, yet not enough to hide the foliage of a great tree in the center.

"That's a strange construction," Oryrn frowned, "What's that tree there?"

"A vhenadahl..." Gin muttered distantly, his face struck with a shocking realization. "That's an Alienage..."

A gasp escaped Neria's lips, covering her mouth with gloved hands. Horrified expressions glow on nearly every person in the group. Only shameful grimaces were worn on the faces of Marcus, Wynne, and Alistair. Theron glared at the former noble, "Something you failed to mention."

"When the human settlement grew into a proper village, it was given to the Lendon family to be the Arls. They never viewed Elves as anything more than animals." Anger and disgust rang in his voice, "Arl Fergus Lendon was the current ruler till eight months ago."

Brianna perked up, "And now?"

"Fergus died without heirs, so his exiled half-brother returned and took over as Arl. Gell Lendon" His tone matched the icy winter winds. "Teagan informed me about all this while at Redcliffe."

"You know this, Gell?" Sofie question.

"Only in passing a few years ago." Marcus's tone was neutral, "He is a wretched man. And what's more, his return was marked by a mercenary group of Orlesians led by a disgraced Chevalier, Marcel Corbin."

Anger only glowed in Gin's eyes, "Excuse my language, but at present, I couldn't give two shits who is the leader of this place."

"I must agree with Tabris," Zevran spoke with a deep enraged frown.

"Those people must be freezing," Miara said with a shake of her head. "Well, I know what I'll do during our stay here."

"Me too," Neria muttered sadly. She could hardly believe the Alienages could get worse, yet she was looking at it with her own eyes.

"I'm sorry, did you just say 'orlessian mercenaries'?" Alistair looked at Marcus with evident surprise. "How did this even happen?"

"From the information I received by both Bann Teagan and Arl Afstanna," The Cousland explained. "The bastard took advantage of the chaos caused by the Blight. And Edgahall is too far west for anyone to conduct meaningful efforts; the Darkspawn horde continues to advance. I daresay few of the nobility in the center and east knows what happened"

"The south has been laid to waste," Sereda grimly said. "And thanks to the Deep Roads, the Blighters must be starting to emerge from other areas around Ferelden in smaller warbands."

"I've seen the reports, and even the north has encountered some," Marcus said, "It's not looking good."

Theron barely paid attention to the conversation urging his horse gently ahead. With a sideways glare to the enormous stone walls of Edgehall with a vast lake encircling it as a natural defense. A single wooden bridge connects the village entrance to the dirt roads and Alienage. He stopped at the start of the snow-covered bridge on his left and the Alienage entrance to his right. His gaze was straight ahead, with a shudder escaping his lips.

The Dalish warrior was trying to reign in his emotions, but as his eyes turned to the refuge, he could feel his rage boiling at the sight of the dilapidated dwellings meant for his people. Soon around him came Neria, Gin, Miara, Sarya, Oryrn, and Zevran. Various degrees of outrage, disgust, and despair glowed in their eyes.

Small to large bonfires glowed, with several elves, from adults to children, standing around them for warmth. Yet their attire allowed no sense of warmth outside of the fires as most were not covered adequately for the frigid temperatures.

"Siento la intensa necesidad de matar algo en este momento," Zevran spoke in a low knife-edged tone.

Lightning buzzed over Sarya's clenched hands, "No idea what you said, Zev, but I fucking agree."

"Denerim didn't even look like this," Neria's voice cracked with emotion, "this is... is so wrong."

Theron pursed his lips as he looked over at the Dragonborn elf, "You have plenty of money; spare some for these people."

"Of course," Miara said without hesitation, "But given what we heard of the Arl here, I'm not sure money would fix all their problems."

"Then any other way we can help," The dalish insisted. "Magic to keep them warm. There's bound to be those struck by sickness among them, and we have potions to help."

"Our stay is not permanent, Theron," Marcus reminded him, "There's only so much you can do for them."

The tattooed elf muttered something in his tongue, "I do not want to leave the elves here at the mercy of that shem lord."

"There's nothing we can do," The Cousland said firmly. "We're bound for Orzammar; what would you have done to improve their lives here in the long term?"

"I can think of a few things," Miara muttered darkly.

That brought more than a few concerned glances sent her way, and Marcus, in particular, did not look amused. "Tell me you're joking."

"You said it yourself," The dunmer shrugged. "He acquired power illegally through force. I'm sure the Fereldan crown would have dealt with this if not for the current situation."

"I certainly wouldn't shed any tears," Gin added with his bite.

Marcus momentarily glared at him as well before giving Miara his focus once more, "Given your... other activities, I already suspect what you have in mind, and I will remind you that regardless of how lacking his measures of a man and a leader are, you'd be leaving this town directionless in the middle of a Blight WHILE orlessian mercenaries are creeping around. And you think elves are treated poorly in Ferelden? You haven't been to Orlais. Is that what you want, Miara, Gin?" He looked at the city elf when speaking his name last.

Despite feeling the pure bile rise from his throat, Alistair spoke the word he hated to say at present, "Marcus is right." The outrage glowing from Gin's face as he turned his head towards his human friend made him wince. "Orlessians treat elves more like they are animals than people. You kill Gell, and it will get worse for them."

"And leaving them in the hands of this vile miscreant is the more acceptable alternative?" Oryrn, much to the shock of Marcus and Alistair, spoke up with immense calm rage. "I thought you a better person, Cousland."

That sparked fury within the former noble, "Do you think I don't want to do anything?" His voice rose in pitch, "Iona told me all about life in the Alienages. You don't think I understand?!"

"Being told is different from living in it," Sofie retorted with a frigid stare at the man. "I lived among the impoverished Dunmer packed like beasts in the grey quarter and the Argonians on the piers of Windhelm as an orphan." She motioned her steed over to her elven mother, joined by her Nordic one, who came to Miara's side.

Wynne shook her head, "Please see reason. Do you want to depose Arl Gell, kill his mercenaries, and start a fight that's not our own?"

Serana's eyes glowed a brilliant crimson orange staring into the Alienage, "I'll do it with a smile on my face," her animalistic tone sent shivers down the spines of Brianna and Leliana.

"That would leave Edgewall completely defenseless, then. Open for the Darkspawn, and Maker knows what else to attack this place," Wynne countered.

Sereda looked concerned over to Marcus, "We can't try something at least?"

The man shook his head with an exasperated sigh, "We can't stop and help everyone while the Blight is upon us."

"You finally make sense," Morrigan brought herself into the conversation.

"Nahlot," Miara's voice resonated with everyone in the group, being so scarily calm.

The Cousland looked the elf dead in the eye. "I am going to make this clear, Miara" His tone left no room for argument. "That man is a bastard... but you're not going to assassinate him; you are not going to take justice into your own hands when it comes to Fereldan land. Grateful as we are for your aid, that does not give you the right to decide what's best for our nation and damn the consequences."

The two stared off for a moment, the air thick with tension as many in their party didn't dare to make a sound.

"What boldness inspires you, a man," Miara's voice didn't convey anger or impatience. Instead, she sounded... curious. "To stand before a god and tell her what she can and cannot do."

"My responsibility to my nation"

"Hmph" She sounded impressed, like not many would dare to stand up to Miara, knowing what she was capable of, knowing what she was. "When a mortal stands against a dragon, it's either the height of folly or a sign of the strongest of wills... Very well, I aid here at the pleasure of your nation," She conceded, much to his relief. "But if you hold a responsibility to your people, should you not ask your elven companions? They too are Fereldan," The dunmer said, looking at the circle mage and the city elf, elven crow, and Dalish warrior.

The Cousland sighed as he met the conflicted gaze of the Thedosian elves glares, "I know what it looks like to you, but believe me, and I do not make this choice easily. We have to consider the long-term consequences. Unless we have the proper to depose the man, we still need to find someone who would be responsible for his position. But, unfortunately, we don't have the means to do any of this right now."

"It's easy for you to say you're not the one who lives like that," Gin said accusingly, "Your home never went through the same struggles the Alienage elves go through"

"...Fucking Oblivion," Sofie swore.

Of all the dumb things he could have said...

"...Yes," Marcus's voice was unnaturally calm. "The same home has been sacked, my comrades slaughtered, my family killed, and our name tarnished. I have no idea what it is to struggle" Tugging the rein of his horse, he continued on the lead again. "We'll meet at the town gates in two hours, don't be late."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Elder Laranni only gazed in wonderment as elven Grey wardens, an Antiva elf, three strange grey-skinned red-eyed elves, and three tall shem women trek into her Alienage with a Mabari hound no less. Yet they stood before her asking to help with whatever they could, be it food, medicine, money, or clothes.

But she took note of the grave expression of the young man who called himself Gin. "Is that Tabris lad alright?" She questioned Leliana, who stood beside her.

"Um, well..." The redhead winced, "There was a bit of a quarrel with our group." The white-haired elven woman nodded in understanding, "It should work itself out." She hoped.

Magic glowed from Sarya's hand over the body of a sickly child on a bed within a hut. His parents were close by with worried expressions. "It is nothing serious," the Telvanni saw tears of relief from the mother and father, "He has a bad case of the flu. I can make something for that." She blinked as the mother and father hugged her.

"Mythal bless you," the father muttered with a heartfelt, tearful smile.

"You're welcome," She said a bit awkwardly. The parents soon let go as they went to their child, the relief in their eyes beyond description.

She walked back out of the hut and met up with Theron and Gin, and the former looked with a thoughtful gaze at the family. "I knew city elves tried to keep traditions alive, but the worship of our gods...?"

"It happens from time to time," Gin said. "City elves worship the elven gods, but they keep that a secret. They hold no love for the human Chantry, and the Chantry certainly would not tolerate any open practice."

"Hmm," The dalish hummed in thought.

"So, what are your good deeds for the day?" Sarya asked the two, "Go hunting to feed them, maybe?"

"It's winter, and it would take too long to find enough game. No," Theron shook his head. "It's better to just go into the town and buy food. There are still merchants who don't care who pays them, so long as the coin is good, I've come to learn."

The Dumeri woman raised her hand like a child, "I'll go do just that!" Then, without letting either man say a word, she spun on her heels and left the Alienage, "Need to summon Bulter for some medicine anyways!"

"Somewhere discreet!" Theron yelled, deadpanning, garnering a wave from the eccentric woman. He slowly dragged a gloved hand over his face muttering in elven before glancing at his fellow elf and Warden comrade. Gin's eyes glared with intensity at the high wall-covered shem village.

Looking between Edgehall and Gin, a long disgruntled grunt came from the Dalish warrior. "I'm the last person to discuss shems and their lives. And while yes, one tragedy doesn't compare to centuries of ongoing oppression. Marcus went through a grave injustice, and he is one of the few shem... humans I have come to respect."

Gin closed his eyes, slumping his head forward, "Same here... I was in the wrong to say that to him." His eyes opened to turn to peer at their surroundings. "But seeing this just made me so..."

"I know. I want this Gell Lendon dead as much as you." Theron's eyes glowed with rage, "But at present, our hands are tied."

"I, too, want to do something for these people," Neria's voice spoke up as she walked up towards the two fellow elves. The ends of her coat dragged the snow behind, her staff safely strapped on her back. "But if you could do this, would you go through with it?"

"Kill that shem lord?" Gin asked before nodding. "Yes, definitely"

"I know the man is no saint, but we're talking about murder," The dark-skinned elf argued. "Just... kill someone we've never even met. You're being far too casual about this"

"After many mobs of humans seeking to drive away the 'dalish savages,'" Theron said, "You get used to the idea of casually killing humans."

"That's self-defense," Neria countered, "It's not the same to actively seek out a man in his home and just kill him."

The city elf sighed and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms in exasperation. "Why are you debating the morals of killing someone who deserves it?"

"Because it's still murder," The elven mage said with a firm voice as she looked at the two sternly. "Choosing violence as the first solution always brings trouble in the long run."

"I don't have your moral code, Neria," Gin expressed calmly.

Dejection colored the mage's eyes as she slumped forward, "Finding not many in our group does. Like it is a weakness," She murmured, "Like I'm weak." she whispered, staring at the ground.

However, both Gin and Theron heard it perfectly as they froze for a moment. An armored-covered hand rested upon Neria's shoulder, "You are not weak," the ponytailed young woman peered up at Oryrn beside her. "You're a better person than most of us for your strong sense of morality."

"Even you want Arl Lendon dead?"

The Templar grunted, "While I disdain cold-blooded murder. However, there are exceptions when an individual is corrupt and vile, even more so when they are in power and abuse others for petty amusement."

Neria could see the reasoning, but her heart wouldn't agree. Murder was still murder, even if it was against an evil person who had it coming.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Miara's sigh came out as a strained shudder. While she wanted to keep her word to Marcus, being amongst these impoverished elves who barely had a copper to their names to feed themselves roused her fury. Mothers unable to feed their crying infants, orphaned children shivering from the cold. Then, out of the corner of her eyes, she saw her youngest daughter running back into the Alienage with an assortment of blankets, food, and medicine.

Half she knew Sarya bought at the market. The rest came from the Butler. A groan came from her throat, "Please, by the fucking Divines, tell me she summoned him out of view from anyone." She muttered before her right hand snapped in a blur of movement by instinct, clutching a small wrist of a hand going for her coin purse. A hissing shriek came from the lips of a young elven girl as Miara spun around and quickly knelt in front of the girl.

Not even in her teens, adorned in makeshift garments meant to be clothes, tanned-skinned much like Neria with long raven-colored hair and big emerald eyes. The girl shuddered in fear, glaring at the crimson eyes of the strange elf, "Young lady..." Miara spoke slowly in a tone to a scolding mother. "If you are going to take someone's coin purse. Hide the sound of your steps."

The girl froze for a moment blinking, "Huh?" was the only word that came from her.

"Put cotton in your soles. That works wonders to muffle the sound."

The little girl could only stare at her. "Okay..."

Miara let go of her hand and continued, "You can't just pick any target you think has money. You need to assess the danger properly. If they have weapons and armor, that's a sign they can be a threat. Their lighter gear means they can catch up to you if they find out you stole from them."

The girl merely remained silent, feeling very confused about what was happening right now. Was this strange lady lecturing her on how to steal after she tried and failed to steal from her?

"You want to start with fat and heavily armored people, better odds of getting away with it. But that's only half the theft, and you need a proper escape route planned. Hard to get out of sight in a place like this Alienage. That's why it's better to do it on the town, but for that, you need to familiarize yourself with the streets and-" Miara stopped herself for a moment, chuckling. "Oh, I'm sorry. Where are my manners?" She placed a hand on her chest. "My name's Miara. What's yours, sweetie?"

The young elven child stared at her with befuddled emerald eyes. "...Vaea"

"Any family here?" The Dovahkiin tried to ask it as delicately as she could. She winced as the little elf girl stared at the ground, shaking her head.

"The Arl killed mama and papa," Vaea uttered softly before brightening a little and looking up at the older elf, "Uncle Coran is with the Dalish. He visits once in a while."

Miara repressed a sharp growl letting out a sigh. The child swore she saw steam coming from the woman's mouth. So she had someone but said person only made sparse visits to his orphaned niece. No, the Dragonborn had to calm herself down. The Dalish clan of her uncle might have had too many people, and he could not take her.

"Why do you look grey?" she was brought out of her mental musings by Vaea. "You look like one of those bull people with horns."

A snorted giggle escaped the older woman's lips, "Well, I'm not a Qunari. Neither is my son and daughter you likely saw wandering around. We're elves from very, very far away." That drew the little one's attention, "Want to hear?" Vaea nodded eagerly, "How about a trade? You tell me about here, and I will tell you everything about my home. Deal?"

"Deal!"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Zevran sat on a stump, rubbing his hands together for warmth before being joined by Gin sitting close by, "And I thought I saw the worst of it back in Denerim," the elven Warden mumbled.

"I've traveled all over Thedas, my friend. Orlais is the absolute worst in comparison to Ferelden. But it doesn't make the sight of this hovel any easier to stomach."

"Look at you, the assassin showing contempt for an injustice," The city elf said dryly.

"My friend, just because I kill people for a living doesn't mean I'm not aware what I do is wrong," The blonde elf said with a wry grin. "After every job, I would pray to the Chantry, offering repentance for my sins."

Gin looked at him, confused, "But... you still go and continue to kill people for money."

"Yes, and it's a thrilling job," Zevran said fondly.

"Andraste, preserve me. So many people in this company have skewed morals," Gin grunted as he crossed his arms. "You and Miara would get along perfectly if not because you're pretty much her slave."

At that, the former Crow laughed out loud. "Oh right, most of you still believe that"

The shaggy-haired elf quirked a brow. "Believe what?"

"That Miara has me 'hexed'. That whole spiel about trapping me in a killing curse if I so plan to do anything against you," He chuckled. "Oh, I've had plenty of opportunities to kill you and thought about doing it multiple times, yet not once did any sort of magic from our divine dragon friend strike me down."

Gin was growing increasingly concerned. "You mean-"

"Miara lied through her teeth" Zevran closed his eyes, shaking his head amused. "Oh, she had me fooled at first, but as time passed, it was easy to see it was just a way to keep me in line."

Gin was slowly edging away from the assassin.

"Oh, relax. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so already. Had a hundred opportunities."

"...Then why haven't you?"

"I said it before, haven't I?" Zevran shrugged, "The Crows and I are not exactly on the best of terms right now. I did not choose to join them in the first place."

The city elf pursed his lips before finally deciding to ask. "How did it happen then?"

"Oh, the same way they recruit most of their members. They pick up orphans and raise them under a terrible training regime to be their perfect little assassins," Zevran explained as easily as one would discuss the weather. "They picked me up from the brothel I grew up in."

Gin blinked, "You grew up in a brothel?"

"Indeed, my mother was a prostitute who worked there." Zev nodded before sighing, "She died giving birth to me. My first victim, you could say," his voice grew distant, as did his gaze. "The whores of the brothel raised me, and I worked in the kitchens till an Antivan Crow bought me from the madam."

"She willingly sold you."

"One less mouth to feed there. I hold no grudge against the brothel, only the Crows. They were trying to survive like everyone else. But the Crows were turning children into murderers. That I will never condone."

Gin rested his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward, "Yet you love the lifestyle as an assassin?"

"Oh, very much so," The blond-haired elf smiled brightly, "As our precious bard friend and exquisite dragon goddess enjoy it. While society only views us as cold-blood killers, most of us are. But as you noticed, we hold ourselves to a higher standard than many."

"So we were just another job?" Gin dryly said. "And here I thought we had something special."

Zevran laughed, "Ahhh, but we do now, my friend! Look at us, elves, on a quest to save this human nation! I wonder how quickly they will forget our involvement."

"A year or two before they forget any elves were helping at all" Even with the extraordinary actions of the heroic Garahel back in the Exalted Age, the heroism and bravery of elves were soon forgotten. And elven hero meant little, and things always had to go back to how they were.

Miara's tales of Tamriel always felt alien and impossible because Gin could not perceive such lands. It was simpler to think of them as exaggerations and tall tales. Those tales became impossible to deny once, in the greatest of ironies, their ally and often benefactor was a god herself.

Gin was ready to believe that, but the tales of Tamriel often... hurt. Prejudice and persecution were not foreign to their land, but so it happened that there were elves in society who did suffer from it. Or even those who practiced such persecution. It was heartbreaking to know that elves could live in more than just squalor or the wilds, for Gin knew that would never happen here.

Gin grew up knowing what his lot in life was and many of his kin's fates. He didn't need to delude himself...

"Perhaps once the dalish join this fighting force of ours properly, humans will get a taste of what elves truly are capable of" Zevran smiled, "It's a shame I missed your quest with the clans. Quite a tale from what I heard."

"It was... something alright" Gin didn't want to share Zathrian's painful background just like that. It hit too close to home and reminded him of Kendells and what he and his thug friends tried to do to their women. "You think highly of the dalish, don't you?"

"My mother was dalish," He said, much to Gin's surprise. "They're a proud people who refuse to bow to defeat," Zevran said with surprising respect.

Tabris paused for a long moment, "Wait a minute if your mother was Dalish, why weren't you with her clan?"

"Ahh, Indeed. You think I would be as such living among our wandering kin, yes?" Zevran cleared his throat before sighing, "Sadly, as it happens. The elder disapproved of my mother falling in love with a 'flat-ear'."

Closing his eyes, Gin groaned, running a hand over his face. "One of that kind of clans, eh?"

The assassin nodded, "They viewed all the city's elves as lesser. And for my mother to become pregnant with one. So they threw her out, and as my mother discovered my father soon abandoned her, she ended up in the Antivan brothel." Zev noticed various emotions on Gin's face: "The few I ever told had that same expression."

"Are you surprised about that?" Disbelief glowed in the roguish elf's voice, "What happened to your father?"

Zevran shrugged, "Could be alive or could be dead. I have no idea."

"You didn't even want to look?"

"For an individual to abandon a pregnant woman who sires his child is not to be seen as a father. Nor as a man." The former crow waved an unconcerned hand, "I have no use for him nor want anything to do with him. But, unlike him, my mother did everything could to survive. And never lost her pride." His gaze turned sad, "I do miss my mother's gloves, though."

Gin cocked a brow, "Gloves?"

"Oh yes, the one keepsake I had left of her. Great rugged leather and Dalish make." The blond elf huffed, "The crows threw them away once they took me."

"Well, we are certain to meet with the dalish again eventually," Gin said. "You could always get a pair from them."

"You think so?"

"Hey, you're hanging out with the people who saved two clans. That's gotta count for something."

"Hmm, we should leave out the part about me trying to kill you for the coin, though..."

"It's adorable you think you ever had a chance."

"That hurts me," Zevran deadpanned, "Hurts me on a professional level."

"I don't know about 'professional'. Miara took out all of your guys by herself."

"Are we going to say any fight against Miara isn't automatically unfair for whoever is fighting her?"

"Okay, fair point."

Choosing to ignore the slights against his skills as an assassin, Zevran focused on what truly mattered. "Ahhh, but dalish leather. It must have a very musky and earthy smell."

"Smell?"

"Oh yes. You tell quality leather apart by smell; let me tell you, no leather smells better than some properly made antivan boots. It would certainly help me forget how Ferelden smells of the wet dog."

"Outside of Loke and Bran, of course?"

"Naturally, our courageous handsome leader and adorably beautiful circle mage know how to care for their pets." He offered a light-hearted, goofy smile that made his fellow elf snort with a chuckle.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Brianna glanced at the Alienage outside Edgrhall's gates before turning a beautiful sapphire eye to one of the Orlesian mercenaries leaning against the wall of one of the houses. Despite appearing on watch, she knew his attention was entirely on her. His eyes gazed at her as if mentally undressing her, which only made her roll her eyes before walking away to a market stall.

She came to stand beside Marcus, who looked over the items for sale. He kept a close vigil on the mercenaries around the hold. "Is there anything even worth buying here?" The voluptuous women inquired.

"Some jewelry might add to your looks to garner more of the gentlemen and ladies' attention than you already have," Marcus quipped.

"Maybe if I had a looser integrity."

The Cousland chuckled briefly, shaking his head, but was soon distracted by a pair of armored men walking by. Though perhaps not of the highest quality, their armor had a distinctive motif that marked them as Orlessian. There was no mistaking it. If that wasn't enough, he could hear them talking in their tongue; the population here seemed very wary of them. They knew they worked for Lendon. The arl had taken his place by force and feared he would command them to squash any sedition if it came to it. However, that did not stop many of the native Ferelden from looking at them like they were pests.

"This town is full of orlessian mercenaries..." He muttered.

"Tell me about it. I've seen more orlessians today than I've seen in my entire life," The Amell mage said, "If I was Fereldan instead of Marcher, I'm sure I'd instantly feel angry at seeing them; occupy a town like this."

"Marchers too have had bad blood with Orlais," Marcus reminded her.

Brianna rolled her eyes, "Gods, nobody in the south likes Orlais except Orlais."

"Oh, you two would just love High Rock then," Both turn their heads at the sight of Miara strolling near them, ignoring several odd looks sent her way. "The brothels there are so posh it is nauseating."

"And the best brothel in all of Tamriel?" Brianna humored, garnering an eye roll from the exiled noble.

"Oh, that's a tough one."

Clearing his throat loud enough to get both ladies' attention Marcus spoke up, "Could we discuss something else, please?"

"Well, I suppose we could get down to business," the elf leaned in, making the other two do the same, "A lovely young child pointed me to some comrades acquainted with Slim Couldry."

That drew the attention of Marcus. "They have a chapter here?"

"Are you that surprised?"

"Only because the situation here is very perilous," The Cousland replied. "Can the guild operate under these circumstances?"

"High risk, high reward," Miara simply replied. "Lendon and the Orlessians sowing conflict present as many opportunities as they bring trouble. But here's the interesting part," She leaned in close so she could whisper. "I paid for some info, and the guild is momentarily ceasing their activities. They broke a deal with another player to get them info and help their agents around town."

Marcus and Brianna looked around, the streets were busy, and the enchantments of their cloaks made it so they didn't bring too much attention; it was safe to whisper here. "Who?"

"There's a bunch of banns from the area gathering forces to repel the Orlessian mercenaries. The sellswords have been making a lot of trouble around," Miara grinned with satisfaction and vindication. "And they plan on removing Lendon from power."

The Cousland frowned, crossing his arms as he processed this information. For her part, Brianna huffed and muttered with humor. "Well, that ought to bring a smile on our elven friends."

"If whoever replaces Lendon is to be trusted..." Miara could see the gears moving inside Marcus' head. "Around this area, there are four banns," The warrior listed, "Banns Bryton, Lanya, Kail, and Parth."

"Do you know them?" The dunmer asked.

"I've only met bann Parth in passing at a dinner once," Marcus shrugged. "The others I know just by name, from other times my father took my brother and me to a Landsmeet" The young Cousland trailed off, his gaze shifting from place to place as he seemed to be planning something. "Four banns, a potential arl, removing an orlessian mercenary force, get the population actual protection..."

"Well then," Brianna smirked, placing a hand on her hip. "Sounds to me you're coming to the idea of doing something about Edgehall now."

"If we play our cards right, we can both help the people here and get support against Loghain."

Marcus noted the pleased expression was coming off Miara, "I'd instead he go to trial. Assassination being a last resort."

"Wouldn't that be left to the Banns around here?" Brianna questioned the man.

"Yes, but this has to be right down to the letter, or we lose more than we could gain."

A huff came from the Dragonborn, "and here I thought, taking everything from Maven Blackbriar under her nose was nerve-wracking." Dual odd looks came from her human companions, "An evil bitch who had it coming. But I took the indirect approach buying everything she had and leaving her with nothing. The Riften guards found her body after she hung herself."

The way she said it with pure bliss in her voice made even Amell's spine shiver with a chill. "That's... terrifyingly extreme."

"Oh honey," Miara's smile was downright bone-chilling, "I should tell you about what I did in Markarth sometime."

Marcus shook his head, "At any rate, we need to find any agents of the Banns around here. Then see if we can get a meeting with them."

"Leave the finding them to me," Miara told him, eager to get this scum of a lord out of this town.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Sofie pursed his lips in displeasure, and usually, she'd enjoy having Leliana on her lap, pressed close against her. But right now, the circumstances weren't what one would call intimate. With their entire damn party being shoved into the same room, they barely had room to get comfortable...

"I can't see shit!" Faren shouted from... somewhere. "I'm behind the golem!"

"I wasn't going to stay outside with the birds," Shale declared with finality.

Alistair awkwardly looked up at the tall qunari while Sten looked down at him unimpressed. Pressed between Shale and a piece of furniture, the two were uncomfortably close. "Sooo... we never properly hanged out before. I'm just realizing."

Sten growled in displeasure.

"I have Zevran's ass in front of my face..." Sereda droned.

"Is the view as good for you as it is for me~?" The antivan elf said suggestively.

Wynne glared at him. "Stay well away from my bosom,"

"Your armor's poking my ribs..." Neria groaned.

"Sorry," Oryrn replied.

"Why are we meeting in this accursed place?!" Morrigan irritably asked as she glared at Sarya. However, the dunmeri mage wasn't too uncomfortable with the idea of having no personal space as she was nose to nose with the witch. "What does your chaotic mother want now?"

"Well, she said there's this urgent meeting, and we needed a quiet place. And it so happens this inn doesn't have room for a party of our size."

"Well, you all looked cramped," Miara snorted from all the glares sent at her as Serana regaled her with a deadpanning look. Marcus came beside them with Ban and Loke at the doorway alongside the Amell mage.

"Comfy?" Brianna covered her mouth, trying not to laugh loudly at the scene before her.

"If I can get Morri out of her clothes, I will," Sarya chimed with sarcasm.

The witch did not look amused, "I prefer men, Redoran."

"I'm good with my fingers."

"Can we please get to the matter as to why we are all in here?" a flustered Neria cried out.

"You got your wish," Marcus smiled at her. "We can help not just the elves but also all the people of Edgehall."

The elves of their party looked at him stunned, almost unable to believe what they had just heard. Was it true? Could they depose this tyrant human and do right for their kind in this place?

"But..." Gin couldn't understand, "You said we couldn't spare the time. Nor that we had any way of knowing the person in charge would do better."

"Situation's changed," The Cousland replied. "Miara found out through the thieves' guild that Lendon's currently being targeted by a group of local banns; they want him gone."

"So you want us to support these banns?" Theron questioned. "Are they any different from Lendon?" He didn't want to replace one cruel shem for another.

"From what I know of them, they don't seem to be the cruel or greedy type. But this is why we should get involved," Marcus insisted. "An arling and the support of its banns will give us a lot of support to face Loghain. By aiding them, we gain their support, and we can make sure the right people take charge of Edgehall."

"Ah, so we're just doing this for political gain," Gin said dispassionately.

"Call it what you will, Gin," Marcus shrugged, "If it gets the elves the help they need, are you truly going to complain?"

"No, but..." He didn't like how to make life better for elves here, and it still fell to the mercy of a human lord. But what other choice did they have here? "You're right. It's the best we're going to get."

A curt nod came from the former noble, "Alright. Before coming here, we found an agent of one of the Banns. They are arranging a meeting with Bann Bryton, Lanya, Kail, and Parth. Will explain what I know about them along the way." He looked at Sereda remorsefully. "I'm sorry, but Orzammar will have to wait. This is an opportunity we can't pass."

"I get it," She said with a sigh, "Orzammar has withstood for ages; it's not going to crumble out of a petty man's lust for power now."

Marcus nodded at her in gratitude for her understanding.

"Now, let's head out," Miara smirked excitedly, "We have a hold to liberate."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX