I do not own rights to Dragon Age, its lore or its characters. All belongs to BioWare. I am just a fan.

This is the longest chapter I've written so far. Let me know what you think.

The sun had barley risen as I found myself in the main house waiting for someone to fetch Halward. I wasn't even sure if he would be awake. I had to get him to do these enchantments. It never occurred to me until Fenris mentioned it that there could be spells to overhear just like there were spells to muffle sounds.

I had begun pacing back and forth in the waiting room. It was a habit I picked up from my father. We both hated sitting still. Mother used to laugh and tell me that I was Father in female form. "Not only do you look exactly like him, you share the same stride, the same straight-backed posture. You even grasp your hands behind your back the same way he does. My Little Malcolm!" she would say with the biggest smile. The memory was a pleasant one. As it crossed my mind, I felt the warmth of a sunbeam on my cheek from one of the windows above. For a moment I could imagine the same warmth of her palm on my cheek the last time she told me she loved me. Pleasant turned into bitter sweet but I smiled all the same.

"Marian what are you doing here at this ungodly hour?" Halward's voice rang out behind me snapping me out of my day dream. I turned to look at him. He did not have the look of a man who just rolled out of bed.

"Is this ungodly early or ungodly late uncle?" I teased.

"Why can't it be both?" he retorted with the faintest of smiles. He gestured me to walk with him as he said "What can I do for you?"

"I'm sure you know that tomorrow I head to Castellum Tenebris?" I asked as I crossed the room.

"Of course. I was really surprised that he accepted the contract that easily. Judy was impressed with the few clauses that Varric and Dorian added to it for you. Congratulations Marian. You will never have to worry about money again." He smiled. Pride shown across his face.

"I didn't worry about it even when I didn't have it Halward." I teased. It was funny to me that Varric tried harder for me to walk away with as much gold as I could even though the Archon had promised me ownership of everything but the Magister title. I would probably sell everything I could just so I never had to come back to this city. Varric didn't trust the Archon to keep his word. "A little something is better than nothing." Is what he told me when I reminded him. He did not know that Halward already had the proper official documents from the Archon. He was just trying to look out for me. It was touching.

He laughed politely. As I continued, "I wanted to ask you if there was some way that you can enchant a couple things for me."

He looked at me with the corner of his eye and didn't respond. The walk to his office wasn't a long one. Once we were both inside, he slid the lock closed and mumbled something under his breath. Almost immediately after he was finished speaking a silvery fog rushed over the door and its frame before it disappeared.

"What kinds of enchantments do you have in mind?" he asked as he slid into the plush chair behind his desk. He picked up a feather pen and dipped it into a large pot of ink.

I sat in one of the guest chairs across from him and pointed at the door. "I need a small variety of things to try to ensure my safety with in those walls. Fenris has told me that he believes Denarius keeps spells around the place to eavesdrop on conversations. There could be countless things like that around the place."

Halward nodded and scratched a few notes on the paper in front of him. "I am sorry for the short notice but I didn't get much either." I grinned at him and he blew out a laugh.

"I have a few ideas for things I can send with you. Do you wear that all the time?" he pointed to the tear drop stone on my neck. I nodded. "I hardly take it off." I said as I brought my fingers up to my throat to touch it.

He opened his hand palm up. "If you can go without it for a day I would like to add a few spells to it for you as well. That way you will have it with you." After a slight hesitation I unclasped it from my neck and laid it in his palm. "Please don't lose this. I cannot replace it."

I sat back in the chair. It had been a long time since I took that off during the day and all of a sudden, I felt exposed. "I don't know if it matters but, that stone already once held magic. It's been depleted obviously." I was rambling and I reached up to fiddle with the stone before I remembered it wasn't there.

Halward held up the necklace and studied the stone for a moment. 20 minutes passed as I answered questions about the stone and we spoke in length about what types of minor spells I might find useful. Eventually I stood and dropped a handful of Sovereigns onto the desk between us.

"Thank you for your help, uncle. It would take me weeks to find these types of things." I smiled sweetly at him as I turned to leave. "Going to spend my last day of freedom for a while in the city. Need to gather a few other things for my trip."

"Before you go Marian, are you comfortable with birds?"

I was surprised that Fenris decided to accompany me into the city. I hadn't expected him to want to spend his last day of freedom for a while following me around.

The sun had barley risen when we made it into Minrathous. Street vendors were just opening up their shops and setting out their wares. I headed toward the Dark Lady by the docks.

"How attached are you to your current weapon?" I asked Fenris as we made our way through the muddy streets. He had been uncharacteristically quiet this morning. It worried me. I feared for his state of mind. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to finally be out of such a bad situation and have to willingly go back into it to ensure your freedom. Guilt squeezed me in a vice.

"This is nothing special. My last blade broke in my last Arena fight. I took this one from some mercenary's corpse." There was a note of nostalgia in his voice.

"Well that won't do. I'll find you something better at market today. If you decide to come with us back to Kirkwall after this is finished, I'll commission you something. Everyone needs a blade or two that feel like they are a part of them." I looked down at the pommel of a dagger on my hip. The counterweight was a rose. And my mind went back to the day Father finally convinced Mother to allow me to start training with the guards. She had protested vehemently, insisting I act like the Lady she wanted me to be. "Come now Leandra, roses are beautiful and they have thorns. Why can't Marian be both a lady and a warrior?" I felt a deep pride as my eyes wondered over the flower and the thorny vines that made up the guard.

"What's wrong with the blade I have now?" Fenris' voice snapped me out of my daydream.

"Nothing." I responded but before I could continue, he hit me with another question. "Why waste your coin on replacing something that does what it needs to do?"

"Well, you are a master with a blade. The blade should reflect that. Also, Denarius kept you in rags and subpar equipment did he not?" I looked directly at him as I asked.

He scoffed. "You know he did."

I could see the Dark Lady in the distance. We were close enough I thought I could smell Lanabel's fresh bread on the wind. "He did it as a dig to you. Didn't he? Giving you scraps just because he could in some sick power play?" I shook my head as disgust bubbled in my chest. "Imagine how mad he will be when you show up looking like a soldier and not a slave?" I smiled at the thought. We had finally reached the tavern and I led us to the back where the stables were kept.

A shock of curly black hair came running to me when I dismounted. "Lady Hawke! Lady Hawke! Momma was just talkin' 'bout how you hadn't visited in a while and here you are! I can't wait to tell her!" Neil's excitement was infectious. I hugged him.

"Hello Neil. Goodness, you seem taller since I've seen you last. See to our horses and then go tell your momma I am here. My friend and I came for breakfast." I tousled the boys hair and gave him a push toward the stables. "Yes ma'am!"

I could feel Fenris staring holes into the side of my head as I interacted with the boy. "What's on your mind Fenris?" I asked as I began walking toward the back entrance.

"You are gifting me new equipment to take a jab at Denarius?" he asked as we reached a table. There were a few others around the room but they were either just getting up for the day or getting ready to sleep and it there was a hush in the room.

Hershel wasn't behind his bar as he shuffled around table to table. "Miss Hawke! What a surprise. What brings you in so early?" he clapped his hands together and smiled at me. "We came for breakfast. I've got some business in the city this morning and got here too early. What did Lana make us today?"

"She just pulled some fresh loaves of bread from the oven this morning. She is also scrambling eggs and whipping up a sausage drippings gravy." The pride that he felt for his wife shone through everything about this man. It was in his voice, his shoulders straightened and he stood taller when he spoke. Again I thought of my father.

"Sounds good. Two servings. Please ask her to burn my sausages a little." I handed the big man his silvers and he laughed. "As soon as I tell her it's for you, she'll know." His laugh followed him as he walked away.

As soon as he was out of ear shot, I looked at my companion. "Have you ever played Wicked Grace?" he shook his head. "It's a great game, all about strategy and bluffing your opponent. That is what I am going to do here. If I upgrade your equipment, I will be showing him that I value you. He will either be flattered that I appreciate his gift so much that I polished it up or he will be furious that I improved upon what he gave me." I hated speaking about Fenris this way. I was sure it was all over my face but I continued.

"Both of those scenarios work in my favor. If he is flattered then that plays into his ego. If he gets angry then he will see me as a rival and start trying to one up me. Either way he will start to drop his guard around me." I shrugged and leaned back in my chair. I began to drum my fingers against the course wood as Fenris thought about my reply.

"There is much wisdom in your words." He admitted. The way he brought his hand up to rub his jaw as he thought was endearing. "Both ways will distract him from your true intent. Simple and clever."

We spent the next few minutes talking about what kinds of wards Denarius used to keep his private spaces private. Locks would be no issue to open but I would have to think my way around the magic. I fully intended to snoop through his office and anywhere else I could in the middle of the night once I learned the lay of the land.

"By the Stone it's you." A rough voice intruded beside us. When I turned my head to scold whoever rudely interrupted, I was surprised to see the dwarven man whose wrist I broke.

"Atol?" Shock raised my voice a few octaves. The dwarf was carrying a tray laden with the food we ordered. His hair was neat and combed. His beard was braided and trimmed. The slobbering drunk I remembered had cleaned himself up. The tray shook slightly in his hands, one wrist still wrapped up, as he stared at me wide eyed.

I raised my hands, palms out in the universal sign of not looking for trouble when with a sweep of his arm our plates were in front of us. He tucked the tray between an arm and his side as he began to speak.

"I never thought I would see you again My Lady!" he sounded relieved. My jaw hit the floor when he bowed low at the waist and continued. "Thank you. I will be forever in your debt."

Fenris was unphased as he picked up his fork and started eating silently. His eyes flickered between me and the odd dwarf as he chewed. He didn't speak a word.

"I'm sorry Atol, I feel as if I am missing something. You are thanking me for breaking your wrist and knocking you out cold?" I was so confused. I started second guessing if I was truly awake. My question caught Fenris' attention and out of the corner of my eye I saw him turn his head to stare at the dwarf.

"Hershel told me what you said when you paid him to take me to the healer." He explained. Then he laughed. "At first, I was royally pissed. I cursed your name." he shook his head as if he couldn't believe it.

"Then I took your words to heart and started thinking about what I had done. When my pickled brain finally came to the realization just how vile I had treated you I was so ashamed of myself. For the first time I realized just how far I had sunk. I couldn't use Miralyn's death to justify this." His voice broke and tears filled his eyes. He dropped his gaze to the floor.

"I don't think I would have come to the conclusion on my own. I deserved what I got. More even. Haven't had a drink since that night. Lanabel and I have started to mend the bridge between us. I can never repay you." He shook his head and glanced up at me.

I was speechless. I opened and closed my mouth more than once trying to think of the right words to say. I stood and offered my hand to the man, "No hard feelings?" he smiled when he shook my hand. "Not at all. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to report back to the boss. My sister-in-law runs a tight ship in there." He turned on his heel and chuckled to himself as he walked away.

When I sat back down I was still a bit in shock. Of anything that could have happened to me today that was something I would never have imagined. Almost in a daze I pulled a piece from the loaf of bread on the table and began to eat.

"What did he do to you?" Fenris asked me between bites. I settled back into my chair and told him the story.

FENRIS

An hour after our breakfast concluded I found myself in the kitchen of the tavern we visited watching Hawke wash dishes for the small woman who she was speaking with. They were in a deep conversation about the dwarven man Hawke spared.

I thought about what she said about playing this situation like a game of strategy. There was no denying that Hawke was hunting Denarius. Many had tried to bring down my former master and failed. Usually at my hand.

Denarius voice flowed through my memory. "Obey and protect her as you have done so for me these many years." His last instruction to me. I wondered if he ever imagined that he had ordered me to help her in her endeavor to take his life. The thought was amusing.

"Engaged to Denarius! Anyone who knows you knows this is a bad match child. Have you ever heard what they say about that man? Why on earth are you even entertaining this idea?" the small woman Hawke was talking to rose her voice just enough that it took my attention from my musings. She wasn't shouting but she was very animated. The knife she was chopping vegetables with never missed a beat.

"I know it does not make sense to you Lanabel but, trust me, it's for the best." Hawke had finished the dishes that were in the sink and was wiping down the water around the area. "If I do not check in with you during my time away I want you to get a message to my friends ship the Siren's Song."

"Done." the small woman interrupted, "You do not need to worry about that. If you disappear from Minrathous we would search for you. With the help you've given my family and all the good you've done down at Tilly's you would be missed. You've been an angel to our little community spreading your wealth around here. We won't forget it."

Hawke hugged the woman and said she would see her in a months' time. I followed her out the back door toward the stables. Before we could get too close the curly haired boy ran up to Hawke chittering excitedly. "I didn't unsaddle them miss but they've been brushed and watered. Let me get them for you." He ran off again.

"What will getting a message to the Siren's Song accomplish if you do not visit here in time?" I asked her.

She looked up at me, a smile still on her face. "I don't have any intention of finding out. Isabella's retribution would be something to behold."

Before I could reply the boy appeared with our mounts and she was up in the saddle so swiftly I almost missed it.

The morning was moving along swiftly as I made my way to Tilly's shop. Fenris was quiet in his saddle behind me. I guess it's good practice getting used to him being my second shadow. I thought to myself as I rode.

The marketplace was full and bustling as we rode through. I made note of the wagons that looked like they would have some of the things I came for as I passed. I saw a particularly promising cart full of swords when I noticed that someone was calling my name. My eyes scanned the crowd as I pulled my stallion to a halt. A thin lanky redheaded elven boy ran straight towards me. His arms were hugged around a stack of papers and his face was upturned to me and smiling. "Pierre! What a surprise. We were just headed to see your mom." I greeted the boy smiling down at him.

The boy looked all around. "Zevran is here?" he blurted before he finally saw Fenris and his eyes grew wide. He was just as star struck as the last time he saw him.

"Not today. Zev had to go take care of something important and you might not see him again for a while." I let the boy down gently. I couldn't tell if he heard me as he continued to stare up at Fenris in adulation. "Would you like a ride home?" I asked him. His eyes snapped back to me. If I thought his eyes couldn't get any wider I was wrong as excitement shot through him. It reminded me when my wonderful Festus was a puppy.

"I've never ridden a horse before." His voice held just as much excitement as the shiver in his body. "Put those papers in one of the saddle bags and I will pull you up." I didn't get the whole sentence out before he rushed to unbuckle the saddle bag. My stallion was slightly startled but a firm pull of the reigns and a pat on the neck calmed him. When Pierre was finished slipping the papers into the bag I reached down and scooped him up. "Wow Miss Hawke you're stronger than you look! Mama hasn't been able to pick me up like that in years."

I ruffled his hair with a smile. "I bet she wishes she still could. Lucky for her she's got such a strapping young lad to help her with his sisters." I took both his hands in mine and placed them onto the saddle's pommel.

"I'm the man of the house now Papa's gone. I try to make him proud." He sat up straighter as he spoke. I couldn't help but kiss the top of his head. "I bet you do make him proud every day."

FENRIS

I made sure I was stopped and off Ann before Hawke was so I could help her place the boy on the ground. He giggled as I lowered him. "Thank you Mr. Fenris, for helping me down." I had my hands on either side of his ribcage just under his armpits as I pulled him down from the horse. Once he was face to face with me, before I could set him down he reached forward and pulled me into a hug. I braced myself waiting for the inevitable pain to flare up from my markings but it never came. When he released me I set him down.

"You're welcome." I replied simply as I offered a hand up to Hawke. She took it and slid off the horse. She took the reins of both horses and pulled them to the hitch leaving me with the boy. "Can I look at your sword?" he asked me.

"Maybe you should ask your mother first." I told him as I followed Hawke into the building. "I'm going to tell Marie about horseback riding first!" he exclaimed as he scurried away.

I caught up to Hawke as she made her way through the store. I heard the faint cry of an infant in the distance. When she realized I was near she held one finger to her lips asking for quiet. "Tilly has a baby and will be out with us once she quiets her down." She whispered to me. She began to weave through the displays. I watched her smooth out a sleeve here, straighten the pleat of a skirt there.

I made sure to stay close to the front door. I didn't think Hawke would be attacked here but I wasn't going to let my guard down. Denarius had numerous enemies who would love to strike Hawke down in their games with the vile man. I wasn't sure how many plots against Denarius Hawke had disrupted with her arrival. I didn't even think Hawke was aware of it.

After a few minutes the cries quieted. I heard Hawke call for me. As I neared her a tall thin woman with hair as red as the boys came out from a back room with an armload of fabrics. "May I help you with those, ma'am?" I asked as I made my way over to her.

Large green eyes peaked over the bolts of cloth. She took me in for a second and immediately dropped everything she was holding. It crashed to the floor.

"Leto?" she asked shock etched into every feature of her face.

"Hello Tilly." I greeted her rushing over to help Fenris pick up the fabrics she had been picking up. "This is my friend Fenris. I don't think either of us know a Leto. Who is that?" I asked as I picked up a few and began to stack them onto her countertop. She was frozen to the spot like she had seen a ghost.

After a moment without a reply I cleared my throat trying to snap her out of her shock. It worked. She took a big gulp of air and shook her head. "I'm so sorry surah." She scrambled to pick up the remaining cloth. She shook her self again like she was waking from a bad dream.

She took another breath and stepped behind the counter. Her shock was replaced with professionalism as she put on a smile and continued. "Again my apologies. I thought Fenris looked a great deal like someone I used to know. It surprised me. It won't happen again. How can I help you today Miss Hawke?"

I placed another order with Tilly for a corset like plate armor that I could wear with or under my clothes. Denarius might find it suspicious if I wore my leathers all day every day. Not far from her shop we found a blacksmith. The mountain of a man greeted us warmly like we were long lost friends.

He and Fenris were looking through his armor as I wondered around looking at the blades he had crafted. We really lucked out deciding to walk into this place. He seems to specialize in the broad swords Fenris prefers. I thought as I looked around.

Fenris and the blacksmith's laughter rang out across the place. It made me wear a smile of my own. I passed blade after blade and was impressed with each one. This man was an artist with his metal work. Every one I checked was razor sharp and the fine details were gorgeous. The laughter began to muffle as I turned into a side room.

I lifted the cloth that half covered the door expecting to see office space but found even more blades. I was speechless. If I thought the others were individual artworks these made those look like a child forged them. I scanned each one of them slowly. I wanted to memorize the way these blades looked.

The final blade in the line stopped me in my tracks. It was perfect. I looked around for something to step up on so I could take it down from the wall.

FENRIS

I heard her footsteps moments before her voice. "Fenris. Would you close your eyes please?" The big man I had been talking with chuckled. "She's excited for whatever she found back there." He rumbled to me as he nudged my arm with his massive elbow.

I blew out a sigh and complied. I heard her shuffle closer and the black smith move away toward her. I listened as she asked if the piece was for sale. The smith affirmed if she could pay its price. After the clink of what sounded like quite a few coins she walked closer.

"Hold out your arms palms up" she instructed again. Her voice was full of excitement. I obeyed and she placed upon my palms a blade. It felt larger and heavier than the one I had. My own excitement was beginning to build in my chest as anticipation sank in.

When she finally told me to look at the blade I snapped my eyes open. What I held was the most beautiful weapon I had ever seen. The blade was as wide as my hand and the steel was bicolored and had smoke like swirls all through it. As I looked up the blade I noticed that the guard was made up of a large chain and in the center a green-eyed wolf snapped that chain betwixt its jaws. The leather wrapped handle ended in a large dark green stone that had dark black lines running through it like lightening.

"I don't know what to say Hawke." When I finally was able to get the words out they were a whisper. I took a few steps back and swung my gift, getting a feel for it.

"It's almost like I made that for you boy-o." the blacksmith said laughing. The blade was slightly larger and heavier than I was used to but it was perfectly balanced. The more I swung it the more I agreed with him. It felt like this blade was an extension of my body.

I picked a barrel to sit on along the wall out of the way as I watched Fenris get a good feel of the blade. "I don't know if it matters," the big man said as he approached me, "But I named that sword Retribution. I never thought I would part with it but, watching him with it, I feel like I made it for him."

I smiled at the pride in his voice. "The armor he is wearing looks like it fits him well." I commented. It didn't surprise me that it looked similar to what he was used to with maybe less spikes. I saw the blacksmith puff up at the chest a bit as I complimented his work. "How much?" I asked him feeling a smile spread across my face. "I expect a nice discount." I smiled up at the big man watching him watch Fenris with the blade he was so proud of. "Especially since I would like a set made for him. I'll pay for all materials and labor. And I won't rush you for it either. I want something as special as his blade.

The blacksmith combed his large calloused fingers through his hair with a loud booming laugh. "Little lady you sure know how to drive a bargain. This almost feels too good to be true." He coughed and began to trip nervously over his next words. "However, I've been around a long time and round here when it sounds too good to be true there's always a catch. What is in it for you?"

I hopped up and moved away from where Fenris still swung Retribution oblivious to the world around him. The big man followed. Once I was satisfied the conversation was far enough away I continued, "I can see exactly why you kept Retribution and all the others away from what you have out here for sale. This," I gestured to the inventory around me "is your lively hood. But those, you put a little bit of your soul into those."

I turned to look in the direction Fenris was still practicing. "He has been hired to help me complete a dangerous task. I simply wish to reward him with functional art. Will you do it?"

Once the rest of my purchases were made Fenris and I headed back to the guest house. The heat of the day was beginning to fade as we made our way back. The saddle bags of both horses were very full. The thought comforted me. I felt much more prepared to venture into Castellum Tenebris tomorrow morning.

"Denarius will make a big show of welcoming you." Fenris voice rumbled across the road to me. "He will likely have his entire staff and every single slave in attendance as soon as you walk through the door."

"Is he typically an early riser?" I asked him as I reached into the pouch tied around my waist. I pulled out two bright green apples and tossed one over to the former slave as he contemplated how to answer my question.

"No. Denarius makes it a habit of rising mid-morning. Occasionally he would make people wait on him if they tried to arrive too early for business." I watched out of the corner of my eye as he pulled the fruit up to his mouth and bit into it. I hadn't yet met anyone who enjoyed the tart sour apple as much as I did. The mischievousness in my heart dampened a bit when he had no reaction and continued to nibble on it. I shrugged it away and continued to ask questions.

"Does he then often keep late hours?" The sour bit into my cheeks making them feel pinched as I snacked.

"He is often up at all hours of the night. Sometimes he is entertaining his less reputable business partners and others he is engrossed in his research. There is a section of rooms hidden behind his private quarters that I have never been allowed in but I have brought several individuals to him there." Fenris kept his eyes forward as the horses clip clopped steadily forward.

"Where do distinguished guests stay when visiting the estate?" I asked suddenly curious about where I would be sleeping tomorrow. I barley caught the shrug of Fenris shoulder before he answered. We were finally riding back through the gates to the Pavus estate.

"It's hard to tell. I can not remember a single time that Denarius has ever allowed a guest to stay past a single night. He will more than likely want to impress you though and put you up in the Duchess's apartments." I swung my head to look at him noticing his frown.

"Duchess?" I asked as we entered the barn. I stepped down from the saddle and began to lead my stallion to his stall.

"Apologies. I don't know why I thought that. No one has been allowed to set foot in Denarius' mothers wing since her death long before I ever resided there." He reached up and ran his fingers through his hair, his cheeks pink in embarrassment. He followed suit and pulled his mare into the stall next to mine.

"It's hard to think about that weasel having a mother." I muttered to myself. Fenris chuckled. "Listening to him talk about her she was a task master. Driving him to perfect his magic, always being critical when he couldn't master the lengths of magic she could." A devilish smile never left the elf's mouth as he spoke about Denarius' struggles with his mother. "I heard rumors that Denarius no longer uses his given surname to spite her."

"Nice to know the snake has mommy issues." I thought aloud. Conversation dried up as we un burdened and took care of our mounts.

"Did I hear you say that Denarius has mommy issues?" Varric's amusement was thick in his voice as he rounded the corner. "You've been out all-day Hawke. Got everything you need to make your stay comfortable?"

"I think I've got enough booby traps." I laughed kicking my toe against the saddle bag I left on the ground as I focused on brushing and feeding my stallion. "As long as Halward was able to cover the magical aspect I will have a fortified place of my own within."

Fenris laugh from the stall next to us rumbled in my chest. "I want to learn more about these traps Hawke. I'd hate to find myself on the bad end of whatever mischief you have in store."

"As long as my privacy is respected no one has to get on the bad end of my mischief." I retort before returning my attention to my best friend. "Do you know if Halward was able to fulfil my requests?" I set a fist on each of my hips in impatience.

The dwarf was nodding before the whole question was out of my mouth. "Most of your ideas were quite ingenious Hawke. Halward and Dorian both were very impressed with the things you came up with. Halward promised to return your tear drop stone before you departed in the morning. There is only one thing that you're not going to like." He smiled. I could read discomfort in every pore of his being.

"Just say it please." I closed my eyes bracing for the news. He took a deep breath still hesitant. "The rug you wanted, the one that would make someone stay out of a door way without hurting them, it's do-able. …" his voice drifted off.

"But?" I prompted. As horror started to creep down my neck. It probably involves blood magic. I told myself as Varric continued.

FENRIS

I could almost feel the temperature drop as I overheard the conversation just over the stall. Bad news with magic always has something to do with Blood Magic. I shoved the pitch fork down into the heap of dirty hay in the hand wagon in front of me.

"In order to be able to tell the difference between who it would need to keep out Halward would have to have a small sample of your blood." Varric's words were clipped short as Hawke made the oddest strangled noise. "Absolutely not Varric." Her words were short and dripped with a disgusted sneer.

"Hawke it is only an identifying mark. To ensure it sees through illusions. Halward assured me that it was NOT part of the magic its self. I'd never do that to you." The dwarf is worried about her. I can hear the guilt in his voice. Disappointment started to creep through my chest.

"I can live without it then." She told him. "It was just an idea. I will not use Blood Magic for any reason." There was a finality in her voice that left no room for argument.

"That is exactly what I told Halward you would say." Varric grumbled. I heard a match strike and soon after could smell sweet smoke in the air. "So I had them change the spell. Any time anyone walks over that rug you will see them in your head. Halward said it would be a bit uncomfortable but there would be no blood involved."

I chuckled to myself. I can't believe I thought that Varric would convince her to use Blood Magic. I shook the thought out of my head and began to push the wagon out the back door to empty it.

My mind swam with thoughts about tomorrow. I couldn't help but think about what fresh torments Denarius and Hadrianna would have in store for me. I knew I should voice my concerns to Hawke but I didn't want to add to her list of problems. I already knew what was expected of me in that place but she would have to learn to navigate while pretending to be something she wasn't.

My freedom was so close I could taste it. I still hadn't thought of what I would do with myself when I finally was free. The only thing I knew was that I would travel far from Tevinter. Maybe I would travel back with Hawke and her entourage to the Free Marches. I hadn't been able to keep the thought of raiding slaver dens from my mind since Hawke mentioned it. All I had to do was survive with Hawke and I could do whatever I chose to. The idea was as thrilling as it was terrifying.

https/dragonage./wiki/Varania