Tamlen's Return

The camp was still tense, the Dalish and werewolves keeping their distance from one another despite the fragile truce that had settled over them. The firelight flickered in the dim evening, casting shadows across the worn faces of Alistair and his companions as they sat together, their bodies exhausted but their minds restless.

A faint rustling at the edge of the camp broke the quiet, and all eyes turned toward the sound. Cullen emerged first, his armor streaked with dirt from the journey back, but his expression was calm. Behind him was Tamlen, walking slowly but steadily. His movements were no longer shaky or feral, and his eyes, no longer bloodshot, were filled with clarity and peace.

"Tamlen," Leliana said softly, rising to her feet.

The elf gave her a small smile before stepping into the light of the fire. His Dalish tattoos, once obscured by the dark veins of the Taint, were now vivid and clear against his skin. His posture was steady, and though there was still a trace of exhaustion in his features, he radiated a quiet strength.

Alistair stood, his expression a mixture of relief and disbelief. "Tamlen. You're… yourself again."

Tamlen nodded, his gaze dropping momentarily. "I am. The Taint is gone. I don't know how… or why. When I stepped through that mirror, it was like… everything changed. I felt something—a presence, maybe. And then, I woke up, and the Taint… the singing… it was gone." He touched his chest, his voice quiet but firm. "For the first time in years, I feel whole."

Zevran, leaning casually against a post, tilted his head. "A miracle, perhaps? Or maybe the ancient elves left more secrets behind than we thought."

Tamlen gave a faint chuckle. "Maybe. But I don't think I'll ever truly understand what happened in that place. And that's… okay. What matters is that I have my life back."

Tamlen turned to the group, his expression softening as his voice grew steadier. "I wanted to thank you. All of you. You could've left me behind, given up on me. Most people would have. But you didn't. You kept fighting, even when it seemed hopeless."

He looked to Alistair, his voice warm with gratitude. "And you, Alistair. You stood up for me. For us. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. You gave me a second chance."

Alistair smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You're the one who fought through it, Tamlen. You never gave up."

Tamlen's gaze moved to Leliana and Zevran. "Thank you, both of you. For fighting by my side… for believing I was worth saving. And Zevran…" He smirked lightly. "For keeping everyone from taking things too seriously."

Zevran grinned, bowing theatrically. "Ah, it's a talent of mine. You're quite welcome."

Finally, Tamlen's eyes turned to Cullen, who stood quietly to the side. "And you. I know you didn't trust me. I don't blame you for that. But you still helped, and I'm grateful. Truly."

Cullen nodded, his voice low. "I only did what I could. It's good to see you like this, Tamlen. Whole."

Tamlen straightened, his gaze turning toward the Dalish camp. His eyes lingered on the familiar aravels, the carved designs that spoke of home and history. "This is my home," he said softly. "These are my people. I don't know what I am without the Taint anymore, but I want to find out here, with them. I need to figure out who I am now."

The group exchanged glances, but no one argued. Leliana stepped forward, her voice gentle. "You belong here, Tamlen. You've been given a second chance to live. Take it."

Tamlen nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "I will. But this isn't goodbye forever. When the time comes, I'll return. The Blight is a threat to all of us, Dalish, humans, everyone. I owe my life to you all, and to the Grey Wardens. I'll join you in Redcliffe when the time comes. I promise."

He paused, then added, "And… if you see Duran, tell him thank you. He never gave up hope that there was a way to save me. He'll want to know that he was right."

Tamlen stepped forward, hesitating for a moment before pulling each of them into a firm embrace. Alistair, Leliana, Zevran, and even Cullen, each received his quiet gratitude in turn.

"Take care of each other," he said, stepping back. "The Blight won't wait for us, but when the time comes, I'll be there. And I'll fight—for all of you, for the Dalish, and for the second chance I was given."

The group watched as Tamlen turned and walked toward the Dalish camp, the firelight reflecting off his tattoos as he moved to rejoin his people.

For the first time in years, Tamlen had hope—and a purpose. And though the road ahead was still long and uncertain, he knew where he belonged, and he knew the people who had saved him would always have his gratitude.