Dak and Leyla got a message from Arianni telling them that her son was in danger and that she was begging for their help. They headed straight down to the Alienage with Fenris, Isabela and Anders.

Arianni met them in front of her house. She smiled with relief when she saw them. "I was hoping you would come. You did so much for my Feynriel already, but…" Her smile fell. "I visited him among the People, but he turned me away. I know the demons still plague him." She shook her head frantically. "And now they've taken him. Two days ago, Feynriel went into a nightmare and hasn't returned."

"He can't be woken up?" Dak asked.

She nodded. "The Keeper said he is near death. His lips still fog a mirror, but that is all."

Lelya vaguely recalled something her father had mentioned. "Surely there are mages who can pursue him in the Fade."

She gestured for them to enter the house. "I have contacted Keeper Marethari. The Freefolk have an ancient ritual that might help. But it requires someone Feynriel trusts to enter the Fade to free him."

Lelya now understood why she had summoned them. "I have braved the Fade before. Perhaps I can aid him."

She smiled. "You have been so kind to us. Feynriel thinks of you as true friends. Marethari is coming to perform the ritual that will bring Feynriel back. His childhood things here will help anchor him."

"Frolic through dreams?" Isabela blinked. "Sounds like an experience. I'm game."

"I've already called for the Keeper," said Arianni. "We need to begin the ritual as quickly as possible. Would you like to stay here or return when she arrives?"

"This is too urgent to delay," said Dak.

A tear fell from Arianni's eyes. "You have been far kinder than I had any right to expect."

The elves in the alienage treated the Keeper much like the people of Lowtown would have treated a visit from the Divine. She greeted them before heading to where they were waiting and entered Arianni's home.

"I came quickly, Arianni," she said the moment she was through the threshold. "I did not wish to tell you by letter how grave your son's situation is." She gestured. "The magic he possesses makes him what the Tevinters called 'somniari,' a dreamer. Dreamers have the power to control the Beyond, what humans call 'the Fade.' Feynriel is the first in two ages to survive."

Dak nodded. "What exactly are we going to do here?"

"The elves of the Dales were experts in the somniari arts. They could even help those with no power enter the Fade. I have done my best to recreate the ritual. We will use Feynriel's childhood home as a focus to draw him back through the Veil."

"Just send me into the Fade," said Leyla.

"We're ready whenever you are," said Dak.

"I told you he was amazing," Arianni said.

Her face was full of so much hope that Lelya prayed to the Maker that they didn't let her down.

Keeper Marethari nodded to Arianni. "Now, Arianni, please excuse us. We must prepare."

"Oh, of course." Arianni gave him one more worshipful look, then went to go busy herself sweeping the spotless porch.

The Keeper took Lelya's arm and pulled her away into the other room, and Dak followed. "There is more I must tell you that is not for her ears."

"Is Feynrial in danger?" Dak asked.

She nodded. "Indeed. The danger may not come from what you think." She gestured. "Feynriel cannot become an abomination. The destruction he would cause is unimaginable." She met his eyes and gave him a look that made him realise just what the title of Keeper really meant. "If you cannot save him from the demons, you must kill him yourself. A death in the Fade will make him what your Circle calls 'Tranquil'. He will be no threat after."

Lelya could understand the danger, though she didn't like the prospect of making Feynriel Tranquil. "We won't let him become a danger."

"The danger is so great maybe I should stay in the waking world," Dak suggested. "If you fail, someone has to deal with Feynriel."

"That would be wise," Marethari agreed.

"You sure, Dak?" Leyla asked, looking concerned.

"I'll be fine," Dak assured her.

"I wish you luck," said Marethari. She then glanced at the others. "Gather your friends, and we will begin. Be careful, for all will face temptation."

Isabela grinned. "I never give into temptation."

"I worry what a journey to the Fade might bring out in me," Anders said. That was true, but it was also a risk they had to take; they needed a guide, and he was the best one they had.

"I have no desire to explore the Fade, but if you need me, I will go," said Fenris.

The Keeper directed them all to lie down and began a chant. Within moments, Leyla's eyes were heavy, and she slipped across.

They found themselves in what appeared to be the templar hall. It was definitely the Fade. Items moved of their own accord, and books and candles floated here and there.

The voice behind her was deep and resonant. The last time she'd heard it, it had been ranting. "I had not thought to return in such a way." He turned and saw Anders glowing. The spirit actually smiled. "It is good to feel the breath of the Fade again, not the empty air of your world."

"You look…" He shrugged. "Different."

"I am Justice. Anders has told you of me." The spirit strode forward. "Come. I sense Feynriel's mind straining. We will not have much time."

Lelya glanced at her companions. Fenris was clearly on edge, but Isabela just looked fascinated. She shrugged and followed the spirit. If anyone did know the way…

They hadn't gone far when a demon approached them. "Well…" Its voice was soft, indolent. "It's rare to see two forgotten magics in one day."

Justice narrowed his eyes. "A demon of sloth. It exists to make men forget their purpose and their pride—do not relax around it."

"Call me Torpor. I have a proposition that might interest you."

It had to be kidding. One would think with the number of demons she and Dak killed over the past couple of years, word would have spread. "I will not give in to temptation, fiend." She reached for her staff.

"Have it your way."

The demon attacked them, but it was pretty weak, and they did outnumber it. This meant that they quickly dispatched the demon and pressed on.

Justice led them to a door. "Desire," the spirit said. Leyla nodded and stepped through.

The moment she stepped through the door, she was wearing Arianni's form. It was a little weird, but she decided to roll with it. She continued to make her way forward and saw a man he recognised as Vincento standing over a younger version of Feynriel. "That's it, Feynriel. Hard on the downstroke, then lift. Good." The man smiled, a proud father. "I'll have you scribing all my letters soon. If I'd known you were such a bright lad, I'd have brought you into the business years ago."

The boy's eyes were wide, eager and hopeful. "Does that mean I can come with you to Rocros, Father? Mother said maybe this summer… Right, Mother?"

It took a few seconds for Lelya to realise he was talking to her. She then realised that talking to him was the best way to tear apart the illusion. "Your father never wanted anything to do with you. Don't trust him."

Feynriel blinked, and then turned to Vincento. "Why are you lying to me?"

"Don't listen, Son. She's always been ashamed of you. She wanted you gone so she could go back to the Dalish. I'm the one who loves you."

"But…" Feynriel found the string and pulled. "Why can't I remember you?"

"This is a trick, Feynriel," Lelya pushed. "He wants something from you."

"Why…?" The boy took it and pulled again, fraying the edges. "That's right. I spent my whole childhood waiting for you."

"Your mother never allowed—" The demon tried to put the pieces back together.

"My mother loves me. She showed me the letters she wrote you. You never wrote back." The boy shoved the papers off the desk. "And it was Mother who taught me to write, not you. I've never met you before. Who are you?"

"Don't… question…" The illusion fell apart, and the demon returned to her normal form. "…me." Feynriel cried out and fled. She glared at them. "You. You turned him against me."

Leyla drew her staff. "And now you're going to die."

She smiled. "Take away my pets, and I'll take away yours. How loyal are these friends you drag into the Fade?" She turned her eyes to Isabela. "Would your pirate queen stay if the open water beckoned? What do you say, sweetheart? A two-mast brigantine, square-main topsail…" The smile became lascivious. "A hundred well-built lads to answer your every whim. I know you've been looking for a stiff masthead."

In hindsight, Lelya should have known better than to bring Isabela into anything involving a desire demon. "This is a demon, Isabela. Don't let attempt you."

"Well, if it wasn't a demon. I wouldn't think it would grant wishes!"

"The 'Siren's Call Two' awaits in Huttsgalor Harbour. I'll be under the furs in the captain's quarters.""

"I like big boats," Isabela drew her daggers. "I cannot lie."

At once, the three of them were in a battle against the desire demon and Isabela. Justice and Fenris charged at the desire demon while Lelya dealt with Isabela. She didn't want to do this, but it was for her own good, and she fired a fireball straight at her.

"She will awaken," Justice told them as he and Fenris put down the desire demon.

"I hope you are right," said Lelya.

They had to fight their way through an army of rage demons, but with the combined ice spells of Lelya and Justice, they slaughtered them and approached another door.

"Pride," said the spirit.

Just like before, when she stepped through the threshold, Leyla's form changed, and this one was far more disconcerting than the previous one. She had now taken the form of a male elven mage, and judging by the robes she was in this person, she belonged to the Circle.

Keeper Marethari was giving a speech. "My people, I present to you…" She gestured at Feynriel. "Our hope. He came to use to learn his heritage, to release the power from a lineage as ancient as our race."

"I…" Feynriel's face was wondrous. "I don't know what to say…"

"This is a trick," said Leyla, making her presence known.

"First Enchanter? What are you doing here?" Feynriel shook his head. "Mother told me the Freefolk are honourable. Why would the Keeper lie?"

So she was the First Enchanter, and at least now she knew what he looked like if they ever met. "Why would she entrust her people to a human?"

The demon that was pretending to be Marethari turned to Feynriel. "You are one of us, Feynriel. Your magic will restore our greatness."

"But…" And once again, Feynriel caught the string and pulled. "You told me this magic was outlawed for a reason. Even the Freefolk don't practice it anymore."

"Could the elves trust you with the power to shape reality?" Leyla asked.

"I—" Feynriel hesitated.

"Could you trust yourself?"

"Don't listen to him." The demon tried to draw Feynriel back. "The first enchanter is trying to keep you from realising your greatness."

Feynriel pulled it apart. "Trying to keep me from temptation, just like you were. You're not the Keeper." The boy raised a fist. "Begone, fiend."

When the walls came down, Feynriel vanished, and Leyla returned to her proper form, now facing a pride demon. The demon turned its head towards her. "With my power joined to his, Feynriel would have changed the world."

"The boy only wants his freedom, not your power," said Leyla, pointing her staff at him

The demon showed a hint of fang. "Those were free to choose; always want to think your friends are different?" It gestured at Fenris. "You think this slave would choose you over his freedom?"

"Cast your eyes elsewhere, demon." Fenris gestured, and Leyla smiled. "I won my freedom from the magisters long ago."

"But you fear them still." The demon's voice was soothing. "They have left their marks on your body and your mind. With my aid, you could be free forever. You could have power enough to challenge any who would chain you."

Leyla shook her head; she couldn't believe this was happening again and to Fenris, of all people. "If you accept, you are no better than the magistrates."

"But…" Fenris looked at him. "To face them as an equal? I…" He looked back at the demon. "What…" This was not good. "Would you want from me?"

"A moment of your time, nothing more."

If Justice hadn't been present, it might have ended there. The barrier came into place just in time to block Fenris' swing. Hawke shook his head and drew his own staff. Reluctantly, he blasted Fenris with a bolt of lightning. While Justice created a massive tempest destroying the demon.

"We better find Feynriel before more demons show up," said Lelya.

The spirit nodded, and they walked again back to the central chamber.

Once they reached the central chamber, they found Feynriel waiting for them.

"I'm not sure if this is real. If so, it is the second time I owe you my life." The young man smiled. "The Fade feels different now. I see the stitches, the seams holding it together. I feel I could wake at any moment."

"Dreamers control the Fade and the dreams of people in it," Leyla explained.

Feynriel nodded. "I see why the Chantry fears us. I've heard tales of magisters who stalked their enemies and used their own dreams to destroy them. You're right. I must master it and find someone to study under. The Freefolk do not have what I need." He paced back and forth a few steps. "Perhaps Tevinter. If these powers can be trained, it would be there." He hesitated. "My mother would not look kindly on such a journey. Can you give her my farewell?"

"May the Maker guide your path, Feynriel."

"Perhaps…" Feynriel gestured, and Leyla felt the Fade around them start to shift. It was disconcerting. "There is a way out of this." He inhaled. "I can do this."

Leyla sat up.

"Had a nice nap?" Dak smiled.

"It was hardly anything I would call peaceful," she said as Dak helped her up.

Lelya saw that Anders had also awakened. It was nice to see that the man was no longer glowing, which was always a good sign. Then she took notice that the two places beside her were empty.

"Yeah, Fenris and Isabela woke up moments before you did, and they seem to be rather ashamed," said Dak. "What exactly happened?"

"It's a long story," she said and then turned to the Keeper, "but long story short, Feynriel has mastered his powers."

"Then he lives?" Arianni sagged with relief. "You saved him? I cannot thank you enough." She turned to the Keeper. "Keeper Marethari, may I return with you to the Sunderlands? I would like to ask my son's forgiveness."

"Of course," Marethari said graciously. "It was you who chose to stay away."

"He must go elsewhere to train," said Lelya, looking at the two women. "There is no one in Huttsgalor to help him. He asked me to say goodbye."

"My son. No. I must find him before he goes," said Arianni, her face nearly turning to panic.

"It is wise for him to seek guidance," said Marethari reassuringly. "Kirkwall cannot provide what he needs." She turned to him. "I truly did not think what you did was possible. You are a rare human, indeed."

"Does this mean I'm not getting my ship?" Isabela's voice was joking, but her face was apologetic. "Bugger it all."

Fenris couldn't meet her eyes. "And I must apologise for my weakness. I would have thought myself above such influence."

Anders actually looked smug. "I find there's nothing like being possessed to keep you on the straight-and-narrow."

Marethari looked at Leyla knowingly. "Your friends awakened here some time ago. We all have weaknesses the demons find. You accomplished a miracle with Feynriel." She offered her a tome. "This book belonged to the last dreamer of our tribe. It has a rare magic beyond price. Please accept it with my gratitude."

Fenris was staring into the fireplace when Leyla entered. He turned awkwardly. "I have been thinking about what happened in the Fade. That a demon could have played so easily on my fears…" He sighed. "Disturbs me." He looked up to meet Leyla's eyes. "I failed you. I won't let that happen again."

"The demon was using magic on your mind; it's as simple as that."

"And yet he didn't manage to influence you," Fenris reminded. It was indeed ironic that she, a mage, didn't fall for temptation, while Fenris who believed that every single mage would not be able to fight off temptation. "As for the boy, we shall see what he becomes and if he regrets the mercy you provided." He shook his head. "But that is not important now. Let's just hope we face nothing similar in the future."

They faced each other over the game board. The bottle of wine was nearly empty when Leyla remembered the book she'd found. "I have something for you."

"It…" Fenris blinked as he accepted it. "It's a book."

"It's a subject you're familiar with. The book is by Shartan, the elf who helped Andraste free the slaves. You know about him, right?"

"A little. It's just…" Fenris stared down at the board, hunched a bit awkwardly. "Slaves are not permitted to read. I've never learned."

"It's not too late to learn, Fenris."

"Isn't it?" Fenris moved his own piece. "Sometimes I wonder." He sighed and then smiled. "I don't mean to seem ungrateful. I do appreciate the thought. I've always wanted to learn more about Shartan. Perhaps this is my chance."

Isabela and Merrill were sharing a drink at the Hanged Man. "I never have affairs with my crew. Once they see you naked with your ass in the air, they think they don't have to take orders."

Merrill giggled.

"Men," Isabela grunted. "You have to be twice as tough to earn half as much respect."

"So did the crew mutiny?" Merrill asked. "I mean, after… you know…"

Isabela chuckled. "Oh, no. I had the offending members removed. That got rid of the attitude." She then noticed Leyla leaning against the wall, smiling. "I—oh, look. It's Leyla." Isabela looked a bit nervous when she caught sight of him.

He shrugged and walked over, sitting next to Merrill. "We need to talk."

She took a drink and groaned. "Bugger, I knew this was coming." She sighed. "I'm sorry I abandoned you in the Fade. That was foolish of me." She stuck out her lower lip. "I mean, I didn't even get the ship in the end."

Leyla merely shook her head. "I don't blame you. I understand what it's like to be under the influence of a demon."

"You…" She blinked. "What? That's it? No angry rant?" She grinned and gave her a coy look. "Are you trying to get me to jump into bed with you? Because it's working."

She laughed. "Friends forgive each other."

"Now you're making my insides feel squishy." She put a hand on her cheek and pushed playfully. "Oh, go away."

"So Lelya ventured into the Fade while Dak remained in the waking world to deal in case she failed," said Cassandra. "They certainly took a drink and took a risk."

"Not something you would have done, I take it?" Varric questioned.

"I will admit it would have been easy to kill the boy, but I, for one, would not go down that road unless there was another option."

"I doubt many templars would condone such a thought, especially with Meredith in charge."

"Regardless, they took a big risk, but I suppose it is gratifying to know that Lelya fended off temptation."

"Compared to her weak-spirited companions?"

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "I did not say. Though, I am concerned that a somniari is indebted to the Champions, one currently training in the Imperium. However, that is a concern for another time; I am far more concerned with our present situation. So please do continue."

"As you wish, Seeker."