Chapter Text
The faint flicker of flames dance in the lamp of sorts as a man is dragged through the narrow hallway. The men holding the shorter of the two-wear armour proudly with an emblem of a shield and blade before throwing the smaller of the three onto a chair in some sort of interrogation room. The room is pitched black the only thing lit is the chair he sits upon and the table before him. The dwarven man grunts from his back hitting the rough chair, winded while a woman calmly opens a book, the book shows a hexagon of portraits showing his amongst three eleven characters, one male, two female…
“I’ve had…gentler invitations…” The dwarf grunts, pinching the bridge of his nose, attempting to recover from the rough treatment sent his way. His ombre orange stare at the woman with short raven hair, her eyes narrowing at the man before her.
“I am Cassandra Pentaghast. Seeker of the Chantry.” Cassandra proudly in her armour dismisses the men leaving her along with the man.
“And just what are ya seeking?” Amused, the man with his hair held back in a ponytail ponders.
“The champion.” Cassandra answers.
“…which one?” He asks as he looks over his gloved nails.
“You know exactly why I’m here!” The woman throws the book into the face of the man, storming off, her blade teasingly touching the stunned man’s neck.
“Time to start talking Dwarf! They tell me you’re good at it!” Cassandra swiftly stabs the book in the dwarf’s lap alarming him as he plucks the book out of his grasp, just in the nick of time.
“Heh…what do you want to know?” The man asks as his eyes the stabbed book before him.
“Everything. Start at the beginning!” Cassandra orders as the man brushes his hand against the ruby red symbol…starting the tale of the champion of Kirkwall.
Amongst the ruined remains of Lothering those blighted snarl scowl, ready for any incoming enemies just as a sharp spark hits one, blasting it back as Hawks arrives on scene, staff in hand, taking out each of the blighted with ease as one of the darkspawn is cut down by a man in silver and blue.
“Scouts…we’ll have to fight them sooner or later.” The man in blue and silver looks down at the one, the champion had set aflame.
“Then we make our stand here prepare yourself…” Hawke orders as they make their stand against the blighted.
“We can’t keep this up forever!” The man in silver and blue tells Hawke.
“We’ll take the bastards down with us.” Hawke growls readying his staff.
“Here they come. Shall I give them a taste of my blade?” The man in silver and blue draws out his blade.
“Allow me.” Hawks says just as an ogre rushes onto the scene, the pair of them taking on said ogre with ease.
“There’s no end to them!” The man in blue and silver says just as they hear the mighty roar of a beast…of a dragon.
“Bullshit! That is not what really happened!” Cassandra cuts in, stopping said story seething at the dwarf.
“Does that not match the story you heard Seeker?” Smirking, the dwarf asks amused almost at the seething Seeker.
“I’m not interested in stories I came to hear the truth.” Cassandra reminds him.
“What makes you think I know the truth?” The man asks amused.
“Don’t lie to me. You knew them even before they became the champion.” Cassandra reminds him.
“Even if I did. I don’t know where they are now.” He tells Cassandra.
“…Very well then. But you know where the silver wraith is do you not?” Cassandra probes perplexing Varric.
“…Why do you ask?” Varric’s orange narrow at Cassandra.
“She is another voice people listen to.” Cassandra argues.
“You don’t honestly except her cooperation do you?” Varric couldn’t hide his coy chuckle at the thought.
“Do you have any idea what’s at stake here?” Cassandra snarls at Varric.
“Let me guess your precious chantry is falling to pieces and has put the entire world on the brink of war. And you need the one person who can help you put it all back together.” Varric assumes.
“The champion was at the heart of it when it all began. If you can’t point me to them, tell me everything you know.” Cassandra argues.
“You’re not worried I’ll just make it up as I go?” Varric challenges coyly.
“Not at all.” Cassandra asserts aggressively.
“You’ll need to hear the whole story…the blight had been released onto Fereldan. Darkspawn poured out of the wilds clashing against the army at the ruins of Ostagar. The battle…was a disaster. King Calun died on the field with his men, betrayed by his most trusted general. Unopposed the horde rose and charged towards Lothering, the village burned and many innocence were slaughtered. The champion’s family barely escaped in time.” Varric sets the scene for Cassandra rolling her eyes at another tale spun for her.
The old woman falls to her knees heaving huffing as Darkspawn draw near just as Hawk turns, releasing a flurry of flames blocking the path between both their mother and the darkspawn as Carver cuts one of the brave darkspawn running through the fire in half.
“I think that’s all of them.” Carver grunts.
“For the moment.” The young woman wielding a staff says, looking her mother over.
“Maker save us. We lost it all, everything your father and I built.” The mother of the trio whimpers weakly.
“At least we’re alive. That’s no small feat.” Hawks offers optimistically.
“Yes…you’re right.” Leandra gives her eldest that.
“We should’ve run sooner. Why did we wait so long!?” Bethany scowls.
“Why are you looking at me? I’ve been running since Ostagar!” Carver defends himself.
“Listen you two the darkspawn could be on us in any minute.” Hawks reminds the pair.
“Please listen to your brother.” Leandra requests from her children.
“Then let’s go lead on.” Carver huffs however…
“Wait where are we going?” Bethany soon stops them tiredly.
“Away from the Darkspawn where else?” Carver answers.
And then where? We can’t just wander. Aimlessly.” Bethany disputes.
“Wherever we go what’s important is that we don’t separate.” Hawke stresses.
“We can go to Kirkwall.” Leandra comes up with.
“Kirkwall? You sure that’s wise?” Hawke frowns.
“There’s a lot of templars in Kirkwall mother.” Bethany stresses.
“I know that but we still the family there and an estate.” Leandra reminds them.
“Then we need to go to Gawran and take ship.” Bethany decides.
“If we survive that long. I’ll just be happy to get out of here.” Carver grunts just then…
“Argh!” A man adorned in templar robes cries out as the woman by his side rushes at the darkspawn that had sliced him, punching the creature in the face over and over before noting the darkspawn drawing near them both.
“You will not have him! They will not have you. Not while I breathe!” She grabs hold of his shield standing by his side ready to protect them both when the a flurry of flames from Bethany blasts the darkspawn back. Hawks freezes some as Carver cleaves a few in two before Leandra finally catches up to her children, eyeing the couple before her.
“Stop squirming you’ll make it worse!” Aveline fusses over her husband however…
“Apostate keep your distance.” The wounded man frowns at both Hawke and Bethany.
“Well the maker has a sense of humour…darkspawn and now a templar? I thought they abandoned Lothering.” Bethany remarks.
“The spawn are clear in their intent but a mage is always unknown. The order…dictates.” The man goes to approach but Hawke steps up, acting as a barrier between his family.
“Wesley…” The woman sighs softly at him.
“The order…dictates.” The man tries to act but…
“Dear they saved us. The maker understands.” The woman gently reminds him.
“…of course.” He steps down from her words.
“I am Aveline Valen this is my husband Sir Wesley. We can hate each other when we’re safe from the horde.” Aveline introduces herself and her husband to the group.
“A strange time to be hunting apostates. His fellows left with the chantry priests.” Hawke remarks.
“I was travelling to Denerim on business with the order but…I had to turn South when I heard of Ostagar.” Wesley explains.
“Bad luck and judgement brought us together here before the attack.” Aveline gives her husband a look.
“The nice templar has been convinced to postpone his hunt for illegal mages so let’s not dwell upon it shall we?” Bethany decides.
“Wise girl.” Aveline approvingly nods.
“For a while it looked like we were the only ones to escape the darkspawn.” Hawke comments.
“We aren’t free of them yet. You didn’t see Ostagar this is just the start.” Carver stresses.
“You were there? Yes I see it third company under captain Varly.” Aveline recognises.
“Then you saw how the whole of the army was defeated.” Carver frowns.
“We fell to betrayal not the darkspawn. This arm of the horde will not have the same advantage.” Aveline corrects Carver.
“You’re quick to offer your allegiance…” Hawke takes note of.
“Another blade between us and the darkspawn. Yes please.” Carver agrees.
“So long as the horde is their first concern.” Bethany stresses.
“My duty is clear but that…is for another day if we are granted that opportunity.” Wesley grunts grimacing, his features as pale as a ghost.
“We will be fine. We all will.” Aveline asserts.
“The wrath of the templars is terrible indeed. More so their wives but as long as there is a greater danger you and I have an accord.” Wesley notes another look sent his way by his wife.
“Thank you Wesely for now we are with you. North is cut off we barely escaped the main body of the horde.” Aveline reports to them.
“Then we’re trapped. The wilds are to the south that’s no way out.” Carver frowns.
“If the options are south or die, I’ll take my chances with south.” Hawke decides just then they hear the sound of thumping, a tremor breaking through as an ogre rush at them, darkspawn soon joins in as well astonishing the group.
“Maker give me strength!” Bethany standing before her mother tries a fire attack but gasps when she is grabbed by the beast.
“Bethany!” Leandre cries out to her child thrown down to the ground over and over, scarlet splattering all over before being tossed aside like a rag doll. Leander rushes over to her daughter as Hawke firmly freezes the ogre allowing Carver to leap up with his blade smashing the ogre’s arm off as Aveline does the same with the other, leaving it nothing more than an icy statue of what it once was.
“Bethany wake up! The battle’s over we’re fine!” Leander pleads begs beseeches her daughter limp long gone to the world.
“I’m sorry mistress your daughter is gone.” Aveline sadly tells Leandre.
“No. These things will not take Bethany.” Leandre refuses to believe it.
“Bethany risked her life to save us.” Gently, Hawke tries to comfort their mother but…
“I don’t want a hero I want my daughter. How could you let her charge off like that!? Oh my poor little girl. My sweetheart!” Sobbing, Leandre snaps at Hawke faltering from their mother’s words while Leandre holds Bethany in her arms anguished at the loss.
“If we stand here weeping the darkspawn will take the rest of us to.” Carver speaks up.
“Allow me to commend your daughter’s soul to the maker. Ashes we were and ashes we become maker give this woman a place to your side. Let us take comfort in the peace she found in her eternity.” Wesely does so as Leandre softly sets Bethany down.
“I will never forget you Bethany.” Leandre swears softly brushing her hand through her hair.
“At least…father will have company now…” Hawke smiles strained just then…
“Flames! We’re too late!” Aveline curses when more darkspawn arrive, easily outnumbering them.
“There’s no end to them!” Carver curses when they all perk up at the draconic roar of a dragon. They all look up at the bud of a tulip uncurling to reveal a dragon roaring diving down, spewing flames setting the darkspawn ablaze before landing, grabbing a fair few and ending them as the dragon then transforms into an old woman wearing battle armour.
“Well well…what have we here…it used to be we didn’t get visitors to the wilds but now…it seems they arrive in hordes.” She saunters over, amongst the flames, not batting an eye to it, holding a darkspawn set ablaze as she releases it beneath her feet, standing before the group of humans.
“Impressive where’d you learn how to turn into a dragon?” Hawke couldn’t help but ask.
“Perhaps I am a dragon? If so count yourself lucky the smell of burning dark spawn does nothing for the appetite. If you wish to flee the darkspawn you should know you are heading in the wrong direction.” Dubiously, the old woman considers coyly before giving them a fair warning of sorts.
“So you’re just going to leave us here.” Carver frowns at the old woman turning her back to them.
“And why not? I spotted a most curious sight. A mighty ogre vanquished who could perform such a feat? But now my curiosity is sated and you are safe for the moment. Is that not enough?” The old coot challenges back bored.
“You could show me that trick of yours that looks useful.” Hawke suggests smirking.
“Hahah! I dare say it is. Such a clever tongue for a mage tell me clever child how do you intend to outrun the blight?” Bemused, the old woman laughs.
“We’re going to Kirkwall in the free marches.” Carver answers.
“Kirkwall my…but that is quite the voyage you plan so far to simply flee the darkspawn.” The old woman hums.
“Any better suggestions? I hear the deep roads are vacant now.” Hawke remarks.
“Haha oh you I like! Hurdle into the chaos you fight and the world will shake before you! Is it fate or chance? I can never decide…it appears fortune smiles on us both today. I may be able to help you yet.” The old woman hums at the thought.
“There must be a catch.” Hawke assumes.
“Oh there is always a catch life is a catch, I suggest you catch it while you can.” The woman intensely tells them.
“Should we even trust her? We don’t even know what she is!” Carver argues.
“I know what she is. The witch of the wilds.” Aveline fussing over her husband reveals.
“Some call me that also Flemeth, Asher Beliner, an old hag that talks too much. Does it matter? I offer you this I will get your group past the horde in exchange for a simple delivery to a place, not far out of your way would you do this for a witch of the wild?” The woman admits amused as she quirks her head to the side smirking.
“What is a witch of the wilds exactly?” Hawke wonders.
“A chaste legend, witches that steal children.” Aveline answers.
“Bah! As if I had nothing better to do.” The woman dismisses.
“Then you’re an apostate.” Hawke presumes.
“Yes. We have so much in common.” The woman smirks suavely at Hawke.
“You would go through all that trouble just to have something delivered?” Hawke frowns warily watching the old woman.
“I have…an appointment to keep. It is far more convenient this way. Happily you’re not without your own needs.” The old woman points out.
“How much trouble will this delivery be?” Hawke questions.
“As much trouble as my saving your lives not five minutes ago.” The old woman tells Hawkes.
“Good point.” Hawkes concedes.
“If you knew my daughter you’d knew how seldom I’d hear that.” Teasingly, the old woman remarks.
“Should we trust her?” Hawke questions the group.
“Wesley is injured we’ll never escape the darkspawn.” Aveline looks over her husband noting the veins protruding from his sickly skin.
“If you need to. Leave me behind.” Wesely whimpers weakly.
“No! I said I would drag you out if I had to and I meant it.” Aveline stresses sternly scowling.
“Roast a few more darkspawn and I’ll do whatever you want.” Hawke turns to the old woman smirking.
“Sadly my charity is at an end. There is a clan of Dalish elves near the city of Kirkwall deliver this amulet to their keeper Marathari. Do as she asks with it and any debt between us is paid in full. Before I take you anywhere however there is another matter.” The woman turns to eye the weakened Wesley, frowning from the fatigued pale faced male.
“No. Leave him alone.” Aveline stands scowling coming to her husband’s defence however…
“What has been done to your man is within his blood already.” The old woman gently tells Aveline, a look of pity in her eyes almost.
“You lie!” Angry, Aveline snaps scowling.
“She’s right Aveline I can feel the corruption inside me.” Wesley whimpers weakly.
“What are you talking about?” Aveline demands from her husband.
“From the darkspawn all that blood…I knew…when it happened.” Weakened, Wesley whimpers weakly.
“Then how much time before you…?” Aveline goes to ask but…
“Not long now if I’m any judge.” The old woman speaks up.
“This corruption is the permanent sort I take it.” Hawke assumes turning to the old woman for confirmation.
“The only cure I know of is to become a grey warden.” The old woman admits.
“And they all died at Ostagar.” Aveline sighs sadly.
“Not all…but the last are beyond your reach.” The old woman admits.
“Aveline listen to me.” Weasley weakly calls out to her.
“You can’t ask me this. I won’t.” Aveline refuses but…
“Please the corruption is a slow death I can’t.” He whimpers weakly, drawing out his blade.
“He’s your husband Aveline I can’t decide his fate.” Hawke gently tells her.
“Be strong…my love.” Wesley hands his blade over to her. Aveline places her hand over his, gently pushing the blade inside him.
“Uh!” Wesley grunts as Aveline deals the killing blow, gently closing her husband’s eyes as she stands over him.
“Without an end there can be no peace. It gets no easier your struggles have only just begun.” The old woman tries to provide some comfort for Aveline.
“Flemeth?” Cassandra present day gawks gapes at the newfound information.
“I thought that might interest you.” Varric smirks slightly.
“You expect me to believe a myth swooped out of the wild to save the champion.” Cassandra scoffs.
“Oh come now Seeker do I need to recite the tale of the warden as well?” Varric remarks.
“No. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised to hear her involvement.” Cassandra sighs sadly.
“I liked my version to.” Varric offers some semblance of comfort but…
“What else aren’t you telling me then? Did she send someone with the champion?” Cassandra questions needing more answers.
“In a matter of speaking.” Varric admits.
“So its true. Continue. But if you tell me they all flew to Kirkwall on a dragon…” Cassandra scoffs.
“Nothing so fanciful I assure you…” Varric smirks as he continues his tale for Cassandra.
Quietly, the brisk breeze of the sea salty air brushes through the silver locks of the elven woman, silently staring out at the thrashing waves below, rocking the built boats across the tempered tides of Kirkwall. The woman sits, perched upon the wall of the great gate eyeing the crowd of pleading people below begging beseeching to be left in.
The woman above simply closes her eyes, smirking slightly down at the pained people below, enjoying the cool crisp breeze flowing through her snow-white roots, held into a loose plait, her silver white locks looking dirty, dishevelled, lazy. A part of her couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if she just…jumped? Curious, she opens one of her eyes, her turquoise eye looking down at the imposing small figures littered below, friends, families…monsters. Her eyes couldn’t help but sharpen scowl at those wielding staffs sobbing, screaming to be let in.
“You’re in the way knife ear!” A man rudely snaps at the young boy but…
“…” He is met by still silence.
“Please excuse my son he just…” The woman fretfully tries to explain but…
“I was talking to the boy. Oi can’t you hear me?” Mad, the man grabs hold of the boy but…
“…” The boy simply stares ahead.
“What you think you’re better than me knife ear!?” Enraged, the man reaches for his blade.
“No please he’s just a boy!” The woman begs beseeches but…
The woman raises a bored brow when the elven woman is slapped back, the woman falls to the floor sobbing swiftly stamped upon by many more mouths desperate to be fed, to be cared for, to be saved. As the elven boy is still not there blanking his mother’s sharp sobs screaming begging for the boy to respond to say something but…he does nothing.
“What are you staring at…?” Rudely, another voice calls out. She doesn’t even bat an eye to the taller, leaner male by her side, his hair a similar shade to her own, his eyes sharpening scowling down at the people below.
“Nothing much…” The younger of the two answers as she plucks some small scraps of pebbles from above the top of the gate, tossing them up and down in her sleek steel gauntlet.
“That so…” Not buying it, the older of the two furrows his brow by the younger elf eyeing the boy simply staring ahead as he is about to be slain right before his sobbing mother’s eyes.
“Just amazed how one single event can bring so many people of different origins together…” She shudders slightly from the sound of the rough scrape in her hand clashing rubbing against one another as she tosses some up in the air catching them, eyeing the crowd below, eyeing the boy about to be slain despite the mother’s desperate pleas, clinging to the man despite her bloodied, bruised beaten state.
“That single event is the blight sister which is killing thousands…” Sternly, the older of the two reminds her as she doesn’t even bat an eye to him. Her eyes firmly focused on the templar reaching for his blade just as she tosses a loose pebble down.
“All thanks to abominations…” The younger whispers watching scarlet spew out of the trembling templar falling to the floor, scarlet seeping out of him, fellow templars rush over to the scene. Just as she hears the angry roars of yet another revolt about to occur, just as her eyes widen when the mother rushes over to her son hugging him.
He however simply looks up, his eyes widening when staring up at the bored expression of the elven woman. The elven woman quickly takes her son out of there as the boy silently stares at the silver haired woman, not even batting an eye to her mother before hiding amongst the crowd. The eleven woman above couldn’t help but hum as another riot ensues while she watches the chaos ensued all from one single teeny tiny pathetic pebble…
“Indeed, now come we have much to talk to Anzo…” Firmly, he reminds the young girl making her groan dramatically, leaning back as she is dragged off to meet Anzo…
The moon looms over the sleeping people of Kirkwall as the low glow of the markings adorning the woman glisten from the ethereal light of the moon. She looms over the rooftop, quietly watching on as the group of mercenaries make their way out of the hut, disappointment clear on their furrowed features before being met by a lone man garbed in armour.
“I don’t know who you are friend, but you made a series mistake coming here. Lieutenant I want everyone in the clearing now!” Furiously, the idiot roars but…
“…” His command is met by deaf ears alongside the silent sound of an arrow hitting its mark.
“C-Captain…!” Sputtering, one of his foolish recruits staggers forward, coughing crimson just as a lone elf brushes past, silently stealing said arrow back, the head stained scarlet but the elf doesn’t bat an eye to it. She simply twirls the arrow between her fingertips, scarlet splattering to the stone wall from the motion before slotting it back into her bow, brow furrowed at the group.
“Your men are dead and your trap has failed.” Stoically, the elf with white hair appears from behind the smaller elf as he makes his way down the steps.
“I suggest running back to your master while you still can.” Cooly, the crisp cool curt voice of the female elf advises as she reels her bow string back, ready to end the man right there when…
“You’re going nowhere slaves!” Crossly, the captain roars snatching the elven male’s shoulder making the younger of the two silently shake her head at the fool before being impaled by his firm fist of lyrium, ending the man right there and then.
“I am NOT a slave!” Indignantly, the white haired elf states sternly, the ethereal glow of his marks fading. A still silence sits between both groups after that, the smaller of the two elves fidgeting with her bow brow furrowed anxious almost as she eyes the group glaring while the other stands strong, tall to the group.
“We…apologise…when we asked Anzo to provide a distraction for the hunters we had no idea there would be so numerous.” Honestly, the silver haired elf turns towards the group gesturing to the younger of the two glaring at them.
“Don’t worry. We do this sort of thing often…” The man assures Fenris.
“Impressive my name is Fenris. These men were imperial bounty hunters seeking to recover a magister’s lost property, namely myself and my sister.” Frowning, Fenris looks up at the younger, giving her a look as she reluctantly lowers her bow, slowly, scowling.
“Your sister?” Surprised, the boy by the abominations’ side speaks up.
“Yes. She was the one who has been watching you…” Fenris reveals making the girl glare at her brother.
“Why don’t you just hand them the dagger for my back brother?” Bitterly, the young girl grunts glaring at her brother.
“You were watching us!?” Scowling, Aveline girl crosses her arms displeased.
“Someone had to see if you guys were useful enough and look at that you are, congrats. Seems you survived.” Smoothly, Fennic announce revealing herself from the shrouds of the shadows, spinning the arrow about after removing it from her bow. She steps down onto the stoic stone steps, her grip still tight tense on her lowered bow.
“Woah…” Weirdly, the human male stares at the frowning Fennic.
“You got something to say?” Snippily, she sneers at the human.
“I-I just…I guess that means we’re useful…” Smugly, the warrior similar to the abomination boasts beaming brightly at the unamused Fennic.
“That still has to be seen.” Unimpressed, Fennic snaps sharply snapping the arrow in her hand into two.
“They were trying to lure us into the open, crude as their methods were, we could not face them alone.” Calmly, Fenris shifts the conversation back to its main focus.
“Speak for yourself brother.” Snidely, Fennic smirks smugly at her brother bemused by his light glare, no words needing to be shed between the looks between both brother and sister. A still silence sits between both of them, a silent argument almost until…
“Thankfully Anzo chose wisely.” Fenris turns back to the group, turning to the leader.
“Or so you say…” Lowly, Fennic miserably mutters under her bitter breath scowling at the group, they now had to deal with…
“So, everything Anzo said was a lie then?” Frowning, the abomination scowls.
“Not everything. Your employer was simply not who you believed.” Fenris offers.
“You’ll still get your money.” Grumpily, the aloof Fennic huffs.
“If you couldn’t fight then why not run?” The abomination prompts.
“Where to? We’re in Kirkwall it’s practically an island, where would we run?” Scoffing, Fennic shakes her head.
“There’s a time where we must stop running where we must turn to face the tiger.” Intensely, Fenris dictates making Fennic roll her eyes.
“How long have you been keeping that one liner in there?” Snidely, the dwarf remarks.
“Quite some time, you can hear him recite it sometimes under his breath.” Cheekily, Fennic remarks making the dwarf snicker. Fenris on the other hand simply glares at his other half.
“That seems like a lot of effort for two slaves…” The abomination points out.
“It is.” Fennic huffs hand on hip.
“Does this have anything to do with those markings on you both.” Curious, the abomination queries, eyeing the pair as Fennic simply glares.
“Hm yes, I imagine this must look strange to you. We did not choose these markings by choice even so they have served us well, without them we would still have been slaves.” Fenris answers her question.
“If they were really trying to recapture you two then I’m happy I helped, especially someone as handsome as you,” Flirtatiously, the abomination winks making Fennic roll her eyes while Fenris blinks, a faint flush crossing his cheeks alarming Fennic.
“I’m sure you are…don’t think you can use us for your experimentations either abomination!” Venomously, Fennic accuses agitated.
“Not at all. I just…” Surprised, the abomination blinks taken aback at the sudden strife within Fennic’s firm fierce voice.
“Fennic enough…” Fenris firmly tells her.
“What!? Brother that th-“ Fennic bitterly begins but…
“Apologies for my sister’s defensiveness…!” Fenris calmly cuts in incensing the younger of the two.
“Fenris!” Fennic couldn’t help but glare at her brother but…he simply raises his hand, the signal made clear making the furious Fennic seethe stepping back bitterly, brow furrowed firmly at her brother’s order.
“We have met few in our travels who have sought anything more than personal gain. If I may ask what was in the chest? The one they kept in the house.” Sternly, Fenris demands from the human abomination.
“Brother…” Tiredly, Fennic sighs at her brother’s false hope.
“It was empty.” The abomination responds.
“I suppose it was too much to hope for. Even so I had to know…” My brother reasons to me.
“You two were expecting something else…?” The abomination questions.
“I was.” Fenris admits as he turns to Fennic.
“I told you it was bait. Nothing more.” Fennic stresses.
“If only the older siblings can listen once in a while am I right?” Smirking, the dwarf looks up at Fennic only to see her furrowed brow, glancing back at her brother uneasily.
“All that for an empty chest?” Curious, the abomination prompts eager to hear more.
“No there’s more…” Fenris promises him glancing at Fennic who simply sighs, kneeling down checking over the captain’s corpse.
“Seems you owe me five sovereigns’ brother.” Fennic tosses the scroll over to her brother who catches it.
“For what?” The abomination couldn’t help but ask.
“It is as my sister thought. Our former master accompanied them to the city. I know you have questions, but we must confront him before he flees. We will need your help.” Fenris informs the abomination and their group.
“We really don’t…” Annoyed, Fennic scowls but it falls to deaf ears much to her irritation.
“It sounds like you intend to do more than just talk.” The abomination hints.
“Denarius wants to strip the flesh off my bones and my sister…” Fenris begins but falters from Fennic’s firm look sent her brother’s way.
“…I rather not say. He has sent so many hunters, that I’ve lost count and before that he kept us on a leash like a Qunari mage, like a personal pet to mock Qunari custom.” Fenris adds annoyed.
“Ouch…” Anders comments brow furrowed at the two.
“So yes, we intend to do more than just talk.” Snarling, Fenris snarls, sneering disgust, rage and malice etched into his tone.
“You lured me into a trap and now you want my help?” Hawk couldn’t help his frown.
“If Anzo had told you to divert an ambush of Tevinter Bounty Hunters, would you have done it?” Fennic cooly quirks her head to the side sneering snippily at the abomination before her.
“…It still should have been my decision but…fine. If it means fighting more slavers than I will help you two.” Earnestly, the abomination promises them, his eyes softening as Fennic’s eyes sharpen.
“We will find a way to repay you I swear it.” Firmly, Fenris swears making Fennic frown.
“We’re already paying them, that should be enough Fenris.” Snippily, Fennic reminds her brother brow furrowed at him.
“The magister is staying in a mansion in Hightown meet us there as soon as you can we must get there before morning…” Fenris however dismisses her and reports to the humans and abomination.
“That is if you value your lives that is and if one of you so much as squeals as a pig…!” Angrily, Fennic glowers at the group, the harsh strict snap of the arrow in her grasp making her point clear.
“Fennic…” Fenris gives her a look as the group stare at the snapped pieces of the arrow after she had tossed it to the floor, following after her brother towards Denarius’ mansion.
Quietly, Fennic looks down through the window, brow furrowed from the still silence she is met by when peering in, spotting no one in sight as she hops from one rooftop to the next. She climbs down to find her brother leant against the wall patiently waiting for her.
“Anything?” Frowning, Fenris greets Fennic as she drops down, returning to her brother’s side, feeling the ice cool breeze of the night.
“No one has left the mansion not yet anyway…I believe I saw some traps however panels but regardless I’ve heard nothing within.” Calmly, Fennic reports to him as he leans against the wall.
“So, we go in.” Seriously, Fenris declares scowling only to falter from Fennic’s hand on him.
“It could be a trap; it was quiet too quiet besides they know we’re here Fenris. We need to be careful about this and act now.” Warily, Fennic warns her brother when…
“Hope I’m not too late.” Perkily, the familiar annoying voice of the abomination trots inside with its henchmen.
“You…urgh and here I had hoped you wouldn’t keep your word.” Irritated, Fennic scowls, her brow twitching at the sight of it.
“Oh, but we’re just getting to know each other Fennic…” Cheekily, the abomination winks at Fennic only to meet her sharp stern glare.
“We’re really not now step back abomination. The sheer sight of you makes me want to vomit.” Icily, Fennic rejects the idea making the abomination flinch back looking fearful of Fennic’s fierce glare.
“You have a point. Denarius may be here I wouldn’t put it past him…” Fenris furrows his brow considering Fennic’s words.
“So, who is this Denarius guy?” Curious, Hawks questions the two.
“He’s a nobody here anyway.” Bluntly, Fennic responds.
“Here? What do you mean by that?” Confused, the abomination’s brother questions.
“He’s a magister of the Tevinter Imperium.” Fenris reveals.
“Oh, is that all? Nothing to worry about then.” Slyly, the dwarf remarks.
“Not here anyway. I doubt you’d go to Tevinter dwarf.” Easily, Fennic dismisses the dwarf’s response.
“My sister is right. There he is a wealthy mage with great influence here he is but a man, who sweats like any other when death comes for him…” Fenris acknowledges.
“What’s the worst that could happen?” Jokingly, the abomination responds shrugging shyly at the two twins, Fennic remains unamused by his sly grin.
“I do not fear death that does not mean we should be reckless.” Stoically, Fenris dictates as Fennic shakes her head, the rest of them heading inside the mansion, being greeted by traps, lava demons and all sorts, making Fennic frown as they head into the battle, ready for some bloodshed and ready to get rid of the bastard but…
“Gone…I had hoped. No, it doesn’t matter any longer…” Dejected Fenris bows his head shamed to discover Denarius having fled.
“Any longer? This matters dammit!” Furious, Fennic snarls slamming her fuming fist down on the wall, seething, fuming, my blood boiling as cracks spread throughout the wall debris of dry wall fall too. Fennic glares icily at her brother and the group of fools.
“Fennic…” Fatigued, Fenris begins but…
“It’s thanks to you lot! We could have handled this alone!” Angrily, Fennic accuses as she turns her anger towards the group fuming furious, if they had gone solo, if they had been faster Denarius would be dead, Denarius would be long gone, Denarius would be…Fennic could finally…
“They had traps!” Annoyed, Aveline points out defensively.
“I could have disarmed them. Thanks to your nagging about waiting for these clouts he got away!” Fuming, Fennic points out glaring icily at the group.
“We can get him…” Calmly, Fenris assures Fennic making the younger growl.
“When!? How long do we have to wait for our revenge! How long do we have to continue hiding!? How long do we have to continue running!? We could have ended it tonight but you wanted to wait for that apostate and before you say that’s some sort of spear staff you saw the fire it spewed it isn’t human it’s an abomination!” Enraged, Fenris rants fuming furiously glaring unemotionally at him while the group couldn’t help but tense up, some worriedly eyeing Hawks watching it all unfold…
A still silence sits between both brother and sister. Fennic furiously glaring at her brother as Hawke couldn’t help but watch on, his gaze softening sadly at the fatigued face of Fenris and the furious face of Fennic unable not to think back to him and Carver when watching them both argue, having a silent argument of sorts until…
“I assumed Denarius left valuables behind take them if you wish I…need some air.” Pained, Fenris tells the group sighing softly stepping back, away from the furious Fennic scowling sharply, shaking her head before following after him, her head down, hiding her furious face from the rest.
After collecting the loot, Hawks and his group go to leave when…
“It never ends. We escaped a land of dark magic only for it to hunt us down at every turn. It is a plague burned into my flesh and soul. And yet I find myself in the company of yet another mage.” Scowling, Fenris speaks up, the group turning to the man leant against the stone pillar waiting for them outside as fuming, Fenris sits scowling slouched, leant against the stone wall back to the group glaring.
“And the sovereign finally drops.” Slyly, Fennic tuts tiredly.
“I saw you casting spells inside. I should have realized sooner what you really were. Tell me what manner of mage are you?” Scolding, Fenris demands turning to Hawks.
“Does it matter? It will lie.” Annoyed, Fennic point out.
“If you have a problem with my brother you have a problem with me.” Carver speaks up.
“Please what could you do?” Fennic scoffs.
“What was that?” Carver scowls.
“Fennic.” Fenris gives her a look.
“Just saying. All barks and no bite…like most humans.” Haughtily, Fennic sneers smirking smugly.
“I’m not seeking anything, and I am not an it.” Sharply, it frowns at both elven twins.
“Yet danger will undoubtedly find you.” Fenris remarks.
“Heh, don’t make me laugh. They are all the same either way, they all end up on the same path of sacrifice and bloodshed.” Disgusted, Fennic sneers snippily.
“Not all mages are alike, or I’d be the first to act.” Aveline steps forward.
“And we can trust the word of a stranger? How do we not know she hasn’t used her blood to warp your mind!” Huffing, Fennic accuses agitated as Fenris raises his hand, stopping his sister.
“I imagine we appear ungrateful. If so we apologise, nothing could be further from the truth. We did not find Denarius, but we still owe you a debt.” Calmly, Fenris assures as he seemingly holds his sister back.
“We owe it nothing, just give it the money brother and we can be on our way!” Furious, Fennic urges her brother but...
“Here is all the coin we have as Anzo promised. Should you find yourself in need of assistance we would gladly render it.” Fenris offers making Fennic gawk at him.
“Do I have a say in this?” Snippily, Fennic questions her brother baffled she was even hearing this.
“You didn’t seem all that thrilled with me a moment ago and neither does your sister.” Unimpressed, it points out.
“You are not Denarius whether you become anything like him remains to be seen.” Warily, Fenris tells him.
“Are you going to have a problem with my companions?” Frowning, it questions the two.
“We will watch them carefully if we travel together and forgive my sister. She has not had the best history concerning mages.” Fenris answers as Fennic seethes
“Just as long as we get a profit out of it and know this if I even smell a wince of iron…I will cut you down abomination…” Darkly, Fennic snarls at him.
“Your old master must want something other than just a pair of runaway slaves.” Hawke presumes.
“…” Fennic goes silent scowling down at the ground below, crossing her arms over her chest. Fenris glances worriedly behind towards her before sighing.
“He doesn’t want us at all just the markings on our skin. They are lyrium burned into our flesh to provide the power that Denarius required of his pets. And now he wishes his precious investments returned even if he must rip it from our corpse.” Fenris takes over, talking for the pair.
“Seems like a waste from a perfectly handsome elf.” Haughtily, Hawke compliments taking Fennic aback about to say something until her eyes expand at her brother’s nervous chuckle confusing her when noting the faint flush to his cheeks, confusing, concerning her even at the sight. Her chest tightening tensing at the sight scared, alarmed almost.
“Something funny?” Fennic snippily sneers at her brother.
“Uh well…the truth is I know nothing of the ritual that placed these markings on me. It was Denarius’ choices one he now regrets.” Fenris coughs awkwardly when noting his sister’s glare.
“…are we done with the interrogation now?” Impatiently, Fennic fidgets frowning.
“Indeed it has gotten late…” Fenris observes.
“I’ll contact you in the morning.” Hawke promises.
“But of course.” Fenirs nods as Fennic simply glares at the fleeting figures heading off leaving the two to it.
“I can’t believe you said we’d go and work with them!” Tense, Fennic frowns glaring glowering at her brother bitterness seething spitting sharply back at him as the two stand in the manor. Fennic swears she saw a brief glimpse of…no…Fennic shakes her head, she was just…it was just a shadow. Silently, she tells herself glaring glowering at her brother.
“They seem competent enough.” Fenris calmly sips at the bottle in his hand.
“You mean anchors…to be led by an abomination of all things…” Tense, Fennic sneers snippily seething, quickly looking away down at the floor frowning from the man staring at her in the corner. He wasn’t there, he wasn’t, he was…
“Fennic…” Fenris’s voice brings back Fennic to reality.
“If you expect Fennic to be take orders from one of them again you can think again!” Fennic shrugs off the feeling of hands holding her, his sickly sour stench brushing against her cheek making her wince.
“Beggars cannot be choosers Fennic besides you don’t have to come I can go by myself.” He reminds Fennic making her flinch fearful anxious almost.
“…you’d really put yourself in service to one of them again?” Anguished, Fennic whispers weakly, hurt almost at his words.
“Hawks seems different.” Fenris shrugs setting his bottle down.
“Oh don’t give it a name…! And different? Please you just met him!” Furious, Fennic accuses agitated as she takes the bottle, necking some of it down disgusted.
“Fennic this may be our only chance to settle down for a while we will need money for that…you and I both know that.” Fenris gently tells the girl glaring at the man in the corner simply smiling as he faded growing murkier with her vision.
“…doesn’t mean I like it.” Fennic slurs snippily tossing the bottle aside.
“And you think I like the prospect?” Fenris catches the bottle with ease.
“You seem pretty happy with those looks that thing was sending you.” Bitterly, Fennic gives her brother a dirty look.
“Fennic if we are to work with Hawke we cannot refer to them as it or thing. You and I both know how it felt when we were referred to in such a manner…” Fenris reminds Fennic flinching from his words as just then…
“Uh Fenris? Oh Fennic…you’re here too.” The man himself arrives as Fennic simply glares.
“…I’ll leave you to it…” Bitterly, Fennic grunts heading up the stairs scowling at the man in the corner of her eye smiling still.
“Oh I was…and she’s gone.” Hawke begins but falters from the girl heading off.
“What can I help you with Hawks?” Fenris stands attempting to be the more hospitable of the two.
“Well we got a gig…thought you and your sister could use the money…” Hawke admits as he takes a seat.
“We would appreciate that very much so.” Fenris admits as he reads the bottle he had taken from downstairs.
“No we wouldn’t!” Fennic however says otherwise from the top of the banister.
“Your room now.” Fenris barks at her.
“Urghh!!” Fennic groans going to her room.
“Things okay?” Hawke couldn’t help but eye the fatigued Fenris.
“Things have been…better.” Fenris sighs softly sitting down.
“I’m sorry if…” Hawke begins brow furrowed, not quite sure what to say.
“Don’t be. My sister is the one who should be apologising not you…if its anything I apologise for her behaviour. Like I said before she doesn’t have the best history with apostates.” Gently, Fenris tells Hawke.
“…I’m sorry to hear that.” Hawke frowns.
“It is… not your fault…” Fenris assures awkwardly.
“…what do you have there?” Hawke decides to change topic.
“…Agreggio Pavali. There are six bottles in the cellar. Denarius used to have Fennic pour it for his guests. My sister and I…our appearance intimidated them he said which he enjoyed.” Fenris explains to Hawke.
“I can’t imagine why they would be put off.” Hawke smirks slightly.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Coyly, Fenris chuckles amused almost as he downs the bottle.
“…it doesn’t sound easy…looking after your sister like that…” Hawke frowns, the two looked to be the same age and yet it was clear who was the older one was…
“My sister’s stubborn but then again so am I.” Fenris sighs sadly.
“I get it, Carver and I are the same.” Hawks smiles sadly strained.
“The human boy you were with…” Fenris frowns.
“Yes…he seemed rather eager to meet Fennic.” Hawke chuckles coyly recalling his brother’s reaction to the just done looking Fennic.
“I see. Afraid Fennic isn’t much of a people person.” Fenris warns.
“Nor an apostate person…” Playfully, Hawke tries to joke but…
“Please do not let her bias concern you. When on the job we will follow you, that I promise.” Fenris promises.
“Good to hear…Fenris I understand it isn’t easy being the eldest so if you ever do need help…” Shyly, Hawks offers rubbing the back of his neck but the drunken elf doesn’t seem to register the words.
“Heh…” He simply smirks down at the labelled bottle.
“What is it?” Hawke raises a befuddled brow by his amusement.
“Nothing it’s just between both of us neither of us know who really is the eldest…” Fenris admits.
“Really?” Hawke says surprised.
“Indeed. When we were branded our memoires became…bleary. Blurry between the lines when we first met one another and saw we were the only elves with these marks and silver hair we became siblings. I suppose I adopted the title of being the elder out of the pair of us…” Fenris considers while Hawks watches on as Fenris downs the bottle before tossing it into a nearby wall watching it shatter spiling spoiling the wall with liquor.
“Still it’s good I can still take pleasure in the small things.” Fenris hums turning back to Hawks.
“You could have offered Fennic a glass first you know.” Haughtily, Hawke points out.
“There’s more if you’re really interested.” Fenris offers.
“Perish the thought. How else would you decorate the walls?” Hawke jokes.
“Hehaha…mm…my sister and I we wanted to leave the past behind us but it won’t stay there. Tell Fennic have you ever wanted to return to Fereldan?” Fenris wonders while taking a seat.
“I’ve started a life here.” He shrugs.
“And that’s it? You leave it behind so easily?” Fenris frowns.
“I had to for my family’s sake…you understand?” Hawks assumes.
“…I suppose so…it’s just…the blight is over. You could rebuild what you lost. Do you truly not want that?” Fenris points out.
“My mother came from Kirkwall, our heritage is here.” Hawks asserts.
“Having a place where you can put down roots…I understand. Still to have that option… it must be gratifying. I’ve always wanted that for Fennic and I…to have a fresh start but like I said the past continues coming back to haunt us.” Fenris admits to Hawke.
“Do you intend to keep living here?” Hawke questions.
“I haven’t decided. But for now it is as good as any other place for my sister and I. I would return to Sahran if I could but there is no life for my sister and I there.” Fenris dictates.
“Is that where you two are from?” Hawke questions.
“So I’ve been told.” Fenris grunts.
“Were you very young when you two left then?” Hawke probes.
“Perhaps…” Fenris hums.
“You could track your former master down I assume.” Hawke assumes.
“I imagine he has returned to Minrathros I dare not go near the city where he is alive. No…it is better to wait for him to leave his fortress, fight from a fortified position. I do not expect your help for when that day comes but…I would not turn it aside.” Fenris informs Hawke.
“You’ve been on the run for a long time then…” Hawke frowns.
“Three years now…Denarius has a way of finding us…perhaps it is the markings whatever the means it never takes him long to follow. This is the first time we’ve given him reason to pause…I suppose there are advantages in numbers…” Fenris considers.
“If that why you offered your services?” Hawke presumes.
“Indeed. It was a chance I was willing to take for our safety.” Fenris concedes.
“Haven’t you sought help before?” Hawke frowns.
“Highlights when my sister and I could steal a coin, never any one of substance until you. Danerius will not give up however…I await his return.” Fenris tells Hawke.
“Sounds like a tough situation.” Hawke frowns.
“I’m not made of glass. I should thank you again for helping us against the hunters. Had I known Anzo would find Fennic a man so capable I might have asked him to look sooner.” Fenris admits to Hawke.
“You sound like you’re about to ask for a loan.” Hawke chuckles coyly.
“Well this mansion does require some upkeep perhaps I should practice my flattery for my next visit with any luck I’ll become better at it.” Fenris stands smirking.
“I’ll be looking forward to it…” Hawke happily smirks back before leaving.
“…what?” Fenris without even batting an eye grunts when Fennic peers over the balcony bored.
“Next time this happens give me a heads up so I can jump out the window with your lovey dovey crap.” Curtly, Fennic states scowling at her brother.
“We were simply talking.” Fenris frowns at Fennic.
“Oh I’m sure…” Snippily, Fennic gives her brother a look.
“Fennic…” Fenris begins but…
“Look brother do who or what you want I don’t care but remember that thing is an apostate. For all you know he could be putting some spell on you to sell you back to Denarius.” Fennic raises her hand missing her brother.
“He was willing to help us against Danerius.” Fenris reminds her.
“That was when he didn’t know who Danerius was.” Fennic stops at the door.
“So…?” Fenris frowns.
“So? Now he knows for all we know he could be pulling you into a false sense of security to give you back to Danerius so he can go up in the mage social ladder world.” Fennic explains to her brother.
“Do you hear how insane you sound?” Fenris frowns at her sister.
“I’m just saying brother you’ve only just met the man…be careful. All Apostates are trouble.” Fennic grunts going off, leaving the house.
“Fennic…” Fenris sighs softly, brow furrowed fatigued at his sister silently heading out as Fenris heads to his room…
“Why was your friend made Tranquil? Do you know?” Fennic couldn’t help but eye Anders as they walked through Kirkwall.
“No, and it doesn't matter. Nobody deserves that.” Anders asserts.
“I know some mages that deserve that.” Fairly, Fennic bitterly brings up, a part of her feeling a joy at the thought of the man in her head being made tranquil.
“Really? Perhaps they should start making slaves Tranquil—then they wouldn't dream of escaping! Wouldn't that be wonderful?” Anders accuses as Fennic turns to glare.
“Slaves do not attract demons that try to possess them.” Firmly, Fennic rebukes.
“Which clearly justifies it? What a perfect solution!” Anders sneers snippily.
“Slaves do not choose to bring blood magic into the midst and bring others into their schemes like you abominations!” Angrily, Fennic accuses agitated.
“And there you go accusing us mages for using blood magic Carl would never do such a thing!” Anders insists.
“And how do you know that?” Fennic cooly challenges.
“Because I know him!” Heatedly, he glares at Fennic however…
“He was made tranquil for a reason.” Fennic rebukes.
“To be made an example out of!” Anders snaps back but…
“Not my fault you lot are weapons and need to take responsibility for such actions.” Fennic scoffs.
“So we have to be locked away from society we have to be made tranquil.” Anders sneers snippily.
“You were born with such a supposed gift a powerful dangerous gift that has ruined thousands of lives, enslaved so many, killed so many, sacrificed so many for your own selfish pursuits…there’s a reason you lot have to be made examples out of…” Fennic sneers snippily as Anders simply glares at Fennic who happily glares back, a still silence of tight tension wafting in the air around the group as they go about their day…