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Charon Mercar believed he is a good man. From Soporati family in Tevinter with a long history of military involvement.
Not powerful enough to have ever been on the radar of Magisters or the like. Head down, fighting for his country openly… but in the background working with people like Dorian, Maevaris in their Lucerni.
Freeing slaves, guiding them to boarders of the city where the guards are suspiciously ‘busy’ with a new handful of gold.
Many years ago, after the Inquisition was disbanded, Dorian Pavus, newly minted Magister approached Charon Mercar with a strange request.
Young Harley Surana needed a home. Needed a name to hide within Teviter’s streets. Hide from Venatori eyes.
A traumatised young elven slave. Skin and bones, terrified of everything that moved.
Terrified of humans.
Given what she must have gone through during her slavery, he didn’t blame her.
So, with his wife, they came up with a story for Harley. An infant, abandoned on a battlefield. Raised in secret, where no one could knew their elven daughter.
Legally adopted. A citizen of Tevinter, and equal to any human.
As an elf, she would never be seen as such… but Charon had seen Harley for her whole recovery, what the years of freedom and love did to her.
And as a mage, she was considered a Laetan. Technically.
She would still be ignored regardless of her magical ability only because of her race.
Charon Mercar smiled at the Neve Gallus of Dock Town. She stood straight backed, eyeing him with interest and caution, for which he did not blame her.
Ever since the Shadow Dragons base had been sacked, finding allies amongst the Venatori controlled Tevinter was hard.
“Neve.” Harley bumped her shoulder and flashed her a grin, crossing over to Charon. “He’s safe.”
He grinned, opened his arms and swept her up into a hug. “It’s been too long, little cat.”
Neve stepped closer, and Harley turned to her.
“Neve. This is Charon Mercar. He has done so much for me. So much. Far more than I could ever repay.”
“You don’t have to repay me for anything, Kit.”
Harley hummed in response. “Whatver you say.” It was an argument they had had multiple times over the years.
Neve’s expression shifted slightly, and Charon offered his hand.
“It is quite the honour to meet you, Detective Gallus. My wife is quite taken with your exploits.”
Harley nudged her shoulder and most of the tension drained from them. She glanced at Harley, who stuck her tongue out. Neve smiled slightly and rolled her eyes before taking Charon’s hand.
“So, Charon. Do you have any embarrassing stories of Harley?”
Charon grinned.
“Nooooo!”