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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 9
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- 11
City of Amaranthine

The city of Amaranthine stretched out in front of Lisha and her group as they approached the gates. It was an impressive city with a large wall surrounding most of it, and several houses located on the outside. Some of those houses were abandoned while others had smoke coming out of the chimneys. There were also camps of refugees and people standing outside the gate, demanding to be let in.
“They're not letting anyone in the city who doesn't belong there,” Anders explained. “All these people are from the country side, trying to get away from the darkspawn.”
“You can't keep us out forever!” one woman cried to the guard at the gate. “I have children, they need someplace to sleep.”
“I'm sorry, but I can't allow anyone into the city unless they have business here,” said the guard. “I would let you in if I could, but I was given strict orders.”
“Are you telling me you would let children suffer out here?”
“I'm sorry.”
“Excuse me, ser,” said Lisha. “But you can't tell me there's no room in the city for children at least.”
“Step away, knife-ear,” the guard said, starting to get frustrated. “This does not concern you.”
“I would watch who you call 'knife-ear',” Nathaniel said as he got in the guards face. “How dare you speak to the warden-commander like that!”
“Warden-Commander?” The guard looked Lisha up and down before growing pale. “I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean--”
“Relax, guardsman,” Lisha said putting up her hand. “I've been called worse. But as for at least letting her children have a place to sleep in the city, I think you can that. Am I right?”
“Y-yes, Commander,” the guard bowed. “I believe I can do that. Please, my lady, bring your children here and I will set them up with the Chantry.”
“Oh thank you! Thank you!” the woman cried. She bowed deeply to Lisha before taking off to find her children.
“Now, guardsman,” Lisha said turning her attention back to the him. “Am I and my fellow Wardens allowed into the city?”
The guard kept his eyes away from hers, still ashamed. “Of course, Commander. The Wardens are always allowed entrance to the city. You may proceed if you wish.” He stepped out of her way.
“Thank you. And if anymore children come seeking shelter, I suggest you at least find them a place to stay. Tell that to the rest of your guardsmen and to Constable Aidan. Tell him it's a direct order from the Commander of the Grey.”
“Yes, Commander, I will do that right away.”
Lisha lead them through the gate and into the city. It was busy, full of people as they went about the market. The city was built in a circular formation. A path lead all the way around, some houses and stalls were against the interior of the wall, while most of the larger buildings were located in the center. The Chantry was located to the right of the gate, at the top of a few flight of stairs. Nathaniel made his way over there, forcing everyone to follow him.
He went ahead and scanned the area. “She's got to be here. I know it.”
“Your sister? What does she look like?” Lisha asked.
“Well... she has black hair, yellow eyes. It's been a while since I've seen her. I don't know how much has changed. I just hope I can recognize her myself. But if she's not around the Chantry, then we should try the market next. The Chantry was one of her favorite places to--” He stopped when he saw the statue right in front of the Chantry. It was one of Andraste, similar to the one at the keep. “It figures they would replace it,” he said staring at the statue.
“Figures what?” Lisha looked up at the same statue and frowned. “Those things are everywhere.”
“Actually, what used to be there was a statue of my great-uncle, Arl Byron Howe. He died in the rebellion, helping King Maric reclaim his throne. Yet his statue is gone. All because of what my father did. Arl Byron was a hero.”
“I can get them to put it back.”
“Don't bother. Nobody here will want to see it. There's a long line of heroes in my family. The Howes have been around since Calenhad. Now it's all gone. And for what? For being on the wrong side of the war? For choosing poorly?”
“From what I know, Nathaniel, your father was involved a lot more than you think. He was the one pulling Loghain's strings.”
“Is that what Zelda told you?” Nathaniel said to her with narrowed eyes. “Because, of course, she would say something like that. But I don't know, maybe you're right. I just wish I knew the truth. That's why I need to find my sister, ask her what really happened. I'm not saying you're lying, but I know she would never lie to me, especially about something like this. Ugh.” Nathanial moaned as he stared back up at Andraste. “I wonder what happened to the old statue. Likely propping up the side of the Chantry or something. Poor Arl Byron.”
Lisha saw Nathaniel's confusion, saw his determination to know the truth. He needed to know the truth, needed to know what his father had done and why he was killed. She knew she wasn't the one who could tell him. They needed to find his sister. “Come on, Nathaniel. Let's go find your sister. It doesn't look like she's here.”
They began searching the market area, trying to find a woman that matched Nathaniel's description. It didn't surprise Lisha that Nathaniel had gotten them to look for his sister first, which was why Anders was sulking. Lisha could tell during their search he was actually looking more at the buildings than people, obviously trying to find the building his phylactery would be in.
“Relax, Anders,” said Lisha. “We'll look for your phylactery next.”
“What? Who said I was looking for that?” Anders grinned at her. “We're suppose to be looking for Nathaniel's sister.”
“Then stick to looking at people. I'm pretty sure Delilah isn't made of wood.”
“Wait!” Nathaniel stopped in the middle of the street as he saw a particular woman come out of a shop and begin placing items outside in a stall. Facing away from him, he slowly walked over to her. “Delilah? Is that really you?”
“Hm?” She looked up from her work and turned around to see Nathaniel right behind her. Her first reaction was to startle, but once she got a good look at him, her fear was replaced with joy. “Nathaniel! I can't believe... I feared the worst!” She flung her arms around his neck, happy to see him. Nathaniel returned the hug, wrapping his arms around her waist, and bringing her closer.
“Delilah, I... You look wonderful! How have you been?”
“I've been great, Nathaniel,” she said after releasing him. “But you look like you've seen better days.”
“It's been hard times and I've been through a lot. But... what are you doing here? You can do better than this. Come back to the keep until we find somewhere else.”
“What?” Delilah laughed. “I didn't come and marry Albert out of desperation. I adore him! I was so glad to get away from Father's evil. You don't know how much better this life is.”
“Father's evil?” Nathaniel questioned. “Don't you think you're overstating things a little. He got caught up in politics...”
“No, Nathaniel,” Delilah said looking more remorse. “There was more to it than that. You weren't here. You didn't see what he did. You want the culprit that destroyed our family? It was him, without question.”
“That... can't be right.”
“Unfortunately it is, Brother. Thomas is dead because of him, and Mother. And for the past year or so, I thought the same of you.” She lowered her head, looking saddened. “I thought I was alone.”
“Delilah,” Nathaniel said, taking her into his arms again. “I'm so sorry. You're not alone anymore. I just wish I had some idea.”
“It's all right,” Delilah said patting his arm. “But let us not speak of this anymore. Can you come, Brother? Can you come inside for a moment so we can talk and catch up? There's so many things I want to tell you! And you need to meet Albert. I know you'll love him.”
“Sure, but... Commander?” Nathaniel turned to Lisha. “May I?”
“Do you really think I'm going to tell you no?” Lisha smiled. “Go on, Nate. Take all the time you need.”
“Commander?” Delilah said as she looked to Lisha as well. “What does that mean?”
“I'll explain it to you. Let's go inside.” Nathaniel and Delilah linked arms and she lead him into the shop, already beginning to speak to him about current matters.
“Good, now that that's over with, can we start looking for my phylactery now?” said Anders.
Lisha rolled her eyes. “Go ahead, Anders. We'll look for it now, but I do have some things I need to look for in the market as well.”
Anders went off ahead of them, as Lisha, Sigrun, and Oghren took their time looking through the shops.
“Ooh! Fingers... twitching. So much shiny...” Sigrun said as she scanned over a low shelf. Her eyes were all aglow as she looked from one shiny thing to the other. Her hands hovering.
“Do you see something you like?” said Lisha. “We can buy anything you want.”
“Oh, of course, Commander. I know we can buy anything. It's just... old habits. Growing up casteless in Dust Town, we took what we could get, when we could get it. These fingers have nicked more things than I could possibly count.” She looked at her hands. “It's not something I'm particularly proud off. I was a thief, basically nothing more than a lying, rotten duster.”
“I don't see that in you anymore, though,” said Lisha. “Instead I see a skilled rogue, a smart legionnaire, and a damn good Warden.”
“Right, Commander,” Sigrun nearly laughed. “You can stop trying to make me feel better. I know what I was and what I am now. The past is what made me, whether I like it or not. But I think we should keep moving if you don't mind. I really don't want anything from this shop, but old habits die hard and I only have so much self-control.”
“Sure. Why don't you go find Anders. Make sure he hasn't gotten himself into trouble. Knowing him, he probably will.”
“Will do, Commander!” Sigrun saluted her before running off in the direction Anders had gone.
Lisha then continued looking around, selling things from her pack she didn't need and trading them for things she did. She bought more arrows for Nathaniel and herself as well as some healing poultices and lyrium potions for Anders.
“Um... Lisha? May I have a word with you?” Lisha turned around after buying her supplies to Oghren.
“What is it, Oghren?”
“Well, uh... this is kind of... embarrassing,” he said scratching his head and not really looking her in the eye.
Lisha raised an eyebrow. “Are you all right? I don't think I've ever seen you act like this before.”
“It's, um... I don't want to bother you or anything, you being my boss and all...”
Lisha crossed her arms as she looked down at him. “Oghren, you can tell me anything. Being the commander, I want to make sure all my Wardens are well. So spit it out.”
“Right. Look, for the past few days I've had this... burning rash. The skin's actually got a sort of greenish look to it...”
Lisha kept her face as straight as she possibly could. She had dealt with a lot, but this she had never heard of. “Did you try anything for it yet?”
“Yeah, I've tried some poultices and a few other things, but nothing has worked. Seeing as you're Dalish and all, I thought maybe if you took a look at it...”
“Oghren, just because I'm Dalish doesn't make me an expert on strange, green rashes, but... okay, I'll take a look. Let's go in this alley over here and you can show me.”
They went into the alley, and immediately after they were out of sight from the street, Oghren started taking his pants down.
“Wow, wow, Oghren!” Lisha said covering her eyes. “Where is this rash?”
“It's right in... that area,” he said. “Come on, Commander, I know you've seem them before. You've got a husband. Mines no different.”
“Yeah, but... ugh. You could've warned me where it was first.”
“Just take a look, please.”
“Alright.” Lisha braced herself and focused more around the area at the skin. She saw it actually was green and somewhat slimy. “Wow, Oghren! What did you get into this time?”
“I didn't do anything! You know, I bet it was that Grey Warden stuff you had us drink at the Joining. I think it's been like this ever since.”
“I don't think so,” Lisha said as she continued to analyze. “I've never heard of it causing a rash before. And I've never seen anything like this.”
“I'm special.”
“What the...? Commander?”
“By the Paragons! Commander, no!”
Lisha looked up from between Oghren's legs to see Anders and Sigrun running towards them. Oghren quickly pulled back up his pants. “What's wrong, you two?” Lisha asked.
“What were you doing?” said Sigrun. “Or about to do.”
“Please don't tell me you'd prefer him over me,” Anders said with a sad face.
“What? Oh, no... no!” Lisha said with a grimace. “That's not what I was doing! I'm married, remember? No, I was checking a rash he has. Actually, Anders why don't you come over here and take a look.”
“Uh... no thanks.”
“Yes, you're a spirit healer, come here.”
“Hang on there, Lisha, I don't know if I want sparkle-fingers looking at my junk,” said Oghren.
“Trust me, dwarf,” said Anders. “I have no desire of seeing it.”
“Anders,” Lisha said firm.
“Arg! This is what I get for being a good healer!” Anders moaned. “Fine. Down with those pants, dwarf.”
“Yeah... I'm just going to go make sure no one comes down this alley,” said Sigrun as she slipped away.
Anders slowly made his way over as Oghren grumbled while taking down his pants one more time.
“You see that,” Lisha said pointing. “Have you ever seen anything like it?”
“No,” said the mage as he took a peek. “It's smaller than I thought, and I think it might even be deformed.”
“Watch it, mage!” Oghren growled.
“I'm only speaking the truth.”
“Anders, stop it,” said Lisha. “Now I'm serious. Look at the skin. Have you ever seen anything like that?”
Despite everything screaming at him not to, Anders looked over Oghren's rash before looking back at Lisha. “Actually, I think I have seen something like that. Never in real life, but I believe I saw it in a book. A green rash that comes from spider bites. Did one of the spiders in the Deep Roads bite you?”
“Uh, I don't know, maybe,” said Oghren. “But if that was the case, wouldn't Sigrun have something similar?”
“Well, not really one of the big ones. It's actually a small spider, not deadly, but its bite can be very annoying. I remember it just because of the weird green rash it can cause from its venom. I think I even remember the healing poultice for it.”
“That's convenient,” said Lisha. “Then if you do remember, I want you to gather what you need and make it for him right away.”
“Of course, Lisha, but first... I found the building the cache is suppose to be in. Do you think we could take care of that first?”
“You finally found it?” Lisha turned to Oghren. “Are you going to be okay until then?”
“Sure,” Oghren said as he pulled back up his pants. “It burns like hell, but I'll just put some minty balm on it until then.”
“Ugh,” Anders shivered. “Oghren, I hope I never have to look at your junk again.”
“You don't have to worry about that, sparkle-fingers. It's not like I enjoyed it either.”
***
The building they entered was a small warehouse of sorts. It was empty except for a few crates and there was no sign that anyone had been inside for a while. Anders looked around, seeming confused.
“I don't understand. Where are the guards? Unless... they don't want to bring attention to the cache.”
“So where's this cache of yours, then?” said Oghren.
“Hidden, most likely. Obviously not wanting to just put them out in the open. Let's search around.”
Their searching didn't get them very far, however, as all the crates in the area were empty. They didn't stop, though as Anders spotted a hallway in the back which lead to another room. He gestured for the others to follow as he sped down the hall only to come to another empty room.
“Are you sure this was the right building?” Lisha asked.
“I'm sure of it,” he said scratching his head. “This was the exact address Namaya put in the letter. And they wouldn't have taken the cache either. They weren't suppose to move it for another month.”
“Then maybe she made a mistake.”
“Maybe,” Anders said disappointed. “I can't believe this! I was so close!”
“And here I almost believed the infamous Anders wouldn't take the bait.”
Everyone turned to the doorway to find several templars standing at the threshold. Anders's mouth dropped open at the woman in the front before closing it and clenching his fists. “Rylock,” he growled.
“What are you doing here?” Lisha asked going next to Anders's side. She stared at the templar who met her gaze.
“I'm here doing my job, Commander.”
“You know, I'm actually not at all surprised to see you here,” said Anders. “I should've known it was too good to be true.”
“Yes, you should've.” Rylock smiled mischievously. “You made a poor choice with this one, Commander. Anders will never submit. Not to us and not to you.”
“I don't really care if he submits or not,” said Lisha. “He's made a fine Grey Warden so far. Maybe it's because I'm not forcing him to do anything.”
“Doesn't matter,” Rylock said losing her demeanor. “I'm here to take him back to the Circle, and there, I'll make sure this murderer gets what he deserves.”
“What? No!” Anders yelled. “For the last time, I did not murder those templars! The darkspawn did!”
“Then what about the many other templars you murdered during your many escapes from the tower? You must be punished for them, and for your use of illegal magics.”
“I am not a blood mage! And you can't take me anyway. King Alistair allowed my conscription.”
Rylock smiled again. “The Chantry's authority supersedes the crown in this matter. You cannot hide within the Grey Wardens' ranks.”
“No,” Lisha said stepping forward. “You will not have him.”
“Hardly surprising,” said Rylock. “The Grey Wardens have ever been a haven for criminals and maleficar. But as a servant of the Chantry, you must hand him over.”
“I don't have to do anything. You might be able to supersede the crown, but I am the Commander of the Grey. My authority it above the crown's, and I do not answer to the Chantry.”
Rylock narrowed her eyes, losing her demeanor once more. “Do you really want to challenge me on this? You will bring the wrath of the Chantry down upon you! The grand cleric will not allow this!”
“And if you threaten one of my Wardens again, you will bring the wrath of the Grey Wardens upon you.” Lisha took Sulhigil and notched an arrow, pointing it straight at Rylock's head.
“Fine,” the templar smirked. “If that's what you wish.”
Rylock acted fast, binding Anders's magic before he could even blink. Lisha didn't allow that to happen for long, though, as her arrow pierced Rylock's armor. It went straight into the templar's right shoulder, making her lose control of her bind. Anders moved away from Lisha, ready to strike, but wasn't able to do much as he got hit by a holy smite from one of the other templars.
Sigrun and Oghren launched themselves forward, taking down the templars while Lisha went after Rylock. Seeing Lisha notch another arrow, Rylock ripped the one out of her shoulder. She grabbed her sword and swung it at the elf. Lisha blocked it with her bow and forced the sword off to the side. Her knife found its way into Rylock's side, while she twisted Sulhigil around and smacked the templar's head. Rylock fell to the ground just as her fellow templars did as well, held down by the two dwarves.
“Don't kill them,” Lisha said as she pointed her loaded bow down at Rylock. “We don't need their blood on our hands.”
“Are you sure that's wise?” Anders asked as he hovered over Rylock, glaring down at her. “If we don't kill them now, then they'll just keep coming after me! This templar has been after me ever since I first escaped from the tower. Never has she relented in her quest to make me pay for something I didn't do!”
“Don't spit your lies, mage!” Rylock growled. “I know you killed those templars!”
“For the last time, I did no such thing! And just for your information, I have never once killed any templars during any of my escapes. I've always stunned them because I knew if I did kill a templar, the Chantry wouldn't hesitate to kill me. But I'm thinking I might make an exception with you!”
“You wouldn't dare!”
“No, he wouldn't,” Lisha said eying Anders. “We're not killing them, Anders.”
“But--”
“That's an order! But if she does show her face anywhere in Amaranthine or even try and go after you or any of my other Wardens again, then I won't hesitate. Do you understand me, templar?”
Rylock snarled, the other templars shifted uneasy. “Fine. You can have him. But be warned. I will be watching and the moment he leaves your order—because he will—I'll be on him faster than a hawk is on a field mouse.”
“If that's the case, then I won't care.” Lisha lowered her bow and gestured for Oghren and Sigrun to let the others stand. Rylock stood and dusted herself off before following the others out of the warehouse. She gave Anders one last look over before departing.
“Well, that went smoothly,” said Sigrun. “I can see you were very popular, Anders.”
“This is just perfect,” Anders said looking around the room. “Not only was it a setup, but my phylactery really isn't here! Oh, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore. If Rylock does follow what you said, then maybe I truly am free.”
“I told you, Anders,” said Lisha. “You're a Grey Warden now. You're not apart of the Circle anymore. And you never have to go back if you don't want to.”
“Thanks, that makes me a lot happier. And I appreciate you defending me, for being by my side. All of you.”
“You might be an annoying little nug-shit, sparkle-fingers,” Oghren teased. “But your magic can be useful sometimes.”
“Sure. Who else is going to make that balm for your junk.”
“Stuff it, mage. I might change my mind.”
“Oh, Oghren. I'm touched you care.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Alright, alright,” said Lisha. “I guess if your phylactery isn't in here, then we should leave before someone else comes in. Besides, I'm not done in the market and we're going to need to see if Nathaniel is ready to leave his sister. I just hope she's told him what he needs to hear about his father. And he believes her.”
***
“Ah, can you smell that?” Anders said as they walked out of the warehouse, taking a deep breath. “That would be freedom! I can finally smell it.”
“You think the smell of dogs and dust is the smell of freedom?” Sigrun said raising an eyebrow at him. “It smells a little weird to me. And I think... someone might be baking a pie.”
This made Anders laugh. “To me, at the moment, the smell of dog is the greatest smell in the world!”
“Are you sure that pie isn't the greatest smell in the world?” Lisha asked.
“Well, I suppose,” Anders chuckled. “But really anything right now that doesn't remind me of a dungeon is great. I escaped from the tower seven times. After the last time, they put me in solitary confinement for a year. Eventually, I'm sure they would have branded me a maleficar, true or not, and executed me. I'm sure that's what Rylock was intending on doing this time.”
“How did you escape the last time?”
“I was released right before Uldred went crazy. I used the chaos as a distraction and went straight for the exit. There were no templars there to stop me because they were all too busy fighting the abominations. I think that was probably the easiest time I had escaping. I was hoping they would think I was one of the many causalities and not come looking for me, but of course, Rylock knew better. She had some of her goonies track me to Amaranthine where they eventually caught me and brought me to Vigil's Keep. I think they might have been waiting for her so she could then take me to Denerim and try and have me executed for being a maleficar in front of the grand cleric. Pff, it would've all been lies.”
“And she would've been able to do it, too, wouldn't she?” asked Lisha. “Because you're not a blood mage, right?”
“Of course not!” Anders said defensive. “If anything, that's the one thing I actually agree with the Chantry on. To be a blood mage means you have to have a pact with a demon, and I would never do such a thing. I hate how mages resort to it when they feel they have no other options. It just gives the Chantry fuel against us. An excuse to keep locking us up.”
“Yeah, and I'm sure you've never even thought about it,” said Oghren.
“What's there to think about? I always thought it odd for a mage to be both a spirit healer and a blood mage. 'Oh, let me have your blood to fuel my powers, but don't worry! I'll give it right back!' Just seems contradictory.”
“I suppose so,” said Lisha. “But was the Circle so bad?”
“Yeah, it was,” said Anders. “The problem is that mages are tolerated. Barely. It's like you need permission to be alive. There's nothing a mage can do to prove himself. Everyone needs to be protected from you. The end. It wasn't like I was asking for power. All I ever wanted was a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools.”
“Ha! I think you're aiming too low, kid!” Oghren laughed.
“True. I want a harem, a banquet, and the ability to rain fireballs upon every templar in creation.”
“And what about me?” Sigrun said. “Am I not a pretty girl?”
“Of course you are!” Anders teased, ruffling her hair. “I guess I'm closer to my goal than I thought. It's nice to be able to smile now and recall I'm not sitting in a dungeon. Thank you again for that, Lisha.”
“Just keep to your morals, Anders,” Lisha smiled. “And know that even if you leave the Grey Wardens, I'm sure everyone here will still have your back.”
“Well I don't know about that,” said Oghren.
“What, dwarf? Are you saying you don't want me to make that balm for you? Because I don't have to, ya know.”
“I think you just want to take a look at my junk again, mage. You're jealous, aren't you?”
“Jealous of that? Please.”
“Yeah, you're jealous,” Oghren laughed. “No wonder you carry such a big staff.”
“Excuse me, dwarf, but I think I'm pretty well endowed where it counts, thank you. And you're one to talk about carrying big weapons! You giant axe-wielding freak!”
“Hey, it's a waraxe! Get it right.”
“So sorry. Whatever it's called, you're still compensating.”
“Then let me see yours and we'll see if you're compensating!”
“Okay, now I'm stepping in,” said Lisha. “I really don't want you two flashing each other in the middle of the street. If you really want to compare each others... things, then you can do that on your own time in the privacy of your rooms.”
“Like I'm actually going to show him,” said Anders.
“So then you are small,” Oghren teased.
“I am not!”
“Then prove it!”
“Mythal! You two are like a bunch of children!” Lisha said shaking her head. “I swear by the Creators... But if large weapons mean something, what does my bow say about me?”
“That doesn't count,” Oghren answered. “You're a woman.”
“I don't know,” said Anders looking her up and down. “It could count towards her chest. I mean, sorry Commander, but you are an elf and aren't that big.”
“Excuse me?” said Lisha. “But my breasts are actually quite decent for an elf. They may not be as big as humans or... dwarves.” Lisha's eyes focused on Sigrun's for a moment. “But they're bigger than Arawin's. Well... maybe not anymore. Pregnancy and all.”
“Right, Commander,” they all laughed.
“Okay, then. Answer me this! What does it say about Nathaniel? He carries a shortbow.”
This made both Anders and Oghren frown, causing Sigrun to burst out laughing.
“What are you guys talking about?” Lisha turned to see Nathaniel staring at all of them confused. “What does my shortbow say about me?”
“It means you gotta big one,” Oghren chuckled.
“What?”
“Oh, don't mind them,” Lisha said pushing him forward through the market. “I want you to tell me how it went with your sister. The rest of you continue to get what you need. And Anders, make sure you get the ingredients for that balm.”
“Aye, aye, Commander!” Anders saluted her.
Lisha took Nathaniel down the street and away from the others who were still giggling behind them.
“What's going on with those three?” Nathaniel asked.
“Friendly contest. I'm sure they'll fill you in when we're done here. But please, tell me: Did you enjoy your visit with Delilah?”
“Oh, yes,” Nathaniel said brightening up. “She said she wants me to come back, once all this is done. I met her husband, a very nice man and someone I would've thought my sister wouldn't be into. It was amazing to see them together. She told me she was with child and due by the spring. I don't think I've ever seen her happier.” He paused for a moment and stopped. “She said Father deserved to die. I... I don't know if I can believe it.”
“Are you saying you can't even believe your own sister?” Lisha frowned. “She did tell you everything, didn't she?”
“She told me more than I wanted to hear. How much both her and Mother suffered when I left, and how much Father had changed. Delilah told me that even if I was here, there was probably nothing I could have done to stop him. Not even Thomas could stop him, and he was Father's favorite.” Nathaniel slumped his shoulders and looked to the ground. “She said Father killed Thomas, forced him to go fight the darkspawn. He was too young for such a thing, but he did it anyway. Then when Mother died, which was before the Blight, the last word she said was my name. Father didn't even give her a proper burial. He didn't even send word to me about her death.”
“I'm sorry, Nathaniel. Your father did a lot of horrible things.”
“For the Blight, yes, but I thought he had his reasons!” Nathaniel said looking up at her. “It was a war, for Andraste's sake! Before I went to the Free Marches, he was never... how could he have changed so much?”
“It's not your fault, Nathaniel.”
“Oh, I know!” Nathaniel moaned. “I feel like such a fool.”
“You're not.”
“But I am. Ugh, could we just... get back to what we were doing. I need time to think.”
“Of course.”
Lisha and Nathaniel found Sigrun first. She was staring up at the sky, seeming amazed by it instead of scared, which was odd for a dwarf straight out of the Deep Roads.
“Sigrun, what are you doing?” Lisha asked.
“It's just amazing,” she said. “I mean, it just stretches on forever! I was scared of it at first, fearing I was going to fall right in if I looked at it too much, but now... I find it beautiful.” She stopped staring at the sky and turned to Lisha. “It's so clear up here on the surface. You can see for leagues. No wonder it's so much easier to fight darkspawn. And Commander, do you think... have you ever heard of a contraption called a... spyglass? My friend, Varlan in the Legion, told me about them. He said they let you see distant enemies as though they were right beside you. Is that true? It sounds like magic.”
This made both Lisha and Nathaniel chuckle. “No, it's not magic,” said Lisha. “It's optics.”
“Op-tics? Well, it may as well be magic. In the Deep Roads, the darkspawn can appear from nowhere. A spyglass sounds the very opposite. It would be nice if I could have one, so I could see for myself.”
“Well, you're in luck,” Nathaniel said as he walked over to a stall close to them. “I believe this is a spyglass right here.” He picked up a cylindrical shaped object and showed it to her. Sigrun's eyes widened as she say it. Taking the spyglass from him, she examined it, looking through the eye piece and pulling the lens back and forth.
“Wow, Varlan was right! This is... amazing!”
“How much?” Lisha asked the shopkeep.
“For you, Commander, fifty silver.”
“Then here's sixty and you have a good day.”
“Oh, I will, Commander! Thank you!”
“What? You didn't have to get this for me,” said Sigrun.
“Yes I did,” Lisha smiled. “Now you have fun with it.”
“Thanks, Commander!”
The three of them started making their way to the gate, hoping to run into Oghren and Anders on the way. Sigrun, meanwhile, played with her spyglass, looking through it at the sky and people walking on the street. She trailed behind and didn't notice the dwarf right in front of her that she ran into. “Oh, I'm so sorry,” Sigrun said.
“No, I'm sorry,” said the other dwarf. “I wasn't—wait.” She stared at Sigrun and her face shifted to complete malice. “Why you ungrateful, backstabbing duster!”
Lisha heard the exchange and turned to see Sigrun caught like a deer in lantern lights. The other dwarf yelling at her with incredible fury. “Excuse me,” Lisha said interrupting her. “But why are you yelling at my Warden? She didn't mean to bump into you like that.”
“No, it's okay, Lisha,” said Sigrun. “This has to do with the past.”
“You're damn right it does!” the other dwarf yelled. “Name's Mischa. I was a merchant until she ruined me. I had her running errands. Trying to keep one duster out of trouble. I thought I was doing a good deed. Then I hear House Bemot lost a gold statuette of their Paragon. Next day, it turns up in my shop.”
Lisha looked at Sigrun. “What is she talking about?”
“I... I didn't mean for it to happen,” Sigrun explained to Mischa. “I wanted to say no, but if I refused, Beraht said he would kill you! He needed to get rid of it.”
“House Bemot could have had me executed!” Mischa yelled. “You could've spoken up, told them the truth.”
“Do you really think they would've listened to me? And even if I did, Beraht would have killed me. What was I suppose to do?”
“I don't know, maybe act like something other than a worthless pile of nug-shit? I don't know what you're doing with her, elf,” Mischa said to Lisha. “But be careful how much trust you put into her.”
“I think Sigrun is very trustworthy,” said Lisha.
“Whatever. Now, I have to deliver these skins to the tanner. Need to make a living somehow. Out of my way, brand.” Mischa stormed off, pushing Sigrun out of her way roughly.
“Sigrun, are you all right?”
“It's nothing,” Sigrun said, looking like she was just beaten pretty badly. “It's in the past.” She took her spyglass and placed it in her pack, not looking at all happy about it anymore.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I... Can we just go, Commander? I don't feel like being here anymore.”
“Alright. Let's go get the others. I think it's time we all left this city.”

Parahrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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