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Three Shards of Fate	By : KRMtheAuthoress Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 2017 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age franchise/fandom and therefore make no money. Only thing is the original character. Duh, that's obvious.

Chapter List
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Glowing emerald eyes pinned him to the ground, immobile without even touching him. His heart raced in his chest and his breathing picked up. Habit took in every single detail of the other, and oh how he enjoyed them. The dusty-pale skin and the strange blue-white raised markings, like tattoos, that started at his chin, traced down his neck, and branched off to his chest and limbs. But it was if he was a different sort of elf, with wider eyes and longer eyes. How he was beautiful~
And how he haunted his dreams!
He reached up a hand and threaded it through his snowy white hair, watching how his own tan skin contrasted vividly. The strange elf growled, like a wolf, and the markings pulsed with a strange blue light. He slid his body over his own. The growl had trailed off into a rough purr as teeth sunk into his neck and sharp hands danced over his naked body.
"Saleà …" His body jerked and his breath gasped. His name! The strange elf knew his name, he had spoken! And that voice, glorious and rasping over his ears. He could come just on that voice itself…
"Wake up Saleà!" Then all of a sudden the voice became female. A very, very familiar female voice. The white haired elf looked thoughtfully into the distance, rose, and then all he saw was the wooden rungs on the bunk above his. Damn it all! He would have voiced his dual frustrations, but the familiar red hair of his cousin was getting closer to his bed. "Why are you still in bed? It's your big day!"
"Why are you in my room, Shianni?" Saleà sat up, bending his knees as well in the hope that she hadn't spotted his…ah…problem yet.
"Aw, is somebody shy now?" Giggling, the woman leaned closer and tried to wiggle her fingers against his side. Saleà smacked her hands away, trying to tickle her in answer to a years old tradition. Once she caught her breath, Shianni sighed happily and leaned against the bunk. There was a hint of alcohol on her breath, something he was used to. "I got your father to let me share the good news!"
"Good news?" Okay, did he miss something? Papa hadn't mentioned anything the night before… Though, he had been watching him with an odd expression all evening before he had gone to bed.
"You do remember what today is, don't you!"
He honestly had no idea. It wasn't someone's birthday. It wasn't any sort of anniversary. Nor was it any sort of celebration. "A summer day?"
"Gah, you're such an idiot! It's your wedding day and Soris' too!" She continued on, not noticing the way Saleà 's eyes widened or how his face paled. "That's what I came to tell you. Your bride, Nesiara, she's here early!"
That's why Papa had been watching him last night! The expression had been sad, sad in that his little boy would be married soon. And happy, happy that he would be gaining a daughter and grandchildren. It was why he hadn't told him but allowed Shianni to do it instead. Because he knew he wouldn't blow up in front of his favorite cousin. Shit. Shit! His stomach felt like snow had been packed into it before a hand squeezed around it. His father had mentioned it in passing a few weeks ago and then said nothing, so he thought the prospect of being forced into the traditional arranged marriage would be weeks, months off. "I…he arranged a marriage? But I don't…" He looked away, hugging his legs. "I don't like the idea…I don't even know her."
He had to hide behind that façade, though part of it was in fact true. His people's tradition of the parents and/or elders arranging marriages rubbed him the wrong way. Shouldn't they be allowed the chance to at least try to find someone for themselves? But that wasn't the main reason, not even close: he wasn't interested in women. Saleà had noticed a few years ago that while other elven boys his age were watching girls, he was watching them. At least until the dreams of the strange white-haired elf started and he had become utterly fixated on him, whoever he was.
"And who would you marry, Saleà? You haven't been holding out on me, have you?" Shianni looked at him in disbelief but trailed of when she saw how uncomfortable he looked. "Hey, cheer up. I snuck a peek at your bride for you and she's beautiful! You won't be alone, either since Soris is getting married as well. And just think of the music, decorations, feasting! You know how fun weddings are! That has to make it easier…right?"
"I guess…" He looked up, trying to force a smile. "Hey, want to get married instead, since you find her 'so beautiful!' ?" He imitated her voice, sighing dreamily and throwing a hand against his forehead.
"Ha! This is your day, not mine~ I'll stop tormenting you. There are the other bridesmaids to talk to and I need to find my dress~ And Soris said he's going to be waiting for you outside, so move it!" With that, bright Shianni waltzed out of the room.
Once he knew she was out of hearing he flopped back down on his bed. Married? A bride? The very thought of it had chased the lingering arousal of the dream away. There wasn't anything he could do, not if this woman who was to be his bride was here and the whole damn Alienage was getting ready for a wedding. A double wedding! At least Soris might be happy with the whole thing. Forcing himself out of bed, Saleà moved to the trunk that held his few possessions. Folded neatly on top were wedding clothes, red trimmed with black and yellow. "Well, at least I'll look good…" Saleà whispered as he forced himself into the clothes. Then, so tenderly, he wrapped a red ribbon around a thick lock of hair in front of his ear. The ribbon was one of the few things he had left of his mother. He slipped a dagger, more from habit than need for protection, under the belt near the small of his back before moving out into the main room of the house.
"Good morning Saleà!" Cyrion Tabris beamed as he turned from the small kitchen table. "It's your big day today! If only your mother could be here…" He looked down, silent, and Saleà watched him rub the simple ring he still wore on one of his fingers.
For the briefest moment, anger and resentment rushed so hard through Saleà that he had to clench his hands to keep them still. How could you, Papa? How could you spring this on me, why did you hide it? Don't mention Mother! She wouldn't have done this to me! But then, just as quickly, it slipped away. This was Papa, and there was no way he could stay angry at him. He's trying to take care of me, like any father…
Most people would never have guessed that they were father and son. Cyrion was pale skinned, just as every other elf in the Alienage was, pale blue eyes, and in his youth his straight hair had been red like the rest of their family. Saleà, in the starkest contrast, had a tan shade of skin, thick and wavy black hair, and gold eyes. Papa constantly joked that he was a male version of his mother… Saleà studied his father's face. He took in the now grey hair, the crow's feet at the edge of his eyes, the creases around his mouth and the lines across his forehead (mostly worry lines that Saleà had most certainly put there). No, he couldn't stay angry at the only parent he had left.
"I miss her too…" He wrapped his arms around his papa, resting his head on his shoulder. Soon the familiar weight of his arms settled around him. "Does it…have to be today? Could I wait a day or two, since she's early?"
Cyrion sighed, resting a hand on the black waves. "I know it's sudden, but I'm sure she's here early for a reason. The elder took it in stride." Saleà's ears perked at the slight waver in his papa's voice, which became more obvious at the mention of the elder. Odd. "Maybe there was trouble at the Highever alienage, or her family didn't want your betrothed traveling later in the season. Whatever reason, I paid the dowry, we have the Chantry's permit, and everything worked out fine."
Saleà leaned back in surprise. "You paid a dowry for her!"
Cyrion shook his head. "It isn't like that, Saleà. A dowry is not paying someone for the spouse. A lot goes into arranged marriages, the biggest being deciding which spouse travels to which alienage. One side gets new blood and a new member while the other side looses a family member. The dowry…helps even things out."
That…seemed a little better. "I…don't want to get married, Papa." Would he understand? Was there any way that maybe he could stop the marriage?
Cyrion laughed, hugging his son around the shoulders. "I understand. Before I met Adaia I was ready to go hunt for the Dalish! Just be glad I chose the match. Without a parent to represent you, children like Soris end up marrying whoever the elder can find. Don't worry," He pulled him closer, whispering in his ear even though they were the only two in the house, "I did this for you. I won't pick out someone you would never meld with the rest of your life."
Well…crap. That was it. No way out.
"Thanks, Papa." He said softly with a smile. Even if all of this was nowhere close to what he truly wanted, his Papa loved him. He couldn't forget that. His father hugged him one last time before stepping away. "Alright, time for you to find Soris. The sooner this wedding starts the less chance of the two of you bolting."
He tilted his head innocently. "Me? Bolting?"
"I know you, Saleà. Slick and sneaky as a cat." Cyrion sighed and rubbed his neck. "Speaking of that. Your martial training… the swordplay, knives, free running, and whatever else your mother trained you in. Don't mention it to your betrothed."
Oh, Saleà could see it now! Hi there, betrothed. Want to see how I can throw a knife into a man's neck at 20 paces? "She's going to find out sooner or later."
"Later. Definitely later. We don't want to seem like troublemakers—" Cyrion's voice broke and he turned away. His hands settled on a small bag setting on the table. When next he spoke, it was only a little higher than a whisper. "Adaia make that mistake."
His heart tightened at the reminder. He could see her face as clear as day, even though he had been only seven when she had died. Dimples when she smiled, gold eyes dancing in firelight, his small hand resting on her forearm to see their similar skin, her slim fingers as she taught him to pick a lock or wield daggers. For as long as he could remember she would sneak him out some nights to teach him in secret, to watch as she scaled the sheer sides of buildings or leap from rooftop to rooftop with ease. Unconsciously, his fingers brushed against the arched tattoos that his mother marked beneath his eyes the very day she died. "She was a clever rogue…and an even better mother…"
"Yes, that she was…" Cyrion finally opened the bag and revealed a pair of boots. Saleà sucked in a breath; worn in, lightly embroidered, the same color and shape, his mother's boots! "Your mother would have wanted you to have these. It's the very least I can give you for your new life." He took in a breath, in a moment his voice changing from whimsical to practical. "Go on then. I have things to do and Soris is waiting."
Saleà nodded in agreement before excitedly sitting down to pull on the boots. They fit, just his size! While elves preferred to walk barefoot, a lot of the time it wasn't practical in the alienage. Sometimes due to weather, other times to…other things. He ran his hands over the embroidery, closing his eyes and feeling his mother for just a moment. There was even a spot to hide a knife! He slipped it from his belt to the boot and left.
Finding Soris should have been simple and direct but it wasn't. Weddings were one of the few celebrations that allowed their community to celebrate. This, of course, meant alcohol, which quite a few were already drinking. He had at least 40 copper thrust into his hands with smiles, back thumps, and half verses of old songs. But it was familiar and comforting, this community he had grown up in. Another surprise came when he ran across an elf pair who had been friends of his mother's, who had given him 15 silver as a wedding present. In turn he gave most of it to another friend, Nessa, so that she and her parents could buy a new house and start a business after being forced out of their old one.
He finally found him off by himself, pacing like a trapped dog. "Well, if it isn't my lucky cousin! Care to celebrate the end of our independence together?"
"Sure! If by celebrate you mean run~"
"Are you crazy! Where would you go? The woods to live with the Dalish?" Soris grabbed his arm and tugged him away. Saleà sighed. He figured Soris wouldn't have run with him anyway. As much as he loved his other cousin, Shianni had more balls than him. "Why would you run? Your bride's a dream come true while mine? Sounds like a dying mouse…"
"Looks aren't everything, Soris…" Just like how gender shouldn't mean everything. Or how we shouldn't do things just because it's tradition. These thoughts Saleà kept to himself.
"You're right. She's not ugly… I don't know…" Soris looked at him. His eyes asked for answers. Reassurance. He was just as scared and uncertain as he was. Saleà clapped him on the back. "Probably just your nerves."
"I guess. I can't blame you though. You know my friend Taeodor? And his two younger brothers?"
"Yes, Lil and Pol?"
"They ran off to find the Dalish, though he thinks they'll be back in a few days—"
The light mood shattered as an elf woman, wearing a bridesmaid dressed, stumbled past screaming. A bolt ran through Saleà's body, readying him for action. He spotted the source immediately: a group of richly dressed humans harassing the bridal party. His pointed ears caught snatches of what seems to be the leader's outward musings, "grab a whore" "savor the hunt" and "like this wench, so young and vulnerable"… Shianni! He was looking at Shianni as he said it! Saleà marched forward, ignoring Soris' sputtering for him to stop.
"Pig! Touch me and I'll gut you!" Shianni stood her ground, and he was proud of her. He couldn't say the same for her brother, who tried to appease the human and received a backslap that knocked him to the ground in return.
"Saleà!" Soris finally grabbed his arm and halted his march. "I know what you're thinking, but maybe…we shouldn't get involved?"
He turned on his cousin in disbelief. Soris just wanted them to stand there? "I won't let him abuse our people! No, I'm helping."
"Fine, but let's try to be diplomatic?"
Sure, as diplomatic as making him stare down my blade if he doesn't leave them alone.
The human spotted them immediately. His dark grin turned even darker as he took in their clothes. "Well well! The two grooms are coming to greet me personally!" He stopped in front of Saleà, looking down with mocking eyes that excepted him to turn away. He might be smaller as an elf, only up to his chest, but he wasn't backing down. He locked eyes, daring him to touch him or the women again.
Saleà was sure to keep his voice even when he finally spoke. "You will leave at once."
A laugh burst from one of the human's companions. "You hear that Vaughn?" Oh great, a leader with a bunch of lackeys either for ego or to egg him on.
The man scoffed, "Do you have any idea who I am?"
He also made sure not to move his eyes as he saw a flash of decision come across Shianni's face and saw her run to grab something. "It doesn't mean anything if you're the king himself, you have no right to force yourself on someone else."
"Now isn't that a laugh! A knife ear trying—"
Crack!
And the man crumbled to the ground as the whiskey jug shattered over his head. "Are you insane! That's Vaughn Urien, the arl of Denerim's son!"
"W-what?" Shianni turned pale, hands flying to her mouth. "Oh Maker!"
Saleà stepped between her and the human's friends, to protect her in the event of retaliation. "Maybe his father should have taught him better manners."
Two of the humans grabbed the unconscious man while another took a step forward, trying to look threatening. "You've some nerve, knife ears! This will go badly for-"
It took only one step forward with the air of coming after him and the human fled. He turned to Shianni, touching her arms and face to make sure she wasn't harmed. "Don't worry, he won't tell anyone that an elven woman took him down. "
"Is everybody else alright?" Soris asked and Saleà turned to see that two women had joined them. One was rather homey and plain, while the other might be considered beautiful (she was but all Saleà could do was stare at her green, green!, eyeshadow).
The first talked in a high, almost squeaky voice. "What was that about?"
Soris laughed nervously, the action making his voice almost as squeaky. "Too early drinking for the arl's son it looks like… But let's not let it ruin the day!" He turned to Saleà, motioning to the first elf woman. "This is Valora my, uh, betrothed."
"And I'm Nesiara, your betrothed~!" The second elf woman added, moving closer. "Oh, to finally see you with my own eyes…Soris said so much about you!"
"Don't get me in trouble Nesiara. We'll leave you two alone."
Oh crap, no don't leave me alone with- Okay, okay. Stay calm. If she's going to be with me the rest of my life, I can't be like this. Try to like her. Get to know her at the very least.
"Well, here we are." Nesiara started slowly to get the conversation going. "Are you nervous?"
Saleà chuckled. "Yeah, I think I have butterflies in my stomach…"
"I understand. My stomach was in knots the whole way here." She moved even closer, hands moving in a hesitant way until she wrapped one of her arms around one of his. Then she rested her head on his shoulder! "I think I'll like Denerim. Highever wasn't so bad, depended on the humans you ran into to, but I think here it's so big the humans leave us alone."
Saleà wanted to shake her. Did you not just see what happened? Why are you cuddling me, you barely know me! Let's get to know each other at the very least… He nearly said something but wisely kept his mouth shut, a wise choice it turned out when he found out that an unknown male elf that resembled Nesiara ran to her side. It turned out to be her brother, Nelaros, who had escorted her from Highever and would return after the wedding. Oooo, can I get a return and switch her out for him? He's not bad looking~ And look at those arms, blacksmith if I'm not mistaken. No. Bad Saleà. Bad.
Soris finally came to his rescue. "Come on cousin. We should let them get ready."
"Don't disappear on us~" Valora smiled at Soris, and Nesiara added, with an almost evil giggle. "Or we'll hunt you down!"
Nelaros groaned in embarrassment and slapped his forehead. He turned to Saleà with an apologetic, and cute, smile. "Sorry about her. She's nervous and she gets possessive when she's like that."
"That's allright." It's totally allright and I will so save up money so when she wants to visit Highever I can come and see you~ "You should go. She should have her brother near." He watched him leave, leaning to watch his body move.
A groan from Soris brought him back to reality. "Can't we get any breaks? Two more problems just walked in…" Saleà turned and followed his cousin's line of sight. Two people stood at the edge of the Vhenadahl tree clearing. The first was an older male human, dressed in grey armor with a sword and crossbow on his back. He had no helmet and carried himself with ease; he didn't look like a city guard but he also looked like someone who had been in the alienage before. At his side was a cloaked figure. He was just as tall, but slimmer, so most likely it was a younger man. A warrior, since every now and then the cloak would shift to reveal light armor and a sword at his side. What did they want and why would one want to hide his appearance.
"I don't know if they're Vaughn's or just random troublemakers but we need to get them out before someone does something stupid." It was true. The elves mistrust of the humans was usually pretty well founded, whether from swindling, attacks, or their haughty superiority they thought they had over the elves. His mother had taught him that not all humans were liked that and he tried to honor what she had taught him, even if that meant staying his blade and keeping his mouth shut for a moment to actually hear what the human said first.
The older human smiled politely and actually bowed as they approached. "Good day, I understand congratulations are in order for your impending wedding."
Saleà liked him immediately. But it was strange. The man didn't look at Soris, only him. "Thank you. Do you have some sort of business here?"
"I do. However I think I have found what I was seeking."
"And what might that be?"
"That is my business."
"Then you should get—Ow!" Saleà stomped on Soris' foot to keep him quiet, his eyes never leaving the strange human's. He was testing him! The way he kept his words neutral and the way his eyes looked to take in his reactions, both facial and body.
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving." He was! So Saleà played in return.
"Fine. Maybe we can come to some sort of compromise?" He couldn't help smiling a little.
And the strange man laughed, realizing his game was up. "He keeps his composure, facing down an armed and unknown human with a companion. A true gift, Valendrian."
The two elves looked in surprise as their elder walked up to the man. "I still believe the world has far more use of those who know how to stay their blades. It has been far too long, it's good to see you old friend."
"You know him, elder?" Soris asked nervously.
"May I present Duncan, head of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden."
Saleà's eyes widened in realization. "The order of great warriors sworn to protect the world from darkspawn?" Yes! This could be his ticket out of a wedding he did not want at all.
"Yes, Saleà." Their elder turned back to Duncan. "But that still leaves my question: Why are you here, Duncan?"
As the older man, Duncan, answered that a Blight had begun and the human king was summoning warriors to fight at Ostagar, Saleà kept his eyes on the still cloaked human. He had yet to move or speak. The hood was pulled too far forward to see much, but Saleà's keen eyes could pick out flashes of stark white hair and unfocused eyes. He looked…sad. Broken.
But his attention turned back to the two conversing men as Valendrian spoke. The elder's voice and choice of words were…strange. How he strained that it was a wedding, two weddings in fact. Like he was trying to keep something from happening, or speed something up. "I see. Then, by all means, attending to your ceremonies. My concerns can wait…for now."
"Very well. Children, treat Duncan and his companion as my guests. And take your places!" The elder made shooing motions with his hands and left for the wedding stage.
"Yes elder, sorry elder!" Soris apologized and moved to follow him. Saleà nodded politely to both Duncan and his companion. There was something…familiar about the Grey Warden. Not that he had seen him before, more like he had heard of him before. But where?
Duncan finally turned to his companion, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "Come, Koln. Let's move somewhere out of the way."
Koln barely nodded, but then lifted his head. His eyes flickered to Saleà for a moment, recognition in his eyes. Had he lost a parent too? It must have been recently. Was he a Grey Warden recruit? It could explain why he was with Duncan. Then Soris dragged him to the wedding platform and Saleà couldn't think anymore. He moved automatically, the words just following around him without really listening. He nearly panicked and bolted from the stage. Then Saleà closed his eyes, took a breath. He pretended it wasn't some basically-a-stranger elf woman standing next to him, but the strange elf from his dreams. He stood tall and proud, a look on his face of satisfaction. Had he won Saleà away from someone else? The elf slipped his hand into his, revealing that the strange markings were on his palms and rose, leaning close to whisper his plans for after the wedding. It made him safe, calm even.
That was until the humans came back. Focus came back as they climbed the stage uncontested and starting grabbing women. Why was nobody stopping them? His blood ran cold as he went right for Shianni. Bastard, there was no way he would take his cousin! Then he turned to them, what was his black name, Vaughn?
"What'll we do?" Soris panicked as the human, what was his black name? Vaughn?, got closer.
"Soris! They're taking Shianni!" He widened his stance, angling his leg so he could pull his dagger from his boot quickly. He stood his ground as, again, Vaughn stood right in front of him.
"You! Uppity runt who thinks he's worthy of speaking to me. Don't worry, I'll return your 'bride', or whatever is left in time for the honeymoon. "
"You have no right to do this!" His blood was hot now. Blazing.
Vaughn's voice dropped to his own deadly level. "Every time a knife-ear says that, it makes me smile." And how he smiled, the corners of his lips curling.
Knife-ear? I'll show you a knife! Where would you like it? Your gut, a leg, how about a sword arm, or a throat? He was so concentrated on Vaughn he only caught his lackey coming up from the side at the last second. A fist smashed into the side of his head and he dropped like a stone. His vision blurred and his hearing distorted. If he hadn't moved his head he would have blacked out at such a hit. He felt someone leap up onto the stage, yelling, and stand over him protectively. Blinking, his eyes focused enough to see a cloak shoved aside and a sword drawn, swung!, white hair catching in the sun. Saleà tried to turn, get his feet under him, but it made his head swim. All he could do was watch with blurry eyes as the humans bolted from the stage, elf women being dragged behind them or slung over their shoulders.
"Are you allright?" Saleà blinked and all at once his sight and hearing returned. Koln has kneeling next to him, hastily pulling his hood back into place, but he had seen not only his hair that was indeed pure white but also his violet eyes that sparked with abrupt life. Soris was on his other side, "Cousin! Can you hear me?"
"Yes, Soris, yes! Stop shaking and let me up!" Saleà pushed himself to his feet, stumbling as the move made his head swim again. "The women, are they alright?"
Koln answered first. His voice started and stopped like someone who had not spoken in a long time. "No. That man took the women in your wedding party in the direction of the palace."
"The elder is talking to that Grey Warden, Duncan. Everyone is getting upset." And they were upset, crowding around the elder in a tight circle. Some wanted nothing to do with the events, pointing out that it would make matters worse. Yet others opposed them; they had to get the women back! Saleà had to agree with them but kept his inner thoughts of Well why didn't you stop them before they left? secret.
"Normally, I'd counsel patience. But the stories about the arl's son and his appetites are…most disturbing."
"Then we go do something. Now." Saleà crossed his arms and stood his ground against those opposed to the idea. Yes the place would be guarded despite the arl and his knights gone, but it was still a perfect chance. He agreed with the elf that worked as a servant there, who could sneak maybe two people in. No one would notice an extra pair of elf servants since they were all so readily ignored. Get in, rescue the girls, get out. The only two elves that volunteered to go with him were Nelaros and Soris (who he had to practically drag with him).
But first, intel. "Can you tell me anything about Vaughn?" He asked the Grey Warden, who had once again moved off to the side. While a few of the more drunken elves were harassing the two humans, they recognized that these were humans carrying weapons.
To his surprise it was Koln who answered. "He's wild from the rumors I heard, and a very poor heir. As for a fight, I saw him in a few of the tournaments. He knows how to use a sword to get by and defeat opponents; however, I highly doubt he's ever seen real combat." The violet eyes flashed, passing along a message without having to say the words. "Use that to your advantage."
The human moved his cloak and drew his sword, holding the hilt out to Saleà. "Use this, you'll need a weapon."
Saleà smiled, taking the blade before grabbing the dagger from his boot. "I'll use it well." Duncan stepped forward with a weapon as well; a crossbow for Soris.
"Are you prepared for what you are about to do?" The older man asked as he handed it over.
"Yes. However…" Saleà hesitated. "I know it is not the time for place but can I ask now why you are here?"
Duncan sighed in understanding. "To find recruits. I came here hoping to speak to you, but your elder out maneuvered me. I suspect this is why your wedding was moved forward; in hopes that I would let you remain. Valendrian did the same thing when I came to recruit your mother."
"Hold on, Soris! I want to ask him something." He had a suspicion, a sneaking revelation at the back of his mind. Duncan. A Grey Warden. So familiar… A story from his mother, perhaps? But he had to find out without asking directly. "How…do you and the elder know each other?"
"You tried recruiting my mother?" That was it! He couldn't remember it, exactly, a story told only once or twice when he was smaller. …but I don't mind. If I had gone, I wouldn't have had my most precious gift.
"I did, your mother was a fiery and skilled woman. She would have made an excellent Grey Warden. It seems that she has passed that training onto you… but we'll speak of your future later. See to the task at hand."
A few hours later found the task done, with many men dead. They had rescued the women…all save one. Saleà shivered at the memory of finding the three guards laughing over her dead body, contemplating on whether she was still fuckable. He didn't realize until he was standing alone, Soris staring at him with wide eyes, that he killed all three by himself. Slitting throats, shattering limbs. Then that Vaughn. Maker, he wished he could revive the pig just to gut him again! Once the coward had realized that he really could be defeated, he'd try to offer him a deal! 40 sovereigns for him to leave Vaughn alive and to leave Denerim, and the women would be returned the next morning! He already knew that if he killed Vaughn it might lead to trouble for the Alienage and his people, but when he looked past into Shianni's eyes… so wide and scarred and wanting to go home…blood around her legs…he couldn't let them live.
Saleà swallowed as he finished washing the rest of the blood of and dressed in his regular clothes. Quietly, he moved towards his father's bed where they had put his cousin. Shianni was curled under the blankets, biting her knuckles to keep from crying. He settled on the edge of the bed, saying no words, only taking her hand in his.
"You're amazing, you know that right?"
He smiled softly, "I just did what did to be done, to keep you safe. How are you holding up?"
"I'm…okay. As far as the others know, I was just…roughed up a bit." She swallowed and tried to stop her body from shaking. "I just don't want…to be treated like some fragile glass doll."
He leaned down and hugged her, and she clung to him. He would keep her secret. "You're strong Shianni. You have me. If you need to rest, to hide for a little bit, to have someone support you for even a moment. I'll be here."
"Sorry for…messing things up with your betrothed."
Saleà scoffed, "If that's what she's really like, I don't want her." When Soris had found the other women, Nesiara had rushed at him, making him nearly drop Shianni, fluttering happily that he had come for her. He had politely told her that he had come for everyone and she had been quiet the rest of the way home. When he had come to see his cousin after explaining what had happened, she had been cold and standoffish, taking Valora with her so they could 'leave him alone with the only woman he cares about'.
Shianni jumped as a knocked pounded against the door before Soris burst in. "Saleà! You have to get out here, the guards are here!"
"And I'll bet five silver it's because the arl's son is dead and not because our women were kidnapped. Stay here Shianni, you'll be safe." He slipped back into his boots and hid the dagger there before following his other cousin back outside. Indeed a crowd of guards had gathered and seemed to be confronting the elder. Duncan and Koln stood at his side.
"Don't play ignorant with me! You won't prevent justice from being done. The arl's son lies dead in a river of blood that runs the entire palace! I need names. Now!" Saleà could feel the elves shift nervously around him, whispering softly back and forth. Even those who didn't know it was him and Soris who had done it figured it was him. What would happen, what could he do? Stay silent and hope they wouldn't hurt people? Allow Soris and him to be exposed. No, he couldn't drag Soris into this.
So Saleà stepped forward. "It was me."
"Saleà! No!" Soris whispered frantically, but Cyrion's grip kept him from moving. He didn't need to turn to see the look of horror in his eyes. Or how he fought every fiber of a father's instinct to rush forward and protect their child.
"You expect me to believe one man did all of that?" But as the head guard washed his eyes over him, the expression of disbelief turned one of belief. "However…you have saved many by coming forward. I don't envy your fate, but…I applaud your courage." He became a guard once more and turned with an authoritative air to the rest. "This elf will be thrown into the dungeon until the arl returns. The rest of your back to your houses!"
"Captain? A word, if you please." Saleà blinked in shock as Duncan stepped forward. Why? What could he do?
"What is it, Grey Warden? The situation is under control."
"Be that as it may, I hereby invoke the Right of Conscription. I remove this prisoner into my custody."
The captain floundered and cursed vividly. "But…you can't-! Very well. I cannot challenge your rights, but I'll ask one thing: Get this elf out of the city. Today."
"Of course." They watched as the guards turned and left, most growling at their lack of a prisoner to punish. "You're with me now, Saleà. Say your goodbyes. We have to leave immediately."
Saleà stood for a moment until he remembered to breath. One moment he was resigned to life (or more likely death) as a prisoner, and the next he's conscripted into the Grey Wardens. Soris rushed to him, hugging him as he expressed his gratitude for not being exposed. He could barely catch his cousin's words as he vowed to change, settled down and marry. Saleà wished him well.
"Oh child…" His father's arms wrapped around him next. "If this is what the Maker has planned for you… Your mother would have been pleased."
Saleà swallowed and suddenly the thought of having to leave his father was a terrifying thing. "I'm sorry, Papa."
"I wish there was another way. I dreamed of grandchildren, family gatherings and…Ah, this isn't helping. I'm sorry. Take care of yourself. Be strong. And wise. Never forget that you're my son. And…well, you know. We'll all miss you." Cyrion turned so his son wouldn't see the tears in his eyes, but he did. With one last hug, he left slowly for his house, unable to look back.
Valendrian sighed. "I guess Duncan got his recruit after all."
"Elder? Was that why you moved my wedding forward?" He didn't want his farewell to the elder, someone he viewed like a grandfather, to be on a sour note. But he had to know.
"You've…always been so strong, such an amazing fighter. I thought we might get you into the town guard or..." He sighed, unable to hide it any longer. "I panicked when Duncan sent word he was returning and looking for recruits. Yes, to be a Grey Warden is noble, but the path is lonely and painful. I had your best interests in mind…I hope you understand."
"I understand, elder." He did. Even though he spoke of other things, Valendrian sounded truly sorry that he had tried to do the same thing to Saleà that he had done to his mother.
The elder sighed again but this time as if a burden had been slipped from his shoulders. He rested a hand on Saleà's head in blessing before he left. "You are generous to be so forgiving. Maker keep you, child."
He turned to join the Grey Warden when a familiar running gait caught his ears, a running female elf that shouldn't be out of bed. He whirled and there Shianni was, her face a mix of anxiousness and fury.

"Saleà? Saleà hold on, you ass!" She grabbed his arms, shaking. "You took all the blame and got yourself conscripted into the Grey Wardens? Why do all the cool things happen while I'm gone?"
"I'll miss you too, Shianni." To see Shianni convincingly act like her usual self was comforting. "Take care of everyone for me, and that means you too."
"Of course I will! Now you go out there and save the world or whatever it is you Grey Wardens do." Then her eyes softened and her hands slide to his face. "They'll write legends about you someday. When the world was at its darkest, there you came, fire in your eyes like something out a storybook."
From the observations of Duncan
So I have my second recruit, Saleà Tabris. I had already thought that someone as talented as Adaia would have passed her talents onto her children, and indeed she had. His talents preceded him and seemed well known in his community, to the point that his elders tried to keep it either suppressed or within their own community. I cannot blame them. Though, there is something about this elf…
While he might play a part in coming events, it's as if I can see him stepping beyond them and becoming the key to solution of something else. It could just be an old man becoming whimsical.
But there is some bright news: Koln is talking. Being around Saleà has seemed to have awakened the boy. His eyes are alight with attention and finally seeing the world, taking things in instead of letting them wash over him. Perhaps he has found a twin soul in Saleà in that they have both lost a parent, or it could be as simple as he now has someone to protect. Saleà is more than capable to do this himself but the two are allready fast friends. We have only to travel to the Brecilian Forest before arriving at Ostagar. I have a foreboding sense of darkness there where it should not be.

Phew! For some reason I could not keep this one as short as Koln's chapter. His was only 9 chapters while Saleà's is pushing 15. So, players well versed in the Dragon Age universe might pick up several hints in this chapter of what I'm planning for Saleà and also some connections I found between some of the origins/later in the game/gone on to the next game.
Also, pretend that Adaia had black hair. The Adaia seen in Leliana's Song is indeed the same Adaia that mother's the City Elf, and oddly, she's like one of only three elves in both games that are tan. The rest are pale.
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Three Shards of Fate