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Vhenan'ara	By : Arcanis_Born Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 6576 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from this.

Chapter List
- 55
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- 57
Dragon Age: Origins is owned by Bioware, as with all its characters, the story as it deviates from canon is mine, however, as with the personalities of characters as they deviate from those in the game.
Parts of this chapter's dialogue is taken from the game Dragon Age: Origins, specifically the quest entitled "The Nature of the Beast." The parts of those dialogue belong to BioWare.
Please do tell me what you think so far of the story! I would love to know your opinions!
Thank you all so much for your continued readership! It means so much!
Translations:
Mi bella: Antivan. "My beauty." Endearment Zevran uses for Riel.
Hermosas damas: Antivan. "Beautiful ladies."
Pequeño intelecto: Antivan. "Small intellect."
Mierda: Antivan. "Shit." A common swear word.
Mythal: Elven goddess of motherhood and protection.

Leliana heard a soft knocking on the door to the araval and winced. Alistair had only just fallen asleep a short time ago, and she knew he still needed his rest to heal properly. Carefully she pulled herself free from his embrace and quietly shuffled over to the door, making sure to not disturb him.
"Leliana?" Riel's tentative voice whispered through the small wooden door.
Leliana opened the door and slipped outside, a mixture of happiness and apprehensive anxiety washing over her as she came to stand beside her friend. Awkwardly the two women stood in silence, unsure of what to say to the other. Finally Leliana cleared her throat and offered one of her best smiles.
"Are you okay?" she finally said.
"Is he?" Riel offered back, nodding her head towards the araval.
Leliana grinned shyly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "He will be… Eventually…"
"I didn't mean to-"
"Oh I know! Don't worry, I completely understand. What he said was beyond uncalled for," Leliana rushed out, cutting off Riel's apology.
More silence invaded the space between the two women, heavy with words that they both wished to say yet didn't know how. Again, it was Leliana who finally broke the silence.
"Where is Zevran? I do not see him…"
Riel turned and motioned slightly off towards the center of the camp. There standing not too far off in the distance was the familiar blonde elf, speaking with the craftsman Varathorn over by his table. "He said that he wanted to speak with Varathorn about something. I think he more just wanted to give us a chance to talk in private, though…"
"Oh I hate this!" Leliana finally exclaimed in a huff, catching Riel off guard. "I know Alistair is an idiot. I know that he says the worst possible things at the worst possible times. But despite all that, I know he isn't cruel. He doesn't mean to say the awful things that he says. He even wanted me to apologize to you for him!" Leliana was on the verge of tears as she confronted Riel, worry and exhaustion clear on her face as they faced each other. "I can't be made to choose between the two of you! You are my sister, but I… I-"
Riel rushed forward and embraced her friend, wrapping her arms tightly around the other woman. "I am not asking you that! I would never ask that of you!"
"By the Maker! I don't know who is the bigger fool! Him or me!" Leliana cried into Riel's shoulder.
"Him. Definitely him."
Leliana burst out laughing at Riel's comment. "Are you sure? I am pretty sure that loving the man your best friend hates is pretty foolish…"
"True…" Riel sighed. "It's a good thing then that I don't hate the idiot then…"
Leliana pulled back from Riel, a look of shock on her face. "You don't? Even after everything?"
Riel shook her head. "Don't get me wrong. I really don't like him. And I am pretty sure that Zevran is just a hairsbreadth away from killing the bastard. However, I have lived with hate for so long inside of me, I just can't do it anymore. I already have too much for my brain to handle. Between the Darkspawn, this war, people who want me dead just for simply existing, and now my magic going haywire… I-"
"What is going on with your magic?"
"I… I don't know…" Riel shrugged honestly. Ever since the ambush at camp that night, I haven't been able to control it properly. It's as if every little thing sets it off… Which is why I can't really blame Alistair. Even though I really want to. He needed to be knocked down for what he said… But you have to believe me Leliana, I never meant to hurt him so badly…"
"Oh Blessed Andraste…" Leliana replied with a giggle. "We are quite the group, aren't we?"
"I take it all is well with you hermosas damas?" Zevran purred with his usual charming cadence as he approached the two women. "Although, if you require more time, I am sure I can continue staring luridly from a small distance. After all, the gods surely have gifted me to be able to travel with two such gorgeous women as yourselves."
Both Leliana and Riel blushed profusely, with Leliana giggling like a little girl. "Oh stop you. Your words should comes with a warning label… The trouble I am sure you could cause with them."
"Oh, it is not just my words that get me in trouble, my fair Leliana. I promise you that my tongue has brought me far more trouble than my words have. Isn't that right, mi bella?" Zevran purred seductively before leaning into Riel's neck and placing a languid kiss just below her jaw.
"Zevran!" Riel gasped playfully. However before she could say more, the door to the araval beside them opened, revealing a freshly dressed and armored Alistair.
The three of them went instantly quiet, with Zevran instantly tensing beside Riel even though he was the only of them to still retain his smile. Only instead of the warm looks of adoration he had given to Riel, his eyes now sparked a deep hatred and anger even as he smiled jovially up at the ex-Templar.
"Ah ha! And isn't it our favorite Templar! Rested and well healed once more! Now, I do find myself wondering if I need to lend further lessons to you in the proper manners of addressing ladies of worth. Or was my future wife's instruction enough for your pequeño intelecto?"
"Alistair! Shouldn't you be resting?" Leliana exclaimed, her features laced with worry. Not just for Alistair's well being after so soon being almost killed, but also because of the obvious animosity sparking between the two men.
However, Alistair just smiled shyly at Leliana before steeling his features and facing both Riel and Zevran. With a heated look of anger towards Zevran, Alistair focused more instead on Riel, his eyes softening into a look of regret and shame.
"I'm an asshole."
Riel stood there speechless for a moment before she finally burst out laughing.
"Right, so not the response I was expecting. But I am I still standing and still have my jaw attached, so I'll take it," he quipped dryly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Alistair, I know you're an ass. I've known for quite some time that you were an ass. However, I also know that for the most part, your mouth isn't attached to your brain."
"Fair point, I know. But-"
Riel held up her hand, stopping him from speaking. "Hold on, I'm not finished. You're rude, crass, and seem to lack any sense when it comes to speaking to women in general. You also seem to think that your experience as not just a man, but a damnable human carries more weight than anyone else who you've been ingrained all your life to think of as 'lesser'. Which would be anyone with pointy ears, or a without a dick between their legs."
Zevran had been trying to hold back his laughter, however Riel's last remark had him actually bursting forth a hearty chuckle. And he wasn't the only one either. From slightly behind and to the side of Alistair, Leliana had her hand clasped tightly over her mouth as she tried holding back her own laughter.
"Now for the most part, I've grown used to it," Riel continued on, ignoring her companions as she stared Alistair down. "However, fate has decreed that I am a tad bit unstable myself lately. In case you haven't noticed, my abilities are not exactly under my full control right now. And it has been playing havoc with my mood, and my general emotions. So while I am willing to at least place your most recent blunder on the rear coals for the time being for the sake of our continued mission, I need you realize something: I am unstable right now. By the gods, I nearly electrocuted Zevran the other day just by kissing him!"
"You what?" Leliana giggled, unable to hold back any longer.
Riel rolled her eyes and waved off the woman's question. "Never mind that. My point is that… well… I didn't mean to almost kill you. As much as you may have deserved it," she stated gruffly towards Alistair, her arms crossing over her chest. "Still though," she continued, her finger coming up to point directly in Alistair's face as she pinned him with a glare. "As much as I love Leliana, I will turn your insides into burnt offerings to Elgar'nan if you hurt her even a fraction of the amount that you have hurt me these past few months. Are we clear?"
"Right… Do you know that you are actually incredibly scary when you get like this?" Alistair asked, taking a step back from Riel.
"Good!" Riel huffed briskly before turning to Zevran. With her eyes on him, the anger and fury in her features melted away instantly, as a warm smile spread across her face. "Now. I'm hungry. It should be getting close to midday meal. I wonder if Lanaya would allow us to share her fire for the meal? I remember those in my clan used to make this absolutely wonderful roast rabbit and herbs, however I never learned how to do it myself. Maybe she'll how they did it." Riel then took Zevran's hand and started leading him away, back towards Lanaya's araval. "Oh I hope she does. It was absolutely wonderful. I know you'll love it, Zevran!"
Alistair and Leliana stayed staring after Riel and Zevran for several moments in shocked silence. Finally Alistair turned to Leliana, his brow raised in a questioning look. "Wow. I uh… I don't even know what to say to that. And judging from my previous history, I probably just shouldn't say anything…"
Leliana giggled and placed a hand on Alistair's armored shoulder. "That is probably for the best, Alistair. Now come on. Riel isn't the only one who is hungry. And I am sure you could use to have a good meal as well."
"Wait, Leliana…" Alistair began, taking her hand in his. However, he suddenly found the words he wanted to say lost in the jumble of emotions and that swirled inside of him. "I just want to say… Thank you… For staying with me."
Leliana smiled shyly, swiftly brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. She then reached up on her toes and placed a chaste kiss to the corner of Alistair's mouth. "Of course I did. Where else would I be?" she whispered softly to him. Leliana then took his hand in hers, and led him in the same direction that Riel and Zevran had just left in.

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Riel did one last check of her side pack to make sure that it was fully stocked before raising her eyes to her companions. Thanks to the hunters of the Dalish, Bodahn and Sandal were well protected staying back in camp, with Sandal even helping Varathorn enchant a few of his weapons. Bodahn was more than pleased, hoping to be able to set up Dalish contacts for future trading. Not to mention staying behind kept he and his boy much safer from the rabid attacks of the dreaded werewolves.
"One last thing, Warden," Zathrian stated cautiously. "Werewolves are not like your average beast. They are stronger, faster, and their bite is the source of their curse. If you find yourself bitten, you have between hours or days before you too will transform into a mindless creature such as them. The timing depends on how deep the bite went, but make no mistake - one bite is enough to start the transformation."
"We'll be careful," Riel replied, smiling up at the Keeper. She then looked over at the others. "Everyone ready?"
"Are you sure you are well enough, Riel? I mean…-" Wynne offered, worry etching her elderly yet still beautiful face.
"I'm fine. Besides, fighting helps to ease the tension," she replied, dismissing the woman with her hand. She tried to keep the annoyance out of her voice, but by the look on Wynne's face, it was obvious her words were harsher than she meant them. Sighing, Riel checked her bracers one last time before whistling out for her hound. With a happy bark Fen'harel bounded up to her, his tail wagging back and forth. "You're going to be my scout today. These forests are thick with heavy brush and knotted trees, making it hard to see in some areas. I'm counting on your nose to help flush out the beasts."
Immediately the hound nodded his head, offering up an excited bark in response. He then took off down a lightly trodden path that led away from the Dalish camp and into the forest. Feeling a similar rush of excitement for battle, Riel pulled her daggers from their sheathe and followed after her hound.
The Brecilian forests were not free from dangers, even apart from the dreaded werewolves. Bears, giant spiders, walking trees, regular wolves and even bandits made their homes in amongst the thickly wooded areas. What few battles Riel and the others found were over with quickly, as she sliced her way through flesh and bone with Zevran at her side. One of the bandits even had a good size purse on him, offering up several dozen gold sovereigns and even several gemstones.
However, as the sun overhead moved higher in the sky, the heat of the forest began weighing heavily on Riel. She didn't remember the forest of her people being so humid, even during the summer months, yet there was no denying the hot flashes that she was getting as they walked along the ancient pathways. Then, almost as if a boon granted to a hidden wish, Riel's sensitive ears picked up the sound of a roaring waterfall. Smiling she turned to Zevran beside her.
"You hear that? Creators! I feel as if it's been ages since I last had a proper soak in water!" Riel exclaimed, before dashing off towards the sound.
"Riel! Wait! Mierda!" Zevran hissed out before racing after her. She had been acting strangely all that day, causing the normal amount of concern that he usually felt for his lady Warden to increase. Yet, he wasn't prepared for her to simply run off like that. Normally his Riel exercised more caution when they travelled. This was just one more strange behavior that she had exhibited.
Over a small hill and around a twisting bend of little valleys, Zevran and the rest of their companions followed. Her giggling laughter leading him more often than a visual sight of her. Growing irritated, Zevran tried calling out to Riel more than once, yet she only responded back in the same giggling tone, urging him to follow her faster. From behind him, Zevran knew that the others followed as quickly as they could, yet the sole focus of mind was catching up to his Riel.
A focus that turned into a demanding drive when the giggling laughter suddenly stopped and was replaced by a shriek.
"Riel!" Zevran called out, forcing his body to move faster through the trees. With daggers in hand, Zevran burst out from the thick brush into a small clearing by a waterfall. And standing in front of the flowing waters were a small pack of enormous werewolves. A few feet away was Riel, her own blades already out and ready. Her stern face was a picture of raw determination as she eyed each creature, even as one of her arms bled from an open wound.
"It seems as if the Watchwolves have spoken truly, my brothers!" the lead werewolf stated in a half growl. Standing on its hind legs like a man, the beast could easily match Sten for height and width. Yet there was no denying the beastial power and carnage that flowed in its long limbs and furcoated body. It may have stood and spoke as a man, but this being was a beast of the wilds. "The Dalish were foolish enough to send more hunters into our woods! And not just them, but hu-mans as well!"
Zevran quickly eyed the distance between himself and Riel, his mind working on how to make it past the creatures her. Altogether there were four of the beasts, standing on their hind legs between the two of them. Yet instead of attacking, the lead creature continued to speak.
"To bring hu-mans in our lands to repay us for our attack…. To put us in our place! What bitter irony!" it growled, shifting its attention to slightly beyond Zevran where the rest of the companions had come through the brush.
"Talking werewolves… Right… Now I really have seen everything…" Alistair murmured as he drew his blade and shield.
"We are no longer simple mindless beasts! Let that thought chill your spine!" The lead werewolf then turned again to Riel, its shrew yellow eyes fixing on her as if imagining the taste of her flesh. "You speak to Swiftrunner. I lead my cursed brothers. Turn back now and return to the Dalish! Tell them that you have failed! Tell them that we will gladly watch them suffer the same curse that we have suffered for too long! We will watch the pay!"
"I've come for the heart of Witherfang! To put an end to this curse!" Riel angrily spat out.
"You know nothing! Not of this curse! And not of who you serve! Leave now or you will suffer just as they do!" Swiftrunner roared out, his long claws flexing in the noonday sun.
Zevran slowly walked towards Riel, keeping his blades out and facing the beasts. Each step carefully measured, and his eyes never wavering far from the werewolves in front of him. Yet still a familiar charming smile graced his soft lips, even as his eyes burned with deadly promises.
"You know, I have seen many things in my travels. However, never have I seen creatures such as yourselves. Talking birds, talking rocks…. Even once I heard tales of a talking fish. But never a talking wolf. I see you are not of the normal werewolves that have hunted the lands. Perhaps there is a better way other than bloodshed to solve our differences, no?"
"Was it not Zathrian who sent you? He and his people only wish our destruction!" growled Swiftrunner.
"Perhaps. But I am not Zathrian. I am far too handsome," Zevran stated with a wink towards Riel. "What he wants may not necessarily be what myself and my lady Warden wish. Is that not so, mi bella?" Zevran purred to Riel, finally coming within reach of her.
"Are you and your people willing to talk, beast?" Riel shouted, her voice thick with restrained anger.
"Talk? You Dalish do not talk!" Swiftrunner spat out indignantly. "Yet soon enough you will scream! And we will watch this curse claim every single one of you! Now leave this forest while you still can! Run to the Dalish and tell them they are doomed!" Swiftrunner then turned to the others by it's side. "Come my brothers! Let this forest deal with intruders as it always has!" Swiftrunner and the rest of the werewolves then leapt away, far outside of the reach of any blade or spell that could reach them.
As soon as they were out of sight, Zevran pulled Riel tightly against him. "Riel what were you thinking?!" he cursed out. "This forest is no place for games!"
Riel pushed herself away and glared up at him. "I was thinking that I spent years in these forests! I was thinking that I was hot! And tired! And that I wanted to, I don't know, be normal for once! Instead of always fighting and always looking over my shoulder! And yeah, I know it was stupid, okay? Creators forbid that I actually ever have a bit of fun!" she spat out before turning on her heel and walking off towards the waterfall. She then quickly turned back around and pointed at Zevran, her voice heavy with anger. "I am going to go wash up, though! And I want to be left alone while doing it!" Again Riel turned and stormed off, leaving the rest of her companions behind.
Zevran started to go after her, by Wynne lightly placed her hand on his arm, halting him. "Sometimes it is best to leave a woman to work though her anger on her own," she stated softly.
"She was just attacked after going off alone! How could you say she should be alone now?" Zevran asked incredulously.
"We will stay close by in case she needs us. The area with the waterfall is secluded enough I think, where she won't be surprised without something coming through us, however. She will be fine."
"She was wounded though…! On her arm. And perhaps in other places! I wasn't able to see her fully!"
"And if she needs me to heal her, she will come to me," Wynne calmly replied.
Zevran let loose a string of curses as he paced around in a circle. Finally he stopped and glared off in the direction where Riel had gone. "Very well. However, when she returns, I want you to see to her, even if she doesn't come to you first. Agreed, mage?"
Wynne bowed her head slightly. "Of course. Now. Shall we set up a small fire? I could use some tea."
Zevran rolled his eyes and walked past the elder mage, ignoring the strong urge that flowed inside of him to hurt something. Instead he tried to focus his frantic mind on something other than the woman he loved, alone and probably in pain without him. Something he wasn't very good at.
For a moment Wynne let her assured and comforting smile drop as she stared off towards where Riel disappeared. For as much as she tried to comfort the young elf in regards to their Warden, Wynne knew that if her suspicions were correct, their problems were only just beginning. And that worried her even more.

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"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" Riel repeatedly cursed at herself as she sat at the edge of the water.
She knew how incredibly idiotic it was to run off the way that she did. Truth of the matter was, for a moment there she had forgotten about the war against the Darkspawn and the Blight and the thousand other problems that plagued her. She wasn't a Grey Warden anymore, cursed and slowly dying. She was as she was during her time with her own clan. Back in her forest, free and without burden. True her time among her people had been colored by her still roaring anger and deep emotional wounds, but when Riel was alone in the forest, she found a peace there that she had never known.
And she felt that again today. Only this time it seemed better somehow. Felt more real. As if for the first time in her life, she felt as if she was who she should have always been. An elf woman, dancing in the ancient woods of her people. Without care or worry.
Until of course, she stumbled upon the werewolves, that is.
"How are you going to fix this one, huh Riel?" she mumbled to herself, looking down at the gash in her arm. All in all, it didn't look too bad. The potion she had swallowed had already healed much of the damage, and with the blood washed off it looked like barely more than a scratch right now. However, that wasn't the wound that made Riel's stomach twist or her heart beat furiously in her chest.
With a wince, Riel pulled up the short skirt of her battledress. There was an oozing open wound. The skin around it was red and inflamed, and even with the potion Riel could still see the marks where the creature's teeth had sunk into her flesh.
"Mythal… I really am cursed now, aren't I?" she whispered to herself, tears flowing in her silver eyes.
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Vhenan'ara