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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
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.
I hope you guys enjoy, and I would appreciate any reviews!
Translations:
Ser: A formal title based on status, similar to "sir" in our world, but not gender specific.

Two days straight south and then another day west took the group within sight of the village that was tucked away into the mountainside. Odd that there were no signposts or travellers marks indicating that the village was close by. In fact, the only reason they found the village was because of the excellent notes of the Brother Genitivi that they attained back in Denerim. Surrounded by a thick blanket of trees, only a small waft of smoke could be seen against the blue sky of the day. Even the path leading up the hill was covered in shrubbery and overgrown in many areas.
Riel signaled for Bodahn and Sandal to find a place to make camp then quickly sorted through her pack to find the items that she would need should they end up fighting. Not that she ever wanted to fight, but it seemed like violence seemed to follow her everywhere she went. Even when she lived among the Dalish, violence found her. Either among her clanmates or while out hunting. And before that… Violence was the only life that she knew.
So perhaps it was fitting now that everyday new battles awaited her. Whether it was wolves or bandits or small groups of Darkspawn. Fighting after all was better than dealing with whatever feelings and thoughts that seemed to catch her far more off guard than any enemy. And much more dangerous too.
Ever since they left Calenhad, Zevran rarely left her side. Which was in some ways no different than normal. Yet it seemed more personal now. More… close. As if she would breathe and he would be there, ready to tell her how many heartbeats she had taken between breaths. In some ways, it was sort of comforting. In others, however…
"He's watching you again."
Riel looked up from her bag and was startled to see Morrigan so close to her. Always the witch walked with an eerie quiet, her movements more predatory than human. And when her eyes took on that devilish delight that she got when she was imagined something very brutal and most likely very painful happening to someone that she didn't like, she was almost scary. Much like how she looked right now, as a matter of fact.
"Who?" Riel asked offhandedly, knowing who she meant yet trying to feign disinterest.
"You know who," the Wilds woman tsked in impatience. "'Tis a wonder you do not trip over him ev'ry time you stand."
Riel closed her eyes and tried to force her mind to focus on anything other than golden eyes and tanned skin.
Potions, check. Injury kits, check. Torch, check. Medical rags, check. Extra rations-
"Snap out of it, girl! By the whims of whatever fates there are, you are the leader of this odd group, so it is up to you to do something about it."
"And what would you have me do about it, Morrigan?" Riel snapped in frustration, lifting her eyes to meet the witch's hard stare.
"He follows you like a sad little puppy! 'Tis disgraceful! And 'tis clear that I am not the only who thinks so."
"What do you mean?"
"You must have noticed how sullen our dear Templar has become since we have taken on that fool of assassin. Truly 'tis no problem of mine, yet I would assume that it would be terribly inconvenient to have to take time out of our travels to bury one of the two foolish men."
"Oh, they're not that bad. Yet," Leliana added with a giggle as she walked over to the two women. "Besides, I think it rather romantic. Two men fighting over the affections of a woman that they care for."
"It is annoying!" groaned Morrigan with an exaggerated roll of her deep yellow eyes.
"My- my- What?"
"Oh come now, you didn't think the mindless buffoon was this irritated because his armor itched, did you? Well certainly a valid guess, even he bathes every once in awhile."
"Oh you're so mean, Morrigan! I love it!" snickered Leliana behind her hand.
Riel looked over in the direction of where the men were gathered, talking with Bodahn as they helped him set up the camp. It was true that Alistair seemed more distant since Zevran joined them, however she did try to avoid the human whenever she could. His inability to take even the most important thing serious frayed on her nerves, and even when he tried to be friendly, his crass remarks about elves often made her temper flare.
In all honesty, the idea that Alistair may actually have a serious interest in her made Riel's skin crawl. She knew he tried to flirt with her back when they first started travelling, but after she nearly gelded him that one time in Lothering when he grabbed her arm, he hasn't really tried to flirt with her since. Which was honestly preferable. One dangerous and unknown man trying to flirt with her was enough.
Thoughts of Zevran and his more than obvious flirtations with her had Riel instantly blushing and quickly she went back to her bag to check again that she had everything that she needed. Even though she had already thoroughly checked her bag at least ten times in the past hour since stopping there at the base of the hill.

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"Uh oh," whined Alistair as he stood up from the tent that he just finished setting up. "Don't look now, but their huddled together again. I swear the Maker made women's voices softer just so us men wouldn't hear them when they huddle together like that. Who knows what they're talking about. Probably flowers. Or birds. Women like birds, don't they, Bodahn?"
"Ah ser, I'm afraid the things that I know about the fairer folk have landed me as a permanent batchelor. So I don't think you'll find any insight from me."
Zevran swiped his polishing cloth across his blade once more, trying to ignore the bumbling templar. He himself had long since finished with his tent as well as Riel's, insisting that her time is better spent making sure that the group is well prepared for their journey should they need it. Now with his back against Bodahn's cart, Zevran found himself gritting his teeth to keep himself from making some snide comment about the other man's ignorance.
Unlike the other two, Zevran could hear perfectly well what the women were talking about. And while he was normally pleased with how close the women of the camp were, to hear how Morrigan dismissed him and his actions irritated him. Perhaps he was being a bit obvious with his attentions to his Warden. But there were many dangers in this world, and not all of them were from enemies.
"Maybe she would like roses. That is a popular flower, right? I remember that Arl Eamon had a beautiful rose garden outside of the servants doors. There were also carnations and daffodils there too." Alistair looked over at Riel and frowned, his mind working hard behind his furrowed brow.
"I like flowers!" Sandal beamed from atop the cart.
"Yes you do, my boy. But we're talking about what flowers the young lady Warden would like."
"Pretty stars!" the boy exclaimed happily, jumping up and clapping his hands.
"What? It's still daylight!" Alistair scoffed as he eyed the boy curiously.
"That's alright, don't mind him ser. I'm betting he is just excited to see the stars tonight. He always loves looking up at them."
"Grown men speaking of flowers…." Sten grumbled as he walked past them, his head shaking in disbelief. Zevran chuckled to himself as he sheathed his blade and stood.
"If you'll gentlemen excuse me, I feel a call to nature, if you catch my meaning…" Zevran said with a wink before hurriedly walking off towards a small wooded area near where they camped.
"I don't trust him," Alistair mumbled disdainfully as he watched the elf disappear.
"Aye, but Lady Riel does. Or at least seems to. And me and my boy trust her."
"He is always following her, as if just looking for the right time to strike."
"You don't suppose that he still means to harm her, do you? There have been several times when he has helped you all in fights and battles since he came along."
"He could just be waiting for something. I am sure Loghain would like a live Warden to sacrifice to the masses. A face for the people to rally against. He has already declared all Wardens enemies to Ferelden. What better way to make people hate your enemy then by giving them a face to hate, rather than just some title?"
"Alistair! Are we ready to leave yet?" Riel called out to him before Bodahn could respond. "It'll be dark soon and I wanted to scout out the village before it gets too dark to see very much."
"The tents are set up and Sten is already doing rounds. Do you know who you will take yet?"
"Morrigan for sure in case we need some magic. Leliana is good with her bow as well, although she remarked earlier that she needed to stop and make more arrows. It's between you and Sten for some extra muscle. What say you?"
"I do not like this area. Too many places to hide. I wish to stay to properly scout the area."
Riel looked over her shoulder and tried to hide her surprise at the giant suddenly standing behind her. Stoic as ever, the male had shown no indication that his confession a few days ago and Riel subsequent fall bothered him in the least.
"Fine. Alistair, you're with us. That makes a good enough group to enter the village. I don't want to scare the locals by going in with too many people."
"Woof!"
Riel looked over to her faithful mabari and a small smile lifted the corners of her mouth. "Sorry, pup. I want you here. No one can sniff out an ambush better than you, and I want to make sure our stuff is still here when I get back. So I want to make sure to eat any bandits or Darkspawn that try to take our things while we are away, okay?"
"Whine…"
"Oh don't give me that look. You know I don't like people touching my things," Riel softly laughed as she bent over and rubbed the hound's head.
"Yet you let that assassin set up your tent today," Alistair sneered, his arms folded across his armor covered chest. Riel sighed and stood up, leveling an annoyed glare at him.
"That was because I was busy making sure that we had enough potions in our packs in case we got another surprise attack like the one back at the Inn. Grow up Alistair, it's not as if I am asking to him arrange my small clothes."
Alistair's face went beet red even as his eyes narrowed. Yet Riel couldn't bring herself to really care. The animosity between the two men was well known about by everyone in the camp, but Riel refused to play referee between the two men. As long as they kept breathing and able to fight if need be, they could bicker all they wanted.
"Did I hear someone say something about small clothes? Now don't tell me you started the fun before I arrived, have you?"
Now it was Riel's turn to blush as Zevran walked over to them. Quickly she turned and went over to her pack and shouldered it, making sure to keep her face hidden from either man.
"Morrigan, Leliana, Alistair and I will be heading up the village soon to check it out. We should be back before night fall, but in case we're not -"
"I'm going with you." It was a statement of fact. Not a demand. Not a question. As if there was no other option to him going with her. It just was.
Riel turned around to find Zevran standing not a foot away from her, his face stern yet determined. This is was the same look he got last time when she tried to leave him behind while they checked out the Inn at Lake Calenhad. Sighing deeply, Riel tried to steel herself against his protests, already weary from having to argue with him again.
"I don't want to take too many into the village at once, Zevran. We need information, and the best way to do that is to not spook the locals with a large force. Besides, if we come across any traps, Leliana is there. And I have been getting better at detecting traps too, you know."
"You need someone to stand at your back if you are attacked. Leliana is a distance fighter, you know that. While her bow is good, you need a blade protect you while you're turned," he argued back easily. His tone wasn't angry, yet Riel could feel his irritation even if he didn't openly show it.
"That's why I am there, assassin. My blade works more than well enough, and has done a fine job at protecting us so far. Your smaller blades are not needed here."
Zevran's easy eyes met the angry glare of the warrior's beside him, a smile replacing his earlier frown. Riel knew something passed between the two men in that moment, but Creators knew she didn't understand what it was.
"Oh, I am sure your blade is well suited for your own needs, Alistair. After all, you are a fine, young man who I am sure spent many years alone sharpening the edge by yourself. However, I am sure Riel needs someone who won't charge ahead first without looking at those around him, or finish too early for Riel to properly enjoy herself."
"Boys! Boys! Back to your corners!" Leliana shouted as she physically got in between the two men and shoved them apart.
Alistair's hand twitched for his sword pommel as he glared menacingly at the other man. Yet Zevran seemed as calm as ever, his casual smile and easy expression showed no signs of aggression, yet Riel could somehow tell that he was more than prepared should Alistair try anything. Finally after a tense moment Alistair walked away cursing under his breath, heading towards the pathway that led up to the village.
Once Alistair was away, Leliana leaned in close to Riel, being careful to not touch her. "I think you should take Zevran," she whispered softly. Riel's eyes darted to hers, shock showing on her face.
"Why?"
Leliana bit her lip then took a look over at Zevran before leaning into whisper again. "When you fight a war, you need warriors. When you fight a battle, you need allies. When you fight for your life, you need friends. When you fight all three, you need someone who will fight not just for themselves, but for you as well. Alistair is a good warrior. He is a good ally. And he could be a good friend. But he fights to prove himself. If not to himself, then to you. Zevran," Leliana paused and looked back at the male elf behind her. "He fights for you."
Riel's breath caught in her throat as she listened to the last part, he eyes seeming to find Zevran's as if they had a mind of their own. And there, staring back at her, Riel could see the truth of Leliana's whispered words. Once more a strange feeling began to well up in Riel's chest as her eyes remained locked on Zevran's. Leliana's last words echoed in her mind as the world seemed to fade around her until all there that existed was Zevran and her.
"Besides," Leliana continued, pulling Riel sharply back to reality. Releasing a deep breath, Riel felt as if she had been holding in for for some reason. Her heart was racing and her hands felt clammy, yet thankfully Leliana didn't seem to notice despite her closeness. "I do need arrows. I'm down to three arrows and while I trust my aim, I don't think the bad guys will be nice enough to only send three people to attack us," Leliana said with a laugh. Riel looked up at her friend and smiled, not sure she caught everything the other rogue said as her head still felt a little fuzzy.
The only thing her mind seemed to want to concentrate on was the intense look that Zevran was giving to her, and the strange response it was invoking in her own body.

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It turns out that there was reason why Haven was so secluded.
The people were certifiably insane.
The visit to the town seemed normal enough at the beginning. A guard had met Riel and the others at the top of the path and asked some rather strange questions, and seemed to stress that any business they had in town be ended quickly and then move on. He didn't seem to know anything about Genitivi or the Redcliff knights, and even seemed to get more agitated the more Riel asked of him. So instead Riel decided to check out the town herself.
Everything seemed peaceful, yet deserted. There were no people walking around or children playing. Even the animals were quiet in their stalls. They did find a small shop, but the shopkeeper was even more elusive than the guard. Once outside of the shop, Riel spotted a small boy over by one of the houses playing by himself.
"Hello there. My name is Riel. What's yours?" Riel tried to sound friendly, yet the boy barely seemed to notice her.
"I'm not supposed to talk to outsiders," the boy said softly, not taking his eyes off whatever small trinket that was in his hands.
"We're actually looking for someone. Do you think you could help us?"
The boy shrugged silently. Growing impatient, Riel tried another angle.
"What is it that you have there?" she asked, trying to get the boy talking.
"It's a secret."
"Oh, I like secrets. Can you tell me? I promise not to tell anyone."
Again the boy shrugged, yet after a moment he handed the small thing over to Riel without even looking at her. Surprised, Riel looked at the object in her hand and almost exclaimed in shock when she saw what it was.
"Is that a bone?" Alistair asked from behind her.
"A finger bone, it looks like. And not from an animal," Morrigan added from the other side.
"Where did you find this?" Riel asked sternly toward the boy.
"From the Chantry. Out back there are a bunch of them, all different types. But I am not allowed back there. Not until I am older, me mum says. But I snuck back there last night during the evening Chant."
"Here, take this, " Riel said as she offered the boy a silver from her pocket. "Go buy yourself something then go hide somewhere. We need to go talk to the adults around here."
"Thanks lady! They're all up at the Chantry for the afternoon services," the boy joyfully replied before running off towards the shop.
"I may be wrong, but it doesn't seem as if all is well in this pleasant little village," added Zevran dryly.
"Come on. I want answers, and it looks like the place to get them is the Chantry."
Altogether they climbed the hill leading up to the Chantry that stood towering over the rest of the village like some kind of beacon. Already Riel could feel a pall of death that surrounded the area, and found herself inwardly praying to the Creators for strength as she prepared herself for whatever challenge that yet awaited them.
- 6
- 7
- 8
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Vhenan'ara