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[Uccio]

Like Serelir said, you don´t have to, our stories will work on their own.  But Caius is also involved in Serelir´s story and appears there, if you want to catch those scenes too.

[Uccio]

Omens and meetings.

 

Spoiler

*The refugees flocked around the square. Exitement made the people chatter and laugh more than usual. There was hope in the air. A exiting rumor had spread across the streets of Minrathous that today free food would be given out. And more. Little children would scurry around among the adults and their mothers would scold them for it.

 

The refugee mass moved about restlessly. Then a distant scream caught the attenion of the people gathered on the square.

 

"They are coming!" a young boy dressed in rags ran to the square with his bare feet flapping on the marble road. A loud murmur spread across the gathered crowd.

 

Along the marble road the boy had just ran people could make out the clatter of hooves echoing between the buildings. Then first soldiers riding their large horses rode into the clearing in their glimmering armors. House Vaellanius flag flying in the air. It was a grand sight, but the people gathered in the clearing did not come here to see the soldiers.

 

A convoy of carts rolled to the square after the soldiers escorted by foot soldiers. It caused a huge cheering among the human mass moving around. The soldiers set out a perimeter inside where the carts rolled. All around the city the same display was being seen.

 

A clerk climbed on one of the carts clearing his throat raising his arms for the crowd to settle down.

 

"Magister Lord Vaellanius has gracefully heard the plead of the good citizens of the Tevinter Imperium. Today we will hand out free food ,clothes and medicine for the needy!".

 

A cheerful roar broke out among the people in the square. Saved, they were saved! The clerk gazed around pleased basking in the glory.

 

"And that is not all! Magister Lord Vaellanius will, from now on, give out free food, clothes and medicine for the needy once a week. All around the magnificent Minrathous!".

 

"Vaellanius, Vaellanius, Vaellanius!", the people started to chant. Some people had tears in their eyes.

 

"It is all free. However, if someone wishes to, Magister Lord Vaellanius is interested to hire able people in his service. If you are a foreing refugee, then a servitude option is available", the clerk pointed at his collegue sitting behind a desk with a quill and book. Ready to sign up volunteers. Already some people headed his way.

 

"Give the food. clothes and medicine", the clerk shouted bowing gracefully and people flooded towards the carts. The little boy ran to his mother his hands cluching around aid package. "Maker bless the good Magister Vaellanius", the boys mother whispered with a trembling voice tears in her eyes.*

 

Spoiler

*Magical energy rushed forward in a powerful arc of lightning striking at the magical shield generated on a dummy. The arc crushed it´s way through the shield  practically without stopping, slamming the dummy against the chamber wall. The raw power of the lightning burrowed through the armor put on the dummy despite the protective runes and wards on it. In one powerful and deafening boom. The heavy armor had a large melting hole in it´s chest and pieces of melting metal fell off the edges of the hole the floor. Dummy inside it was no more, only burning bits and pieces.

 

All the wards and glyphs decorating the chamber wall radiated with heat causing their forms burn bright. The wall had withstood the destructive power, barely.

 

Caius stood in the other end of the chamber looking at the result with a exultant look on his face. His new staff pulsated slightly in his hand for a moment. It works, by the gods, it works! He thought smiling to himself. All the demons bound into the staff amplified his own power tremendously. Caius chuckled with content, and this was only a fraction of the abilities he had processed into the staff.

 

He concentrated for a moment, darkness whirled around him concealing him into shadows. Then he was at the other end of the chamber, the fastness of the move ment made it feel like he had literally jumped across the room. Like a fade step but tremendously faster, and had made him literally invisible for a moment.

 

Just holding the staff made him feel extremely powerful as the demonic power filled him like a hot lava. It was free power since using it did not strain himself of his own power. The flipside of it was that any mage could use the staff, at least this specific feature.

 

Then the main feature. He took a firm hold of the staff and concentrated. Power twirled around him for a moment rushing forward. At the other end of the Chamber dark smoke appeared expanding into massive dimensions, a desire demon appeared in a form of massive horned beast. It stretched out with a roar that shook the chamber then stood still. Waiting orders. My summon works, the demon is firmly bound to the staff, Caius thought pleased. He concentrated again and the demon disappeared with a puff of smoke. Caius felt how the manifestation of the demon had taken some of the staff´s strength. It would return but excessive use could drain the staff from it´s power, at least for a moment.

 

A cold smiled lingered on his lips, he had produced a powerful weapon.

Caius walked out of the training room with a broad smile.

 

Whistling sabre flew through the air cracking through the magical shield Caius reflexively flashed on when he saw movement. The sabre still vibrated in the door when Caius ducked fast for the second one flying at him. A delightful laughter filled the air. "You should see the look on your face", Nazlik laughed slamming her hands to her tights. "My all powerful Magister moves fast like the rest of us mortals when in need".

 

"You should be careful with those", Caius said slightly amused and a bit offended at her laughter straightening his back. "Your weapons are made for mage-killers, they can touch me too you know. Unless you intend to be a widow, that is".

 

"Oh, don´t be such a sourpuss" Nazlik said pouting her sultry lips at him. "I will make it up to you later". There was a underlying promise in her soft voice.

Caius pulled the sabres off the door and walked to her. He leaned up to give her a kiss while handing her swords. "I will hold you to that", he whispered in her ear.

 

Livia cleared her throat, "my lord". Caius turned to her surprised. "That was silent of you, how long have you been there?".

"I just arrived my lord", she said diplomatically. "I have some news".

 

"Let´s hear it then", Caius said, "in my study".*

 

 

Spoiler

*The matter itself is rather delicate, as you very well understand Urian", Caius said stressing the Divine´s first name instead of his title.

 

The Divine looked at him quietly for a moment, "do you really think it matters Caius?".

 

Caius flashed a cold smile at him, "instigating a coup against the Divine to usurp his position while working with foreign dignitary, to be precise, a seeker".

 

He took a sip of his wine. "Along with destroying five Magisters".  He locked his eyes with the Divine´s, "I have the evidence of your actions, to prove you plotted to bring the southern Chantry influence into Tevinter Imperium. What do you think the Magisterium would decide to do in case they would be presented all of this?". 

 

"Don´t threaten me Caius", Urian leaned forward in his seat. "It never ends well".

 

"I am not threatening you your grace", Caius said calmly. "I am telling you what you will do". He leaned back in his seat, "you have committed a high treason, it is not a small feature". The Divine remained silent, he kept leering at Caius.

 

"You decide. It is not the first time a new Divine is elected in a relatively short time, is it?". Caius said with a cold smile.

 

The Knight Commander standing behind Divine Nihalias moved a bit. Nazlik standing behind Caius crossed her arms looking at the Knight Commander expectantly.

 

"What if I call my templars, to apprehent you. Accuse you of treason?", Divine Nihalias whispered licking his lips.

"You do that, and none of you will leave this room alive", Caius stated calmly with iron clad voice. "And then you will be posthumously declared traitor. Is that what you want?".

 

Elowyn winced at the tension she felt in the room and tried to look smaller than she was standing next to Nazlik. Why did he bring me here? She thought fearfully. "Observe everything", he had just said to her looking into her eyes before they entered the room.

 

She took a firm grip of her new staff as if it would slip from her fingers. Templars, Knight Commander, she did her best to prevent her arms from shaking. The painful memories of her encounter with the Knight Captain Hervé surfaced. Don´t be a useless wimp, she reprimanded herself. Be strong, he is here. 

 

Panic flooded her mind threatening to overcome her. She gazed upon Caius drawing strength from his presence. Caius filled the room with his calm unapologetic power.

 

These men fear him, she realized surprised looking at the men´s faces. It made her slowly calm down. He was like a rock in a storm against which she could take refuge. Still there was a slight underlying fear in her mind, for him. What if they don´t fear him enough?

 

"All this requires is you to vote yes and bless the result of a specific vote. The Grand Clerics will vote for it too, at least a majority of them".

 

Caius stood up, "In time I will tell you what the vote will be. Do that and we can forget this conversation". He smiled at the Divine. It was a warm smile but it didn´t reach his eyes.

 

"Do not let this sour your mind against me my friend. I will still keep supporting you. I have no wish to see you removed from your post. All I need is your support in turn". The two men locked eyes for a moment, then Caius turned and walked out of the room Nazlik and Elowyn at his heels.

 

After they had passed the templars guarding at the door Elowyn couldn´t hold it in anymore. "What did you do that for?" she whispered pulling Caius sleeve forgetting her slight timidity towards him. "And why was I in there? I am a apprentice, I had no place there!".

 

Caius glanced her smiling shortly while walking, "Part of the things I need to do. You will see these things more. And your presence was important. That was the True Divine. Now that you have seen him it is easier for you to find him in the dreams". He walked on in silence, then added ominuously. "should there be a need for it".

 

They left the Chantry palace walking across the elaboratedly decorated halls and hallways. On the way out they passed a goup of chantry brothers and sisters singing the chant of light in a cathedral. Caius glanced at them with a contemptuous smile. "Fools", he whispered to himself.

 

Outside Caius stopped by the Vaellanius cart. "Take her shopping, on me", he said to Nazlik touching briefly her. "I will walk to the Magisterium from here with the rest of the guards". Nazlik nodded to him smiling and blew a kiss at him quickly while no one was looking.

 

"Shopping? Did he say shopping?", Elowy whispered climbing into the cart after Nazlik, she glanced at Caius walking away. "Yes he did", Nazlik giggled at her surprised look looking completely opposite to her stoic look in the meeting. "On him. I will show you the city".*

 

 

The ball, and dance.

 

(Disclaimer, Elowyn Adaran is being written by a forum member Serelir)

 

(note, Caius speaks about a kiss which happened in a dream sequence in A Peculiar Institution: An Elf's Bondage in Minrathous, post #40)

 

Spoiler

Elowyn stared at the invitation. "Me? The Archon invited me, specifically? Does he even know I exist?" With Vel recovering from his adventure, she'd have no one to dance with - how disappointing! What bad timing on the part of the Archon.

 

"What am I going to wear?" she fretted.

 

***

Elowyn fretted in front of the mirror, holding one gown up after another and tossing each one aside. "Why couldn't the Archon have given us more notice? Damn his eyes!" she cursed. She turned and looked over her shoulder - the seam on her stocking wasn't straight. She ran a finger up the back of her leg to get the seam just right. Her slave woman came in carrying another pile of gowns. She held up a deep teal-colored gown with a velvet bodice and shot silk taffeta flounces that reflected two colors iridescently.

 

"This would look beautiful with your hair, Ser," she suggested.

 

"How many times have I told you, I'm not a noble!" Elowyn griped. She missed Avilius from Aurelie's house. He would have known just what to wear to impress the Archon. She grabbed the teal gown and held it up to her skin.

 

"My apologies, uh, miss..." said the woman.

 

"I didn't mean to shout at you - I'm just nervous about this party. I don't even know what it's about," fussed Elowyn, checking her forehead for worry wrinkles. "Alright, I'm going with this dress. Shoes, though... boots? Or strappy heels? Will there be dancing?"

 

"I wouldn't know, miss."

 

"Where is the Master when I need him!" Elowyn wailed. "Is Nazlik going?"

 

"She'll be accompanying the Magister as his bodyguard, as usual," the slave said.

 

"Maker, she's going to look stunning and put the rest of us to shame... as usual!" Elowyn huffed. She chose the dancing shoes, just in case. One should always be prepared to dance. That was her new rule for life in Minrathous!

 

She outlined her elf eyes with deep purple kohl and painted her lips wine red. A little bit of sparkly mica on her eyelids, and a dusting on her bosom, too, since the gown showed off her pale skin so well. She had only a little jewelry - a few pieces she'd picked up at an antique dealer near the Circle. A chain with the two moons would work - she rubbed a bit of tarnish off the silver. Kyanite earrings - her favorite color. Who cares if they went with the teal? Her eyes would change from purple to aquamarine depending on the light, so both colors would frame her face. She needed some fragrance. She grabbed one of her blown-glass perfume bottles, another one of her new vanities. It held a perfume she'd mixed herself: deep notes of oak moss and musk, overlaid with sweetgrass and lilac, and topped with fig and just the barest hint of honeysuckle.

 

Her hair she put up in a simple twist - she'd have to have someone train the slave to how to do the elaborate updos of Tevinter society ladies. A silver pin in the shape of a damselfly held it in place. She glanced at her new staff - did one bring a staff to the Archon's mansion? She guessed one of the guards would probably relieve her of it and reluctantly decided to leave it at home, just in case.

 

She took a deep breath, smoothing the velvet over her ribs. "I think I am ready for the ball!"

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius stood by the door waiting for Nazlik. He relied on his usual black appearance. Black long overcoat with silver dragons in his sleeves and a silver belt to tie it on his waist. Under it a black two button row silky tunic filled with silver illustrations. And black pants. Long black boots with buckles in a row on the side. He swept his hair and adjusted his signet ring. Everything should be in order.

 

Nazlik sailed from the room in her evening gown. She wore generous shoulder and back revealing outfit with partially front open long skirt revealing her long legs and high heels. Dark velvet, silk, lace. Black pearls in her braided white hair. And long black silk gloves. She had small sparkles in her light bronze skin reflecting light and barely audible soft magical tingle could be heard from the pearls.

 

"Ready?", Caius said bowing slightly. "so-so" she huffed, "the daggers in my dress do not seem to know their place, and I still didn´t have enough time to get ready".

"You look stunning as always my love", Caius smirked. "Let´s go get Elowyn", Nazlik said. "I like her, it´s good to have a friendly face there".

 

They walked to the apprentice wing. Caius knocked at the door. "Be right there!", could be heard from the room. Then Elowyn opened the door. "You look beautiful my lady, you just have to give me a dance tonight", Caius smiled. Then he bowed slightly, "Are you ready to go?".

 

"I am" she exhaled. Caius offered his arm to her and escorted the two ladies out of the manor. Outside the elaborate cart waited for them with guard escort.*

 

Spoiler

Nazlik looked amazing, of course. All eyes would be fixed on her. Elowyn decided that was actually preferable to gaining too much notice - she'd already been batted about like a badminton birdie between two magisters and wished to avoid attracting the attention of a third. She hoped Monkai would be there, so she could hang out with him and observe the cream of Tevinter society. He'd be sure to have the snarkiest comments!

 

She took Caius' arm and felt her confidence return. He really did have amazing muscles under the fabric of his sleeve. She had to stop herself from stroking the fabric. The silver dragons were captivating - maybe she could have a tailor make her a corset with silver dragons embroidered on it to match. She could feel the heat from Caius' body as they walked to the coach. She felt a flush rise in her chest. Luckily, she'd brought a fan. It was made of Vhenadahl wood, from a dropped branch - never cut, Elowyn wouldn't have stood for that. The silk was painted with a Dalish forest scene. It reminded her of her father and his stories about growing up in his clan. She whipped it out and fanned herself.

 

As they were riding in the coach toward the palace, Elowyn complimented Nazlik on her gown. She really did like Nazlik and tried to squash out the little spark of jealousy she felt about her. Women had to stick together, that was Elowyn's firm belief. Nazlik asked her about her tailor and the antique jewelry she was wearing, and they prattled on this way until the palace came into sight. Elowyn gasped at its grandeur. Humongous dragon statues lined the walkway to the entrance. Elowyn thought of the dragon that had chased her in Caius' dream and glanced at him. He caught her eye with an inscrutable look. There was an intimacy between them that Elowyn had never felt with anyone else. It was different from what she felt with Vel, or her crush on Guy or Caradoc. There was something profound about it that went beyond sexual attraction or even friendship or mentorship. This dance he wanted... she felt faint thinking about it. She realized she'd lost some of her fear of him. The fear had been transformed.

 

Heralds announced them as they entered. Elowyn felt dizzy with excitement to meet the Archon. It was like a dream to live in a society of mages, each of them with marvelous magical talents and a wealth of knowledge in their heads. They passed by a group of handsome dwarves. Elowyn recognized Bjarte and Heidrun and nodded to them - she would make sure to come chat with them later. Bjarte was looking handsome in deep red velvet, his beard braided and decorated with glittering runes. He winked at her, and she winked back.

 

She caught sight of Monkai near the punch bowl. He was scowling and looking uncomfortable. Elowyn hoped he wouldn't get too drunk before she got a chance to talk to him. She planned to get a dance from him and had brought a pair of gloves just in case, so she wouldn't touch his skin and release his demon - that would be a disaster!

 

Standing next to the Archon was the dwarven ambassador and, to Elowyn's surprise, Red, Aminia's abolitionist friend. He looked terrified, though he was keeping his back straight. He was dressed in a military uniform with rows of sparkling buttons down the front. Elowyn wondered why he was here - she didn't know much about him, other than that he seemed to be fixated on her ears. He caught her eye and swallowed nervously. She was introduced to the Archon, a dignified man with a sly smile; the ambassador, who was rather slick for a dwarf; and then Red. She had to suppress a grin as they pretended they'd never met each other. 

 

Duties accomplished, Nazlik whirled Caius off for a dance, and Elowyn was left to mingle.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius stood by the dance floor with a crystal wine glass in his hand. Nazlik squirmed in his side, "this is not good, I feel the daggers poking me all the time. I need to excuse myself for a moment. To the ladies room!". She smirked at Caius and left.

 

Caius eyes wondered around the hall. He took notice of each guest, pondering their current activities. Raising glass to the Aeducan, the Warden. And there was that Monkai, I have to deal with his entanglement with Zera soon.

His eyes stopped at Red. There was something about that man Caius did not find right. He was supposed to be working for the Archon but something was off with him. The old soldier in Caius awoke, and observed.Maybe I should keep more eye on him.

 

Then something caught his eye. A petite elven woman was laying on a chaise longue. His protege. Last nights dream crossed his mind, that kiss. Caius could still feel the heat echoing from the dream, his heart started beating faster. She had taken away his pain, made him blissful and serene. In that moment his barriers had fallen, and he had acted without thinking.

 

He took a sip of his wine placing the cup on a silver tray a servant was carrying by. Then he straightened his coat and left towards her.

He stepped Elowyn´s side silently gazing at her snoozing. A soft expression flashed momentarily on his face. Caius reached down touching gently her cheek with the back of his fingers as the music started to play. Elowyn winced slightly turning to look at him, she had been in her thoughts.

 

"May I have this dance my lady?", Caius bowed with a soft smile.*

 

Spoiler

::Elowyn was dreaming about dragons again. She was riding a dragon, soaring above the towers and domes of Minrathous. She could feel the power of the dragon's muscles as its wings swooped, lifting its incredible weight above the clouds. Then it glided down, spiraling toward the buildings. Blood rushed to Elowyn's head - she felt dizzy and exhilarated all at once. The dragon banked. Elowyn felt herself sliding, then she was tumbling through the air. She reached out her arms and felt them grow as the air lifted her. She became a golden dragon, delicate where the black dragon was massive. Her flanks gleamed in the sunset. She led the black dragon on a chase through the sky. Her speed and power were glorious! She felt the wind from his wings and then...::

 

"Master?" she asked, looking into his eyes. He had the strangest expression on his face. She'd never seen him looking so open - that was the only way to describe it. His dark eyes glowed at her smokily, the black of embers. She felt her cheeks grow hot as his fingers brushed against her skin.

 

"May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked.

 

"It would be my pleasure!" she said, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Finally, a man who knew how to dance! The music began - the dance was a tango, and she wondered if he had requested the tune. She reached out and placed one hand lightly on his shoulder and rested her other hand in his palm. Her hands were so small compared to his! His strong arm encircled her waist. She tilted her head back to look up at him. Their bodies fit together perfectly. Elowyn had long, graceful legs, though never so long as Nazlik's. The Master smiled at her and took the first step, propelling her backwards, her body moving with his. The other dancers seemed to recede as the world contracted into the space between her and the Master, the heat between their bodies, his eyes locked on hers, reaching into her soul. No words were necessary: they had entered a sensual space where their bodies were aware of each other, reading the subtle cues, the interplay between them as he advanced, and she acceded; she teased, and he pursued, a flow of power back and forth, shifting as the waves on the seashore, always changing, yet relentless.::

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*"You look beautiful", Caius whispered softly in the whirl of the dance. Then a slighty plaintive shadow crossed his eye. "I.. I need to apologize my behavior".*

 

Spoiler

::Caius whirled her around. She leaned back and kicked her leg, then he pulled her toward him again.::

 

"Apologize for what, Master? I am the one who followed you into your dreams. It is I who should apologize."

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius bend her down, then pulled Elowyn up face to face with him. Closely. "My kiss.. it doesn't bother you?", he whispered lookin into her eyes.* 

 

Spoiler

"It was a beautiful kiss," she said, her eyes sparkling. She whirled away from him, performing an intricate series of little steps. She looked back over her shoulder and winked at her Master.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

* Caius took few fast steps to Elowyn wrapping his hands around her waist pulling her close. "Good" he whispered in a deep voice. He twirled her around under his arm, "then there is no regret".*

 

Spoiler

::Elowyn smiled at her Master's words. As the last notes of the dance played, she bent backward in his arms, her leg circling his hip. Her hair slipped out of its pins and tumbled down. Caius lifted her back up - she was light as a wren.::

 

"Thank you for the dance," he said, bowing gallantly.

 

She curtseyed, "It was my delight to dance with you, Master."

 

"We'll have to do it again," he said, leading her off the dance floor. Nazlik had returned, and she and Caius took the floor for the next dance. Elowyn went back to stand with Red and wondered what had become of Monkai.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

 

Repercussions.

 

Spoiler

*It was late and the party had ended. Guests slowly flowed out of the palace each on their own turn. Caius left the party Nazlik and Elowyn in his arms. Darkness had fallen over the city and the yard was covered in shadows. So many carriages still filled the yard forcing Caius' carriage remain outside the gates. "My lord, I´m so sorry for this delay" the footman exclaimed wringing his arms before his lord.

 

"Not a problem" Caius said calmly, "I think ladies and myself can walk few steps outside, don´t you think?". He turned to them leaving the question linger in the air. "Sure", Nazlik and Elowyn said excatly at the same time, causing them to look at each other with a smirk.

 

"That settles it then", Caius said to the footman, "tell the driver to pull the carriage outside the gate, we will walk there". The footman ran away relieved. "Shall we, my ladies?", Caius offered his arm to both of them.

 

Outside the palace gates the carriage waited few dozen yards away in darkness by the dragon statues with few of Caius guards. The street lights did not illuminate the place completely leaving dark shadows linger around the carriage. Guards had moved to both sides to make sure no one would get too close.

 

Caius led both of the ladies and the footman opened the door for them placing a step on the marble road before the door. Caius leaned forward guiding Elowyn inside the carriage, then he turned to Nazlik taking her hand. She reached for the door.

 

One of the guards standing behind them bolted in action. He moved forward kicking Nazlik in the back causing her fall head on inside the carriage. Then he turned to Caius with a blade in his hand. Simultaneously a second guard beside him rushed towards Caius from the other side with a another blade flashing in his arm. Caius was still turning to his companion as the second guard pushed him against the doorway striking his blade into Caius back.

 

With a upwards turn the blade punctuated Caius overcoat scratching his ribs while cutting its way inside him forcing its way through his internal organs. The guard twisted the blade in a attemp to reach for his heart.

 

Caius twiched with a roar, a grimace of pain flashing on his face. It completely took over him draining him of his strength. He could feel the powerful magebane extract in the blade included to nullify his power spreading into his body. And he could also feel a tingling poisonous heat spreading from the blade into his bloodstream as well.

 

The first cuard turned in one smooth move striking his blade into Caius stomach increasing the effect and pulled him in one massive move away from the carriage door tearing his intestines with the blade.

 

As Nazlik fell face on inside the carriage and into Elowyns lap she screamed of horror knowing what was going on behind her.

 

Elowyn was frozen from the sudden burst of violence cutting coldly through the lovely evening, her head cleared from the drinks she had in the party in one shocking flash.

She reached out without thinking and a arc of lightning shot from her hand stiking the second guard standing behind Caius sending him rolling down the road.

 

Nazlik sprang backwards kicking the guard on Caius side into his face sending him stumbling away from Caius. The massive dose of magebane obstucted Caius mana flow draining him severely of his power. Massive bleeding and internal damage along with the fast spreading poison caused Caius to drop on his knees before the carriage door.

 

He could feel there was only few moments left. Time slowed down.

 

Caius reached towards his staff placed by the carriage door. His hand shook from the early effects of the poison threatening to take control of his body as the blood gushed from his wounds drenching his clothes showering on the marble road. His guards around the carriage sprang into action in order to protect their lord, too late.

 

The first guard kicked back by Nazlik regained his balance and bolted towards Caius his bloody dagger swishing in the air. Nazlik tried to turn around but her dress was caught in the door hinges. She screamed of anguish. Elowyn turned to the first guard and another arc of lightning shot from her hand causing the guard to shake uncontrollable.

 

Darkness started to close in from the sides of Caius vision. He felt with certainty that his last moment had arrived. Caius knew he had no strength left so he let his body fall forward in his last effort to reach for the staff. His fingers grazed the staff, softly, then wrapped around it. A surge of power filled his dimming mind.

 

Darkness twirled around Caius and he disappeared appearing next to the first guard. Caius placed his bloody arm on the guards throat. A surge of power between them caused the guard twitch even more.

 

"Yes.. ", Caius whispered with a barely audible voice blood dripping between his lips while looking into the guards eyes as he fell slowly down before him.

 

"Give me your life... ". Caius eyes gleamed in the dark as the guards skin started to wrinkle and dry up, tighten over his bones while his hair turning first gray then white. A small groan left from the guards lips, the last sound.

 

Caius stumbled forward dropping the dried up corpse of the guard placing his hand on his stomach. It was still bleeding and he could feel the effect of the poison inside him. His feverish eyes scanned the surroundings.

 

Nazlik rushed out of the carriage tearing her dress, "Caius, no!". She ran towards Caius with her tattered dress flying in the air. Caius stumbled forward trying to lean on his staff, then he saw the second guard crawling away in the shadows. Elowyns bolt had not killed him yet.

 

Another flash of darkness and Caius appeared right at side of the guard, placing his bloody hand on his shoulder. Caius legs gave up and he fell down on the marble road next to the guard. "Who sent you?" Caius demanded with the last drops of his willpower with the blood spell placing his mouth next to his ear, "who sent you?".

 

The guard whispered something, Caius concentrated for the last time and life started to rush to him from the guard.

 

Caius released his grip from the dried up corpse and tried to stand up. His feet gave up causing him to tip over on his back next to the guard on the marble road, his hand dropping against the ground releasing his staff rolling with a clatter on the ground.

 

"No, please no!", Nazlik ran like a wind to him leaving the guards behind her. Elowyn fade stepped right next to Caius. She gazed at him horrified.

 

The bleeding had mostly stopped, Caius lay in a pool of his own blood his clothes soaked with it. His face was pale and eyes stared into the black night above. Elowyn kneeled beside him placing her hand on Caius arm. She called her mana trying to adjust healing power to him. Nazlik stormed to her side falling on her knees. She pulled Caius in her arms whispering, "please my love. Don´t leave me".

 

Elowyn could feel the poison raging inside him, burning still like a wildfire despite the lives of the two guards. Elowyn gazed around looking for something useful and saw Caius staff. She reached out and took his staff in her hands feeling the power rush into her. She converted the extra mana flow into a healing power channeling it to Caius.

 

"We need to get him home, to healers" Nazlik stared at Elowyn tears falling from her eyes.*

[Serelir]

A little note on the above, for readers: the ball sequence came out of some RP we did with a few other writers over a couple of days. That's why Elowyn fell asleep in the middle of the party! 

[QueenCrow]

A little note on the above, for readers: the ball sequence came out of some RP we did with a few other writers over a couple of days. That's why Elowyn fell asleep in the middle of the party! 

 

Hi, Serelir.  RoughTumble both started reading A Peculiar Institution a while ago and would like to continue.  I have enjoyed what I've read, and RoughTumble has had positive comments over the dinner table too.  But he's been wrangling an impending deadline, so has limited time and may have read them one at a time.  

 

Thank you both, Uccio and Serelir, for offering these gems for our entertainment!

[Serelir]

Thanks, Lindraen! It's been interesting writing stories that intersect each other and examining how our characters bring different perspectives to life in Minrathous - Elowyn as an immigrant, and Caius right in the thick of things. I've been learning as I go along, so thanks for bearing with me 

[Uccio]

Thank you Lindraen, I'm honored that you and RT like our stories. More to come still.

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*"How is he, is he going to make it?", Nazlik towered over Gnaeus looking at him pleading. She struggled to keep her stoick posture but failed miserably.

 

"Only time will tell", Gnaeus said, "we are trying to figure out what kind of poison those assassins used. He cleared his throat trying to sound firm, "we did all we could, It is now in the hands of the Maker".

Nazlik gazed at him with a furrow in her brow, she wanted to reach out and grab that mage by the throat, and scream to his face. Her pawns wrapped into fists. "He will make it", she whispered. "Because he has to".

 

The tower chamber was filled with people, apprentice mages, slaves and servants. Caius' daughters sat around his bed. Miriel had buried her face into Caius armpit. Her shoulders twiched of silent sobs. Zera tried to cast a spell on him with worried look, and Cassia sat beside her with a straight posture and a indecipherable look on her face gazing at Caius.

Caius lay in the bed bare chested bandages wrapped around his torso, his eyes closed and face pale as a white sheet. Only slow, barely visible movement indicated that he was still breathing.

 

"He is going to die", Cassia whispered with a blank stare.

 

Miriel turned her gaze to her, her eyes were swollen of tears, snot running from her nose. She stared at Cassia for a moment with a strange look on her face.

"NO!", Miriel screamed at her, "Dad is not going to die! I will not allow it!". She stood up gazing at the people in the room rage twisting her face. "Everyone out! Get out of here! My father needs peace!" she sreamed stomping her feet. Cassia and Zera stared at Miriel like they had never seen her before.

 

"RIGHT NOW!", her scream cleaved through the room like a two handed sword. Slaves, servants and apprentices practically ran leaving only dust twirl in the air behind them. Miriel turned her blazing eyes at Gnaeus. "Do you have a hearing problem? That means you too!".

Gnaeus winced at her tone. "But I am the main healer and.. ". "If you do not leave now you will be a dead healer", Miriel hissed squinting her eyes. "What?", Gnaeus asked dumbfounded, this mundane little woman threatened him?

 

"I am the heir of house Vaellanius, I can have you flayed alive before you get the change to ****** in your worthless pants", Miriel stared at him with a crazy look in her eyes. Gnaeus turned around shocked and walked right out of the chamber. The look in her eye did not leave any doubt she would not see through of her threat.

Nazlik stood by the bed looking at Miriel equally surprised. "Not you", she said softly to her, "I know what you mean to dad".

 

"Who are you?" Zera asked looking Miriel with wide eyes. Cassia couldn´t even find words, she just stared at her with her mouth open.

"I am his daughter", Miriel whispered silently sitting next to him. She reached out to touch Caius arm. "Don´t worry dad, we will save you".

 

Nazlik walked to the head end of the bed getting on her knees. She took Caius face between her arms, "you need to pull through my love, for me, for us". She whispered. "Remember? We have survived before, I know you can". A single tear fell down her cheek. She touched his cold forehead and reached to give him a kiss on his cold lips.

"Your son needs you, and I need you. Please, don´t leave me alone in this world", she whispered in his ear.

 

"Elowyn" Miriel whispered. "Elowyn what?", Cassia asked finding her voice again.

 

"She can find dad, she can bring him back", Miriel said with a firm tone. "I don´t think you understand how dreamer operates", Zera whispered looking at Caius. "I´m sure of it", Miriel stood up, determined look on her face. "i will go find her".

 

"I want to come with, into the dream", Nazlik said silently looking at Caius.

Zera, Cassia and Miriel looked at each other. "That might help".*

 

Spoiler

*Sun shined from the sky showering the little forest around them with golden light leaving, rays of light punctuated the foliage reaching inside the lush forest creating a stark contrast between the darkness under the trees.

 

Nazlik gazed around with her mouth open, "what a strange place. Is this his dream, is Caius here?".

 

"This is one of his memories, or a dream", Elowyn said cautiously, she glanced Nazlik´s stunned look carefully. This went over her head. "Listen, you need to stay with me no matter" Elowyn stressed pulling her sleeve. "Do you hear me?".

She was worried that they might come across some of Caius memories which might cause distress to Nazlik. Or a dream she had taken part of. "Come, we need to move", she took Nazlik´s arm in hers. They came across a small spring among the trees. From side of the little bond they found a trail leading forward.

 

"We might as well follow this", Elowyn said stepping on the trail. In a few moments they came to a small clearing. Among the flowers two children played, trying to fence with straws. A little girl and a older boy.  "No fair! you are bigger!" the little girl exclaimed as the boy touched her.

 

Elowyn gazed at the children, she could see they had some elven features in them. Hints of slenderness in their features. Nazlik gasped, "they look like Caius!". She took a step forward before Elowyn was able to stop her.

 

"Monster!", the boy screamed pointing at her. He took his little sisters hand and started running away. Nazlik ran after them Elowyn at her heels, "don´t, it is just a dream. This is not real!".

The children ran across the meadow and disappeared down the hill on the other side. Nazlik ran but stopped abrubt at edge of the slope causing Elowyn to run into her. "Look!" she gasped.

 

Down the creek, close to the forest they could see little log cabin. Some laundry was spread on a string and smoke raised from the chimney. A golden haired elven woman stood in the yard feeding chicken. She was holding a basket in her hands leaning against her swollen belly. She raised her head to see the little children run down the hill screaming,  "monster! Mom there is a monster!".

 

She gazed at Nazlik at Elowyn shouting, "children, to me". Without turning her head she shouted over her shoulder, "Caius! Come here!".

 

A man stepped from behind the cabin wearing simple trousers and a plain tunic. His sleeves were rolled up, holding a axe in his tanned arms long hair tied into a ponytail. He raised his hand to cover his eyes from the sun to see them.

 

"Caius?", Nazlik gasped, "with a family?". "This is a dream", Elowyn explained silently. "This might be a dream he once had".

 

Suddenly a thunder disrupted their moment. Wind started to rise and dark clouds gathered on the sky. Darkness spread and covered everything. Then the rising wind carried a distant roar to them. Nazlik turned to look and saw a dark figure above the forest far away. It came closer fast. "Dragon!" she gasped. Elowyn winced, this was the same black dragon she had faced once.

 

With the beating of the mighty wings a dragon, black as night soared straight towards the cabin. Trees waved like a grass in the whirlwind it caused. It´s mighty roar shook the ground.

 

"Run children, run!" the elven woman screamed running towards them holding her belly. Caius bolted running dropping the axe. He ran after the elven woman like a wind.

She reached her children pulling them close to her body. "Caius!" her scream echoed in the creek. Dragon roared again, this time so close it shook the ground. Caius ran towards them raising his arm, a bolt of lightining shot from it striking at the dragon. It roared of pain, then inhaled with a sound of mighty bellows.

 

"No", Elowyn whispered in horror. She wanted to close her eyes of what was to come but couldn´t.

 

Caius turned to his family and gestured. A glimmering force field appeared on them folding them inside its protective cover. He turned to face the dragon, power twirling around him. "Caius!", Nazlik screamed.

Then the dragon breathed fire. It opened its gigantic mouth revealing lines of razor sharp teeth, long as swords. With a deep rumble a massive wall of fire erupted from the open mouth with the sound of thousands of forest fires. Fire engulfed the small creek completely.

 

Nazlik screamed falling on her knees. The dragon veered gracefully and with few mighty beatings from its wings it was gone. Dark clouds cleared from the sky revealing sun once more.

Fire raged for a few moments, then slowly died down leaving smoke and smoldering little fires behind it. The cabin was but a pile of burning rubble.

 

And in the yard charred bodies lay in silence.

 

Nazlik fell on her knees weeping, "my love...".

"That was not Caius", Elowyn whispered at the sight of it all. "That was a Caius who never became a Magister. He wasn´t strong enough to resist the dragon".

"I will kill it", Nazlik grind her teeth. "No don´t!", Elowyn gasped, "that dragon was the real Caius".

Nazlik turned to look into her eyes, "how do you know?".

 

Elowyn wrung her arms. A little lie would have been a easy way out of this, but she felt too close to her to do that. "I have been in his dreams, I saw that same dragon". "Oh", Nazlik said surprised, then turned to look away, "you were in his dreams" she whispered silently. Elowyn bit her lip, "we should continue our search".

She took Nazlik´s arm and the world twirled around them melting away.

 

---

 

Darkness was impervious all around them. Elowyn concentrated and little light appeared next to her. "Caius did that too", Nazlik said longing in her voice. "Where are we?", Elowyn gasped looking around, "these look dwarven. Are we in the Deep Roads?".

 

Nazlik gazed at at the tunnels around them, straight lines. Carvings and statues. "Yes, this could be Deep Roads. Caius spoke to me of them once. He went there not so long ago". She turned around, "but why are we here?".

"There must be something here, something that Caius experienced once", Elowyn said contemplating.

 

Like a signal the sound of battle started to echo from the distant tunnel. Explosions. Roars, inhuman sounds. Shouts and screams of men. "Come", Nazlik said determined running onward. "Remember, this is just a dream", Elowyn shouted following her.

They crossed several tunnel junctions following the noise, sounds echoed but they were able to keep following the source.

 

"I am a Magister of Tevinter Imperium, come and meet your death!"

 

Nazlik stopped in her tracks, "I know that voice, that is Caius!" she exclaimed. "It is not sure, this could be another dream him", Elowyn panted coming to her side. They sneaked around the corner and came to a opening hiding by a pile of rubble.

 

In the large cave behind it a infernal fight was going on. Horde of darkspawn charged against small group of Tevinter soldiers and mages. And in the forefront stood Caius. Power flashed around him and lightning struck with a tremendous force across the sea of darkspawn cutting dozens of the monsters down. A fireball followed wrapping numerous of the monsters into a fiery inferno. Dust and smoke filled the air.

 

"That is my Caius!" Nazlik shouted pulling her sabres, "wait for me love, I am coming!". Series of energies flashed around Caius clearing the area close to him. Black blood, body parts and intestines filled the ground. Caius raised his hands and the ground shook causing cracks appear on it and in the walls. Nazlik sprang forward cutting her way through the sea of monsters.

 

"That is not Caius!" Elowyn screamed but Nazlik had already disappeared into the shifting mass.

 

Caius raised his both hands and a volley of lightning arcs flew around him cutting down more monsters. Followed by a wave of ice freezing so many. A gigantic ogre rushed towards him roaring of pain despite the ice covering its body.

Caius took a two handed grip of his staff, a pulsating power appeared around him causing ripples to distort the air. First it only glowed lightly but then the power intensified forming a blazing sun around him illuminating the cave, obscuring his form. He had strangely serene look on his face, as if he was not present anymore. Caius raised his staff and struck it to the ground releasing the power with a powerful and violent boom. Destructive energy ripple expanded to all directions causing tremendous carnage. Darkspawn exploded into a bloody flesh chunks in a wide area. The whole cave shook and cracks filled it from floor to ceiling, opening up into a gigantic series of ruptures spreading through the cave. The ceiling started to give away.

 

Nazlik struggled through the horde her eyes locked in Caius. She saw how the gigantic ogre reached out wrapping its pawn around Caius chest when the ceiling started to fall.

 

Nazlik gasped as the monster struck its massive fist into Caius chest several times causing him to twitch as each hit caused more blood to pour from his mouth. She could hear his rib cage crack from the distance. Then as the ceiling came crushing down burying the men and monsters alike the ogre threw his remains into the dust cloud.

 

"No!", Nazlik screamed running after him disappearing into the falling rubble and lingering dust. Elowyn stood by the cave entrance as it caved in, she stumbled backwards to avoid the falling rocks. "Nazlik, what have you done?", she whispered.

 

---

 

Darkness moved, everything melted away. Nazlik ran forward determined. She had seen him, the true him she was sure of it. Then she was on a clearing again, this time tropical forest surrounded it. "Seheron", she whispered, "I would know this place anywhere".

Nazlik walked among the colorful flowers letting her hands gently brush them as she passed by, "I am home" she said amazed. Everything looked so real, the scents she had know from her childhood filled the air. Butterflies and colorful birds flew by. Nazlik smiled at the serenity of the place.

 

"Come, lets see what is here" she said but the silence made her turn. Only insects and birds responded. "Elowyn?" she asked surprised looking around, she wasn´t here with her. No matter, she was here to find Caius and she would. Nazlik left for the clearing entrance, she didn´t want to go through the jungle. Too easy to get lost. 

Halfway down the second clearing she started to hear voice. Someone was pleading, "please ser, I had nothing to do with the attack, nor did my family. I´m just a poor farmer".

 

Nazlik sneaked closer hiding behind he trees. Then she saw him. Caius stood there, his back turned to Nazlik. She almost stepped out of the cover but then she saw the man before Caius, on his knees. In the other end of the clearing she could see a group of Imperial soldiers ready to depart. "Come on Caius, kill them and be done with it. I´m hungry, I want to leave already!" one of the soldiers shouted at him.

 

Now Nazlik could see there was a woman and two children covering behind the kneeling man. A cold feeling started to creep into her stomach.

"You go already, I will catch up with you later", Caius responded without removing his gaze from the man. The soldier shrugged and waved at his companions. They mounted their horses and slowly rode away.

 

"Please ser, I beg of you", the man begged wringing his arms. Little children wept in their mothers arms. "Sssh, please be quiet. Do not anger the good ser", she whispered to her children gazing Caius with horrified eyes.

 

Caius stood like a statue before them. Then he pulled slowly a small silver dagger from his belt. "Sometimes" he said, "sometimes man has to reach beyond the boundaries of normal men to achieve what he wants". The cold tone is his voice made Nazlik shiver.

Caius twiddled the dagger in his fingers. "You have a extraordinary opportunity to be a first hand witness for such attempt". "No.. " the man bemoaned.

 

"Blood magic", Caius said calmly, "the only magic which is supposedly banned in the Imperium. Still being the most widely used because of its advantages". He made a small cut on his pawn, letting a small blood stream run down his hand dripping from his fingers.

 

"Come here" he said to the older girl in her mothers grip with a small gesture. The little girl wriggled her way out of her mothers arms with glazed eyes. "No please no" she pleaded trying to reach the child but she slipped her grasp.

 

"Take this" Caius said handing the dagger in her arms. "Now cut your fathers arm, here and here", he instructed like a teacher showing with his own arm. "Long cuts, and deep".

 

The little child turned to her father with dazed eyes. Tears fell down from the fathers eyes, "it is alright my darling, it is not your fault. Father loves you forever". If she heard him nothing revealed it, the expression on her face was stone cut.

With a swift moves she opened his arm cutting deep with the sharp blade. Her father grunted of the pain but remained as stoic as possible, for her. The wife bemoaned at the sight of it. Caius leaned down soaking his pawn in the mans blood. "Good", he whispered with a ominous voice.

 

The wife burst out crying, "please my lord, please have mercy on us!". Caius just gazed at her silently contemplating his next move. Blood gushed out of the mans arm, the veins had been opened thoroughly. He fell slowly down turning white on his face.

Caius turned to the wife staring at her still contemplating and ignoring the mans condition, "what would you be willing to do to save him?".

He leaned towards her, "would you be willing to give your own life?". "Yes, yes I would" she exclaimed tears falling from her eyes, "please save him". A cold smile lingered on Caius lips, "it is done".

 

He grabbed the dagger from the girl sliding the blade gracefully over the mothers collarbone leaving a red stream behind it. She twitched of the pain but did´t cry out. The girl standing next to Caius didn´t even blink, she was still firmly under the mind control.

But her sister wasn´t, she sat there with broken eyes. Drips of drool falling from her open mouth while she breathed superficially. Her mind had found a refuge from the horror.

 

Caius reached out gesturing, his silent chant raised a small wind around them. Suddenly the mother blinked, she could feel the effect of the spell. Red mist lingered between them. Tiny wrinkles started to appear on her skin, her eyes started to close as if she felt dizzy. The effect on the man was the opposite. His wounds started to heal and color return to his face.

 

"I knew it would work!", Caius exclaimed so pleased with himself. Nazlik shivered, how could he? Experimenting on people. She felt sick to her stomach. In a few moments the fathers wounds had almost healed and Caius raised his hand cutting the effect. "So it works too", he stroked his chin in his thoughts. The wife lay on the ground barely breathing. "Thank you my lord for not killing us" she whispered.

 

"Don´t thank me yet", Caius whispered with cold eyes. With a tiny gesture the healing process was reversed once more. Husband started convulsing out of control, within a few moments he was dead as his life was transferred to his wife. The woman cried on the ground too weak to do anything else.

 

"Would like to have a last word with your husband?", Caius asked compassionately. "He was, after all, your man".

"Why are you doing this?", she whispered. This time her voice was weary and fear had left it.

 

"Experiment, is the key word", Caius said turning to the man. He started gesturing once more accompanied with a low chant in ancient tevene. Each syllable seemed to make the air itself move. The air started to feel colder and it seemed to be get darker despite it it was a midday in Seheron. Chill wind blew in the clearing.

 

Suddenly the man twitched. His wife screamed and tried to back down. "Talk to her", Caius commanded the corpse. "Kacie, my love", a eerie voice lingered in the air. "Bray?", his wife raised her head in wonderment, "is it you?".

"It is I my love" the voice responded. "I love, so much. Come back to us", she wailed. "I´m sorry my love, I can´t. But I will always love you". Caius raised his hand and the dead body twiched again, becoming limp. This time for good.

 

"What are you?" the wife whispered looking at Caius.

 

"I am the man who will change the world", Caius whispered to her. "Now, there is still one more thing...".

 

Nazlik had seen enough. With a roar she rushed forward from the bushes. Caius wheeled around gracefully, a arch of lightning shot from his extended arm. Nazlik could just barely evade it despite her enchanted outfit. "He is fast", she thought. "Caius" she screamed when he started gesturing power twirling around him.

 

Caius stopped looking at her surprised. "How do you know my name? Did the qun sent you just to kill me? You look familiar... ". Nazlik could see that this was not her Caius. It was a younger man, somewhere between 25 to 30. And his eyes were like pieces of charcoal in his face. No emotions could be seen.

 

"I´m here to save you" she whispered throwing her sword at him.

 

---

 

Elowyn could not find Nazlik. She had completely disappeared from her grasp. Her surroundings melted away and formed into a large marble room. A swimming pool took most of the space, statues and tall columns surrounded it. From the high dome sun light set its rays in illuminating the room with mirrors.

 

She walked slowly around the pool. This must be part of the mansion, she recalled. Vel spoke to me about it. The water was still. Then a small ripple appeared on it. It started moving towards her getting larger each moment. With a slight splash Caius surfaced from the water, he swam towards the edge with strong strokes.

Elowyn took a careful step back, there was no telling yet if this was the correct Caius. She could not pinpoint to him precisely since he was all around them. It might be another dream.

 

Caius reached the edge and started slowly walk out of the pool through the steps. His eyes were fixed in Elowyn. Elowyn couldn´t help but look at his body appearing from the water.  "I know you", he whispered. He raised up from the pool water dripping from his naked figure. "I know you", he exclaimed once again. Elowyn tried to concentrate on him, a dream or not?

 

Caius walked slowly around her his body radiating coldness of the water. "You are her", Caius leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "I have been thinking of you". His wet body brushed softly against hers while circling around her.

"Oh... ", she breathed. "Then you know Nazlik too right? We were looking for you". "I´ve been thinking of you both", he stopped before her, looking into her eyes. Caius tilted his head, he whispered with a deep smoky voice "would you like to swim with me?".

 

"Oh.. I mean... that is.. we should find Nazlik", Elowyn tried to collect her thoughts keeping her eyes locked with Caius eyes. They were so dark, and somehow warm. Like a smoldering campfire, somewhere there under the surface in darkness she could feel the heat. He was so close. She could see the scars on his body up and close. Even the ones down his body.

 

Caius moved closer, his body touched hers, "we can find her later". He reached out placing his hands around her hips, "there is time for that afterwards".

 

"After the swim?" Elowyn whispered. "After everything", Caius whispered placing his lips gently on hers kissing her softly with burning lips pulling her against him. He lifter her up in his arms walking towards a bed near them. "T.. the bed?", Elowyn asked bemused. "Yes.. " Caius whispered letting his lips wonder on her face with a slight brush. "Your scent... it makes me wild...".

 

"Shouldn´t you ask me to join you?", a voice spoke from behind them.

Caius turned around Elowyn in his arms. Nazlik stood there, naked. She walked slowly closer with swaying hips. Caius licked his lips at the sight of it, "of course my love, there is room for all of us in the bed".

 

"I thought so", Nazlik said with a enticing smile.

 

She walked to them letting her hands wonder around Caius and Elowyn. "This is going to be interesting" Nazlik whispered with a sultry voice. "What.. " Elowyn felt disoriented, what was happening to her?

They moved slowly to the bed. Caius placed Elowyn gently on it, his hands wondered around her dress opening the fastenings. "I am good", he whispered at her, "I've had a lot of practice. You will love this".

 

Nazlik slid into the bed next to Elowyn. "Why don´t you come here between us and let us do the work for you this time?". Caius gazed at her for a moment, then nodded. "Why not, I am all yours". He turned around falling on his back between them. Nazlik purred letting her hand wander across his chest. Elowyn just lay there confused.

 

There was a metallic flash when Nazlik struck a dagger she had been hiding behind her back into Caius throat. Blood gushed on them as she twisted the blade driving it deeper through his throat. Elowyn shrieked when his blood sprayed on her face.

Nazlik kept turning the blade deeper despite Caius weakening resistance. Then his twitching stopped. "That was not Caius", Nazlik whispered her face covered with blood. "It was more like a desire or something".

 

"you mean?".

 

"There is a desire for you inside him", Nazlik smiled at her, "I´m not blind, I know Caius". She reached out to take her hand, now her shimmering armor was once again on her. "Come, we still have to find him". "How did you find me anyway?", Elowyn asked, "you are not dreamer. I thought you were lost in his dreams". "When you want something you will find a way", Nazlik whispered.

 

The world melted away once again.

 

---

 

And then they were in a small hill. Moon was shining high above in the clear night. They glanced around, "where are we?" Elowyn asked. "Does this look familiar?".

Nazlik looked around, "there is something...".

 

"Do you believe in destiny?" a voice spoke from the hill. Two figures sat there, their silhouettes clear against the full moon. Nazlik and Caius.

 

"Caius", Nazlik whispered, a plaintive smile appeared on her lips and tears started to fall down her cheek. "I know where we are, on that hill I confessed my love to him. It is his dream". Elowyn gazed at her silently, "maybe we should go".

 

She took her arm and world turned once again.

 

---

 

Sun shined. The world was full of flowery scent. flowers, thousands of flowers dotted the field. Small trees in full bloom covered in flowers stood around them.

"Oh, this is beautiful", Nazlik exclaimed, "can you smell that scent?". Elowyn gazed around, "air is full of it, we should look around".

They walked onward through the field. Sun shined and butterflies flew around them. Everything seemed so cheerful. Then they heard laughter fill the air. "Listen" Elowyn whispered. Laughter filled the air once again, it sounded like a young woman, then a voice of a young man joined.

 

They glanced at each other and sneaked closer between the small trees. In a small clearing, among the flowers they saw a young man and a elven woman sitting. Those two were entangled in a wild kiss and did not notice their presence. These were a younger version of the two they had met in the first time.

Nazlik took a step forward. The elven girl turned startled by the sound. "Look Caius!" she whispered shivering, "a qunari!". Young Caius turned to look at them with his brow furrowed. "We have to leave, now!". He jumped up taking her hand.

 

Within a few moments they had disappeared between the trees. "Let´s see where they go", Nazlik said, "might as well do it".

Behind the trees there was a another flowery meadow. In the center of it was a black hole, like a ugly cut on the face of this little clearing, punctured and spoiled the lovely scene. They approached it carefully. Blood and pus covered the rim of the hole. Steps covered by decay and blood led the way down into darkness. A foul wind blew from it, bringing the smell of rotten in their noses. Elowyn wrinkled her nose, "yak! That smell!". Something red pulsated there, deep down. Like a beating of a heart.

 

"I think we need to go down there. I can feel a presence", Elowyn said holding her nose.

Nazlik nodded and stepped on the first step, "it is slippery, watch your step".

 

Down the steps, through dark stone tunnel they went. Something oozed from the ceiling and walls, "It is blood" Nazlik whispered. Blood dripped on them as if the stone itself was crying with tears of blood. Elowyn cast a light to guide their way. Eerie voices echoed, silent whispers followed them.

Finally the stairs ended. Through a stone hallway dominated by high columns they reached a large doorway, and from beyond it the red light pulsated. Nazlik took Elowyn´s arm and they walked into a large hall.

The walkway they were on was raised above the floor level. Nazlik gasped. Pools of blood surrounded them, occasionally a small ripple broke the surface as if something was swimming beneath the surface.

 

Bodies, torn and cut hung from the ceiling in different heights. Wailing and cries filled the air. Nazlik walked onward shocked. "Where are we?". She winced as a face appeared in the blood, pleading. Bloody eyes filled with horror. Elowyn jumped in her side as a arm reached for her from the blood, "please, please have mercy on me".

 

In the center of the hall, surrounded by blood stood a throne. Standing on a elevated platform where steps led. Fires burned around the throne casting flickering lights on it and the man sitting on it.

 

"Caius", Nazlik whispered, "finally". Elowyn gazed at him cautiously, "he looks strange".

 

Caius leaned on the stone arm rest resting his chin on his pawn. His gaze was cast down, as if he was musing over something.

"Caius!" Nazlik stepped forward, "it´s me my love!". Caius twitched, he raised his head looking at them. "Nazlik?", a whisper left from his lips. A figure stepped forward from the shadow of the throne. A naked Nazlik stepped softly at Caius side placing her hand on his arm. "What is it my love?".

"Demon", Elowyn gasped, "a desire demon". Nazlik grunted at the sight of it, "Caius, that is not me! Look at me!".

 

Desire Nazlik standing next to Caius wrapped her arm around his shoulders letting her fingers run across his chest. She took a gently grip of Caius chin turning him to look at her. "There is nothing here my love, just a dream of the past pestering you. I am here". She leaned forward for a kiss, a long and twisty tongue slipped between Caius lips. She kissed him passionately.

 

Nazlik roared with rage, "get your hands of him!".

 

Desire turned to look at them, she licked her lips winking at them. "Tasty..." her whisper taunted them. Then her hand started wonder down Caius chest and slipping into his pants. She tilted her head with a teasing smile. "Mine, all mine.. " her steamy voice filled the air.

 

Nazlik took a step forward pulling her sabres, Elowyn called for her mana.

 

"Stop right there", desire demon hissed. "I have waited so long for him. So long I have been bound to him by his will. So long have I wanted him. And now I have him. I found him wandering in the darkest of dreams, my love" she touched Caius cheek. "I will never let him go!". She leaned forward with a wicked smile, "the dragon is finally mine".

 

Like a signal the wailing and crying around them intensified. Shadowy figures raised from the blood pools with their mouths open, pleading and begging.

"You see, my love has been a bad man. This all is a reflection of what he has done in his life. The lives he has taken or destroyed. The pain he has been sharing to others for the pain he felt", the demon gestured around them. She turned to them with exultant look on her face, "and now you will witness my love in his full glory! Rise my dragon!".

 

Caius stood up from the throne. A dark shadow expanded from him. It grew into a gigantic size stretching itself. A pair of massive wings started to beat the air above the throne.

"Come on, we have to run!" Elowyn screamed taking Nazlik hand. They turned to run down the walkway. Escorted by the high pitch laughter of the demon. Nazlik grind her teeth, "No! I will not leave him for this demon!". She pulled her hand free and turned around.

 

A massive pitch black dragon stood over the throne looking at them with fiery eyes smoke rising between its massive jaws. Its roar shook the hall causing rocks fall from the ceiling and all the shadow figures wailed and cried.

 

"Kill the demon! I will take care of Caius!", Nazlik shouted running towards the dragon. The dragon bent its massive hind legs and sprang in the air. Elowyn fade stepped right next to the demon. She  gestured and a powerful lightning arc shot at the demon. In the dream her dreamer ability amplified her power throwing the demon far across the hall screaming. Oh! I did that?, Elowyn thought surprised, but it felt like there was something else behind it too.

 

The dragon was distracted by this and Nazlik took advantage of it. She sprang high in the air grabbing the dragon by its front leg. Dragon veered through the air in a tight turn towards the demon. Its pain and distress had called Caius back. Nazlik climbed taking firm grips from the large black scales. She fought hard to keep her grip while the wind threatened to throw her off.

 

"Caius!" She screamed climbing towards the head. Elowyn fade stepped to the other end of the hall next to the demon. "Let him go and I will not kill you!" she screamed. Desire demon stood up wiping blood from its mouth, still in Nazlik´s form. "Oh the little vren, still dancing on the edge. Watch out, or the dragon will swallow you completely and you will loose yourself never to return", she grinned at Elowyn. "I have seen this, little black dragon". She leaned forward hissing, "there is no happy ending for him".

 

Elowyn called for her power, a massive burst of lightning struck the demon raising it against the wall twitching and screaming. How is it I am so powerful?", Elowyn could not help but wonder. Then she caught a blood red mist flowing to her from the pools. She was feeding from Caius for strength!

The scream of the demon made the dragon roar of pain. It inhaled like a massive bellows were being worked, then a soaring burst of fire shot from it´s open mouth. Elowyn fade stepped away and the fire engulfed the demon. It scream faded away.

 

Nazlik climbed on the dragons head. "I´m sorry my love", she whispered and struck her blades into the dragons neck. A massive roar of pain shook the gigantic hall and it started to crumble. The dragon fell face down on the blood pools causing a tidal wave of blood roll through the hall.

 

Elowyn saw the crash landing, "Nazlik!" she gasped and fade stepped to the throne. There, at the bottom of the steps she found Nazlik sitting with Caius in her lap. "I saved you my love", she whispered wiping the blood of Caius face. She reached down and kissed him. Caius twitched and their eyes met. "Time to wake up love", she whispered softly. Caius glanced around him. "No! You shouldn´t be here! you shouldn´t see this!", he reached out and touched Nazlik´s forehead.

 

Nazlik vanished like a morning mist under the sun. "Why did you do that?" Elowyn gasped, "she came here to save you!". Caius stumbled on his feet, the hall started to crumble all around them. "There is no time! I know who tried to assassinate me. You need to take me to the Knight Commander" Caius reached out and took Elowyn in his arms. "You need to help me kill him".

 

"Right now? Shouldn´t we go back first, awake you?".

 

"No, they are going to make move on me. Demon showed it. We need to go now!", Caius said firmly. "Can you still find him?". Elowyn thought of the tall man standing next to the divine. Somewhere in distance she felt a little pull. "I... I think I can", she whispered worried.

"Use me, use my power to reach him", Caius said looking into her eyes. Elowyn put her arms on his cheeks and the world twirled around them.

The Knight Commander sat in a nice chair by the fire. Reading a book. A serene sleep.

 

Caius leaned forward towards him, "I can´t do it". He said silently, "I don´t have your power here. You will have to kill him". Caius handed her a silver dagger, "cut his throat".

Elowyn winced, that was a brutal murder. She knew killing him here would not result on equal death in the waken world but he would still be dead.

 

Caius placed his hands on her shoulders, "please, do it for me. For us". Elowyn heartened herself, for him. for us. The words of the demon echoed in her mind, little black dragon. She reached out her hand and placed the dagger on Knight Commanders throat. She felt so confused. She closed her eyes, please forgive me. Then she pulled the blade across his throat and blood gushed out from the massive wound. With a slight flash the Knight Commander disappeared along with his dream.

 

He is dead by my hand.

 

"Thank you", Caius said softly. The world twirled around them and sun shined once again. Flowery field stretched out into the horizon all around them. Caius turned her to face him, "you saved me my vren" he whispered hoarsely placing his lips gently on hers. Their power hummed all around them forming a massive hurricane pulling their clothes and hair. The world exploded as their powers intertwined.

 

Elowyn opened her eyes in her bed, he is awake. And I brought him back.*

[Uccio]

Fifteenth chapter: another road

 

Note: Caius apprentice somniari Elowyn Adaran has left and Caius faces changes which he has trouble of handling.

 

Spoiler

"Caius Aquillius Vaellanius, bring the accused forward!".

Two heavily armored pretorian guards stepped forward dragging Caius between them. He did not resist but the guards were still able to drag him causing him loose balance with the shackles tied to his wrists and ankles, they were dotted with anti-magic wards to nullify his magic. His hands were shackled behind his back. The Archon´s palace floor was also filled with similar wards, all just because of him.

A wry smile lingered on Caius lips, they still fear me.

"Here is the accused!", cried out the Grand Cleric assigned to be the prosecutor.

The pretorians tried to press Caius on his knees without success. Angered by his resistance the one on his right side struck his armored fist into his gut causing Caius to bend forward while his companion kicked him into the back of his knee causing to him fall down on his knees.

The Archon, the new one, sat in his throne gazing this incident silently. Caius could still make out the fear in his eyes. Members of the Magisterium and Senate were positioned around the throne in a semi arc. All facing Caius on his knees. So few of them were in the room, or even left. So many had died in the civil war.

The Grand Cleric cleared his throat, "Caius Aquillius Vaellanius, you are accused of instigating a violent revolt against the Archon, the True Chantry and the legal regime of Tevinter Imperium. How do you plead?".

Caius smiled, it was a cold smile. One of the guards struck his armored fist into his chin causing his head violently swing to the opposite direction. A stream of blood started to flow down his cheek from the busted lip.

"How do you plead?", the prosecutor replied.

"Just get on with it", Caius finally whispered indifferently. "I have places to go".

"To be noted that the accused is not willing to respond to the court", the prosecutor turned to the archivist writing all down.

Caius closed his eyes. I want to go now, I want to go where Nazlik has gone.

He remembered the last moments of his failed coup, the Imperial troops charging into their lines. Power roaring, Caius struck down dozens of men. Then the mage-killer suddenly appearing behind him. And Nazlik, she charged forward, to shield him with her body... Then dozens of neutralization glyphs falling on him while he sat on the ground holding her as she bled, so badly. Blood, her blood everywhere. They had stopped him just before he was able to cast the spell to give her his life..

He gazed the new Archon with a blank stare. The world had lost it´s glimmer, it was dark and grey. I want to go where she has gone.

".. and for your crimes against Tevinter Imperium and it´s rightful regime you are being sentenced...", the prosecutor took a dramatic moment, gazing Caius with exultant look "to be made trainquil!".

Caius raised his head, the last words had pierced his apathy.

"NO!", he struggled trying to get on his feet but the pretorian guards kept him down. "Kill me you sons of *******", he roared. "I need to go where she has gone!". The audience roared with delight to his reaction while the guards dragged Caius away.

Ciaus stared at the brand closing to his forehead grinding his teeth while the guards were holding him down, you will not take my love away!

Cold so cold, like diving into a pool filled with ice. Serene, calm.


Caius recoiled from his dream sweat beads on his forehead. He stood up in haste gazing at the stone table suspiciously. That was a new dream, did something change? Did I miss something, has the future being changed? I need to get to the bottom of this.

---

*"Oh, what can I do to you this time oh mighty Magister?" the desire demon purred softly. "I need more power", Caius said gazing into the demons eyes. "I need to delve deeper into the omens, to find the correct timeline. Do you have what I need?".
For the first time during the long years of their cooperation Caius could see hesitation in the demons eyes. "I... I can´t provide you what you need. You are more powerful than I am, have been for a long time now".

Caius closed his eyes squeezing his hands into fists. "There are beings in the Fade which can provide you with more power thought" demon said after a moment of silence. Then it tilted it´s head gazing him with intrigue. "I sense a new desire in you, oh I do. It burns so deep that I almost missed it. You hid it well my love".

It had changed into Nazlik´s form. It stood there twisting her body in a slow sensual movement. Her long arms wondering in Nazlik´s naked body, caressing it. "I will allow this to you my love. After all, man has his urges". She hissed with her sultry voice oozing hot desire. Her pink tongue wondered slowly and seductively across her dark bronze lips.

Caius blinked, that was unexpected. He was surprised. "I didn´t call you here to talk about urges".

"Oh, but I love to talk about them. Desire is sooo strong in you, you live and breath it", the demon laughed , her voice tingling in Caius ears like a thousand siren singing.

Caius raised his hand, power struck demon causing it to shake uncontrollable. This time her scream was less seductive, more filled with pain. "I didn´t call you here to talk about my urges", Caius voice was now deep and ominous.

Now the demon hissed with rage. Elowyn stood in her place, "you will never have what you desire mortal, do you hear me! Never!".

"I always get what I want", Caius eyes were black as night.

---

Caius walked slowly down the ancient spiral staircase. Down and down he went, to the old and forgotten part of the catacombs where no one had ventured in centuries.

No else but one, one set of footprints in the dust guided his way under the pale light shining from his staff. Across the stone hallways filled with dust and bad memories his black hooded figure walked silently.
Whispers, wailing, memories of pain long forgotten echoed in these chambers. Translucent figures, flashing just in the edge of the field of his vision. Caius didn´t care, he did not fear them then and he didn´t fear them now.

He passed a large stone pit filled with ancient mummified corpses and skeletons. Remnants of some ancient ritual cast with the price of hundreds of slaves. Ancient carvings decorated the tunnels from the ground to the ceiling. He knew that there were several of these pits. One of his ancestors had taken part in a ritual which had required the lives of hundreds of slaves. Only this place remembers now what ritual it was, no one else did.

Caius walked down the stairs following his own footprints from behind the years. He walked through hallways and finally across a grand hall dust whirling in his feet, his footsteps echoing from the distant walls covered by the darkness.

Whispers echoed from all around him, the Veil seemed to be thinner here. And there it was, in the center of the hall. A large platform where the blood grooves led from all the pits, and into the altar on it. This is where his forefather had done something unthinkable. And here he could call a greater demon.*

 

Spoiler

*Caius gazed at Nazlik playing with the baby, the little boy giggled as she tickled him burying her face in his tummy. She left, he thought looking softly their play. She left and now I face defeat and death.

 

Caius leaned forward ruffling the boys hair, he turned his silver eyes looking at him smiling. He is going to be a big boy, Caius thought. Almost as big as a qunari. He sighted, if he gets to live that long. Caius knew what was the result of the failed coup, all of his house would be put to sword. And his bastard boy was no exception.

 

He would need to make preparations for that future, to make sure it would not happen, at least in such fashion. Nazlik... , Caius would make sure she would not be there to prevent the kill strike. At least she would be somewhere else and alive. Nazlik glanced at him smiling, as if she heard his thought.

Caius smiled at her, if the world was going down in flames Caius would make sure she would survive it, with their child.

 

Have you lost your strength boy? Lingered in Caius mind, I thought you were a Magister. I made sure of it, maybe you are no longer worth the power. Are you really going to let your one weapon just run away and do nothing?

 

Caius disregarded that thought, his fathers ghost was just that to him, a ghost. Caius knew the right thing to do would be to sent his all might after her. To bring her back. But something stopped him. This was one of the moments in his life where his decision would determine what kind of man he would be. And Caius feared the cold emptiness that would follow such desicions. He had aquired a balance of sort and found relative peace inside him. Bringing her back would turn him down that dark road again.

 

And my daughters, I need to make sure they will get out of Tevinter if that happens. Caius stood up and walked to the balcony. He closed his eyes and let the night breeze caress his face with it´s cold touch.

 

There is still one option, the greater demon. It would require a lot of blood, many slaves. He knew that would be the battle of his life to get such monsters under his control. But if he would loose... The thought of greater demon rampaging through Minrathous in his body was disturbing.

Either way, he needed to get Nazlik out of here. Caius didn´t fear death or torment, but he feared loosing her. Suddenly he felt himself extremely tired, like the years had gained extra weight on his shoulders. I am tired, and I feel I am slipping.

 

"Darling?", Nazlik placed her hand on his shoulder. "What are you thinking? You seem to be in your thoughts". She smiled at him holding the boy who tried to grab Caius staff.

"Nothing my darling, nothing serious", Caius turned to look at her. He touched her cheeck softly, "I love you, and I always will. No matter what happens in this world".

Nazlik expression turned concerned, "where did that come from? Is something wrong?".

 

"Nothing is wrong my love", Caius exhaled. "There are just things I need to do now, a little differently".*

 

Spoiler

*"Shanedan Magister" the rumbling deep voice of Armath greeted Caius. The old Tal-Vashoth stood before a little rundown shack located by the shore of this little cove. His spouse, Hatam, the mother of Nazlik stood next to her watching the little baby in her arms. Their stoic approach to the situation seemed a bit strange to Caius, but them being runaways from the Qun explained their diminutive emotions. Some things are hard to leave behind.

 

"Greetings Armath" Caius intentionally used more friendly approach and reached out his hand for a handshake. Armath stared at his hand with his grey eyes and indecipherable look on his face. Caius stood there his hand reached out, "it is a common courtesy to return a greetings". Caius said calmly. The gigantic Tal-Vashoth stood there still for a moment, then took his arm.

 

"I know... Caius" his rumbling voice blurted out, like trying to decide weather or not the word contained poison. "I am just not sure if I care to shake a hand of a Magister".

"Fair enough", Caius smirked, "the feeling is mutual. Shall we?". He pointed the way to the shack where Nazlik and her mother had already disappeared.

 

"Just a moment", Armath placed his hand on Caius shoulder. "You carry that cold and arrogant Magister mask well", he said. "But I see you are worried beneath it".

Caius cocked an eyebrow at him, "really?". Armath smiled shortly, "I was Salit in Ben-hassrath, I can still read people". Then the smile disappeared, "tell me. If it is something that concerns my daughter I want to know".

 

Caius stood there contemplating for a moment, then he nodded. "You are right, things are not going as I planned".

He gazed at Armath grey eyes for a moment, "there might come time when my messages to you cease. Know then that I have fallen and my house has been destroyed. When that happens I would ask you to take the ship I gave you and sail to mainland. You will find your daughter from Fereldan taking refuge. This place". Caius placed a little note in his big hand. "Go there with your wife, don´t take Nazlik back to Seheron. It is too dangerous place. I have placed enough funds to Fereldan to last a lifetime".

 

Armath looked at the note silently, then turned his gaze into Caius. "Will you be there?".

 

"No. But I trust you will do everything in your power to keep her safe".

 

The old Tal-vashoth looked at him silently for a moment, "I will". Caius nodded.

 

They had left Minrathous two weeks ago with the child, slipped out of the city in plain traveling clothes cloaked from head to toe. They left in the following night after a House Vaellanius military convoy had left for the training fields in Silent Plains. Led by Publius disguised as Caius. Only Livia was aware of their destination.

"Are you sure it is safe for you to leave now?", She asked concerned. "You just recoved from the assassination attempt".

 

Caius took a sip of his wine, "yes, I need to clear my head and Nazlik needs to see her parents. I will move unnoticed. You will take care of things with my daughters in the mean time. Let them believe I am leading the military convoy. They don´t need to know where I am going".

"I wish... ", Livia placed her hand on Caius arm. He looked at her surprised. "I wish you wouldn´t be so hard on yourself" she said softly. Caius gazed at her in his thoughts as he stood for leaving. At the door he turned around whispering, "thank you", and left.

 

Nazlik had been overflowing with happiness to see her parents and to get out of Minrathous. They had traveled north avoiding main roads and occasionally backtracking to throw off any possible pursuers. In this remote and hard reaching cove by the mountains they met Nazlik parents brought here by a fast ship, manned by Caius' agents.

 

"There is one more thing. I want you to know that this is extremely dangerous" Caius said silently to Armath as they were walking towards the shack, "you are the enemy of the Imperium for all intents and purposes. There is no formal alliance between the Beres-taar tribe and Tevinter yet. If this would leak I would loose my head, and that would be the easiest way out. My daughters, Nazlik and the child are in mortal danger just because we came here. Remember that".

 

Armath nodded with a grim look, "I understand and appreciate it. And I trust you will protect my daughter and grandchild with the best of your ability". "To my death" Caius said, "but let´s not rush there yet".

 

Inside the shack they found Nazlik and Hatam playing with the boy on the floor. "He is a little human" Hatam smiled softly at Nazlik, "but he has your hair and eyes".

"What is his name?" Armath rumbled as silently as possible but still got the baby´s attention. 

 

"Cassius Akaar Vaellanius" Nazlik said proudly pinching the baby´s cheek, the boy burped in response. "The boy has a destiny on him" Hatam said silently, "but there is a dark shadow, a danger looming over him. Dices are rolling". Caius glanced at her sharply. She had a absent look on her while she spoke, then shaking her head she continued "So, we brought gifts. I want to give them now".

 

"What shadow?" Nazlik asked concerned, "what dices? what were you talking about?". The nightmare she had seen surfaced in her mind. "Oh, don´t mind me" Hatam said, "I´m getting old. I sometimes get a little dazed". For the rest of the night the issue was buried.*

 

Spoiler

*Publius stood by the large mirror in Caius tent admiring himself from it. "I am a Magister of Tevinter Imperium" he whispered to himself stroking Caius robes he was wearing, I would make a great Magister.

 

"Should I step outside? Maybe you two need alone time?".

 

"Haha, very funny", Publius turned around irritated. Vel sat by the table his legs streched over it. "And take your boots of the table. I eat on it!", Publius snapped. Vel put his feet down, "alright, alright your highness. Boy you are a tight ass".

 

"I am a Magister now. Or will be someday", Publius took a deep breath and tried to look calm. "Master trusted me with this job. He truly knows my potential".

 

"Yes, you make a good rack for his robes".

 

Publius glared at him but didn´t say a word. Vel sighted, "I´m sorry. I am feeling a bit low now". He reached for his lute and started plucking it playing few melancholy tunes. "So what is it this time, some bar maiden punched you again?", Publius said trying to get a glimpse of himself in the mirror.

 

"It´s Elowyn. She disapperead, no one knows where she went and boss is not going to look for her", Vel shrugged shaking his head. "What´s with that anyway? I thought he valued her talent".

"No wonder she left, look at the way you treated her ser Sensitivity. You don´t have any clues?", Publius cocked an eyebrow at Vel.

"What do you know about women, oh great dusty tome?", Vel said with a furrowed brow. "I know plenty", Publius said raising his chin with a imperius look on his face.

 

"And please tell, from where did you aquire this higher knowledge?".

 

"I read it", Publius said looking himself from the mirror "from a book".

 

Vel stared at him for a moment with his mouth open. Then he exploded with a laughter. He wrapped his arms around himself but fell off the chair. His neighing just kept going as he rolled on the floor carpet.

"It is not that funny", Publius said glaring at him. Vel tried to catch his breath, but then he got another glimpse of Publius face and fell on his back laughing again.

 

After a round of heartfull laughter he sat up viping his eyes, "thank you, I needed that". "I wasn´t kidding", Publius said, "for a man of many women you seem to know little about women". "I know enough that the answer is not in some dusty tome my friend", Vel smirked. "Women operate mostly with feelings, not on knowledge".

"I know that, but do you?", Publius said, "you just left her hanging there. What did you expect would happen?".

 

"I didn´t leave her hanging", Vel said angry. "I was there, but I had to work my way back to bosses better side. One slip and my head would have rolled". He stood up, "and I like it just where it is".

"Well, you keep telling yourself that", Publius twirled before the mirror. "You know, dressing up to him doesn´t make you him", Vel said sitting down to the chair and pouring himself a cup of wine. "And why do you care? You didn´t exactly like her".

 

"I didn´t", Publius said, "but she made you calm down. No more following you to one of those horrific whorehouses in some Maker forsaken alley". He turned to see Vel. "I have also started courting, for your information".

 

"Oh really, who is this lucky maiden to be tormented by your presence?"

 

"I sent gifts to Miriel. And I sent a official request to master for a permission to court her if she accepts me".

 

Vel smiled, "so, you have your work cut out for you then. Best of luck!". He raised his cup and drank it all.*

 

Spoiler

*Nazlik opened her eyes, the tent was silent as only rain poured on it with a soothing sound. But she felt restless at heart. She gazed at the baby sleeping in the crate next to her. He was sound asleep, with a slight snoring.

 

Her anxiety kept increasing despite the calm surroundings. Then she felt a presence, Caius.. she whispered her heart racing. The ring in her hand heated slowly up. She could feel Caius thinking of her, he felt agitated. There was rage, then a vivid image of him smiling and touching her chin. I love you, he whispered.

 

A flash of pain broke through severing their connection. A desolate loneliness filled her. The baby started crying. He felt it too, she thought crabbing her shirt pressing her chest. She reached out and took the baby lulling him in her arms. 

 

"Shhh it was just a dream. Your father is alright, he will come to us later". She whispered knowing it was lie and tears filled her eyes.

 

Suddenly the cloth on the tent door was pulled aside. Livia stuck her head in, "put your clothes on now! We need to leave this instant! I will prepare the horses".

 

She disappeared leaving Nazlik surprised for a moment. She knew the situation thought. There was no time to loose. In a few moments she had dressed in her traveling clothes and placed the baby in his chest straps. He could walk already and tried to form words. And now he would never see him again, she thought tears blurring her vision. Nazlik stepped outside wiping her eyes.

 

Livia ran to her pulling a horse behind her, "here climb on, there in no moment to loose!". The whole camp was buzzing with activity. Soldiers pulled on their armors, readying their weapons. Nazlik mounted her horse, a black stallion. Caius favorite horse, a plaintive thought flashed in her mind.

 

"Ride like a wind. Do not look back nor wait for me. I will follow you if I can", Livia said holding the reigns, "if I don´t find you keep riding, you have the instructions. Do you have your gold?". Nazlik nodded, "aren´t you coming?".

 

A guard ran into the camp light from darkness, "they are here, the Imperial troops are here!".

 

Livia gazed at the guard then turned to Nazlik. "No, I need to buy you time". She waved her hand and Nazlik´s tent caught fire. "If they know Caius has a heir, even a bastard, they will hunt him to the end of the world".

 

"What about you, what if they catch you?", Nazlik looked her concerned.

 

"No they won´t", Livia said showing a grenade in her belt, "they will not get me alive".

 

Nazlik reached down and took her arm, "why are you doing this? You don´t have to. You could just ran away and not look back".

Livia looked into her eyes, "I promised to Caius". She looked her for a moment in silence, then whispered, "and I loved him too".

 

She reached out and slapped the horse on it´s behind. "Don´t look back!".

 

Nazlik rode out of the camp and into the night. The wind soughed in her ears, after a moment she could hear fighting breaking out behind her. Shouting, explosions, metal hitting metal. The night was illuminated with magical power.

 

Goodbye my friend", she whispered tears in her eyes. In her fist she clenched Caius signet ring.

 

 

Nazlik winced awake from her dream. She wiped the sweat off her forehead her heart racing. So real, so vivid dream. She reached for Caius but he had disappeared from the bed. Morning first light peaked through the cracks in the wall.*

 

[Uccio]

(Disclaimer, Elowyn Adaran is being written by forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius stood by the pier watching the waves, feeling the salty drops brought by the wind on his face. The eternal movement of the sea was comforting. What ever happened the sea would still be here. He drew some strange strength of the thought. He raised his hands gesturing, slowly the air electrified around him.

 

Caius closed his eyes, letting his power fill him. The air around him started to move against the wind blowing from the sea. Clouds gathered, darkness filled the area. Caius stood there his eyes closed, arms stretched out. Letting his power run freely. Lightning struck across the sky. power twirled around him pulling his robes.

A series of lightnings struck from the clouds into the sea and near him with a deafening strength. The air was electrified, and smell of smoke lingered. More and more lightning struck all around him turning the storm into a constant thunder where all the lightning formed one massive sound.

 

Sea hissed bubbling as the water boiled and large craters were carved into the ground sending dirt and grass flying in the air. The flashing of the lightning burned into Caius retina despite his closed eyes. And yet he kept feeding his power to the storm making it even stronger, his feet slowly raised from the ground.

 

He was one with the power. Ecstatic feeling flashed through him. Venting all his feelings, his frustration and rage into the storm. The constant roar of power turned the world into one gigantic white light with no sound as the power of the storm filled everything. And in the heart of it stood Caius and he roared with the storm.

 

He let go of his power reluctantly, his feet touched the torn and smoking ground. And the storm died down, in a few moments nothing was left of it but dead fish floating in the sea and smoke in the air from the little firest around him.

 

Caius took a deep breath.

 

"Are you alright darling?"

 

He turned around and saw Nazlik walking towards him. "That storm probably alerted everyone in 10 miles radius", she said smiling. Caius smiled shortly, "I chose this place for a reason. It should be desolate".

 

"Funny thing my love, the baby was not startled by the sound. He just started laughing", Nazlik walked to his side looking at the sea.

"He has a great future ahead of him", Caius whispered.

 

"Mother had something to talk about so I will head there. I just had to make sure you were alright", Nazlik said leaning down giving him a kiss.

 

Caius gazed after her in his thoughts. Am I a monster my love? I have taken so many lives, and so many lives have extended mine. I would not be alive otherwise. Caius turned to look at a seagull crying high in the air. And yet I feel no remorse. Lives are just expendable asset to me, only people close to me have a value beyond others. Like you, like her.

 

Caius rubbed his temple. He thought of the note he had left for her. In vain, but he found some odd comfort in it. Elowyn, you touched me and for that I let you go. Be free where ever you are, maybe this is for the best for both of us.

 

He swept his hair. No hesitation, no remorse. I need to be strong and ruthless for the times that are ahead of us. He sighted looking at the calming waves. I don´t have the luxury of happiness.

 

There is only duty, duty for the Imperium and for the family, surfaced from the depths of his mind.

 

Caius closed his eyes. Old pain filled him. Like a tidal wave it appeared from the darkness of his mind.

 

Darkness, flickering red lights on the black stone walls. Cold granite against his burning flesh. Chanting. Sounds and voices tearing him apart, removing parts of him. Screaming, panting, shivering mass of bloody meat. Nothing, there is nothing left of him. Then a cloaked figure leans towards him, to finish what he had started. Whispering the words to his ear as sweat drops fall down his cheek mixing with his blood.

 

There is only duty, duty for the Imperium and for the family.

 

There is never going back, he knew it. Caius raised his head and straightened his back. With a steel clad voice he whispered. "I am what I am".*

 

Spoiler

*Caius opened his eyes in the early morning just to look into Nazlik silver eyes, her face hovering above his. She gazed at him leaning against his chest, her white hair covering the world from Caius sight. "Did you sleep well my love?", she whispered looking into his eyes.

 

"I did, with you by my side", Caius whispered touching her cheek. "How´s the baby?".

 

"Still asleep", Nazlik whispered. "I thought we could steal some time for each other". She leaned down kissing him softly.

 

That afternoon they were ready to leave. Armath and Hatam stood at the pier ready to board the ship that had brought them. After they had said goodbyes Armath handed a scroll to Caius.

 

"This is a list of spies Ben-hassrath has placed inside the Imperium, I made it from memory so it is not up to date, and it´s been decades since I was in the Qun so there might be new ones". Caius took the parchment quietly. 

"I was Salit so I know these names by heart, I recruited most of them. Humans and elves. They are supposed to start sabotage when the qunari land in Tevinter".

 

He gazed at Caius steadily, "and they will. Soon. Don´t let them take my daughter and grandchild". Caius nodded firmly, "it will never happen, that I swear". He took Armath hand shaking it, "and you remember what I said".

 

After the sleek ship had sailed out to the Nocen sea they mounted their horses and headed for the mountain path. Nazlik sang a lullaby in qunlat to the baby snoozing in the harness against her chest. "I am going to teach him talk qunlat too" she smirked at Caius.

 

"That is actually a good idea, it is good to know your enemy" Caius agreed. "And no, by the enemy I mean the Qun" he continued seeing the look Nazlik gave to him. She smiled at that, "I know silly".

 

In a few days they had cleared out of the mountain ranges shadow riding slowly along a narrow cart path south bound. Nazlik sang silently at the baby as they rode almost side by side. "I´m so glad we got to do this" she turned to Caius. "Thank you my love for bringing my parents to see us".

 

Caius looked at her gently, "for you anything darling, never doubt that. When we get back hom...". 

 

Just a faint whisper gave away what was to come before a gigantic boulder flew down from the hillside bouncing on the path striking the horse from under Caius. He flipped in the air falling to the ground striking his forehead painfully to the gravel dazing him for a moment.

 

Nazlik horse bolted up on its back legs neighing terrified. A massive roar echoed from the hill. Caius stumbled on his feet blood flowing into his eyes just a dozens of darkspawn ran down the hill followed by a few ogres. Nazlik struggled to control her horse, the animal had caught the scent of the darkspawn. Caius took a one glance on the coming darkspawn sweeping blood off his eyes, "ride, as fast as you can!" he roared.

 

Nazlik fought to control her horse screaming, "No! Come here, we can ride all together!". Caius saw how some of the darkspawn archers got inside the range pulling their arrows from quivers, the gigantic Ogre grabbed another boulder from the hill side. He glanced at Nazlik.

 

Broodmother... the image of the monster crossed his mind, Nazlik... "No time!", Caius barked while the blood magic spell sparkled in his mind powering itself from his wound. He took a deep breath concentrating on the horse, run.

 

The horse bolted straights down the trail like a arrow with Nazlik fighting with the reigns "No!". But the horse was strong and fast, her struggle was futile. They disappeared soon down the path. Save our son I will find you, Caius thought turning to the charging darkspawn. He struck his staff on the ground, black smoke twirled and massive demon appeared next to the ogre charging it.

 

A rising howl made him to take a quick glance around him, all around darkspawn emerged from the bushes charging at him. Caius twirled around gesturing, a massive gravity ring formed where he stood, centering on him. He raised his arms calling for entropic power and storm.

 

"You want me? Come get me then!", Caius roared. A rumbling sound escorted black clouds apperearing in the sky. Temperature dropped fast while first lightnings struck across the sky. Caius pulsated hand of winter followed by repulsion field freezing the closest darkspawn into glimmering ice statues then shattering them into thousands of ice crystals showering into the ground.

 

Power roared around him under the black clouds, a snow storm exploded into a massive blizzard followed by a lightning storm. Pillars of lightning struck the ground all around him with a massive power destroying any darkspawn struggling with the gravity ring sending black blood and body parts flying into the air, frozen pieces. A storm of the century was being cast. Entropic power wrecked havoc among the darkspawn.

 

Then a massive stone boulder struck Caius, thrown by another ogre. His magical shield and the gravity ring withstood the kinetic power but it still had enough power to send Caius rolling down the hillside unconscious.*

 

Spoiler

Elowyn stepped out of the vault, bemused. The world was full of strange events, so many mysteries! How did a revenant come to inhabit a mark on her throat? She wanted to look in a mirror – how would she explain a scar in the shape of a key? Just then, she felt a tingling in her hand. It was the ring Caius had given her. An image sprang into her mind: Caius injured, bleeding. But where was he? He was supposed to be training with his troops. Yet she felt him in a different place, a barren, rocky place, all alone.

 

She felt a sense of urgency. Her heart started beating fast. How to get to him? He was far away, too far for her to walk. He needed her quickly. There was only one way. She stepped across the Veil.

 

It might have been a bad idea to cross the Veil in the largest cemetery in Minrathous. The Fade teemed with spirits, all wanting to talk to her. There was no time!

 

“I need your help!” she called to the spirits as they gathered around her. “One of your own is injured and in danger. I must get to him. Will you help me?”

 

An elven woman reached out to her. “You serve my house. It is my descendant who needs you – come!” The woman transformed into a giant rook. Elowyn climbed onto its back and held onto its feathers as it spread its wings and rose into the air. The city dwindled below them. Sunlight glittered on the water. The water was so clear, Elowyn could see into the depths. Gigantic sea creatures swam below, their forms moving in layers like cloud shadows across mountains. The rook flew north.

 

The signal in her hand grew stronger. They reached a narrow defile through two rocky escarpments. Something black and evil oozed across the landscape.

 

The rook landed. “Be careful, daughter of my House. Evil inhabits this place.” Elowyn dismounted, the rook took off, and she stepped back through the Veil. A group of Darkspawn was running toward her, followed by a gigantic ogre. Its roar shook the ground beneath her feet, sending a small avalanche of stones bouncing down the cliffs. Where was Caius?

 

The ogre ripped a huge boulder from the side of the hill and raised it above its head. Elowyn felt a rush of anger at these mindless creatures. She called her mana and hurled it at the group of darkspawn in a wave of entropy. They slipped and slid backwards toward the ogre. It lost its grip on the boulder, which tumbled down, crushing some of the darkspawn. Elowyn twisted her hands and converted the entropy to growth, calling up gigantic roots from the rocky ground. They pierced through the ogre’s body and sucked its lifeforce. She reached out for its blood and pulled it toward her, shaping it. The Veil tore open, and Elowyn drew its raw substance through, transforming the black blood into spears, which she hurled at the remaining darkspawn.

 

One of them had reached her, however. It swung its rusty, blood-encrusted sword and she jumped back, raising her staff. Brilliant white light flowed from the staff, burning the darkspawn to cinders. Another group of darkspawn appeared, running down the hill. She had nothing left with which to fight them. Then she remembered the mark. She touched it and said, “I need you now!” With a burst of light, the revenant appeared. It saw the darkspawn and roared. They stopped in their tracks, tripping over each other.

 

“Go,” said the revenant to Elowyn in its gravedust voice. “This is but child’s play.” It turned back toward the darkspawn and raised its sword. Black energy snarled out of it, entangling the darkspawn. The revenant pulled, and its enemies were drawn helplessly toward it. With a swing of its sword, the revenant hacked through them.

 

Elowyn felt dizzy, drained of mana, but the darkspawn were all disposed of. “Thank you, once again,” she said to the revenant. It nodded and seemed to smile, then it disappeared. “I don’t know if I can get used to that,” thought Elowyn to herself.

 

“Master!” she shouted, “Where are you?” She heard a weak cry and ran toward it. Her Master lay in a ditch, hidden by rocks. He was bleeding and bruised. Elowyn called up the little bit of mana that remained and channeled it through her staff, sending it into Caius to stop the bleeding.

 

She kneeled next to him and checked his body for broken bones. “You came,” he croaked. “Nazlik…”

 

“We’ll find her,” Elowyn said. “We need to get away from this place though – there might be more darkspawn.” Caius' body was badly bruised, his flesh torn in places, and he had a concussion, but his bones weren’t broken, thank the gods. She put her arms around him. “Try to stand. I need you to take only a small step with me.” Caius struggled weakly to his feet, his knees buckling. Elowyn supported his weight on her small frame. “One step. There!” She took him into the Fade.

 

“We are safe for the moment, but I don’t know what lies on this side of the Veil,” she said, laying him down. She quickly shaped a small shelter around them and a pillow for his head. He started to drift off, and she patted his cheek, “Stay with me,” she said. “I’m sorry, but you need to stay awake. You have a nasty head wound. I need you to do something. I am out of mana.” She slipped a stiletto from a pocket in her dress. Caius’ eyes widened. “Shh,” she said, “don’t worry.” She drew the blade across her breast. The blood flowed in a seam. “Take my blood,” she said, raising his hand to her body. She felt him draw on her blood to heal himself, and she moaned as his power swept through her. Would he take too much?

 

She felt herself growing weaker. “Master…” she gasped. His color returned as she grew pale. Then he released her, and she collapsed.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

Elowyn’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked into the face of her Master. “Good, you’re awake!” he said, smiling. She smiled back, she couldn’t help it, she was that glad to see him after everything the both of them had been through. Her head was in his lap, and he was holding her hand. It was a strangely casual position to be in, but so comfortable. She almost drifted off again. “Elowyn,” she heard him say, “We need to find Nazlik.” Her eyes opened again, and she sat up. He appeared to be completely healed. It was amazing. He reached his hand toward her collarbone, and she shied away. “This mark,” he said.

 

“I’ll explain later,” she replied, looking down.

 

“Let me heal this wound, the one you made with your knife.” She let him touch it, and felt his cool touch close up the wound. He looked again into her eyes, as if he couldn’t believe she was really there, sitting in front of him. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come back,” he said.

 

She smiled shyly. “I felt you calling me.” It was a little unsettling being this close to him. How often she had thought of him while she was gone, how he had released her from the mage’s trap and returned her to the world. She reached out for his hand and held it in hers.

 

“I guess we’re even!” she joked.

 

He laughed and squeezed her hand, then reached out and picked up a strand of her hair, running it through his fingers. “Perhaps you are some beautiful Fade-creature, and I am just dreaming,” he said.

 

It was her turn to laugh. “Maybe I am!” She’d spent so much time in the Fade, she was beginning to feel that this side of the Veil was more real to her than the other. Caius had such a strange, bemused look on his face. Then his eyes intensified as they gazed at her. He had that smoky look again, as if his inner fires were burning. She felt herself blushing.

 

“Nazlik,” she said, breaking the spell.

 

“Yes, let’s go.” He helped her stand. “It’s so strange to be here physically,” he said. “I need you to bring me out again.”

 

“Oh, right!” she said. She sometimes forgot that other mages couldn’t just wink across the Veil like she could. She took his hand and stepped through. He looked around, noticing the pile of darkspawn corpses and the body of the ogre.

 

“What happened here?” he asked, incredulous.

 

“Well, first, you happened – some of these corpses were here already! Then I arrived, and… well, I had to get rid of them so I could tend to you.”

 

He gave her a sharp look. “I had a little help,” she said.

 

He closed his eyes and turned, feeling the bond he shared with Nazlik through his enchanted ring. “This way,” he said, walking south. Elowyn glanced around, worried there might be more darkspawn lurking just around the corner, but all was quiet. So far.

 

Elowyn ran to catch up with Caius. He was a lot taller than she, and walked faster. “Master, look! A horse has been this way.” She pointed out a pile of dung. Caius examined it. “How long was I out?” he asked.

 

“It couldn’t have been very long,” Elowyn said, “Or those darkspawn would have gotten you. She can’t be too far.” Caius sped up his pace, and Elowyn ran after him.

 

Gradually, a few evergreen trees began appearing among the rocks and boulders. A faint trail split off from the main path, leading up into a forest. Caius and Elowyn examined it, looking for hoofprints. The ground was hard. “Which way feels right?” Elowyn asked Caius. He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating. “Up the hill,” he said, and strode off.

 

They dark trees closed overhead. Fallen needles muffled their footsteps. Elowyn fell a little behind. She was still a bit wiped out from the battle. She heard the stomp and snort of a horse ahead. Suddenly, the Master cried out. She scrambled up the hill. Someone had a knife to the Master’s throat! She prepared to cast, then realized the assailant was Nazlik.

 

“Hey!” Elowyn called out. Nazlik released Caius and turned toward her in shock. “Elowyn? What are you doing here?!”

 

“Uh…” She started to say, but Caius interrupted her, “Where is he?” he demanded. Nazlik laughed and hugged him. “Right here,” she said, leading him into the grove. A little boy was sitting in the clearing on a bed of pine needles. A shaft of sunlight lit up his white hair. Caius ran over and picked the baby up. Elowyn stood still, staring at the baby she’d seen in Caius’ dreams, and the boy looked at her.

 

“He’s a little shy of strangers,” said Nazlik. “He’s at that age.”

 

“Lel!” said the boy, reaching out his arms. Elowyn walked over and took him from Caius. The baby laughed when she smiled at him and bounced him on her hip. Caius and Nazlik darted a glance at each other. Caius shook his head.

 

“It’s as if he knows you already,” said Nazlik.

 

“We’ve met in dreams,” explained Elowyn. The little boy pointed, and Elowyn took him over to see a lizard on one of the trees. Its tail was bright blue. “Pretty!” said the boy, clapping. The lizard scurried around the side of the tree.

 

“His name is Cassius,” said Caius.

 

“I know,” replied Elowyn. She kissed the boy on his head. His hair smelled like pine and sunshine. Caius squeezed Nazlik’s hand. “I am so relieved that you’re safe,” he whispered to her.

 

“And I, you,” Nazlik said to Caius, her lip trembling. Elowyn decided to take the baby to examine a funny-looking mushroom so that Caius and Nazlik could have some time alone together.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*The horse walked slowly forward along the narrow coastal road. It was one of those side roads not many people used and it suited perfectly to Caius. He walked slowly alongside of the horse. Nazlik and Elowyn sat on the horse with the baby. Caius glanced at them from the corner of his eye seeing Elowyn looking at him. The evening sun was slowly setting with a cool breeze from the ocean. The dusty odor of the road lingered in the air.

 

"So who is going to open their mouths?", Nazlik said amused rocking in the rhythm of the horses steps. "What?", Caius asked looking at her with a surprised expression.

"We were making our way home, get attacked by darkspawn. You sent me to safety". Nazlik rolled her eyes as if she couldn´t handle few darkspawn.

The she locked eyes with Caius , "I thought you were dead, but instead of darkspawn coming after me you just stroll in with Elowyn like the two of you were in a little afternoon walk".

 

"She came in and saved me", Caius said calmly. "Through the fade". That was such a remarkable feature she had performed that Caius was squirming in his skin to know how she did it. What a way to travel!

 

"Mm-hm", Nazlik nodded, "and how did she know how to do that? And where were you before?", she gazed at Elowyn sitting behind her. "I.. ", Elowyn started but Caius cut in before she was able to say anything.

 

"She has a ring I have given to all important members of my household. It can transfer thoughts and feelings, given enough power".

 

"So you were thinking of her while fighting the darkspawn?".

 

"I was in the middle of a fight, strong emotions carry through the connection if the other party is receptive enough. She is a somniari, a dreamer, she is more intone with magic than I am", Caius said, "you might have noticed me too if you had been concentrating. But since you are not a mage having that feeling requires a lot of power".

 

"And Elowyn... ", Caius looked at her. "She was on a mission I sent her to. Something to secure our future".

 

Nazlik turned to look at Elowyn, "really, a mission on your own?".

Elowyn shrugged with a dismissive smile, "yes, I was on a mission. I was not supposed to talk about it to anyone". She glanced at Caius, their eyes met. Caius made the slightest nod. And then the baby got a handful of Elowyn´s hair with a laughter.*

[RoughTumble]

So I asked my wife if Caius' bastard was born yet.  She told me to read for myself.  Glad I did.  It's good stuff.

[Uccio]

(Disclaimer, Elowyn Adaran is being written by forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius paced around his study. Restlessly he walked across the room watching the tomes but none of them offered peace of mind to him. She came back, she came back and heard me. Caius stopped by the window watching slave children playing outside. What does it mean?

 

He rubbed his chin in his thoughts. In the Fade, he had been so close to get lost. It was like a dream. first he wasn´t sure it was her, that he would just be laying in the ditch bleeding and hallusinating because of his concussion before the darkspawn would get him. But it wasn´t a dream. 

Caius sat down. I need to do more, to make her stay. He opened a drawer and pulled out a paper with his family official seal. Then he took a quil and wrote few lines in it. There, she will be given more money and her own apartment in the family wing. And she becomes my first apprentice.

 

I need to make sure that power doesn´t leave me. Then a tiny thought slithered into his mind. Is that the real reason my son? Caius shook his head, I do feel her presence, I will not lie. I think you feel something more, something I tried to remove from you once, do I need to do it again? The ghost of his father whispered in his ear. Caius stood up, I wish you would try. I wish by the gods you would be here to try that. My rage would fall upon you like the hammer of the gods and you would scream all eternity for me to release your soul.

 

Then he rubbed his temples, talking to myself is not the sign of a sane man. He reminded himself. I need to talk to her, soon. He stood up and walked to the silver tray on the side table pouring himself a cup of wine. She came back.*

 

---

 

"You wanted to see my master?", Publius stepped into Caius study. He had been trying to make a poet for Miriel but ended stealing from the old masters when the word came to see his master.

 

Caius stood by the window looking out. He turned around, "I did. Have a seat". Publius walked into the room closing the door behind him. Caius walked to the side table pouring a cup of wine while Publius sat down. "Here", Caius gave the cup to him. Publius was in bewildered. this was either something really good or really bad. He took the cup taking a little sip. He had a thought he might need it.

 

"I called you here because I have two things to tell you", Caius sat down behind his desk. "One is good, one is potentially something you do not like". "Can I hear the bad news first?", Publius winced.

 

"As you wish", Caius gazed at him contemplating for a moment. "I will replace you with Elowyn as my First Apprentice". Publius inhaled his wine coughing for a moment. "But...".

"I didn´t do it for the sake of anything you have done, or not done", Caius said calmly. "You have been a excellent pupil and you will remain as my second apprentice". Publius didn´t say anything, he just took another sip of his wine.

"And I did not do it because she has wiggled her way into my bed, as the rumors say", Caius fixed his eyes with Publius furrowing his brow. Publius coughed again.

"She has a extraordinary talent and it needs my complete attention", Caius said leaning back. Publius nodded grumpy.

 

Caius smiled shortly, "and the good news. I believe you still want to hear it?". "Oh yes, yes I do master", Publius hurried.

 

"I will allow you to court Miriel if she accepts you as a suitor", Caius looked at Publius. "Will this ease your pain?". A gigantic smiled flashed across Publius face almost splitting his head, "it does master, thank you so much!".

 

"You can go now", Caius said taking a sip of his wine and turning to his papers. Publius sprang up bowing at Caius as he backed out of the study. I can´t wait to tell Vel! Circled in his mind as he practically ran across the manor having other apprentice, servants and slaves looking after him surprised. None had seen him so happy.*

 

Caius and his apprentice Elowyn became intimate in their relationship, and secrets have a way to leak.

Spoiler

Nazlik found Elowyn in her herb garden. “We need to talk,” she said. Elowyn had been expecting this conversation. She removed her gloves and put them in a pail with the trowel. Nazlik led the way to the fountain at the center of the garden. The women faced each other, Nazlik with her hands on her hips, and Elowyn with her arms crossed protectively over her chest. She was having trouble meeting Nazlik’s eyes.

 

“You slept with my husband,” Nazlik said simply. “Explain yourself.”

 

Elowyn gazed up at the intimidating figure of Caius’ wife. “I have no excuses. Though I did not seduce your husband, I submitted to his advances. I didn’t tell him no. I’m sorry for the pain this has caused you.”

 

Nazlik clicked her tongue. “You’re a slave and a young girl. Caius, on the other hand, is a grown man who made vows to me, vows that he failed to keep.”

 

“He didn’t coerce me,” replied Elowyn.

 

“Perhaps not overtly, but you were in no position to refuse him. The question is what we’re going to do about this. I don’t suppose you can deny him any further liaisons?”

 

“I would go away, but he holds my contract,” said Elowyn miserably, thinking she should have just remained in the Fade with her tree friend and avoided all these complications.

 

“He can sell you,” said Nazlik.

 

“It might not be that simple. If he were to sell his First Enchanter to another Magister –“

 

“First Enchanter? Hah! That’s a laugh.”

 

Elowyn bridled at this. “He gave me that position because of my abilities!”

 

“Yes, I’m sure he does admire your abilities.” 

 

Elowyn bit her tongue. She wasn’t going to resort to insults.

 

“Caius owns a country manor. Go there. You are not to see him. I will know if he attempts to meet you there.”

 

“As you wish,” Elowyn acquiesced. Removing herself would give Nazlik and Caius the space to sort out their marital issues. Elowyn wouldn’t be able to continue her work as First Enchanter, but she could do research. She could bring her own slave family with her – the children would enjoy a visit to the country. She wouldn’t have to keep running into Vel and feeling pained at the unraveling of their relationship, nor would she have to battle her own desire every time she saw the Master. She felt that Nazlik was wrong – Caius had not used his ownership of her to force her. She could have refused him, and she was sure he would have respected her decision. But she had chosen to sleep with him because of the desire they felt for each other. Had Caius remained a widower, perhaps the situation would be different. No one expected Magisters to be celibate. But Elowyn felt that remaining as Caius’ mistress would be intolerable. She couldn’t bear the thought of Nazlik hating her more than she already did.

 

She would miss all the weddings, but that couldn’t be helped. She’d made a mess of things.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Caius walked into the tower chamber, night had just fallen and darkness covered the room. Why are there no lights here? He thought walking slowly towards the bed in the darkness. He raised his hand and magical light illuminated the chamber.

Nazlik stood in the middle of the room in her armor arms crossed.

Caius stopped few feet before her surprised, "what is it my love?".

Nazlik stared at him quietly, "why?". She whispered staring at him. Caius mind raced quickly, then he sighted. "Why? I don´t know, there is a connection between us. Something I cannot explain, or avoid. I cannot deny that". He placed his staff on the table and sat down.

"But what ever she told you know this. I started it and didn´t give her a change to avoid me. She thinks she had a option, but she didn´t. That is the plain truth, I exercised all my means to convince her. I take full responsibility. Don´t hate her".

"I knew it!" , Nazlik stomped her feet. "She is such a young woman. Am I not enough for you?".

"Yes you are my darling", Caius stood up taking a step towards her. Nazlik took a step backwards. Caius spread his arms in a reassuring move, "you were away. And I was confused, lonely, and I feel such a connection to her. I know none of these justify what I did. They are just excuses, but is the way I felt".

"Send her away", Nazlik said staring at him. "I won´t", Caius said calmly. "Her presence is too crucial to our survival. There is no other way". Nazlik squinted her eyes, "presence of what, her crotch?". Caius shook his head, "there are things in motion that will fall apart without her".

"Do you love me?", Nazlik asked silently. "I do", Caius said firmly. "That has not changed". "Do you love her?", Nazlik continued looking at him. "I don´t know", Caius said avoiding the question. "What do you mean, you don´t know?", she pressed.

"It means exactly that", Caius exhaled. "So it was simply sex?", Nazlik wondered, "if you want to put it like that, yes", Caius said looking into her eyes.

Nazlik contemplated for a moment, "sex". Then she took a step forward, "sex it is. So that is what you were missing".

She punched Caius into his stomach so fast that Caius had no way of reacting to it. Her enchanted outfit made her extremely fast.
Caius bent forward when Nazlik struck her fist into his chin sending Caius twirling through the room.
"Fight me!", she screamed walking after him.
"No", Caius whispered wiping blood of his mouth. Nazlik charged him showering punches on him, her speed and strength exceeded Caius so much that he had no way of avoiding her strikes.

Left and right, her fists pounded Caius upper body, his face. Caius tried to remain standing but her strikes were too strong causing him to partially lose consciousness. Nazlik grabbed him by the lapels preventing him from falling to the ground. She pulled his face close to hers whispering, "I will give you sex. The Vashoth way".

With a few swift moves she tore off Caius robes. Then with a two handed grip she grabbed him and threw Caius into the bed with a loud bang. Caius was still teetering in the edge of unconsciousness trying to focus on what was happening. He realized in a few moments that Nazlik had tied both his hands and legs into the bed poles. Arms and legs spread.

Nazlik removed her armor becoming completely naked, Caius could see Vitaar markings on her body. She grabbed some of Vitaar from the table and drew more lines on her face. Then she turned to him whispering, "now you will see how my people make love".

Hours later Nazlik leaned down to Caius bruised face, she turned his face to the side and whispered to his ear, "I forgive you kadan", and kissed him softly.*

 

Spoiler

*Caius walked across the manor towards Elowyn apartment. He did not hide his face, nor he did heal his bruises. He had removed the swelling but left the bruises, just for the show. It could have been a remnant of his weekly combat training anyway. He stopped at the door to her apartment. He knocked and waited. The slave woman he had bought her opened the door. "My lord!", she bowed hastily. "Is my apprentice here?", Caius asked casually looking at the back of her head as she was bowing so deep. "No my lord", she said fast, "she left to do some research. Something medical she said".

 

Caius rubbed his chin is thoughts, then stopped as one of the bruises in his chin felt sore. "Well, tell her I would like to have a word with her, when she returns".

 

"I will my lord", she just kept bowing so Caius turned around and left in silence. Caius walked through the manor in his thoughts. Nazlik had forgiven him, she had practically raped him, but then she had turned around and said he was forgiven. In the morning she had been like nothing had happened, in fact she made jokes about Elowyn´s size and Caius.

 

Women, Caius thought walking towards the entrance to the catacombs. Down the steps, few floors down into the dungeons. He walked through the dark and dank tunnels to the more desolate part of the dungeon. Caius reached the ancient iron door and raised his hand. He gestured and spoke few words, then heard a click in the lock. He pushed the door open and stepped into the cell closing the door behind him. There in the center of the room on a platform stood the stone table. Ancient and strange carving decorated the edges. Caius had tried to translate them but nothing in the Minrathous archives indicated that the Imperium had come across this kind of writing before.

 

The top of the table was smooth, like silk. Though it was not a sign of wear. The table looked like a brand new. The power eminated from it, Caius could feel it this close so easily, and it was a hungry power. There was something in this artifact which made Caius feel a bit unease, but he belived in his own power. He hadn´t used it since the last time and that strange dream but it seemed the time was coming close for a another use.

 

Elowyn had declined of using her power to Zera, to get her married. And she had thrown in the air the idea of affecting Caius thoughts, jokingly, but still. Caius was not sure how to feel about it, but then again touching his daughters thoughts felt something he would not do. Unless in a dire need. He thought that maybe he had it coming. Elowyn was such a soft hearted, he would need to strengthen her resolve to be a power in the Imperium. With Caius.

 

Caius stood there contemplating when suddenly someone touched his hand. He fought hard to prevent himself of twiching as he felt Elowyn´s arm, but still there was a little movement he could not prevent. "Still surprising I see", he heard her giggle. Caius turned to look at her, she had a grin in her face which made Caius smile. "It is good to see you", he said. "I didn´t have time to talk to you before.. before what happened". He cleared his throat, "this is a new thing to me. I have never been in a situation like this before. My experience is unfortunately quite... virginal".

 

Elowyn tilted her head with a inquiring look, "yes, I spoke with Nazlik. She wanted me out of the manor, but then I had a note from you which said I was not to leave". "Yes", Caius said taking a deep breath, "I don´t wan´t you to leave. In fact there is something I need to tell you". He gazed in her eyes for a moment wondering how she would react and collected his willpower, it was strangely hard. "I love you".

 

Then he raised his arms when Elowyn was trying to say something, "I know. I love Nazlik too. And this is something which is wildly outside my range of experience. I have had women... many. Which I believe you already know. But love, and love for two women. That I don´t know what to do with".

 

He stepped forward taking Elowyn´s hands in his looking at her with his dark eyes gleaming in the dungeons dim light, "I am at loss here. But I am not willing to let you go, what we have. Unless that is what you want, I respect your decision even though it might bring pain to me". Elowyn gazed at him, the Magister had spoken and she had no answers. "I... I need to think about this", she whispered. Caius nodded and she fade stepped away disappearing like the morning mist.

 

Caius sat on the stone table looking at his hands.*

 

Spoiler

Elowyn returned to her new apartment, where her slave woman told her Caius had been looking for her. She was eager to see him and reached through the Fade to feel where he was in the Manor. Then she fade-stepped to him. He jumped a little when she touched his arm, and she laughed. It was fun teasing him, though she knew she was lucky he hadn’t instantly fried her.

 

They were standing in a chamber dominated by a black stone table, the same table she’d seen in Caius’ dream. It was smooth and gleaming in the dim light, and she longed to touch it. But Caius commanded her attention.

 

“There is something I need to say to you,” he hesitated, tongue-tied. Seeing the Master so discomfited was a new experience. She noticed bruises on his neck and wrists and wondered what sort of rough training he’d been practicing. Why hadn’t he healed those wounds?

 

“I love you,” he said, looking directly into her eyes. There was vulnerability in his face. It disconcerted her. He was the most self-assured person she’d ever met. He began explaining that he loved both her and Nazlik, that he wanted her to stay, not only at the manor, but in an intimate relationship with him. But he would respect her decision.

The pain in his voice stopped her. She wanted to confess her feelings to him. The words died on her lips. Instead, she whispered, “I need some time to think about this.” Her emotions were too raw. She left him then, fade-stepping away to the garden where she could think.

 

She sat in an arbor covered with Winter Jasmine. Its fragrance floated to her in tantalizing wafts, her nose distracting the ache in her heart. She’d known when she gave in to her desires that she was traipsing into uncharted territory, fade-stepping blind. Where had she landed? She was in love with a man who loved another besides herself. Was she willing to share? Nazlik had not sounded willing to share, and Elowyn thought the odds were long that Nazlik would share if she knew what Caius felt. Therefore, continuing intimacy with Caius would constitute a deception that Elowyn was unwilling to perform.

 

Elowyn needed to break off the relationship, but she didn’t know if she was capable. From the first moment she’d locked gazes with Caius, she’d felt an irresistible force drawing them together. She wasn’t even sure she could call it love. Sometimes it felt as heavy as that stone table lying in the darkened chamber. When she was with him, when they’d been intimate, everything outside of themselves had ceased to exist: there was only the two of them in a space of their own creation. Was that love?

 

She certainly feared for him, even more after the assassination attempt. His concerns were hers, her survival contingent on his. Despite her sorrow over Nazlik’s jealousy, Elowyn loved Caius’ child, Cassius. It pained her to cause such distress to Nazlik. She didn’t want what Nazlik had: she didn’t want to be a Magister’s wife. But Elowyn had a part of Caius that Nazlik couldn’t have. Even if Elowyn left, the bond between her and Caius would tear at Nazlik like a splinter.

 

It was an impossible situation. She looked at the lengthening shadows: time was her only ally. She could keep busy and distant from Caius and see if time worsened the pain of her longing or relieved it. She determined to explain her reasoning to her Master and make sure he knew that her coldness was not a rejection of him, merely a prop to keep their world from shattering.

 

(Courtesy of forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*She did not come back, Caius thought sitting on the stone table after for a while. He gazed at the stone wall in his thoughts. That means she either hesitates or blatantly rejects him. Either way the look in her eyes spoke volumes of how she felt. Caius sighted, then he stood up looking at the stone table. He had planned to just to grab her after his confession but something in her eyes stopped him.

 

No better time to try this, he thought. The surface of the table was clear, even Caius had bled on it back then. Bleeding from his large wound, yet not a trace of blood was visible. As if the table had consumed it.

Caius climbed on the table laying on his back on it, he placed his staff next to him. Then he crossed his arms over his chest closing his eyes.

 

Burns, everything burns, Caius walks down the steps of Magisterium, stepping on the bodies of dead soldiers, mages and citizens. A delighted voice erupts from his lips when the flesh and blood squelch under his foot. So lovely sound. His body was drenched in blood and fleshy chunks of intestines were stuck in his torn clothes. Minrathous burned. One of his minions ran to him up the stairs, hunched, dragging it´s long clawed hands. A deformed creature, who was once known as the True Divine. Now a corpse inhabited by a rage demon. "My lord", the creature gurgled.

 

Caius felt annoyed, this pitiful thing dared to address him? It practically ruined his moment of sweet carnage he had just experienced. He almost fried it where it stood, but the creature anticipated his thought and screamed, "we found her! We found her and the baby!".

 

Caius forgot that moment what he was about to do with the creature, "show me the way!". The deformed creature led him through the ruined city. Dead bodies littered the streets, occasional survival was being seen either hunted by more abominations or being eaten by some. What a glorious day it was!

 

Down, deep down in the catacombs of the Vaellanius manor they went. Caius gazed around the destroyed manor. What a sweet moment it had been to march thought it, killing everyone on his path. Those little daughters of his, how they screamed in his arms. Death was slow and painful, but the pleasure had ended too soon. 

 

Then he walked to the ancient altar where it all had begun. Blood grooves leading to the altar were still dark from the fresh blood that had brought him here, the sweet scent of iron still lingered in the ancient hall, along with dust. And there, surrounded by undead guards, was Nazlik. With a baby in her arms.

 

She gazed at him with a hopeful yet frightened eyes. "Caius?", her whisper was full of anguished hope. "I am Caius", Caius said. "And I am not, I am Caius ascended. I am something this world will require, a new ruler. Caius incredible power combined with my divine self makes a combination of something the world has ever seen". Caius smiled, it was a cold smile. "And I need that baby, there are other... beings, who wish to enter this world. He will be a vessel".

 

"No!" Nazlik screamed tears in her eyes, Caius could see how her spirit broke down. She had still harbored thoughts of Caius being himself, but now she new. He was gone. Nazlik closed her eyes, and when she opened them again there was steel in her gaze. She bolted into running throwing a sabre with one swift move towards Caius.

 

Caius smiled and the sabre froze mid air hovering in the air before him, Nazlik took a few running steps and was also held in her tracks. "Did you think you can just outrun me?", Caius chuckled. "Take the baby", he hissed to the undead. One of the bodies next to Nazlik reached out and took the baby from her arms, the baby started crying. 

 

Caius walked casually to her. He placed his hands on her throat, "he can see this". He whispered to Nazlik´s ear, "your Caius is locked deep inside me, but he can see, hear and feel everything I do". Caius gazed into Nazlik´s eyes, "and he will see and feel all this". He started to choke Nazlik with a exultant look on his face.

 

Caius winced awake panting. He jumped up from the table hastily sweeping sweat from his forehead. What was that? I will loose my struggle against a greater demon? How is that possible? Caius took a step back and contemplated trying to calm down. Maybe the table wants me to believe it would happen? Maybe... Caius stared at the table, he realized that first time all the future roads before him seemed bleak.*

 

Spoiler

*"Venhedis!", Caius huffed annoyed. The construct standing before him was incomplete. Caius turned to look at the notes of the mage Nereda, a Tevinter mage who once traveled to Amgarrak thaig to take part of the dwarven construction of a Harvester.

 

Caius stroked his goatee in his thoughts reading again the lines this mage had written. Before him on the stone table was several ancient tomes and scrolls. He tapped his finger on the point where Nereda spoke of binding a spirit to the body giving it life. I can´t use spirits, he thought, Nereda was sure it had something to do with the fact that the construct went crazy.

 

The Zera´s wedding party had gone awry, almost. The unwanted suitor had been whisked away into dungeon for safe keeping and Zera was now firmly wed. At least something went right.

 

He turned around looking at his creation. A bulk of fleshy mass, but still small and incomplete. Dead bodies lay around it, ready to be incorporated into the main creature. Caius had also the blood magic instructions on how to make a harvester of himself on the table, but he had no wish of becoming this deformed monster. He was only looking ways to incorporate the knowledge from it to the dwarven version.

 

He turned to the table and picked up the control rod. A enchanted item Vartag had aquired to him along with the few notes available from the Thaig Amgarrak. Maybe I should use a living soul, he thought. A door opening caught his attention. Nazlik strolled in bringing basket of fruit with her. "I see you are working", she said gazing at the dead bodies with disgusted look.

 

"Oh yes", Caius said turning to her. "What brings you here darling?". "I bought you something to eat, you haven´t eaten anything today". She stepped closer and placed an apple on Caius lips, "here, have some". Caius looked at her over the apple and then bit it. "See? it is not that hard", she said smiling. Caius shrugged and took the apple from her hand chewing the bite. "I have to concentrate on this, I don´t have much time to eat".

 

"Well, you should", Nazlik placed the basket on the table. "You will need your strength later". She grinned suggestively. "I will head to the tower, to see our son". She leaned forward and kissed Caius, "remember what I said". She whispered with a smoky voice her silver eyes glistening.

 

Caius smiled looking into her eyes, "how could I forget that?". Then he remembered, "oh, and when you go. Please tell Elowyn to stop by. I need her help with this". Nazlik gazed at him for a while then nodded, "alright, I will ask". She walked out of the chamber blowing a kiss at him.

Caius walked slowly around the Harvester´s torso. The binding of the bodies had progressed to a point but without the life giving spirit or soul it would not be complete. What if I divide the soul between the rod and the Harvester, could the split binding assure more control? He walked to the table browsing through the blood magic tomes for references on mind domination.

 

Caius waded deep into the tomes, when finally he came across a reference he was looking for. Yes, this might do... "What are you doing here?", a horrified gasp disrupted his thoughts. Turning around he saw Elowyn staring at the construct and the dead bodies around it with a terrified look, her beautiful eyes wide open.

"Did you kill all these people?", she whispered looking at Caius. "Kill them? Me? No I did not", Caius said turning to the bodies. "These are from the Proving Grounds, dead convicts, killed in combat. Serving the state for the last time". "oh", Elowyn exhaled, "then... I guess it is alright". Caius could see she was deeply distracted by their presence.

 

"You should see the necromancer quarters in the Minrathous circle", Caius said amused, "now there is something even I might find distrubing. Not to mention what they are doing down in Nevarra".

Elowyn glanzed at him and took a careful step forward looking at the Harvester torso, "what is that?". "A weapon", Caius said calmly. "Something I would hope turn into a mass production, to assure our victory over the qunari". He stood there looking at the construct, "not that I wouldn´t believe the Imperium is not able to defeat the oxmen. But this would make it easier to achieve, less losses".

 

Elowyn took a deep breath and turned away from the view. "You wanted to see me, Nazlik said something about that?".

"Yes", Caius said, "come here. I will show you something". Elowyn walked next to him by the table, Caius inhaled and got a whiff of her scent. A flowery scent in this dank chamber. He took a deep breath, trying to forget her being so close to him. "Look at these notes", Caius tried to keep his eyes on the book. "they tell how to create a Harvester, that is what this construct is called. It is a golem made out of flesh".

 

Caius turned to her letting his eyes wander over her features. Elowyn gazed at him and Caius was caught momentarily in her eyes. "I.. the construct requires a prime mover. Otherwise it will not work. Nereda used spirit from the Fade but it seems that did not work as the construct rebelled". He raised his arm to touch her but changed direction and tapped the book, "I think that getting the process done correctly I need to use a living soul".

 

"A living soul?", Elowyn gasped. "Yes", Caius nodded. "Something I know the dwarves of Orzammar used when producing golems of stone and steel".

"And for that I need your help", he said. "I need to keep this study hidden beucause using a living soul requires blood magic". He turned to look at the construct, "and you are only one powerful enough to support me in the process. I will need your input in controlling the multilayered spell when I infuse the soul. A slave or a convict".

 

"Absolutely not!", Elowyn exhaled. "What?", Caius turned to her surprised, that was not what he expected to hear. "Absolutely not!", she replied her eyes litting up with fire. "I will not kill people to make experiments!". "This is extremely important study", Caius said bewildered. "I am working on a weapon to save the Imperium".

"Then find a another weapon!", she said tapping her tiny finger in Caius chest with a wrinkled brow. Caius had not seen her like this before, she seemed to lost all fear to him. Somehow that little angry face made Caius feel aroused. "Oh really?", he whispered.

 

"Oh really, if you think that we have any change then you will not even think about it!", she kept tapping her finger in Caius chest and he felt heat rising making blood rush through his veins. Caius tilted his head, and his eyes darkened. "so.. ", he whispered looking her into her eyes intensily. Elowyn realized what she was doing and stopped blushing. "What I mean is that we do not need to resort into evil actions, to save the Imperium. All you are doing now is what the southern Chantry says".

 

Caius looked at her in silence for a while, "the means to save the Imperium rely on magic. What ever we do blood magic the key to it all. Countless of Magisters have searched to bring forth ways to fight those cursed oxmen. And always, always it goes down to blood magic, taking someones life in order to save many. If I don´t do this now, there is a change that all of this", Caius spread his arms, "will most likely perish in the hands of those monsters. Including you. Is that the price you would pay for doing "the right thing"?".

 

Elowyn gazed at him her chest heaving of the anger she felt, Caius stepped fast forward wrapping his hands around her waist placing his lips against hers. His kiss was long and hungry. Then he released her taking a step back. "Think about it, I need your help". Caius smiled softly at her stunned look and left the chamber.* 

[Uccio]

Back then, moments and memories from the time Caius served in Seheron.

 

Spoiler

*It was a hot summer day, like so many days were in this norther latitude. Sun shined from the zenith with relentless force scorching the little convoy riding through the jungle, along that little path carved into the thick jungle. Those thirty imperial soldiers rode in double line, there was no room for more. Two scouts moved ahead trying to make sure the convoy would not be ambushed.

 

Caius rode in silence on the left side as the third pair, watching the back of Spurius riding before him. Caius being the second battle mage of the three mages assigned to the team was trusted to cover the front in case of combat. Sisenna riding on his right side slapped Caius on the shoulder. "Come on, this is your second year in Seheron, and you are still alive! We definitely need to celebrate it!".

Sisenna was a son of some poor soporati from the city of Marothius. Apparently he had a talent for killing too, and he had ended up in the Darinius' Dragons. The man looked more like some street vendor with his dark hair and pale blue eyes, than a killer. But such men seldom did. Their team was a special group of men collected to deal with specific situations. This time they had been sent to deal with a village accused of harboring and aiding Fog Warriors. DD´s were here to deal with the situation. Permanently.

Caius grunted, "I received news, my father has arranged me a marriage. I am to be wed to this woman I know nothing of". He shook his head, "there is nothing to celebrate".

Sisenna gave a laugh, "I never understand you Altus people. Living in luxury, a wife given to you, and you still ran to Seheron. You rather fight the cursed oxmen and Fog Warriors than plow some noble beauty in silky sheets?". He slapped Caius again in the shoulder as if it would make it more clearer, "you are a strange man Caius". He turned to look forward down the trail, "but I am still going to buy you a drink once we get back to Alam", nodding to himself.

Caius smiled shortly looking at Spurius' back riding before him, but didn´t say anything. And how could he, sometimes his mind blacked out when he tried to remember what had happened. Ashala had died, despite everything Caius had done. That memory, the only really clear one, burned like a brand in his mind.

I failed you.

He had vague dreams about... fighting his father? But they all blend into something, a black vortex filled with pain and blood. Such pain that Caius would wake up with a throbbing head ache. Only flashes of things and thoughts of past surfaced occasionally, but they were clouded memories. And even with those few memories a sadness filled him like a black cloud before storm depressing him almost speechless. She is dead, and I am alone. He did not want to think about it, never.

A clear whistle in the air cut his dreaming abrupt. Caius looked at Spurius, everything looked as it should be. Except for the arrow stuck in his head sideways. A bloody arrowhead stuck out from Spurius right temple, a bright red drop of blood glimmered on the tip dangling for a moment then falling down. Spurius started slowly fall down to the left without a word.

"Ambush!", Caius roared when white fog started to expand rapidly among the convoy, while wrapping the soldiers inside it, it also dimmed the sun causing strange kind of half light.

"Fog Warriors!", Sisenna screamed drawing his sword. And then the air was full of arrows whistling from left and right towards the Imperial soldiers. Caius flashed his magical shield on causing several arrows to bounce away. Sisenna glided of his horse lifting his large shield to cover him of the arrows flying from the right side.

Centurion Nonus barked orders somewhere behind them inside the fog. The squad acted with preset orders with fast pace dismounting fast and forming a defensive position. Like trained so many times before. Caius and Sisenna withdrew fast into the formation jumping over the few dead, killed by the raining arrows.

Matia, a laetan born woman shouted with a high pitch voice when she saw Caius stumbling over the bodies from the fog. "There you are! I would have seriously kicked your ass if you would have died!", she grabbed Caius robe pulling him behind her large shield. Caius shrugged, this laetan born brunette had gotten in her head that she would wed Caius at one point and that would be her ticket out of Seheron and into a better life. "Knock it off", Caius glared at her, "I am in no mood for playing now". "Neither am I", Matia hissed staring over her shield into the mist, "I am still going to bed you, you know. So you better not die today".

The arrow rain stopped. Caius and the other remaining mage started casting improving the remaining soldiers. Caius cast a haste extending the effect over the team. A quick head count stopped at twenty two. Eight man had perished in the arrow rain including one of the three combat mages. Silence lingered only a few seconds, then shadowy figures started to close in from the fog. Caius started casting, a volley of lightning struck into the fog causing screams to erupt.

A war cry echoed around the team when Fog Warriors realized that the Imperial troops were prepared for them. A wave of pale painted soldiers charged against the shield wall. Ciaus raised his hand and several Fog Warriors charging against Matia were lifted into the air, then slammed into the ground with bone shattering force. None of them tried to stand up and only few wailed trying to move a bit.

"Good job!", Matia exhaled, "you know, a lady might think you are trying to protect her". "If only there were any ladies here", Caius said casting his second spell. "Such a gentleman and romantic", Matia laughed striking her sword into a Fog Warriors eye over her shield. The first charge was repelled, and second one had less numbers in it. Centurion barked orders and the team turned into offensive.

Matia moved forward with Sisenna Caius following them close by. With swift combination of hard professionalism and Caius magic they cut down any Fog Warrior trying to close in on them. The fog started to slowly dissipate as the last of the enemy warriors were killed. Matia sheathed her sword looking around, "it seems we have the day".

Caius turned to search the dead Fog Warriors without a word. One of them caught his eye. A long golden hair tweaked from among the dead bodies. He stepped forward, keeping an eye on the surroundings. It was a elven woman, Caius turned her slowly around with his staff keeping a distance. She turned on her back, and opened her eyes, they were blue. With a high pitch scream she jumped up along with his companion laying practically at Caius feet.

Caius twirled around without hesitation striking the end of his staff into the Fog Warriors knee cap breaking it and his leg. The man cried out stumbling forward and Caius continued his movement spinning his staff in a long arc striking the top end into the mans neck breaking it. Basic movement of staff fighting, the Imperial special forces took no risks, even mages had to know hand to hand combat. The elven woman charged towards him with a dagger in her hand, Caius raised his hand and telekinetic force threw her against a tree close by. She slid down the tree slumping at its base unconscious.

A electricity shook the Fog Warrior awake. She convulsed out of control and a scream erupted from her lips. A efficient but less gently awakening. She saw those cursed Imperial soldiers standing before her. A Centurion stood there along with two foot soldiers, a man and a woman, and the mage. She noticed instantly the mage that had killed Jadon and struck her down, despite their attempt to surprise him. The mage stood next to the soldiers his arms crossed, he had such cold eyes. She had difficulties looking into them, like black holes in his face. This man was dangerous.

"Well, you are awake", the Centurion said. "Caius", he turned to the mage, "I will leave it to you to question this rebel. You know the drill". The mage called Caius nodded silently without taking his eyes off her.

Sisenna slapped Caius shoulder, "you are in luck. You get to have a moment with the lady here". He chuckled with Matia when they left leaving Caius standing there eyeing the captive. Caius stared at the elven woman, and Ashala looked at him smiling her eyes gleaming like little stars, and he blinked shaking his head. What was that? This woman looked so much like her, so much. Blue eyes, golden hair, her face. Caius took a deep breath, get it together. She needs to be questioned. "Where is your main encampment?", he asked trying to collect his thoughts.

"Drop dead", the elven woman said sneering. She noticed his hesitation, it was strange to see his cold look crumble for a moment.
Caius gazed around to see if anyone was too close, and pulled out a small silver dagger. "So now the cutting begins then, eh?", she asked. There was no fear in her voice. "Unfortunately no, I have to disappoint you, I will not be cutting you", Caius said calmly. He made a small cut into his pawn, the gestured quickly with his fingers. The effect was instant, her eyes became dazed and her mouth opened a little.

"Now, tell me where is your main encampment", Caius said crouching before her. She started speaking with a monotonic voice. Caius gazed at her in his thoughts memorizing what she said. After she had finished Caius knew it was time to discard her. But something made him stay his hand. He hesitated for a moment, a question lingered in his lips. He heard his own voice ask, "what is your name?".
"Ashala", she said with the same monotonic voice. Caius stood up stunned, he gazed at her bewildered. "What was that?", he whispered with barely audiple voice. "Ashala", she replied. And sun shined, her smile filled Caius world, "I made this for you" she said. Caius took a step back taking a deep breath.

"Are you done? Can I have a go now with her?", Sisenna said smiling slapping Caius shoulder. With a swift move Caius twirled around striking his fist into Sisenna´s throat sending him staggering backwards gagging and gasping for air. "Keep your hands off her", Caius growled. Sisenna looked into his eyes trying to catch his breath and saw only his own death. "Calm down Caius!", he croaked. Caius blinked few times and then took a deep breath. "Sorry", he whispered turning to the elven girl.

She leaped towards Caius with a roar holding a long dagger in her hand. A wide flame erupted from Caius extended hand scorching her with a almost blue flame. It set her ablaze instantly, her hair, clothes were in flames and her skin melted but still she came at him. Her charge brought her before Caius. Her scream had transformed into something strange and inhuman as her face and mouth burned into cinder. Her last move brought the dagger down into Caius right thigh piercing through his leg. A arc or lightning from Caius arm struck her into chest sending her remains flying through the air.

Caius fell down holding his leg, "venhedis!". Matia ran to him sword in her hand, "what in the deep happened here?". "Don´t ask me", Sisenna croaked holding his throat and looking at Caius. "Ask Ser Sensitive here". Sisenna left his hand on his throat glaring at Caius.

Matia crouched next to him pulling bandages and a healing potion from her backpack. She cut Caius pants open and started to wrap the wound while Caius drank from the bottle. "Good thing that little b*tch did not cut your noble staff", she grinned tapping Caius chin. "You will be needing it tonight, today was a close call and I will not wait anymore". Caius stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing.*

 

Spoiler

*The unpainted planks of the roof were bent and had cracks between them. Their color had faded and now only dull grey was the dominating color in the this little room. A small shelve and little table with a chair were the only furniture this room had. At the foot of the bed there was a small trunk. Small slice of moonlight illuminated the room, shining through the little dusty window.

 

Caius lay in the bed, his hands folded behind his head gazing at the roof. He wasn´t sleepy, despite being tired. At this hour the inn had died down, only distant voices could be heard. A steady breathing from Caius side was the only sign of the woman laying there, covered with a blanket. She was one of the slave´s brought to Alam to entertain the troops. A free marcher, at least that is what Caius had picked of her speech. 

 

Sleeping with her had brought some comfort to him. Her body had been warm and willing. Caius had closed his eyes and let his mind wander away. For a passing moment he had someone close to him. And for a moment that cold hollow place in his chest was filled, even for a such a short time. The girl had spoken of her dreams and hopes, yet it all had passed Caius attention. She could not touch him, Caius had noticed her attempt to appeal to his better nature. Maybe this man would help her. But his heart was cold and dead, there was only ashes left.

 

Caius reached to touch a simple necklace around his neck. For a moment he closed his eyes falling back to the memories, "I made this for you", she said. A necklace made of sea shells and crystal stones, threaded on a brown string on her delicate hand. Sorrow filled him with a cold darkness, flooding through him with the strength of a tidal wave, but there were no tears. He could not cry. Not after what had passed.

 

He had noticed how little things mattered to him anymore. After the turmoil in his head had slowly settled everything had become clearer, and simpler. After this time in Seheron the crying and begging of people were just noise, noise that he would extinguish with a gesture. He had no mercy inside him anymore.

 

And that had lead to another conclusion. She had died and Caius had died with her. The empty husk left behind pretended to be Caius, but was him only by name.

 

He killed her and Caius could do nothing about it, and that was related to what had happened to himself. Something horrible and painful was done to him in the process. "Father.. ", Caius whispered to the silent room. He raised his hand and started drawing a complex pentagram in the air while silently speaking the ancient tevene. With each finger movement a slightly glowing line or a dot appeared in the air forming a visible pattern in the air. A circular object with tiny runes and markings. Lucius gleamed in the spell with tiny letters. "Father, I will kill you. You will beg for mercy in the end", Caius whispered gazing at the spell. Then the wiped his hand across the pattern destroying it.

 

He already knew blood magic, but he had to become better. He needed power, so much more power. He needed to become invincible. "I will be a Master of Blood Magic. Like the Magisters of old", Caius whispered his dark eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "I will break your hold on me, and then you will know what really means to be a Magister".

 

He remembered how he had met his wife, during his last visit back home. She was such a beauty, long raven black hair braided elaborately around her head flowing down her back covering her bare back which the low cut evening gown exposed. Her slim waist and athlete body covered in the finest Imperial silk spoke of high born status. She had sharp steel blue eyes. Yet Caius felt nothing while looking at her, she was not her, and he didn´t like the look in her eyes. She raised her beautifully shaped chin looking at Caius as he entered the grand hall.

 

"Is this he?", she asked without taking her eyes of him. "Yes, this is my son. Caius Aquillius Vaellanius, the scion of house Vaellanius", his father Lucius said with pride. "A powerful mage and a decorated war veteran among other things. A Magister to be". Lucius stood by Magister Manius Florus, her father. Caius father was half way in his fifties, gray lines in his temples spoke of his age. He was a powerful mage and a Magister. He wore dark simple robes, even for this occasion. A older version of Caius, their resemblance was obvious. 

 

Caius walked towards his future wife, stopping before her. He performed a perfect court bow, "a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady", and took her arm brushing his lips shortly at the back of her hand. "You look as beautiful as I have been told, even though all those stories pale in comparison with the real thing".

 

"Caius, this is lady Mucia Florus, your wife to be", Lucius said gazing at his reaction. Caius could still remember how the words just slipped out of his mouth, like he had no control over them. "I´m looking forward to a life with you my lady". "I will look forward to it too my lord", Mucia said with a cold voice dropping a curtsey.

 

Caius looked at the ceiling, then slowly stood up. He would not sleep tonight. He pulled his robes on and took his staff. At the door he turned to look at the marcher woman. Caius picked a 50 copper coin from his purse, then with a slight hesitation, he picked two gold coins too and placed them in her dresses pocket. 

 

Outside in the chill night wind greeted Caius and he stopped at the corner of the building. He lighted his smoke with a snap of his fingers and gazed at the moon leaning against the building.*

 

Spoiler

*Caius sat in his chair looking at the celebrations. The grand hall was filled with guests, members of the Magisterium and Senate filled the space. Slaves and servants scurried around serving the guests and trying to stay out of sight.

Mucia sat next to him in her beautiful wedding gown. She truly sparkled this night, her smile dazzled any guest looking at her. Music and general chit chat filled the air. Caius smiled at the passing guests and greeters. He had taken leave from Seheron for this occasion, a whole four week off from the front. And he hated it.

 

Caius had a smile plastered on his face, as his father had told him.

 

"Smile and celebrate my son, this is your day", he had said in his study staring at Caius. There was a tension between these two men and it electrified the room. "I will father", Caius could hear his own voice speak. He had noticed how there was a tendency of him to do and say what he wanted, despite of his own opinions. That had to have something to do with the blood ritual done to him Caius had deduced.

 

"Mucia comes from a respectable old house, it was a good deal for both of our families. I don´t want you to spoil it. Be nice to her and fulfill your duties as a husband", Lucius gazed at Caius with cold eyes. Caius fought hard to say something but instead bowed slightly, "yes, father".

 

Mucia touched his arm, "my husband, shall we dance?". Her smile shined like the sun. Caius nodded and took her arm, leading her to the dance floor. Guest moved themselves out of the way as the couple took the floor. Caius took her in his arms and the music started to play. They twirled around the dance floor. Mucia looked at Caius, "I kind of like this house, and you. Maybe we have a change. You seem to be good man". Caius smiled, it was a warm smile but it did not reach his eyes. "I am glad my lady finds everything to her liking". Mucia blinked, her smile faltered and she gazed at him but didn´t say anything.

 

The celebrations continued but the bride and groom left for their own private time. Caius led her through the manor towards the apartment reserved to them. "This is our home now", Caius said showing her the elaborate quarters. Several rooms filled beautiful and antique furniture and a large balcony. "So, my husband", Mucia turned to her smiling, "what ever shall we do now, all alone here?". Caius gazed at her silently, so long that Mucia started to feel unease. Then, with a slight twitch Caius responded, as if forced the words came out and he stepped close to her placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"Well, my beautiful wife, I want to make this night something to remember by once I leave back to Seheron". Mucia gazed into his eyes, they were dark but strangely empty. There was no love in them.

 

Mucia woke up in the middle of the night. She gazed around the bedroom but could not see Caius anywhere. "Caius?", she whispered standing up, she covered her naked body with a shawl. Mucia grabbed the little gift she had prepared for Caius from her gowns pocket and and left to find him. She circled around the apartment only to notice it being empty.

 

The door into Caius old bedroom slammed open. Three slave women, two elven and one human, sitting naked on it started giggling seeing Caius stand in the doorway completely naked in his full glory. "Ladies, tonight you will witness Caius Aquillius in his full power!", he exclaimed and then jumped among the screaming and laughing women.

 

Mucia stood in the hallway few steps from the door to Caius own apartment listening the sounds coming from inside. She stood there like a statue and then slowly turned around. Her slow walking took her through a slice of moonlight shining through a window. The passing ray of moonlight gleamed on a single tear in her cheek. A small tingling sound escorted the little gift rolling on the floor.*

 

Spoiler

*Magical energy twirled in the room throwing furniture across the room along with all the little items, clothes, cups, paintings. Mucia stood in the center of the storm her hands raised up. "That bastard, that son of a wh*re!", her scream echoed in the room exceeding the rumbling of the storm. "Why did you do that to me?". Her raven black hair was being thrown around in the wortex and her beautiful features were twisted by rage boiling inside her. Then the power died down and all the items fell to the ground with a rumble. She sat on the floor covering her face with her hands. Small sobs could be barely heard as her shoulders twitched in pace with the muffled sobs.

 

Slowly she stopped, wiping tears from her eyes. "What kind of life will this be?", she whispered to herself looking at her hands in her lap. Silence lingered in the room, then she raised her head steel in her eyes. "I am a daughter of house Florus, I will not let him take me down", her silent vow echoed in the room. Mucia stood up slowly wiping her eyes and adjusting her robes, "I will rule this house one day".

 

"What in the void has been in your head?", Lucius roared to Caius standing before him in the study. He was barely able to control the rage in his voice. "You left your wife in the night of your wedding to sleep with slave women? I should have you flogged for it, just to see you scream!". He bent forward over the table leaning on his tight fists.

 

Caius felt such a satisfaction to see his father so enraged, "I did my duty as a husband, as told". "Your duty?", Lucius exhaled, "you have been doing your 'duty' way too much already. Do you have any idea how many bastards I have been forced to deal with so far? Those slave women, it is like you are specifically trying to fill this house with your bastards. It ends now!".  Lucius walked around the table stopping right before Caius. Their faces were only an inch apart, eyes locked.

 

"From now on you will make sure none of the slave women "accidentally" get pregnant. That is a command, do you hear me?", Lucius whispered looking into Caius eyes. "And you will be with your wife, like a good husband. Have your wh*res, but do not have them when you are with her".

 

Caius struggled, his body started to shake a little and little blood stream started to flow down his nose. "Bastard", barely audible whisper escaped his lips. A cold smile lingered on Lucius lips, "that´s right, you want to fight me my son? I can see it, after all, you are a Vaellanius. Now tell me, how it is?".

 

A vortex filled Caius head, a another stream of blood started to flow from his nose, "I will make sure none of the slave women become pregnant for me again. I will be a good husband for Mucia, when we are together". The words came out on their own. Lucius looked into his eyes, there was no warmth in them, "now, get out of here".*

 

Spoiler

*"Caius?", a soft voice called breaking through the darkness bringing consciousness and with it a throbbing pain. Caius tried to open his eyes but his eye lids were heavy and sticky. A soft slap on his cheek brought him back from drifting out again. "Caius, I need to you remain conscious", a soft voice spoke again. "You need to drink this, it will help". A bottle was placed on his lips and burning liquid flowed down his throat. In a few moments he started to feel better, his eyes opened and the blur surroundings cleared. Matia stared at him leaning over him, worried look on her face but with a faint smile. "There you are". She reached out and touched Caius cheek, "I thought you were dead".

 

For a moment Matia, this hard boiled warrior woman, had this strange look on her face. As if there were slight tremble on her lips, "I thought you were dead", she whispered again. "What..?", Caius croaked, trying to force the question out. Forming words was a painful process.

 

"You were defeated, all of you", Matia reached out and stroke his hair. "I was scouting with Pollius when you were attacked", she glanced around, "qunari, those soulless bastards". "Here, have some more", she reached out and poured some more healing potion into Caius mouth. A flash of warmth and strength streamed through Caius, his breathing became easier.

 

Matia moved around him and helped Caius into a sitting position. The wounds in his chest and back of his head had been patched. All around them dead bodies of men from a team of Danarius Dragons lay silently, among with horned qunari warriors. Caius noticed a familiar sword standing close by, the blade was stuck into the stomach of a qunari warrior. His eyes wondered among the dead, and there, right next to him lay Sisenna. His glazed eyes stared at him, streams of coagulated blood crossing his face from the gaping wound in his temple. Flies had already found him buzzing around the wound.

 

"It seems you two had your last stand here", Matia said silently looking at Sisenna. "But you are alive", she said looking again at Caius with a faint smile.

 

"We need to get out of here", Caius croaked feeling a bit better. "Yes, yes we do", Matia said shaking herself slightly out of her thoughts, "qunari will be back". She wrapped her arms around Caius trying to lift him up, "hey, you can try to work with me a bit", she grinned, "I love to feel your body weight on me, but this is a bit hard". Caius struggled to overcome the feeling of weakness and was finally able to stand up. A vortex filled his head, "my staff", he whispered. Matia picked his plain staff from the ground while Caius leaned on her.

 

Pollius, a raw recruit from Vol Dorma whom had only been in the unit for six months, strolled to them carrying packages of food, water and medicine. "I think this is all we can take with us". The boy looked around, "horses are all gone. Qunari must have taken them". Matia nodded, "then we will walk". She looked at Caius, "good thing they did not notice you were still alive".

 

Caius shrugged, the pain was still too much present and he didn´t really care. Those three disappeared into the jungle leaving the battlefield to flies and scavengers.

 

That night they camped in a small cave. Pollius took the first watch as Matia tended to Caius laying next to the small fire he had cast. A silence lingered between them as they watched the fire play. Then Matia sighted, looking at the fire, "when I got back from the scouting and noticed what had happened, I felt...". She moved a bit, then took a sip of the canteen and fell silent again. Caius looked at her, this was the first time she sounded so serious. Usually this tough warrior would have been throwing dirty jokes and innuendos at him.

Matia sighted again, "When I found you, I thought you were dead", she whispered pulling a lock of her hair behind her ear. "And it made me feel...". She turned to Caius with the campfire light gleaming in her eyes, "I am so glad you are alive".

 

Caius took her chin in his hand, he leaned forward giving her a soft kiss, "I am not dead". A plaintive smile lingered on Matia`s lips. Then she suddenly turned to Caius kissing him passionately, leaning over him.

 

Later, Caius stared at the campfire, Matia slept next to him her arm across his chest. Does she love me? A thought lingered on Caius mind. He looked at her sleeping face, she had small dimples in her cheeks while she smiled on her sleep. She had this down to earth charm in her, Caius could imagine her being a tavern owner, or some master of handicraft. I don´t love her, but this could prove to be a useful connection later, he thought.

 

---

 

Caius stood by the balcony watching sleeping Minrathous leaning on his staff. All those people, washed away by time, the never ending stream and I am still the same. Or am I, maybe I have changed? A sudden flash next to him took his attention. Elowyn stood there, her red hair streaming in the night wind.

 

Caius turned to look at her with a soft smile, I love her. A simple truth. "I missed you, how was your day beautiful?", he reached out to touch her cheek. "So many things to do, how do I ever manage all this responsibility!", Elowyn exhaled wrinkling her brow. Caius leaned forward smiling and gave her a kiss. "You are better at that than anyone my love. Here, have some wine, sit down". He gestured at the table and seat. "Tonight we will forget the world and its troubles, there are just you and me. I am all yours tonight".*

[Uccio]

Sixteenth chapter: the engagement, wedding

 

(Disclaimer, Elowyn Adaran is being written by forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

*Guards walked into the study holding Zera between them. Caius stood before his table, his arms crossed.

 

"What is this father?", Zera said shaking with anger, her eyes blazing. "You sent your goons to fetch me like some criminal, and how did you know where I was?".

 

"I know where my daughters are, all the time", Caius said silently. He nodded to the guards, they released their grip of Zera, bowed and left. Zera gave the guards the evil eye when they left. She straightened her robes glaring at Caius. "So speak up, that is why you brought me here isn´t it? Another lecture on the way like always".

 

It had started as a minor crush. Caius had not payed attention to it, as his daughter had a habit of falling for strange foreigners. He had just monitored the young love these two were having, biding his time. But now Caius agent´s had intercepted his daughter in a plan of eloping with this rivaini man.

 

"Zera", Caius said placing his hands on her shoulders. "Do you really think you can run away and think I would just let it slide?".  Caius grip tightened on her shoulders and his eyes turned darker, "I told you that your little love affair with this vagabond from rivain is over". The astonished look on Zera´s face told him all. "Yes, did you really think I don´t know what you are doing?".

 

Caius grinded his teeth, "and I told you not to hang around with that Cade Revaud anymore. It is over for you two". "You don´t get to tell me what I do or not do!", Zera screamed at his face close up.

 

"I do", Caius said with a ominous silent voice, "and if you keep going against my will there will be repercussions".

 

"What, what will you do? Send me to the Chantry, to be a sister?". Zera laughed at her father. "You will not do that, you despise the Chantry more than anything".

 

"Cade..." Caius said with his dark eyes gleaming. Zera´s face flushed pale, "you wouldn´t dare...".

 

"I will do what I see necessary", Caius whispered to her, with a cold voice.

 

Zera slapped him in the cheek, "and round and round it goes. You are just the same tyrant like grandfather was. You are just like him".

 

Caius rubbed his chin in his thoughts, "I am nothing like he was, you have no idea... ".

 

"I can´t have children!", Zera screamed breaking down suddenly and striking her both fists into Caius chest, again and again. "Your precious daughter is barren! There will not be heirs for Vaellanius family through me! There, are you happy now?".

 

Caius stood there, awe struck. Silenced completely by her confession. Zera started crying collapsing on the chair.

 

A muscle twitched on Caius cheek, "I will kill that little worm... ". "It is not his fault, don´t you get it? This is what I am!", Zera screamed wiping her tears. Caius clenched his hands into fists, another set back.

 

"Go to your room, I wll see you soon. Don´t try to leave, there will be guards. Both mage killers and mages to make sure you stay put. I will not have you leave to see him again", Caius hissed from between his teeth.

"Guards!". Door opened and several guards stepped in with Sestius Sulla, "take her to her room. As instructed". 

 

He turned around looking at the window, " Sulla, I want Cade Revaud brought to me for a little discussion".*

 

Spoiler

*Caius stood by the window looking outside. Her eyes, warm lips touching his. Her body heat, soft touch. Caius touched his own lips in his thoughts. He closed his eyes letting himself fall into his thoughts. Are you mad?

 

Caius rubbed his temples. Her scent was so vivid as he inhaled, taste of her skin, lips. Caius took a deep breath, yes I am.

 

It had felt like he had seen himself from the outside, something he had no control over. Like a avalanche things had rolled forward towards something he did not regret. There were so many things wrong with what they did. And yet it felt so right. In the old days Caius would have not cared of such actions.

 

Those eyes, her lips brushing against his. He wasn´t the same man anyomore, not completely, something had changed again.

 

Are you mad? His father voice asked enraged. Yes I am. I have been mad all my life, how did you not see it before? A soft smile lingered on his lips, at least I was not wrong. She had left from the room. No words, just that look. She knew it too.

 

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, "yes?".

 

Sestius Sulla opened the door, "my lord. We have Revaud". Caius nodded, "bring him in". Caius' pretorians walked into the room Cade between them in chains. They sat him down removing his shackles, then left.

 

Sulla gazed at Revaud with indifferent eyes, "he did not put up much of a fight. But his companion did, a young woman. She tried to stop us from taking him. We had to neutralize her and lock her into the closet for her own sake". Caius nodded to him, "you can leave now". Sulla bowed and left without a word.

 

Caius walked slowly towards Cade stopping before him as he sat in the chair. "I´m glad you had the time to come to see me", Caius said smiling shortly. 

 

"I think there has been a little misunderstanding with my invitation. I merely wished to speak with you, not to drag you here against your will. Sulla takes his orders sometimes literally".

 

Caius walked to the side tray pouring a cup of wine, "But, please inform your friend that next time she tries to intervene with the official representatives of a Magister, she will find herself from the Proving Grounds testing her combat skills".

 

Caius turned to Cade with a cold smile on his lips, "this warning was free". He placed the cup before the young man, "here, have some wine to bury the hatched. So to speak".

 

Revaud gazed at the Magister with mixed feelings, what was this now? First he had him dragged here. Then apologized it but in same sentence threatened his friend.

 

"I take it you have something you want to talk about since I was invited here so gently?", he asked taking the cup in his hand.

 

"Yes", Caius nodded walking slowly behind his desk. "I do. It concerns you and Zera". He sat down taking his cup from the table and leaning back looking at Cade. He contemplated for a moment, "you know I don´t want you two be together. How much gold you want from leaving her alone?".

 

The rivaini blinked, "are you seriously trying to bribe me off?". Caius smiled shortly, "if you want to put it that way". He took a sip of his cup. "At least it is easier to have you bought thank killed. Don´t you think?".

 

"You just try", Revaud whispered trying to stare Caius down. He was afraid, but for Zera he wanted to stand up against the man people had warned him about.

 

"Oh, I have killed men far more threatening and powerful than you are", Caius gazed at him with cold eyes slightly amused. "And I could kill you right now in this study. You do not have the power to fight me boy".

 

Caius saw him twitch a little. "And I would suggest not trying to use any magic. This room is filled with defensive glyphs and wards. You would be dead before I even would lift my arm. Only my magic can work in this room".

 

Caius sighted twirling his cup looking at the wine in it, "but you have not answered my question. Will you take the money and leave Zera alone?".

Revaud licked his lips, he realized what potential this moment had. Caius was rich beyond his wildest dreams and he could make him filthy rich too. "Yes, I have thought about it".

 

"So what is your answer then?", Caius said tilting his head with a expectant look. 

 

"Go f*ck yourself".

 

Caius burst out laughing, he placed the cup on the table slamming his both hands on his thighs. "You boy have some bravado. Too bad it does not help you here". Revaud stared at him surprised, he had expected something more from Caius. In fact he had been expecting a violent outburst. Instead he just seemed amused. Cade took a sip of his wine. Caius glanced at him sharply. 

 

"So, now that you have taken your wine I will tell you something". He stood up, and with a slight gestures couple of glyphs fell on the rivaini, paralysis and neutralization,

 

Caius walked before him sitting on the edge of the table. He locked his eyes with the young man, "You just drank a substance which is poisonous. On its own it is nothing more than a spice. But combined with a specific substance it will turn into a deadly poison. It will remain in your system for a certain amount of time. How long, only I know".

 

Revaud´s eyes widened with fear. "That is the specific reason I had to restrain you. Getting confused and doing something you shouldn´t will only get you killed and then I would have to explain Zera why you died", Caius said calmly.

 

"this is how it will go down. You will break up with her and I will reward you with money. A substantial sum of it actually", Caius said crossing his arms. "if you will not, the one day you might find yourself eating or drinking something you shouldn´t have". He stood up straightening his robes, "believe me. I´d rather not take this route, as it is not my way of dealing with things when it comes to my daughter. But I have no other way".

 

He gazed at Cade, "so do we have a understanding? Good, you can leave now". Caius gestured removing the glyphs from the rivaini. Cade bolted up swinging his fist towards him. Caius stepped aside smoothly grabbing Cade´s  arm twisting it to the side.

 

Their faces were only few inches apart, Caius whispered with a ominous voice locking his dark eyes with the young man, "I have been in the war and killed men in hand to hand combat already when you were still sucking your mothers t*t's. And I have killed men for a lot less. Do not think for a moment that I would not kill you just because of Zera. Don´t test my patience". He released Revaud´s arm, "let me know what you decide".

 

The rivaini glared at him silently, then he left the study.*

 

Spoiler

*Zera paced around her chamber. She walked to the little side room, then to the massive closet, and back again. She walked into the balcony looking at the yard and walls. Guards, guards everywhere. She walked back to the main room and pulled the door open. A combat mage and four guards stood there looking at her carefully.

 

"I´m sorry my lady, we are instructed to not to let you leave. Under any conditions", the mage said regretfully. "Lord Vaellanius was precise with the instructions".

 

Zera stared at them for a moment then slammed the door closed. "Venhedis" she hissed in anger. Her eye wandered around the room for a moment, then she grabbed a old vase and threw it against the door with a high pitch scream pacing around the room.

After a couple of hours she heard a knock on the door. Then Caius stepped in. "Have you calmed down already?", he asked calmly walking into the room. "Am I a prisoner now?" she asked standing up, "in my own home?".

 

"You are confined indoors as long as you keep acting like some peasant girl in heat", Caius said sitting down. "Do you not understand who you are and what is expected of you?".

 

"Until recently you didn´t care that much", Zera glared at him. "That was before you decided to elope", Caius said tapping the table. "You are to be the heir or house Vaellanius, doesn´t that mean anything to you?".

 

"It does", she said silently. "And do you understand that this will affect our relationship?".

 

"No it doesn´t", Caius said taking her hand. "You are my daughter and I will do anything to keep you safe. Even from yourself".

 

"It does", she whispered again, tears in her eyes. "You are just too blind to see...".

 

Caius stood up looking at her, "I have arranged you a marriage. The groom will come to see us in couple of days with his parents. I expect you to be on your best when this happens. He has agreed to become a prince consort and thus leaving his family for ours".

 

He took a step but turned around before the door, "after the engagement is announced I will allow you to see Revaud, I am certain he has something to tell you too".

 

Caius gazed at Zera for a while with plaintive look, "I will take care of your infertility issue. Trust me. Everything will be fine". Then he left closing the door behind him. On the hallways he looked at a little note in his hand which had just two words, I accept. A cold smile lingered on Caiu´s lips as he walked away*

 

Spoiler

*A elaborate carriage rolls into the inner yard of Vaellanius manor escorted by dozen soldiers on horse. The flag of house Silius popped in the wind.

 

The carriage rolled slowly around the fountain stopping before a line of Vaellanius soldiers standing in honorary alley sun playing in their shining armors. A servant ran to open the carriage door.

 

A young man stepped slowly outside. A wide smile lingered in his lips, Tiberius Aurius Silius had arrived. His gray blue eyes gazed around interested. He had heard so much about this house, and now he was here. To be wed to the Magister Vaellanius daughter. What a moment this was. Tiberius stroked his smooth chin, unlike the general fashion in Minrathous he did not grow any beard. His long dark brown hair was tied in a ponytail. He had elaborate long coat of sky blue silk and vest under it. A golden belt tied to his waist. And long shining brown boots.

 

He was the middle son of house Silius and since his older brother was going to be their of their house Tiberius was left available for outside marriage. A elemental mage and Altus. His father Septimus stepped out of the carriage after him, then turned around to help his wife Silia to step outside.

 

He leaned closer to whisper to Tiberius, "remember, Magister Caius is a poweful and dangerous man. Do not let his good manners to make you forget it".

 

"you worry too much father", Tiberius exhaled, "I wouldn´t be here unless he thought I was worth it".

"Just remember what I said", his father whispered as they saw Caius walking towards the carriage, a red headed elven woman and a tall qunari woman in shining armor followed him close by.

 

"Good morning and welcome to house Vaellanius Magister Septimus", Caius said with a smile on his face offering his hand to to the head of house Silius.

"Good to see you Caius", the old man shook his hand. "This is my son, Tiberius". He pointed at the boy. 

 

"I see, it is good to see you young man. Your bride to be waits you anxiously".

 

Tiberius bowed with a smile, "good to finally see you my lord. I am anxious to see my future bride too".

 

Lady Silia turned her gaze at Elowyn. "And who is, is she your.. escort?", she had dismissed Nazlik right away seeing her in armor. A obvious bodyguard, but elven girl wore robes marking her as a something else. Lady Silia´s cold voice chilled the air.

 

Caius smiled shortly shaking his head, "this is Elowyn Adaran, from Monpellier Circle, Orlais. She is my First Apprentice".

 

Elowyn dropped a perfect courtsey. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance my lords and lady".

 

Tiberius could not help but wrinkle his brow, as for escorts elves were fantastic but as a apprentice, and a First one at that? Magister Vaellanius had to really value her, or be out of his mind.

 

Caius saw that, "I expect you to offer my Fist Apprentice the same courtesy you are offering to any member of my house. I hope this is clear to us all?". He locked his eyes with Tiberius. The boy swalloved quickly, those eyes turned so dark so quickly.

 

"But of course my lord", lady Silia hurried to confirm making her own courtsey smiling like a sun, trying to outshine Elowyn. A apprentice? My ass, and hers. She thought. "Alright then, shall we go?", Caius said smiling again gesturing to the manor.

 

Zera stood like a statue facing the main door to the great hall. She was wearing her best dress and her hair was done. Cassia and Miriel stood next to her shining equally in their dresses. Several members of the household stood there with them.

 

Livia stood next to Miriel. She whispered to her, "the house Silia is a old and powerful house, or has been since their postion and wealth has been waning during recent centuries. Caius, your father, has literally lifted them from falling to nothingness with this engagement".

 

"Oh", Miriel whispered. "So that is why they were so eager to take the offer". Livia nodded, looking at her smiling. "I could teach you a thing or two about these things if you are ever interested". Miriel looked at her with her eyes shining, "you would? I would love to know more of your secret work".

 

Cassia was pleased, as much as she loved her sister Zera she could not help but feel relieved that she was being separated from Revaud. Finally she would be getting rid of that upstart! She should remember to thank father. 

Zera could not help but wonder why she wasn´t running out of the door just this moment. But she knew why, her father had done something and she needed to see Cade to hear what it is. Fighting him now would postpone that moment, possibly prevent it completely from happening.

 

The servants opened the twin doors and Caius walked in Elowyn on his right side and members of house Silia on his left side. And there was Tiberius. She had seen pictures of him but he was truly a good looking man. And arrogant, she could tell that moment when their eyes met that she would not like what this man had to say.

 

"My lady Zera Vaellanius!", Tiberius exhaled looking at her. "You are truly more beautiful than I ever thought of possible!". He kneeled before Zera taking her hand giving a kiss on it. "And I am sure your mind is also as legendary as is your fathers", he said standing up.

 

Zera smiled shortly, "thank you my lord". Then the smile disappeared and she fell silent. Tiberius stood there for a moment surprised of the cold welcome.

Caius rushed to cut in, "shall we take our seats by the table?". He gestured at the table prepared at the hall close to Caius seat. Slaves and servants stood ready to serve around it.

 

"Yes, of course", Tiberius collected himself fast. He offered his arm to Zera, "shall we go my lady?". Zera took his arm without a word.*

 

Spoiler

*That bastard had the audacity to try my patience, he thought he could take my gold and my daughter, and get away with it. A knock on the door interrupted Caius thought. He had been gloomy for a while now. Everything seemed to turn against him, there was no way of knowing how his plans would unfold. And now it seemed all of them led into destruction.
Caius closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. I feel so tired. Zera´s letter was on the table before him. A second knock on the door got his attention. "Enter", Caius said straightening his back. Sulla stepped in accompanied by Livia, "you wanted to see me my lord?".

 

"I do", Cais said standing up, "it has come to my attention that Zera has left the city. Why is that, why was she not apprehended?". Caius gazed at them with dark eyes, his voice was calm but ominous. Livia cleared her throat, "it happened too fast, our agent following her left to get more support but the ship had sailed before they returned". She looked at Caius carefully. Sulla just stood there like a statue, he waited for orders.

 

"Sestius", Caius turned to Sulla. "Yes my lord", Sulla responded. "Take a company of my soldiers, combat mages and pretorians. Go to harbor. The War Galley "Pride of the Imperium", is still docked. If there is room, take as many more soldiers you need, find them and bring her back. Anyone resisting can be killed. No matter who they are", Caius said silently.

 

He turned to Livia, "you will provide him information of the ships destination. I want you to inform the military bases in Marnus Pell, Vyrantium, Neromenian, Carastes, Quarinus and Alam that my daughter is being kidnapped by the rivaini Revaud and I will issue a general alert along the Imperium. Use my authority as a Magister and member of the War Council. I want that ship and people in it back here".

 

A muscle twitched in his cheek, "I will be damned if I let them step all over me".

 

Sulla smiled shortly, nodded and left the study. Livia looked at Caius concerned, but she left in silence.

 

Caius walked to the side table pouring himself wine. He closed his eyes taking a sip. If this requires a death then so be it. He turned around and walked to his desk sitting down. Silence lingered as he took another sip of his wine. Then he opened a drawer from the desk and pulled out a parchment with official seal in it. With a few strokes of his elaborate quill Caius wrote few words on the parchment.

 

He took a deep breath leaning back against the chair twisting his neck. A knock interrupted his thoughts, "come in". Arine stuck her head in, "can I come in?". She asked with a coy voice.

 

"Of course you can", Caius smiled shortly at her. "What brings you here?", he asked when Arine circled around his table sitting on his lap. "I am sorry for causing such a ruckus", she exclaimed looking into Caius eyes. "You did, didn´t you", Caius said softly. "It just is because I love you", she said silently. "I have not been this close to you in a long time. I missed you and I thought she was after you too".

 

Caius raised his hand and stroke her hair, "we had some good times, didn´t we?". "Oh we did!", Arine giggled. Then she leaned forward kissing Caius wrapping her arms around him. Caius kissed her then gently took her arms off. "I don´t think this is the moment for this", he said looking into her eyes. "Maybe later?", Arine grinned. Caius smiled shortly, "maybe, we shall see". Arine giggled and danced to the door, then she turned around winking at Caius and left.

 

The smile on Caius face vanished as the door closed, he reached out and took another sip of the wine in his thoughts, the leaned back closing his eyes.*

 

Spoiler

Caius walked through the Magisterium hall musing to himself, useless bunch of simpletons! Do I have to do everything on my own?

 

Nazlik and Elowyn walked behind him. They gazed at each other carefully. Caius had been tense, and even more brooding than before. People scurried away from his path, his reputation was enough to give him a wide berth but after seeing the dark look on his face the space around him got even wider.

 

At least they had found Zera. "Pride of the Imperium" and four smaller war galleys had chased the ship south along the coast, and finally encircled it in a small cove. After a small skirmish the remaining crew had been taken captive. And Zera, she did not put up a fight. Rest of the passengers had disappeared. Along with Revaud, his friends had decided to stay and fight. They died.

Now Zera was in the tower and Caius had made a nation wide arrest warrant on the rivaini. He sat in silence while they traveled back to the manor in the Vaellanius cart while it rolled through the marble streets of Minrathous. Caius took a quick glance at Nazlik and Elowyn, two magnificent women in his life.

A slight smile appeared shortly on his lips as he thought of his encounter with Elowyn. Such a complete moment of love, and yet it felt like a dream never to be had again. But like a man dying of thirst in desert he longed for more of her love. How could he not? "there´s always a choice", he whispered to himself looking out of the carriage window.

Nazlik gazed at Caius, he had fallen back in his thought and was somewhere else, with that little smile on his face.

She looked at Elowyn, she had a plaintive look in her eyes, and she avoided her gaze. Nazlik reached out and tapped Elowyn´s arm, leaning close to her to get her attention whispering. "Hey there, smile a little", she grinned with a wink. Elowyn looked at her with wide eyes.

"I forgive you, in case you didn´t know. I know how things are. I understand". She took a glimpse of Caius but he seemed to be in his thoughts looking out of the window.

"You and me, the outsiders, we should stick together", she tapped Elowyn´s cheek smiling. "I would like for you to be more with me and Cassius, he seems to have taken a shine on you. And I really need a friend". A timid smile appeared on Elowyn´s lips. "I´d like that", she whispered.

Back at the manor Caius left them before he headed towards Zera´s apartment, but not before giving them instructions to dress for the coming occasion. The coming discussion was something he did not want them to hear. The two women in his life. Someone should make a poem about that, he thought walking through the manor.

At the door to her rooms stood several mage-killers and combat mages, Caius did not take any changes with this anymore. The guards bowed while Caius passed them entering the room. In the elaborate room he found Zera sitting in her bed looking at her hands. Caius pulled a chair and sat before her.

"You have doomed your precious Cade", Caius said silently looking into her eyes. Zera blinked and raised her eyes, they were still a bit swollen of the tears. 

Nothing like her mother, Caius thought. That woman had tears for no one. "That´s right. I will tell you this. I have no other choice now but to kill him when he surfaces again. You made it so".

Zera stared at him and Caius could see how her fire started to burn. "What? I went through the engagement party, and took the ring. What else you want from me?".

"Maybe that you should have stick around for the wedding itself, is that so hard to grasp?", Caius said looking into her eyes. "I didn´t say you are free to run off right after. What you do once you are married is your own concern, I don´t really care about that. Much. But spitting me on my face publicly will have consequences".

Zera stared at him but then she sighted, her spirit had been broken. The look in her father´s eyes was so cold, something she had thought never to see. "So what, if I marry Tiberius you will not kill Cade, and will let me see him?".

"Yes, assuming it is meeting from where you intend to return from. If not then I will send all my might after you. And then there will be no discussions about who gets to be saved". His cold voice explained calmly.

Tears started to fall from Zera´s eyes as she gazed down, a tiny sob made her shoulders twitch. "Who are you?", she whispered looking at her hands.

 

"I am your father, and it is my duty to keep you safe", there is only duty, duty for the family and for the Imperium lingered suddenly in his thoughts. Caius blinked, "Tiberius is already here with his family, and so is the Grand Cleric. We will go through this, my daughter. He will be married into our family so you will keep your last name. Do not make me regret this deal".

 

Caius stood up and stretched out his arm for Zera to take, "come, the time is upon us". Tears in her eyes she stood up and took his arm.*

 

Spoiler

Minrathous society turned out in all its finery for Zera’s wedding. Despite the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows of the chapel, Zera looked wan. Elowyn felt sorry for both Zera and Tiberius, but she was relieved that Zera had at last acquiesced to her father’s wishes. An angry Caius put the entire household on edge. She overhead a few of the guests gossiping, “The mighty Vaellanius had to settle for Silius’ whelp because his heir ran off with a foreigner,” said one of the wags, sotto voce.

 

“A Rivaini, no less! Lives in a hovel. What was she thinking?!” The gossipers tittered behind their hands. Elowyn frowned. Much as she despised their supercilious remarks, she felt that all parties had been unwise. She’d never understood why Caius had let his heir to date rivaini in the first place, though after learning that Zera was unable to have children, she surmised that Caius had felt it was a way to appease his daughter. Perhaps he’d decided to name Cassius his heir and disinherit Zera – Elowyn wasn’t privy to Caius’ plans.

 

She felt bad for Zera and Revaud, but who in Thedas got to marry the person of their choice, especially among the upper classes? Mages in southern Orlais didn’t get to marry at all. She felt that Zera and Revaud hadn’t acted with maturity. Perhaps they could have convinced Caius to allow their marriage if they hadn’t gone behind his back and created so much chaos.

 

Who was she to talk though? She’d run off from the Circle. But in that case, she would have been annulled with the other mages had she remained. Still, how would she feel if Caius ordered her to marry some stranger? The truth was, Elowyn had little expectation of happiness in her life. Every good thing that happened was a bonus. Her life had always been controlled by other people: first her parents, then the Templars, and now the Magisters. She had learned to find – or take - whatever freedom she could within the strictures of her circumstances. Unlike Zera, who was technically “free,” Elowyn was bound. She wasn’t sure about Revaud's status. She knew he’d come from Rivain, but he must have some sort of papers to be allowed his own household in Minrathous.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion in the hallway. The doors burst open. “Not again!” she thought. “Is it possible to have one family occasion without some fracas?” It was Revaud, of course.

 

“Give her back!”” he demanded, as if Zera were his property. Nazlik put herself between Caius and the interloper. The rivaini made a threatening gesture toward Caius, and Nazlik didn’t hesitate: she disabled him with her magebane daggers. The guards dragged Revaud away. There hadn’t even been time for Elowyn to act. She felt sad, but also disgusted with both Revaud and Zera for behaving like spoiled children.

 

“Maybe it’s his love making him act that way,” she thought. She caught Publius’ eye. He shrugged. She hoped his wedding to Miriel would turn out better than this one. Hopefully, Caius would be able to suppress the disgraceful news stories about this debacle. His pet reporters would undoubtedly transform the rivaini into a foreign terrorist, especially given the recent assassination attempt on the Magister.

 

The only thing Elowyn could do at this point would be to plead with the Magister for clemency for Revaud. She would request a visit to his cell to ensure the guards weren’t being too rough with him. As for Zera, Elowyn hoped she would learn to handle her affairs with the subtlety befitting a Magister, or she wouldn’t last long as a Senator.

 

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

 

Spoiler

Miriel was playing with the slave children in the yard. She threw a ball to a elven boy laughing at his attempt to catch the ball mid-air to impress her, but falling into the fountain. "You need to do better Felran!", she giggled at the embarrassed boy trying to climb out of the water. The other children stopped laughing and went suddenly silent staring behind Miriel. She turned around to see her father walking across the yard Cassia on his tow. They were heading straight to her. Before she knew the children had vanished, along with Felran leaving a set of wet footprints behind on the marble walkway.

 

"Miri, I need to have a word with you", Caius said walking to her. "Please, come here and sit for a moment".

 

"Yes father", she said surprised seeing Cassia with him. Caius sat on the marble bench next to the fountain, Cassia remained standing.
"Come here", Caius said softly and Miriel sat next to him.

 

"What is it father? Something wrong?".

"I could say that", Caius said taking a deep breath. "Your sister, she is no longer fit to be a Magister". "What?!", Miriel exhaled, "you mean Zera?". "Yes", Caius said placing his hand on Miriel´s shoulder. "This is shocking news, but the recent events have made it impossible for me to make her my heir for now. She will be leaving the manor to live on her own with Tiberius".

 

Miriel took a deep breath, then sobbed covering her yes. "I know, it is hard", Caius wrapped his arms around her pulling her close. "We need to be strong, you need to be strong. We are still a family even things have changed".

 

Caius took her chin gently in his arm, turning her to see him. "I need you now more than ever Miri". He said with a soft tone, "You need to take your sisters place as my heir to the Magister seat".

"What?!", Miriel twitched, "but I am a mundane! How can I be a Magister?".

 

Caius looked into her eyes softly, "I have already made a deal that Cassia will marry Magistra Aurelia's son, therefore moving into their family. So I will make it happen that you will become a Magister. You don´t have to worry, this is just a precaution, a temporary solution. But if Zera is not capable for the responsibility you need to step up and be ready for it. Though before that can happen I need to train you, we will both train you for the position".

 

He glanced at Cassia who nodded, "I will prepare a set of items for you to counter any magic cast at you, including mind control". Caius smiled at Miriel´s baffled look, "I know you can do it, you have already shown strength of character".

 

Cassia smiled to herself watching her little sister, Miri is so easy to be manipulated, I will rule these houses in no time.*

 

Spoiler

*flickering magical light in the corner of the dark and damp dungeon gave some dim light on a hooded character standing next to a dried up body laying on a stone table, sings of horrible torture spoke of the painful last moment this person had endured before death had released him.

 

Caius stood there be the side of the table leaning on his staff looking at the dried up and wrinkled face of Revaud in silence, the remains of Zera's beloved. The rush of life pouring from the young man to Caius had felt so good. Draining the rivaini of his life essence had brought satisfaction to Caius in a level he did not anticipate.

 

I told you not to try me, Caius thought gazing at the corpse. This is how it ends, always. I always win.

 

A cold smile crept on his lips as he turned and walked out of the dungeon closing the door behind him*

[Uccio]

A proposal

Spoiler

*Sun shined from the cloudless sky scorching Minrathous in the midday's relentless heat. Guy rode his horse uphill the marble road towards the Vaellanius manor. He could see the white marble wall from distance and the pitch black larger wall behind it up in the hill. And behind the black wall he could see the Vaellanius manor, and the black tower standing in the highest point of the hill.

"Impressive", he whispered to himself, he had to admit, Tevinter was all that grand and even more than he had anticipated. The center of civilization in Thedas has gathered wealth through millenias and the result was all around to see. For good or bad.

He rode his brown mare to the front gate saluting the guards. Two guards standing in the front of black iron gate ewrought with Vaellanius family heraldry, a four headed flaming dragon. Dragons, it is always dragons, Guy thought to himself. The guards moved forward crossing their spears before the gate while two guards standing on the wall both side of the gate turned to look with bows in their hands.

"State your name and business", the guard said roughly, staring at Guy´s templar signia. There is less respect for templars here, Guy thought to himself. And the thought made him a tiniest bit of annoyed to his own surprise.

"My name is Guy du Bessau, I am a member of the Minrathous templar order and here because Magister Caius has summoned me to his audience", Guy sad calmly to the guard removing his helmet. The guard nodded to him and winked to his companion, who started opening the gate.

"Yes, you are being expected. Ride to the second gate and leave your horse there. A servant will escort you to the Lord Magister Vaellanius from there", the guard said waving towards the gate and stepping aside. Guy nodded and rode in from the gate while the guards returned to their duties.

So many soldiers here, Guy thought riding along the marble road uphill watching the guards patrolling on both walls. The Magisters have to be always on the lookout, I don´t know if I would like this kind of living. On the marble road he could see carvings telling stories of Tevinter history, and on the side of the road marble statues of important members of Vaellanius family gazed at the visitor. This family is really old, and powerful, he thought looking at all these statues from ancient times.

Upon reaching the second gate two soldiers and a servant were already expecting him. Guy dismounted his horse and gave the reigns to a servant standing by.

"Guy du Bessau?", the servant asked with a slight inquiry in his voice. "Yes, I am", Guy nodded. "Pleased to meet you Ser, I hope your ride here was pleasant. If you would be so kind and follow me, I will escort you to the manor", the man said bowing. Guy nodded again.

The servant raised his hand, "before we go, I must ask you to leave your sword here for the guards. It will be returned to you once you leave". This time there was no question in the tone. "Of course", Guy unbuckled his sword belt and handed it to the guard next to him, tight security, he thought.

He followed the servant while two guards followed him close by. Guy looked around the manor yard, a garden, with trees and a fountain. Family Chantry, stable, few smaller houses. This is like a small town on its own, he thought. The escort women playing in the garden saw him and flocked closer to look at this new visitor. The women giggled, and whispered to each other, pointing at him making Guy blush, wondering of what they were talking about.

The manor was grand, one of the biggest one he had ever seen, and old, probably oldest one too. Older than anything he had seen in Orlais. The polished dragon bone front doors caught his eye, these would withstand heavy attack if needed to be.

The servant escorted him through the manor and stopped at a oaken door. He knocked waiting and then a voice responded from the inside, "come in".

This is it, Guy thought to himself stepping through the doorway, now I will finally see this famous Magister. He stepped inside while the servant remained in the hall.

In the room he saw large shelves on both sides with books, books about magic filled them from floor to ceiling. Magical items and artifacts dotted the shelves. Large maps were placed on side tables and on the wall by the colorful window. And before it was a large black desk and behind sat the Magister himself in his high elaborate chair.

"My lord, my name is Guy du Bessau, you requested my presence", Guy bowed to the man. The Magister stood up, he was impressive good looking man, but there was something powerful and dark eminating from him, clouding his sophisticated features. The Magister wore pitch black robes with silver embroideries. Dragons around his shoulders and arms, with silver belt in his waist. Light brown hair combed back and tiny goatee groomed precisely. But none of these caught his attention as much as the mans eyes. They were dark, almost black, and he had problems looking away from them. Those eyes seemed to capture his attention. Magister smiled but his eyes did not. He is a dangerous man, Guy´s first thought emerged.

"Please to meet you, Guy", Caius said with a deep calm voice stepping around the table and shaking his hand, "I hope you don´t mind me calling you with your first name. Elowyn has spoken so much about you that I feel like we already know each other". He pointed at the seat before the table, "please, have a seat". Guy was surprised of his hospitality, he was half expecting this Magister to sneer at him with superiority.

Guy sat down gazing around the room, "my lord, I have to say I am really impressed of your home. This is spectacular, I don´t remember seeing anything like this before". "Thank you", Caius nodded, "though most of the the honor goes to my forefathers. I only inherited all this".

He walked to the side table and poured wine to crystal goblets. He placed the other before Guy and sat back behind his desk raising the glass. "Please have some, this is from my own vineyard. Elowyn told me you are a man who appreciates good wines". Guy took the glass and raised it to a salute taking a sip of it. A rich and full taste filled his mouth. "Excellent wine my lord, thought I might say it might be a bit too strong for my taste".

Caius gave a laugh, "people have told me that. But I like it, so I guess that is the only thing that counts?". Guy laughed carefully.

The Magister took a sip of his wine and placed the goblet on the table, his dark eyes gazed at Guy steadily. Guy felt like he was being weighted, his worth judged.
"Now, I know you wonder why I called you here" the Magister said looking at Guy. His gaze was inscrutable, "Elowyn spoke highly of you, and I am always in the look out for talented people". Before Guy was able to say anything Caius raised his hand, "I know, you are a templar, and I do not expect you to leave the order for me. I was merely interested to make you a offer regarding your position inside the order".

Guys stared at him, now would come the hook, he thought. "Since the Knight Commander died recently there has been no obvious heir for his position. Certain political factions have brought forward their own candidate. And I was wondering, what would you think about the position of Knight Commander. Would you be interested?".

Guy almost inhaled his wine, "my lord, I have been in Tevinter and Minrathous only for a short time. How could I even think of hoping to get that position?".

"With my help", Caius smiled and while Guy looked at his smile he had this terrible feeling that behind those cold eyes this man knew exactly how the Knight Commander had died.

Caius leaned back, "I have the leverage to make you the Knight Commander. It is a position where I would like to have a person who is, how would I say this, auspicious towards myself and my goals".

Guy took another sip of his wine, this is it, my hook, my price, and my moment. He placed the cup on the table and stood up too. "This is such an honor my lord, I don´t know how to thank you for thinking of me. But is it possible for me to think about it for a while? The position is so demanding that I would need to ponder if I am actually capable for it".

The Magister smiled at him, but it was a cold smile now, "of course, such decisions need to be considered from all angles". Caius gazed at him for a while and then continued silently, "don´t think too long. I will expect your answer within one week".

"Of course my lord", Guy said bowing and hiding the fact that he had to swallow, "I will think of this and get back to you". The Magister nodded and gestured towards the door, "that is all. You can go now".

When Guy rode outside of the outer wall he took a deep breath noticing he had held it all the way here. What shall I do now?, He thought to himself riding slowly towards the Chantry.*

[Serelir]

I like how Guy's perspective affords an opportunity to describe the manor through an outsider's eyes (which makes me think Elowyn should have taken more notice). This is certainly a twist! I'm eager to see if Guy is up to the task. Maybe he's considering what happened to the last Knight Commander.

[Uccio]

Yes, I tried to have his first time perspective. Now he knows why the option came and what is expected of him. It is temptation, power and position, all he needs to do is bow to the dragon.

[Serelir]

Any updates? I know you've been busy, but I want to know what Caius is up to.

[Uccio]

There is a update coming, three actually. I just need to decide the order of them.