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[lordofthemelons11]

This is my backstory for my Trevelyan, William. It's not done and I have a habit of never actually finishing stories, but I've decided to post some of it just to see what people think. Feel free to critique, just do it gently, my ego is fragile. It has some maturity to it, some sex scenes and some language but most of the sex scenes aren't very descriptive because I get kinda uncomfortable writing them. So here it is!

 

William was born into the family of the Trevelyans of the free marches. They were a royals in as the orlesians would say "A land full of savages". I admit it's not the best country in Thedas, but it's good enough for most people until Kirkwall. What happened in Kirkwall caused widespread carnage, reaching all the way to Ostwick, where William lived. The circle of Ostwick was in anarchy, along with the rest of the circles around Thedas. And the Trevelyans were caught in the middle. William's sister, Brinne was a mage in the circle, but for the past few months she had not been heard of and William and his family feared the worst.

                Through those months William and his companion Shane had searched all through Ostwick, and the circling towns and cities. Today they had stopped in Hercinia to look for her. Hercinia is a harbor town on east coast of the Free Marches, filled with piraes and criminals. People only travelled here as a final resort, and this was William's final resort.

                "Stay outside Shane, I'll talk to the innkeeper." William said, steeping into the inn, "The Battered Bull" the name was fitting, as the place and for blocks around it was battered and smelled of bull. But it was one of safer places to rest in Hercinia.

                As William walked in, everyone stopped what they were doing. To see someone dressed in rags and dirt was not new. It was the bow slung over William's back that stopped them. Weapons weren't very rare either, considering the pirates in the town, it was the style of the bow. It wasn't a shortbow filled with cracks like every other's, it was a longbow with pristine carvings of dragons tangled in vines and leaves all along it, with fanged mouths at the end of the nock. William had made it a few years back, when he found the perfect branch in the forest by Ostwick. And William knew how to use it. People stared as he strode to the innkeeper, people fondled the bow as he passed, William knocking their hands away as he came to the innkeeper. "Do you have a room?" He asked,

                "Maybe..." The innkeeper smiled, revealing his blackened teeth, "You've obviously got coin. The question is are you willing to spend it?" The keeper spat, aiming at a can, pinging off the edge and hitting William's tunic.

                "Obviously I am, if I'm asking for a room." He smiled back, wiping the spit from him and tossing a small bag of coins to the small innkeeper.

                "Right. Well we have one, if it's just you and your pretty bow. If you've got more coin we may have a few ladies willing to take it off your hands." The keeper chuckled pointing to the back room, which smelled of ****** and other fluids.

                "I would love too, but I don't think my companion would appreciate it very much." He laughed.  The innkeeper grunted and flipped a key onto the counter.

                "First room upstairs."

                "Thankyou sir." William smiled, picking up the key and striding back over to the entrance, "Shane." Shane looked up from the ground, frowning as William lifted the key.

                "Damn." He groaned, " I was hoping we could find someplace with a little more class." He stepped into the inn and followed Will.

                "Yes well..." Will trailed off, reaching their room and opening the door.

                "What now?" Shane sighed,

                "Looks like we're sharing a bed." William laughed, looking through the room.

                "No. No. I'm sorry, but I know you.. You would try something. I'm sleping on the floor." Shane pushed past Will, dropping his rucksack on the dirty, stained floor.

                "It was one time ok? I thought you were ok with it!" William smiled, closing the door and heading to the bed.

                "I was asleep you bastard!"

                "Well you were flirting in your sleep!"

                "No I wasn't! I don't sleep talk!"

                "I beg to differ slip-on." William threw a sheet at Shane,

                "We're not getting into that!" Shane sneered, catching the sheet and laying it over the stains.

                "It was you who started it-." William suddenly jumped up from the bed, "On second thought... I'll take the floor." He squeaked, pushing Shane off the sheet,

                "What? What is it now?" Shane jeered, heading over to the bed, and peering under the blanket. “Seriously?” He laughed, grabbing a small spider by the legs and smushing it between his fingers, “It’s one tiny spider!”

                “You know I don’t like anything with more than 4 legs.” William shuddered.

                “Fine I’ll take the bed.” Shane smiled, covering himself in the blanket, “Although this blanket does kinda smell.”

                “You get the bed!” William cut him off.

                “Fine..”

 

                “****! Where is she?!” Shane woke with a start. Will was rummaging through their clothes and bags.

                “What? Who?” Shane Rubbed his eyes, and opening the blinds.

                “Anna!” William screamed, tearing the room apart,

                “Your… bow?”

                “Yes my sodding bow!” Will slouched against the wall, “I’m gonna kill whoever took her!”

                “Maybe you just misplaced it-“

                “HER!” William snapped, “Just misplaced HER! And I didn’t, she was right here!” he spun around the room, flipping tables and chairs,

                “Ok we’ll find i- her.” Shane said, “Maybe someone downstairs has it!” Will jerked up, pulling on a pair of cloth greaves and charging down the stairs,

                “Where the **** is she?!” He screamed, grabbing the nearest person by the neck, Men around him stood up and drew swords and daggers,

                “Calm down man!” Shane hopped down the stairs, fully clothed and dual daggers in hand, “I doubt he has anything to do with it. He wasn’t here last night.” Will let go of the man, who slumped onto a table, spilling mead over another man.

                “Oi! **** you think yur doin mate?” The man snarled, putting a dagger to Will’s throat, “That mead was ‘alf my pay!”

                “Then you should probably find a new job.” Will jeered, grabbing the man by the arm and flipping him over the table again, grabbing the man’s dagger. “Tell me where my bow is!” Will roared,

                “What’s going on!? I told you bastards no more brawls in my inn!” The innkeeper shrieked, barging out of the door behind the counter, zipping up his trousers.

                “Sorry sir. My friend is looking for his bow.” Shane nodding his head and sheathing his daggers. Will kept his dagger up, turning it towards the innkeeper,

                “You were there last night!” Will yelled, grabbing the innkeeper by the collar, “Where is my sodding bow?”

                “Oh you mean that shiny stick on your back last night?” the innkeeper jeered, “I’ll tell you if you let me down.” Will dropped the innkeeper, smashing him onto the floor.

                “Talk.” Everyone else sat back down, returning to their own business.

                “I saw ol’ McGinley run off with it late last night.” The innkeeper heaved, rubbing his neck. “Think he was heading to the docks.”

                “Ol’ McGinley? How cliché.” Shane chuckled,

                “Shouldn’t call a pirate cliché boy.” A large man stood up, swiping mead off of his long grey beard, “Might kill ya.” He laughed, a massive hammer  was strapped to his back.

                “And who are you?” Will sneered,

                “I’m a pirate.” He smiled, “Guess what my name is?”

                “Blackbeard!” Shane shouted,

                “No.. in case you haven’t noticed my beard isn’t black. My name is longbeard. Get it right.” He stroked his beard.

                “Great another cliché.” Will sighed.

                “Careful Will. He might kill ya!” Shane mocked,

                “Yeah… I might.” Longbeard laughed. “I like you dagger kid, your friend not so much. But I’ll take you to Ol’ McGinley. I’ve got some business with him myself.” Longbeard motioned for Will and Shane to follow him. They exited the inn, the sun beaming down on the **** filled streets, amplifying the smell.

                “My name is Shane.” Shane smiled, “This is Will.”

                “Hello Shane.” Longbeard smiled back.

                “Will’s not normally like this.” Shane said, “That bow means a lot to him though. He needs it back.”

                “I gotcha. I don’t know what I’d do without ol’ Braindead here.” Longbeard patted his warhammer.

                “What’s with everyone naming their weapons?” Shane asked,

                “I dunno, guess it’s just ta keep a bond between eachother. Ya know, we kill with em, why not connect with em?”

                “I guess.” Shane looked down at his daggers, “Why’d you name your bow Will?”

                “Because I love her.” Will muttered,

                “You love yer bow?” Longbeard bellowed with laughter, “That’s goin a little far kid.”

                “Nah, he’s talking about a girl he knew. She died in the mage rebellion.” Shane sighed,

                “Damn mages, always fuckin thing’s up.” Longbeard growled, Will snapped his head up, staring at longbeard.

                “She was a mage!” Will yelled,

                “Yeah. She was killed by a templar.” Shane added.

                “****.. Sorry mate.” Longbeard sighed, putting his arm around Will, he flipped the large arm off his shoulder,

                “Don’t touch me.” Will sneered,

                “Ok, ok. “ Longbeard held his hands up, “I didn’t mean what I said bout the mages, I just like to agree with people to get them ta like me. Guess it backfired a little eh?”

                “Yeah. Just a bit.” Will said, a hint of a smile formed around the edge of his mouth.

                “C’mon Will, he’s being nice.” Shane smiled, patting his friend on the back,

                “Yeah, I know. I just don’t trust him quite yet.”

                “I understand that man.” Longbeard said, “Just met me an stuff. If it helps, I trust you two.”

                “Thanks.” Will smiled at the large man.

 

 

                “Ah. Here we are,” Longbeard stopped, “Pirate’s rest. Only place safe for outlaws south a antiva!” They were on a massive dock with ships everywhere, from massive barges to small sailboats. Crates were stacked against the walls and people were bustling around everywhere. Elves milled around, mopping decks and stacking boxes, Qunari were there, selling goods from Par Vollen and other Qunari countries. There were dwarves as well, selling goods from the deep roads. And pirates. Lots and lots of pirates, hassling citizens and merchants.

                “So where’s this McGinley guy?” Will asked, slipping his hand onto his coin purse.

                “Right over here.” Longbeard walked over to a massive ship, big enough for an army. “This is the ‘Dragon’s Plunder’, McGinley’s ship.”

                “This whole thing is his? Shane stared up at the boat in amazement, “Most people in Ostwick don’t have boats half the size of this. Even warships aren’t as big as this!”

                “H’yup,” Longbeard chuckled, “McGinley’s big time all right. C’mon, he’ll be inside.”

                “Are you sure we should be going into a pirate’s ship uninvited?” Shane said, backing away,

                “I’d through the black city itself to get Anna back.” Will mumbled, striding towards the gangplank,

                “Woah woah woah boy, slow down there.” Longbeard said, pulling William back, “We gotta hail them first, even tho they know I’m comin.”

                “They know you’re coming?” Shane asked,

                “Hell yeah. I told ya, I have dealings with McGinley.” Longbeard tapped on the side of the boat in a pattern, a small boy no older than 8 leapt up over the side and landed in front of the three men,

                “Hey beardy!” The boy said, smiling and tugging on Longbeard’s finger,

                “Hey Sammy, how ya doin?” Longbeard smiled, patting the kid’s head, “You been listenin to the scary captain?”

                “Yes sir!” Sammy stood up straight, saluting the comically large man, “McGinny is ready to see you now.”

                “Thankya son, can my friends come too?” Longbeard pointed back at Will and Shane, who smiled and waved,

                “Course, ya just gotta gimme yur shiny gold first!” Sammy said, holding his hands towards Shane and Will,

                “Nice try kid, they’re not that dumb.” Longbeard laughed,ruffling the kids hair,

                “Daanngg beardy! Don’t tell em it’s not real.” Sammy slouched,

                “Whatever, he can have a bit.” Will smiled, pressing a gold coin into the kid’s hand,

                “YESS!!” Sammy screeched, jumping up and down and running back onto the boat.

                “Haha, good kid that Sam.” Longbeard chuckled, “Shame he has to work for McGinley.”

                “He’s a slave?” Will asked,

                “Yup, that coin you gave him might’ve just saved his hide.” Longbeard said, patting William on the shoulder, “Anyways, let’s go in an talk to Micky.” Longbeard marched up the gangplank and in to the ship.

                They stepped into a large room, about the size of an inn, over in the corner sat Sammy, and in the middle of the room stood a man with a long black beard, longer than Longbeard’s. The man had a pegleg and an eyepatch, and a long black cutlass hanging from his black belt, he smiled at the group as they entered, tapping his cane against the wooden floor.

                “Samuel. Get these felllas so drink why don’tcha.” He said, Sammy ran off down a set of stairs. “Good ta see ya Longbeard.” He said,

                “McGinley…” Longbeard had suddenly become very serious, and kept a hand on a dagger around his belt,

                “Do you have it?” McGinley said, holding out his hand,

                “Yeah.” Longbeard tossed a large coin purse into McGinley’s hand, “These boys are lookin for something you took from them.” He motioned towards Will and Shane,

                “You’ll have to be more specific big guy.” McGinley laughed, “I’ve taken quite a few things in my time.”

                “I want my bow back!” Will snapped at the pirate,

                “No need to be so nippy young man. I have lots of bows, if you’ve got coin I’ll sell.”

                “I don’t need coin for something that is rightfully mine.” Will stepped forward, hands clenched,

                “Well I may have what you are looking for. Come with me.” McGinley hobbled through the ship, Will and the others following close behind. His cane tapped along the floorboards until he reached a door, painted black with a sign on it saying ‘shop’ they entered the store and a scent of leather and rotting wood engulfed them. Barrels sat in seemingly random positions across the room, filled to the brim with all sorts of weapons with unreasonably high prices. Walls were covered in armour and fancy clothes, some covered with blood unknown if from the user or someone else. In the corner of the room was a chubby man with an apron covering his stained tunic.

                “So where’s my bow?” Will growled,

                “Let’s ask Seb over here,” McGinley smiled, leading the group over to the chubby man, “Seb my friend, have we come across a bow in the past day or so?”

                “A couple yes, want me to grab em?” Seb said, bowing to McGinley,

                “Yes please friend.” He said

                “Don’t trust McGinley, he’s a sneaky bastard.” Longbeard whispered to the boys,

                “Wasn’t planning on trusting him.” Will whispered back.

                “Here’s your drinkies guys!” Sammy smiled, handing everyone a glass of mead, Longbeard grabbed Sammy by the shoulder,

                “Get off the boat Sammy. But don’t stray too far, I’ll find you after this is done.” Longbeard smiled at the little kid.

                “Yes sirree bob!” Sammy saluted him and ran off. Shane gave Longbeard a questioning look, which he quickly dismissed just as Seb came out of the back room with a handful of bows.

                “Ere go sir.” He said, dropping the bows unceremoniously on the table, “All the bows collected in the past 2 days.”

                “Good. You may go now Seb.” McGinley smiled, patting Seb on the back and pushing him towards the door,

                “Y-Yes sir.” Seb hesitated before making a dash out the door. Shane gave Longbeard another questioning look, which he returned with a worried look.

                “Is this the bow you were looking for young man?” McGinley held out the bow,

                “Yes!” Will smiled, grabbing the bow from the pirate, “Ah Anna! I missed you!” Will kissed the bow.

                “Sorry for the misunderstanding.” McGinley smiled, “Usually my men KILL before they take!” and with that the pirate drew his cutlass and slashed at Will. Will jumped back and reached for an arrow, he nocked and arrow and fired it at the pirate, scathing his cheek.

                Longbeard and Shane had also drawn their weapons as more pirates burst through the doors, surrounding the trio of warriors, Longbeard swung his hammer at the pirates, taking a few out with one hit, while Shane somehow managed to climb atop a large one and was repeatedly stabbing him in the throat, the big pirate fell, crushing a few others as Shane gracefully landed beside them.

                “Kill them!!” McGinley shrieked, taking another swing at Will, who dodged it and fired another arrow, hitting his target in the shoulder, “Gargh!” McGinley screamed, breaking the shaft off, Will nocked another arrow, hitting the pirate in his other shoulder,

                “Run!” Longbeard bellowed, charging through the horde of pirates towards the door,

                “That bow is worth a lot of coin boys!” McGinley screeched, “Kill them!”

                “You aren’t getting this bow again!” Will said, leaping over the dead bodies left in the wake of Longbeard, firing arrow after arrow at the pirates, hitting every shot. McGinley was nowhere to be seen though. Neither was Shane, he was moving so fast throughout the criminals, slitting throats and stabbing spines that he could only be seen when he stops to kill someone. Longbeard was clearing the way while Will was picking them off.

                They emerged onto the ship’s deck, pirates swarming them. Onlookers watched from the shore, laughing and screaming. “Watch out beardy!” someone said, Longbeard looked up to see Sammy hanging from a rope, holding a flaming bottle. Longbeard shoved Shane and Will out of the way, diving away himself. The bottle dropped onto the horde of pirates, engulfing them in flames. They screamed and cursed as they were burnt to bone. But there was one shrieking that stood out. It was Sammy, the rope had caught fire and dropped the boy into the flames.

                “Sammy!!” Longbeard shrieked, dicing into the flames after the boy,

                “Longbeard! Stop!” Will yelled, to no avail.

 

                Longbeard emerged from the flames, patting himself down. He opened his arms to reveal the boy, his clothes burnt away and half of his skin. Sammy smiled as his beard tickled him, but cried out in pain as well.

                “****.. **** shit.” Longbeard sobbed, “C’mon kid. We need you!” Sammy was gone though. His lungs had given out, leaving him just a burnt shell. “Motherfucker!” Longbeard cried, slamming his fist on the burnt deck.

                “Poor kid.” Shane sighed, tearing up.

                “Who was he to you Longbeard?” Will said, knealing beside him and patting his back.

                “He was my son.” Longbeard sniffed, “That coin was for his release.”

                “Oh… damn.” Will sighed, pulling Longbeard up, “We’ll have a funeral for him when we get back to Ostwick.”

                “Ostwick?” Longbeard asked,

                “Y- yeah. I thought you were gonna come back with us.” Will said, “Sorry. I just assumed.”

                “No.” Longbeard said, standing up, Sammy still in his arms. “Don’t be sorry. I’ll come.” He sighed and lifted the boy over his shoulder, “We can use my boat, It’ll be faster then horses.” He walked off ‘The Dragon’s plunder’ and walked to a small schooner. “This her. ‘The Golden Hammer’ My life’s savings.

                “Right. She’s pretty.” Will smiled,

                “She’s a piece a ****.” Longbeard laughed. “Let’s get going. You got everything?”

                “Yeah. Let’s go.”

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the first bit of it. I may post more, I may not. We will see. Thanks for reading!

[lordofthemelons11]

Part 2

 

                Will, Shane and Longbeard had been in Ostwick for the past 2 weeks, resting and getting ready for the journey to Orlais to visit Val Royeaux. They had an appointment with a man who knew where Brinne, William’s sister was staying.

“Here we are, Val Royeaux.” Will said, slipping off his horse and handing the reigns to a servant, “This is my father’s estate. I hate it, but I don’t want to pay for an inn. Especially in Orlais.” He stretched as he walked through the gates.

“Fuckin Orlesians, the selfish bastards.” Longbeard smiled, rubbing his thighs, “God I hate horses.”

“You and me both.” Shane whimpered sliding off his horse and landing face first in the grass, “I can’t feel my legs.”

“Quit it guys. You just need more time on them.” Will laughed,

“Yeah?” Longbeard said, “And how much of your childhood did your father spend forcing you to ride?”

“Most of it.” Shane chuckled, pacing back in forth, getting the feeling back in his legs, “His father wasn’t the cause of it though.”

“Yeah. It was my mom. Always nagging and yelling at me. My father’s been living here for most of my life.” Will sighed as he knocked on the large doors into the masion,

“Your dad’s Orlesian?” Longbeard asked,

“ Every inch of his pompous ass. The Trevelyans are just a chimera of Orlesians and Free Marchers. With a little Vint mixed in.”

“You’re Tevinter?” Longbeard laughed, “Doesn’t seem like it.”

“It’s not like I do blood magic and own slaves. Just a few hundred years ago some Tevinter royalty fucked my great, great, great grandma. Pavus I think their last name was.” Will said.

“Aaah my boy!” A man exlaimed, opening the doors. “Good to see you son!” He spoke with a thick Orlesian accent and had a large, waxed moustache, “And you brought friends? Yu should have told me you were coming, I would’ve prepared a banquet!”

“No need father. We’ll just be staying for a few nights.” Will smiled, obviously faking.

“Hello again Joes!” Shane waved, “How are you?”

“A Shane my boy! Very well thankyou. How is your beautiful mother?” Joes siad, patting Shane on the back,

“Dead I’m afraid.” Shane sighed,

“Oh I’m so sorry for your loss. And who is this burly fellow?” He said, turning to Longbeard. “Another bodyguard your mother insisted you bring?”

“More of a friend. But still a massive meat shield.” Longbeard laughed, shaking Joes’ hand, “Names Longbeard. Met these boys and decided to tag along.”

“Just like them. Indeed, always collecting misfits.” Joes laughed, “Come in, take those muddy boots off. “

“Yes sir.” Shane smiled.

“Lissa!” Joes called, a young elf woman appeared at the end of the hall,“Fetch some wine and tell the chefs to start on a feast!”

“Right away master.” She bowed, running off.

“Come in. Would you like a cigar? Finest quality, imported from Antiva!” Joes said, pulling a box of them from seemingly nowhere,

“Don’t mind if I do!” Longbeard grunted, picking a handfull from the box, “You got a light?” He bit off the end and spat it onto the polished wooden floor,

“O- of course.” Joes said in a disgusted tone. He lit the cigar in Longbeard’s mouth. “Sit down, Please. Lissa should be here soon with the wine.” He motioned to a large room filled with books and the smell of cigars,

“Father. Really we just need some rooms to stay in. Please dn’t make this a big deal.” Will mumbled,

“Nonsense!” Joes laughed, “I shall send word to my friends and we’ll have a party!”

“Seriously dad. No!” Will suddenly yelled, “I don’t want to talk to any more Orlesian royals, trying to set me up with their daughters.”

“Why not my boy?” Joes laughed again, “It’s an easy way to bed a woman!”

“I told you no!”

“What’s up Will’s ass today?” Longbeard whispered to Shane,

“Last time he was set up by one of his father’s friends he got herpes.”

“Herpes from a royal dame?” Longbeard chuckled,

“I know. I thought royals had an immunity to stds or something.” Shane smiled. Lissa came into the room with a tray of wine, handing a glass to each of the guests, she was fine until she got to William, where she promptly tripped and spilled wine all over William’s drakeskin shirt.

“Lissa you clumsy knife ear!” Joes scolded, slapping the elf on the side of the head,

“I’m so sorry m’lord!” she whimpered as she rubbed Will’s shirt with the hem of her dress,

“It’s fine.” Will laughed, “This shirt was getting boring anyways-“

“No it’s not fine!” Joes yelled, cutting Will off “Lissa you’re on latrine duty for the rest of the year!”

“No she’s not. It was an accident!” Will said, catching Joes’ hand as he brought it down on the elf again,

“Thank you m’lord.” Lissa smiled weakly, “Here let me take that shirt and get you a new one.”

“Very well. Here you go.” Will smiled, slipping off his shirt and revealing finely tuned abs. The elf woman stared absent mindedly at them as she walked away, tripping again on the wrinkled carpet.

“Haha. I think our slave is hot for you my boy!” Joes laughed,

“I think so,” Shane smiled, taking a sip of his wine,

“Please. She was just nervous.” Will said, half naked,

“I hope she comes back with a shirt soon. I hate staring at those.” Shane sighed,

“Aww jealous are we?” William laughed as he flexed his muscles.

“I’m not jealous. Just uncomfortable sitting with a half naked man…”

“Suuure.” Longbeard chuckled, “Atleast he has those skinny muscles. I have these fat covered monstrosities.”

“So everyone’s jealous now?” Will smirked.

                Lissa ran in clumsily as Will started flexing smugly again, “Oh- oh.” She said weakly, “H-here is your shirt m’lord. I do hope it fits.” She said, covering her eyes.

“Yes it’s fine.” Will said as he slipped on the shining tunic, “You can look now.”

“Thank you sir. Is there anything else you would like- That anyone would like?”

“No thank you Lissa. You may leave now.” Joes laughed, nudging his son,

“Yes m’lord. Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you lord Trevelyan- and of course your friends too.” She said, rushing out of the room.

“She definetly has a crush on you my boy!” Joes laughed,

“Shut up. She does not.” Will said, punching his father lightly, “Well I should hit the hay. Where’s my room?” He asked, standing up and walking towards the door,

“Upstairs at the end of the hall my boy. I’ll stay here and catch up with your friends. Good night.” Joes said as he poured another glass of wine,

“Yeah. K” Will said, leaving the room, breathing in the less smokey air of the hallway. He climbed the stairs, slipped into his room and started undressing. Lissa walked in as he took off his underwear,

“Oh m’lord!” She shrieked, “I thought you were still downstairs with your father! I’m sorry I’ll just leave these blankets here.” She dropped the blankets weakly on the floor and ran out of the room,

“Wait!” Will said, peaking his head out the door,

“Yes m’lord? Do you need something else?” she asked, looking back at the attractive, naked man,

“Well.. I’m not very good at pick up lines so…” Will smiled, scratching his head, “Would you like to.. you know-“

“Yes! Maker yes!” Lissa ran back to him and immediately pushed him onto the bed and slipping off her clothes.

 

 

 

                Longbeard, Shane and Joes sat in the lounge, smoking and drinking, “So how do you know Shane and my son?” Joes asked Longbeard,

                “Oh I helped them kill a pirate in Hercinia.” Longbeard said nonchalantly, taking a puff of his cigar,

                “A pirate?! Hercinia!?” Joes leapt from his chair, “What were you doing in a **** hole like Hercinia? And killing a dirty pirate?”

                “I happen to live in Hercinia thank you very much!” Longbeard smiled,

                “Oh I’m sorry…” Joes said, backing down, “And what’s this about killing a pirate?”

                “He stole Will’s bow. You know how much he loves that big piece of wood.” Shane smiled. Already filling his third glass of wine and starting to slur his words.

                “I see… why were you in Hercinia in the first place?” Joes asked,

                “Looking for Brinne.” Shane slurred,

                “Looking for Brinne? Damn it all, I didn’t even think of what happened to Brinne after the circles fell!” Joes snapped, slamming his fist on the arm of the chair, “Tell me you found her! Is she ok? Is she hurt? Is she alive?”

                “We dunno. We haven’t found her yet.”

                “That’s why we’re here.” Longbeard added, “some guy said he knew where there were a ton of mages hidin out”

                “Yeah. I dontrustem. But you know… you gottadowhatyou gotta… do..” Shane stuttered and mumbled, taking another sip from his glass.

                “I see. Well I truly hope you find my dear daughter. If you need any help, I have some favours that I could call in.” Joes sighed,

                “Thanks man.” Longbeard said, “ I think I’d better drag this drunk lout to bed though. Can’t hold his drink for ****.” Longbeard heaved Shane over his shoulder,

                “Gnight friendsh. I’ll see ya in the morning…” Shane muttered as he passed out.

                “Good night my dear boy.” Joes sighed, thinking of his step daughter, “I think I’ll stay here and drink a while longer.” He smiled, waving to the two men.

                “K. See ya later.” Longbeard walked out the door. As he passed Will’s room he heard moaning coming from inside, “You ok in there guy?” He knocked on the door,

                “Just fine… Great actually.” Will said through grunts and heaves.

                “That’s nice. G’night Lissa.” He chuckled. He dropped Shane off in his room and headed to his for the night. 

[lordofthemelons11]

Part 3

 

                William woke up refreshed and with a beautiful woman around his arms, it was the best night he had had in quite a while,

“Lissa. Hey beautiful.” Will said, regretfully shaking the elf from her sleep,

“Mmm…” Lissa sighed, rubbing her eyes, “Oh yeah… Hi Will.” She smiled, kissing Will’s neck. “Wanna go again?”

“It’s the middle of the morning…” Will said,

“So?” She chuckled, reaching under the covers and grabbing Will,

“So… **** it.” Will laughed, kissing the beautiful elf and slipping into her.

 

 

 

                Longbeard woke with a start, he had had another nightmare about the battle. Visions of his son screaming in the flames.

                They had buried Sammy in the royal graveyard near the Trevelyan estate in Ostwick. It was a great honour for anyone to be buried there, but it didn’t make him feel any better about letting his son die.

                Longbeard got up and headed to his mirror and grabbing a large, ivory brush. He moved to the mirror and brushed his beard, braiding it and tying it up at the end.

 

 

                Shane had not stirred since he was put to bed, still over the covers, fully dressed. His blond hair perfect still as he lay there.

 

 

                Joes had not woke either. For the same reason but different curcumstances. Longbeard went downstairs looking for breakfast, he found Joes laying, slumped in his great armchair, wine spilled over his lap and his cigar burning straight through his pale dead fingers,

“****.” Longbeard cursed, running up to Will’s room and barging in.

“Aah!” Lissa shrieked, quickly going under the covers.

“Beard! Maker’s breath man don’t you knock?” Will screamed, covering himself up and comforting Lissa.

“Sorry man…” Longbeard wringed his beard, “It’s about your dad…” He said,

“What? Did he make a big feast like I asked him not to?” Will sighed, kissing Lissa and slipping on a pair of pants,

“No… Umm I think he’s uuhh.” Longbeard awkwardly sat on the corner of the bed, carefully avoiding aye contact with Lissa and Will

“What? Gone?” Will asked,

“Sorta. He’s… dead.”

“Dead?” Lissa covered her mouth as she gasped, causing the sheet covering her breasts to drop,

“But he was just fine yesterday.” Will said, confused,

“Guess he drank too much or somethin…” Longbeard muttered,

“Well ****… guess that means we have to send word to mother…” Will sighed, dressed fully now,

“You’re not more broken up about this?” Longbeard asked, “I mean he was your dad…”

“Yeah well. When you’re a bastard with a bastard dad…” Will tossed a robe to Lissa,

“But he was your dad-“

“He was a dick!” Will suddenly snapped, slumping onto the bed, “He never cared for me, so in turn I never cared for him.”

“He seemed to care about you last night.” Longbeard smiled, patting Will’s shoulder awkwardly,

“That’s because I was with you and Shane. He’s always nice around guests, but as soon as I’m alone with him…” Will sighed, Lissa sat up beside him, her red hair still beautiful after the sex and sleep,

“He was kind of a dick…” She said, kissing Will,

“I guess he did beat you Lissa.” Longbeard said, suddenly realizing his mistake.

“**** him. He deserved death.” Will cursed, falling backwards onto the bed.

“Well I’ll just… I dunno, go wake up Shane and we’ll go bury him or somethin.” Longbeard got up and headed for the door,

“Thanks for telling me I guess…” Will mumbled, grabbing Lissa.

 

 

                Longbeard walked into Shane’s room, checking if he was still alive after last night, and after he saw what happened to Joes. “Hey bud. Wake up man.” Longbeard shoved Shane playfully off the bed,

“Whaddaya want?” He mumbled, still half asleep.

“It’s time ta wake up man.” Longbeard kicked the boy out the door and rolled him to the top of the stairs,

“I don wanna…” Shane slurred,

“Alright… fair enough.” Longbeard chuckled, shoving the sleeping Shane down the spiral stair case,

“****-****-God-Damn-you-help-FWUMP” Shane groaned, landing at the bottom of the stairs, “Why?!” He growled, standing up unsteadily,

“I just gave you a little help getting up.” Longbeard laughed. “So listen. Be nice to Will today ok? His dad just died.”

“What?” Shane jumped up, looking up through the middle of the staircase at the large bearded beast, “Since when? Didn’t we just talk to him yesterday?”

“Yeah… He drank to much or somethin. Sorry that was prolly a bad way ta tell ya…” Longbeard said, rubbing the back of his head,

“You think?” Shane cursed, “Well where is he? We should probably pay our respects. And send word to Deandra.”

“Yup. Already talked about it with Will. We’re gonna contact his mom and bury im or somethin like that.” Longbeard walked down the stairs. “C’mon. Let’s get some breakfast. Maybe some coffee for you.” He put his arm around Shane’s shoulder leading him to the dining room where Will and Lissa were already sitting.

“Hey Lissa. Shouldn’t you be working or something?” asked,

“Yeah… we fucked.” Will laughed abruptly.

“Probably should have seen that coming…” Shane said, sitting down beside them. “But still isn’t she a servant? She should be working.”

“Well since Will’s now the owner of this estate and all it’s inhabitants he decided to grant me and the other servants freedom. With quite a large severance pay!” Lissa smiled, kissing Will on the cheek, “After the chefs make us breakfast of course. I’ve never felt so powerful, ordering the kitchen staff around like this!” She laughed,

“With great power comes great responsibility and all that.” Longbeard said, “Just because you’re free, you’re still an elf. Might wanna avoid humans for a bit.” He laughed,

“That’ll be hard when she’s living in Ostwick in my house.” Will chuckled,

“You guys getting married aswell?” Shane smiled,

“Not quite. Just thought she’d like living with me for now.”

“One night and you’re already making plans like this?” Longbeard laughed, grabbing a biscuit from a basket on the table,

“I really like Will.” Lissa sighed lovingly,

“And I really like you.” Will smiled, tapping his finger on the girl’s nose,

“Alright then. As long as you’re not gonna bring her along and **** on the horse while looking for your sister. That would be really awkward.” Longbeard said,

“Nah. She’s gonna stay here for the time being and when we head back home we’ll take her with us.” Will said,

“Fair enough.” Shane looked around the dining room, “So where’s food? And are we just gonna let your dad rot?”

“We’ll dump him in a hole after breakfast.” Will laughed.

                At that moment a chubby elf with a comically large chef’s hat came out with a trolley of food,

“Breakfast is served!” He smiled, “Now are we free?” He jumped up and down, the other kitchen elves appearing through the door, all smiling hopefully.

“Sure. Grab what you can from the house and go wherever you want!” Will laughed, handing the elf a stack of papers assuring their release,

“Ohh thank serah!” The chef smiled, grabbing the papers and throwing his hat on the ground. “Lets go boys!” The other elves ran and grabbed their assigned papers, shaking William’s hand and kissing him as they left,

“So their severance is anything they can grab in the house?” Longbeard laughed, “Nice deal.” He grabbed a tray of bacon from the trolley and started stuffing his face. Shane did the same, and so did Lissa.

“I’ve never eaten royal food like this!” Lissa giggled, shoving a fork full of eggs into her mouth, “I’ve only ever eaten leftovers and some mystery stew!”

“Get used to it!” Shane said, also stuffing his face, “The Trevelyans are spoiled!”

“Don’t eat too fast kid.” Longbeard said, patting Lissa on the shoulder, “Your stomach might explode.”

“****… can that really happen?” She paused mid bite,

“I think so. Just don’t eat so fast and you’ll be fine!” Will laughed, taking a strip of bacon off Lissa’s plate, Lissa continued to stuff her face but slower.

 

 

“Here lies the abyss, the well of all souls.

From these emerald waters doth life begin anew.

Come to me, child, and I shall embrace you.

In my arms lies Eternity.”

 Mother Rosel chanted, blowing the ashes of Joes into the wind, carrying them across the water. Will, Shane, Longbeard and Lissa sat in the front row, mourning the loss of Joes, other nobles sat around them, including Will’s mother and Shane’s mother.

“It’s a shame Brinne isn’t here to see this.” Will’s mother, Deandra sighed, “She did so love him. I can’t see why I decided to **** him though.”

“Yeah. We’re looking for her mother. And please stop talking about sex. This is a funeral.” Will said,

“Don’t worry Miss Trevelyan.” Shane said, patting the woman on the back, “We’ll find Brinne. We’re so close.”

“Thank you dear.” She smiled at her son’s best friend, clasping his hand, “I’m glad Will has a friend like you.”

“Draw your last breath, my friends,

Cross the Veil and the Fade and all the stars in the sky.

Rest at the Maker's right hand,

And be Forgiven.” -Trials 1:16

[lordofthemelons11]

Part 4

 

Longbeard had never seen Val Royeaux from the inside. He had been on the docks, hauling crates and boxes, but had never seen the massive towers and the stalls and stores lining each street. He was used to dust and streets so filled with people you couldn’t see the **** filling the streets. Val Royeaux was clean, pristine.

            It was nothing new for William and Shane though. They had been to Val Royeaux many times, William for royal matters with his mother, and Shane as his plus one. They even knew a few of the people at the stores and restaurants. Will stopped at a fletcher’s to pick up some arrows for his bow, he travelled half way across the city, passing many other fletchers just to find the one he knew. Along the way they had passed the white spire, a massive tower stretching high over the city and scraping the clouds. Ever since the rebellion however, the mage’s circle had been closed, locked shut with templar magic, guards posted at every entrance, the few windows the tower had were boarded up, and a few floors up there was a massive hole gouged out of the white bricks.

“One of the mage’s doing I would think.” Shane said, squinting as he stared at the scar on the building, the sun illuminating it as it set.

“Where are we meeting this guy again?” Longbeard asked,

“A café called ‘Le masque du lion’.” Will answered, still staring up at the tower, “It’s quite nice. My mother took me there once when I was young.”

“Great. A café.” Longbeard growled, “I was hoping for a bar, a nice homely one. Not a fancy shiny place. This whole city hurts my eyes.”

“Well the café is more public and there are a few guards around the marketplace nearby. So if this is a trap, we’re more likely to survive.”

“More guards means more rules. I don’t like rules.”

“We’ll be there for half an hour at most. Control yourself.” Will chuckled. They emerged into a large clearing in the forest of buildings,

“The marketplace!” Shane smiled, stepping into the light of the setting sun and staring at the shops circling the clearing, “This is where I got my first sword! The shop right over there.” Shane pointed to a small building that was smushed in between two larger shops. The windows were boarded up and the place was falling apart.

“Looks like it’s closed.” Will sighed, “Too bad. I liked that place, very cozy. Anyways, here we are.” Will crossed the opening and entered another one, this one had a staircase going up into a garden, and underneath the stairs was a large fountain. Couples sat around everywhere, admiring the view of the great city, shimmering in front of the orange sun.

“Looks… fancy.” Longbeard cursed, “Well let’s get this over with.”

“Do you have reservations Monsieur?” The waiter smiled,

“Yes. We’re actually meeting someone here, is there a Monsieur Bellamardé here?” Will asked,

“Yes there is. He is sitting in the corner.” The waiter motioned to a man dressed in a fancy outfit and wearing the traditional Orlesian mask, “Will your…. Ape be joining you?” The waiter looked Longbeard up and down, disgustedly.

“What did he just call me?” Longbeard shouted, grabbing the hilt of his hammer,

“Yes he will. Unless you want me to leave him here with you.” Will laughed as he grabbed the giant man’s arm, staying him from bashing the small waiter’s head in,

“Erm… no.” The waiter stuttered, bowing to Longbeard, “Just... control the brute.”

“Can I please kill this bastard?” Longbeard asked, nudging Will,

“Later.” Will nudged back, “We have business first. Waiter.” The waiter looked up from his desk, “Bring us your finest wine when you get the chance.”

“Monsieur our finest wine is several hundred dollars. Are you sure you can afford it?”

“I’ll scrounge some change up.” Will chuckled, shoving past the small waiter.

            Bellamardé stood as they approached, bowing low and flipping his large hat,

“Ah Monsieur Trevelyan I assume?” He smiled at Will,

“I am. And you must be Bellamardé?” Will smiled back, taking a seat on the other side of the booth, longbeard shoved in beside the masked man, blocking his way to escape if he needed to, Shane sat beside Will,

“Please call me Liam!” Liam said. The waiter arrived with a large bottle of wine,

“Here we are my friends, finest wine in all of Orlais!” He set the bottle down, along with four glasses,

“Funny. That’s the second time I’ve heard that this week.” Longbeard sighed,

“Yes… Will that be all?” The waiter produced a notepad and a pen,

“Get outta here.” Longbeard snarled. The waiter ran off.

“So where’s my sister?” Will asked, leaning forward towards Liam,

“Straight to business eh?” He laughed, pouring some wine for himself, “Well that’s one business tactic.”

“Just tell us so we can get outta this pompous city.” Longbeard sighed,

“Very well.” Liam pulled a map from his back pocket, sprawling it out on the table, “The mages are hiding out in a system of caves here,” He pointed to an x on the map, “She is most likely there. The main entrance is on the north side, facing Val Royeaux. It’s about a day’s travel as the crow flies, but ifyou’re taking the road a few more. I assume you have horses?” He looked at the three men surrounding him,

“No. We just walked all the way from Ostwick.” Longbeard mocked,

“I see. Very well.” Liam chuckled,

“Why haven’t you told the templars about this?” Shane asked,

“You think I want to get killed?” Liam said, “Anyone with connections to the mages is just as much an apostate as them. And I’m also not completely against the mage’s cause. I think mages have the right to freedom from the chantry’s clutches.” He leaned back, taking a sip of his wine,

“Ok. So how do we get in? I doubt they’ll just open the doors to us.” Will asked,

“There’s a password. Not the smartest password but a password all the same.” Liam said,

“So what is it?” Will sighed impatiently,

“It’s ‘Anders was right’” He whispered, “Again not the smartest, but it’ll do.”

“For an army of apostates they aren’t very clever are they?” Longbeard chuckled.

“Thank you for this information.” Will stood and bowed, “Here is your payment.” He flipped a large sack of coins onto the table and rolled up the map.

“Aren’t you going to stay and finish this wine with me?” Liam laughed,

“I’m afraid we can’t. It’s dark now and we have to travel either way.” Shane said, finishing off his glass and adjusting his belt, “Another time perhaps.” He smiled and took off after the others.

 

 

            They made their way through Val Royeaux again, this time in the dark. The lights had all been blown out and there was not a soul in sight, except for one. A lone figure stood at the end of the dark alleyway the men walked through, his cloak swaying in the slight wind but otherwise motionless, the figure held up their arm, telling the band to stop,

“Far enough sympathizers!” The figure bellowed in a loud, deep voice, “You are here by under arrest by the templar order!” The band of men looked at eachother, and then at the lone figure and started to laugh,

“You alone are going to take us in?” Longbeard roared, tears in his eyes,

“Resistance is futile. We were ordered to take you in or kill you.” The figure moved forward into the light of the moon overhead, revealing the silver and red armour of the templar order, a red cloak swaying in the wind and a large sword in one hand and an even larger shield in the other, a large helmet covered his head entirely, “Surrender now!” He shouted, and as he shouted ten other figures appeared behind him, all wearing the same templar armour and holding swords and axes and bows,

“Still not enough.” Longbeard laughed, pulling the massive warhammer off his back, “I’ve never fought a templar…” He started running towards the group of soldiers, hammer over his head, “This should be interesting!” He screamed, smashing into the shield of the templar commader, the commander didn’t budge, swinging his sword in a large arc around him, knocking the large man to the ground,

“Last chance…” The templar said calmly, staring at the man sprawled out on the ground,

“Not a chance!” Will smiled, releasing an arrow. The templar quickly turned his shield and deflected the arrow, breaking it and tumbling uselessly onto the cold white road.

“Templars!” He yelled, “CHARGE!” The ten other templars charged towards them like a horde of brontos.

            Shane hopped up onto a building and jumped down on the other side of the templars, stabbing one in the back of both kneecaps, then slitting his throat when he dropped to his knees. Longbeard got up from his fall and swung again at the commander, hitting his shield again, the commander swung his sword in the motion, same stance as the last. Longbeard ducked this time, dodging the slash and shoving the pommel into the commander’s gut. Will fired arrow after arrow, at the soldiers charging at him, he grabbed one and slit his throat with the templar’s own sword, holding him in front of him as a shield. The other templars swung wildly with no regard for their dead brother, slicing the meat shield to pieces. Will was left holding the torso of the soldier, using it as a shield, he blocked an attack and countered with his bow, slapping the templar across the face. He then shot an arrow into him and threw the torso at another templar, pushing him onto the ground. Shane sliced through the limbless torso, killing the soldier and coming to the rescue of his friend.

            Longbeard still fought the commander, swinging his hammer around his head and bring it down on the shield, hit after hit and barely denting the thing.

“Useless.” The templar laughed, bashing his shield with his sword, “Made of pure silverite. Unbreakable.” Longbeard swung again, catching the commander off guard, making him stumble backwards. Longbeard followed, pushing on the shield with his shoulder, pushing the commander back. He slammed him against a wall, knocking the breath out of the templar, longbeard ripped away his shield, breaking the templar’s arm in the process. The commander cried out in pain as the bearded warrior brought his faithful hammer down on his head, causing the skull to explode out onto the streets.

“Now who’s useless?” He laughed, wiping the brains off of his hammer.

“****… that’s a lot of blood…” Shane giggled, rushing over to Longbeard, also cleaning his weapon.

“Nice job Longbeard!” Will exclaimed, collecting his arrows from the bodies scattered around the street, “We should probably run before someone reports the noise.” He put the arrows in the quiver strapped to his back and walking through the gore left behind by them.

 

 

            “Right. Here we are.” Shane sighed, hopping off his horse,

“Finally, I swear I have no skin down there anymore.” Longbeard whined,

“And here’s the door.” Will smiled, pulling away the vines covering a small wooden door, “How the hell did they get hundreds of mages in here?”

“This is just the cave system. They’re all in the tevinter ruins it leads to.” Shane said,

“How do you know that?” Longbeard asked,

“Maybe if you listened to Liam you would know.” Shane laughed, knocking on the door,

“What’s the password?” A girl from inside asked,

“Anders was right.” Will replied. They heard clicking and knocking from the other side,

“This one takes a bit of a ….” The door suddenly flung open nearly hitting Will in the nose, “Push.” The  cute young girl said, satisfied by her strength. She had deep auburn hair and a large scar running from one side of her cheek to her temple, she was no older than 18 but was already had the scars of an apostate. She carried a large staff, tipped with a white gem on top. And she wore the robes of the white spire mages, though it was tattered and dirty the colours and marking were still prominent.

“Hello!” She smiled cheerfully, “You guys don’t look like mages. Family? Sysmpathizers?”

“Both.” Will smiled back, “Nice place you have here.”

“It’ll do. David!” She yelled, an older man wearing the same robes came out of a small room built into the cave, “Take watch. I’m bringing these guys back to the ruins!” The man grunted and took a seat on a stool by the door, the group followed the girl, “David’s a creep. I saw him staring at me the other day! He’s like 80. Gross.” She looked back at the old man, “I’m Sarah by the way!” She said cheerfully, holding her hand out,

“Shane!” Shane cut in, shaking the girl’s hand, “Very nice to meet you Sarah.” He blushed,

“Likewise!” She shook the young man’s hand vigorously, “Where are you from Shaner baner?” She skipped through the tunnel,

“Shaner Baner…” Longbeard chuckled under his breath, nudging shane,

“I’ve from Ostwick. This is Will,” Shane smiled, motioning to Will, “He’s from Ostwick aswell. And this is Longbeard, He’s from Hercinia!”

“You do have a long beard don’t you big guy?” Sarah smiled as she touched the long shaggy beard, “So what’s your real name?”

“That is my real name!” Longbeard straightened out his beard,

“Bullshit!” Sarah yelled, hitting Longbeard on the shoulder, “I’m serious. Your name can’t be Longbeard! How dumb were your parents?” She laughed,

“They were quite smart. I just didn’t like my former name, so I grew a beard and changed it.”

“Ok so what’s your former name?”

“Locke.” Longbeard frowned,

“That’s a nice name! Why’d you change it?” She smiled,

“I dunno. Just didn’t like it.”

“Alrighty then.” She stopped the conversation and also stopped skipping,she knelt down and picked up a blue mushroom growing from the floor, “Huh, this wasn’t here before.” She put the mushroom in a satchel slung across her chest,

“Mushrooms grow all the time.” Will said,

“Yeah but this one’s pretty!” She smiled and patted her satchel and skipped onwards.

“Strange one…” Longbeard whispered to Shane,

“I like her.” Shane stared at the skipping girl, “She’s pretty, and quirky.”

“Yes. I think she’d compliment your dark ensemble nicely.” Will chuckled, slapping his friend across the back,

“Why not?” Longbeard asked, “Opposites attract right? And she’s about your age.”

“Yeah.” Shane said thoughfully.

“Anyways. We’re falling behind. Better catch up.” Will jogged to catch up to Sarah and continued onwards through the system of caves and tunnels.

 

 

            They stopped constantly on the way to the tevinter temple, waiting for Sarah to pick her flowers or mushrooms, when her satchel was filled to the brim she started handing things to Shane, who carried them happily. He watched the girl as she skipped, and looked straight into her deep brown eyes when she dropped things into her arms. She smiled every time she hopped up to him. Longbeard and Will laughed to eachother at the cluelessness of the girl and the hopelessness of their friend,

“Not a chance in the world eh?” Longbeard chuckled,

“With Shane’s luck she probably has a boyfriend at the ruins.” Will whispered back, staring at the two as they laughed and walked far in front of them.

“We’re heeeeree!” Sarah yelled excitedly, as a light appeared around the corner, “Vint’s house!” She jumped into the light and the rest of them followed after her,

“Vint’s house?” Will asked,

“The real name is too long so we all have other names for it. Mine’s Vint’s house.” She smiled.

            The band stared at the massive fortress that stood menacingly in front of them. Even with most of the walls knocked down it was still terrifying to look at. If the templars attacked they’d have no chance at taking down the fortress. Even if half of it was in ruins the other half had battlements and towers with parapets and makeshift trebuchets and ballistas. Behind those were tents and buildings filled with mage refugees, some were gathered around fires, some playing games and some practicing their spells, getting ready for the battle that could be coming at any time.

“So I never really asked what you were here for.” Sarah stated, pulling Shane over to a large tent,

“We’re looking for my sister.” Will said, “She was a mage in the Ostwick circle and has been missing for a few months now.”

“Yeah we got some Wicks here. I’ll show you after I drop the pretty thingies off” She dragged Shane into the tent which contained bubbling liquids and plants everywhere, “Drop the thingies here!” She motioned to a table where there were other ingredients scattered, anything from lizards to elfroot. She also emptied her satchel onto the table and ran off further into the tent.

“Come meet Jan!” She popped out from behind a shelf and motioned for Shane to follow, “Hey Jan! We got some ingredients and some guests!”

“Oh hello dearie. Thank you for the ingredients, they’ll be very helpful.” An old woman stood over a large table with alchemy contraptions set up on it, “And who are the guests?” She smiled an old, toothless smile,

“This is Shane, and his friends are waiting outside!” She shoved Shane over to the old woman,

“Well isn’t he cute.” Jan said, pinching Shane’s cheek. “Isn’t he Sarah?”

“Yeah he is…” Sarah blushed, suddenly loosing her happy attitude and hiding her face from Shane.

“Thanks.” Shane smiled, also blushing,

“Sarah’s got a crush on you lad.” Jan whispered to Shane, “You can always tell with her.”

“Thanks.” Shane let out a breath that he’d been holding since he met Sarah, “That’s good to know.”

“Ok.” Sarah suddenly jumped up, back to her original state. “Let’s go find Will’s sister!” She skipped off through the alchemy lab,

“Wait!” Shane caught her by the arm, “Is there anywhere to eat around here? Like fancy eating?” He asked, knowing the answer already,

“No… not really.” Sarah sighed,

“Oh. Well is there any entertainment or anything?” Shane asked,

“Well there’s the magic show for the kids.” She smiled, “I always go by myself but if you want to come it’s really fun!”

“Yeah. I’d love to!” Shane smiled,

“Great! A date!” She giggled, she stood on her toes and gave Shane a kiss on the cheek and skipping off through the exit,

“Well that was easy…” Shane thought to himself, touching his cheek where she kissed him, He exited the tent to find his friends waiting,

 

“Can we go find Brinne now?” Will asked impatiently,

“Brinne?” Sarah thought, rubbing her chin, “Oh yeah! Brinne! The girl who was stabbed!” She ran off through the ruins,

“Stabbed?” Will an after her, “What the **** do you mean?”

“Language mister!” Sarah shushed him, “She was stabbed on her way here by a templar. Her friend gave his life for her.”

“I- is she okay?” He asked, wiping nervous sweat off his brow,

“Yeah she’s ok!” Sarah smiled, patting him on the back, “Just a little bitty cut. Nothing magic couldn’t fix.” She continued running until she got to a large room that probably used to be the barracks or something like it. It was filled with injured men and women, and the smell of death seemed to terrorize the band’s noses, “There she is!” Sarah pointed to a girl that kneeled over a man that had lost his leg,

“Brinne!” Will shouted, running over to the girl, she looked up and her eyes immediately brightened, she jumped from the side of the man leaving a nurse to take over,

“Will!” She cried, hugging her older brother, “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” He sighed, letting go of his sister, “Everyone had feared the worst.” He turned and hugged Sarah, “Thank you Sarah. You have no idea how much this means to me.” He smiled and kissed the girl on the top of her head.

“No problemo lameo!” She smiled, waved and ran back to where Shane and Longbeard were sitting,

“Is that Shane?” Brinne asked, staring at the man playing with Sarah, “I haven’t seen him for ages. He’s grown.”

“Yeah. I couldn’t have gotten here without him and Longbeard.” Will sighed,

“I’m guessing that big guy is Longbeard?” Brinne laughed, “Let’s go talk to them.”

“I’m so glad to see you’re ok!” Will said before following his sister,

“Hey Shane!” Brinne sat down on the grass beside him, “How have you been?”

“Great. Are you ok? I heard you got stabbed?” Shane said, giving Brinne a quick hug,

“Yeah… I’m fine.” She frowned, “Jonas not so much.”

“Jonas?” Will said, sitting on the other side of her,

“He’s- Was my boyfriend.” Brinne sighed, picking up a blade of grass and shredding it with her nails,

“Oh… I’m sorry.” Shane said, “Well… um this is Longbeard.” He leaned back to reveal the large man who was polishing his warhammer,

“Hi.” Brinne smiled weakly at him,

“Yo.” Longbeard nodded back, “Glad to see Will got ya in one piece!”

“You and me both.” Brinne chuckled, “So welcome to the ruins!” She held up her hands revealing the dead and dying people filling what was left of the crumbled room, “Not exactly Ostwick, but I guess it’s home now.” She lay back onto the grass,

“Not for long.” Will smiled, “We’re gonna end this war. Mother said I should go to the conclave up at the temple of sacred ashes.”

“What are you gonna do? We may be royal but we don’t have that much power.”

“I don’t really know. Offer encouraging words to the mages or something. I think there’s a vote or some crap.” William sighed, laying back beside his sister, “Hopefully it’ll end this damned war though. Get those templars out of your asses.”

“I hope so. I just want to go home.” She muttered as she started to cry.

“We’ll get through this. You’ll be free after the conclave. I promise.” Will hugged his sister once more before standing up, “Is there somewhere where we can stay for a few nights?” He asked, wiping grass and dirt off his armour,

“Ask Rhys. He’ll get you a plot over in the grounds.”

“Thanks.” Will smiled at his sister and walked off to find Rhys.