#Melia Mahariel

[mementotori]

Path of the Grey: Chapter 11

I’m shit because I don’t update on tumblr but

Have an awful chapter

"Those are the voices of my brothers, darling; I love the company of wolves." ― Angela Carter, Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories

The first light snowfall had finally begun to fall, and still the Sabrae clan was in the Frostbacks. They had been set back nearly a month because of a broken aravel wheel, and one of the halla had grown too old to walk.

Melia felt she could no longer feel the sorrow to mourn for her beloved halla properly, for too many things had been on her mind as of late. Nearly every night she had been drawn, by some unnatural will of hers, to Jean's camp. The first week had been blissful, and Melia had the illusions to think she might have been in her own fairy tale love story.

But something had grown in the back of her mind, a black mass of doubt and anxiety. She felt she was no longer in control of her actions, that each time her feet carried her to Jean's campsite, it was by no will of her own.

There she sat, on the limb of the willow tree once more. This time the gentle snowflakes flying around her as if trying to ease her sorrows. But all she felt was the need to sleep.

Then there were the dreams. The past few weeks Melia had dreamt the same dream each night. That the pregnant halla had come again, this time with her calf in tow. It had been unlike any calf she had seen, for it's eyes were bright blue, and there was a black streak right across its sweet face.

Melia hugged herself, feeling the urge to vomit. She was naturally a superstitious woman, and her dreams had done nothing to ease her busy mind.

A warm wave fell over her body, and she felt it was time to go back to Jean's camp once more.

She got up, mindlessly walking through the fallen snow. She didn't want to go, Creators know she didn't, but she felt as if she had no choice. Her body really wasn't hers when she was there.

More than anything she just wanted to lie down and sleep. The closer she got to the camp, and seeing the light of the campfire, Melia felt as if she were going to be sick again.

She saw Jean by the fire. Once she entered the perimeter of the camp she had the overwhelming urge to run to him.

"Hello, mon amour." He said to her, his voice making her spine tingle. He went over to kiss her lips.

"Andaran atishan, emma lath." Melia said automatically.

What was she saying? Love? Melia thought to herself that this was not love, and yet she still said it.

Jean pulled her closer to him, then turned her to face the fire. He bent down to kiss her neck.

"I've missed you." He said.

"I have seen you twice a day this last week." Melia said.

Jean's grip hardened on her hips, "I am a very greedy man."

"My cousin is becoming suspicious," Melia said, "Perhaps one night away would help?"

"I would not give you up so easily." Jean said, "Let them all be suspicious…"

"It is not wise…" Melia started.

"And who are you to know what's wise?" Jean said before kissing her neck once more, "I will tell you when to leave." Then he added, "But my hopes are that we are to leave together."

Melia froze, "What?"

Jean forcefully turned her back around, "Do you not see how much I care for you?" He caressed her cheek, "How much I love you?"

Melia felt herself on the verge of tears, she wanted to scream, to say she wanted to leave. But the red look in Jean's made her sheepishly answer.

"I do see. And I feel the same way." She held back her sobs.

"Good." Jean said, "Tomorrow night then? Tomorrow I will pack up my camp. And you will meet me here. We will travel Ferelden for a time, together."

"Together…" Melia said weakly.

"We will leave for Denerim, I have a few contacts there that can arrange accommodations for us. Especially if we go as man and wife."

"Wife…"

"Of course. Our love should be more than just random fucking from time to time. I want you to myself. My one and only." Jean kissed her again, "Marry me, Melia."

The hand pressed hard against her throat had made her answer quickly.

"Yes." She said.

"Good." Jean moved his hand and kissed where an old bruise was, "Now let's go into the tent…" He grabbed her ass, "To celebrate."

"Perhaps we should wait," Melia suggested, thinking quickly, "If you truly want to marry me, then would the anticipation alone not be enough?"

Jean thought for a moment, "As you wish." He said almost begrudgingly, "Anticipation alone can be quite thrilling. And I should like to fuck you as much as I want as your husband anyway."

"Exactly." Melia readily agreed, "I will need to go home and gather my things. I should take my time so my family does not raise a sudden question."

"If you would like," Jean said, "Go then. And I shall wait." He kissed her jaw, "But I should like to make love to you again."

"Soon enough." Melia assured him.

"You're right," Jean cupped her ass again, "But hurry."

"Of course." Melia said, finally ridding herself of Jean's embrace, "I will."

Melia hurried away before Jean changed his mind.

Walking back through the trees, Melia found herself back at the willow tree she had come to love so much. She went under the leaves, finally breathing.

Finally she bent over and vomited. She had never felt this sick before. She felt as if she had been under the willow for hours, puking up the small amount of food she had in her stomach and then some.

Her whole body shook, and she was now hunched over by the trunk. She nearly screamed when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

She whipped around, seeing the bright emerald eyes of Thackery. Even in the dark she could see him perfectly, and his concerned look did nothing to soothe her.

"Are you alright, old mum?" He asked her.

Melia smiled weakly, "You are so sweet to me, lethallin." She said..

"You're sick…" Thackery started to say, bending over to hold her.

"No…" Melia started, her doe-like eyes watering as she looked up at her cousin.

"Thackery, I'm pregnant."

"No one else is to know, understand?" Ashalle asked, "I will speak to the Keeper, but nothing else is to leave this aravel."

A small group of people had set up in her aravel. They all agreed to Ashalle's terms.

Melia had been holding Ashalles hand, looking extremely pale. Thackery, Fenarel, and Tamlen were the only other ones that were now privy to this news.

"We should kill him." Thackery suggested, swirling his dagger into the wood of his small table.

"I agree." Fenarel said.

"No." Melia shot at them.

"Fenedhis, Melia'nain." Thackery snarled, "This man...he…"

Thackery couldn't bring himself to say rape. His throat closed up and his breathing became hard. Fenarel held him close.

"Melia'nain is right," Ashalle said, "I am not very worldly, but I know when there is the possibility of what the shems call blood magic. Melia said he was a mage, and I would not risk any of you to whatever he is capable of."

"I don't have to listen to this." Thackery got up and walked out, Fenarel followed him to try and console his lover.

Tamlen had been quiet so far. He kept glancing up at Melia, but didn't know what to say.

"Mammae, I'm sorry." Melia said.

"Melia'nain Hebe Mahariel...never be sorry for something like this," Ashalle said, getting up out of her chair, "I have to talk to Marethari. She will know what to do. Get some rest, da'len." She kissed Melia's forehead.

It had been a long while after Ashalle had left that Tamlen finally spoke up.

"I'm sorry." He said quietly.

"What? Why?" Melia asked.

Tamlen looked up at her, pale eyes brimming with guilt, "I should have done something."

"About what?"

"Protecting you...I should have extended my patrol. Looked for you harder…" Tamlen said, "I will never forgive myself. And for a shem..." He said the last word with disgust.

"I do not need to be protected like some weakling." Melia snapped, "And please, Tamlen, I do not wish for you to punish my...my child…" Her voice cracked. She avoided Tamlen's gaze, instead looking at her hands. She had been absently pulling on her own fingers.

Tamlen sighed. Slowly her got up and walked over to where she was sitting. He got to his knees, gently setting his strong and calloused hands on her stomach.

"Melia'nain Mahariel," He started, "I'm-"

"Tamlen…"

"Please, Mel," Tamlen said, "I need to tell you this. We have not always gotten along. And I know this past month has been hard for you. But...I want you to know that I will always be there. And should you wish it, you need not ever have to tell the clan who this child's real father is…"

"What do you mean?"

"If it would not shame you, I will be the father to your baby. I will not ask to bond with you, but I do want to raise your child as my own. With you…"

"You do not know what you ask."

"Mel," Tamlen whispered, looking up at her, taking her cold hand and holding it to his cheek, "Can you honestly tell me you haven't felt anything...for me?"

Melia's mind raced. Her clouded thoughts that Jean had seeped into her were slightly shattered. She remembered back to the occasional glances, the hand touching, stolen kisses on moonlit patrols. Melia's head started to swim as flashes of memory began to creep back in.

"Has he poisoned you so that you can no longer recall my professions?" Tamlen asked.

Melia tried her best to remember, "I think…"

"It's alright," Tamlen said, pushing the hair away from Melia's face, "I shouldn't trouble you with all of this. You've dealt with enough."

He stood up and held out his hand to Melia.

"You should rest." He said.

Tamlen helped Melia up from her chair, knowing she was shaking with anxiety and exhaustion. He helped to lay her down, his soft kiss just barely brushing her forehead.

"I will call upon you in the morning, yes?" Tamlen asked.

"Of course." Melia nodded, her body felt heavy, and her lids drooped.

Melia had fallen asleep before Tamlen had a chance to say good night. His gentle smile turned into a deep frown. His brows furrowed and he stepped out of the aravel.

Turning, he could see Fenarel trying to keep Thackery calm. Tamlen took up his sword that had been set up against the aravel, and he sheathed it in his carved scabbard. Then he picked up Thackery's curved obsidian daggers and walked over to him.

Thackery had been spewing vulgarities when he saw Tamlen coming with his daggers. His ears perked up and he stopped pacing.

"Is Ashalle with the Keeper?" Tamlen asked.

"Yes." Fenarel answered, warily eyeing Tamlen and taking notice that he was armed.

Tamlen looked right at Thackery, "How do you feel about killing a shem?"

A wide and cruel smile grew on Thackery's face as he was handed his daggers.

"Lethallin...I think I feel just fine."

Thackery brushed his fingers over the wolfshead carving on his free dagger. He sat up in a high tree, watching.

There was no moon, but the orange lights that burst up from the campfire below revealed that Thackery had smeared black paint around his eyes and down his cheeks.

Fenarel called from another tree, mimicking the call of a great horned owl.

Thackery looked down and saw that Jean had returned to his camp, having just finished shaving by the creek. In the shadows he saw Tamlen creeping towards Jean's tent, three slashes of red paint across his face.

Fenarel was at the ready with his bow and arrow, being careful not to aim for a kill shot.

Thackery watched Tamlen as he creeped up behind Jean. His heart raced with anticipation, his blood running like fire through his veins. Thackery's pupils dilated when Tamlen raised his sword to hit Jean over the head.

His whole body chilled when Jean turned to face Tamlen. He raised his hand and Tamlen froze in place. Thackery furrowed his brow when he saw drops of blood falling from Jean's raised hand.

"It's terrible manners to strike a man while his back is turned." Jean said, he tsked, "What am I to do?"

Fenarel was about to take a shot at Jean, but Thackery stopped him, not wanting to risk any harm to Tamlen. Instead, Thackery pounced from his branch, landing softly on the dirt between Jean and the fire. He raised a single dagger to Jean.

"Let him go." He said, his voice unfaltering.

Jean sighed, "You Dalish know nothing about the magic's outside of your people. One false move and he will shatter into tiny pieces." He turned to Thackery, his hand still raised to keep Tamlen at bay, "You're the one I met in the glen. Melia mentioned you a few times. Hard to believe you're related."

Thackery snarled when Jean mentioned Melia, and it made the Orlesian smile.

"Is that what this is about?" Jean asked, "If you must know, she always came to me willingly. And when she spread her beautiful legs so I could fuck her, she did it with a smile on her face and a whorish moan-"

Thackery screamed, lunging at Jean with his dagger aimed at his throat. Jean nearly lost concentration on his spell when Thackery barrelled into him. Tamlens hold fell away when Thackery beat on Jean's face with his fists with merciless intent. He cried and screamed as he threw each punch.

Jean then lifted up his hand, took Thackerys remaining sheathed dagger and slashed him in the face.

Thackery held his face and cried out in pain, falling off of Jean. Before Jean could kick him in the stomach. Tamlen swung his sword, hitting Jean in the side.

From the trees, Fenarel took aim and shot at the mage, finally hitting him in the foot to pin him to the ground. Thackery jumped back up, his entire right side of his face bleeding profusely. Thackery felt no pain as he charged for Jean.

Thackery was frozen in place just before his dagger was plunged into Jean's eye.

Keeper Marethari walked into the camp, her eyes blazing with anger. Ashalle rushed forward to pull Thackery away.

"I am ashamed that this is how my clan's children would react to a crime against our people." Marethari spoke, "We are not like our sister tribes."

Ashalle held a bleeding Thackery back as Marethari took Jean's face in her hand.

"The shemlen would see you executed for your crimes of blood magic," She spat, "Indeed I have a punishment truly worthy for the shem who defiled a beloved daughter of The People."

A group of hunters came forth from the woods bearing copious amounts of rope. Jean's hands were tied together, and he was held while the Keeper looked at Ashalle.

"Are you sure?"

Ashalle gave one cold nod and the hunters dragged Jean away. Thackery shook Ashalle off of him and followed.

Finally they came upon the opening where Thackery has first encountered Jean. There was a large boulder in the middle. A few hunters restrained Jean to the boulder. Finally when he could no longer make use of his hands, the Keeper walked to him.

"For your crimes against The People, I, Keeper Marethari of clan Sabrae, sentence you to death. To have a quick beheading is not fit for a man like you. So instead you shall seek the punishment of the gods." She looked to the trees, "It is said the wolves grow hungrier the closer you are to the mountains." She then added, her face growing dark, "Fen'Harel ma halam."

A long and sorrowful howl could be heard in the dark. It was chorused by another howl, and then another.

The Keeper turned away, and her hunters followed.

Thackery turned around, his right eye soaked with pouring blood.

He saw the flickering of yellow eyes prowl forth from the treeline. His skin crawled when he heard the snapping of sharp white teeth, and the wet tongues of wolves lolling out at the sight of their offering.

Thackery turned away with a grin and didn't look back.

[mementotori]

Path of the Grey: Chapter 9

MMMmboi NFSW under the cut

Multiple trigger warnings so please be careful

@mad-mod, @ineffablewitch

"Maybe I'm crazy, maybe I'm weak Maybe I'm blinded by what I see You wanted a soldier but it wasn't me 'Cause I could never set you free"

9:28 Dragon

Melia sat under a large willow tree, swinging her leg off of the lowest branch as she weaved together a bracelet from the leaves.

Her toes were cold, feeling the chill of the first night of Autumn, but she still wore her barefoot sandals that laced up to her knees. When a cool breeze lifted up the leaves of the tree, Melia took in the sweet scents, loving the way it played with the fallen strands of her snowy hair.

Once she finished weaving, she set the bracelets in her pack and then set off to enjoy the night air.

After sundown in the Frostbacks was never as good as it was in the Wilds of the Brecilian in Melia's opinion. There was only the soft sound of crickets, but no lightning bugs or the familiar sound of the deep throated frogs found only in the south. There was, however, the splendor of having the comforting hoot of the owls that Melia enjoyed.

Melia stopped by a small stream to fill up her water skin when she saw a family of range halla. She clicked her tongue, speaking soft words of comfort.

The doe, heavy with calf, stopped in place. She stared at Melia with large black eyes, her snowy ears flittering as a few lightning bugs came too close.

She snorted, lowering her head a bit. Melia took this to be an action of curiosity, so slowly she took a polite bow.

The halla gracefully walked forward, her large belly not hindering each step she took. Melia looked in her pack, then extended her offer of sweet berries and a few slices of apple.

"Emma mirthada, mir falon." Melia gently brushed her fingers over the hallas velvety muzzle

"I always found the Dalish language to be prettier than Orlesian."

Melia froze in place, looking up to see Jean with a paint pallet.

"I must admit I did not expect to find you here…" Jean started, "I hope I didn't startle you."

"Are you making a habit out of just showing up wherever I am?" Melia asked.

"On the contrary, Lady Mahariel," Jean smiled, "My camp is just past those trees." He pointed behind him, "So I suppose it is you that is showing up wherever I am?" He cocked his head to the side.

Melia felt the color rise in her cheeks and ears. She felt as though the woven pink scarf around her neck was starting to constrict her.

"Then I suppose I will be on my way." She said quickly.

"Please…" Jean started, "I don't wish to offend."

"If you think you offend me with such a simple statement then you make me to be weaker than I am." Melia retorted. The halla next to her let out a soft bleat, nuzzling her hand for more apple.

Jean laughed, "I don't think that at all."

"Well then what do you think?"

Jean seemed amused, "Well," He started, "I think that I would very much like to know you better."

"I see." Melia said, feeling her throat dry.

"Would that be something you want?" Jean asked.

Melia thought for a moment, "It might."

"Good." Jean smiled again, "I would appreciate the company. After all, it's been some time since I've had the pleasure."

"Alright, then."

Jean held out his empty hand. Melia deftly stepped over the stream and placed her hand in his. She was almost taken aback with how soft it was, unlike her calloused fingers that constantly toiled with hard labor.

Jean led her through the forest, coming upon a small encampment with a neatly put up tent and a growing fire.

"There isn't much, I'm afraid," Jean started, going over to a canvas he had set up, "But when you travel so much you can't have many accessories, as I am sure you know all too well."

There was a low whinny over by a near tree. A blue roan Ardennes horse, tied to a tree, pawed at the ground. Melia felt her heart ache for the poor creature. She looked through her pack, ignoring whatever Jean was saying, and took out her last apple.

Standing at above 16 hands, the horse was over twice Melia's height. There was an initial uneasiness when she came closer, but it washed away when she saw it's kind brown eyes. Melia held out her flat palm letting the horse eat the apple. She watched in wonder, her ears twitching when the horse swished his tail.

Jean looked up from what he was doing, watching Melia warily pet the velvety nose of his horse. Her eyes were large with wonder and nose seemed to wiggle whenever the horse made a noise.

Melia seemed to feel his eyes on her. She backed away from the horse, cocking her head to the side when she saw how large its hooves were.

"Why must he be confined so?" She asked.

"Pomme is not like your halla. If I let him go, he will never come back." Jean answered.

"Well if you treat him as equal then why would he see reason to leave?"

"A good point, Lady Mahariel." Jean said, "Perhaps I will start letting him graze on his leisure." Then he added, "Have you seen many horses?"

Melia shook her head, "Only once. My cousin had drug us all the way to the edge of a shemlen village in Ferelden. There was a horse in the barn we snuck into...Merrill would not stop talking about it for weeks after…" She stopped, then looked at Jean, her vallaslin flashing in the firelight, "Why do you care? You are a shem, and should not ask such things of a Dalish."

Jean smiled, "Is it too forward to tell you that I am intrigued in you, Melia'nain Mahariel? And that these last few nights I've caught myself thinking of your sweet face?"

Melia felt a tingle run up her spine. One she hadn't felt since Merrill kissed her cheek when they were younger. Her cheeks grew red again, and she was at a loss for words for a moment.

"I…" Melia's throat dried up, "I suppose it would not be."

"I'm pleased you think so." Jean said.

"But I am Dalish…"

"Does it matter?"

"To the elders it would."

"Does it to you?"

Melia hesitated before answering, "Not really."

"Then that's all I need."

Melia hated herself for blushing as much as she was. She seemed to be at a loss for words.

"What are you doing?" Melia finally asked.

Jean thought for a moment, "I thought I was welcoming you to my camp? I can bring you back to your clan if you like..."

"No, no," Melia said, "The compliments, the glances...what are you trying to do?"

Jean gave a small laugh, "I suppose I am trying to say that I like you very much, Melia'nain. If I am being presumptuous I will cease my advances."

"I…" Melia tried not to stammer, "I think that you are well founded in your presumptions, Jean..."

Jean smirked at her, "Say it again." He cooed.

The change in his voice made Melia feel as if she couldn't stand.

"Jean." She purred.

Jean caressed her cheek, moving in closer to that he could take in the sweet scent of the flowery herbs she would rub into her snowy hair.

"Again." He whispered, gently holding Melia close to him.

"Jean."

Right as Melia finished saying his name, Jean kissed her. It was quick and passionate, Melia felt as if her whole body was on fire.

She indulged in the softness of his lips, her mind going seemingly numb. There was a tensity between the two once they let go of each other. For a few moments they both stood there, smiles slowly growing on their faces.

Melia looked into Jean's eyes. She found that she was losing herself. His iris' flickered back and forth between their usual bright blue and a bloody red. Melia felt light headed, almost drunken the longer she looked.

"Kiss me again, mon amour." Jean said.

Melia felt a sudden compulsion to do whatever Jean wanted. She went into his arms, offering a sweet kiss upon his lips. His hand went to the back of her neck, and at the moment of touch Melia felt like her entire body had been set in water.

"You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on." Jean said, brushing away the stray hairs from Melia's blushing face.

"Join me in my tent tonight?" He asked, whispering in her ear, "I want you…"

Melia looked up at him, her large peridot eyes glossing over, "Ma nuvenin." she said slowly, feeling almost loathe to leave his embrace.

Jean took her hand, leading Melia to the animal skin tent. He came in behind her, bending down to kiss her soft neck, pulling slowly at the pink scarf around her neck. Melia felt tingles run down her spine when Jean placed his hand on her hip.

She let out a soft gasp when he pulled her to him, her back against his chest. Melia felt the leather thong that held her hair up in its tight bun loosen, and down went the cascades of her thick white hair.

Jean's hand grazed her neck, his fingers curling their way into Melia's hair. Once he had a firm grasp, he jerked Melia's head back, nipping her exposed neck.

It was unlike anything Melia had ever felt. The way he grabbed at her, almost forcefully, felt like being trapped in a cage with a feral creature. But the sweet whispers he would mutter as he undressed her was enough to make her melt.

Jean laid her down. He could tell by her slight awkwardness that she had never slept with a man before, and he was going to make sure he was the first and last.

He met her eyes. Melia could see the flashes of red flicker in his iris'. Her body felt both numb and extremely sensitive to everything that touched her.

Jean kissed her, biting Melia's bottom lip as he pulled away. He moved down to litter kisses down to her chin and jawline. As he did so, he moved his free hand between her legs to prepare her. He slid his fingers inside, shushing Melia when she gave a surprised yelp.

"Be good, mon amour…" He whispered, receiving a quick nod in response.

He went back to kissing her neck and cooing about her defined curves and honeyed skin.

Melia wasn't used to someone touching her this intimately. She remembered Merrill sneaking off to meet her in the woods to kiss, they even saw each other naked, but it wasn't like this.

Her head swam when Jean drove his fingers inside of her. Melia was dazed, her legs feeling numb but her entire groin burned.

Jean now settled between her legs, muttering sweet nothings as he fucked her. He spread her legs wide, thinking to himself that it was only natural for a Dalish woman to be this flexible. She was being so good for him, quiet and obedient.

He knew that he hadn't had sex in quite some time, and could feel that he wasn't going to last much longer. So he went slower, watching Melia's mouth whenever he pushed himself inside. He thought of all the dirty things he could possibly get her to do, and that was enough to set him over the edge.

He buried his face in her breasts as he came into her. Not even then did Melia utter a sound, suppressing it with the biting of her bottom lip.

Jean finally fell beside her, pulling her to him possessively.

It was a long time before either of them spoke. Melia had almost suspected Jean of falling asleep until he started running his fingers over her legs.

"I think it's best if I go back to my clan for the night." She said, getting up to gather her clothes.

"Don't." He said, moving up behind her.

He brushed her hair away from her neck, kissing her shoulder.

Melia thought quickly, "What if I promise to return?" she suggested.

"I don't think I could bear any second away from you." Jean said, kissing the delicate fingers of her free hand.

"I will come back." She promised.

He pulled her back to him, her grabbed her hips, kissing up her bare back. One hand trailed over her stomach.

"But I'm a selfish man…" Jean said, his fingers slipping down to rub her clit, "I want you to myself."

Melia had to pull away, "And you would be selfish enough to have an entire Dalish clan at your camp to cut you to pieces? I think not." She dressed herself.

"Then I shall expect you tomorrow?" Jean asked.

"Yes." Melia said emptily.

"Good."

[mementotori]

Path of the Grey: Chapter 7

Get ready for the worst character I have created (so far)

@mad-mod, @ineffablewitch

"Listen to the warning

The seer he said

Beware the storm that gathers here"

9:28 Dragon

Thackery laid upon a large branch of an oak. He swung one of his long legs down, a dandelion sticking out from his lips. He looked up into the red and orange leaves.

It was Autumn in the Frostbacks, and he knew the winters to be harsh and cruel. The Keeper called for the clan to finally start packing for the journey south. Thackery was tired, having just taken down the large tent over Ashalle's aravel, and making sure it was ready for the journey.

He hated the mountains.

But Melia was always there to keep him distracted.

Thackery ran his slender hands through his wild raven hair, taking in the scents of the trees before he ultimately had to be on the road for Creators know how long. He brought up his knitting needles once more, working on a scarf for Fenarel. He was proud of his work, knowing Ashalle was absolute rubbish at the craft.

Thackery stopped suddenly; there was a strange scent to the air.

Quickly he clamored down the trunk of the tree. He raced through the woods, kicking up leaves and dirt. He stopped when he heard a commotion. His ears twitched.

"Don't touch me!"

Thackery ran in the direction of the screams. He came upon a small clearing where he saw Merrill backed up against a tree, three bandits standing in front of her.

Thackery picked up a flat stone. He hurled it at the helm of one of the cutpurses. The man stumbled, crying out as he did.

The other two turned around, their eyes flashing. Thackery paused.

"Oh shit." He said.

The bandits ran for him. The one he had hit tackled Merrill to the ground. Thackery snarled, running for the men, pouncing upon the closest one like a panther on prey. He bit into his neck, drawing blood. The man screamed, falling down and holding onto his wound.

"Fucking knife ear!" The last one called, swinging his sword at Thackery, who nearly dodged the blow. Thackery stabbed him in the side with one of his knitting needles.

There was a flash of light. The man who was about to swing again froze in place just before bursting into pieces. Thackery shielded himself, slowly rising to his full height. He looked around for Merrill. She was being held by a man wearing robes in the style of Orlais. Thackery had seen this attire once on an elf at the Gathering.

Thackery now took out his dagger.

"Leave her be, shem!" He held it up.

The man now held her bridal style, he looked to Thackery.

"She is wounded," He said, his accent deep and rich, "It would be best to bring her to your Keeper."

Thackery looked at Merrill, the blood coming from her mouth and the bruises on her face. He lowered his weapon only slightly.

"Fine."

Thackery walked in front of the man, watching his every move. Although he did nothing, Thackery still felt uneasy about him.

Near the borders of the Dalish camp, Thackery could see a flash of white hair burst from the trees.

Melia was in her Father's hunting armor, her daggers out. Tamlen was not far behind, his shield at the ready.

Melia spotted the human man and rounded on her cousin, "Thackery, Dirthara-ma. Garas…" She stopped when she saw Merrill.

"Melia'nain," Thackery started, "Ir abelas…"

Melia grabbed Merrill away. She did not meet the eyes of the man she had taken Merrill from, but she knew that he was staring at her.

She moved away and ran for the camp.

"And she's gone." Thackery said.

Tamlen scoffed, "She's very angry with you."

"She can deal with it."

Tamlen looked at the man, "You can leave now, shem...and be quick about it. I'll allow a head start before my sword meets your backside…"

"I do not wish any of you harm...I was simply travelling…" the man began.

"Enough," Thackery started, "We do not wish to hear your stories. Our debt to you is that we have no killed you. Leave this place."

"As you wish." The man took a bow and then turned away, disappearing into the trees.

"I don't like him." Tamlen said.

Thackery unclenched his fists, realizing he had broken the skin with his nails.

"Neither do I."

Thackery sat outside of the Keeper's aravel, Ashalle fussing over the cuts he didn't even know he had gotten.

Melia was pacing in front of him.

"Fenedhis, Melia, she'll be okay." Thackery said.

"What was she even doing out there?" Melia said, "She knows she should not wander far from any of the hunters…"

"You know Merrill. She likes to get out and wander. Just because you're a hunter doesn't mean you're the only one that gets the right to leave." Thackery scoffed.

"I have proven myself," Melia shot back, "Time and time again. It does no good for anyone to leave without alerting someone...and you!" She pointed, "Why were you gone? Where were you?"

"Da len, leave your cousin be." Ashalle stopped Melia, "Were it not for him Merrill might not be here…"

Melia held back her anger, but Thackery could see her ears turn red.

The Keeper came out of her aravel nearly hours later. Night had fallen, and Melia had put on her scarf and some semblance of boot to keep the frost out. Thackery had been working on his knitting, setting it aside to hear the Keeper.

"Merrill is fine." Marethari said bluntly, "I am thankful to the Creators that it was not worse than it already was." She looked to Thackery, "I understand a shem helped you two?"

Thackery pursed his lips, "I would have been fine...but yes. He did."

"I also understand you and Tamlen drove him away?" The keeper raised her brow.

"But…"

"Regardless of your feelings, this man save my Second." The Keeper said.

"...Ir abelas." Thackery sighed, he looked to Melia, "I'm going to the aravel." He walked away.

The Keeper looked at Melia.

"Melia'nain," I must ask you to keep a watchful eye for this human. You saw him yes?"

"Briefly, Keeper."

"Good. I do not trust Tamlen, he would easily kill the man. But I wish to at least thank him before we leave."

"Ma nuvenin, Keeper." Melia said, "I will take the first patrol tonight, perhaps he may still be in these woods."

The Keeper smiled, "Ma serannas, da len."

Melia stepped quietly through the trees, her footsteps falling lightly on the lush grass. Her bright green eyes illuminated in the quiet darkness of the forest.

Her fingers brushed over the leather hilt over her daggers. The tips of her ears twitched when she heard a twig snap.

In one fluid motion she threw her dagger towards the sound, nearly missing the man by a centimeter. He took one look at the dagger and a broad smile grew across his face.

Melia reached for her second blade, watching the man pull the dagger from the trunk of the tree and hold it gently in his hands.

Melia took a quick sidestep when the man came closer to her.

"Watch yourself, shem." She warned, now firmly gripping her remaining blade.

"I wish you no harm, my lady." The man said, his accent thickly Orlesian.

He extended the end of her dagger out.

Warily, Melia took the hilt, guiding it back into its sheath.

"You are the shem from earlier," She said, "You saved Merrill and my cousin from the bandits."

"I did." The man said, straightening himself out, "They are well?"

"Yes," Melia said quickly, "Bruised, but fine."

The man smiled, "Good, good…" He looked at Melia, studying her face, "I saw you the day I brought your Merrill to the camp. I should like your name."

"Not before I have yours."

"Very well," He bowed, "I am Jean-Yves Girard, former court mage of Orlais, and now a wandering artist."

"A Mage?"

"Ah, yes." Jean held out his hands, there was a bright purple light that formed between the two. He clapped them together, and when they came apart once more a glowing butterfly started to flap its wings.

The sparkling butterfly them turned into ten, fluttering playfully around Melia. With a snap of his fingers, Jean made them disappear, leaving only a floating mist of purple shimmering light.

"Now you know who I am. Might I now have the pleasure of your name?" Jean asked.

Melia took her hands away from her weapons, relaxing her stance, "I am Melia'nain Mahariel, of the Sabrae clan."

"As I suspected then." Jean began, "A name just as beautiful as the woman who bears it."

Caught off guard, Melia felt the color rise in her cheeks, "I must get back to my clan."

"As you wish then," Jean said, "But, Lady Mahariel, I would very much like to see you again."

"We shall see." Melia almost sneered, trying to avoid his steely blue gaze.

She backed away slowly, watching Jean quietly disappear into the trees.

[mementotori]

Path of the Grey: Chapter 4

"Oh children of the land, quicken to the new life"

9:27 Dragon

Melia had her head upon Merrill's lap. Her eyes were closed while Merrill played with her completely snowy hair, no longer a deep black at it was in her childhood.

"Emma lath, have you ever wondered what it's like in the shemlen world?" Merrill asked.

Melia opened one of her eyes, pale green and sparkling, "Sometimes," She sat up, gently taking Merrill's face in her cold hand, "Why? Are you not happy, ma vhenan?" She placed a gentle kiss on Merrill's lips.

"I am, Mel," Merrill scrunched up her nose, "I would take you, we could explore the shem world, have glorious adventures."

Melia giggled, "Someday, perhaps I will go with you. For now," She settled back onto Merrill's lap, "I am happy with you, here."

Merrill sighed, looking to the river that lay before them. The sun broke through the tree-line, its rays gleaming like gems upon the two lovers.

Both of their ears twitched, they heard feet running towards them.

"That must be them." Merrill sighed again.

Melia sat up, just as two elves jumped through the trees, landing just in front of the girls.

Tamlen and Fenarel rolled in the grass, laying on their backs.

"Hello, Mahariel." Tamlen smiled.

"Andaran atishan, Tamlen." Melia rolled her eyes, "Where is my cousin?"

Tamlen shrugged, "He heard we were going to the river and stayed at camp.

"Right…" Melia felt embarrassed for even thinking Thackery would come swim with them.

"Keeper was looking for you, Merrill." Fenarel said quickly, taking off his shirt and pants, readying himself for jumping into the water.

Merrill sighed again, "Then I shall go." She placed a kiss on Melia's beauty mark, then stood up to head back to their camp.

"Come for a swim with us, elder hair?" Tamlen teased Melia.

"Ma halam, Tamlen." Melia glared at him

Fenarel smirked, "Seriously, Mel, come swim. Don't be a mule."

"I suppose I will." She stuck her tongue out at Tamlen.

She stood up, taking off her cream tunic. There was a small bulge at her tummy, her wide hips swaying side to side as she lowered her trousers. Everything about her was honeyed. Her Ghilan'nain vallaslin flashing bright and coppery in the sun.

Tamlen had to avert his gaze, quickly, earning a glance from Fenarel, who smirked.

"Alright boys, let us see who can get across the river and back." Melia ran and jumped into the cool water.

After their swim, the soaking trio walked towards the camp, laughing and pushing each other. Melia said goodbye to the boys, going off to find Merrill. She put up her long white hair into a bun, still dripping wet when she found her lover sobbing behind the Keepers aravel.

Melia ran to her, "Ma vhenan, what is wrong?" She checked over Merrills body to see if she was injured.

Merrill threw her arms around Melia, "Oh, emma lath," She cried into Melia's shoulder, "Ir abelas."

"What did the Keeper say?" Melia pecked Merrill's cheek, wiping the tears away with her cold thumb.

Merrill looked at Melia, "She says you are keeping me from my studies."

"Oh." Melia's body tensed up.

"Ma vhenan, I can't...we can't…" Merrill started crying again.

Melia held Merrill in her arms, "My Merrill, ma'arlath, you are the Keepers Second. We should have known it was not going to last forever."

"Melia," Merrill pulled away from her, "Run away with me."

Melia's eyes went wide, "Merrill…"

"Hear me out," Merrill cut her off, "We'll leave the clan. Find our own home in a city, or out near a forest. We won't have to leave, ever. And we'll take in orphaned children, like you wanted."

"Oh, my Merrill," Melia looked down to the ground, "I could never leave Ashalle and Thackery. You know that."

"Then they can come." Merrill pleaded.

"Merrill." Melia smirked uncomfortably, "You are my heart. But I could never leave the clan forever. Please."

Merrill pulled away, "I do not wish to be your love if you do not want to leave with me."

"Merrill?" Melia's eyes glossed over as Merrill got up and stormed away.

Melia sighed, rubbing her temples, she adored Merrill, but if Keeper says it is not to be, then who is she to question?

She walked slowly back to Ashalle's aravel. She could hear a light hearted giggle, peeking in the coming darkness behind what she knew to be Fenarel's aravel. There she saw Thackery, his spindly legs swaying flirtatiously, and Fenarel whispering into his ear.

Melia turned all shades of red, making a sharp gasp when Thackery grabbed at Fenarels belt.

Thackery turned his head quickly, "Hello, old mum!"

"Hi, Mel." Fenarel back away from Thackery, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry." Melia started walking away, Thackery held onto her, walking alongside as she raced for their aravel.

"You were going to find out sooner or later, Mel." Thackery said.

"About?" Melia asked.

"That I'm…"

"With Fenarel?" Melia asked, "Oh, Thackery, do not take me for a fool, I knew." They stopped in front of the aravel, "I am just upset because I now owe Ashalle two bearskins. She said this is how you would tell us, but I said, 'Mamae, he would just sit us down.'" She stopped rambling.

"You're not angry?"

"Why would I be?"

Thackery shrugged.

"Thackery, you should know better. After all, I'm with…" She stopped, "Was with Merrill."

"Was?" Thackery opened the aravel for Melia.

"I do not want to talk about it." Melia rushed in, falling upon her wolfskin bed.

Ashalle looked up from her chair, setting down the knife she was sharpening. She took off her wooden hand and set it aside.

"And hello to you two as well."

"Abelas, mamae." Thackery and Melia said.

Thackery walked over and kissed her cheek, then fell into his bed upside down, his mop of hair touching the floor of the aravel.

"I will go out to get your bear skins in the morning." Melia rubbed her eyes.

Ashalle chuckled, "I told you, da len."

"I know." Melia closed her eyes.

"What's wrong with you, lethallan?" Thackery tried to grab at Melia's feet, right before she kicked away.

"Nothing." Melia brushed him off.

"Fucking liar!"

"Fenedhis!" Ashalle whacked him with her shoe.

Melia stuck out her tongue at Thackery.

"Melia'nain." Ashalle scolded.

"Abelas." Melia said quickly.

Ashalle shook her head, "Fen'Harel ma ghilana...Emma isala hamin." She went to the ladder that led up to her room, "I will see you both in the morning."

"Ar lath ma, mamae." Melia called.

"Ar lath ma, Melia'nain."

Once Ashalle went up to bed, Thackery scrambled off of his pallet, laying down next to Melia.

"Fenedhis lasa, Thackery." Melia groaned.

"Venavis." Thackery pushed his cousin, "Why are you being such a seth'lin?" He started messing with her ears.

"Thackery, ar tu na'din." Melia pushed him away.

"C'mon, old mum." Thackery begged, "You'll be grumpy all week if you don't tell me."

Melia sighed, "If you must know, Merrill absolutely hates me."

"Did you give her reason?"

"The Keeper said we should not see each other anymore, that it was a distraction to Merrill and her duties as Second. And I said that what Keeper said is probably for the best…"

"Fenedhis, Melia'nain." Thackery pushed her, "You really said that?"

"Is it not true?"

"Fuck that." Thackery said, "You are being an ass."

"What was said was said." Melia pointed out, "Leave me be."

"Did you apologize?"

Melia was silent. Thackery began to glare at her, not understanding why his cousin was being so heartless over this.

"I know how it looks," Melia said, "But I have known that Merrill was unhappy. I cannot give her what she wants."

"Whatever, old mum." Thackery playfully shoved her again. Then he was quiet, "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Why? You are too large for my bed."

"Because I had a bad dream last night and you always make it go away."

"Fine." Melia sighed, moving herself closer to the aravel wall, Thackery cuddled next to her, his head on her stomach.

Thackery fell asleep soon after Melia started playing with his hair, and with the quietness of the night and the softness of the breeze that creaked through, Melia too fell fast asleep.

[mementotori]

Path of the Grey: Chapter 3

@mad-mod and @ineffablewitch

“Climbing trees like we did when we were children

Scaling walls; the walls that took us years to build”

9:16 Dragon

“No, no. It’s all wrong. You’re supposed to be the evil wizard who takes the princess.” Eshne put her hands on her hips, her gingery hair flying all about in the sweet breeze.

She stomped over to put the flower crown upon the head of a shorter girl with black hair, peppered with spots of white.

“But why is Melia the princess?” Tamlen frowned, crossing his arms.

“Because I said so.” Eshne put out her tongue.

“Lame…” Tamlen muttered to himself, the fake nose Eshne had attached to his face twitching every now and again.

Eshne put her arm around Melia, who was also frowning, “You’re supposed to be the halla princess, and halla princesses are happy.”

“This is trivial, Eshne.” Melia said, “Why do we have to do these games?”

“Because there’s more to life than aspiring to be a hunter.” Eshne rolled her violet eyes, “Now where is our halla?”

She looked around for Melia’s cousin Thackery. Not finding him, she looked to Merrill.

“You’re the stand in.”

“Me?” Merrill said sheepishly, “But I’m not a good halla, Eshne, I threw up last time.”

“You’ll be fine.” Eshne assured her, setting the halla horns she make from sticks on top of Merrill’s head, “Now go.”

Merrill pranced next to Melia, who was swatting away Tamlen for messing with the flowers on her crown.

“Go!” Eshne shouted, sitting in the grass to watch her friends.

Tamlen rolled his eyes and sighed, “Oh, come now, sweet halla princess, to my castle of doom.” He said in a monotone voice.

Melia blushed, flustered with her part, “I do not want to say my line.”

“Just do it.” Eshne urged her.

Melia felt sick, “You foul wizard, though your...loins may ache f...no no, Eshne, I already said it and it made Thackery pee his smallclothes.”

“We shouldn’t even know these words.” Merrill pointed out.

“You’ll be fine.” Eshne sighed, rubbing her eyes.

“Say loins again!” A voice called from the trees.

“Oh, Thackery!” Melia stomped her foot.

A slender boy, not 6-years-old landed on his feet after falling from his branch. His mop of black hair nearly covering his wide green eyes.

“But it’s so great when you say it!” Thackery ducked from Melia trying to hit him.

“I’ll have no fighting among the actors!” Eshne broke them apart.

A voice called above the squabble.

“Eshne!”

Tamlen and Thackery started laughing, “You’re in trouble, Esh.”

“Shut up.” Eshne waved them off, running back towards their camp.

She could see her mother, dark red hair held back in a braid, rubbing her pregnant belly. She stood with the Keeper. Marethari’s face turned grey when she saw Eshne burst through the trees.

Eshne’s mother bent down to kiss her daughter's forehead, then she asked.

“Da’len, can you show the keeper what you showed babae this morning?”

Eshne furrowed her brow, wondering why the Keeper would be interested in the lights that came from her fingers. Shrugging, Eshne held out her fingers, cracks of red and orange flowing through the creases in her palms. Bright embers burst up from her hand, Eshne smiled, thinking that she was something special.

Her expression changed when she saw the worry in the keepers face.

“Danyla,” She said, “I must speak to you and your husband in my aravel.” She turned away.

Eshne sat down in the grass, twirling it within her small fingers. Thackery came running over, sitting down next to her.

“What did your mamae want?”

Eshne shrugged, “She had me show Marethari the lights.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, Thackery.” Eshne fell into the grass.

Thackery thought for a moment, then he smiled, some of his teeth missing, “Mel would know, she’s smart!”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Eshne said, “It’s probably because I’m awesome.”

“Don’t lie to yourself.” Thackery laughed, pushing slightly on Eshne’s knee.

The two sat quietly for a moment, Thackery perked up.

“Let’s go throw mud on Mel. She’s with the others by the river.”

Eshne thought for a moment, “Well I don’t know my mamae said-of course I’ll go.” Eshne got up and started running for the river.

The two of them came upon Tamlen and Fenarel swinging from the vines on the trees, falling into the river with a great splash. Melia sat on the banks, letting Merrill braid her hair.

Eshne and Thackery snuck into the bushes, waiting for Tamlen and Fenarel to climb out of the water. They rushed forward, clumps of warm mud in their small hands. They pelted Melia and Tamlen with mud, Merrill getting some on her face, and Fenarel just barely getting mud on his chest.

“Thackery!” Melia screamed.

Tamlen ran for Thackery, chasing him into the river. Eshne sat and laughed, watching Melia wash the mud off of her face and hair, grumbling to herself.

Melia looked up, watching Tamlen laugh and splash Thackery before he turned back for the banks.

“Thackery!” She called, “You are going too far. Mamae said not to go past the big rocks.”

Thackery rolled his eyes, “Stop being such a nag, M-”

Melia screamed, watching her cousin disappear under the water. Eshne stopped laughing, looking on in horror. She got up and ran as fast as she could to try and get someone, Merrill following behind her.

Melia jumped into the water, Tamlen trying to pull her back. She swam as fast as she could, taking a deep breath before submerging herself into the water, Tamlens cries drowned out as she searched for her cousin.

She saw a mess of black hair, Thackery was struggling to get his leg unstuck from between a few rocks, bubbles flying up from his mouth. Melia went over, trying to pull him free, her heart racing.

Thackery soon became heavier and heavier, Melia went into a panic, pulling as hard as she could.

Suddenly, she was pulled from the water, and Thackery with her. She felt Ashalle’s bear-like arms around her. They were pulled to the shore. The keeper stood with Hahren Paivel, waiting for Thackery. Marethari held her hand over Thackery’s mouth, pulling the water from his lungs with a wave of her hand.

When he spit up the water, Melia rushed to him, hugging him with all of her strength.

Ashalle wrapped them both up in her arms, kissing their foreheads.

“What were you two thinking?” Ashalle asked them, tears streaming down her face, “Dirthara-ma…”

The crowd finally settled and dispersed, Thackery went away from the river as soon as he could, never wanting to go back.

It was close to noon when the Keeper came to Athras and Danyla’s tent the next day. Eshne was listening to the baby in her mother’s stomach when the Keeper went to speak to her babae. He was incredibly angry, his red face matching his hair. He went over and kissed Eshne on the forehead.

He picked her up and held her close to him, she felt the heat from his red face as he spoke, his voice cracked and shaky, “Ir abelas, da’len.”

Eshne didn’t understand, her father repeating his words over and over. She saw her mother, pale faced, but stoic as they left the tent. She noticed tears coming from her large violet eyes.

“Mamae?” Eshne began, starting to cry out of confusion.

“Da’len,” Danyla looked at Eshne, “Emma ir abelas, Eshne.” She stroked the wavy red hair from her daughter’s freckled face, “You...you have to…” Her words were choked back.

Athras pulled away from his daughter, Eshne saw that his eyes were red from crying.

“We’re going to have to take you away, da’len.” His words were chilled.

Eshne’s heart quickened, she wanted to think they were all going, but somehow she knew it was only going to be her.

“Iras?” She asked her parents.

“Away, Eshne.” Danyla spoke quietly, “To a place where there’s other children like you.”

“Keeper is like me.”

“Oh, da’len, we know. But the keeper has already chosen her second. No other clan can take us in either.” Danyla hid her face.

Athras set Eshne back on the ground, standing up, his eyes spoke the intense anger he held inside.

“Da’len. Emm’asha. No matter what, your father and I will always love you.” She spoke softly, squeezing her daughter’s fingers between hers.

It didn’t take long for Eshne to gather her things. The Circle, so her mother called it, didn’t allow certain things, so all Eshne took was her favorite dress and her birthday deer, Asha, a patchwork brown fawn her mother had hand stitched.

The sun was almost gone from the sky when a group of men and women dressed in bright silver armor came to the camp.

Keeper Marethari spoke to them, Eshne didn’t want to hear what she said. The keeper was probably telling them how bad she had been, because the orange and pink lights came from her hands.

Eshne saw from the crowd of her clan that her friends were there, saying goodbye for the last time. She waved to them sadly, then looking away so she didn’t have to cry. She saw Tamlen, and Melia. Thackery, with his lip trembling, Ashalle holding onto him. Even Fenarel looked sad to see her leave. She saw Merrill. The one that took Eshne’s place as second. She wasn’t sure if she hated the girl just yet, she felt like she did, but wasn’t entirely sure.

Eshne took the hand of one of the men in armor, his kind eyes made her feel better, but not wholly.

She heard someone running to her.

“Don’t go Eshne!” Melia hugged her from behind, her wild black and white hair whipping Eshne’s face.

Ashalle ran over to bring Melia away from the Templars, glaring at them as she did. Melia stretched out her hands for Eshne, tears falling down her face. Eshne wiped the tears from her face, taking the hand of a Templar. She looked back one last time to see her father on his knees, holding her mother's belly and crying.

[mementotori]

When you get the urge to write angst for a NOTP and find a song that fits perfectly

[mementotori]

Under the Sand: Chapter 5

"Do people always fall in love with things they can't have?'

'Always,' Carol said, smiling, too." ― Patricia Highsmith, The Price of Salt

"What do you think of the orange tob sebleh?" Nani asked Eshne.

She was sitting up in her bed, warm presses placed over her ears. It it hadn't been for the fact she had cotton in her ears Nani might have looked perfectly fine.

"You know I love that color on you." Eshne said loudly, putting her blue yelek over her undershirt and purple patterned trousers.

Nani pouted, "And you know I hate restrictive clothing…"

"We're respecting the culture, Nani." Eshne pointed out, "And Melia is buying these for us. You can strip naked when we head back to New York."

"About that…" Nani set her clothes down, "I uh. I told the boys we were staying."

Eshne dropped her veil and turned around, "You what?"

"Don't get that look with me," Nani said, "I told them we were finishing the job. This..." She pointed to her ears, "...means nothing. I wanna find the fuckers who tried to kill us, Eshne, I want their asses."

"So do I…"

"What?"

Eshne spoke louder, "So do I, Nani. But we have no means to get there. No supplies…"

"It's all taken care of." Nani assured her, "I talked to Melia when she came to my room this morning." She clapped, "We're back in business, Esh."

"Unbelievable." Eshne said, going back to putting on the rest of her attire.

"What?" Nani asked.

Eshne just flipped her the middle finger.

"No...no I need twelve." Jowan said, "Twelve camels. No I don't want the extra two. I don't need them."

Oghren just crossed his arms, watching Jowan argue with the man who was selling the camels to him. The man kept trying to hand Jowan the reins to two other camels.

"Can't you just pay him?" Oghren asked.

"I don't want the other two camels." Jowan huffed.

"Just get the big fella to talk to the man." Oghren pointed to Sten.

Jowan took one look at Sten, who was standing off to the side in front of a store waiting for Melia and the girls to come out.

Jowan turned back to the vendor, "I'll take the fourteen camels thank you." He handed the man his payment. Oghren just laughed and shook his head.

Cullen and Alistair came out with supplies for the journey.

"Get these up on the camels, Jowan," Cullen said, "Alistair and I are going back to find some things for the dig."

"The dig?" Jowan asked, "I thought we were going back to Cairo?" Jowan hurriedly collected up the items.

"Not according to Nani." Alistair shrugged.

"I…" Jowan looked at Oghren who just threw up his arms and walked away.

Meanwhile, Nicolai joined Cullen and Alistair, helping to buy food that would survive the trip into the Valley.

"We can stop in a few towns along the way to resupply ourselves," Nicolai said, "We certainly need a plethora of water, there are eleven of us. You two could use a shemagh, I'd hate for you to get caught in a sandstorm without them."

"I'll buy a few, Maker knows Oghren won't have one." Cullen sighed.

Alistair and Nicolai bought sacks of dried fruit and nuts. They looked around a little longer, Alistair finding a few baubles to interest him.

"So you work in the Library?" He asked Nicolai.

"Correct," Nicolai smiled, "But I also help the Director with different things around the museum. I haven't really been there long. The mummy's are quite interesting."

"I don't care for them." Alistair laughed, "It's bad enough that it's a dead person. Could you imagine one waking up and touching you?"

"N...no?" Nicolai thought for a moment, "That would be unpleasant."

"Last summer we were all in Moscow and…" Alistair shot up.

"What happened in Moscow?" Nicolai asked.

Alistair watched Eshne and Morrigan help Nani outside. She had already looked much better, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Behind them, Leliana and Melia had come out. Both of them dressed in beautiful kaftans over wide trousers, Leliana in black and Melia in green. Both of them had gotten matching melaya leff and were complimenting each other on how nice it looked on the other. Melia wore a sheer beaded veil over her nose and mouth; when she smiled Alistair could feel his stomach knot up.

He watched Melia laughing at something Leliana had said, her eyes sparkling, or at least that's what Alistair believed they were doing.

"Turnip." Alistair finally said.

"What?" Nicolai asked.

"It was a very large turnip." Alistair said, "In Moscow."

The group walked past the two, Morrigan threw a piece of paper at Alistair.

"Find these ingredients for me, fool." She demanded.

"Are you paying for these?" Alistair asked.

"How they are acquired is none of my concern," Morrigan frowned, "I wish them to be in my pack before we leave. You can handle this small task can't you?"

"If only I weren't already supplying the other supplies we need," Alistair said, "Like food and other ridiculous nonsense that keeps people alive."

"Tell me," Morrigan started, "When you get a snake bite would you like me to put dried fruit on it? Or would you like me to provide real medical assistance? I could always leave you to your fate."

Melia sighed, taking the paper from Alistair, "I will buy what you need, Morrigan."

They both watched Melia leave, Morrigan scoffed.

"At least someone takes my medical practices seriously." She hit Alistair on the arm, then went over to meet the others by the camels.

"I hate this. I hate this so much." Nani whined from atop her camel, her pitbull was laying across her lap, dressed in his own robes to shield him from the sun.

Eshne pulled up beside her, patting her camel's neck, "Is she not to your liking, Nani?" She laughed, "Cookie and I are getting along just fine."

Nani's nose curled, "Animals are disgusting. And this one smells."

"I still think it was rude to name her Latrine." Leliana called to her.

"What?" Nani asked.

Leliana came closer, the reigns of her camel fluffing out as they trotted over, "The name of your camel is ridiculous."

"It's fitting." Nani said.

Latrine bellowed, going from a light trot to a run, Nani screamed, holding on for dear life. The two of them ran past Melia and Nicolai, who had been chatting about books.

"Do you think she needs help?" Melia asked.

"She's fine." Eshne came up beside them, her and Cookie trying to catch up to the very irritated Latrine.

"Oh dear…" Melia said, absently petting the camel whom she had lovingly dubbed Abal.

Eshne caught up with Latrine, who had felt as if she had tortured Nani long enough. Nani sat on her camel, her hair all out of place.

"Why did you let me do this?" Nani asked.

Eshne just laughed.

The group continued aways, straying far from the sight of any village. The air was hot, the sun beaming down upon them. Eshne could feel the exposed parts of her skin beginning to tighten under the sun's intensity. Every so often someone would take a sip from their canteens.

It was quiet, save the braying of the camels and Nani complaining about Latrine.

Melia sat comfortably on Abal, using her time to go over the water stained journals she saved from the ship.

Nicolai noticed her furrowed brow and slowed his camel, Ares, to meet her pace.

"Anything I can help with?" He asked.

Melia mumbled something to herself, then looked over at Nicolai, "What?"

"Help?"

"Oh," Melia fixed her reading glasses, "The water did a great deal of damage to the journals. It's a bit disheartening I'll admit." She sighed, "And I'm apprehensive about going into the desert with Na'Nalia in her condition."

"She seems to be a very strong woman," Nicolai said, "I'm sure she'll be just fine."

Melia handed him one of the journals, "That one is the whole account of the dig in the approximate area where Tutankhamun is supposedly buried. Father never got to come back after he wrote that, he died on the journey home."

Nicolai read a few pages before he spoke again, "It's strange that so many worked became ill so quickly. Including your mother I see…"

"I thought that as well. I figured it might have been a matter of spoiled rations or perhaps someone might have been unwell when the expedition began." Melia said, "From what I gather, my mother returned to Cairo not too long after. I asked the director about what she might have been afflicted with, but he told me it's best not to drudge up the past. Bad luck for the new journey."

"That certainly sounds like him." Nicolai laughed, his eyes drawn to a certain page of the journal, "Melia…" He began.

"Yes?"

"Look at the handwriting halfway down the right page. Does that look similar to you?" Nicolai handed her the notebook.

Melia carefully looked it over, "Now that you mention it...it does change ever so slightly, right where they talk about the tomb. Strange…perhaps he was in a hurry to write things down?"

"It could very well be," Nicolai said, "Perhaps once we settle in at the site there can be a better observation of it?"

"I will certainly want to take a closer look, yes." Melia agreed, she put the journal away in her pack, slightly perturbed.

"Lady Mahariel," Cullen called over, "Approximately when are we to arrive in Luxor?"

"Well," Melia thought, "It is an estimated two day trip if we stop to rest at night. It does get rather cold in the desert…"

"Perhaps we could stop after the sunset, rest for an hour, then be on our way?" Nicolai suggested.

"The sooner we get to Luxor, the better." Cullen said.

They continued on until sundown. Once the air started to cool, they dismounted their camels and let the dogs down to run and stretch their legs. Eshne rebraided her hair, trying to get the sand out of it.

"How are you feeling?"

Eshne looked up and saw Cullen, his face red from the sun's exposure.

"Fine." Eshne said, "You?"

"The same…" Cullen coughed, rocking back on the heels of his boots, "You don't need your inhaler?"

"Cullen, what do you really want?" Eshne asked, crossing her arms.

"Well, I-I um." Cullen laughed nervously, "I wanted to ask you...about what happened on the ship…"

"Which part? The...boom?" Eshne made an exploding motion with her hands, "Or the-" She winked, "Boom?"

"Yeah, the…" Cullen got a little closer to her, "Boom."

"What about it?" Eshne asked coyly.

"Does this mean we're…?"

"Oh!" Eshne lost her smile, "Oh...do you want?"

"Only if you do."

"Right," Eshne felt her throat go dry, "Well, would we really want to go down that road again?" She laughed nervously, "Not that it wasn't…really nice."

"And it was." Cullen pointed out.

"Exactly! Do we want to make something more out of something like that?"

"Do we?"

"Well I asked you first."

Cullen furrowed his brow, "You are so stubborn."

"Look who's talking." Eshne said.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't play stupid with me, Cullen," Eshne snapped, "I'm a sensitive creature with delicate emotions." Eshne turned away from him.

"Ha!" Cullen said dryly, "If that isn't the most ludicrous statement…"

"But I am!" Eshne exclaimed, "If I didn't know any better, Mr. Rutherford, I would think you only just wanted me for my body. Me, a poor young, single, mother." She glanced over at him, pouting.

"You've got to be…" Cullen rolled his eyes.

"If you two are going to fight all night we're just going to leave you in the desert." Alistair called.

"Are they fighting again?" Nani yelled.

"Yes!" Morrigan said loudly.

Nani scoffed, "Just fuck!" She shouted, returning to eating her portion of dried fruits.

Melia had been over by the camels with Leliana, listening to the whole debacle. Melia turned to Leliana.

"Why are they always fighting?" She asked.

Leliana started to chuckle, "They've done that for as long as I've known them."

"But why?" Melia asked.

Leiana sighed, "Well, I joined up with the crew before the war. Eshne and Cullen had been...well I think the closest word to it was betrothed. Eshne talked all the time about getting married to Cullen someday. Then when England joined the war around August 1914, Cullen felt an obligation to go and fight," Leliana sighed, "Eshne didn't take it very well."

"I imagine she wouldn't."

"Of course, she went to England to try and find where he was stationed. She ended up staying with Alistair at his Uncle's estate. They were using the house as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Morrigan and I joined her around the end of the war to help with the efforts. By that time we discovered she was pregnant."

"With her son?"

"Daughter."

"Wait…"

"Eshne had failed to mention her? Little did we know that Eshne had taken up with Alistair's uncle Teagan quite a few times. No one outside of us knows he's the father of those kids. Redd was furious when he found out." Leliana explained, "I can't say I blame him. He would rather they had gotten married, but politics are a complicated beast."

Melia looked over at Eshne, who was playing a slapping game with Nani, in which they try to see how many times they can hit Jowan.

"I admit, I don't see it." Melia said.

"She plays it off well." Leliana said, "Cullen hadn't even sent her word that he was alive while he was away. Imagine his surprise when he got home. I'm actually more impressed they started talking again." Then she smiled, "And maybe a few other things."

"Oh my…" Melia started to blush.

"I find it hard to believe that you, Lady Mahariel, have not engaged in such pleasures." Leliana raised her brow.

"I-I. Well. Perhaps I."

"Scandalous." Leliana chuckled, walking towards the others and leaving Melia to hide her blushing.