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MerlotBeauty
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Dragon Age: Elvhenan
A fan-based story based in the world of Dragon Age
written by Sansa Stark and MerlotBeauty
A fan-based story based in the world of Dragon Age
written by Sansa Stark and MerlotBeauty
Prologue
The Grand Cathedral, Val Royeaux, Orlais
Matrinalis 9:47 Dragon
"Ah. My Lady Divine, might I say that you look quite gorgeous in your new headdress."
The woman stood, her head bowed and eyes closed. Just ahead of her was the audacious, yet resilient and peaceful statue of Andraste. The antechamber itself was quiet and peaceful, the soft amber lights reflecting warmth and comfort against the marble and gold. It was a room untouched by politics or war. There was goodness here. And the Maker's love.
Opening her eyes, she turned her head ever so slightly gazing with borealis blue eyes that regarded the blonde elf standing just outside the torchlight's embrace. He held a look of mirth despite the fine lines on his brow, and the crow's feet sprawling from his eyes that spoke of too many days on dangerous roads. It was impressive.
Finally, she merely smirked, both appreciating and ignoring his lecherous compliment. "It is nice to know, Zevran, that in this world there are some things that do not change." Her voice was soft, carrying a soft lilt of song and speech. "Though I am surprised that you have come yourself, and that you bring such news to me directly."
"As you say, your Holiness, I have not changed. I love my life above all things, and now that my beloved Antiva has fallen, I find that it is time once again to perhaps find adventure and travel the world for a time. If I am lucky, then I shall find myself forgotten and unmentioned, and if I am unlucky I will find myself in the company of yet another hero capable of finding the most difficult and dangerous foes while tripping over glorious treasures."
The Divine Lelianna chuckled, "I hear that Skyhold is in need of a new Spymaster.
"But you did not come here in person to tell me of your future plans, Zevran. I know the news you bring, but why bother bringing it to me at all, and in person?"
"The Chantry is everywhere. You can spread the word faster than even the Inquisition. Most importantly, you are a fair lady. How could I not witness such a beauty of the cloth with my own eyes?" Zevran smirked for a brief minute before donning a grave frown. "Antiva is no longer recognizable. I do not know if fallen is truly the correct word, but the city is in chaos.
"The Plutocracy has been either imprisoned or executed, and in their place the elves have claimed dominion over all the lands people and holdings. Elves who once lived as slaves or in Alienages have been uplifted to nobility and humans, while not entirely cast down, are left walking a fine line."
Divine Lelianna frowned. "Are the casualty numbers accurate? It is hard to believe that with such an uprising so many have been spared."
"It is hard to say. The leader of these new Dalish is an enigma. None have seen his face, but his words echo and are heard by all. He offers peace and clemency with one hand, but arms the other with a sword. Those in Antiva who agreed to his terms were spared, and those who did not were... dealt with swiftly. After the first few dozen were killed in the streets... well a person's need self-preservation is often powerful."
"I see." She did not need to hear more. People always clung to the thing that would keep them alive. It was only natural. And yet Maker preserve them, the wounds of the last great rebellion were still fresh. The sky was still scarred.Was it naive to hope that the past short years of peace would last?
"Your Holiness, there is something more you should know."
The Divine took in a breath and held it.
"As you know the Antivan Crows are primarily elves. I can tell you, officially, that the Crows are now loyal to the Dalish."
"Maker's Breath Zevran, are you saying what I think you are saying?"
The assassin nodded. "The Dalish Clans have not only banded together in rebellion, but they have taken the Antivan nation by storm, and with it the most feared assassins in the world. That also means that they will have eyes everywhere in the nation. They have strength, numbers, and a cause they are willing to die for."
"And what do you make of all this, you are after all an elf."
Zevran chuckled dryly. "Ah my Lady Divine, I am and have always been an assassin first. If the elves wish to retake the world, then they are welcome to try, and I intend to use my cunning wit and sexy wiles to survive, and also stay out of the fighting as best I can."
"I wonder how many more heroes we will see rise up, live, and die before the world finds true peace," Lelianna said, her eyes growing warm, yet sad. She and her old friend shared an old familiar look in that moment. They both remembered those days so many years ago.
Zevran laughed then. "Perhaps a scholar is better suited to answer such deep questions, or maybe after bottle or three of wine. But alas, I must be on my way now, before your guards discover my presence and take offense."
He stepped back into the shadows, his last words echoing down the corridor. "Skyhold, you say. Well, it has been some time since I visited the mountains near Haven..."