I actually did not plan to publish any of this until my first fanfic was finished...
But imagination is a whore, and one I have no power over. It just... worked better. After so much playing Dragon Age and reading certain books, I was more in the mood to start this fanfic than continue the previous one...

Make no mistake, though. "A heart shrouded by darkness" is still my priority. Unless the demand is greater for this one, of course.

Some information... Well, first, many, if not most, characters from Dragon Age : Origins and some from Awakening will be making an appearance sooner or later. Some will be treated badly and some won't be treated so badly. Some are important characters, and some are minor ones.

Secondly, this is sort-of Alternative Universe. There are small changes to the story, I decided what the age of some characters is in the campaign for the needs of the fanfic, and certain things do NOT match with what happened in some of the DLCs and what will probably happen in Dragon Age 2. Don't blame me for how my imagination works, please :P


Last but not least - story contains sexual relations between characters below the age of 18. This is technically legal in some parts of the world and I doubt anybody will think that a 16-17 (no earlier sexual contacts) character having sex is sick and depraved, but if you think you may, do not proceed.
Also, you may realize from my other fanfic that I am utterly incapable of making stories with a SINGLE, main protagonist. This is also the case this time. The actual "main character" is the one born in the first chapter, but she is by no means the only main character.

Last warnings : Some characters in the story may appear overpowered, or downright Mary Sue/Marty Stu, but I do enjoy letting my characters get their ass kicked, so you may find what you're looking for after a while of whining about "God, just how overpowered that son of a bitch is!".

Also, some of the main protagonists... Are female. Yes. I am sorry if at any point I misinterpret female mentality or something. I'm only a straight guy, so I may, especially if it is a character that did not make an appearance in the game :P.

I hope you'll enjoy reading.


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Chapter I :
Childbirth

Nobody could blame Her for the man’s death. It… just happened. She was afraid of being followed, and afraid of who might’ve been following her…

It just happened. Simply. The man was probably a bandit who wanted to rob her or worse, and even if not, it was his own stupidity that led to his demise.
Still, she knew she had no real reason to panic so much. She’s done everything right – she knew where she might be in danger and went somewhere else. Probably she was seen – her pursuers might even heard of where she moved.
But to search for her here ? It would be beyond their abilities.
The thing in her belly was the reason she behaved that way. The *thing* ? She smiled. Of course, it should be called *it*. She knew nothing of it’s gender, and it’s origin was… quite unique, to say the least.
The pregnancy was driving her almost mad. She was… clumsy because of the child, and highly irritable and discomposed because of the effect the pregnancy was causing on her body.
Still, it was *worth* it all. She was pretty sure of it. Only if there hadn’t been so many possible consequences…
If only she wasn’t afraid.
She had to leave Ferelden, and probably for quite some time. Until her pursuer would tire of searching for her. Until the child would grow up a bit and be prepared to face at least some of the hardships of life.
The child itself would be a huge success. She was sure of it. Everything about it would be special.
And she knew it would soon come into this world.
She was safe in this land, so far, avoiding notice, quite at home within the natural environment. Now, however, with her labor so close, she would have to seek help. She might have been able to go through the process by herself, it would be safer and wiser to look for help just this once.
And here, she had the comfort of choosing whether to seek help from humans… or from elves.
There were bound to be some remaining elven clans in their second homeland.
And she would actually prefer to try with them. The elves… could be reasoned with, and would allow her to remain in the wilderness without asking questions if given a good enough reason.
Of course, in order to use the full array of advantages the elves could give her, a more thorough plan would be necessary. But she was confident it would be fine.
She’d say she’s been through worse things than trying to fool a few elves.


Some time later…


The woman was aware she was being watched. The Dalish rather disliked humans trespassing their territory, so they were bound to either try to shoot her down or stop her and ask her about her destination.
And oh, what kind of monsters would have to be to shoot a pregnant woman that so clearly and obviously meant them no harm.
She just wanted to manipulate them and bring them under her heel. Not truly *harm* them.
Well, perhaps *one* of them eventually, if he could not be manipulated. But the clan would remain intact once she eventually left, more so, it may become stronger with time.
Finally, the mother-to-be heard them. Subtle as always, but not subtle enough. There were about nine of them, but only two approached.
- Stand still, human. This part of the forest belongs to our people, and we’d prefer to know where are you headed.
- Truth be told, elf, I was searching for your people. I require… aid.
- We do not help humans without good reason. If you truly do so, woman, I would advise you seek help among your own kind.
- Alas… I cannot. Unwilling to I am, as well. ‘Tis why I took the effort to seek out your kind. I require an asylum, one I would prefer to be in a natural environment. I do have an offer of how I would return the favor, however, I would rather leave it for the ears of your Keeper.
- Then turn away. There’s no way I am letting you meet our Keeper.
- All you need to know is that the offer is quite profitable to one such as your mage. You will regret it if you turn me away.
- Perhaps. But I highly doubt it. As I say, there’s no way…
- Apparently, you elves currently believe your Keeper needs protection from the danger of meeting an unarmed pregnant woman. I should think your kind is doomed if ‘tis so.

The elves looked at each other.
- How do I know this offer of yours is even worth hearing out ?
- I would not be wasting time and strength as well as risking the well-being of myself and my about-to-be-born child if ‘twas not so, would I ?
- Probably not, unless you’re insane.
- Trust me, elf, you did not even see the beginning of “insane”.

The elf grimaced, but decided to bring her to the camp and let her meet the Keeper, saying however that it was only his will if he wanted to talk to her.
Well, it went more smoothly than she thought. She was somewhat lacking at interacting with humans, so she doubted it would be much better with elves. However, the desired effect has been achieved, and only that mattered.

She was waiting in front of the most needlessly painted and decorated tent in the village of the elves, her eyes throwing daggers at anyone she caught staring at her. Most of these people did not concern her, had no need to like her and she most certainly did not desire their attention. Staying in or nearby the village would be a necessity for a very long time, but she wanted the contact with the unimportant members of the clan to be as limited as possible. She didn’t want the getting too curious about her and neither she wanted them to influence her child. They were a group that contained some useful people that could be employed as mentors for the child or as simple tools, but that was the end of it.
Finally, she was invited into the tent. She did not pause to even give a single glance to the guards as she paced past them, the fact that she managed to move well enough despite her greatly advanced state of pregnancy a testament to the fact that the woman possessed at least slightly above average constitution and physical fitness compared to other women, despite her seemingly unimposing frame.
She looked around the tent, quite aware of everything in her surroundings, a bit anxious like an animal that was brought to a new home, but her eyes quickly darted to the two wizards of the Dalish clan, the Keeper and his First.
Curiously, she spend a slightly longer moment eyeing the latter, before turning to the pair in general.
- Greetings. I trust your guards actually bothered to explain why am I here.
- They mentioned you needed an asylum. Why would you seek one amongst our people instead of your is still beyond me, however. And your name was never mentioned.
- My name should remain a secret for now, and I will only tell it to you once I am sure our deal is secured. It should also not be revealed to anyone outside of your clan and only to trusted people inside it. For now, call me what you will – Shemlen, “Woman”, “Stranger” or a “Witch”, I do not particularly care. I’m here because I require not only an asylum, but aid, and few other than your people could provide it better in this case.
- Why not just ask your own race?
- I… distanced myself from the human race a long time ago. Old times. No point in talking about it now. While technically I could return, I’m afraid it would be too dangerous. Not only I am an… What do they call it? “Apostate”? Yes, an apostate who might be hunted by their Chantry, I cannot return to Ferelden out of… personal reasons, at least for now. I spend some time in Orlais, but it was only due to certain information and knowledge I had to obtain, and my stay there has put me at odds with some of their nobles and mages, and definitely turned the attention of Chantry towards me. I could manage on my own if my labor wasn’t so close, however in order to ensure my child gets a certain kind of… education… I need to ensure it will grow up in a place where it can get it. And the most reasonable option are actually your people, the Dalish Elves. Will you listen to my offer, then?
- … Yes, this is at least partially credible, though you are way too cryptic. It is conceivable that you’re an apostate on run from the Chantry as I can sense certain magical energies within you, so at least part of what you’re saying is true. Tell me your offer.
- As you wish. My terms are extremely simple, in fact. You allow me to give birth here, and let me live on the outskirts or just outside your settlement, granting me access to food, water, and other necessities. In addition, there is the matter of the child. ‘Tis may seem like arrogance, overflow of motherly love or even insanity to you, however, I am more than sure that the child will be exceptionally gifted. It is also guaranteed to have magical abilities, and I can easily provide her the education needed to improve those by myself, however, ‘tis uncertain if magic will be the field the child’s main potential lies. It might not even be a true mage, in fact. In case the child’s talents would gravitate more towards combat, your clan will provide it with training necessary to improve in this field.
- Those do not seem like outrageous requirements, but what’s in it for us?
- Truth be told… I am exceptionally powerful, and my mentor was a spellcaster that I believe even you elves outside of Ferelden have heard of. I will not disclose that person’s identity for fear of repercussions if information leaks out, and you probably would not believe me anyway, however, the crux of the matter is this – I possess knowledge about magic that once wasn’t all that uncommon to elven keepers, but has been since lost to many Dalish clans. And even if it somehow remained in yours, ‘tis almost certain I am superior in this field. Even not counting that in, my magical abilities are formidable. My part of the deal is this : I will pass this knowledge along to your First, along with some of my other abilities, and also if the settlement comes under attack, be it from darkspawn, looters or the Chantry, I will help protect it as if it were my home. Also, I can help heal your clansmen and brew many kinds of poultices and salves. Is this acceptable?

The elf looked at his student and laughed.
- Maybe it would be, except we have no idea whether you’re speaking the truth. In fact, I’d bet my wife’s bow on you lying.
It was the woman’s turn to burst out laughing. Her voice was melodious, but there was a hint of something malicious and sinister in that laugh.
- Go ahead. At least my child will have its first weapon right after it is born. In all seriousness, however… I can demonstrate I am speaking the truth. The child will be born no further than three days from now, and right after it is, I can prove I am speaking the truth. Surely, you can undertake the risk of helping me for less than three days without the payment? Or is it your elves’ morals fell so far ‘tis not possible for you?

The elf raised an eyebrow, before saying :
- I do not believe a human has any right to criticize OUR morals. Fine, let’s say I believe you. Why, however, did you say you will “teach” my First these abilities instead of simply revealing your knowledge to me?
- ‘Tis simple. If I shared my knowledge with you, it would give you an immediate advantage. Once you used me to the full extent, you may simply try to banish me or kill me instead of holding up your end of the deal, and indeed, with the added power, perhaps you could succeed in doing so. ‘Tis deal is safer and more fair – you help me by investing time and knowledge into the next generation and I do the same. This way, we both benefit only from prolonged deal and not immediately, and that way it is better, I should think.

The elven Keeper asked for a moment to speak with his First, and the women gave it. After a couple minutes, she was invited back into the tent, and the elven mage finally decided.
- Fine, woman. You will be allowed to stay here until you give birth. Afterwards, the truth of your words will be tested, and then we will decide on whether to let you stay or not.
- ‘Tis acceptable. You will not regret this, I believe.
Oh, someone did once mention it wasn’t surprising that she was good at lying.
The clan would probably not regret this, the First of the clan would not regret this, but if he thought about it after all that will happen, the current Keeper would definitely regret his ultimate decision.

Two days later.

The mother-to-be was lying on the bed, the pain in her stomach and between her legs tearing at her like a werewolf and burning her like a drake’s breath.
In short, meaning she could take it due to already being used to it. She could see, however, why she was an only child. Well, technically.
The idiotic elven maids told her to “push” and exclaimed when they started seeing various body parts of the child leave her, and for once she was glad that the infant would look fully human or nearly so despite its unique circumstances of conception. She allowed herself a small yell as the hips of the baby left her and legs were pulled out, and she heard the child make its first sound.
On all things magic, finally the worst part was behind her. Well, almost. She heard little infants had the tendency to yell and cry too much.

She was relatively fine after she felt the last of the newborn left her, though she had to admit it hurt. Women less used to pain probably got mentally scarred after this.
Still, the result was the most important.
- Congratulations ! It’s a girl.

A female. Like she wanted. A boy would likely constantly remind her of *this man*, after all.
When she was handed the baby by the nursemaid, however, looking at it she felt the relief flee from her head. She barely kept herself from grimacing and expressing her frustration with an unladylike sound.
This short patch of… hair. The… color… Curse it!
- You have a beautiful red-headed daughter. Did she take it after her father ?

The new mother gave the nursemaid a chilly look, as if to suggest it was a touchy subject.
- Indeed she has. ‘Tis a bit unexpected… To my knowledge, females in my family have black hair, every single one of them.
- Well, we cannot choose what the child will take from either parent. She seems rather healthy, though. So the hair are from her father, but how about the eyes ?

The no-longer pregnant woman inspected the infant more closely, the child strangely calm for a newborn baby, if emitting sounds the woman in her thoughts described as “somewhat annoying and loud” from time to time.
- Thankfully, those are more like mine. Though… I am not sure if ‘tis so good she inherited her father’s hair instead of the other way around.
- I take it her father had pretty eyes, hadn’t he ?
- I believe you’re not required to ask all those questions. I do not probe you for pointless information, and in fact never intended to talk about her father.
- I am sorry, I just wanted to make the atmosphere a bit more pleasant… I admit to being a bit too curious at times.
- ‘Tis true. You are.

The elf sighed. Apparently, they were unused to people being this brutally honest around these parts, not to mention the rather unpleasant attitude.
- So, did you think of a name for her, miss ?
- Yes, I did.

The elven nursemaid waited for a moment, then realized that her “partner” in the conversation wasn’t going to reveal the name on her own. She was already opening her mouth, when the other woman gave her another unpleasant look. Her initial thought – that the woman decided to run away and was trying to forget about the father of the child, who probably was quite the bastard, and not necessarily in the conventional sense – was slowly changing into feeling sorry for the man who had to put up with this woman for enough time to actually sire a child.
- If you have to know… Nemain. She shall be known as Nemain. At least… for now.

The woman pressed the child’s forehead to her own and gave her daughter a shade of a smile.
Well, she seemed to be a bit of a bitch, but at least it appeared from that slight show of affection that she would care for her daughter. In her own way, at least.
Thought, it may have been better had the child inherited her father’s eyes as well. The woman’s were of an unusual color. And at times looked… disturbing, as well, beautiful as she was.

The woman was “enjoying” a moment of tenderness with her newborn daughter and all the medical matters were out of the way, and the newly made mother was having a little rest with the child hugged to her breast in case it was hungry.
The elven woman was quite stunned by the sight – she knew human woman could get a bit… wider in the area than the usual elven woman and during pregnancy their breasts obviously also increased, but to find breasts of this size and also such a shape on a woman that had, after all, a relatively thin body. They weren’t enormous for her build, just… unusual. And strangely fitting, even though she just finished being pregnant. The Elf wondered how good they looked before she got pregnant, and felt really envious.
Then, the woman’s first relatively cutely-looking picture was ruined by the the untimely arrival of the Keeper of the clan, to which the woman covered herself and raised hey eyebrow, with a slightly malicious and smug look on her face.
- So, indeed, you’ve come to test whether I was telling the truth or not?
- You could say that. I also wanted to take a look at whether your child was really so special as you claimed it’d be.
- And how did you expect to see whether ‘tis so on an infant, pray tell?
- Actually, I’ve had certain suspicions when you told me that you’re sure the child will be “special” and “definitely will have a talent in magic”. I suspected the father could be everything from a qunari through a blood mage or even an abomination if not a straight-out demon. And I believed if it was the case with at least three of the mentioned, it would be visible even in a newborn. However, it seems that you were overstating some things regarding your baby. Now I wonder how much you lied about the rest.
- Oh, the child’s origins are far more special and unique than that. Not to mention I wouldn’t bring the breed of an abomination or a demon into an elven village, unless, of course, I was one myself, then it couldn’t be avoided. So, what do you say, Keeper? Will we go and check the truthfulness of this Shemlen’s words now?
- Keeper, the woman just gave birth, she should be allowed to…
- No, my dear. If she truly is a powerful mage, I will see it without straining her overmuch. And she won’t need her physical abilities, anyway.
- But, Keeper…
- Oh, don’t worry about it, little elf. If I can’t even match a single little Elven keeper on my worst day, I shouldn’t have lived until now.
- Lady, you’re really overconfident and in your condition…
- ‘Tis no business of yours, woman. I will do what I desire, and right now, it is showing your Keeper who is the right one here.

The woman rose to full height, about as tall as the elven mage in front of her. Then, the woman finally noticed what exactly the woman was nearing on her neck, only being able to see a thick golden chain before.
A pendant that looked like a head of some fantastic creature was hanging on the chain, now located between the black-haired human’s breasts.
Why someone would wear such an unusual piece of jewelry was beyond her, although she was sure the necklace was not cheap by human standards.
- It would be safer to both us and the village if we had done it in some distance, I should think. Given that, I’d rather leave the baby here.
- Very well. It’s the first thing that speaks good of you today, shemlen.

The woman turned to the nursemaid and, with uncharacteristic gentleness, handled her the child, smiling at it before turning to the Keeper. Then, she made a shocked face, turned to the elven woman once more, and took off her necklace, handling it to the baby to hold.
- Keep to this necklace till Mother returns, Nemain. ‘Tis my favorite, and I would not wish to see it damaged. As for you, miss elf, I hope you will be so nice as to take care of my daughter for a few moments. I do not believe she will be too much of a problem.
- Of course, but…
- Stop worrying. Or, no. You can worry, but ‘tis your Keeper you should worry about. Come now, elven mage. There is much to be done if I am to convince you of my ability.


The pair left the tent, with the woman going out first. The child made something that sounded like an annoyed grunt when its mother left, before slowly lifting the necklace it grabbed and starting to play with the head-like pendant.
It surprised the elf that the child was so dexterous, but what surprised her more was the look in the girl’s eyes – it was far more conscious, calm, and intelligent than any child she ever saw exhibited at this point.
The girl’s eyes suddenly darted to hers, and indeed, she has inherited her mother’s eyes. They were still prone to slight changes, but for now, they appeared like small orbs of gold in the little girl’s head.
The woman felt crept out by the inspecting and intelligent look the girl was giving her. She begun to suspect something was wrong with the child – they were rarely so silent and never seemed so… understanding of what was happening around them.
But then, the little girl’s next action calmed her down.
Because, just like a little infant should, she burst out crying.


The Keeper followed the woman outside the village, and through observation, realized that she was different from most humans.
The difference was that she seemed to feel at home here in the wilderness. Her people normally moved far more clumsily through the forest, but she moved with a sureness and grace in her steps. He was actually starting to believe there was something special about her, even if she was overconfident and annoyingly sure of herself.
- Let us set the rules for this fight. Regardless of any advantage gained or thoughts about each other, both of us will be leaving this place alive and with all limbs intact. If you think ‘tis been enough to judge me as worthy and wish to stop the fight, simply fire an Arcane Bolt straight into the sky or yell ‘tis so. If you must ask, though it will not come to this, in case I need to give up I shall do the same.
- You seem extremely confident of your abilities, woman.
- ‘Tis with good reason. You may cast yourself as a powerful wizard and a worldly sage or adventurer, but any achievement of yours would probably pale in comparison to what I was part of. Regardless, Keeper, I am what I claim to be, though some parts must be kept secret from your people, for our mutual safety if nothing else.
- Then I will not hold back. If you’re lying or overstating things, woman, you may be severely injured, maybe to the point of dying.
- Ah, ‘tis would be a tragedy indeed. I shall wail and gnash my teeth once I realize how much I’ve overestimated my abilities and underestimated yours. ‘Tis won’t be long until that, I should think.
- I think somebody should teach you manners, and a little bit of humility.
- I’m always eager to learn if ‘tis something useful. Come, then. Give me a lesson in humility.

The woman’s yellow-colored eyes went from the expression of an unpleasant smile to that of detached ruthlessness and she bended forward, her staff suddenly starting to radiate cold.
No joke, this was some seriously enchanted mage’s weapon. Still, it did not speak anything of the abilities of the woman who wielded it.
Instead of waiting for the manifestation of these abilities, however, the elven wizard decided to start the battle himself, hurling a manifested stone projectile at the self-named witch,one that almost sent her flying and knocked her onto the ground. She responded with summoning a chilly mist that quickly enveloped him in frost, feeling his body numb and quickly ascertaining that the witch definitely held a preference for cold-based spells, as the power of the spell was significant indeed.
In fact, maybe it was too powerful. That suggested the woman was probably heavily specialized in frost magic.

The elf followed his first spell with an Arcane Bolt and closed in on the sorceress to fire another powerful spell, hoping it’d be enough actually. He had to watch out, however, in case the woman could use cones of cold. As he was close enough, he fired a cone of electricity to try and take down the female spellcaster, however, to his surprise, she simply smiled as she recognized what he was doing. She did not try to evade or increase the range, which only increased the magnitude of his “bad feeling”.
It wasn’t so unexpected that she used a telekinetic spell to temporarily stun him, however, her next move was, indeed, what truly increased his distress.
Because for a longer moment, he could feel nothing and only when he started to regain control, he realized that the fact nothing happened to his body during the last couple moments was not a *good* thing, but a thoroughly bad one.
Just as a sudden, powerful blizzard surrounded him, covering part of the forest with the ice storm, the Keeper managed to put up a Spell Shield hoping at least a part of the overall damage will be absorbed into it. Then, just when he considered how to quickly evade the storm, a lightning bolt was hurled at him from the front left, which at least clearly indicated where the witch was. The bolt was absorbed by his shield and he quickly moved to get out of the spell’s area and get to recover. Faintly, through the rumbles and noises of the blizzard, he heard a different sound, a faint buzzing. He did not bother as he moved faster and faster to try and leave the spell’s area.

He had to admit the woman has surprised him, but there was still the possibility that she was simply giving it her all and was this close to expending all her energy and effectively losing. Still, he had to admit the woman probably was a pretty good and knowledgeable mage.


But he still disliked her cocky attitude, so he decided to try and defeat her ultimately.
Of course, he had no idea the task was impossible at his level, even under these circumstances.
And so as he got out of the blizzard, he quickly looked around to check if the witch was anywhere in sight – of course she wasn’t, that would be impossible – and he quickly turned back to the blizzard, looking to the sides and checking whether the woman was planning to continue on the offense. Calmed down, he deactivated his shield and quietly wondered whether to heal his wounds or restore his mana which was severely incapacitated during both his own spellcasting and the woman’s continued blizzard and the lighting attack while he had a Fade shield activated.
He never even got to make the choice as suddenly, he realized the buzzing sound has stopped and instead, he felt himself quickly immersed in a wave of entropic energy that seeped deep inside him and started to weaken him. At this range? Surely, she couldn’t…

Then, he heard the movement behind him and realized that she indeed *could* and turned around quickly, firing a Lightning blindly only to have the woman respond with the spell he himself used not so long ago, shocking him with a cone of continuous electrical discharges as he suddenly felt more and more drained of strength. Instinctively, he tried to heal himself with a spell, and quickly recognized the purpose of the first entropic spell – he wasn’t any more able to heal his wounds than he was able of preventing the woman’s attack.
This was incredible. NO ONE was able to teleport, it was only a useless magical theory that never worked in practice. So, how was she able to get here without him noticing, and through her own blizzard on that?

The black-haired woman grinned, revealing a set of white teeth as her eyes bore deep into his. Her hands were suddenly engulfed in a chillful mist and he realized he probably couldn’t take much more.
And the worst thing was not the fact that he wasn’t even able to fight her to a standstill, but for all her current advantage, the bitch actually seemed glad and at ease during the fight.
The woman suggestively stopped with her palms turned towards the Keeper, and he quickly got the hint.
- It’s fine, I give up, I give up! I admit it, you indeed seem to possess skills of a completely different magnitude, and even despite the fact that you just gave birth. How did you even manage to get on this side of your own spell?
- That’s part of the ability lost to your clan Keepers that I’ll be teaching to your apprentice. ‘Tis possible you heard of it, in fact, but you do not need to know the details. Despite our deal, you’ll quite probably try to squeeze the knowledge out of your apprentice and gain some immediate benefit, so you just need to be patient and eventually you will gain some knowledge on this. Of course, that is, if you accept my deal on the current conditions.
- You’re way too secretive for this to be safe.
- I find it hard to trust others, especially if I don’t know them well. I’d rather keep most knowledge about me a secret.This is for your own good, you know. Too much information about me would be dangerous for you and your village.
- And why do you think it would be so? Why do you even propose the deal if this is the truth?
- If the elves knew all the little details about me, it might unsettle them. Also, if the knowledge ever got out of the camp, whether by extortion or by simple carelessness of your clansmen, and that knowledge got to certain people, this would be a danger to all of us. As long as my identity is kept secret, however, we are all safe, as the few people who could try to pursue me have no way of knowing that I am here.
- Still, this is all too secretive. My people need to have a name they can call you and if I know nothing of you nor the reasons you are here, you cannot stay.
- The reason is simple. I need to have a place where my baby can grow up, at least to a certain point, being relatively safe and provided all it needs. And this place should be as close to the wilderness as possible and as far from Orlesians and Fereldans as possible. For certain reasons, I cannot turn to the Chasind, and Free Marches are way, way too far. Also, most would think ‘tis unlikely a human sorceress would be hiding in the Dales among a clan of elves. And I need to avoid notice.
- And who exactly may be looking for you?
- A certain Orlesian lord might be angered that I deposed one of his treasured mages due to a certain… conflict… I just begun with an extremely secret organization he had connections to. The members of the organization could also be after me, alas, they know so little of me they couldn’t possibly have followed me here. ’Tis all. My last pursuer is from Ferelden and any circumstances under which… they… would leave it are extremely unlikely, and certainly, all the tracks would have led them to Orlais, and not to the Dales.
- That leaves just the one last question. Who the hell are you?
- Ah. ‘Tis a bit of a thing to explain. First, tell me your and your apprentice’s names, and then, we may talk.
- My name is Soris, and my apprentice’s name is Cammen.
- I am… familiar with these names. Ha, especially Cammen rings a few bells.
- Regardless. Your turn.
- And what would you want to know, pray tell? I’ll disclose all information that I can, but I need to know what interests you.
- Your name. I need to know, even if it is only me.
- You are, of course, aware that any name I can give you will probably be false? ‘Tis really unimportant. It shall be my daughter who lives as a part of your clan and only if this is truly necessary, not me. To all of you, I may as well only be “Nemain’s mother”, and nothing else. ‘Tis Nemain who is important to you. Not me.
- Still, my people must have a name for you. And I need to have a name for you.
- Then name me. I can offer you nothing but lies.
- And what about your daughter? Is she not going to know your name as well?
- She will. But she won’t tell. I assure you. There are few people I have more reason to… believe in… than her.
- Fine, then. Then tell me where you gained your abilities from. Who taught you? And, also importantly, how long do you intend to stay here?
- My stay here depends ultimately on the talents of my child and how I can provide in regards to them. However, this will last years even so. As for my own abilities…’Tis a bit risky to talk about them, but perhaps, after our fight, you will believe me. I was taught magic by a sorceress, one of those the Chasind call “Witches of the Wilds”, whom are, in fact, daughters of an ancient and powerful mage you know as asha 'belannar, and whom humans call Flemeth. ‘Tis how I Got to have abilities long forgotten even to some Dalish clans and ‘tis how I achieved the level of magical prowess I possess now. You’re not required to believe me, but I thought you might.
- I think… I think I do. It would make sense if your abilities came from one taught and raised by such a powerful sorceress, even if it seems somewhat… surreal. As such, you shall stay in the village on the terms we negotiated. You shall be known to elves as the mother of your daughter, Nemain, and shall the need arise, you shall be introduced to anyone else as a former shaman from a wild tribe. Based on your clothing and your specialization in the cold spells, I think a name like “Hoarfrost Raven” would be appropriate, as the wild tribes of men do tend to name some of tribe members after animals or natural phenomena instead of what we consider “real” names.
- Not really a specialization… More like a slight preference, encouraged by my mentor. As for the name and the story… Well, it sings, and I don’t really care either way. I shall be grateful if you’ll have me.
- Very well then. Let us return, and we’ll find you a hut.


Three years later


She was sitting in front of her desk, taking a break from brewing salves she would probably not use for quite some time and reading *that* book instead. Then, she heard that sound slowly filling her small hat. The sound of little feet on the ground.
Nemain immediately knew how to find her mother, based simply on the fact that she didn’t engage so many different things during the beginning of the child’s life. And of course, once she found her mother, she of course begun her attention-demanding rites.
“Raven” tried to balance all she knew from different sources about being a mother while raising her own daughter, so that the girl would both grow up to be self-dependant and strong woman and yet NOT be deprived of the attention and care children seem to crave at this age.
And she experienced firsthand that such balance was hard to find. Already she at times regretted providing the girl with too much attention, as by now she knew that unless her mother seemed to be in really bad mood, certain actions would surely provide the results she wanted.
Nemain stood next to her mother, small girl that could still barely compare to her mother’s height even when she was sitting, and yet with a determined look on her face, she drilled into the black-haired woman with a stare, as if trying to will her parent into looking at her.
‘Twas good that she did not require breastfeeding anymore, as in these situations she could be quite rough in demanding it, but still, the efforts the little girl undertook to force her mother to pay attention to her were always slightly amazing and a normal human would probably describe them as “adorable”.
The girl started with a more gentle physical contact, walking even closer to her mother and putting her small hands on her outer thigh. That, however, had no effect as the witch was still attempting to continue reading the book. The girl recognized that she needed to put more effort into gaining her mother’s attention and immediately tried to get into her lap, small feet dangling in the air as she tried to pull herself up.
The witch’s amber-gold eyes quickly darted sideways to her daughter, a look of somewhat repressed care and sympathy she quite often gave to a certain other human appearing on her face. Oh, truly, she did inherit the stubbornness of her parents, this girl.
“Raven” returned to reading the book, or so it seemed – she knew the concentration was lost and there was no point in trying to learn or gain information from a book of magics if it was already certain that her daughter wanted something. Little girl realized that it was difficult trying to climb onto the chair just by using the support of her mother’s thighs and looked up, looking for some purchase. The big book with the strange cover blocked the way to the front of her mother’s robe, which normally was rather open and contained strings, so it would be easy to find a place to grip on there, but with the book in the way, that option couldn’t be considered. Nemain remembered how she abused the fact that her mother usually wore so little to cover her breasts when she was younger and demanded to be fed.
Luckily, there were other options. “Mommy”, as she sometimes called her mother when she was certain she had a tender moment or when she couldn’t hear, had that pretty silver… what was it called? Ah, “Brooch”, attached to her clothing. Nemain discovered long ago that because “mommy” was oh-so-good with spells, her robes would not tear as easily as normal clothing and as such, pulling herself up by grabbing the brooch immediately became an option she took advantage of. Grabbing and tugging at the piece of jewelry, she slowly pulled herself up into her mother’s lap, and the woman shifted in her seat as well as moved the book to the side to allow the girl some space. Nemain recognized it was a good sign and started to gaze at her mother intensively, trying to catch a moment where mother’s pretty golden eyes would connect with hers. The witch was of course well aware of the child’s struggle and attention and fought a losing battle to repress a smile.
Nemain was looking for a way to draw the mother’s attention away from the book. It would be hard in this position to start playing with her necklace, and she wasn’t even sure which one the mother was wearing today (Mother had many pretty necklaces! Nemain was gathering courage to ask her mother to let her wear one for quite some time, now), and for the same reason, it would be impossible to gain access to her previous source of food, namely Mother’s chest. As such, a different method needed to be used, and Nemain knew how to make it harder to read. Slowly, she put her hands on her mother’s forearm and started to shift in her lap, gently if nimbly climbing upwards to her neck. Nemain looked sideways at her mother as she did so, and seeing her smile, decided it was time to bring her mother to a breaking point where she had to acknowledge her presence at last. Mother seemed to be in the right mood, too.
As her mother noticed some time ago, the girl was far, far too dexterous for her age and despite her short height and not so easy position, managed to reach her neck. She then run her hand through the witch’s hair, finding the little thing that was pulling them together and taking it off, releasing the waves of lustrous blackness that fell onto her mother’s shoulders and her forehead, some of them finding their way to the front of her mother’s eyes just as the little girl planned.
The witch imitated a sight, and spoke as she close the book.
- You do realize I hope ‘tis takes some times to put them up, Nemain.

The little girl gave a small grin as she grabbed a lock of her mother’s hair. She was smart enough to know that right now, she shouldn’t pull it. It wasn’t sometimes bad to pull them, but usually it ended badly.
- Mother’s hair are so pretty. Way prettier than the girls in the village!
- ‘Tis natural. Besides, I’ve told you many times we’re different from people in the village. Do you remember how?
- Yes, Mother. These in the village are elfs, while we are human. In civilized world, humans are usually considered superior to elfs.
- It’s “elves”, girl. What else?
- Mother gives the elves a great favor by staying with them and helping them. And Nemain is special.
- Good girl. Perhaps I should reward you, I wonder? Hmmm?

The little girl’s features immediately brightened. Mother was in good mood! She would get hugged and have her questions answered, and maybe Mother would play with her later! She started to clutch the lock of hair in her hand tightly from excitement. This reminded her of something important, but right now, the little girl wanted to make sure Mother will reward her.
- Yes yes yes! Nemain was a good girl, she was! Please, Mommy, reward Nemain, please? I’ll continue being a good girl. I will keep learning all that Mommy wants me to learn!

“Hoarfrost Raven” smiled at her child’s antics, including the fact that she grew either confident enough or excited enough to call her “mommy”. She always discouraged her child from acting too cute, but realized that with the fact that she was a girl and she wasn’t growing up alone, but among the elves, it would be inevitable.
As she brushed up a red lock from her daughter’s forehead, an unchangeable remainder of her father’s legacy, she gently stroked her cheek and quietly wondered whether the child’s sire was in any way similar when he was a child. She searched for the right word to describe the positive feeling that overcame her as the child’s eyes were sparkling at the contact and her cheeks slowly reddened, but couldn’t find it.
- So, what should we start with? ‘Tis answers you want, or something else, daughter?

Nemain’s cheeks were already burning at the contact. She somehow knew her mother was different from others when she noticed how the elven women treated their children, but she would never even think of an exchange. Mother always told her she was special and better than the other kids, and this, in fact, made Nemain actually feel that she was cared for. Also, these tender moments made her realize that Mother was capable of giving her something she really wanted and craved despite her somewhat distant attitude. Nemain herself wondered how much affection did her mother receive during her life, and it was a bit sad to think it might have not been enough.
For now, however, she was happy. Her Mother, so beautiful, exquisite, and apparently respected and feared by the elves, was giving her much wanted attention and calling her special.
Oh, but now was time to ask all those important questions that were amassed during the week!
Oh, but, the hair! Of course, that was most important!

- How can I make my hair pretty and black and glossy like Mother’s?
- Oh?
- ‘Tis really frustrating that I don’t have Mother’s hair! Why are my hair different from yours, Mommy? How can I make them the same?

The witch chuckled. True, whenever something boggled Nemain or particularly irritated her, she would turn to this scandalous part of her personality that tried to imitate her Mother in every way, including speech. She found that part of her daughter both funny and also, in a way, endearing. After all, it was good she was a role model in some ways.
She however imagined that any elves she interacted with, and their parents as well, would find that sudden change of behavior to match her parent’s infuriating.
- I find that odd myself, Nemain, however right now, we cannot help it. As you grow up, your hair will still change and perhaps will become more like mine. However, do not be worried. To me, your hair is nice to look at sometimes in its own way.
- I’m happy Mommy… Oh, I mean Mother thinks so! May I ask something else?
- Of course, Nemain. You’re being rewarded, right?

The child smiled so widely Raven was afraid her face would crack, and her eyes sparkled even more. Oh, that reminded her of a certain situation from her own childhood, she thought, looking at a certain thing lying on her table.
- Yes, Mother. I was wondering about some things the elven children were talking about. About how their “parents” would tell them where they came from and such. Mother, why do they have more than one parent? Do they have two mothers? And also, where did I came from?

It was the human mage’s turn to blush.
[“Marvelous, really. What sort of kids is she wandering around? What sort of fairytales are these stupid elves telling their children? Should I tell her the truth?”]…
She blushed even deeper thinking about all the kinds of events and…attractions… that happened with her father during and before her conception, and decided that these were not the things she should yet describe to her child. But she did not know any of the lies “normal” mothers fed to their children when they asked! Moreover, Nemain was inspecting why didn’t she have a father!
[“’Tis impossible. I cannot tell her all these things!”]
She offered her child a gentle smile before speaking.
- Listen carefully, Nemain. These stories elves tell about where their children are from? They are lies. The elves are telling them because they do not believe the kids are ready to face the truth, and indeed, they are not – they need to grow up more, some a lot more and some a bit more. Once you’re a bit older, I will tell you the truth, fine? There will be no lies.
- Can’t you tell me the truth now?
- No, Nemain. You’re too young. You should NOT know yet.
- But…
- Don’t push it, girl!

“Raven” made a slightly angry face just to trick her daughter into leaving the topic.
- Yes Mother, I won’t, I won’t ask anymore!

She patted the kid’s head.
- Good girl. Now, as for the parents thing? You see, there is a certain requirement to be fulfilled before a child is born, and this requirement can only be fulfilled by a pair of people. Moreover, this pair needs to be a boy and a girl, a man and a woman. Do you understand?
- Yes, Mother. Does that mean I will one day be a parent to someone?
- Quite possibly, if you’ll want to. You will be the child’s mother, and the man will be child’s father. If you want your child to be special like you are, however, you need to make sure that the father is someone brave, strong, powerful and worthy!
- But… what happened to my father? Was he as great as mother describes my man should be?
- Ah…

The witch went silent. Of course. She was her father’s daughter, in one way or another. She had his hair, even. But, she did not yet want to think about the man she sired the girl with. It was too… confusing. She needed time.
- I’m… I’m sorry, Nemain. I… cannot speak about this now. When you learn more and it will be enough so you may understand, I’ll tell you more about… your father.

The girl nodded, recognizing something in her mother’s mood was broken. She pressed her forehead to her mother’s and stayed silent despite the very important question that she wanted to ask once she learned that she also had two parents.
After a moment like that, the black-haired woman shifted and instead embraced her daughter, hugging her close. Nemain was really flushed right now, overwhelmed by the amount of affection she was receiving today. Yet, she could tell Mother suddenly became sad. She never saw Mother cry, but she was pretty sure at moments like this that Mother sometimes wanted to, but never did.
Because Mother was strong. Way stronger than everyone else.
Nemain always yearned to somehow express how much she admired and cared for her mother, yet, she could not find the word. At times, other elves would mention “love”, but depending on her mood Mother would always either scoff or chuckle at the word, never speaking much about it. Maybe it was the right word to describe what Nemain was feeling, though.
- Mommy, are we going to play soon? The elven kids are too dumb and slow to play and they cannot do all the things Mother can do.
- Yes, Nemain, soon. I just need to finish something, and then we can play more. But afterwards, you’ll have to learn.
- Mother, If I keep learning, will I one day be able to do the things you do? I want to!
- Some of them surely, Nemain. But we don’t know what you’ll be really good at, yet.
- But I’ll be better than these stupid older elven boys that don’t want to play with me?
- Yes, Nemain. You’ll make them so jealous they’ll wish they spend all their time with you.
- I’m glad, Mother. Do you know?
- What is it, Nemain?
- I’m happy that it is you that is my parent. Mother is great.

The witch smiled.
- I wouldn’t have it any other way, Nemain. Now, go! Dumb little elves should go to sleep soon, so you have all the village to run about for yourself. Mother needs to think about something important.
The child’s eyes suddenly sparkled again. The woman did not need to ask to know what the kid expected, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips.
The girl smiled and jumped off the chair, running to the hut’s door. She heard her daughter jump out of the house and run into the darkening village.


This was no time to think about how to explain things to her daughter nor was it time to ponder on her father. Nemain was already starting to learn and she would have to become the focus of attention of the entire village in order to fully realize her potential. And that meant her plan needed to be executed now.
The woman chuckled darkly. Oh, yes. The elves will now realize what their true destiny was all along, but won’t be able to accuse her of anything. Just perfect.