Disclaimer: Dragon Age belongs to Bioware and EA Games

AN: This was written for the 10 Minute challenge at Cheeky Monkeys. "Think of an idea (no writing yet!). Set your timer or whatever for 10 minutes. Write. When the 10 minutes is up, stop. Take a minute to check for typos only. Post what you wrote."

It Means Freedom

She had found one of the rare windows in the tower and opened it. The tiny elf stared at the sight before her. The range of colors from the setting sun overwhelmed her senses. Gwen unconsciously reached out to try and touch the dying rays of light. She barely remembered a time when she was truly out in the sun, when she was as free as one of her race was able to be.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" a warm voice remarked quietly from behind her.

Gwen turned her head slightly and smiled at the young man. Anders had grown to become a good friend to her and Jowan and was a partner in crime with the pranks they would pull. She nodded at him and turned her gaze back to the scene.

"It most certainly is," she agreed as she watched the sun's descent to the horizon. "Is this one of the reasons why you keep escaping the tower?"

Anders made his way to the elf's side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes," he answered solemnly. "The beauty of nature always astounded me, Gwen. The things out there that you can do, that you can see…it's really amazing. I still remember being free."

Once the sun finally descended below the horizon, the silver haired elf took Anders' arm and hugged it tightly. She closed her eyes and recalled the vibrant shades of oranges, reds and yellows. Even though purple may be her favorite color, because of her eyes, those other three colors now became part of what she would love.

The blonde newly Harrowed mage looked down at Gwen and looked into her eyes for a moment before looking back out the window to see the darkening sky.

"So, what do you think of sunsets? What does it mean to you?" he asked softly as he saw a look of determination enter the elf's face.

"It's beautiful…and to me, it means freedom."

AN: This is set in the past of my f!elfMage, Gwendolynne Surana from See Who I Am and I hope it shows her friendship with Anders