Thoughts

Half-Demon/Spirits Talking

Lyrium Talking

Rin's Half-Demon half speaking out loud (Think of it like possession)/Rin's Half-Demon half speaking through the mental link

Chapter Ten: Faithful Justice

Rin laid in bed for what felt like hours; every once and a while, his fingers would touch his lips to debate whether that the Champion had truly kissed him. His heart fluttering at the memory, blushing violently before rubbing his face to tell himself that real life isn't like those romance books he loves to read so much. He shouldn't have encouraged Hawke to kiss him; after all, what does he have to offer? Other than him leaving as soon as Yukio figure out how to get to him, he must cut the ties he forged here and that would break his heart.

But he doesn't want to leave this place; yes, despite the complete bias opinion of whether to lock up Mages is considered a good idea; it's a disgusting thing to do even if to quell the threat of demonic possession. Not only is that a fear-mongering tactic that Demons uses to possess the scared Mages in giving up their will to be vessels just to escape. But the idea that them gaining more power this way is the only escape they can use to avoid the abuse the Templars would place on them. Rin has seen the Gallows; he has seen what kind of prison it is and what wrong step would cause their entire being to be erased leaving only a doll-like shell.

Rin knows demons can possess anyone he has seen it; in fact, he distinctly remembers Varric telling him about one of the quests Hawke took on that blood Mages were trying to force demons in Templars before asking him how his world's version. Rin refrained from answering as he was far too curious about the behaviors of these demons. From his knowledge, demons can only possess those that are weak of will, and their bodies can 'tolerate' them but from what he has seen that those possessed here are physically morphed into a real abomination. Rin has taken to writing all that he learned about being an exorcist in a book he hoped to bring to the Templars in better dealing with the possessed rather than straight-up killing them as well as purifying them to prevent another possession on the individual.

Now he's not so sure if that is a good idea. He's afraid they would abuse this information and restrict the Magic users even more by using his notebook by instilling even more fear in the common folk. Rin lifted his hands from his face and just stared at the ceiling of the dimly lit room, turning his head he looks at his sword. Slowly he reached out to it, his hand trembling until he touched the handle. Holding his breath, he gripped the weapon and felt waves of intense emotions. They were far too severe to be his own, but he can pick out the semblance of emotions he is currently feeling. Running his fingers along with the sheathe, he breathed out a slowly as he unsheathed his blade.

There should've been a familiar feeling of just being comfortable in his own skin; there should be a feeling of being full and magnificent blue flames enveloping him in warmth and safety. Instead, there is nothing but a regular, iron blade reflecting his very human eyes back at him. Rin felt too many emotions; he threw the sword away from him and watch it clattered on the ground and becoming further unsheathed to prove it was just another regular blade. There were no flames. THERE WERE NO FLAMES!

Rin looks at his fingers and didn't see the sharp nails but regular human hands, he felt his face, and nothing has changed. No protruding fangs, no longer ears, no flame-like horns. Fear started to take root as his tail curled around the young adult's waist. He began to breathe heavily and pulled his legs to his chest to curl in as a panic attack started to settle in.

What's happening to me?! Why is this happening to me?! What have I done to deserve this?! Those questions repeatedly circled in his mind before spiraling downward too much darker thoughts. That is until his chest began to warm up and spread outward sending waves of calm and serenity to quell his panicking mind. Rin felt fingers curling into his hair and looking up, he saw those blue flames he has grown to hate and fear to curl around him. There was a distinct humming sound at the back of his head, slowly bringing him back from his mental break-down as he laid entirely on the bed and closed his eyes shut.

The humming grew too soft singing much like the enchantment that Sandal has given him, but this time it's louder. The music slowly led Rin into slumber; once the human half slept peacefully, the other half kept a vigil on his mind to ensure none would trespass.

O.O

Fenris waited in the common area of Hawke's Estate while Anders and the Champion tended to their charge, he took to staring into the flames and contemplated. Fenris contemplated his time in slavery and the memories he may be missing; his thoughts ran between the emotions of hatred, loneliness, and emptiness. Fenris has existed in the never-ending cycle of anger, never once lived his life much less made any dreams or goals beyond his own revenge. He thought back a conversation he had with what he first thought to be acquaintances, but now there his family. How more alive he has felt since that first taste of freedom away from Denarius with the Qunari in that lush forest. Closing his eyes, he wondered where his sister could be; his flesh and blood. She wasn't at the base that Denarius was being held up at or maybe she's still waiting for him at the Hanged Man, wondering if she has been stood up or targeted.

The elf will admit that held onto his hatred for far too long that he doesn't know what to do with it and just felt way too tired from the deconstructive emotion. Stewing in his own thoughts, he didn't notice Isabela walking up to him until she was in his peripheral gazing into the fire. The two said nothing at first, and she looks at him before holding up a plain envelope, no name or markings to give away who sent it.

"I was asked to give this to you by a red-haired elf in the Hanged Man…" she started, and Fenris hesitantly took it from her hand. "I will say it." She renewed and fully faced him. "You're free now Fenris and if you ever want to start a new life, I will have a position open for you on my ship." There was no flirting or sarcastic tone. It was plainly dangerous. Turning away, she began to walk towards the door of Hawke's Estate, only to pause and look at him once more.

"You're not alone anymore, Fenris; all of us are in this together. Hawke, Varric and everyone else in our group have weathered worst storms. We're here for you – all you need to do is ask." Then she left. Fenris stared at the spot she was his grip relaxing on the envelope before looking at it. Slowly he opened it, took the letter out and read the words – thankful that Hawke took time out of his life to teach him such an invaluable skill. When he was reading Hawke and Anders came into the common room and looked at Fenris back. Anders stood a little way off and crossed his arms as Hawke approached the warrior.

"Fenris?" Hawke questioned, and the warrior slowly turned to him with the letter, his eyes sad. "I'm guessing that it's not good news."

"It's a letter from Varania – my sister." He said and just looks at the flames. "She wrote that her original intent was to give me back to my old master in hopes of becoming a magister – his apprentice. Then when word about our charge spread to his ears, his plans changed." Fenris turned to Hawke and gave him the letter.

"Wait, your sister is a mage? So, your hatred was mere jealously – you hypocritical –" Hawke turned to the blonde mage with a glare.

"Anders!" the mere mention of his name silenced him. Looking to his other companion, Hawke thought carefully over his words. "What's your plan?" Fenris looks between them and for once saw the damage that he has caused to Hawke for something he could not control. He painted every Mage with the same brush -spewed his hatred of something he was afraid of – something he had suffered from and watched as others have suffered. Since the beginning, Anders and Fenris have been pulling the Champion back and forth on what side he was going to choose. While he was a Mage, he felt for those in the Gallows being punished rather individually. But he also saw the point of the templars and the harm both sides have caused. He has tried to be neutral and stated his opinions as such, but it was impossible with how their group works.

Sooner or later, Hawke must choose base on his own opinion not of those around him. Fenris knows he has been putting off on meeting the Knight-Commander about a request from a letter he received from her by focusing on them, but it was getting harder to make excuses for not seeing her or the First Enchanter. Everyone is waiting to see what side he takes in this growing conflict. Fenris hasn't been kind to his companions – especially the mages – it's a miracle Hawke still associates with him or anyone does to help him. Fenris made his mind up.

"Whatever you plan on doing." He stated and gained some distance away from the two Mages. He knew they still must discuss what he did and those consequences of what he did. Hawke blinks at his answer, and Anders eyebrows furrows. "No matter what decision you make, I will stand with you, and despite my personal opinion or experience, you have done everything in your power to keep friendship with me." Looking down, he breathed and looked up. "I may never relinquish this hatred completely but over time, it will dull. My actions have caused irreversible damage to not only you but to our other friends and our charge, for that, I will do everything in my power to make it up and try to think about all sides of the argument." With that, he waited.

Hawke swallowed and slowly nodded. With that acceptance, Fenris left that only Anders and Hawke remain in the common room. When the door fully closed Anders was stock still, he was prepared for an argument, some form of conflict with yelling and insults. Not this. Fenris was solemnly on the Templar's side of the arguments and the two would clash to get people on there side of the argument. While Isabela and Varric were neutral merely there to lighten the conflict to a comedic effect. Aveline and Sebastian were on Fenris side of the argument while Merrill was on his and Hawke – the Champion of Kirkwall – was trying to be neutral in all arguments. Looking at the male, he watched him place the letter down on his desk, rubbed his face.

"Now that is over, what is it you wished to speak with me?" Hawke started, completely familiar in sifting through chaos and conflict. When one problem is fixed, another arises and the Champion has made a living in solving them one after another. Anders straightens his back and looks Hawke in the eye as his final plan comes to the forefront. There he explains to Hawke about ingredients he needs to separate himself from Justice. While Hawke ate it up, he trusts the Mage too much to question his real intentions, after all, Anders made himself pretty readable and when he left to get his gear Anders closes his eyes and sighs – finally, some Justice will be served.

O.O

Rin awoke a few hours later – feeling somewhat overwhelmed. He sat up and saw that his sword was still unsheathed on the floor that he throws it on. Slowly standing up, he walked to the weapon and picked it up and slowly sheathed it. His grip tightened a bit before relaxing as he gives a long-winded sigh. He didn't know what to do and his body took that as go through the motions, get ready for the day and ignore the problem until it becomes too much to hide. When he came out of the bath, Rin noticed something on the bed next to his weapon; it wasn't some fancy clothes but rather some armor.

Swallowing a bit, Rin looked through the armor and felt his heart flutter at the note left behind. Hawke is gifting his armor to provide more protection than his fancy apparel and the metal on his fingers felt sturdy and reliable. Wasting no time, he puts the silver-colored armor on that was fitted just for him, he smiled gently, and his fingers traced the blood-red dragon on it. Rin grabbed his weapon and left the quarters to the common room of the Estate. Rin saw the Mabari lying in front of the fire before getting up when Rin entered the room.

The hound sniffed around him and barks happily, and Rin can't stop the smile as he scratched the hounds head and walked out further where he can see the two dwarfs and elf in service to his – friend? Lover? Boyfriend? Rin internally sighed and lost on what to address Hawke. When Bodahn saw him, he smiled and approached the half-breed and hound.

"Hello Messer Okumura, I just wanted to tell you that Messer Hawke left with Messer Anders probably won't be back until dinner." Rin nodded at this, he was aware of what titles his caretaker has and didn't expect him to there the entire time, so for now, he will explore the books he hasn't touched or lazed about, maybe laying next to the hound that decided to be his watcher for the day. The Mabari stuck by Rin's side the entire time, happily barking and responding to whatever comments Rin said to the hound and sometimes being physically affectionate.

During the time of the two being in the library with him lounging on the hound's side reading even. Closing the book Rin looks towards one of the lit candles and saw it was nearly gone and sat up. It was almost three hours to dinner, and Rin wanted to move around and get out of the building. Placing the book back the half-breed walked out with the mabari following behind him, the two dwarves are gone to buy some supplies for the crafting table and to get more enchantments for Sadnal's creations. Making sure he had his weapon bound tightly to his waist he walked out the estate with Barkspawn following close to him and looking at the Hightown residences moving about made Rin realize the difference between statuses.

For one it was rare for him to see an elf in Hightown unless it was from the Blooming Rose and the few dwarves he saw are either merchants or Carta members but they were pleasant to speak too especially since they don't really fear demons or magic considering what they do with the lyrium. Walking around Hightown, Rin remembers what little routes seemed familiar to him and explored areas that he hasn't seen before. Deciding to retrace a path when he first walked out into Hightown, he went back to the Chantry. Feeling his curiosity drawn to it. Barkspawn kept unsavory types of people away from him especially any of the Templar's. Walking up the stairs to the Chantry, he looked at the imposing building as its massive doors draw near and going inside of it to see gold and red melding together.

None of the females wearing the robes of the chantry bothered him, probably thinking he is here to seek guidance or the blessing of the marker ad. However, Rin would love to explore the place a little bit more he saw the elderly female that have spoken on his behalf to spare him from death from an overly-aggressive female in armor with a giant sword. The elderly female saw him and waited for him as he approached her from the steps to her overview of the entrance and side stairs with Barkspawn by his side. When he finally at least an arms-length away from her, the elderly female gave a kind motherly smile.

"Hello, Nephilim." She greeted calmly, composed and open without hostility. Rin smiles at this.

"It's Rin ma'am. I never got your name when you saved my life, and I wanted to thank you for defending me."

"I am Grand Cleric Elthina. You do not have to thank me for it was the Champion that stepped between you and the blade." The two easily chatted with a few mothers glancing their way in question.

"Still, thank you for not damming me on sight or with the knowledge of what I am. I have met a few individuals part of my religious church that is willing to do what is morally and ethically right." He stated and glanced at the massive statue that oversees the entire inner hall. The Grand Cleric nods in understanding.

"I understand you are from a different world compared to ours. I am curious about what your world's religious setup is compared to ours." The Grand Cleric said and Rin blinks before nodding to compare. After all, it was highly unlikely that they would meet others of his religion or the country her originates from. So, the two discuss the diverse religion they follow what as well they know of others. They would quote their religious text to explain how one would go about challenges.

This went on for a while until Rin heard footsteps coming towards them and turning his heard to see Hawke with two others. Barkspawn barked happily at the sight of his friend and his two pack members before pouncing and wagging his short tail. Hawke smiled at Rin and admired his gift that the other was wearing and knew it would offer him protection when others are not there to help. The archer by his side stepped up that Rin realized he didn't have that much of an interaction with considering they're the first impression was limited.

"Sister Nightingale says you must leave Kirkwall." Rin blinks at Hawke's words then turns to face a shocked Grand Cleric. Rin felt he was missing context from this conversation and look between Hawke and the Aria.

"You were right." The Aria said with a solemn expression. "The Devine will be taking action against Kirkwall, though the sister didn't say what." Rin took a step back, knowing when the conversation is taking a different turn than his lighthearted conversation with the Grand Cleric. "You must take the holy relics from the chantry and leave for safety."

"Sebastian! I'm surprised at you." She stated this in such a manner that led Rin to believe that she may have had a hand in his upbringing or training in their sect. "Andraste would not thank me for saving a few dusty finger bones and my own skin at the cost of people's lives." Rin eyebrows shot up. What dusty finger bones? Why would dusty finger bones be considered holy relics?

His contemplation missed the reaction to her words but he caught what the Aria has said. "Would you let yourself die?" he said this in a way that if things did go wrong and this 'Devine' decides to march onto Kirkwall, then he would stay and sacrifice his life to protect the Grand Cleric.

"There is no greater devotion than to lay one's life at the Maker's feet. There is no better death than to take the blow for another." She cited with conviction, and his respect for the woman grew even more and nodded to her words. Whatever has happened has caused a stir and panic within the two.

"Sister Nightingale took a great risk to warn you. Don't be rash." Who was this sister Nightingale? Rin looks around at the other females.

"Please, your grace. Sister Nightingale thinks there will be war." Rin slightly pales at this. What war? Why would there be war?

"Then, I must make peace." She says serenely and he watched Aria flinch. "Settle yourself, Sebastian. I'm in no personal danger. I am grand cleric – who would dare attack me?" A fair point, high religious figures are high profile, and everyone knew about them and can relate to them in some manner. But that doesn't mean they can have enemies and assassins.

"If you will not shield yourself, then I will be your shield." Somehow Rin knew that was the case, but to hear him confirm it told Rin a lot about the other's personality. "You will come through this safely, by the maker's name I swear it." Rin shivers, he knew from experience to never swear on higher divine beings, primarily when they through curve balls at you. With that the grand cleric nodded and moved away from the group, Hawke steps forward to converse with Rin only for Sebastian to pull him aside and the two converses quietly between them – leaving him standing next to the silent Aveline.

The female warrior nodded to him, and when the two were done Hawke approaches Rin leaving Aveline to go speak with Sebastian and from what his hearing can pick up something about making Hawke a 'Viscount.' Rin smiles serenely to the Champion, and when the two are about to finally converse after not being able to for nearly a day and a half, Hawke's third companion decides to finally step up the stairs.

"Hawke, let's go." Rin blinks at the Cleric of Hawke's group. Hawke sighs and weaves his fingers into Rin's and slowly follows the blonde mage from the building, but Rin couldn't help but feel shivers running up and down his spine and the ever-growing sense of wrong now resting in the building of this religious sanctuary. Looking back, Rin couldn't help but trust his gut that something is severely wrong and glancing at the Cleric – Rin couldn't help but bite his lip in worry of the consequences of some dire decisions made without his knowledge.

O.O (AN)

1. Blue flames: Varric's nickname for Rin Okumura.

2. Rin's Nicknames for Characters of DA2

Varric: Pygmy – derogatory noun, a tiny person, animal or thing.

Isabela: Succubus – Rin has finally caught on Isabela provocative and sexual innuendos and as deemed her Succubus in disguise to protect what left of his humanity.

Sebastian: Aria – Rin has studied a bit in the classes of exorcist, and he sees Sebastian as an Aria more than a Dragoon due to the priest chanting and chantry insight for people who are going through troubling times.

Aveline: Valkyrie (Suggested by Esprgirl) in Norse Mythology, a Valkyrie is a female Warrior commanded by Freya that takes worthy Warriors that died in battle after they have been selected by Odin himself.

Hawke:

Merrill: Glaistig (suggested by Bob is Life) from Scottish folklore. She is sometimes portrayed as benevolent and in other malevolent. She is a type of fuath. Often depicted as a half-women half-goat another name she goes by is The Green Lady.

Fenris: Ōkami - Japanese: 大神? Literally "great god," "great spirit" or "wolf" if written as 狼

Carver:

Anders: Cleric – In RPG games the Cleric or Medic are classified as the healers of the group, which when I play the game Anders is always the healer in my group for DA2.

Justice: Arthur (suggested by twilightnite13)