Chapter 4: Slave No More

Dawn was approaching, as the last of the preparations were being taken care of in Merrill's home. Anora sat at the table in the main room, watching the three Dalish women move around the bedroom. Lyla had stared at the mirror in horror when she'd first walked in, but had calmed down after Merrill just held her. Fenris was across from her, drumming his fingers on the wood, and Varric sat in the corner, polishing Bianca. "Why are we here?" the Elf wondered, casting a quick glance into the other room.

"In case something goes wrong."

"Nothing will go wrong, Hawke," Varric predicted. "In a little while, Blondie will come to, and we can all beat him senseless for this little episode." Anora nodded, taking one of her blades out and beginning to balance it on her fingers. It helped relax her a bit, and she didn't even see Lyla standing next to her until the Dalish woman grabbed the dagger from her and handed it back, hilt first.

"We're almost ready. Did you want to be in there wh-"

"Yes," Anora interrupted, standing up. "I need to be there with him."

"Varric will remain out here, just in case. Fenris, if you could guard the door?"

"What exactly will I be guarding it from?" She locked eyes with him.

"Something we wouldn't want escaping."

"Very well. I just need some air for a moment." He left the house, staying right outside the window, swearing softly in Tevinter.

"I'll join him. Make sure Elf actually comes back," the Dwarf told them, taking Bianca out into the receding darkness. When they were gone, Lyla took Anora's hand, pulling her into the bedroom.

"There's something I need you to know before we begin," she said, and the human immediately got a bad feeling.

"Is something wrong?"

"Maybe not, but I wanted you to be prepared. This spell that was put on Anders was supposed to be able to control abominations." Anora blinked a few times, not sure she'd heard correctly.

"What?" The shock was clear in her voice, and Lyla continued:

"I translated as best I could, and if this bitch wasn't already dead, I'd be hunting her. She wanted to create a "more perfect" merge when a demon took over a body, so she came up with this spell. An abomination subjected to it would find that the demon part would not be able to assert much control without being hurt by the brand. Also, if the host had been a mage, their use of magick would be severely restricted, if not outright cut off. As the mark took hold of the body, both demon and host would become more and more merged, but less and less like themselves. At the end, they would be little more than a puppet, just doing their master's bidding. Also, the mark allowed a demon to more easily possess a host, even if they weren't willing." Anora flashed back to the demons being summoned right after Anders had been affected. If not for Justice, he might have-

"That bitch!" She punched the wall, startling the two mages at the foot of the bed.

"Hawke! Don't hurt yourself!" Merrill warned, mixing a lyrium potion. Velanna was busy working on the blood that she and Lyla had already bled into a cup. Anora sighed heavily and sat down next to Anders' still form.

"I can't believe I'm actually okay with you using blood magick on him."

"It's a necessary evil," Lyla told her. "Just don't tell him what happened. I know Anders despises blood mages, unless that changed too?"

"No, he hates us," Merrill quipped as she rolled her eyes.

"He doesn't want to see you end up possessed," Anora argued gently.

"That makes two of us."

"Mahariel, I know what I'm doing!"

"I never said you didn't, lethallan. I just don't want to see you become an abomination. I assume that isn't something you look forward to, either?"

"No. I'm just tired of everyone assuming I'm wrong."

"We're not assuming," Velanna pointed out. "You are wrong."

"Enough," Lyla warned, putting a hand on both their shoulders. Fenris appeared at the door, and she sighed. "Let's begin." Anora moved Anders so that he was cradled in her lap, her arms around his bare chest. Velanna and Merrill were speaking in Elvish, and it sounded like a prayer. The blood and lyrium were mixed in the cup, and then that mixture was very carefully tipped down Anders' throat. He coughed, but remained unconscious. Lyla breathed a silent prayer of her own to Andruil, drawing the dagger at her waist. The blade gleamed in the light, but it was not made of any metal. Merrill's eyes widened when she realized that it was made from a piece of the Eluvian. "Forgive me," Lyla said, looking at the mage she had saved years ago from the Templars. She brought the blade to his skin, slicing deep into the mark and seeing blue-black blood bubble up. Fenris swore again, and Anora's grip tightened around Anders as he suddenly started thrashing. He screamed as well, and the tainted blood began rising from him. Lyla flicked the blade towards the rest of the mirror, and the dark drops splattered on its smooth surface. It began to ripple, like the surface was water instead of glass. The mark on Anders began glowing brighter, and Lyla met Velanna's gaze as she stabbed downward into its center and left the weapon there for a moment. He stiffened, hands twisting in the sheets, and face contorting in pain. Anora pressed her mouth to his ear, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Don't you dare die on me, you foolish man. Come back, please. I need you." Lyla pulled the dagger out of him, and the blood rose in an arc towards the mirror, as if getting pulled into it. Velanna immediately started healing the wounds as more and more blood was pulled across the room. The Eluvian turned a deep red as the blood covered the surface, pulsing like a living being every now and then. Suddenly, Anders' eyes snapped open, but it was the blue glow of Justice. He started to sit up, but the woman holding him pulled back with all her strength. Merrill screamed and shrank against the wall, and Fenris had one hand on his sword. "No!" Anora commanded, glaring at him. "Let him regain control."

"He has no control," the warrior retorted. "That Spirit always wins."

"He has to do this, Fenris. Justice can't have him. I won't let him." Lyla tilted her head, staring at the fight happening on the bed. Anders' body was still trying to move, but Hawke was using everything she had to keep him down.

"Unhand me, woman!" the Spirit shouted.

"Never! Please, love, don't lose yourself now. Not when you're about to beat this." The veins began appearing though, and she knew he was losing the fight. "Damnit Anders, come back!" She buried her head in his chest, sobbing, as Justice continued to struggle against her. Leaving Velanna to heal the body, Lyla grabbed an arm to get his attention. The glowing eyes stared back at her, but she did not flinch. She felt the energy swirl around him, but still didn't back down.

"Release me," he commanded in that deep, resonating voice, and she smirked.

"Just who do you think you're talking to, you damned Fade Spirit? I am your Commander, unless you have forgotten? I give the orders around here. Now stand down!" He blinked, as if truly seeing her for the first time.

"Commander?" His voice still resonated, but it was softer now. She nodded, motioning to the human clinging desperately to him.

"If anything is left of the Spirit who served with us, give her back our healer. This isn't like you, Justice. You stood for so much more than your name implied. Cease this struggle, and work with him, not against him. This is still his life, and he has people who care about him." He focused his gaze on Anora, who still had her head pressed against him, and felt the tears as they fell from her cheeks to his skin. Anders stirred in response to them, his concern and feelings for her washing over Justice in a wave that brought the world into better focus.

"He loves her," he whispered, looking back up.

"Yes," Lyla agreed with a nod. "Don't let the anger consume you, my friend. You once said you hoped to never know that feeling. Remember that you are Justice, not mindless rage. Do not become the very thing you used to fight against." His head bowed, Justice closed his eyes, and the glow began fading.

"Forgive me, Commander." Anders then opened his eyes as the glow ceased. Fear was shining brightly in them as he stared at her.

"Commander?" he asked hesitantly.

"Stupid shemlen," she replied, releasing his arm. Anora's head flew up, and she met his eyes and smiled. He lay there, still in shock. Velanna finished healing him, and Merrill was uncurling herself from the corner. Lyla turned her attention to the Eluvian, seeing the dark-red surface still swirling.

"I'll cleanse it in just a moment," Merrill told her, standing up.

"No need." Lyla took up a fresh grip on the mirror-shard dagger, eyes narrowing. With more speed than anyone realized she had, the rogue thrust the blade into the mirror, which cracked and splintered even as the surface shimmered. A form appeared in the gore, a broad figure with beady eyes scattered across its face, spikes covering its massive bruise-colored body, and razor-sharp teeth in its wide mouth.

"Elgar'nan!" Velanna shouted, diving past the mirror towards the door. She hid behind Fenris, whose blade was now drawn.

"This is what we can't let loose?" he surmised.

"That's a good bet," she whispered, hands on his shoulders as she readied a defensive spell just in case. Anora was shaking as she stared at the demon, and Anders was holding her as best he could, eyes wide. Both were afraid to move, lest they attract its attention. The demon's image scanned the room, its gaze coming to rest on the dark-haired Elf, and a slow smile showed off its teeth even more.

"So nice to see you again, little Merrill." The demon's voice held power so strong it grated on everyone's nerves like metal on metal. Lyla felt like her blood was on fire, and it oozed from a cut on her hand on instinct, covering the limb in a thin layer. She stared at the Pride Demon, a twisted expression of hate and fear on her face.

"You will never have her!"

"No, stop!" But Merrill's pleas fell on deaf ears as the Hero of Ferelden punched the Eluvian with her blood-covered hand, and it shattered, spraying the room with tiny shards. The demon cried out as its image vanished. Anora shielded Anders from the glass as best she could, and Velanna quickly called a magical barrier to protect her and Fenris from stray pieces. Lyla stared at the blood-covered shards, looking down at the dagger still in her other hand. Half of the blade had broken off, but she saw something coalesce in the shadows of the remaining half. Tamlen's face appeared there, looking like he had when he'd attacked her camp. She quickly smashed the blade to the floor with an angry shout, and the image shattered as well.

'Ma serannas, lethallan,' the words echoed in her mind, and she bit back tears.

"Dareth shiral," she whispered back as Merrill stood staring at her. She gathered the girl into her arms, trying not to shake. "I'm sorry, Merrill. I did it to protect you."

"Lyla…I would have-"

"You would not have been fine! I had no choice but to throw my life away. I won't see you do it when you have the choice." Silence descended on the room, and finally, Anders spoke:

"Would someone please tell me just what in the Maker's name is going on here?" Anora was still holding him tightly, rocking back and forth, her eyes closed. Fenris whispered something to Velanna, who nodded.

"Answers will come later," the blonde Elf said, quickly weaving a sleeping spell over the two humans. When they were out, she turned to Lyla. "Commander?"

"I'm all right. Merrill?" The girl in her arms sighed, but didn't pull away.

"I'll be all right. I think." Lyla kissed the top of her head, nodding.

"Of course you will be. You're our First, after all."

"Lyla-"

"You're our First," the rogue repeated. "It's time you started acting like it." Varric poked his head around the corner, chuckling softly.

"Well, now that the excitement's over, who's going to carry the two sleeping beauties back to Hawke's estate?"

"I'll take her," Fenris offered, putting his weapon away. "If the two Grey Wardens can take the mage?"

"Why do I always get stuck with helping Anders?" Velanna asked, rolling her eyes. Lyla snickered, letting go of Merrill.

"At least he's unconscious again."

"Thank the Creators," was the reply as the three Elves picked up the sleeping humans and began the trek to Hightown, Varric leading the way. Merrill followed, casting a glance at the shattered Eluvian.

"I hate it when they're right," she whispered, jogging to catch up to the group.

Anders opened his eyes, blinking a few time. Where was he? A bed; that much he could tell from the softness and warmth. Turning his head to the right, he couldn't help but smile. Anora was curled up next to him, still asleep. Her arm was on top of his, and he carefully propped himself up to get a better view of her. With her hair spilled across the pillow, he could clearly see the red highlights against the more abundant brown locks, and he ran his fingers gently through them, trying to take his mind off how tired and sore his body was. Everything from the past few days was a blur, and he was still trying to make sense of last night. Had it all been a dream? It hadn't been a very good dream, except for the part where that blasted mirror had been smashed. That, and Anora holding him. He grinned, fingers now lightly caressing her cheek. "Maker, you're a beautiful sight," he whispered.

"Feeling better?" the voice smashed into his thoughts, and Anders whipped his head around to see who had spoken. He recognized the voice, and fear momentarily took hold of him as he confirmed his suspicion. Lyla Mahariel, his Commander, was sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed, smiling like she had just been crowned Queen of the Dales. "Sorry, did I startle you?"

"Commander? Me, startled? No! I always expect people from my past to just show up at my bedside." His sarcastic tone forced a smile to her face, and she sighed and started snickering, crossing one leg over the other.

"Still haven't changed much, have you, shem?"

"I thought we'd gotten past the "random insults stage" of our friendship?" He frowned a bit, and she shook her head, still smiling.

"Well, when you go and do something as dumb as you did, I get to insult you a little, don't you agree?" He looked confused, and the smile was wiped from her face faster than he thought possible. "You and Justice are now one?"

"Andraste's knickers, that really did happen, didn't it?" He blushed and looked down, fussing with the sheets.

"What, me coming face-to-face with a Spirit I thought had gone back to the Fade long ago? Yes, that did happen." She folded her arms and stared at him, and he sat up slowly, trying not to wake Anora.

"I suppose you want an explanation?"

"No Anders, I want to sit here and just guess at how this happened."

"Oh well, in that case, I'll tell you when you're getting warmer." He grinned, the smile going all the way to his eyes. This was the mage she remembered, thank the Creators. She'd been afraid the spell had done damage to both him and Justice.

"Anders, you are remarkably flippant for someone who could have died last night," Anora pointed out, looking at him with one eye open. He shrugged, blushing again, and she sat up. "Why are you so happy, anyway?"

"Well, for starters, I'm not dead," he began, ticking off the points on his fingers. "That usually puts me in a good mood. Second, I woke up next to the most beautiful woman in Thedas." She lightly punched his arm, and he snickered. "And third, my Warden Commander is here, and she hasn't killed me, or yelled at me… Yet." Lyla raised an eyebrow at him when both he and Anora looked over at her. "So I'd say so far, it's a good day."

"You might regret that later," the Elf informed him with a smirk. "It seems you've grown a bit undisciplined since you left Amaranthine. We're going to spar later, to see just what you've picked up in the Free Marches." Anders' face fell, and he dropped back onto the bed with a groan, covering his face with a pillow.

"But Commander-"

"I also challenged that Elf with the lyrium markings," she interrupted. The pillow was moved away, and he had a smirk now.

"That would be worth the beating to see." Anora turned a concerned look to the Dalish, but she shook her head.

"I won't hurt him too badly," she promised. "But I used to spar with all my subordinates at Vigil's Keep. It kept us in good shape, and was a great way to try out new battle tactics before getting into the real thing. Now get dressed, the two of you. We're meeting at Fenris' house in an hour." Lyla walked out of the room, and both Anora and Anders looked at each other and shrugged.

"That was your leader?" she asked, swinging her legs over the bed. Both of them were still dressed from last night, but someone had taken off her armor before tucking in the blankets. The light cotton shirt and pants she wore were exchanged for another set, and she starting suiting herself up. Anders looked around for his shirt and cloak, seeing them hanging on the back of the chair Lyla had been sitting in. However, when he put them on, he realized something very important.

"There's a hole in my shirt," he said, looking at her. "Why is there a hole?"

"That would be from Fenris trying to make a point," she replied, coming over. She placed her hand on the exposed skin, and he shivered slightly, realizing the hole was where the bruise had been. "The mark is gone. Just a small scar now."

"Wait, a scar?" He bent his head, but couldn't see clearly. Anora snickered, poking him. "Great, there goes my handsome physique."

"Velanna had to heal you quickly, so I guess she wasn't being too picky with your appearance. Besides, scars make you seem dangerous." Anders' eyes widened.

"Velanna? She's here with the Commander? By the flames, this day just went from bad to worse!"

"I take it you two have some history?"

"Remember how I said that all Dalish women are crazy? I was referring to Velanna and the Commander. Merrill's just the icing on the cake." Anora laughed again, turning away, but he caught her arm, and she met his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, the serious look he usually wore back on his face. "I should have told you what was happening to me."

"Yes, you should have. Andraste's ass, Anders, you could have died!" She pressed herself against him, laying her head on his chest and hearing his heartbeat. His arms wrapped around her, and he rested his cheek on the top of her head.

"I didn't want to worry you. Everyone is always coming to you with their problems, and I didn't want you to worry about me any more than you already do. But the worse things got, the more adament I was that you not find out. Maker, I even asked Merrill for advice, I was that desperate. Even she told me to tell you… And I was going to, but then you were coming back from seeing Fenris…" He trailed off, and she pulled back a bit, looking up at him. Anders didn't seem mad, but more like he was upset at himself. "I didn't trust you enough, and I thought he had told you what was wrong with me. Even if he had, it was the right thing to do. Keeping it from you only made it worse."

"Anders, it's all right now," she assured him, resting her hand on his cheek. He turned his head and kissed her palm, bringing his own hand up to hold it.

"It might not have been. How did you get rid of the spell?"

"Lyla and Velanna translated notes we had found, and then they… They took charge of everything. You owe them your life, and I owe them as well."

"Seeing as how I saved their lives back in Amaranthine more times than I care to count, I'd say that almost makes us even. With a little more in my favor, of course." He smiled, and she rolled her eyes. "I know, you're trying to be serious, and I'm not."

"I've never seen you this… Laid back. Not that I mind, but what brought this on?" He shrugged, his hands resting on her hips.

"Well, I suppose I could tell you the fourth reason I'm happy. Since I owe you for worrying you half to death." Anora looked up at him, smiling, her hands on his arms.

"Don't keep me in suspense, love. What is it?" Instead of speaking, Anders closed his eyes, and he began to glow softly. Anora's smile immediately faded, and she started to pull away, but he kept a firm hold on her waist.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, still sounding like himself. She took a deep breath, willing her body to stop shaking.

"With all my heart," she whispered, not fully trusting her voice. The glow intensified slightly, but she saw no blue veins, felt no change in his stance, or anything that normally signalled that Justice had taken over. Anders opened his eyes, and she gasped. They were blue, but not glowing. At least, not like they normally did. Instead of being a warm light-brown, they were a blue so bright, so intense, she felt like she was staring into the heart of a sapphire.

"I'm not sure what happened, but we've become… Better at sharing." His voice had a slight resonance to it, but not enough for someone who didn't know him to think something was amiss. Anora stood stunned, mouth hanging slightly open.

"So, both of you are fully aware now?" He nodded, tilting his head a bit, like he was puzzled. "What's wrong?"

"Emotions are odd things. This will still take some getting used to, but for the first time, we are both of the same mindset."

"How so?" He tilted her chin up, eyes roaming her face as he smiled.

"We both wish to have you at our side." Their lips met, and there was a small jolt to her system, which grew into a tingle that traveled up her spine. Her eyes closed as he deepened the kiss, and when they broke apart, Anders' eyes were back to normal.

"I… What was that?" she asked softly, touching her lips. They still tingled a bit, and it felt like she was floating.

"Magick?" he offered with a shrug. She punched him lightly in the arm, and he winced out of habit. "We had a long talk in the Fade about what's happened to us in the past. Seeing the Commander got him thinking about all that we'd been through, even as separate entities. Oddly enough, he told me that feeling my body get sick made him feel guilty. He hadn't ever felt that way, in all the times he's manifested or inisisted I do something. Maybe it was a side-effect to the spell."

"Actually, that was the point of the spell," she told him. He raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, what?"

"I'm sure Lyla will let you read the notes, but the point of the spell you were hit with was to make a better merge between a human and a demon. It was supposed to eventually strip them both of their personalities, and leave only the power behind." Anders shuddered for a moment, swallowing nervously.

"A Tranquil's mind with an abomination's power. Now there is a frightening thought." Anora tapped his forehead, grinning.

"I prefer you brand-free, thank you. Maybe with Justice a little more… Normal, you can steer clear of the Knight Commander longer."

"She still needs to go, Anora," he argued gently.

"You're preaching to the choir," she replied, holding her hands up. "But we'll have some more time to figure out how to go about it, instead of Vengeance pushing you into confrontations all the time." He nodded, feeling the Spirit's reluctant acceptance of the idea. True, he still prefferred action over none, but as long as decent progress was made to free the mages, he could be mildly content with small victories, for now anyway. "Lyla's going to be waiting, so we should hurry up."

"Before we leave, I need to request a stop at both the pantry and kitchen," he told her, patting his stomach. "Maker, I feel like I haven't eaten in days."

"You haven't," she told him, pausing at the door. He sighed and shrugged, following close behind her.

"Well, that explains it, then. I just hope Bodahn made enough food for you too."

The others were all waiting by the time the two of them arrived at the rundown mansion. Anders was carrying a basket of food, happily munching away on a piece of bread. Bodahn had even gotten him a spare shirt while his other got repaired. Merrill met them at the door, looking slightly sad, but with a smile on her face. "Hawke, Anders, thank the Creators you're all right."

"How are you holding up?" Anora asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"All right, I suppose. Lyla and I had a long talk about everything that's happened since she left the clan, and I… I promised her that I would give up blood magick."

"Maker be praised!" Anders said with relief. "I knew the Commander would talk some sense into you." Merrill frowned and turned away, but he tapped her back, and she looked at him, confusion in her eyes.

"I want to thank you," he told her, smiling softly. "You helped save my life, and tried to get me to see reason before that. I'm glad you came to Kirkwall, Merrill, even if things didn't go they way you'd hoped."

"I… Thank you, Anders. That means a lot," she replied, smiling back. "Come on, Mahariel doesn't like to be kept waiting." The trio headed for the main hall, where everyone else was gathered, including Aveline.

"About time you two showed up," the Guard Captain quipped. "I was beginning to think you were going to spend the whole day in bed."

"That's still an option after this," Anders shot back as Anora smacked his arm. Aveline came up to him, extending her hand, and he blinked at her.

"Usually when someone offers you their hand, you take it, Anders. Were you raised in a barn?"

"Kind of," he replied, shaking her hand.

"It's good to see you up and about. Varric told me what's been happening the last few days. I'm sorry I've been unavailable, Hawke."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Aveline," Anora assured her. "You have other duties to attend to, other people who need you."

"Random guardsman who need a good saucing," Isabella said with a wink.

"I thought that was your job, Isabella?" Lyla teased, looking over her weapons: A dagger and shortsword. Anders recognized both of them as the ones she'd had when she'd come to Amaranthine. He knew they'd been an "heirloom" from the previous Commander of the Grey, Duncan. Lyla treasured both weapons, and was deadly and precise with them. Velanna was sitting next to her, looking over her staff, which she had owned when she was still with her clan. His own hand reached back to touch his weapon, smiling slightly. It had been a gift when he'd joined the Wardens, and he couldn't bring himself to give it up. To have three Wardens in one place brought back good memories, for both him and Justice. Would he have stayed, if things had turned out different? If they hadn't made him get rid of Ser-Pounce-A-Lot, or the Commander hadn't returned to her love, or if that Templar had never been assigned to him… Anders leaned against the wall, pressing one hand to his forehead as the memories started to surface. Anora was suddenly beside him, her hand caressing his face, concern in her eyes.

"I'm all right," he assured her. "Just thinking about the past."

"Just making sure," she told him, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Now that everyone has gathered, shall we get this test of battle prowess started?" Fenris wondered, descending the stairs from his room. Everyone nodded, and Varric sat on the stairs, Bianca at his side. Merrill took a seat beneath him, and everyone else stood against the wall, looking at each other for a moment.

"So, is this a free-for-all?" Isabella asked after a moment.

"No, but I don't see anyone eager to challenge me," Lyla replied with a shrug. A moment later, there was a greatsword leveled at her, and Fenris' markings pulsed.

"Then I shall be your opponent." Lyla raised an eyebrow, bringing her weapons up to a ready position.

"Very well, but I do have one rule during a spar."

"And what might that be?"

"Magick is not to be used." His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Do you take me for a damned mage? These markings do not grant me magick."

"Good to know. Aside from that, you can use any tricks at your disposal. I know I certainly intend to." She got into a half-crouch, and Fenris took up a fresh grip on his weapon. They stared at each other for a moment, and then he swung at her, and the battle was on. Lyla kept a reverse grip on her shortsword, the blade going back towards her elbow, while the dagger was facing her enemy. As the greatsword came down at her, she blocked with the sword, thrusting back and to the side. Fenris was momentarily thrown off-balance, and she managed to slice a thin line down his side. He glared at her, quickly moving away, keeping his weapon between them.

"You're fast," he stated.

"So are you." Pivoting slightly, he tried a side slice at her, which she was forced to meet with both blades. He pushed harder, and managed to catch her in the side as she backpedaled. A smirk curled his lip as he saw the cut in her armor. He came at her again, the same angle, and she barely managed to avoid the blade this time. Lyla narrowed her eyes, shaking her head as she tightened her grip on her sword. "My turn," she whispered, feeling her blood respond to the fight. Her legs immediately powered up, carrying her towards him, trying to press him. He blocked her thrust, turning her blade away and shifting down, forcing her back again. The markings on him pulsed, and Lyla skittered back, ending up in a defensive crouch with both weapons near the floor. Fenris again came at her, swinging heavily, attempting to knock the sword from her grip. She grinned, leaping up suddenly and coming down at him with the blades. He shifted tactics, blocking her easily, but she swung again, this time from both sides, leaving her front wide-open. He caught the shortsword, but not the dagger, and it trailed a thin line of blood across his forearm. He phased out before she did more damage, and brought the greatsword around quickly, catching her on the leg as she tried to jump out of the way. The smile was still on her face, and he saw she now held both blades out towards him. Realizing she meant to attack him head-on, Fenris quickly struck down, intent on forcing the longer weapon out of her grasp. Lyla met the attack, catching his blade with her dagger, and he smirked. However, she kept bending backwards with the power of his swing, and he figured out too late what she was doing. Her other arm came up over his own, and the shortsword jabbed him in the neck. He dropped his weapon, coughing, one hand going to his throat. He felt wetness there, and his fingers came away streaked with blood. Lyla stood in front of him, the smile not so much triumphant as it was… Final. She'd won, and they both knew it. She extended a hand towards him, but he stood on his own.

"Where did you learn to fight?" he demanded.

"You learn to improvise when you're a Warden. It's how you survive."

"The mage certainly doesn't fight like you."

"The mages don't need to fight like me. They have their own style. Speaking of that, Anders, get over here."

"Yes Commander," he said with a sigh, pushing away from the wall. She turned to face him, smiling slightly.

"You and me. It'll be like old times back at the Keep."

"Well, hopefully I'll do better this time," he replied with a grin.

"She'll have you on the floor in moments," Fenris predicted. Anders looked at the Elf, narrowing his eyes.

"We'll see about that." Lyla tapped his shoulder with the tip of her sword, and he saw it still had a bit of blood on it.

"No magick," she reminded him.

"Anything else goes?" He was grinning now, and Lyla wasn't quite sure why. Usually Anders hated sparring with anyone, even Velanna. Why didn't he seem nervous?

"Yes, anything else goes. Do you have a trick up your sleeve?" He shrugged, turning back to the others.

"Aveline, do you mind if I borrow your sword?"

"My sword?" She couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice, and everyone else just stared at the mage.

"Please?"

"Do you even know how to hold one of those?" Velanna asked with a snort. Aveline unsheathed her weapon and handed it to Anders, who inspected the blade for a moment. He made a few swipes in the air with it, still grinning. Lyla watched him carefully as his eyes changed from their usual warm-brown to a deep blue. No one else was close enough to see, but Anora folded her arms and sighed.

"He's going to get hurt," Fenris said as he stood next to her.

"Maybe, but I think Anders may surprise all of us." Holding the sword out towards Lyla, Anders bowed for a moment, and she grinned.

"Ready?" she wondered, meeting his eyes.

"Ready, Commander," he replied, voice a bit deeper than before. She dove towards him, both blades coming down, but he dodged back and parried the longer of the two, staying out of reach of the dagger. Lyla followed up immediately, not giving him a chance to pause. Again, he deflected the shortsword and kept his body away from the other blade. She was beginning to get very frustrated, but Anders didn't look like he was toying with her. His face was very serious, and he never took his eyes off her or her weapons. She changed tactics, going high this time, and he blocked with his arm, catching the blade and letting it cut into him. However, he also brought the sword across, catching her high in the side and knocking her away. Lyla rolled, surprised by the power behind his swing. Her eyes narrowed, and she reversed her grip on the sword, using it again as a defensive weapon.

"How in the Maker's name did he do that?" Aveline asked the others.

"Better question: When did Blondie learn to fight with a sword?" Varric wondered, eyes wide. Neither of the combatants paid them any mind, focusing solely on each other. Lyla charged again, deflecting the sword with her own and bringing the dagger across his chest. Anders caught her arm though, and flipped backwards, sending both of them sprawling to the ground. He recovered first, but didn't attack, and she wasted no time in going again. However, this time she went low, coming inside his reach and stabbing him in the shoulder before he could react. Anders grimaced, eyes flashing for a moment as he wrenched away, the dagger still in him.

"I yield!" he said, dropping to one knee. She nodded, noting that his eyes were now back to normal. Anora ran over as he slowly pulled the blade out of his shoulder, sucking in a quick breath before healing the wound. Everyone else gathered around him, and Anora pulled him to his feet.

"That was impressive," Lyla said as he handed the dagger back to her.

"Thank you, Commander. You're still as strong as ever."

"Where did you learn sword form?" Aveline demanded, taking her weapon back.

"Yes, I'm curious as well," Fenris added.

"Just as a lady never kisses and tell, neither does a man reveal the secret of his combat prowess," Anders replied, holding up one finger and shaking it.

"I guess you got lucky," the Elf shot back. The mage simply shrugged.

"I guess so." Lyla shook her head and looked at the others.

"Who's next, then?" Aveline voluteered this time, as Anora and Anders headed back to sit on the stairs.

"That was Justice, wasn't it?" she whispered.

"What gave it away? The sword holding, or the letting myself get stuck with a blade part?" She touched his shoulder, noting that the skin was untouched. "She never said I couldn't use magick after the fight," he noted. "But bloody Andraste, that hurt!"

"Now you know how we feel after a fight," she teased, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "That's why we need you with us, Anders."

"To patch you up?"

"And to add some Ferelden charm to the mix." She leaned against him, watching the fight with only half-interest. "Promise me that you will never lie to me if you're hurt again." He put his arm around her, tilting her chin up to face him.

"I promise. If I get hurt, you'll be the first to know. Probably because I'll be screaming like a little girl."

"As long as I know, you can scream all you want."

Night had fallen, but Lyla and Velanna were making their way towards the city gate, most of the group with them. Merrill had packed her bags, and would be traveling with the Wardens until they reached the clan. "We're going to miss you, Daisy."

"I know, Varric. But Mahariel's right… I'm the First, and I need to return to my people and start really understanding what that means. I don't know how long we'll stay near the city, but I hope you'll all visit one last time?"

"Of course, Merrill," Anora told her, giving the Dalish a quick hug. "You're our friend, and we will miss you."

"Be safe," Anders told her, attempting to shake her hand. Merrill instead hugged him, and he returned to geture after a moment's surprise.

"Be good to Hawke," she whispered.

"I will be," he promised as she pulled away.

"Be safe, Kitten," Isabella said, patting her head.

"And stay away from demons," Fenris added, shaking her hand.

"I will. I don't want to pull the Hero Warden from her duties again."

"Merrill, you didn't pull me away from anything," Lyla argued gently. I came looking for the mirror. I just happened to be able to help you in the process."

"Where will you go now, Commander?" Anders asked her.

"Back to Orlais. There's a certain bard who should be expecting me."

"Say hi to Lelianna for me?"

"Of course, Isabella. I doubt she's forgotten you after that night."

"I'm going back to the Keep," Velanna told them. "Someone needs to keep the others from killing themselves."

"Say hello to them for me, please?"

"You should tell them yourself, shem… But I will." Lyla walked up to Anora, glancing at Anders before whispering to her:

"Keep him close at all times. Never lose sight of those you love. I did once, and it cost me more than I care to admit. You're very lucky."

"Thank you. I will," the human promised as they shook hands.

"Anders."

"Yes Commander?"

"You ever pull a stunt like you and Justice did and not tell me, the archdemon will seem like a pleasant thing when I'm done with both of you."

"Yes ma'am," he replied, swallowing nervously.

"And do me a favor: Hang on to Hawke. Don't ever take her for granted, or one day you might wake up to find her not there." He nodded, and she hugged him for a moment before turning away and walking off. The group watched the three Dalish go, and Merrill looked back and waved at them all. When they'd disappeared from view, everyone went their separate ways for the evening. Anders pulled Anora towards the docks, and she followed, curious. They walked to a deserted pier, and he sat down at the edge, opening his arms until she sat down as well, and he embraced her. The moon's glow reflected off the water, and the scene would have been perfect but for the Gallows blocking most of the view.

"Do you come here often?" she asked after a few minutes.

"Sometimes. It help me think." Anora turned in his arms, frowning.

"Looking at the symbol of mage oppression in Kirkwall helps you think?" He chuckled and shrugged, pulling her closer.

"I never said they were good thoughts." He sighed, leaning his head on hers. "Anora, I need to ask a favor of you."

"Anything."

"If this merge is truly going to work, Justice needs to understand what it means to be human, not just his own desires."

"What do you need me to do?" He turned her towards him, and she saw his eyes were blue. His arms dropped to her shoulders as he bent his head towards her.

"Teach us what love truly is. Make us understand that there is more to life than just freeing the mages."

"You still want to help them, though, right?"

"Of course. But once that is done, what else is there?" She brought her hands up to cup his face, meeting his gaze and smiling.

"There is so much more," she told him, smiling. "And I promise to show you. Everything we do, it will be together. When the mages are free, then I will show you what else life has in store." She kissed him, feeling the jolt to her system again, but it quickly faded. His eyes were back to normal, and he was smiling.

"I love you."

"I love you too. And I'm never letting you go." They sat under the sky for a while longer, then headed back to the estate, hand in hand.