Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him.
Foul and corrupt are they
Who have taken His gift
And turned it against His children.
They shall be named Maleficar, accursed ones.
They shall find no rest in this world
Or beyond.
-Transfigurations 1:2
August stared at the roof of the van, dark rings lingering under his half closed eyes.
Sleep, he'd mumble to himself, barely a thought. Just sleep.
But then the nightmares would creep from the back of his subconscious, and it'd be ruined. He'd end up staring at the same part of the felt ceiling that was beginning to show its age, coming up at the edges of the windows.
The image gradually grew more blurry, the shadows disappearing. His head lolled to the side.
The sun's rising... already?
Goose's leg twitches at his side, his soft breathing matching the quiet morning. Slowly rising, he peered over the seats.
He'd forgotten how it felt to feel like he was home. But, seeing Alistair knocked out against the reclined front seat, mouth open, snoring softly, there was a vague inkling, like deja vu.
The peace of mind would fade, but for now, it was enough to get through the day.
Dark hair hung in front of his eyes, feeling around his bag for his notebook and pen, beginning to scribble away.
A knock at the window startled him.
"Good morning," Leliana greeted him, having had the last watch. She opened the trunk, waking Goose, who hopped out to potty. "You're up early."
"I never slept."
She pursed her lips, letting out a 'hmph'. "I thought as much."
August gently placed his things back in his bag, her waving him forward.
"Come with me."
"Why?"
"Just come," she held out her hand with a smile. "I promise, it's good."
His tattooed palm slipped into hers. They walked, the morning air stinging his skin, waking him.
"I found a spot, while I was up," she explained, leading him towards a stone path up a hill. "It's really something to behold."
"Don't spoil the surprise," he barely had the mind to tease, yawning. The hike wasn't long, thankfully, and Leliana's touch was as soft as the morning fog brushing up against his cheeks.
The hill's peak didn't allow them to see infinity and beyond, but it allotted enough to warrant kneeling at the edge of the small cliff, basking in the sun's subtle glow.
Tiny waves rolled onto shore, back and forth, leaving dissipating foam in its wake, causing just enough noise to act as a lullaby. From up there, the van was visible, Sten's large feet hanging out the open window.
So that's why it was so damn cold.
"Quite the view," he muttered, Leliana choosing to remain standing.
"The Maker did everything he could to create a world as beautiful as the souls that inhabit it," she said, voice light and wistful as usual. "It's awe inspiring at times, I can't help but share."
YOU ARE READING
King & Lionheart
Fanfiction(Modern Era AU for Dragon Age: Origins). Margaret and Augustine became unlikely partners after leading similar lives under the thumb of prejudice and disdain. Now, with the help of a few, even more unlikely, friends it's up to them to save their hom...
