Or the nature of chains

About this image

Thanks a million to Thriff who wrote that superb text. It captures very well what I had in mind when I did that revamping of Fenris.
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Fenris accompanies Hawke on Sundermount. The elf mage Merrill pronounces a short incantation over an amulet and an old woman suddenly takes form. Fenris knows that she is no witch, no spirit and not an abomination. Flemeth peruses Fenris, his armour and his lyrium markings. He asks her what she is.

“Such a curious lad. The chains are broken but are you truly free?”
“You see a great deal.”

She read the blood magic on him. He did not wish her to say more.

He had imbibed his armour with the mixed spilled blood of the Fog Warriors and of his old master Danarius, the spilling of which had broken the chains of his slavery.

The lyrium markings still linked him to his old master, a stain of magic on his soul. He knew not how to undo the markings and he did not wish to. The life essence of many warriors, their strength and the power of their clan animals, wolf, dragon and lion, had been transferred in his body through a magical ritual that Danarius' blood had sealed. Fenris was proud of the lyrium markings and of the fear they inspired; they made him feral, sustained his ferocity in combat, conferred magical powers and he owed them his escape for the last three years.

He had learned from his period of life with the Fog Warriors on Seheron that the lyrium markings had bound him to rejoin the strongest warrior available and wait for his recovery by his old master. Danarius always knew where to find him and only Danarius' death would make Fenris truly alone in his body and soul.

He was waiting in a fortified position. The mansion in Kirkwall was filled with the corpses of retainers Danarius had killed to create demons and abominations. Any more magic there, let alone blood magic, would attract more demons who would embody those cadavers and tear the reckless mage to pieces.

Fenris did not expect Hawke's help when Danarius returned to the mansion, but he would not turn it aside. If at risk elsewhere, he would ask Hawke's presence as a favor.