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Some of the regulars here are familiar with the story I began for Uriah FOREVER ago... I'm trying to finish it. I had thought to write something for a different character, but Uriah demanded I finish his story first. I guess he wanted a happy ending. Can't say that I blame him.

This is rather towards the end. Most of the story is posted on AO3. If anyone is interested in the link to it, let me know. So without further ado... here we go.
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~*~Hobnobbing at the Gnawed Noble~*~


I had been eager to get back to family. The evening that followed was one of the best that I’d spent in a while. Wynne allowed Nesiara to get out of bed (well I had to swear not to let her exert herself) and join us as we secluded ourselves in one of the sitting rooms. I had learned that Nesi and her mother had had a joyous reunion and already Lahaela was enchanted by her new granddaughters. I think my father is also enchanted by Lahaela. He seemed a bit moony-eyed. Even though I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to meet him, it saddened me to learn that Nesiara’s father had died as he resisted being taken by slavers. From what Nesi had said he was a talented blacksmith. I know she mourned his loss, but was happy to have her mother with her now. I now understood why my father had been at such a loss when I was recruited into the Grey Wardens. This is what he had wanted. Grandchildren and family gatherings, he was finally getting them. It was nice to see the genuine smile on his face.

The next day brought a return to the issues at hand. Alistair, Morrigan and Zevran accompanied me to the Gnawed Noble Tavern. As far as taverns go, it was a nice, quiet place located in the Lower Market. I wouldn’t have expected it to be the place the nobles of Ferelden came to. I would have expected a more upscale location, like in the Palace District. Goes to show how much I knew. As we entered the tavern, I quickly noticed it was brimming with the elite of Ferelden. I had to grin as Zevran quietly murmured how this was a pickpocket’s dream. At another time I would have gladly robbed each and every one of them blind. Truth be told, even now had Zev and I been alone, most of them would have become targets.


Today, however, we were here for other reasons. Swaying the nobility of Ferelden was the matter at hand. I made my way to the bar, hailing the innkeeper. “My good sir, I am sure you know most of your patrons. Would you be so kind as to point out a few for me? I need to speak to Bann Sighard and Bann Alfstanna?”

He eyed me thoughtfully. “And just what would the likes of you need with them?”

I had to bite my tongue as Zevran nudged me. This was certainly not the time or place to go on a rant about how my kind was treated by Shems.

It was Alistair that spoke up. “We have messages for them sent by Arl Eamon.”

“That certainly changes things. Bann Sighard is to your left, speaking with Bann Ceorlic. And Bann Alfstanna is to your right with Arl Bryland.”

I laid a sovereign on the bar and pushed it toward him. “Thank you, my good sir.” Every ounce of my being wanted to slit his throat from ear to ear, but that certainly wouldn’t help to sway the people of Ferelden to supporting the Grey Wardens once again.

Heading towards the left, we stopped at the large fur-lined settee where Bann Sighard was seated as he spoke to Bann Ceorlic. “Even you must admit there's a suspicious rash of mortality among the advisors to the crown. Bryce, Urien, Eamon."

“Eamon’s not dead. More’s the pity,” the older man scoffed. “His notion of putting a bastard on Maric’s throne has me concerned. Better the throne pass to the Mac Tir line instead of some by-blow.”

I glanced over at Alistair, noting his scowl. If the elder Bann only knew who was within earshot. Then again, I doubt he’d have cared. “Excuse me, Bann Sighard, I have a message for you. Arl Eamon requests you come to his estate. It concerns your son, Oswyn.”

“Oswyn? I haven’t seen him in weeks. What news do you have and what does this have to do with Eamon?”

I leaned in closer, dropping my voice. “My name is Uriah Tabris. I’m a Grey Warden. I’d rather not discuss it here, but we found Oswyn in the dungeon of the Arl of Denerim’s estate. He’d been tortured, but we rescued him and we had our healer see to his injuries. They were extensive. At one point, our healer feared he may lose his legs, but she made sure he wouldn’t. He is resting comfortably at Eamon’s estate.”

I caught a flash of relief in his eyes right before he turned red with anger. “If Howe weren’t already dead, I’d kill him myself. I’ll make my way over to Eamon’s. I must see my son.”

Alistair spoke up, “Oswyn said he was looking forward to seeing you as well. Good day, my lord.”

We stepped away and walked across the tavern to where Bann Alfstanna was sitting with Arl Bryland. Not only did we need to inform Alfstanna of her brother’s whereabouts, but Aedan had asked Alistair to deliver a message to Arl Bryland for him. It seemed the two were having quite the conversation. “What do you suppose Eamon is playing at? Surely he doesn’t expect us to believe Anora unfit to rule with her father to advice her,” Alfstanna opined.

“I wonder that, myself. His timing is… unfortunate. South Reach is overrun. I’ve little time to devote to politics at present.” Arl Bryland replied.

“Overrun? Has the Blight truly spread so far?”

He nodded as he stared down into his drink, “Most of my freeholders have fled to Redcliffe, but I doubt they’ll be safe there for long.”

Alfstanna shook her head, “Andraste, pray for us…”

I decided to let Alistair handle this one. He knew more about Templar’s in lyrium withdrawal than I ever would. “My lady, my name is… uhh, Alistair. I have a message for you… from your brother. He asked me to give you this ring.”

She glanced down at the ring in disbelief, “Explain yourself. My brother would no more part with this ring than his head.”

“He was hunting a blood mage when he was caught by Loghain’s men and imprisoned in the dungeon of the Arl Howe’s Denerim estate. When we found him, he was weepy and disoriented, showing all the signs of lyrium withdrawal. He has been rescued and is recuperating at Arl Eamon’s estate. He asked that we bring you the ring. He also asked that you visit him.”

“A dungeon? What—no. I will go to him at once. Someone will answer for this.” She bade us and her companion good day and headed for the door of the tavern.

Alistair then turned to Bryland, pulling a note from a side pouch, “Your Grace, I also have a message for you as well.” He handed it over and lowered his voice a bit as he spoke next. “Aedan Cousland asked to see you at your earliest convenience.”

“Aedan? Bryce’s son? He’s alive?”

Alistair nodded affirmation. “Yes, we found him in Arl Howe’s dungeon as well.”

Bryland rubbed his face, “Please let Aedan know I will call upon him this evening. I thank you for bringing me this.”

“I will, Your Grace.” With that we left the tavern behind, returning to Arl Eamon’s. I hoped we had added a few more allies to our side. The Landsmeet was approaching quickly and I wasn’t sure just how ready we were for it.

But there was no way I wouldn’t go down fighting.