Originally written for my YouTube community tab readers and viewers, the fan-fiction short story taking place in Thedas, the Dragon Age setting, called The Otherworlder, was created as a mini RPG style interactive story with choices readers could make. Based on the story they helped shape, here is Part 2 called The Heist in full.
You and your companions accompany Silverio on his mission, where you meet and ally with the ruler of Orlais and the Divine. Yet, events take an unexpected turn when you realise Solas is right on your heels.
Takes place immediately after the events of The Otherworlder 1: Arrival in Thedas.
You stretch, yawning, and for a moment forget where you are before opening your eyes and seeing the ship’s cabin ceiling.
‘Ah, the beauty from the Otherworld awakens.’
You look around. It’s only you and Silverio in the cabin at the moment.
‘You know it’s okay to show sadness sometimes, Silverio, it doesn’t make you any less of a person, and you certainly don’t have to hide your emotions from me.’
Silverio takes a few moments as you sit up. ‘You can’t say things like that to a man like me, I might get the wrong idea,’ he says, trying to sound flirtatious.
‘You, get an idea?’ The two of you share a chuckle. ‘You know, in my world, friends do cry in front of others, doesn’t mean we don’t get embarrassed about it, but we do let our friends see even when we feel weak.’
‘Thanks…’ Silverio smirks and suddenly hefts you over his shoulder. You yelp, startled, and he chuckles. ‘You’re a good friend.’ You feel a smooch on your cheek – your ass cheek.
You scowl in disbelief. ‘Did you just…kiss my ass?’
‘Of course.’
You sigh. ‘Now I’ll never be able to tell you to kiss my ass as an insult.’
‘Why would such a thing be an insult!’ gasps Silverio, ‘it is an honour to be—’
‘All right, all right, just put me down, man!’
Silverio chuckles, carrying you over to a chair before setting you back down. Then he bounces onto the bed, one leg already crossed over the other and hands behind his head before he’s even hit the mattress…with a boing.
You click your tongue at him as you grab your bag. ‘You’re unbelievable.’ He shrugs as though he hasn’t a clue what you’re on about. ‘Where are Halani and Barden anyway?’
Silverio shrugs again. ‘Red Jenny stuff.’
‘With Barden?’
‘What do I know?’
You chuckle, placing your bag on the bed as you begin rummaging through the items you’ve collected so far. When you place the Summoning Stone on the bed, the stone that brought you to Thedas, the stone that is linked to your life and body, Silverio sobers.
With a longing that’s heartbreaking to witness, Silverio takes the stone and holds it close to his heart – you can only watch, remembering whose soul is contained within it. He strokes it gently looking at it fondly, and it feels like he is caressing the top of your head. He wraps it closer to his bosom and hugs it.
‘Are you going to kiss it?’ you ask with a silly smile, hoping it’ll make him feel better.
He grins at you, eyes twinkling with gratitude. ‘Would you like me to?’
You both chuckle and he gently places the stone into the palm of your hand, purpose burning in his eyes. ‘I meant what I said, I will reiterate it as many times as it needs declaring. Antonina’s sacrifice meant that I got to meet you. She would have wanted me to protect you.’
You return his determined gaze. ‘You know, you joke a lot, but I also like this more serious side of you. You’re a man with conviction.’
‘I am a Crow, I must have convictions.’
‘You know what I mean, Silverio. It’s ok to be vulnerable sometimes, and I’m honoured that you would show this side of yourself to me. I am honoured to have your trust.’
‘As I am to have yours, Otherworlder.’ He wraps his hands around yours as you both hold the stone. ‘My sister and I were very close.’ He smiles fondly. ‘All our lives we competed as thieves and later as assassins. We did jobs together. This… I took a hiatus. This is the first job I do without her.’
‘It’s not,’ you say gently, caring in your voice. ‘Antonina is right here with you, through this stone, through me.’
Silverio blinks and a tear runs down his cheek. He whispers your name. ‘I may have failed to protect her, but I will always protect you.’ The two of you share a warm smile before Silverio pulls away, his eyes never leaving yours.
Halani and Barden’s laughter draws near as they enter the cabin and set some items down. Silverio discreetly wipes the tear from his face and resumes a stoic expression.
‘Good, you’re awake.’ Barden grins at you, then he and Halani look expectantly at Silverio. ‘We can start planning.’
‘We’ll be arriving at Val Chevin shortly, yes?’ asks Halani. Silverio nods.
‘All right, what’s the plan, my good man?’ Barden prompts Silverio, whose face and tone become all business.
‘The best way to acquire the ring is to go in as guests to the masked ball,’ explains Silverio. He unrolls a map which looks like a blueprint – in Thedas’s version of one anyway. ‘This is the way in, this is the way out, this is the way to the servant’s quarters. We being in disguises is the only way to steal the ring encased inside that Hart’s bust.’
You can’t help but smirk and you chuckle. ‘This is the way,’ you assert.
‘I’m pleased you think so,’ says Silverio. ‘I will pose as an Orlesian Chevalier.’
‘I’m best posing as Tall Boy’s merchant of goods, then,’ says Barden. ‘I have enough connections, I can think of something to bring as an offered gift.’
‘Very good thinking, my friend.’
‘I guess I should be your servant,’ sighs Halani.
‘Are you sure you’re okay with that?’ you ask her.
‘I’m an elf, and we’re in Orlais. I’ll be able to get into the Servant’s Quarters, hear the gossip, learn things, and I’m Red Jenny. I can gain their help.’
‘As long as you’re certain,’ Silverio says gently.
‘As long as someone isn’t too demanding,’ Halani replies, a smile tugging on the side of her mouth.
‘I have a feeling things would go very wrong for me if I were.’ Silverio and Halani share a laugh before he turns to you. ‘That leaves you, Otherworlder. You can either pose as my Tranquil, you could be my Squire, or…’
Silverio grins at you in a way he never has before, and your stomach flutters – you’re unsure whether from fear or excitement.
‘You can be…my lover.’ He smiles enticingly. You gape at him. Your friends stare at you expectantly. ‘So what will it be?’ asks Silverio.
Continue reading The Otherworlder 2: The Heist
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