Fenris

fenris

STAND YOUR GROUND, THE DAWN WILL COME

From the very beginning, Fenris lived a life of slavery, knowing nothing else outside of it. Even then, he hardly can tell you much of his history, his memory having been lost to him. The few things he does know aren't exactly certain, but according to sources, he had a sister and a mother, both of which he has no contact with, nor does he even know of their current situations. It's ironic, really, considering his dedication to them is what had started it all. For their freedom, he competed to earn a boon and the very markings that have cursed him all these years. He'd succeeded in winning his master's favor by his resolve alone, a resolve that would quickly be broken as he discovered what it was he truly fought for.

While his family were declared free, he was assigned to a lifetime service to his master, the Tevinter magister named Danarius. He wasn't aware of what the man had in store for him, but he found out soon enough when the horrific experiments began. Danarius had discovered a practice that consisted of embedding lyrium beneath the skin. This process would grant remarkable abilities to the one who was fused with the lyrium. Naturally, he had wanted to test this out and Fenris had been the perfect candidate. He couldn't tell you how long he had suffered, but when it had finished, his body was covered in these intricate markings. His body would heal from the process, changing him into a living weapon, but his mind would be altered, the elf losing his memories of his life before the lyrium. Needless to say Danarius was satisfied, content with being able to manipulate his 'little wolf' to be the creation he wanted him to be. His fascination with his investment knew no bounds, and though Danarius was capable of being incredibly cruel, Fenris knew no better, having no reason to dream that there was life outside of his command.

Eventually his master would be called to the front lines of the Imperium's war against the Qunari, his beloved pet and bodyguard at his side, of course. While in Seheron, they were attacked by their foes, easily overpowered by their might. Fenris had fought fiercely to protect his master, giving him enough time to escape, but the mage was forced to leave his wolf behind, not willing to risk his own life for the slave's sake. With his master well out of harm, Fenris had focused on saving himself, though not without taking serious injuries. He'd manage to escape however, only to collapse deep within the wilds of an unfamiliar place.

When he awoke, he found himself in the company of Fog Warriors who had treated his injuries. For many months Fenris had lived with the warriors, taught the Qun and becoming familiar with how they lived, feeling a sense of camaraderie in his new found friends. For a time, he was starting to get used to living with them and had found peace in their numbers. But it was not meant to last as Danarius would return, injured but determined to retrieve his property. His new friends wouldn't have it, defending Fenris and refusing to hand him over. Unfortunately, all Danarius had to do was command it, and they'd all fall at Fenris' feet dead. The act of killing the Fog Warriors had left him distraught, but with it came a new found resolve. He had tasted freedom and he could no longer remain obedient. Fenris had taken advantage of his master's injuries and fled, determined to stay out of his grasp. But the magister would pursue him, unwilling to let go of his wolf.

It was a long and treacherous journey that led him the Kirkwall, the elf deciding to finally take a stand and confront his former master, ending this chase once and for all. His plans had lead him to encounter Hawke, a formidable human who would eventually help him achieve his goal. And once he was finally free from Danarius, Fenris had offered his alliance as payment.

Surely you know the story of the Champion of Kirkwall that it needn't be repeated. After the battle at The Gallows, the group had carried on with their lives, Fenris deciding to finally try living now that he was no longer a slave. While his home and new family may be in Kirkwall, the fugitive turned mercenary travels the land, making it a personal mission to free slaves from their binds by killing the slavers who would prey on them. He'd have you believe he's fully overcome his struggles by now, but truly he's still haunted by his past, the lyrium in his skin giving him no peace. He continues to fight though and finds comfort in knowing he has Zaria to support him.


Fenris remains in his mansion in Kirkwall, cleaned up a bit after so many years. He's held up his promise to "exist with less offense" as Aveline had asked, though he's found people tend to keep their distance, which is something he prefers quite honestly. While it is most certainly his home and a place for him to just get away, he's more likely to be found in Hawke's estate when he's not in a broody mood.

Though his home lies in Kirkwall, the elf travels the lands, his occupation as a mercenary taking him to nearly all corners of the world. He mostly fights for coin, but has his own agenda as well that drives him. For Zaria's sake, he tries not to venture too far from home unless it's absolutely worth it, preferring to remain nearby to make sure Hawke doesn't get herself wrapped up into any more trouble. He still hasn't fully forgiven Varric for dragging her into the Inquisition's business.

While his markings no doubt cause him pain, he's more guarded against physical contact not because of the pain, but rather his aversion to having them touched. It's a great sign of trust if he allows anyone to touch him, and those who don't have said trust will have the misfortune of seeing just how aggressive he can be. No doubt this is due to his history with Danarius. What had happened? He'd truly rather not say. There's no sense in reopening old wounds.