Mythal's Favour
Featuring: Ayu (eye-you) Mahariel and Zevran Arainai
*Bioware owes all (including my soul), Ayu belongs to me
*Aspects of Ayu's character are a nod to Stan Lee/Marvel. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, but I fell in love with this aspect in the '90s x-men cartoon and wanted to integrate it into my own character. I hope I do it justice!
This is a fan fic based on the events in the Dragon Age Origins game. Areas of the game time-line and characters have been altered to better fit my reality. I have incorporated some Elven into the story, much as they did in the game. Unless it was a term specifically used in game (I'm referencing the wiki), I have used David Salo's A Gateway to Sindarin for reference of Elven language.
Some Legends tell a story. This story tells of a Legend . .
Enjoy :D
RQ
Prologue
Her body screamed at her. Every fiber of her being cried out for release, but she knew she had to return to the others. Her clan was waiting. She had to make it back to them. Tell them what had happened. She choked back a sob as she staggered back toward the entrance to the ruin. She gripped an outcrop on the wall as another lash of pain wracked her body. Grunting, she lost her grip and collapsed to the rock strewn floor. As she started to lose consciousness she heard a faint, soothing voice somewhere in the dark.
Hush Child. Hush now. This is not the end of your journey. Be patient.
"Oh Tamlen. What have you done? Did . . . did I not say to leave that thing alone?" she muttered to herself as the darkness enclosed around her. She rolled onto her back and with one weary hand gripped her bow tighter to her. As she lay panting, a cold sweat breaking out over skin, she heard another voice. This one was deeper than the last and more substantial. She turned her head in the direction of the sounds, straining to hear with her delicately pointed ears. At the limit of her numbed senses, she heard someone speak to another.
"Ayu! She's here! Ayu's alive!"
"Quickly! We must return her to camp. Wrap her in this blanket and move quickly." The deep voice spoke again.
A dark figure approached her and as she lost consciousness she felt warm hands surround her. Her body became extremely light.
Sleep now Child. You shall be well again. I am your protector. Your journey is not over . . .
"Is she going to wake up Keeper Marethari?"
"I hope so child. I only wish there was more I could do for her. She is beyond the help of even my magic. Let us pray for Mythal to keep her safe."
"She has to leave with that Shemlen doesn't she? If she wakes up that is . ."
"Calm yourself Merrill. You and I both know that Mythal will never let this one die. Ayu is strong and the Warden has assured me that by joining with them she will live. Believe in him as you know Ayu would. I know she is your dearest friend Merrill, but don't cry over her just yet."
Ayu stirred on the bedroll near the Keeper and her First. Merrill let out a squeak of surprise and was immediately gripping Ayu's hand tightly.
"Ayu! My friend, you are finally awake! Oh Mythal be praised! You live!" Merrill dropped her head onto Ayu's chest and began to cry happy tears.
As Ayu's eyes adjusted to the brightness of the afternoon sun, she saw a tall dark figure approach them. "This must be the Shemlen they were talking about" she thought. "I wonder what a human is doing in the middle of a Dalish camp?"
"Keeper Marethari, I see our friend has finally woken up. I'm glad to see that she is finally well enough to travel with me. Your magic is strong indeed Keeper."
The voice was deep and sounded very familiar to Ayu's ears. She turned her head toward him and noticed, indeed, that he was a human male. Ayu attempted to sit upright, but Merrill's sobbing torso stopped her from doing so.
"Merrill, please. Allow Ayu to sit up . . and fetch her some water. She's had naught to eat or drink for two days. Quickly child." Marethari chastised Merrill. At her command, Merrill immediately sprang to her feet and darted off to fetch water and some bread.
"Keeper . . what's going on? Oh I have such a headache . ." Ayu dropped her face into her hands and began to rub her temples. "Did you find Tamlen? Please tell me you found him . ."
"We have not seen him da'len." Marethari said soothingly, running her fingers over Ayu's hair. "He is lost to us."
Ayu looked up at the aged Keeper then. Her blue eyes large and pleading. "No" she thought "not Tamlen!"
The Keeper sensing her thoughts, shook her head and said soothingly, "I'm sorry da'len, I know he was your friend, but he is gone from us now."
Ayu's eyes started to tear up. Tamlen was gone and he wasn't coming back. The man knelt beside her and offered his hand to help her stand. She looked warily at him for a moment, but gripped his hand and he helped her to her feet. If the Keeper trusted him, then so would she.
"Ayu, this is Duncan. He is a Grey Warden." Marethari spoke as Merrill returned with water and bread. "He has an option that will save your life."
Ayu looked wildly from the Keeper to Duncan and back again, confusion riddled across her face. So she was to die after all.
"Ayu," it was Duncan this time, "the Taint is coursing through your body. You don't have long to live if you do not take the Joining and become a Grey Warden. I was here to see if there was anyone I could recruit for our order, when your clansman and I discovered you injured."
"There is only so much that I could do for you Ayu. You are in Mythal's hands now. Duncan, I believe, has the best option for you right now. I do not wish you to go, but it is Mythal's wish and it is not our place to deny her."
Marethari reached out and ran her fingers through Ayu's long, curling red hair. They had cleaned her up and combed her hair once she'd been returned to the clan, and Marethari was always surprised at how young she looked for her 23 years. This was no exception. Ayu never seemed to age a day above 20 and not even long hours in the sun had darkened her skin. It was still as clear and as fair as it had been when she was born. Marethari knew she was destined for great things, but it still hurt to have her leave the clan.
"You are to gather your weapons and armor Ayu, and then you are to leave with Duncan." When Ayu turned toward her, Marethari continued. "You must eat and drink first. One of the clan has readied a pack for you with supplies that will aid you in your journey. We truly are saddened to see you go da'len, but time is of the essence. Eat now. Gather your strength. You are still quite weak."
Merrill handed Ayu the water and she drank deeply. Tearing into the bread, Ayu ate ravenously, her stomach thankful for the food. She had to leave the clan! Her eyes misted over once more, but she refused to allow any tears to fall. If this was the only way . . then she had to go. And Duncan seemed nice enough for a Shemlen. Suddenly, the words she heard in the ruin came flooding back into her memory: This is not the end of your journey. Your journey is not over. Was that to mean that this was her destined path? Perhaps, but perhaps not. She mulled over these ideas as she ripped into the chunk of bread that Merrill had brought her.
Once she had eaten her fill, she moved through the camp to gather her things. She stepped out of the tree line wearing her leather armor, her long bow in one hand and her quiver in the other. Her armor had been freshly cleaned and it gleamed black in the afternoon sunlight filtering into camp. Her armor was unlike anything else Duncan had seen. It matched nothing that he'd seen other rogues wearing. Her armor was a reinforced breast piece that covered her ample bosom and simple leather breeches. She wore long bracers on her wrists that covered the heel of her hands up to almost her elbows. On her feet she wore calf-high black boots and, Duncan noticed, each carried a dagger.
She moved silently toward the Keeper and Duncan, an unreadable expression on her face. Upon returning to the group, Marethari motioned for Merrill to bring something forward. Merrill stepped forward with a deep blue bundle in her arms.
"These are gifts to you Ayu. They belonged to your parents and I wish for you to have them." The Keeper pulled two twin daggers from the folds of the blue cloth and handed them to Ayu. "I know you don't have the blade skills that others in the clan do, but these were your father's daggers and you should have them. Perhaps you will find a partner who will teach you the necessary skills to use these better."
Ayu removed her own worn daggers and replaced her father's daggers into her boots.
"Now this," Marethari opened the blue cloth to reveal it was in fact a cloak "was your mother's. The deep blue colour will render the wearer invisible in the dark and in the shadow. The silver embroidery on the edges is an ancient Elvhen spell to protect from fire. You can put this in a bonfire and it will not burn. This above all will be your greatest asset Ayu. Protect it and it shall protect you."
Ayu took the cloak and threw it over her shoulders. As she did so her hair moved away from her back and Duncan caught a glimpse of some kind of tattoo between her shoulder blades. She moved too quickly to catch what the image was, but he was more shocked to find that her armor was backless. The straps that came up to her neck from either side of her bodice joined at the back of her neck and the rest of the bodice joined along her lower back.
"Surely this cannot really be her armour? She is extremely vulnerable in it." Duncan thought to himself.
Ayu began to put her hair into one long braid down her back as Merrill grabbed her pack.
"Mythal keep you Ayu. And may She bless your footsteps on your journey." Keeper Marethari pulled Ayu into a fierce hug. "Your parents would be very proud of you and I know that they love you as much as I do. I know you are not my true daughter, but it was my pleasure to raise you as one."
Marethari released Ayu and Merrill stepped in to hug her friend. "Be well Ayu. Mythal guard your steps my friend, and may you always be in Her favour." Merrill released Ayu and wiped tears from her face. Ayu turned toward Duncan fighting back tears of her own.
"I'm ready. Let us be off. The forest is dangerous at night. I assume you have a horse?" Ayu shouldered her pack and began to walk through the camp. Duncan thanked the Keeper and her First, bowing respectfully to each in turn.
"She is very special Duncan. Very special. The survival of Ferelden depends on her. Keep her safe." Marethari said to Duncan earnestly.
"I will keep her safe Keeper Marethari. You have my word as a Grey Warden." He bowed low to the Keeper again and turned to follow Ayu out of the camp. The clansmen and women were all standing aside watching them as they passed, calling out words of praise and goodwill was they went. Soon Duncan and Ayu were out of the camp and making their way to the road to Ostagar.
Chapter 1 - Ostagar
Duncan had left his horse bound to a tree just off the road that they'd need to take to reach Ostagar. The density of the forest and the tangle of roots and hanging moss prevented the large animal from traveling any further to the camp. Duncan was worried about how weak Ayu still was, but she didn't complain and kept moving through the forest with the ease of someone who has been in the forest all their life. Within the half hour they arrived at Duncan's large brown horse. It looked up at them with large brown eyes and whickered softly to them as they approached.
"This is Ajax, Ayu. He will be taking us to Ostagar." Duncan motioned with one hand toward the animal. "He'll be able to carry the both of us most of the way, if not all. You are quite light as it is and your armor doesn't add any more bulk to you." Duncan eyed her armor obviously this time and Ayu noticed.
"My armor is custom made for me and my . . . abilities" she chose her words carefully.
"How much does he know? What has the Keeper told him?" She thought as she moved toward Ajax, Duncan following behind her. "I am extremely proficient with the bow. One of the best in my clan in fact. But I prefer not to be weighed down by clunky armor. I move quicker and quieter that way."
Duncan paused a moment and realized that the only sounds he heard beyond the ambient forest noises were his own footsteps and Ajax's excited pawing. Ayu was so silent that if he wasn't looking right at her he wouldn't have known she was there.
"Remarkable" he thought to himself "absolutely remarkable."
Ayu was now within Ajax's reach and he was attempting to stick his nose against the skin of her neck. She laughed quietly to herself and allowed Ajax to greet her. Duncan tied their bags onto the saddle and untied the animal. Looking at Ayu, Duncan could see that she was barely keeping her feet and she was leaning heavily on Ajax.
"Here." Duncan said "Let me help you up"
Ayu looked at him wearily and nodded slowly. She gathered her cloak up to get it out of the way and gripped the saddle. Duncan motioned for her to raise a foot off the ground and she complied. Grabbing her lifted leg, he hoisted her up into the saddle. Ajax whinnied in impatience. Moments after Ayu was settled, Duncan pulled himself into the saddle behind her. Picking up the reins, Duncan steered Ajax out of the remainder of the forest and onto the road.
They rode in silence for a time before Duncan noticed that Ayu was falling asleep. He gently woke her enough that he could turn her so she sat sideways in his lap as they rode. She pulled her hood up on her cloak and rested her head against Duncan's armored chest. Within moments, Duncan noticed she was asleep.
The afternoon waned into evening and Ajax kept his steady pace. Duncan was on the alert for any potential bandits, or worse Darkspawn, but he was relieved to find that the darkness descended without incident. They rode through the night toward Ostagar and the gates were in sight by the early morning light. It was then that Ayu woke.
"We're nearly there Ayu. Look you can see the gates up ahead. That's Ostagar."
Ayu turned her head and pulled off her hood. In the distance, through the misty gray of the morning, Ayu could make out a stone bridge and a large wall beyond it.
Your journey is not over. This is merely the first step of many to come.
Ayu turned to sit facing forward again. "Duncan?" she softly asked "What is a Grey Warden? How will becoming one save me?"
He could pick up on her unspoken discomfort and simply replied in a gentle tone, "You will see Ayu. Once we reach Ostagar, there are two more recruits and you will be all told together what it is to become a Grey Warden. You are, however, a little more special a case than the other two. When I had last spoken to Alistair he was fetching them and they had not yet been exposed to the Taint as you have."
Ayu picked up on the word 'yet' and tried not to stiffen, though she knew Duncan picked up on it. He was nice enough at least not to mention her discomfort and just let the moment pass.
Ajax picked his way across the dilapidated bridge and by the time the sun had fully risen they were within the confines of Ostagar. Duncan pulled Ajax to a halt and dismounted. He held his arms out to help Ayu down and she allowed him to assist her. One of the stable boys who had seen them approach, ran up and took the reins from Duncan. They removed their packs from Ajax's saddle and he was led away to the stable area. Duncan began to lead Ayu toward the collapsing fortress. As they approached, another human man, this one obviously younger than Duncan, walked toward them. The man called out a greeting to them and Duncan waved in response.
"King Cailan" Duncan said, "it is good to see you."
"Duncan!" the King replied "I see you have a new recruit. She's a very pretty Elven woman. It is upsetting to know that the elves lost such a beauty, but it is very good for us, is it not?"
Cailan flashed a dazzling smile at Ayu, but all he got in return was her hood pulled over her head and she stood closer behind Duncan. She eyed him nervously from under the darkness of her hood and said nothing.
"Yes, well your majesty," Duncan cleared his throat "this is Ayu and she is in fact of the Dalish. I expect you'll give her all due kindness and space." Duncan eyed Cailan with a look that said 'back off'. Cailan just grinned again.
Turning to Ayu, Duncan placed a hand on her shoulder and said softly "Go into the camp and find Alistair. Once you've found him meet me at the central bonfire. I have some things to discuss with the King."
Duncan stepped aside and Ayu nodded once and moved passed the men into the camp proper.
As Ayu emerged into the camp, she paused and watched all the people moving about their business.
"So many people are here" she thought to herself nervously. "How am I to find one man among so many?"
Duncan had given Ayu a description of Alistair as they had traveled, but she had no idea where to even start looking for him. She pulled her cloak tightly around her body, her pack and bow hanging from her shoulders, and began to move through the camp. Her eyes flicked from face to face as she moved silently through the crowd. It was not long before the men of the camp began to take notice of her. Some thought she was one of the elven workers, others had more lustful intentions in mind. Feeling overwhelmed, Ayu moved toward one side of the camp to come face to face with a pair of Templars. She stopped extremely suddenly, panic swelling in her throat. Moving away from them as quickly as she could, she kept glancing back to ensure they were not following her. In her desire to get away from the Templars, she walked into an elderly woman.
"My apologies!" Ayu quickly turned to face the woman, fear written all over her delicate features. "I wasn't looking . . I'm so sorry . ."
"You mustn't fret over these old bones dear" the kindly voice said to her. "You must be the new recruit that Duncan was bringing, aren't you? My name is Wynne."
"Yes, I'm the recruit, Ayu Mahariel from the Dalish. Duncan sent me to find Alistair. Do you happen to know where I can find him? This camp is far too large for my liking."
"I do happen to know the man you seek." Wynne chuckled "Though this camp is not as large as you might believe it to be. Come sit with me a moment over here." Wynne motioned for Ayu to follow her to a nearby bench.
Both women sat and Wynne openly looked Ayu over.
"So tell me my dear, what has you bothered so about this camp? Now don't pretend that you're not upset. I can see it all over your face." Wynne chuckled lightly again and patted Ayu's hand. "Please tell me what's bothering you. I'd be willing to bet that I can help."
Ayu sighed. It was no use trying to get away from this woman. Wynne knew where Alistair was and she had to find out.
"I don't like Templars, for reasons that I'm not inclined to discuss. I don't like crowds of men, especially the ones who have not seen a woman in ages, and I don't really care for being treated like a slave by the rest." Ayu paused for a breath and began again. "I apologize if I'm on edge and being a little short with you, but I've been flung into this situation that forces me out of hiding and I don't like it much. My life would be better served hidden away in the forests of Ferelden."
Ayu let out her breath in a rush and simply looked at Wynne. Wynne smiled back at her and grasped Ayu's hand in both of hers.
"My child, sometimes our fates are chosen for us from the moment of our births." Pausing momentarily, Wynne gave Ayu a knowing look and continued on. "You must realize that you are chosen for this path for a reason. The fate of Ferelden may very well be on your shoulders should the battle go poorly. You know deep in your heart that you could not hide in the forest forever. I know your path Ayu. Go boldly down it. You have the power inside of you to save yourself; to save us all."
Ayu looked at Wynne with wide pleading eyes. Holding onto those warm withered hands, she silently begged Wynne to tell her everything. Wynne smiled back at Ayu warmly and squeezed her hands tenderly.
"Duncan has given you a task and you should complete it." Wynne stood to leave and turning to face Ayu again, continued "You'll find your prey on the other side of camp. He has been sent to deliver a message to a mage there. Go across the camp and head up the stairs. That's where you'll find him."
"But Wynne, please, tell me what did you mean? Before I mean . . I have the fate of Ferelden on my shoulders?" Ayu stood to look at the older woman.
"We shall talk another time child. You need to find Alistair first." Wynne smiled again and saying "Goodbye" walked away from Ayu into the camp.
Ayu stood there following Wynne with her eyes until she disappeared behind the Templars Ayu had ran into earlier.
She knows your past. I know your future.
Ayu hung her head for a moment before taking in a great breath and heading off in the direction Wynne had indicated.
"I'm going to go crazy. I swear I'm losing my mind." Ayu thought to herself as she moved through the camp.
Ayu reached the stairs and cautiously climbed them. She could hear two men above her in the ruin, one speaking in a heated voice. Ayu reached the top of the stairs and caught the eye of the younger of the two men. Waiting patiently, Ayu stood by the stairs in awkward silence until the older man had walked off. Once he was gone Ayu approached the man that was her quarry.
"You must be the new recruit." He said to her. "Duncan said that he would send you to find me."
"I didn't mean to interrupt your . . conversation." Ayu replied. "One of the women told me where to find you. I suppose I could have waited . . . "
"Don't worry about it" he said simply. "The Maker has a sense of humor that I don't particularly find funny. Your timing was perfect."
Ayu looked at him quizzically, tilting her head to one side slightly.
"I'm Alistair. Grey Warden and trained Templar. Those in charge thought it would be funny for me to deliver a message to a mage. And a cranky one at that."
"T-Templar" Ayu stammered.
"Yes, though Duncan recruited me before I became a full-fledged Templar. I have the abilities to hunt mages, but haven't yet had the need to do so. You seem surprised that I'm a Templar."
"I . . just didn't realize that the Grey Wardens could recruit anyone." Ayu hastily answered.
Alistair simply gave her a sideways grin and motioned her to walk with him.
"We should get to Duncan. I bet he'll be ready for us now. The other recruits will be waiting for us too."
Ayu nodded once and walked with Alistair through the camp to the central fire where Duncan and two other men were waiting.
"Ah you found him Ayu. Good. We're all here so lets get down to your Joining shall we?" Duncan said over the din of the camp.
Duncan went on to tell the recruits that they needed to preform the Joining ritual quickly, but first they needed to gather vials of Darkspawn blood from the adjoining Korcari Wilds. The warriors were also told of ancient treaties that the Grey Warden's held in an old fortress in the forest. These treaties were needed to gather the aid of the humans, dwarves and elves during the coming Blight. Once the recruits had asked all their questions of Duncan, he told them to have a hearty lunch and head into the forest immediately afterward.
"You must be out of the Wilds before nightfall. The Korcari Wilds is not safe in the light, but it's worse once the sun sets. Good luck recruits." With that, Duncan walked off toward King Cailan's tent and left the four of them alone.
The group ate a quick meal and gathered their things to head off into the forest. They walked in mutual silence until they passed through the giant wooden gates leading to the Wilds.
"Any idea where to begin looking for these treaties?" the dual wielding rogue, Daveth asked Alistair.
"Well I believe the old fortress is on the other side of this section of the Wilds." Alistair answered truthfully.
"You don't have a better idea of where to go? Some leader you are." The other warrior, Sir Jory said snidely.
Ayu who had pressed ahead just a few steps, spoke to the men over her shoulder.
"This way." she said quietly as she began to walk away from them deeper into the Korcari Wilds.
Her sudden movement caused the men to stop and stare at her retreating form for a moment before they quickly caught up to her.
With Ayu's natural abilities to navigate the forest, the group quickly made their way through the Wilds on their way to the Warden fortress. Alistair was surprised at her ability to detect enemies, Darkspawn or otherwise, before the rest of them could. When he grew bold enough to ask her if elves had better senses than humans do, or if it was just her training, he was greeted with a curt "both" as an answer. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, and smiled at him in spite of herself at the look of apology on his face. Alistair grinned back at her as they traveled deeper into the Wilds. With the vials of Darkspawn blood for each of them collected, they finally arrived at the collapsed fortress. As the others walked slightly ahead, Ayu suddenly stopped.
Watch out! Ahead of you!
"Stop!" Ayu cried out. "Darkspawn!"
Ayu drew her bow and notched an arrow against the string. The men stopped and looked at her with surprise on their faces, but decided to ready their weapons. As the group turned to move forward cautiously, there was an angry cry from the bushes ahead as a group of Darkspawn descended upon them. Alistair brought his shield up in time to block a couple of arrows. Daveth and Sir Jory ran ahead into the fray and started attacking the hurlocks running at the companions. Ayu launched arrows into the air, picking of the genlocks one by one. Alistair stuck near Ayu, protecting her from incoming melee attackers. Once the team had picked off the Darkspawn from in front of them, a small group appeared from behind the party. Alistair quickly plunged his sword into the incoming attackers while Daveth and Jory ran from behind. Ayu remained trained on picking off the Darkspawn from the rear, piercing chinks in armor with her arrows.
The team, spattered in blood and breathing heavily, had finished off the last of the Darkspawn attackers and then moved to stand in a close circle again.
"How do you keep doing that?" Jory asked Ayu between deep breaths. "Every time we turn a corner, you know the monsters are hiding there, lying in wait. I mean I appreciate the fact that we're not dead, but . . ."
"I can't really say Sir." Ayu relied quietly. "I suppose I can smell them if the wind is right, plus if you listen carefully enough, they're not the quietest of creatures. I suppose I can somehow detect them at the periphery of my senses."
Daveth and Alistair looked at each other and then at the other two. Jory eyed up Ayu suspiciously, but at the cautionary look from Alistair, he didn't press the issue.
"Shall we?" Alistair casually said as he began to move up the path to the fortress.
Ayu shouldered her bow and with one final look at Sir Jory, turned and followed Alistair up the path. The other two men followed behind muttering amongst themselves.
Approaching the base of the fortress, Ayu could see how much damage time had inflicted on the stone. The roof was all but gone and most of the walls had collapsed in piles of rubble. There were cracks in the floor of the fortress and the group had to pick their way carefully through the debris. Making their way toward a collapsed set of stairs at the rear of the fortress, they came across a chest that had been partially crushed by fallen stone.
"Well that looks like the chest Duncan said the treaties would be kept in. Look," Alistair said pointing, "you can just make out the Grey Warden gryphon on the front. Ayu, you're smaller than the rest of us. Can you get close to the chest and see if the treaties are inside?"
Ayu nodded and dropping her bow and quiver, she moved toward the chest. She picked her way over fallen stone and once at the chest, pried a portion of the lid open. Looking inside, Ayu saw that the chest was empty. Turning on her heels, she looked over at Alistair and shook her head. The treaties were not there.
"Didn't find that which you seek, now did you? Why are you here? Can you not see that the forest has reclaimed this place?"
The party turned to see a dark haired woman standing off to the side. She was looking at them all as though they were intruding upon her home.
"She's a Witch of the Wilds!" Daveth exclaimed.
"Yes yes. I'm a witch of the Wilds set upon you to swoop in and steal your children while you sleep." the woman said disdainfully, throwing both hands in the air.
"Swooping is bad." Alistair muttered to himself.
"I ask again, why do you trespass here?"
"This is a Grey Warden fortress and we are here to collect Warden property. You stole the treaties in that chest didn't you? You, you sneaky Witch-Thief!" Alistair accused the strange woman.
"This is no longer a Warden fortress. The forest has reclaimed this place. And as for your treaties, why would I want them? I have no use for such trivial things." She retorted.
Sensing a never ending battle of wills, that Alistair was certainly not going to win, Ayu placed a hand on Alistair's chest silencing him. She stepped forward toward the woman pulling her hood down as she did so.
"Please do you know where the treaties are? It is important that we collect them and I wouldn't want to intrude on your hospitality further by searching this entire place."
The witch laughed to herself and a smile played across her lips. She took a few steps toward Ayu, closing the distance between them.
"Well, I see at least one of you has manners." She eyed Alistair and laughed again. "Yes, I do know where you're precious treaties are. My mother has them. She's been keeping them safe once the Warden's abandoned this place. Shall I lead you to her?"
"I would appreciate that very much, uh . . ." Ayu paused.
"Morrigan. My name is Morrigan."
"I would appreciate your help Morrigan. I am Ayu of the Dalish." Ayu gave Morrigan a small bow, but never lost eye contact in doing so. "If you are willing to lead, I shall follow you to your mother."
"Uh, Ayu are you sure about this?" Alistair asked standing at her elbow. "Can we trust her?"
Alistair looked at Ayu as she shook Morrigan's hand, and saw a strange golden flash in her eyes as she briefly looked at him.
"Yes. We can trust her. Now are we all getting these treaties or shall I go myself?"
"I'm not about to leave you alone Ayu." Alistair said with determination in his voice. "You know Duncan left you under my watch."
"I know Alistair. I know." Ayu said softly. "Now shall we go?"
"Oh yes, lets stand here and argue some more while the day fades away from us." Morrigan said coolly.
"Lead on Morrigan, please." Ayu motioned her forward and started to walk toward the witch.
The dark haired woman nodded and turned moving off into the forest. The party followed along behind her as Morrigan led them to her mother.
They walked along in silence, until the small hut came into view.
"This is my home. The woman standing by the fire there is my mother." Morrigan pointed out the figure of her mother in the front of the house.
The group made their way down to the hut and as the group approached, the old woman by the fire looked up. She looked curiously at her daughter, a small smile playing on her wrinkled lips.
"Morrigan!" the old woman approached her daughter and embraced her. "I see you have brought guests."
"Mother, I found this group skulking about the old Warden fortress. I believe you have what they seek" Morrigan moved to stand beside her mother and faced the party.
"I am Ayu of the Dalish my lady. We seek the Grey Warden treaties that were once in the fortress. Morrigan suggested that you may know where they are. Please, it is very important that we retrieve these treaties."
"I am pleased to meet you Ayu of the Dalish. They call me Flemeth. And before you ask, yes, I am the Witch of the Wilds. I indeed have your treaties here in my hut."
"See I knew they were thieves!" Alistair exclaimed. "Those are Grey Warden property and you had not right to take them!"
"My dear boy," Flemeth purred, "had it not been for me, your precious treaties would have been taken by the forest as your fortress has been. Where would you be then, hmmm? You wouldn't have the treaties at all."
"Alistair, see reason, she kept them for safe-keeping. Protected them until someone came to collect them." Ayu said persuasively to him.
"At least you see the sense in this world that few others do." Flemeth looked at Ayu, a pleased look on her face.
"Please Flemeth. May we have the treaties. Though I am not a full Grey Warden, I thank you for keeping them safe all these years. It is very important that we collect the treaties." Ayu returned Flemeth's smile, hoping that this woman would produce the treaties for them without any trouble.
"It's so nice to know that manners still exist in this world." Flemeth laughed, "though I expect it has more to do with your upbringing than anything else. You shall have your treaties, Ayu of the Dalish, soon to be of the Grey Wardens. Perhaps this world is not yet lost."
Flemeth turned and walked into the hut emerging a few minutes later, the Warden treaties in her hands.
"Here you are" Flemeth said handing Ayu the treaties. "I hope these help you in your journey. Morrigan, show our guests back to their camp. These woods are dangerous at night."
Morrigan gave her mother an incredulous look, but one look from Flemeth and Morrigan complied.
"Follow me. I'll take you back to the camp." Morrigan said coolly to the group of warriors as they began to follow her.
Arriving back at camp, the party found Duncan waiting by the central fire.
"Good you've returned." Duncan said as they approached. "You gathered the vials and the treaties?"
"Yep. Here are the vials Duncan." Alistair said handing them over.
"I have the rest of the ingredients for the Joining prepared. We should preform the ritual immediately. There is an old place of worship in the camp. Meet me there as soon as you are prepared."
Duncan moved off toward the location of the ritual, Jory and Daveth following him. Ayu hesitated for a moment and Alistair stopped, looking at her with concern on his face.
"Are you alright Ayu? You don't look well." He asked her.
"I'm alright, Alistair. Just . . nervous, I guess. What happens in the Joining Ritual?" She asked him, taking a deep breath.
"You know I can't tell you that yet Ayu. But, know this, I know that you'll be fine. You're strong. You can handle this."
"Thanks Alistair. That makes me feel a little better."
"Ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Alistair led her toward the ritual location walking in silence. Ayu was not sure what was about to happen, but something inside her was very upset.
Once they arrived at the ruin, Duncan motioned Ayu and Alistair into their respective places. Ayu stood in line after Daveth, Sir Jory on his other side. They stood in an awkward silence as Duncan poured a dark liquid into a large silver goblet. He turned to face the recruits, the goblet held in front of him.
"Alistair, will you say the words please." Duncan asked calmly.
Alistair bent his head and began reciting the words of the Joining Ritual. Duncan offered the goblet to the recruits and Daveth stepped forward to take it.
"You must drink the blood of the Darkspawn in order for us to effectively fight them. Please Daveth drink."
Daveth looked down into the contents of the goblet, a look of trepidation on his face. After a moment, he took a deep breath and drank from the Joining Cup. Passing the cup back to Duncan, Daveth stood there a moment before he seemed to choke and collapsed to the floor of the ruin, dead. Alistair said words of blessing to Daveth's spirit. Sir Jory began to become agitated at Daveth's sudden death and started to refuse to take the Joining. Cornering him, Duncan approached Jory with a blade in his hand.
"You must undertake the Joining Sir Jory. You cannot back out now." Duncan said as calmly as he could.
"No!" Jory yelled. "I have a wife, a new baby! I will not join the Grey Wardens!"
"Then I truly am sorry Sir Jory." Duncan replied sadly, plunging his blade into Jory's abdomen.
As Jory's body slumped to the ground, Alistair again said a prayer for another lost spirit. Duncan approached Ayu with the goblet and offered it to her. She looked from Duncan to Alistair and back again. Alistair mouthed the words 'you can do this' as she looked at him.
She took a breath and grasped the goblet with both hands. Looking down into the goblet, she swallowed hard and licked her lips nervously. She slowly brought the cup to her lips and took a drink. Duncan took the cup from her and set it onto the nearby stone table. After a moment, Ayu felt dizzy and weak. She choked on the vile taste of the liquid and her world spun to black as she fell to the ground.
Duncan and Alistair moved forward to see if Ayu had survived the Joining. Before they had taken more than two steps toward her prone body, they were pushed back by waves of powerful magic. Alistair looked at Duncan with surprise and confusion on his face. His Templar training was picking up a magical power unlike any he'd felt before. Duncan looked at Alistair, reading the younger man's anxiety. They both looked to Ayu's form, watching in awe at the scene unfolding before them.
Ayu's still form began to move. She flickered with magic energy as she pushed herself onto her knees. The force of the power radiating off of her removed her cloak and tossed her hair about her shoulders. With her back partially facing them, Duncan could finally see the marking burned into her flesh. It was a symbol that he wasn't sure he wanted to see.
The marking took the shape of a great bird. It's wings spread across her shoulders. It's tail spread below the body. It looked as though it had been branded into her skin, the marking black along the center and gradually fading out into brown. As the men watched, the marking seemed to some alive. The mark flared as though burning from the inside, the colours darkening. Her hair still billowed about her and moved as though it too, was alive. Silver-white vapour began to radiate from her body, as though she had stepped out of hot water into the cool night air. They could see her back heaving as Ayu breathed heavily. Suddenly, her hair ignited into flames that danced and twisted in the air. Her marking glowed with a golden fire that spread to black upon her pale skin. An angry cry suddenly burst from her lips as she curled over toward her knees.
Ayu's body panted for air as she began to rise to her feet. The air around her body crackled with heat that both observers could feel from where they stood. She kept her back to them a moment longer before rounding on them in a stunning rage.
"You! Do you know what you have done? You have condemned this body to death!" Ayu yelled at them with a voice that was not quite her own. It had a deeper, more ethereal sound to it. "I had nearly contained the Darkspawn Taint within her body and now you have bound it to her blood; bound it to her bones! You have condemned both of us in your ignorance!"
Duncan approached her cautiously, bowing as he did so. His armour still being buffeted by her powerful aura. As he looked into her eyes, Duncan noticed that they too glowed completely with a golden fire. His suspicions were confirmed. Ayu shared her body with another.
"My Lady Phoenix, I honestly meant no harm to you or to Ayu. I believed that only the Joining would prevent her premature death. I only caught one brief glimpse of the marking upon her skin and did not see that it was in fact your mark. I am so very sorry My Lady. I had not realized that the rumors were true. That Ayu could, in fact, be the Chosen. I do not know what we can do for you Lady Phoenix, but Alistair and I shall do what we can to help you." Duncan bowed low again to the figure before him.
"So, you do know who I am. I am surprised Warden. I believed that my legacy had been lost to the Chantry and to your Maker. Hmph, I thought I was all but forgotten." Phoenix seemed calmer now, her initial rage having burned out.
Duncan could still feel her power and knew her to be either a powerful ally or a dangerous threat. Alistair had moved forward to stand beside Duncan and he too bowed to the figure before him. The power radiating off of her body eased and they were no longer being blown about. Her fiery hair however continued to dance around her head.
"What can we do Lady Phoenix?" Alistair asked her cautiously.
"There is nothing that mortals can do for us now. What is done is done. This body shall adapt to the Taint and we shall persevere. I apologize for my abrupt appearance. I am finely tuned to this body and I react to Ayu's every emotion . . sometimes very strongly." A wicked smile crossed Phoenix's face as she looked at both men with her eerily glowing eyes.
"I leave her to you for now. Unleashing my full consciousness is a great strain on this body and I shall not linger any longer. Ayu will be asleep for the next few hours until she regains her strength from this ordeal. I hold you to an oath Grey Wardens. This body is now as much your responsibility as it is mine. You put this body into this situation, so you shall watch over her. I will know if you break this request. I give her body back to you. Watch her well."
As suddenly as Phoenix had emerged from Ayu, she was gone. There was a great whooshing sound as Ayu's body was extinguished. Smoke lifted off her skin and her unconscious body began to fall to the ground. Alistair raced forward and caught her in his arms before she hit the stone. He looked up at Duncan in shock.
"Her body still feels as though it's burning. I don't know about you, but I need new small-clothes." Alistair looked down into Ayu's sleeping face. "Duncan . . . you have some explaining to do."