My Tale
I gasped as I watched the enormous horde of Darkspawn charge the king's army on the battle ground. From my vantage point I could see that the darkspawn vastly outnumbered the army.
I must find them! Carver, where are you? Athena, please be safe!
Looking up saw a group of genlock rush towards me, blowing the wisps of crimson hair from my face I grabbed my daggers from behind my back and rushed headlong into the battle. Ducking as the first genlock swung his axe I used my blade to carve its way across it's stomach. I darted around the next and sliced it's neck open, hearing it gurgle the blood spilled from the open wound.
This battle dance continued long enough for me to feel the strain it was having on my body. I was panting hard by the time I jumped off the shoulders of the dead ogre I had just slain. I could feel the eyes of the other soldiers on me, some looked in awe while others looked on in terror. It must have been a sight to behold, I was wearing my leather armour; barely a scratch on it, my two blades dripping with blood, the sunset making my hair seem to be alight with fire, surrounded by piles of darkspawn bodies, waiting for the next onslaught to begin.
That's when I saw him. The glint of his giant sword caught my eye as he felled a couple of darkspawn in one swing. He was on the bridge, flanked by enemies on both sides but I could see the fierce determination on his face. To my horror I watched as a hurlock's mace caught him on the shoulder sending him flying against the wall. I frantically looked around finding a rope. I darted towards it weaving through the arrows flying around me. Grabbing it I started tying a loop which I threw at a statue which it thankfully caught. Pulling tight I watched as Carver struggled to keep his defence up.
Maker let's hope this works...
I ran and jumped off the side of the cliff, using my weight I steered myself towards the darkspawn standing over Carver. As I neared I saw Carver's eyes widen with recognition, I grinned before I hit the hurlock straight in the chest, knocking it off the bridge straight to its death. Grabbing Carver by the arm I pulled him to his feet.
"Safera? What in the Marker's name are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious? Saving your ass! Do you have any idea what mother would do to me if I didn't? I fear her more than I do these disgusting creatures"
"But we're surrounded!"
"We'll get through this. Together."
He gave me a smirk, back to back the battle dance began anew. My daggers sliced through flesh. Carver decapitated foes. We worked in perfect harmony, my speed and his strength. Hearing his war cry as he knocked three genlock off the bridge I laughed and pulled my small crossbow from its holding on my thigh and shot four in the head consecutively.
That's when I felt it. The pain. Something had happed to Athena.
Jumping off the horse I gently helped Carver down as I heard mother and Bethany running up behind me. Easing Carver gently to the floor, Bethany knelt beside him and started healing him with her magic, not daring to look up at the sight of her sister.
"By Andraste! What happened? You're covered in blood!" exclaimed Leandra as used the bottom of her apron to try wipe the blood off my face.
"Mother we need to go, and now"
The terror in my mother's startled expression spoke volumes. My heart squeezed with pain as I looked up at the house which I called home. The place my father had lived in, where he taught me how to use my skills. Memories came flooding back and I shut my eyes trying to stifle the tears that I could feel welling up.
When I opened them I could see mother rushing inside, most likely gathering some supplies. Since we had to travel often when we were young mother made quick work of this. Bethany stood, not being able to stand the pain in her eyes I wrapped my arms around her. As she grabbed the back of my tunic I felt her tremble and at that moment I vowed to keep them safe.
I would not witness another death in my family!
Barely making it out of Lothering in time, we ran up the mountainous path. Bethany used a fire spell to stop the darkspawn from following us, while Carver and I quickly dispatched the ones that got through.
Stopping to catch a breather I surveyed the surrounding landscape, looking out for any darkspawn that may decide to crawl down the rocks at the side of the small trail. Sniggering to myself.
Could they really be that smart?
Tuning out the twins squabbling I tried planning out an escape route,
Where would we go though..
Gasping as realisation dawned on me
No... I may have to resort to using...
Turning to look at my family with sad eyes. Having enough of their foolishness;
"Listen you two, the darkspawn could be on us at any moment"
"Please listen to your sister"
The twins looked shamefully down at their feet before Carver looked up "Ok, lead on sister"
As we continued on we decided to head to Kirkwall. Not the safest places due to the amount of Templars but we had family there. And after the pain I felt in Ostagar, knowing something had happed to Athena, it may be the only family we have left.
Turning the corner we came upon two warriors surrounded by a group of darkspawn. Before thinking we rushed to help them. Hearing a cry I turned to find the man injured and backing away from a hurlock. That's when I noticed his armour.
A blasted templar I sneered.
Carver and I made quick work of the remaining group as the female crushed the one who had injured her partner.
"Well the Maker has a sense of humour. A templar. In Lothering"
Feeling Bethany move into a defensive position I took up my stance, standing between her and the man.
"Apostate" he muttered moving forward.
I could feel my back straighten and my eyes steel over. I once remember Carver telling me that I could be utterly terrifying. Now from the terrified glint in the templar's eyes I understood it to be true. My mouth twisted into a sarcastic smile as I laughed inwardly.
The female warrior stood forward, introducing herself as Aveline and the man to be her husband Wesley. She noticed my shocked expression but seemed to decide against making a comment on it.
I felt suddenly.. wrong. Looking around I noticed nothing coming to us. But I couldn't shake the feeling I had. The hairs stood at the back of my neck and wouldn't go down. Bethany seemed to sense my distress because she moved forward and placed her hand on my arm. I gave her a thankful smile before turning my attention back to the conversation.
"But the Wilds are to the south!" Carver gripped the hilt of his sword, his anger visible on this face.
"We don't have any other choice. We go south."
Carver looked at me as if I'd grown another head before he opened his mouth to object, the anger glinting in his eyes.
Raising my hand "I meant what I said during the battle. We will get through this together."
He nodded and then started walking on ahead. Sighing, I followed
Maker... He's going to stay mad at me for a while now.. Stubborn ass..
From behind me I could hear Bethany offer to heal Wesley's wound. His offensive rebuttal got my back up and I turned my head
"Jus make sure you keep that Templar away from my sister".
Nothing further was said as darkspawn rounded the corner. Carver and I charged while Aveline stayed back to protect the others. I couldn't help but smile to myself that the female warrior seemed more like a shield than the sword she claimed she'd be for her husband.
As we climbed higher my sense of dread increased. I kept looking around frantically, looking for the enemy which I knew was coming. Stepping over the bodies which I had caused with my crossbow, I wasn't left waiting for long. The ground trembled as the ogre charged for our group. I barely dived away in time. My eyes widen in pure terror as I saw it head straight in the direction of Bethany and my mother.
Before I realised what I was doing I was on my feet and chanting. The warm familiar glow enveloped me and I faintly heard Aveline gasp at what she saw. I plunged my hand into the air, half of it disappearing, while a flaming hand appeared by the ogre, grapping it before it had the chance to retaliate against Bethany's attack. Plunging my other hand cause the ogre to be taken by both sides.
"Take cover!"
With all my strength I pulled while the onlookers watched as the ogre was pulled to pieces by the flaming hands which had entrapped it.
Falling to the ground I panted, trying to get as much energy back into my body as quickly as possible.
Looking up I shouted orders to my mix matched group.
"Aveline get Wesley, Bethany and my mother to the far corner! Be their shield! Carver to me! Bethany! Use your magic! Form as shield around you and the other two, if something happens to Aveline you're their last defence! If we need it send healing magic to us, if not just keep that shield strong!"
I could see the panic in her eyes, glancing at mother and the templar and then back to me.
You can do this I smiled
Knowing she heard me, I jumped back to my feet and drew my daggers as Bethany put up her barrier. Aveline standing protectively in front of them.
Stand with his back to me, Carver and I readied ourselves for the coming fight.
"Still tired from your little trick with the ogre" although he was taunting I could feel the smile on his face.
"Loser buys ale for a month?" I countered, giving him a little nudge in the ribs.
"You're on!" he shouted as we darted out to destroy the first wave of darkspawn.
We're being pushed back!
Keeping my face neutral I looked around, trying not to betray my emotions. I didn't want the others to lose hope. I had seen all the frightened expressions from loved ones I could take to last me a life time!
Come on! There has to be an escape route somewhere! You always have an escape plan!
Then I felt it, the immense surge of mana. The sudden gust of wind blew hair into my face covering the battle field in red.
"There's no end to them!" Carver cried out in rage and despair.
Andraste's flaming knickers! A DRAGON?
With a burst of flames the dragon coated the entire area in fire, destroying the darkspawn in their path.
No way...
Transfixed I watched as the dragon then shape shifted into a woman. She was pulling a dead genlock in her left hand before dropping it as she got closer.
"Well well what have we here? It used to be we never got visitors to the Wilds but now they arrive in hoards"
The woman's hair was white, tied up into what almost resembled horns. She looked no older than mother.
"Impressive, where'd you learn how to turn into a dragon?"
"Perhaps I am a dragon. If so count yourself lucky. The smell of burning darkspawn does nothing for the appetite." Turning her back "If you wish to flee the darkspawn, you should know you're heading in the wrong direction."
Carver gaped "You're just going to leave us here?"
"And why not?" Turning back to us "I spotted a most curious sight: a mighty ogre, vanquished! Who could perform such a feat? But now my curiosity is sated, and you are safe... for the moment. Is that not enough?"
"We won't be able to get through the darkspawn on our own." There's only so much I can do...
Looking up I flinched to see that she was watching me intently.
"They are everywhere or soon will be. Where is it you plan to run to, hmm?
Pumping up his chest Carver admitted "To Kirkwall, in the Free Marches."
"Kirkwall? My, but that is quite the voyage you plan. So far simply to flee the darkspawn."
Feeling my agitation getting the better of me "Any better suggestions? I hear the Deep Roads are vacant now."
Giving a hearty laugh the dragon lady turns "Oh you I like! Hurtled into the chaos, you fight.. and the world will shake before you. Is it fate or chance? I can never decide. It appears fortune smiles on us both today. I may be able to help you yet."
Raising an eyebrow "there must be a catch."
"There is always a catch. Life is a catch! I suggest you catch it while you can!"
"I know what she is." Turning to see Aveline crouching over Wesley as he lay on the ground "The Witch of the Wilds."
"What choice do we have? Can your strength stand to fight all the darkspawn?" Angrily I pointed to the amount of dead corpses surrounding us.
"There is a clan of Dalish elves near the city of Kirkwall. Bring this amulet to their leader and do what she asks."
Folding my arms across my I eyed this mysterious woman before me.
Should we do it? I'm not sure if I have the energy to keep fighting, especially after my little stunt..
"We have a deal."
"Good, but first we have a matter with the templar.."
"No!" Aveline stood angrily in front of her mate.
"What is done to your man is beyond healing. It's already in his blood."
Bethany's hands flew to her mouth, her skin turning pale as she looked at the man. The taint...
"Aveline please.." Wesley was taking in quick shallow breathes. That was never a good sign. "I can already feel it in my blood. The taint is a slow death I can't..."
Eyes brimming with tears Aveline looked at me, almost as if I should come to the decision for her.
"He's your husband Aveline. I can't make this decision."
Looking down at her husband, she knelt and took the dagger he was offering.
"Be strong.. my love.." with that she plunged the dagger into his chest.
I could see Bethany gasp and turn into mother's protective arms. I looked up to mother's face to see a tear fall. She nodded her head once and tightened her grip on Bethany, letting me know that had I not acted Bethany would not be alive either.
"It is done" and suddenly I was surrounded by a great light. I could feel the mana pulse around me, enveloping me.