A/N: So! Here's the deal. I'm only somewhat partial to this story, so I will post the chapters I've written at this point, and if anyone so desires, I will continue. A couple notes: I typed these from my phone during the stage at which I had no computer, so I am completely aware that there may be a number of typos. I also typed them out of order at certain points, so if anything is confusing, please let me know. I like short chapters, but the lengths occasionally vary.
My last note-- I assume that readers have played the game for the most part and understand what is going on in the Warden's main storyline, which allows me to slightly stray. Again, just let me know if anything doesn't make sense. :) Enjoy!
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Mariel awoke with the comforting warmth of a campfire beating against her face, the sound of its crackling a pleasant rhythm in her ears. But the fire suddenly reminded her of the burning tower and then the battle at Ostagar, and she sat up. The acute pain in her lower chest made her regret the hasty movement, and she hissed sharply. Only now did she recall the injury she sustained at Ostagar. She did not, however, recall dressing the wound with bandages, or starting a fire, or even being in the Wilds, for that matter.
Aries happily barked as his friend sat up, and he rushed to her side with a big, slobbery kiss. She smiled and sighed with relief as she scratched him affectionately behind the ear. "At least you're still here, buddy. But ... how did you ...?"
"Ah, you're well." Mariel jumped at the deep voice; a man suited in chainmail dumped a pile of kindling next to the fire. He wore the colors of Highever, specifically from a house Mariel recognized.
She squinted at the man. "You wear ... the seal of the Couslands, but my friend recently told me she was the last of the line."
His eyes widened. "Cassava? You know Cassava? I'm her brother, Fergus. Praise the Maker--I thought they had all perished."
"Indeed." Mariel smiled. "She thought the same. She'll be so happy to ..." She trailed off, realizing that Cassava, and her brother, for that matter, might not still be alive. She swallowed with difficulty. "Tell me, have you heard word of what happened at Ostagar?"
Fergus frowned. "You are the only one I've met from the battle, but I did see an army of men with Denerim's flag leaving the area during the fight. They said they found no survivors."
Mariel furrowed her brow in confusion. "Loghain ... retreated? This doesn't make sense."
Aries let out a low growl.
"Mm," Mariel said, frowning. "I wish I knew what happened. Surely, they can't all be dead. I mean, if I survived ..."
Fergus took one of his sticks and poked at his fire in silence a moment. "You're probably not up for regaling at a time like this, but," he said sheepishly, "I was wondering if you could tell me about your ..."
"Adventure?" she prompted. "No, don't apologize; I'd love to share it aloud. I think it will do me good. Let's see ... Where to start?" She smiled, laughing quietly. "My story ..."