Well-Worn Journal

Dragon Age: Origins

Well-worn Journal

Pairing: None

A story about a Dalish elf from a small clan and his place in the blight.
This story is halfway written as a diary and halfway in "present time" during the more noteworthy events of the game.

xoxoxo

Day 1:

It's strange, leaving the clan, my family, for the first time in my life. I am filled with different emotions from my departure; Sorrow from leaving my clan and family behind, grief that I cannot stand and grief for my poor, departed friend. But the worse feeling must be the feeling of excitement about doing something huge for the sake of Ferelden. Being a part of a small group of the finest men and women possible. But yet, I feel that it is bad to have that feeling. I should be grieving.

Tamlen… How can I make up for this? I should have insisted harder on us going and maybe this wouldn't have happened… I should have pulled you away from that mirror when we found it…

Keeper Marethari told me not to let myself be overcome with guilt. Instead, she gave me this book so I can write about my adventures along with the shem Duncan and the Grey Wardens. She told me it would help me keep my thoughts straight, writing down what I see and feel, though a look of worry was covering her face. I know she knows something about this… Cure that the shem claims to have for me, but the fool I was, I didn't ask about it. I had enough trouble coming to grips with the fact that I am to become a Grey Warden.

A Grey Warden. Me.

I wonder what my parents would think of it. Would they be proud? I do not know.

By the gods, how did I even get into this situation..?

xoxoxox

It was with a heavy heart that Theron left the clan behind, the chant from the burial still ringing in his ears. Duncan was walking silently ahead of him, giving the young elf the time he needed to get his mind sorted.

In the blink of an eye, the Dalish elf had had his world turned upside down. His best friend was gone, most likely dead or taken by the darkspawn for food. He himself was ill with the taint and was surely to die if he didn't come with Duncan. And if he came with Duncan to become a Grey Warden, he would be forced to say good bye to the only life he'd ever known. He didn't even know if he would be allowed to see his family again.

All he had brought with him was a bow that Ilen had given him, crafted by his own hand, the light leather clothes he wore and a small bag fastened to his belt. In it was a small pouch with what little coin his clan had been able to provide, a vial with ink and a black leather-bound book with a quill inside it. Around his neck was a simple necklace given to him from Ashalle; the only heritage he had from his parents.

"Are you scared?"

Blinking his eyes, Theron brushed his hair out of his face. "Sorry?"

Duncan smiled slightly at him from over his shoulder before stopping long enough for the two of them to go side by side. "Leaving your clan? Meeting the unknown? Does it scare you?"

Theron hesitated before nodding, casting his eyes down at the ground and watched his own feet move beneath him. "… I would be lying if I said I wasn't… I… I am... Scared. I have no idea what is to come after all. But… If it is what I have to do, then I have to… And it will be for a good cause, I will help save lives… Hopefully."

Duncan nodded and patted Theron's shoulder in a comforting manner. "Good… This is why I know you will make a good Grey Warden. You are wise enough to recognise the danger of the unknown, preparing yourself for what you may, or may not face. But you are also strong enough to recognise this as your duty, as a job. You, Theron, are a good man. A brave man. The Dalish will be proud of you."

Theron felt this face flush and looked down, embarrassment clear on his face. Duncan just smiled at the boy before speaking up. "We will be travelling south through the Hinterlands to the ruins of Ostagar, on the edges of the Konkari Wilds. We will be travelling as fast as we can muster, time is of the essence."

Theron just nodded, glad that he was used to such long travels.

The travel was long, but without any significant danger hindering them. They camped by a small stream when night came, though if any of them slept any, Theron didn't know. As soon as the sun peaked up over the horizon, they put out the fire and started travelling again.

The sun was high on the sky when Duncan spoke up again properly, pointing towards a mighty looking ruin in the distance. "That," he said and smiled slightly. "Is Ostagar. The last standpoint when we were battling the Orlesian and it will be the last standpoint when we fight the darkspawn and hopefully end this Blight."

Stepping into the ruins together, Duncan continued his explanations. "The Teviner Imperium built Ostagar long ago to prevent the Wilders from invading the northern lowlands. It is fitting that we make our stand here, even if we face a different foe from within that forest. The king's army has clashed with the darkspawn several times, but here is where the bulk of the horde will show itself."

Glancing over at Theron, Duncan looked over the elf's slightly nervous face before allowing himself a faint smile. Theron noticed the look, but didn't say anything, not wanting to seem nervous. If anything, he was quite eager to hear more, despite the gnawing feeling of worry in his stomach.

Duncan just nodded at him before fixing his gaze towards the might stone arch ahead of them. "This Blight must be stopped, here and now. If it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall."

Theron swallowed. If anything, Duncan didn't try to hide what was really going on at this time. He didn't know if he was to appreciate the fact or run away to hide. Then he blinked as a rather chipper voice let itself be noticed, so out of place in an area, and a situation, such as this.

"Ho there, Duncan!"

Watching as Duncan blinked in surprise, Theron just silently let them speak, dully noting that they were shaking hands. That was a custom he just didn't understand…

"King Cailan? I wasn't expecting a-"

"A royal welcome?" Cailan interrupted with a chuckle, shaking Duncan's hand with great enthusiasm. "I was beginning to worry that you would miss all the fun."

Duncan gave a small smirk as he released Cailan's hand. "Not if I can help it, your majesty."

"Then I will have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious," the king chirped before giving a glance at Theron. "The other wardens told me that you had found a promising recruit. I take it this is he?"

Duncan nodded while gesturing to Theron, who suddenly felt more nervous. "Allow me to introduce you, your majesty."

Cailan waved him off with a grin. "There's no need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together after all." Stepping up to Theron, Cailan flashed him a huge grin before patting his shoulder. "Ho there, friend. Might I know your name?"

Blinking some, a bit surprised by the human king's informal way of speaking as well as the touching, Theron swallowed before bowing lightly. The human lord may have not been his king, but he was the king of the shems and they would be battling together. He could might as well show some respect. "I am Theron, sir," he replied, cursing himself when he heard his voice squeak.

Cailan just laughed and slapped him over the back before rambling about the grey wardens, the darkspawn and the blight, making Theron smile. The man reminded him very much like a child playing war and while his mindset worried him, it was hard not to be inspired by his energy.

Maybe he would like it here just fine after all.