Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age Origins or any of the characters. (except those I created, I guess)
I got the idea for this story while daydreaming in Science class.
This is my first fanfic so please... bear with me. Reviews along with any advice welcome
1.
The relationship between Selene and Jonathan started in that typical pre-school way. Five minutes after they had met, they were getting along as if they had known each other for years. She was seven at the time, the second child in the Cousland family. He was eight, his father the head blacksmith in the city of Highever. They had met on a sunny day in the middle of summer. Selene was looking for her brother, Fergus, when a boy rounded the corner and ran straight into her. The collision knocked them off their feet.
"I'm so sorry." mumbled the boy as he hastily got to his feet to help her get up.
"It's ok, I'm fine….You really should look where you are going." she said with a smile as she dusted herself off. The boy smiled as well, until he realized who she was.
"You're Teyrn Cousland's daughter! I'm really, really sorry! Please don't tell your father!" he begged. "What? Oh don't worry it was an accident, anyway my father wouldn't do anything even if I told him. What's your name?"
"Jonathan…Jonathan Amell."
"My name is Selene, pleased to meet you."
She was smiling again, which made Jonathan blush. Noticing this, she giggled. "You're a funny boy."
"SELENE! IT'S TIME FOR LUNCH!" her brother called from somewhere inside the castle.
"I have to go now. Why don't we meet here again tomorrow after breakfast?"
"Really?....Ok" Jonathan said shyly. "See you tomorrow then."
It went on like this for weeks, then months, then almost a year. Then Jonathan stopped showing up. For almost a week Selene would wait for an hour or two, give up and go home. Finally she decided to go looking for him. She spent the entire day roaming the Castle and the surrounding area. It was getting dark when she found his fathers workshop. She went straight to the door and knocked. A pretty young woman opened the door.
"Hello, can I help you little one?" she asked kindly.
"Is Jonathan here? I haven't seen him all week and I was wondering if he was ok."
The woman straightened abruptly, sadness playing across her face. "I'm sorry little girl but Jonathan has gone away for a while."
She was biting back tears but Selene didn't notice."When will he be back?" Selene asked innocently.
"I…I don't know little one… You had best get back home. Your parents will start to worry…"
"Ok… Thank you…Goodbye."
As the door closed she heard the woman burst into tears. Sudden sadness overwhelmed her as she realized that she would never see her friend again. She ran home crying. She didn't stop until she finally cried herself to sleep late that night.
Ten years later, Selene awoke with a feeling of dread. Her father and brother would be marching south today, to assist the King in battling the growing darkspawn threat. She was to be left in charge of Castle Highever until their return. She lay in her bed for almost an hour before her mother came into the room to check on her.
"Darling, what's wrong? Why are you still in bed?"
"I don't feel like getting up. To tired….and worried."
"Oh my dear. Your father and brother will be fine. You shouldn't worry so much."
"But I want to go with them, Mother… I could help."
"I know you could my darling, but you and I have to stay here and oversee the castle."
Eleanor Cousland sat down next to her daughter and started stroking her hair.
"You've grown so much. So beautiful and strong, quite smart as well."
Selene looked up at her mother, noticing the same twinge of sadness that she had seen in that woman's eyes so long ago. Suddenly she remembered her childhood friend who had disappeared without warning.
"Don't be sad, Mother. You are right, they will be fine. I shouldn't have made you worry as well…. I should probably get up now." she said taking her mothers hand.
"Go to the Assembly Chamber when you are ready. Your father and Arl Howe are waiting for you."
"Ok mother, see you later."
It was drizzling as Selene and her mother sped towards the kitchen. They weresearching for her father and a way to escape the siege of castle Highever. Arl Howe, a supposed ally had betrayed them. At last they reached the corridor leading to the kitchen. In front of the door stood a tall knight. As they approached he turned and lifted a huge warhammer. Selene pulled free her blade and charged. This is what I have been training for.
The battle was quick. The knight's size was no match for Selene's speed and her mother's archery skills. Climbing over him they entered the kitchen. A muffled groan came from the larder. They walked over and opened the door.
"There…you both are…I was wondering when you would…get here." Bryce Cousland gasped. He was slumped against the wall, holding his middle. There was blood around him.
"Bryce! Maker's breath, what's happening? You're bleeding!"
"Howe's men…found me first…almost did me in right there."
"We need to get you out of here."
"I won't survive the standing, I think…"
"Then we'll simply have to drag you out of here, father." Selene said. "Only if you're willing to leave pieces of me behind…"
"This is no time for jokes, Bryce! Once they break through the gates, they'll find us! We need to go!" Eleanor yelled, tears forming in her eyes. "Someone has to reach Fergus…tell him what has happened."
"And take vengeance!" Selene said fiercely. "Yes…vengeance…"
"The servant's passage is right here, we could get you out and find you some healing magic."
"The castle is already surrounded. I won't make it… You have to go."
Footsteps and a blade being sheathed made Selene turn. "I'm afraid the Teyrn is right." said Duncan, the Grey Warden-commander of Ferelden.
"You're Duncan, right?" asked Eleanor as he knelt next to them. "Yes, your Ladyship. I'm sorry I couldn't reach your sooner."
"My daughter help me get away."
"I'm not surprised. She has great skill with a blade."
"Are you going to help us Duncan?"
"Please…Duncan, take my wife and daughter…get them to safety."
"I will, Teyrn Cousland but I must ask something in return."
"Anything!"
"Your daughter has shown excellent skill and resourcefulness. I came to Highever seeking a recruit. The threat to the south demands that I leave with one."
"I understand…" Bryce Cousland said, lowering his head, coughing.
"Wait, are you talking about me?" asked Selene.
"You fought your way through to reach us, the Maker's intentions are clear. I shall take them to Ostagar and find Fergus."
"As long as justice is done…"
"Then I offer you a place with the Grey Wardens. Fight with us."
Selene could only stare. Become a Grey Warden? But lose my family in the process… A loud crash interrupted her thoughts.
"They have broken through. We must go."
"Very well then, I accept…"
She barely spoke a word on the journey to Ostagar. All she saw was her entire family lying dead before her. Her mother had decided to stay with her father, to buy her and Duncan time to escape. They were most likely dead now. Oren and Oriana lying dead in their room. Poor Fergus, if he is alive, how am I going to tell him…
After almost a week's travel they reached Lake Calenhad. In the distance Selene could see a huge tower rising out of the water. The tower that housed the Circle of Mages in Ferelden. Everyone feared mages, but not Selene. She found them intriguing. About a year ago she had had a wild fantasy that a mage would swoop in and rescue her from her boring life and that they would run away together. I'd give anything to have that life back...mage or no…
"We can set up camp here for the night."
"…Ok…" Selene said softly as she walked off to sit down against a tree.
"You stay here, but remember, be alert. I'm going hunting before it gets to dark."
Selene only nodded in reply
Poor girl, thought Duncan as he walked off into the woods. A few minutes after he was gone she started to cry. She didn't notice them surrounding her until it was to late.
A glimmer of light in the distance caught his attention. A camp! People! Directions! He thought happily as he walked towards it. As he approached he felt a tingle. Something had crossed the ward he had put up around him. Shit! He stopped and looked around. Nothing. After a few moments he decided it was a small animal and continued. When he stepped into the light of the fire they attacked. About a dozen of them, Bandits.
"You people chose the wrong person to ambush, you know."
"And why is that?" a man holding a crossbow asked.
"This is why…" the man said, a mischievous smile flashed across his face. He raised his hands, lightning crackling between his fingers. The bolt arced aross the clearing, hitting the man who had spoken in the chest and then jumped on to the next until five of them were on the ground twitching. Two others screamed and bolted into the darkness. Four remaining charged at him, daggers held high. They were just about to reach him when one of the twitching ones exploded. Blood sprayed everywhere, bandits flew through the air. One left. He raised his hands again, frost formed as he did. The final bandit fell out of the tree he was hiding in, frozen solid.
"That was impressive." a voice said behind him.
"Duncan? Good to see you again…. But what are you doing here? I thought you were at Ostagar."
"I'm on my way there from Highever, with a new recruit. I… wait, where is she."
Both men look around the camp site. They found her behind a bush, bound and gagged. She was unconscious.
"Let me have a look at her." said the man. He removed the bonds and gag and then swept his hands over her body. "No serious damage, a few bruises and cuts but those are easily fixed." His hands glowed bright blue. Her body started to glow as well. A few moments passed and then it stopped. "There, all better."
"Thank you, I shouldn't have left her alone in her fragile state."
"Fragile state?"
"Her entire family was recently killed, I helped her escape that fate but I couldn't help her loved ones."
"That's horrible... You said she comes from Highever . I haven't been there in years. Anyway, I had better get going. Could you perhaps point me in the direction of the tower?"
"Still getting lost, I see. It's that way." Duncan chuckled as he pointed.
"Thanks Duncan, goodbye."
"Farewell, Jonathan Amell."
"What…where am I? What happened?" Selene asked as she sat upright. Duncan strode towards her. "You were attacked by a group of bandits, luckily they are not a problem any longer, as you can clearly see." He indicated behind him. For the first time Selene noticed the carnage around her. Bodies everywhere, some of them burnt others bloodied.
"Did you do this, Duncan?"
"No, lucky for you a young mage named Jonathan came through here. He-"
"What did you say?" she interrupted. "A mage…you said his name was Jonathan…It…can't be. Where is he now?"
Duncan looked down at her. "He is on his way to the tower. Why? Do you know him?"
"I…I think so… We have to go to him. When did he leave?" She said standing up. "About an hour ago. We have already lost to much time, we can't afford any-"
She stopped and turned to look him straight in the eyes. "You can come with me or go on without me, Duncan. I am going to find Jonathan. At least, I hope it's Jonathan." And with that she picked up her pack and started walking.
Duncan stared after her. Thank the Maker I don't have any children… he thought as he started after her.
The tower loomed in front of him. He sighed, back to the cage. As he approached the docks he heard someone call his name. He stopped and turned. A woman was walking towards him. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders. Even in the weak light of the early morning he could see her eyes. A beautiful blue, almost like sapphires . She wore a very serious expression but as she drew near it changed.
It's him. Same hair, only a bit longer, same eyes, same posture. He has grown quite handsome. I can't believe it's him!
Why does she look so familiar? Oh, it's the woman who was with Duncan. But…
"Jonathan? Jonathan Amell? From Highever?"
Her voice is beautiful…
"Um…yes. Why do you ask?"
"Do you remember me?"
Remember her? From where? Have I met her at the tower? No, maybe in Highever. But I don't remember a…
"…Selene?" he asked, suddenly remembering the girl whom he had befriended so long ago.
"It is you!" she cried and ran towards him, pulling him into a tight hug when she reached him. At first he was to shocked to react. Slowly he put his arms around her. "I always wondered what had happened to you…I thought you were dead." She whispered softly.
I was, in a manner of speaking. "The circle came for me. I had begun to show signs. I'm sorry I-"
"You don't have to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm just glad to see you again."
She smiled as she pulled away. That same smile she gave him on the day they had met. He found himself blushing again. She started laughing. Soon he did as well.
"So you do know each other." Duncan said as he approached
"It would appear so." Jonathan smiled.
"So, you are a mage? Never would have expected you to become a mage."
"I never would have expected you to become a Grey Warden."
All the joy drained from her face. Suddenly Jonathan recalled what Duncan had said earlier. She had lost her entire family.
"Oh, Selene I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I'm so sorry for your loss…"
"It's…ok. I'm fine. At least I've found you again." Her smile returned.
They stood talking for a while, remembering all the games they had played, secrets they shared. They also spoke of their lives after he was taken away. An hour passed, Duncan cleared his throat.
"Selene, we have to keep moving. Remember where we are going."
"But, Duncan…I don't want-"
"We have to go."
Selene stood there in silence. Her face lit up as if she had just gotten an idea. She pulled Jonathan closer and whispered something. Jonathan nodded.
"Duncan, Is there a way you could convince the Circle to let Jonathan come with us to Ostagar? I know I'm asking a lot but please…He is all I have left of my old life…please?"
Duncan stood silently considering her request.
"An extra mage could benefit the King's army a little… Very well… I shall speak with the First-Enchanter."
"Thank you, Duncan."
*I sort of combined the two human origins into one story. Don't know if that was a good idea but it's to late to turn back now. I will be sticking to the main plot, with a few changes. Please review