"What?"

"What, what?"

"You were staring at me, you manskirt-wearing freak."

"Oh, I thought you were being attacked by a wild animal. But it was only your beard."

"You think you're so clever, don't you? Sparkle-fingers!"

When Ada arrived at the Vigil's Keep in Amaranthine, she was pleasantly surprised to see an old ally decided to join their ranks. Followed by a runaway Circle Mage. Her perspective on the unlikely friendship.

Chapter 1

Today was a new day, I said to myself, as I watched the King of Fereldan set sail back to his home. He stayed only for a few days, part of him still wanting to play his part as a Grey Warden.

Amongst other things, I could still feel the slight tingle on the side of my cheek, where my love placed a tender farewell kiss. Whatever old wounds that were left behind after the Landsmeet, slowly healed in the last five or so months. Time apart reminded us how much we missed each other, back when we were the sole Grey Wardens.

Our numbers were bolstering, and having gone my life as simply a surface dwarf stuck with the responsibility of saving the world from turmoil, now became my sworn duty. I was still greeted with surprise upon seeing a dwarf with a Warden Commander Sigil, and when corrected on who the Hero of Fereldan really is, I was treated with utmost respect.

Rumors circled around who the Hero of Fereldan was. Most of which everyone believed to be a human man. Some believed it was Castiel Cousland. Some believe it was Warden Commander Gerod Caron, who was here now to 'help bolster our numbers'. He was nowhere near Fereldan during the Blight, and all he really did was help in making Teryn Loghain Mac Tir a Grey Warden.

If were informed of being a woman, they still believe that a woman by the name of Elyssa Gladbrent, who I was later informed by Castiel is the only other confirmed survivor at the attack in Highever, a lover of a Ser Gilmore, quick with daggers.

The assumption that these three were the ones responsible for accomplishing such a grueling task that costed my blood, sweat, and tears did not annoy as much as it should have. I was used to things like this growing up. And yet, here I was in Amaranthine, receiving escorts like I was royalty myself.

I was not even the Arlessa, Castiel was granted the title of Arl of Amaranthine by Alistair after the revenge on Arl Howe. Now when it came to reactions that greatly pleased me…

I did not like any of the Orlesian Grey Wardens they brought in. They were stuck up, especially Warden Commander Gerod. A gruff man who swore that the things I have accomplished were out of pure luck.

I never knew what luck was, salroka.

His following was an eleven mage by the name of Sidona Andras, who appeared to be in a fanciful relationship with the Warden Commander. She was experienced, despite her young age. She may have been only twenty.

And then there was Eram Kader. A fellow dwarf...from Orlais. Once a smith turned Grey Warden after the crimes he has commited. He was not an honorable member, and knowing Alistair's reaction if he were to have known this, it would be the whole Loghain tantrum all over again to a lesser degree.

I was surprised however to find Oghren here. He claimed that I inspired him to join. At first I was worried it was one of Oghren's 'good ideas' while drunk, but…

...this is the first time I ever met the man sober. He was still just as wild just without the slurring of the words and the bouts of stumbling.

Another new member that became one of my charges was a mage by the name of Anders. He was apparently part of the Circle in Fereldan, but I don't remember ever seeing him there whenever I was present. Willa Surana and Daylen Amell had mentioned him some times maybe. I may have heard his name on their lips. He sure made his name known in the tower for most amount of times escaping.

It led us here, following the Joining. There was a woman by the name of Mhairi. Sadly, she did not make the joining. I was only with her briefly, but we fought the darkspawn together in Vigil's Keep. It never stops being hard losing Wardens.

Oghren and Anders had just received their respective armors after their fitting, it was all very quick. And we were to set out for Amaranthine, trying to make sense of the mess with the darkspawn. "You're quite the dirty little dwarf, aren't you?" Anders laughed as I sat down in the larder with my breakfast.

Consisting of freshly caught anchovies, a loaf of bread and a mug of ale. Anders wrinkled his nose at my breakfast choices, as he popped the last bit of bread and butter into his mouth. "That's Oghren for you." I laughed, used to the perverted mind that is Oghren.

The redheaded dwarf slammed down his beer and wiped his mouth and beard of the drink, pointing at the mage next to me. "He's a dirty little mage himself."

Anders bowed his head slightly with a little laugh, "I do my best. Still, I'm no ale-swilling mountain of belches like you!"

Oghren let out a loud "Bah! And I'm no winking, slack-jawed coward like you."

As if to emphasize his point, Anders looked at me with a grin and a wink, "Looks to me I found myself a bestfriend here in the Wardens. We should form a club, Oghren."

Oghren let out another grunt of disgust, and took another swig of his beer. I downed the rest of my ale, setting it down but just as I did I felt some of it dribble out onto my chestplate. "Ada!" Oghren lectured, "What a letdown. The surface has made you soft, girl!"

I wiped my mouth in embarrassment, but hid it with my cocky grin, "I do it once, but what is your excuse Oghren. Your beard I'm sure is drenched in beer, ale, and every other spirit you brew."

The redheaded dwarf let out a chuckle, "But you are the Warden Commander now. Can't be lookin' silly now can you."

"And you are representin' the legenday Order you nug-humper, you can't be makin' us look cowardly with the way you run in the opposite way of battle."

"Only 'cause I got confused, not 'cause I was scared."

Anders interrupted with a happy sigh and resting his head in his hands, "Ah, Camaraderie."

DAA

A couple of weeks later, our Order had already gained one more new member. Nathaniel Howe, the former Arl of Amaranthine's son. Luckily, Castiel Cousland happened to be in Vigil's Keep when the culprit was captured. Castiel seemed taken aback by Nathaniel's circumstances, having apparently known the young man when they were children.

I offered to take the criminal into the Grey Wardens, and after much mulling over, the new Arl agreed. He came with us for the first time, two weeks after his Joining to Amaranthine, where Oghren has been making wise cracks at both Nathaniel and Anders.

Despite the pair's growing friendship, they grew quickly tired of each other on a day to day basis, which resulted in conversations like this; "You don't actually think your jokes are funny, do you?" Anders had asked indignantly, Nathaniel crossing his arms in silent agreement.

Oghren wrinkled his nose, and picked at his ear, "Could have sworn that fly was buzzing again."

I don't know if it is the whole 'Us dwarves got to stick together', but I found myself sticking up for Oghren's...eccentricities. "Come on, Anders, you know Oghren has a specific sense of humor."

Oghren patted me heavily on the back, "Ahahah! I knew you'd always have my back, you love old Oghren! You care…" He giggled and I smiled at my comrade.

"You're drunk." I realized. "Can't say I didn't see it coming. It was only a matter of time before you picked up the keg."

"See," Anders argued, though it wasn't out of malice as he smiled good-naturedly, upon realizing the dwarf was intoxicated, "this is what he's good for. Fillin' his belly for of spirits just to function on a day to day basis."

"This is a problem, Warden Commander." Nathaniel stated seriously, looking over at me with concern. "Should we get him back to the Keep or…"

"He's fine, Nathaniel." I tried to reassure the unexpectedly worried former noble. "Oghren I always drunk usually."

"Is that supposed to make it better."

I ignored the comment as I saw Anders messing around with Oghren, leading him towards a pen, "Anders!" I called out in my attempt at warning but he held up a hand in reassurance that it was all in good fun.

Oghren toppled over the fence blocking the entrance, earning some disapproving looks from some of the villagers, others were amused at seeing the Grey Wardens being absolute goofs. As Oghren tumbled into a haystack, Anders let out of hoot of laughter, as Nathaniel appeared very embarrassed. "Warden Commander, they are staring."

Oghren looked up at Anders indignantly, "Hey, you...blonde glowstick, don't you make fun of me. I am your elder!"

Anders grinned down wickedly at Oghren, "I am not making fun of you." He reached over a grabbed a bunch of hay, "This is making fun of you!" He placed the hay onto his face, pretending it was Oghren's beard, "'HAR! Let me tell you about my life in one word!'"

He let out an impressive belch, and when Oghren felt offended enough, he grabbed his dirty handkerchief and placed it over his head imitating a sort of cowl. "Oh no! Don't take me back to the tower! I'm far, far too delicate!'"

They continued this for a while, which was pretty amusing, but Nathaniel was not having it, as he stared down at me sternly. "Warden Commander, should we not do something about this. They will continue on for hours at this rate."

"Not possible." I reassured the worried man.

"'I'm not only a dwarf, I'm a moron! Listen to me fart!'" Anders continued to mock Oghren, but he was always ready for a retort.

"'Oh no, big templar man! What are you going to do with that sword?'"

A pause followed. Leave it to Oghren to take it that far. Anders dropped the hay in disgust, "Ew." He said.

Oghren threw down his handkerchief in triumph, "Don't play with fire unless you want to get burned, son."

The conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Ada?"

I turned around and was surprised to see Wynne standing there, all ready to give a lecture.

DAA

About a month since my arrival in Amaranthine, we finally were given a lead to the Wending Wood. As we continued to search around the woods, having already spent a night camped out, which was not pleasant.

Oghren stunk, Anders couldn't cook, Nathaniel was fretting over watch so I couldn't sleep.

I suddenly realized I was the only girl in this party. They didn't treat me any different, and it reminded me of my time in the Carta, where I often worked with other men. Once in a while you have a woman in the midst, but they were usually fuckin' one of them.

When I traveled with Morrigan, and Leliana. It was a fresh change, the party at one point was predominantly female, save for Alistair and the silent Sten.

I surprisingly felt like in the Wardens I was coming back to my roots. But I was also seen as the leader and go to person. As we continued our search on day two, we discovered a broken down caravan. Everyone reacted in shock, disturbed.

"Huh. Looks like our estate did when Branka went on one of her monthly rampages." Oghren spoke unthinkably.

Nathaniel merely stared at Oghren in disbelief, while I stifled back a laugh.

Oghren and Anders both knelt down to investigate, and this caused Anders to respond indignantly, "I can do it."

"You haven't done anything, princess, what makes you think you are any good now."

Anders gagged, recoiling away from Oghren as the dwarf did as I had asked and checked for any belongings. "I'm just going to assume that something died in your mouth."

"Funny story: dwarf attacks mage. Dwarf wins." Oghren responded, sitting on his rump as he found something of possible importance, handing it over to me.

"Yeah, I noticed how you pissed in your armor in that last fight. Well done."

Nathaniel actually snorted at that, but tried to recover with a hand over his mouth. Oghren laid out flat in a drunken stupor (honestly, I don't even know when he gets drunk) "Thank you, I'll be here all week."

"I sure hope not." Nathaniel responded. "I would rather we finish here as soon as possible."

DAA

It was a present. Though I merely found the cat scratching outside the kitchen, wet and cold from the rain. I was missing my mabari. I had left him with King Duran Aeducan. In the Royal Palace in Orzammar with my sister and my nephew. Just for a time while I figure things out as Warden Commander.

So I gave the cat to Anders as a present, and he loved it.

"I have already told you, Brosca." Warden Commander Gerod lectured me, "we cannot harbor pets at the Keep. It will deplete our supply."

"The cat is the size of my foot, really Caron, it's no mabari."

The stern man, his eyes shining eerily bright scratching at the back of his shaved head in annoyance. "And the Dalish Elf."

"Velanna?" I asked, "Your girl Sidona seems to like her."

"Sidona tells me she called her a shem-washed slave."

I excused myself from this conversation due to the sheer awkwardness that came over me. As I was walking to my quarters, just wanting to turn in early, I saw in the hallways Oghren speaking to Anders, who has been carrying his cat around all week. "Women are drawn to you when you play with that cat."

Anders in response rose his cat (which he named Ser Pounce a Lot) and nuzzled his nose, "Like moths to a flame. Women like it when men show affection for small, fuzzy, defenseless beings. Like you."

Oghren scoffed, "Stupid... mage. Every time I pull something out of my robes, the women just flee."

"Sometimes they do before you even get the chance." I added, making my presence known.

Oghren directed his glare at me, "Hey! What was the deal of sending me back to the Keep with Kader. The not really a dwarf."

"To protect you of course." I said light heartedly, "No, I don't know. I felt I was going to need Anders' magic."

"See," Anders said happily, "I am useful after all."

"Stupid mage." Oghren grumbled again, "I'm gonna go to bed. But listen, Ada, this elf you brought with you-"

"Look, I know you guys don't like her…" I tried to explain, but stopped when they shook their head.

"No, I like her plenty." Anders quickly explained and Oghren silently agreed, "I find the facial tattoos very sexy."

"And that rack." Oghren added, "Never seen an elf hold up so much. Must hurt her back heheheh."

I snorted a laugh, "Besides how she looks, what about her herself."

"Oh," Anders responded, "She is definitely batty. You should be careful of her."

"She's stupid. Good thing she is pretty." Oghren added.

That response wasn't any better from the first response I quickly realized.

DAA

"You're leavin' me behind again!?" Oghren exclaimed in annoyance on the second month in Amaranthine. "You are going down to the blasted Deep Roads. I should be the first on the list on this quest."

"I know Oghren." I quickly explained, "Actually, I am not takin Anders either."

"What?" Anders said in surprise, "You are leaving me here with him!?"

"I'm not leaving you anywhere. I need for you two to assist Warden Commander Gerod and Loghain."

"That damn traitor you spent a whole year swearing revenge but ended up making into a Grey Warden." Oghren responded, "And then the little pike-twirler threw a hissy fit."

"Who is the little pike-twirler?" Anders asked.

"Don't worry about it," I responded. "It is under Gerod's orders. He needed someone strong in a fight and a mage."

"A mage, huh." Oghren directed his attention to Anders, "How does it feel?"

Anders summoned up an energy ball, "To be in a role of importance, and to have all this power at my fingertips."

"No. To always have to wear a skirt?" Oghren began coughing in laughter, earning the attention of even Nathaniel and Velanna who were in their own conversation. Nathaniel was already used to Oghren's antics, but Velanna looked angry.

She always looked angry but…

"Oh, you don't know the story behind the robes?" Anders responded with a mischievous glint, rubbing his hands together, "You know how strict things are in the Circle, right? Of course you do. Well, the robes make quick trysts in the corner easy. No laces or buttons. You're done before the templars catch on."

Oghren stared up at Anders in slight awe, "Really?"

As Anders gave Oghren a wink, Teryn Loghain...well, not Teryn anymore, made his approach. "Are your men ready." Since he became a grey Warden, Loghain's attitude has greatly changed, and he directed his attention to Oghren and Anders, as Warden Commander Gerod made his approach, appearing impatient, "I look forward to working with you lot."

Oghren didn't appear convinced, "So what, now we're supposed to be best friends? Bosom buddies? Sit around the campfire and sing together?"

Loghain just blinked, "Somehow, I have no desire ever to hear you sing, Dwarf."

"Just don't start thinking that you belong here."

"Oh, I'm in no danger of that, I promise you."

I slowly backed away, letting them take care of their business, as I was to lead my party for our quest. I was surprised to see Sidona Andras speaking to Nathaniel, "We are getting ready to set off." I explained to her.

"Very well, let us go." The elf explained, gripping her staff and leading the way.

I narrowed my eyes at her. Nobody said anything about her coming along.

DAA

"Argh!" Oghren exclaimed as he kicked down the rocking horse I have gotten him as a sort of gag gift.

He was showing off to our younger, newer female dwarf Sigrun (Oghren is drunk), and discovered that Ser Pounce a Lot made himself a little too comfortable. We were in Oghren's room and Anders was holding the culprit in his hands when he returned.

Oghren glared up at Anders, as Sigrun silently watched on Oghren's bed next to me, "And people talk about me stinking up the joint!"

"What are you on about, now?" Anders asked, having apparently appeared when he heard Oghren's griping from down the hall.

"Cat piss! Little kitty there makes me want to vomit!"

Oghren and pets do not mix. He got along well enough with Barkspawn, but the pet nug I got Leliana he wanted to eat so badly. But it was obvious that Ser Pounce a Lot was his least favorite.

Anders gasped in offense, holding Ser Pounce a Lot tighter than usual, whispering and petting the feline, "Don't listen to him, Ser Pounce-a-lot! You smell just fine."

Ser Pounce a Lot gave a small meow and Sigrun gushed, "Aw, what is that?" She asked.

"That's a cat." I explained to the new ignorant dwarf. She reminded me a lot of myself over a year ago. Curious about the world on the surface.

Oghren groaned in annoyance at his game being ruined by Anders' sudden appearance. "Can I hold it?" She asked, and Anders obliged. Oghren let out a grumbling of unintelligible curses as Sigrun continued to ask all sorts of questions about cats.

DAA

It was dinner time, and my main party sat together for a meal and talked. I mostly conversated with Sigrun, she was ten years younger than me, so, luckily, she wasn't part of anything too unsavory, though her life was still hard in Dusttown.

She told me how I pretty much saved her from the Legion of the Dead. And how pleased she was when she learned that the Hero of Fereldan was just like her. A Duster that was told she would never amount to anything.

Nathaniel and Velanna had their own conversation, or rather fliration. And Oghren and Anders were discussing why they joined the Grey Wardens three months ago. "You thought it would make for great drinking stories?" Anders had asked.

"I can't believe you survived the Joining." Was Oghren's response.

"Was there anybody who…" Nathaniel began, his tone serious.

"There was one. A woman. She did not make it." I explained to the members that were not present for that tragedy.

Velanna remained silent, focused on eating her meal, as Sigrun whispered a quick apology. Anders took away the somber mood by asking Oghren, "You got drunk and made a bet, didn't you?"

"I bet you I could crush your tiny human skull." Oghren said defensively again.

"I bet I could drink you under the table."

"You're on!"

And that was how the great drink off happened that night. Wanting to make good on that wager, I asked the server to bring on the round. Nathaniel and Sigrun placed their bets on Oghren and Anders respectively, while Velanna was unamused and refused to take part.

Slowly, I saw an interested Eram making his way over as the pair were downing ales like it was nothing.

On the second tankard Oghren stared longingly at Anders, the ale dribbling down his long beard, "Wh-what?" He hiccuped.

Anders furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, "What, what?" he slurred, swaying back and forth and Sigrun warned him not to move too much.

"You were staring at me, you manskirt-wearing freak." Oghren suddenly said which made me laugh out loud at the absurdity of the situation. I was betting on Oghren, knowing the history of this man and his alcohol.

"Get the men another round!" Seneschal Varel commanded, having relaxed into the event.

Anders (definitely drunker than Oghren at this point) was giggling, "Oh, I thought you were being attacked by a wild animal. But it was only your beard."

Nathaniel laughed good naturedly, rubbing Oghren's shoulders in support, "You think you're so clever, don't you? Sparkle-fingers!" Oghren exclaimed as he downed his mug.

Anders was spilling on both sides as he took his large swig, but suddenly he recoiled, jumping to his feet. Suddenly, I saw Warden Commander Gerod Caron storm in with Sidona Andras in tow and they did not look happy. "What is all of the commotion?" He demanded to know, the thick orlesian accent almost unintelligible.

Suddenly, Anders vomited all over his shoes, earning a startled scream from Sidona. Sigrun began to bellow, and Oghren drooled into his cup in silent laughter. Nathaniel's jaw dropped in shock.

Seneschel Varel appeared mortified, and Eram pointed and laughed at his friend, "Oh Gerod, it is always you isn't it! Bwahaha!"

Gerod immediately directed his glare at me.

I was going to get it now.

DAA

Oghren was going to become a Family Man. He and Felsi were planning a wedding in preparation for the birth of their baby.

Anders phylactery was destroyed. He was a free man now. Knight Commander Gregoir was going to be furious, not that it mattered, Anders was a Grey Warden now. He wasn't going to ever come back to the Circle anyway.

And this Justice definitely was a good influence on Anders. Helping him articulate his feelings against the Circles and the torture and abuse the mages living in them had to endure. I noticed the change in the following month in Anders. He was more thoughtful, wiser, more intune with his struggles.

After another one of Gerod's complaints on Anders' cat, I helped my friend in asking Castiel if he would take Ser Pounce a Lot. That way Anders could still visit him if he wished.

None of which happened.

It is what they would have wanted. The families living in Amaranthine did not deserve to perish. The battle raged on for hours, a full day cycle before we driven the darkspawn out. It reminded me of Denerim.

Nathaniel, Velanna, and Sigrun were with me.

I feared what we would have found upon our return to Vigil's Keep, after the battle with the Broodmother.

Gerod informed me how Sidona and Eram (who I was beginning a sort of romance with) perished in the battle. Eram gave me his Grey Warden blood pendant in his final moments.

They told me Oghren was being treated, and I froze.

His limbs were torn off. Both arms. He laid like a lump on the cot. "Oghren…" I cried, collapsing onto his chest.

I was told by Gerod Oghren was not going to make it. But he lived long enough to tell me that he was trying to save Anders.

But it was too late. Anders were shot down by arrows. Justice was on the scene, and Oghren told Justice to get Anders out of danger before he really was done for. Nobody knows where either of them are.

"Oghren, you can't die!" I cried. "You're going to be a dad! That kid can't not have a father!" I sobbed.

The Oghren lying in that bed was not the Oghren I remember. He was already dead.

That night I had to write a letter to his fiance, write to her that the love of her life, the father of her child did not make it. I would expect a visit from her sometime this month, prepared for a punch.

I wrote to the king. A personal letter, how our beloved Oghren was now going to return to the Stone. I would see to that. I informed Felsi as well, so they know where to go. I wrote to Leliana, to Zevran wherever he was. To Wynne, believing she will take time to see her old friend off.

I thought of Morrigan, wondering where she was.

DAA

"Warden Commander Brosca!" Five months later, Gerod rushed into the Keep, letter in hand. "We need to prepare for the Joining!"

"What is it?" I asked, worried about the sudden emergency.

"It is the taint. Stroud, a friend of mine from Orlais is coming here with a young man who has the taint. We need to prepare for the joining immediately. The good news is that he is guaranteed to survive since the taint is already in his system, and it has not instantly killed him. But as soon as he arrives, which should be very soon, we need to commence with it immediately."

"Alright." I answered, "Do you know the name of the Warden."

"His name is Carver Hawke. That is all I know of him."

"Alright." As I was making my leave, Gerod suddenly grabbed my arm, surprising me, "What-"

"Anders...Stroud said that Anders is alive."

I could only stare back in shock.