Dragon Age: Origins (The City Elf Story)

by Slim Dim

Killean was born in the Alienage, it's all she has known and she longs for adventure, but seems destined to settle down with her betrothed. When the Arl's Son disrupts her wedding day she is thrown into an adventure that will change her, and all of Freldan forever. A reasonably faithful adaptation of the City Elf origin story. May be expanded into the full game at some pointd

1. ONE: Origin

"And so is the Golden City blackened

With each step you take in my Hall.

Marvel at perfection, for it is fleeting.

You have brought Sin to Heaven

And doom upon all the world."

~Canticle of Threnodies 8:13

ONE: Origin

The fire cast harsh shadows across the deep roads as he walked toward the great door, it had all come to pass, the Blight had been stopped and peace restored to Fereldan, the Grey Wardens had returned and remained vigilant. He could have wept at the cost of it all, but there had been no other way. The time for grief was past and he would see her again soon, Dwarves pull the huge, heavy doors open revealing The Horde, thousands upon thousands of them, waiting to take him and drag him down to the depths. He had lived a long, if not entirely happy, life; much longer than he was entitled, and it would give him no end of pleasure to take as many of them as he could with him.

Drawing his sword for a final time the King of Fereldan stepped across the threshold, paused for a moment to gather himself and rushed forward…

But that is just where our story ends. To see where it beings we have to go back, back to the origin, where it all began. Denerim.

The city of Denerim, capital of Fereldan tumbles hickeldy-pickeldy down the mountainside from the Keep of Fort Dracon down to the harbour that borders the Amorathean Ocean. Within this tumble lies the Elven Alienage, the district that houses the once powerful and magical Elves, who now live among humans as, at best, second class citizens.

Within the Alienage one of the Elves, a young girl Killaen crouches in the bushes, she pushes back her blood red hair, revealing bright green eyes in a classically beautiful, high cheek boned face, her right cheek sporting the already fading tattoo based on those the free Elves wore, her full lips part as she sights her quarry, Shianni's waist length bright red hair was pulled back in a lose braid and her gown was spotless as usual.

Killaen raised the home made bow and, knocking an arrow, drew the homespun string back to her cheek. Sighting down the arrow she jumped from the bushes into Shianni's path.

"Stop nave!" Killaen cried. "Lest you face your doom!"

Shainni paused for a moment, narrowed her eyes at her attacker, and then quite unexpectedly, hurled a glob of mud at the shorter child.

By the time Killaen's farther came running over to separate the children they were both covered in mud wrestling in the street.

Ten years later…

The weary traveller clambered up through the trees, toward the top of the bluff. He fervently hoped that the reports were wrong, that they hadn't returned, that he wasn't too late. He was still fretting when he emerged from the tree line to the top of the bluff. That was when he caught sight of the out runners, all dead. Beneath his shaggy, raven dark beard his moth opened in a ring of surprise. He stepped forward not wanting to see but having to. He reached out for the dead soldier turned him over; the sword still sticking from the knight's side confirmed his fears.

The low thrumming, almost only perceptible as a rumble in the ground made the traveller looked up, as the glow breached the horizon, it was as though the whole forest, the whole of The Wilds was a flame.

The two creatures, Darkspawn, thought to approach the travel weary man from behind and attack before he had a chance to react, they didn't bank on his sensing their presence, for his blood flowed with the same taint that theirs did, he had felt them from the moment they'd left the treeline.

Pulling the gnarled sword from the dead knight the traveller sidestepped the mace blow that would have crushed his skull and drove the blade into the evil creature's side, twisting he pulled the blade free in a wash of blood and swiped at the second Darkspawn opening its throat, killing it outright.

The first creature was still alive when the traveller kicked it from the edge of the bluff raising his eyes back to the horizon as the flame red glow advanced northward toward Ostagar and the pass.

In the dream Killean was at the head of a huge army, of men, and Evles, and Dwarves; beside her a man garbed in gold armour screamed out his battle roar as they charged to meet there enemy, the dream didn't permit her to see what her foe looked like, it was just a darkness and a burning city, somewhere she vaguely recognised, and then a voice, someone talking to her.

"Wake up cousin." Shianni snapped shaking the shorter Elf roughly.

Killian blinked her eyes open and pushed herself up onto her elbows. "What? But I was having such an interesting dream." She protested.

"No time for dreams." Shianni snapped pulling her up. "Do you forget what day it is today?"

"Midsummers day?" Killaen asked glibly.

Shianni just rolled her eyes. "It's your wedding day dear! And what a lovely party it will be."

Killean remembered the last party Shianni had gone to, and more importantly that it had been Killean that had carried her home afterward, when she was so drunk she could hardly stand, let alone walk back to their house. She had changed from the prim girl Killean had known in her youth to somewhat of a rabble rouser.

Ignoring Shianni's fussing Killean clambered out of bed and began to pull on her tunic. A cough brought her attention back to her cousin who was holding out a dress, the dress, her wedding dress. Killean had to admit it was beautiful, it had been passed down in her family for generations. Even her mother had worn it on her wedding day, or so she had been told. But even so, it just wasn't her, and she didn't want to marry anyway. Not yet, and defiantly not to a total stranger.

Shianni gave the corset a final tug, pulling it tight enough to preclude breath, Killean still managed to curse at her cousin.

"Ahh the sweet voice of my daughter." Cyrion stepped around the wooden partition, beaming as he caught sight of Killean in the dress. "You look radiant my deer."

Killean elbowed Shianni away before she could try and pull the damn corset any tighter and bounded forward to embrace her father.

"Are you ready for your big day?" Cyrion asked his daughter still beaming.

"I still don't see why I have to marry." The young Elf complained. Yes she knew arranged marriages were common place among the Elves, but still if she married she wanted it to be for love.

"It is tradition. And because I say so." He hugged her before she could complain more. "Wait here a moment, I have a gift for you."

He stepped over to a small chest, Killean recognised it as her mother's, and withdrew a small knife, the crescent blade was Elven made from red steel, and set into a beautifully carved ivory handle.

"It was your mothers." Cyrion said by way of explanation as he handed the exquisite blade to Killean. "She wanted you to have it."

Killean did not know what to say, she held the blade up so it caught the light. There was small rune carved into the base of the blade, Killean didn't recognise it, but felt the small hairs on her arms rise as she held it, after a moment she sheathed the beautiful weapon and slipped it into one of the pockets that had been sewn into her dress.

"Now go and meet your suitor." Cyrion said smiling again. "And best not tell him about your weapon training, at least not right away." With a final wave he let his daughter and nice go.

The main square of the Alienage was laid out around a huge knarled old tree, leaving Shianni to get ready, or more likely get drunk, again, Killean strode purposefully across the muddy square, that was already fill with Elves who would watch the ceremony.

"Killean!" The voice caught the read headed Elf's attention, and Killean walked over to the cart were a young family were preparing to leave.

"Nessa!" Killean greeted the youngest of the Elves. "You're leaving?"

"The human who owns our house evicted us." Nessa's father explained. "We're moving South to Highever, we'll be able to get work in the army camps there."

"Do you have to go?" Killean asked, shocked that her old friend would be leaving, wouldn't be there for her wedding. "I'm sure the others would be able to put you up if asked."

"I don't need your charity." Nessa's father stated closing the matter.

After saying a fond farewell to Nessa, Killean carried on across the Alienage, spotting Soris strode over to him.

"Care to celebrate the end of our independence then?" Soris asked jokingly, it was then Killean remembered that Sorris was to be wed today as well.

"It can't be that bad?" She asked searching his face for reassurance.

"Well for you maybe not." Sorris said. "You're groom is a dream come true. Whereas my bride is a dying moose by all accounts." He emphasised by blowing out his cheeks and waving his arms.

Killean controlled her laughter enough to reply. "I'm sure she's very nice."

"Grate." Sorris rolled his eyes. "So I spend the next fifty odd years with a "nice" girl who hides grain away for the winter!"

Unable to control her mirth any longer Killean burst out laughing.

Sorris glared at her until she quieted before offering to introduce her to her perspective mate, his words.

Lord Vaughn was son to the Arl How, Arl of Denerim, a tall leonine man with a mane of blond locks and strong jaw that was almost always set at a petulant angle. He had heard about the festivities in the Alienage and decided to partake of the local hospitality. He had seen her as soon as he had entered the squalid district, petite, but lean and strong looking with a defiant glint in her emerald green eyes. He wanted her, if he close his eyes he could almost see it now, the moment she realised she was bested, that she would be his to do with whatever he pleased, his little read-head.

Vaughn stepped up behind one of the girls and grabbed her roughly by the arms, she protested and he pushed her roughly away, it wasn't her he wanted anyway.

"It's a party isn't it?" He asked mockingly, he did enjoy making an entrance. "Grab a whore and have a good time." He turned to his men, an animal glint in his eye. "Savour the hunt boys, take this little Elf here." He gestured to one of the younger Elves his eyes never leaving his little read-head. "So young, so vulnerable."

During the Human's little speech Killean's hand had slipped into her pocket, she didn't even realise what she was doing until the tingling jumped up her arm as her fingers closed around the ivory handle of the knife.

"Touch her and I'll gut you like a pig." Shianni snapped at the Human Lord.

One of the other elves stepped forward to try and diffuse the situation but was silenced by a blow from the human. Inching the knife from its sheath Killean shifted her weight.

"I know what you're thinking." Sorris hissed placing a hand on her elbow to restrain the young Elf. "But maybe we shouldn't get involved."

"But Shianni will get herself killed!" Killean hissed back.

Sorris sighed resigned to his fate. "Fine, but let's at least try to be diplomatic."

Lord Vaughn enjoyed the display of power, the rush he got as the Elves backed away, the male he had just struck down trying to pick himself up covered in mud and grime. But not all. Two elves held fast, and one of them was his little read-head. How fortunate.

"What's this?" He asked stepping over the fallen Elf toward the pair. "Another lovely one come to keep me company."

"Dream on Shem*!" The feisty Elf retorted.

Vaughn just laughed in its face. "Do you have any idea who I am?" He asked, knowing that it probably didn't but wanting to savour this moment, the moment when it knew it had no choice; that the hunt was over and he had won, she was his. He was going to enjoy this so very…

Shianni slammed the earthenware bottle into the back of the Human's head with all the strength she could muster. He dropped like a stone to the dusty walk. Shianni stood over him in defiant victory.

But it couldn't last.

"Do you know who this is?" Snapped one of the other humans. "Vaughn Urien, the Arle of Denerim's son!"

The full impact of what she had just done, and to whom it had been done hit Shianni with an almost physical force.

"What? Oh Maker…" She breathed almost too quietly to be heard.

Killean jumped to her cousin's defence raiser sharp tong at the ready, but before she could get more than a half a word out Sorris had elbowed her had enough to drive the breath from her and stop what would have probably finished in bloodshed.

"Look. Things got out of hand…" He began.

"Just take him home." Sorris glared at Killean, willing her to shut up, while simultaneously admiring her resistance, to have recovered from his jab so quickly. "We won't say anything if you don't." Her eyes held a challenge and the knowledge that this Vaughn would not want news that he had been knocked out by an Elf woman to get out.

"You've a lot of nerve Knife-Ears." One of Vaughn's retainers retorted one hand resting on the pommel of his sword. As his companions hauled the still unconscious Lord to his feet and one under each arm dragged his inert bulk from the Alienage.

Killen watched them go one hand still on the knife and it wasn't until the last one was through the gate that she released her grip and rubbing the goose bumps from her arm followed Soris over to where Shianni was perched on the edge of the ceremonial platform head in her hands.

"Oh Maker, I've really messed up this time." She said without looking up.

Soris pushed himself up to perch next to her and draped a comforting arm across her shoulders.

"It'll be alright." He comforted. "He won't tell anyone that an Elven woman took him down."

Killian scoffed at the idea of all of Denerim finding out about it, it would be fun, well right up until the point they got a mob together and sacked the Alienage. As Soris moved toward the centre of the gathering Killean's attention was caught by another figure entering through the heavy doors that barred the entrance to the Alienage, not well enough today she thought, bitterly. The man, a human, was tall and tiered looking, with a mop of unruly, raven black hair and a full beard that obscured his expression. He was garbed in a heavy studded leather tunic and boots with armour plates at his shoulders, knees and elbows, belts crossed his large barrel chest. But it was none of this that held her attention it was the pair of swords slung across his back, one a steel Long-sword and the other a shorter sickle shaped elven blade.

Killean was broken from her musings as Soris jabbed her, again.

"Do that again and I'll cut…"

"Killean, this is Velora." Soris said interrupting Killan before she could elaborate, and gesturing toward a tall fairly large brunet with an enormous bosom, contained within a corn yellow, satin, dress that made Killean's look like dishrags. "My, umm, betrothed." He said the final word like it was from an unfamiliar language.

Killean's gaze drifted from the richly appointed woman to the man who stood at her side, he was tall, again, Maker they breed them big in Highever, with blond hair pulled into a short tail, at the back; he had a strong jaw and an honest looking face. Soris was right he wasn't hard to look at dressed in simple yet elegant clothing he seemed the antithesis of Velora. Preahps she could make this work, she suddenly realised she had been staring, in complete silence, and all of a sudden felt the need to say something, anything.

"And this must be my betrothed." She finally said.

"I'm a lucky man to be so warmly welcomed." He replied with only a hint of sarcasm reaching into his voice. Perhaps, Killean thought, he would be alright after all, a wit like that could take him far.

With a few words of farewell and a sly wink, Soris lead his buxom bride away to get ready, leaving Killean and… she couldn't for the life of her remember his name, had she even been told his name?

He broke first saying. "Well, here we are…" He glanced around obviously fairly nervous. "so are nervous."

Killean arched an eyebrow; the jabbering wreck he was becoming undid all the good work his looks and the sarcasm had achieved. Before she could reply he carried on.

"I thought I'd stay calm, but seeing you here, Maker you're beautiful, makes me just, well, not calm."

Interrupting the diatribe before he actually vomited all over her dress killan asked him about the trip up from Highever.

He was half way through explaining that the carrage they had gained passage on was beneath the notice of highwaymen when Soris sidled over his bride following him with somewhat of a bounce in her step.

"Come on cousin." He muttered. "We should leave these two to get ready."

Killean was glad enough for an excuse to get out of there, her gaze kept traveling back to the strange traveller, so she let Soris lead her off.

With, "We'll see you two in a bit, don't disappear on us." From Velora the two cousins made their escape.

Duncan watched as the pair of Elves, a crimson haired woman with a slightly younger man, he would guess they were related by the similarity in their appearances, broke away from their companions, that was when the male Elf noticed him for the first time, the other, he knew, had been watching him keenly from his moment of entrance. She looked as though she might have potential, and if she were Kean's daughter as he suspected then she would be the one he had been looking for.

"Don't look now but we have trouble." Soris muttered noticing the human traveller for the first time.

Killean rolled her eyes but said nothing; Soris was never the most observant Elf around.

"We should move him along before someone dose something stupid." He continued, he may not have been observant but he had foresight, especially after Vaughn's visit some of the Elves might not react well to another human, especially one so openly armed. The pair headed for the newcomer with purposeful strides.

As the pair of Elves approached the stranger crossed his arms over his chest bowing from the waist in a classical Elven gesture.

"Good day," He greeted them openly. "I understand congratulations are in order for your impending wedding, or weddings." His smile was open and friendly, Killean instantly distrusted him.

Soris opened his mouth to say something typically polite and not to the point, but Killean beat him to it, as was normal. "You should probably leave now, before things become unpleasant." She was still riled up from Vaughn and let the implication hang.

"What kind of unpleasantness would you be referring to?" The stranger asked in an irritatingly banal voice, with the hint of a Rhodesian accent.

"Look the Alienage just isn't a safe place to be right now." Killean retorted dodging another elbow from Soris.

"I am sorry." The stranger replied calmly, Killean could imagine she would get no more reaction from him if she were to put an arrow through his gut. "But I have no intention of leaving."

Killean took a calming breath lest she just stab the man, if for no other reason than to get a reaction before speaking again. "Look. I will ask you once more politely. Please leave." The last was delivered from between clenched teeth.

The infuriating human looked past Killean and Soris addressing someone behind them.

"She keeps her composure even when facing down an unknown and armed human. A true gift wouldn't you say, Valendrian?"

Killean, shocked, looked around to see Valendrian, one of the Alienage elders approaching the stranger with an easy smile touching his lips. The elder knew this man, this infuriating human was addressing him as an old friend.

"I would say." The elder Elf took the offered hand of the stranger. "The world has far more use for those who know when to stay their blade."

This maid Killean realise that not once during the confrontation had she reached for the concealed knife, and its strangely comforting affects.

Valendrian was still addressing the stranger. "It is good to see you again old friend it has been far too long."

They were friend's? Killean just stared openly at the display of friendship between the elder and this human.

Finally she flustered: "I'm sorry, I had no idea…" She trailed off as the pair began to smile at her.

"Oh? Changing your tune so quickly?" The human gently mocked her, laughing.

"May I present Duncan." Valendrain said. "The head of the Grey Wardens in Fereldan."

Soris was still staring mouth partially open completely agog at all of this. Killean had of course heard of the Wardens, the grate protectors of all Thedas, those who would stand against the darkness, those who above all else, human at least, deserved her respect.

"Well met Duncan." She said simply folding her arms over her chest and bowing, hoping the move would not cause her to fall out of the damn corset.

"But my question still remains unanswered Duncan." Valendrain pressed. "Why are you here?"

The Warden became immediately grave, all the mirth running from his face like water as he spoke. "The worst has happened: a Blight has begun. King Cailan summons the Wardens to fight the Darkspawn Horde alongside his army at Ostagar."

The pair continued speaking but Killean didn't hear them her mid was reeling at the implications of this, the Kingdom was going to war, against this ancient devastating evil, something she had only heard in tails and legends, she unconsciously wet her lips in anticipation at the mere thought of something like that. The adventure, would be wondrous.

Killean's revere was broken as Valendrain asked them, for Makers sake, to take their places, which they did leaving Duncan, the Warden, to watch.

The Denerim Elves gatherd under their grate tree around the ceremonial stage to witness the double wedding about to take place, many said it was about time Cyrion's daughter was married, that a man would keep her out of trouble. The same trouble that had gotten her pore mother killed. Others wondered if the man stood beside her would be enough to tame the young rebel roser. While others, mostly the younger ones, took wagers as to how long it would last, and weather the poor man would survive.

On the stage Killean stood beside her betrothed, the man soon to be her husband, the man who she still could not, for the life of her, remember the name of.

"Oh Sorial." Velora bubbled, Killean sighed at least she had the common decency to admit she couldn't remember her groom's name. "There you are, we thought you'd run off."

"No, I'm here." Soris reassured her. "With Nelaros's blushing bride in tow."

Nelaros, that was it! At least she knew the name of the man who she would have to spend the rest of her lift with.

"You look… radiant." Nelaros whispered to Killean, she blushed, she had never had a man complement her, not while sober at any rate. Maybe this could work out, she looked at him again, trying to get past her churlish first impressions, maybe, given time she could grow to like him, perhaps even love him, she owed it to him to try at least.

"Why thank you my betrothed." She replied rather formally. "You look hansom."

There was just time for final words of encouragement from Soris and the ceremony began, as Valendral stepped up onto the stage and began.

"Friends, Family.

Today we celebrate not only the joining,

But also our bonds of kin and kind.

We are a free people, but t'was not always so

Andraste the Makers Prophet,

Freed us from the bonds of slavery.

As our community grows remember,

Our strength lies in commitment

To tradition and to each other."

As the Elder finished the Chantry's Revered Mother stepped up onto the stage to perform the final wedding rites.

"In the name of the maker who brought us this world,

And in whose name we say the chant of light…"

She was cut off by a commotion from the gate, damn thing might as well be left open for all the good it's doing today, Killean thought.

Vaughn, his retainers at his side strode toward the Alienage, the guard that flanked him was pestering him, trying to convince him it wasn't worth it, that he should just turn around and go home. But was having none of it, he would take her, he would take all of them for what they had done to him, they deserved nothing less, the vermin.

As the Arl's son barged past the Elven children who were playing by the gate he heard a familiar voice.

"Milord." The robed figure on the stage, the Revered Mother, turned to face his party as they began to barge their way through the assembled elves. "This is… an unexpected surprise."

Even handed as ever, Vaughn thought, if only the laws would permit him to have her, just for a night, or even an hour, he would make her, and her gods bend to his will.

"Sorry to interrupt, Mother." His voice dripped with scorn as he used her title as more of an insult. "I'm having a party, and we're desperately short of female guests."

Killean's eyes tracked the petulant human as he strode up onto the stage and surveyed the bridesmaids and hand maidens, like cattle at market.

"Milord." The Chantry Mother seemed to be becoming rather riled up by this, Cillean thought well of her to stand up to Vaughn for them, the Chantry, at least in Denerim, treated the Elves with at least a measure of respect. "This is a wedding!"

Vaughn scoffed, Killean's hand reach into her pocket for the knife. "If you want to dress up your pets and have tea parties, that's your business. But don't pretend this is a proper wedding."

As Vaughn addressed his men he scanned the crowd, there were two he wanted, the one that had attacked him, he had something spatial in mind for her, and his little read-head.

"Where's the bitch that bottled me?" He snapped, immediately one of his retainers pushed her forward, with a cry of exaltation. "We'll take her, those two, that one in the tight dress, and…" He scanned the crowd looking for his fiery little Elf, finally spotting her behind a well-dressed male. "…the pretty bride."

Nelaros stepped protectively in front of Killean. "Don't worry." He assured her. "I won't let them take you."

"I won't let them take Shianni!" Killean snapped back inching her knife from its sheath.

"Ahh yes, such a well formed little thing." Vaughn said, stepping in close enough to ogle down her top, as two of his men grabbed her from behind, likely she had the presence of mind to drop the dagger back into her pocket as her arms were pulled roughly up behind her.

Duncan watched from the shadows as the spoilt young lord and his men began to gather up the Elven women, his hand strayed to the hilt of his hunting knife, a short leaf shaped blade as Killean pulled against her attackers in defence of her friends, and the man she hardly knew. She was a feisty one, spirited, but more than that he knew that given half the chance she'd fight them all, for no other reason than to protect the man she had met less than an hour ago. It may have been an odd sense of riotousness but it was one all the same. He winced as the nobleman, to whom the title was far from befitting, lost patience and struck Killean across the face hard enough to knock her senseless. He stepped back into the shadows as the Elven women were dragged, or carried from the Alienage.

Soris pulled himself to his feet and wiped blood away from his mouth, that damn Shem had given him a split lip, and a bloody nose.

"Are you alright child?" The Revered Mother was at his side helping him up and brushing the dust from his trousers.

Soris brushed the Chantry Mother off and walked toward the crowd that was forming around Valendral and the Warden, some were calling for blood, vengeance. While others said that any action they took would be met with reprisals, making things worse for the rest of the Alienage. Still others, though they were fewer in number called for calm. Soris frustrated that both of his cousins, and his bride had been taken by that human bastard, approached the crowd.

"Please all of you listen!" Valendral's voice raised above that of the gathering crowd; trying to calm them. "I know you are upset, and with good reason. But there is nothing we can do right now."

"He's right." One of the older women, one of the few who had been calling for calm, agreed. "Running after them will just make matters worse."

"So we what? Nothing?" Soris called pushing his way through the crowd. "They took my cousins."

"Do we even know where they were taken?" Another Elf butted in.

"They would be taken to the Arle's palace I expect." Valendral said trying to keep the peace. "Normally I would counsel patience." This raised a chorus of boos from half the crowd. "But if the stories I have heard about the Arel's son's appetites are, most disturbing." This raised another chorus of shocked murmurs, from the other half of the crowd.

Soris was beside himself by this point. He had to do something. "Perhaps we could go to the garrison."

"And what help would they offer us!" Came the reply from several quarters.

"How would we even get in there?" Soris looked over to see Nelaros, chiming in for the first time, Soris was surprised that he, this relative newcomer, would step up to help them, to help Killean. "Even with the Arle and his knights gone it'll be guarded."

A dark skinned elf with enormous ears that Soris had a vague recollection of picking on from time to time spoke up. "Elder, may I offer a suggestion." As the nod from Valendral he continued. "I work in the palace, in the kitchens to be exact, and well, you see-"

"Spit it out man!" Soris snapped infuriated with the other's blundering, both Valenral and the Warden shot him looks that quite obviously said remain silent, before nodding for the other Elf to continue.

"I could sneak one, perhaps two in through the servant's entrance, no-one well notice an extra pair of elves around the place."

Before anyone else could react to the news Nelaros stepped forward. "I will go."

Soris was only half a step hind him. "I'll come of course, but you should know if we get into trouble we won't be able to talk or way out of it."

"No." Everyone turned to Duncan who stepped forward , towering over the crowd for the first time. "For that you will need weapons." As he spoke he began unbuckling his sword belt. "I would offer my long sword, and bow to aid you. A man should be able to defend his loved ones properly." Soris took the offered sword, it seemed well made if rather heavy, it took both his hands to hold it up, while Nelaros took the offered crossbow, it was of compact design with heavily recurved limbs and a quiver of grey flighted arrows.

"Then your path is set." Valendros said gravely, as the rest of the crowd began to disperse. "May the Maker look on it with favour." It was obvious from his voice that he didn't approve of this course of action. But despite his own reservations would allow them to go anyway. Soris wondered, in a moment of unusual clarity, if perhaps the presence of the Warden had coloured his reactions.

Soris and Nelaros followed the dark skinned elf from the alienage their weapons concealed beneath their clothing.

Killean didn't dream this time, she just seemed to float for a time, and then she was on a cold stone floor, in a dingy room, the cold and the damp were the first things she noticed, then the muttering, someone was chanting over and over, she couldn't quite make out the words though.

"Stop it!" Now that voice she recognised, Shianni. "You're driving me insane."

Killean finaly opened her eyes and tried to sit up, the room spun, and she rolled over vomiting.

"Thank the Maker, your finally awake." Shianni exclaimed helping Killean to sit upright long enough for the room to stop spinning and for her to get her bearings. "We were so worried."

"I'm ok." Killean replied groggily, then looked around. "Where are we?"

"We're in the palace of course." Shianni helped Killean to her feet and stayed at her elbow as she took a couple of shaky steps. "I doubt we're getting the grand tour though."

Killean pushed her cousin away and found she could stand without help.

"We were thrown in here to wait until that, bastard is ready for us." Velora explained.

"We need to come up with a plan." Killean said looking at the other women.

"Well I for one don't want to get killed." Snapped one of the women, Killean didn't know her and right now didn't want to. "We have no weapons, and that door is locked solid!"

Killean, irritated by the woman's defeatist attitude, waved her into silence. She was however right, they were unarmed and locked in. She tried to think of a way out, walking toward the door she shoved her hands into her pockets, and almost immediately felt the tingeing up her arm as her fingers brushed the hilt of her knife. The stupid Shem hadn't thought to check them for weapons, she was armed. One knife however did not a plan make.

Her plotting was broken as the heavy studded door was pushed open and a group of guardsmen entered, all armed and armoured.

"NO!" One of the girls screamed, Killean recognised her as Alyssa, her bridesmaid. "STAY AWAY FROM US!" She rushed for the guard captain, who contemptuously drew his sword and slashed it in a horizontal arc across Alyssa's throat.

Shianni was livid, screaming at the guards while Killean, who had been further forward, watched in shock at the matter of fact way the guard had killed her friend, she couldn't move, couldn't breathe, she didn't even notice that her dress had been covered in blood, her friends blood. He fingers clenched tighter round the handle of her knife, and she looked up at the guard who was still speaking, still breathing.

"That's what happens when you try teaching whores some respect."

The captain continued giving orders for the each of the men to take a girl, until there were only two left.

He finished with: "You two bind the last one, she's a scrapper."

The guards smiled at Killean and calmly walked up to her despite their captain's warning.

"Don't worry, we'll be perfect gentlemen." The first one said, he sported a beard, although not as full as Duncan's it gave him a menacing, almost evil countenance.

"Now you heard the captain." The second one, the younger of the two added. "Be a good little wench or you'll end up like your friend there."

Killean just watched them approach her, as though observing from a distant hilltop, her hand still on the dagger, her mind reeling from what she had seen, it was the first time she'd seen death, proper death, up close and personal like that, it was horrific, evil! But her tong it seemed needed little input from her brain as she head herself saying, as though from a very long way away.

"Try it, and see what parts you lose first."

The guards just chuckled at that and advanced on the young Elf. Killean didn't know if she could do it, stop them, didn't even know if, if it came down to it, that she would be able to kill them, but she knew that was what would happen next, they would die, or she would, there was no other way, no middle ground here, not any more. Alyssa's body still draining it's life blood on the floor had seen to that.

The knock on the cell door made them all look around in shock.

Soris followed the dark skinned Elf through the palace grounds without incident, there had been a couple of close calls, especially when that Mabari had almost found them hiding in the bushes. It was only Nelaros quick thinking , throwing some scraps of meat from his pouch away from them, which the dog headed for with a fever that shocked Soris, he had heard about Mabari hounds and their appetites but had never seen one up so close, and never wanted to again, come to that.

Moving carefully dodging the guard patrols they finally reached the side entrance that lead from the kitchen into the palace' small herb garden.

"Now there should be only one guard in side and he's normally so drunk he won't notice us." The Elf servant assured them.

He had been right and the guard, a man so fat he could hardly still fit his armour snored loudly leaning back in his chair. That was where the servant had left them to find their own way, and the pair had stopped for a moment in the lea of a small cupboard to plan. It had been decided that Nelaros would guard the hallway while Soris the smaller and quicker of the two would try and find the girls, in the hope that they were still locked up somewhere near the kitchens, neither said it but if they had already been taken both men would feel compelled to fight their way through the castle until they reached Vaughn's chambers or were killed.

Soris had his sword out as he slipped through the shadows of the castle kitchen toward an open door from which he could hear voices.

"Try it and see which pieces you lose first." That was Killean's voice; he risked a glance around the door to see two armed guards bearing down on the small Elf woman who stood watching them expression distracted, almost disinterested. There was something very wrong with Killean he surmised and sprang into action, such as it was, himself.

Rapping politely on the open cell door he stepped over the threshold, holding the sword in the basic guard position Killean had taught him. "Um… Hello?"

The guards just looked at him in complete shock for a moment, then one, the bearded one, burst out laughing.

"Oh look at this." He mocked, as Soris stance faltered. "A little Elfling with a stolen sword."

Soris took a step back as the guards advanced on him, he had no expectations as to his fighting skill, they would disarm him, and probably kill him within seconds should he chose to fight them.

Killean watched the guards turn and mock Soris, her cousin, her friend. Not everything in her world lay bloodied and broken in that cell. She blinked trying to shake off the disjointed feeling, if she didn't do something, right now Soris would join Alyssa on the floor of that cell, and she didn't think she could survive that.

Soris did the only sensible thing he could see, and threw the sword underhand between the two guards. They watched it tumble end over end missing them both by miles, both men wondering what the Elifling was playing at.

Killean lunged forward with a speed and dexterity she didn't know she possessed and snatched the tumbling sword from the air before it could hit the floor.

The guards followed the sword as it fell, as it was caught, their eyes moved up from the sword, past the lean arm that held it, to the face of the young Elf maiden, she cocked her head as a small smile played on her lips.

"Oh sod." The younger man breathed at the sight of this angel of death that was about to descend on them.

"It's only one small woman!" Snapped the older guard; his features twisting into a sneer as he advanced. His face registered momentary shock before it lost contact with the rest of his body.

The borrowed long-sword was heavier that Killean was used to and she almost overbalanced as she swung the razor sharp blade in a vicious arc that took the first guard's head from his shoulders. The other guard was given momentary pause but had his sword out quickly enough and before Killean could recover he lunged. The slight Elf barely managed to dodge the lunge, dropping the borrowed sword in the process.

The guard saw his chance and pressed the advantage driving Killean back toward the cell wall and a quick death, he, however, didn't bank on Soris intervention, as the young man leaped on his back and pulled the visor of his helmet sharply down onto the bridge of his nose.

This brief pause gave Killean the chance she needed to pull the knife, as she did so the now familiar tingling spread up her arm, raising gooseflesh in its wake, but at the same time her mind seemed to sharpen, the world seemed to come into greater focus around her as she held the unsheathed blade. The guard shook Soris off and, pulling his helmet off, came at her again with a downward blow intended to save in her skull. When the blow landed the young Elf just wasn't there, with almost lighting fast speed Killean sidestepped the blow and drove her mother's dagger into the guard's unprotected side. As the blade connected there was a thunderclap and a blinding flash of light, followed shortly by the scent of ozone and burnt flesh. The guard convulsed once and collapsed, wisps of smoke rising from beneath his armour.

"What was that?" Soris exclaimed.

"I have no idea." Killean admitted to her cousin. "We should get out of here."

They were turning to leave when Soris saw the dead body of Alyssa. Tears sprung unbidden to his cheeks as he rushed to her side.

"I… I can't." He started, chocked, and tried again. "I can't believe they killed her!" He turned up to Killean tears shining on his face. "Are you ok? They didn't hurt you did they?"

She just shook her head, they hadn't touched her, but what they had done had been worse in a way, there was something inside her that was broken, that they had broken, and she feared it would never be right again. Looking at him she envied Soris his tears, his grief.

"We should get going." She finally said.

Soris got up scrubbed the tears from his face with the rough sleeve of hit tunic, and turned to face his cousin. "Yes, Duncan, the Warden, gave us his sword and bow but that and your knife isn't much against the palace guards." Killean shot him a quizzical look. "Neleros and I, we came for you and the other girls."

Her eyebrows shot up at this, she wouldn't have thought Nelaros capable of something like this, something so… heroic. "Nelaros, he's here?"

"Yes, he wailed on those who wanted to wait and see. He's guarding the hallway, we should get going."

Soris lead his cousin quietly from the cell.

Out in the kitchen the pair of Elves crept through the shadows trying to stay silent, so as not to disturb the cook who was salving away over a cauldron of some sort of fowl smelling broth. This went fine right up until the point the handle of Soris' sword clipped a small earthenware jar sending it tumbling to the floor with a monumental clatter.

"What's this?" The chef snapped turning to face them. "Stop skulking and come out into the light where I can see you."

Urging Soris to go first, with her close behind Killean stepped from the shadow of a low worktop into the light thrown from the room's large open fire.

The cook eyed them for a moment trying to work out if he knew them, if they were supposed to be working for him, then he caught a glimpse of the blood still dripping from the front of Killean's dress.

"That's blood!" He exclaimed. "You're bandits! Rebels! Outlaws! The guards will make quick work of you-" He was cut off as a slim, dark hared Elf crept up behind him and slammed a medium sized cooking pot into the back of his head.

"You have no idea how long that Shem's had it coming." Their saviour grumbled as the cook crumpled to the grubby kitchen floor.

"Did you see the guards take a group of Elven maidens?" Soris asked quickly catching the man who was obviously about to make a brake for it.

"Yes." He said looking down as though ashamed. "Dragged them to lord Vaughn's quarters they did. You should hurry If you want to help them." He nodded to the pair of Elves and bolted for the door. "Now I must get out of here before the storm hits."

With that he was gone leaving the cousins alone in the kitchen, a quick rekey of the place turned up a pair of breaches and a loose fitting shirt which Killean quickly changed into discarding her torn blood soaked dress. The trousers fit just about but the shirt was huge dropping down to her knees, until she tied it in place with a length of rope through which she secured the dagger.

When she was done the pair pushed the door to the dining room, which Soris assured her had been empty when he and Nelaros had arrived. That was where their luck, such as it was ran out.

Garret leaned back in his chair listing to the bickering of the other guards as they sat down to their food. A moment of quiet contemplation and he leaned forward inhaling the scent of his own dinner. His eyebrows shot up; for once it was actually appetising. The Chef must have been having an off day; he usually only served the guards a selection of broths or stews that had been left for so long as to have all trace of flavour boiled out of them. The other two guards were loudly debating the concept and potential benefits of Dwarven hookers. He picked up his fork and poked it into the stew; low and behold there was meat, actual dead animal, in his food. Popping the hunk of unusually succulent meat into his moth he chewed slowly savouring the salty sweet flavour for a moment, heck this was really good food. Had someone replaced the chef?

Garret closed his eyes enjoying the flavour and letting the debate of his colleges flow over him. During a fortuitous lull in the conversation he heard the door creak open. He glanced over to the kitchen door rocking his chair back on to all four legs. A pair of Elves stepped through, he was about to throw some barb at them about servants staying out of the guardhouse, when he saw the sword the male one was carrying.

"Where did you get a weapon, Elf?" Garret asked, his had straying to where his short-sword was belted at his waist.

The male Elf faltered, as the other two guards advanced on them.

"You'd better talk quick, scum!" snapped one of the other guards, sporting a huge ginger handlebar moustache, while the third guard reached for his bow.

"You see we found it." Soris stammered. "And we, er, were trying to, er, bring it back to the armoury."

Killean shifted her weight, centring herself. Her hand moving slowly to the dagger on her belt, things were going to go bad, quickly. The ginger guard already had his weapon unsheathed, and the one behind him was nocking an arrow to his bow.

"Look boys." Killean said stepping past Soris subtly putting herself between him and the armed guards. "We don't want any trouble, so why don't you just go back to your game and let us be."

The ginger one sneered. "We're going to gut you maggots slowly." Pulling his sword and stepping toward the pair of Elves.

Garret did not like the way this was going, sure he had no problem with dispatching the intruders, they were just Elves, but he'd still rather enjoy his stew. There was still a decent chance the Elves could just be disarmed and thrown out. There was the crack of a bow, flowed by the whistling of an arrow.

Maker be damned, he cursed, he just wanted a quiet meal, a quiet life. Rising from the chair he drew his short-sword and stepped toward the male Elf who had his own larger sword raised in a basic guard.

Killean, her hand on the dagger, saw the arrow coming and twisted out of its path just in time, her head whipping around to follow its path as it passed her and imbedded its self in the door jamb. The other guard, the ginger one, came at her; twin short swords raised and an almost animal glint in his eye. He was quick and skilled whipping both blades at Killean, pushing her back with a flurry of blows that she barely avoided. Beside her Soris was doing his best against the other guard. She danced further back trying to keep the dual wielding guard between her and the archer denying him another shot. The guard launched a flurry of blows at the young Elf pushing her further back. As Killean backed up she hooked a chair leg with her foot and kicked it out toward the guard who was so intent on his own attack that he tripped.

The ginger guards trip gave the archer the opening he needed and he sighted another arrow on the Elf girl. With a snap of limbs the arrow was in flight, Killean saw it too late and tried to dodge out the way. The ginger guard saw his chance and, intent on his target he lunged up. The arrow took him in the back of the neck.

Killean grabbed the sort sword from the downed guard and vaulted the table charging toward the archer, she batted aside another shot with the sword before closing, and shoving her newly acquired sword into his chest.

Garret parried the strike from the Elf and with a quick flick of his wrist, struck the long-sword from the Elf boy's hand; He raised his sword to the boy's throat.

"Look lad." He began. "Just take the girl and get out of here." But before either of them knew what was happening, the Elf woman was back across the room, striking his sword with her small knife. There was a thunderclap and it felt like he had been struck by lightning, his entire body convulsed throwing him backward into the table. Life just was not fair on Garret; his last thoughts before blacking out were that he would never be able to finish the stew.

Soris knelt down to grab the borrowed long-sword from the floor, while Killean took up the dead guards bow, and pulled the quiver from his belt. While Soris dusted himself off she tested the draw on the bow, it wasn't as smooth as she was used to, being a fairly second rate weapon, but it would do.

Nelaros shifted his weight anxiously, Soris had him guarding the passage further into the castle Duncan's crossbow in hand. He checked the quiver at his side, he only had six bolts, it did not seem like many, but then he hoped he didn't have to use any of them.

"Come on Soris, where are you?" He muttered turning to check the door back the way he'd come, they, Soris and the girls should have been back by now.

"What do we have here then?" The voice whipped Nelaros about to face the trio of guards. They had noticed on the way in that the guards seemed to patrol in groups of three. Nelaros panicked at the sight of them. The crossbow bolt went wide clattering off the wall ineffectually. The middle guard, who was wearing a fancy helmet, the one that had spoken drew his sword, and with a vicious grin thrust it into the frantic Elf, who by that point was fumbling a second bolt into the crossbow.

Killean and Soris moved cautiously down the fire lit hallway away from the kitchen, toward where Soris had sent Nelaros to guard. They hadn't gone far, before Soris tapped Killeans shoulder, pointing toward the next door, a construct of ironbound heavy oak, which peeled off to the right just before a dead end that sported some ornate wood carving. Soris gestured that Nelaros was just beyond the slightly ajar door. Killean was surprised to find she was glad to be able to see the big Elf again. She still was not sure how she felt about him, but to do this, to come in here after her, it was impressive to say the least.

She didn't realise she had paused until Soris was passing her. The young elf maiden cocked her head, listening, was that the snapping retort of a crossbow? She reached out grabbing the young Elf before he could blunder on in, and together the pair crept toward the slightly open door.

As the red haired Elf peered around the oak doorjamb she saw the guard pull his sword from the inert body of her betrothed. Nelaros was dead, there was too much blood spreading across the floor beneath him for anything else. As she saw the pool of blood expand around the man she hardly knew, she felt the strange numbness spread over her again, before she knew what was happening she was stood in the doorway the heavy oak door clattering back against the wall, the guards looking up from Nelaros' body, seeing her, and finaly, him. The guard captain, the one that had killed Alyssa, who had Nelaros' blood still dripping from his blade. He looked up and sneered at her.

"Well look boys there's more. See I told you Elves always run in packs. Like rodents." The Guard Captain's voice came as though from a long way off.

"Should we keep the knife-eared bitch alive?" One of the other guards asked.

The Guard captain shook his head. "They killed our boys, she dies." It almost looked, to the analytical far away part of Killean's mind that he relished the idea of killing her.

"You killed Nelaros." She heard her voice, small, quiet, empty.

The guard captain, the human with the blood of her friends on his hands barked with laughter. "He squealed like a stuck pig when he died."

The guard captain continued to wax lyrical about his vanquishing of the Elvan intruder, but Killean couldn't hear it over the rush of blood in her ears, and the tide of emotion that drove her to her knees. Nelaros, the man she hardly knew, the moron, the man who despite everything seemed to want her, the one who had come to her rescue, the man to whom she was wed. He was dead now, and it was all gone, could she have grown to love him? Maybe, but that was taken from her now, taken by the Shem to stood over her sneering, the fatherless whore who had killed poor defenceless Alyssa right in front of her, the man who had taken her innocence.

She hadn't realised she was kneeling in Nelaros' blood until she reached for her dropped bow and felt it slick with still warm blood, her right hand closed around the knife as white hot hate washed over her, almost blinding her driving her upward.

She was too close to use the bow, at least as a bow. The knife it was then. With all her strength, and a strength she never knew she had the trust it at the nearest guard, even with the power of her rage behind it and the supernaturally sharp edge it held it was not enough to penetrate the heavy steel and leather plate the guard was wearing. Not that it mattered. The bolt of lightning flew from the blade, as though enhanced by her rage, or perhaps just conducted by the steel plate, engulfed the guard who spammed up onto tiptoes his back bowed arms throw back for a second before being thrown back against the wall black and smoking. The knife, which had lodged in between the armoured plates, was torn from her grip.

The second guard hesitated, shocked at the brutal viciousness of the slight Elf woman. Only for a split second; it was too long, he never saw the haft of Killean's borrowed shortbow coming. The ash stave hit the guard in the face in an explosion of blood, spittle and teeth. Keeping the momentum of the sweep the young Elf maiden yanked the second rate sword from its sheath at the guard's waist and spun, putting all her strength into a two handed sweep at the captain's head.

The guard captain caught the Elf woman's sweep on his shield, the force of the impact thrumming up his offhand arm; he tried to take half a step back, get proper fighting distance between the two of them but she pressed forward far quicker than he would have thought possible and was on him like a wild animal.

Killean's rush backed the human toward Nelaros' body, as she rained blows from the heavy sword down on his shield hard enough to dent the rough metal surface, given enough time the Elf would have managed to hammer through his defences, but before she had the chance the human slipped on the still spreading puddle of blood and went down, in a flash Killean was on him pinning him under her body weight. He tried to bring his sword to bear but the weapon was too long and unwieldy at such close range.

Killean had the same problem with using the sword blade, but the read head Elf still a tornado of fury slammed the heavy pummel down on his lightly armoured sword arm, the heavy leather of the guard captain's armguard would have turned a blade but did little to stop the blunt force of the pommel, and a second strike was accompanied by the crunching of bone and his forearm was shattered. He cried out in pain as the wild Elf ripped his helmet away and started beating him around the head with her sword pommel.

Soris was only a beat behind Killean as she flew through the door but the battle was mostly over by the time he got there. One of the guards was a burnt smoking hulk, slumped against the wall, the second, bleeding heavily from the face tried to pull himself to his feet groggily. Soris stepped forward and knocked him to the floor with a blow from Duncan's sword. Turning his eyes fell upon the seen in the middle of the room. Killean crouched over the guard captain like some sort of feral monster, coated in blood still beating the pommel of her sword, where in the deeps had she gotten a sword? Into what was left of the captain's head, still screaming, beside them Nelaros lay unmoving, dead.

"Kil?" He stepped toward her weary. "Kilean?" H reached out and touched her shoulder. She snapped toward him snarling brining the sword round, but her arms were too weak to swing the heavy blade and the tip dragged along the floor. Moving the sword to one side he grabbed his young cousin by the shoulder. He searched her eyes for some remnant of the girl he had known for almost her entire life.

Killean? Are you there?" He asked again more gently.

She blinked, as the anger faded leaving her empty and alone. She started shivering as she looked down at her hands they were slick with blood, she could feel globs of blood and thicker tings running down her face and her top. She started to breath hard and fast, her eyes welling up with tears. Tears for Alyssa, for Nelaors, for herself.

Soris took her into his arms as she wept, her hand reaching out to Nelaros.

"I'm sorry cousin. I', so sorry."

After a time Killean pulled herself upright Soris produced a flask of cold water and a cloth form somewhere and Killean cleaned the gore from her face and hands. When that was done and she was as clean as she was going to get, the pair turned toward Nelaros' body.

"He came to save me?" Killean said quietly. "He died for me."

"Well then." Soris said. "We'd better make sure that it wasn't in vein then."

The pair were pulled from their moment of reference by voices on the other side of the door, more guards. The sound of the human voices brought the anger back up inside Killean but it was less, colder somehow. She could think past it, function.

Soris looked around worriedly as Killean recovered her shortbow, it was none the worse for ware for having been used as a cudgel.

"Soris." She snapped. "Get by the door, be ready to hit their flank."

The young Elf nodded and moved into position, while Killean nocked and arrow and drew the bow back to her cheek as the guards slammed the door open.

The first guard through the door tasted ash, then blood shortly before collapsing to the floor dead. The second guard tripped over the first and Soris blade bit into the back of his neck. The third tried to back away from the door and only got an arrow through his shoulder for his trouble but buy then the two Elves were coming through the door and Soris borrowed sword finished him.

It must have taken them the better part of half an hour to find their way through the manor house. It wasn't that they faced much opposition, but the layout was so convoluted they kept getting turned about. The one good thing about all their adventuring was the armoury, where Killean found a gorgeous Yew longbow, which she used to replace the cheap ash bow she'd been using until that point. The weapon was beautiful, obviously lovingly made, with such a smooth draw it felt like nothing, she was in love from the first moment she saw it, hung in pride of place on the armoury wall. So entranced was she by the weapon she hadn't noticed the guard who Soris had to dispatch by himself.

Finally the pair found themselves outside Vaughn's chambers, or at least that's what the body guard had said after Killean had put a couple of arrows in him.

The pair stood outside the heavy oak door and shifted nervously, now that they were here they weren't quite sure what to do.

"So how are we going to do this?" Soris asked finally.

"Hard and fast." Killean replied nocking an arrow. "You go in first cover with the shield, I'll be right behind you." Her cousin looked nervous but nodded and moved forward toward the door, his shield held high.

Vaughn leaned down to kiss the feisty Elvan girl and she spat in his face. The Lord backed away wiping the spittle from his face and beard before drawing his hand back to strike the female Elf again. He had to admit she had spirit, even after the beatings, and other activities he and his men had put her to, she was still fighting. He liked that about her, it was always more fun when they fought back.

The Lord leaned in again, this time pinning her arms. He lowered his head ready to force himself on her, when the door crashed open.

One of the Lord's men barked in surprise as an arrow whistled toward him, the human was just fast enough to escape with a graze. Vaughn stood slowly, pushing the Elf roughly back to the floor.

"My, my, what do we have here?" He asked rhetorically as he turned to face the pair of Elves that had just broken in. The first one a slight male hunkered down, as though hiding behind his shield, but it was the second that drew Vaughn's attention. It was his read head, escaped, and apparently armed, with his bow. But her cloths, the loose fitting tunic was soaked with blood and plastered to her lithe figure in a very appealing way, a small smile played across the Human Lord's lips.

"Don't worry." One of his retainers scoffed. "We'll make short work of these two."

Vaughn snapped at the man to quiet. "They're covered in enough blood to fill a tub." His eyes still tracked the line of the girl's body beneath the blood soaked top. "What do you think that means?"

"It means." The female snapped, the fire in her voice giving even Vaughn pause. "That all your guards are dead. No one's coming to save you this time." At the last a small smile played across her luscious lips.

"Alright, let's not be hasty here." He knew the girl was spoiling for a fight, and didn't want to see her dead. And perhaps, even though he would never take ownership of the feeling, he was worried she would win. "Surely we can talk this over…"

"You really think you can talk your way out of this?" Scoffed the Elf woman; still holding the bowstring to her cheek.

"Here's our situation." Vaughn blustered. "You are obviously quite skilled. We fight here; perhaps you might even manage to kill us." He felt sure that even if the Elf maiden took him, that his men would finish her. "But my father won't let that go. Your pigsty of an Alienage will be raised to the ground. Or you turn and walk away, with forty sovereigns added to your purse." He smiled, knowing that neither Elf would be able to resist the offer. "You take that money and leave Denerim tonight. No repercussions, you can go where you like."

"What about the other women?" The Elf woman snapped back almost before he had finished speaking.

Vaughn paused for a moment before answering. "The women stay. They'll go home tomorrow, slightly worse for ware, but by then you'll be long gone. That's the deal, take it or leave it."

Killean paused considering the human's offer, even if she was willing to leave Shianni and the others to their fates, could she really leave, never see her father, Shianni, again, to live in exile. While this human, this Shem, stayed in the comfort of his palace. She couldn't do it, wouldn't do it!

"Soris, you ready?" She asked quietly, the young man knowing what she meant just nodded. He was ready to fight, and die if needs be, for they would not leave the girls to their fate.

Steeling herself for what was to come, and in part wishing for the numbness, or even the rage to hide behind, Killean met the human Lord's eyes. "No deal."

Vaughn scoffed. "I always regret talking to knife-ears! Now I'll just gut your ignorant carcases instead!" He drew his sword, his men did the same, and the fight was on.

Killean's first arrow hit Vaughn's retainer square on, piercing his elaborately embroidered tunic and burying its self into his chest, and the human tumbled to the floor coughing up blood. Soris had met the other man and began trading blows. The fiery Elf had no chance to go to Soris aid as Vaughn closed on her with a speed beguiled by his size.

Killean dodged a swipe of the Lord's sword and lashed out with the stave of her bow, catching him in the crotch. As the human doubled over in pain Killean nocked another arrow and let fly toward Soris' attacker. The Human saw it coming and dodged the arrow, but it gave Soris his opening and he lashed out with Duncan's sword, opening the human's throat in a wash of blood.

The human Lord pushed himself off the floor and rushed Killean catching her off guard and grabbing her about the waist lifting her into a bear hug. The Elf beat her hands against his burly shoulders to little avail as the human bore her backward.

Killean fought in a blind panic, her bow lost somewhere along the way as she kicked and beat at the human that had hold of her. It was to no avail as the wretched man leaned forward to whisper something in her ear. The words died in his throat as she sank her teeth into his unprotected neck.

Vaughn pulled back in surprise dropping the read-head Elf to the floor clamping his hand over the wound in his neck. Killean spat blood onto the floor and glared up through the veil of hair that had fallen into her face, daring him to make the next move.

His eyes flicked to his sword, lying on the floor between them. Her eyes followed before snapping back his daring him to go for it. After a moment's hesitation Vaughn lunged reaching out for his sword. Simultaneously Killean lunged toward sword her dagger in her hand, hoping the strange power within the weapon work as she suspected.

As Vaugns hand closed about the weapon Killean slapped the flat of her mother's dagger down on the blade, there was a clap of thunder and lightning chased down the sword toward the Arl's son. Vaughn flinched and was thrown away from his weapon. The young Elf was hard on his heels wielding the knife.

The heavy human reacted just in time to block a swipe of the Elvan woman's knife, catching her wrists and twisting the knife from her grip, before giving her a backhanded blow across the face that sent her reeling.

Vaughn pushed himself to his feet shaking off the after effects of the lightning strike as he advanced toward the prone Elf. Killean kicked out with both feet catching the Lord in the knee sending the human sprawling to the floor as his leg gave way. Cursing the young Lord struck the Elf across the face again, then closed his fingers around her neck.

Killean struggled for breath , her hands franticly scrabbling at the floor around her. She searched franticly for some sort of weapon as darkness started to creep on at the edge of her vision. As the colour started to fade from the world her fingers closed around the wooden shaft of a fallen arrow. Knowing it was her last chance she secured her grip on the arrow and stabbed it into the side of the human's neck and twisted. The pressure around her throat lessened, and with all of her returning strength pushed Vaughn of her. The human, well past fighting, thrashed on the floor clutching at the broken end of the arrow that was protruding from his neck.

Soris helped his cousin up to her feet and handed her, her weapons. Killean, still breathing heavily pushed away from Soris and approached the burly human.

Vaughn tried to rise but Killean struck him back down. Soris watched as his cousin knelt beside the Human Lord, and pulled the knife from her belt. She whispered something in his ear and there was a clap of thunder as she shoved the knife into his side. And with that the fight was over.

Shianni felt someone over her, she prayed it was not Vaughn; she could not deal with him again so soon. And hadn't she heard Killean's voice just now? What if Vaughn had killed her? She opened her eyes. Killean looked down at her, locks of her crimson hair falling into her face.

"Don't leave." Shianni stammered. "Please, please." She felt tears well up in her eyes, as the younger Elf took her in her arms. "Take me home." She sobbed as Killean held her close, murmuring comforting nothings into her hair.

"So much blood." Shianni wailed. "I can't stand to look at it. It's everywhere." Then she broke down again. After a time she stopped sobbing, and pulled back to look into the younger Elf's face. "You did it, you killed them all didn't you?" She searched Killean's eyes as she spoke.

Killean shook her head. "It was necessary. Evil, but necessary."

Shianni watched her quietly for a moment. "No, what you did was a good thing." But somehow Killean couldn't meet her eyes.

The moment might have become awkward had Soris not returned with the other women, he paused looking down at the pair of Elves.

"Is she going to be alright?" He asked.

"We should get out of here." Killean brushed him off and helped Shianni up.

Soris nodded. "Ok, I'll take rear guard. I can't wait to see the back of this place."

By the time they got back to the Alienage Shianni was able to wake under her own power, while Soris and his bride seemed to have become closer. Killean silently envied them that.

Valendros and Duncan were waiting for them at the entrance to the Alienage.

"You have returned." Valendros sounded relived, then he saw Shainni and his eyes widened. "Has Shianni been hurt? And where is Tormey's daughter Aylessa?"

Killean averted her eyes, tears brimming again. Fortunately Valora stepped forward.

"She didn't make it. She resisted and…" Soris bride chocked before she could finish, and fell back into her betrothed's waiting arms.

"They killed her." Soris finished for her. "And Nelaros too. The guards killed him."

During the recounting Killean stayed quiet with her head bowed.

"I see." Valendros bowed his head in concession. "Would the rest of you ladies please take Shianni home? She needs her rest."

The young women nodded in acquiescence and led Shianni away, leaving Soris and Killean facing Valendros and the placid Duncan.

The Elder waited until the others were out of earshot, leaving them isolated and alone before he spoke next. "Now tell me: What happened?"

Killean scrubbed her hands over her face and looked down at herself. Her clothes, such as they were, were covered in dried and drying blood. Oh Maker, how was she going to explain this? They would think her a monster. They'd throw her out, banish her! Scrubbing her hands across her face again she looked up and met Valendros' eyes.

Finally, she spoke. And in a torrent of emotion and anguish she told them everything.

"The garrison could already be on the way." Duncan said when she had finished her recounting of their adventures within the Arl's estate. "We have little time." His voice took on an almost pensive note.

Killean looked over to the human for the first time. But what could she do. She hadn't thought this far ahead, she had not considered the repercussions. Just acted without thinking at all, damn her.

"What should I do?" She asked plaintively.

Before Duncan could answer the cry went up from a group of young Elves at the gate that the city guard were coming. Killean's gaze darted back and forth as she began to panic. Could she fight them all, she and Soris were fairly good fighters, their experience within the Arl's estate had proven that, and Duncan, Duncan was a warden, surly he could fight, she was still holding the beautiful, deadly bow she had taken from the armoury and her left hand moved toward the knife. But if she fought, she might lose and then the whole alienage might be destroyed, everyone could die, for her mistake. Her short-sightedness!

Duncan's voice intruded on her panic. "Don't panic, let's see what comes of this."

"I seek Valendros, administrator of this Alienage." The Guard Captain, distinguishable by his more ornate helmet, called as he and his men descended the short row of steps into the walled community.

"Here captain." Valendros replied. "I take it you have come in response to today's disruption?"

"Don't play ignorant with me Elder." The Guard Captain snapped. "You will not prevent justice from being done."

Killean's hand moved toward her dagger, but the Warden's fingers closed about her wrist arresting her movement, she looked up and him and he just shook his head.

"The Arl's son lies dead in a river of blood that runs through the entire palace!" The guard raised his voice so all could hear, and turn to look. Most saw Killean's state and immediately jumped to judgement. "I need names and I need them now!"

Killean rubbed her fingers along the intricate scrolling that adorned the handle of her bow, closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Stepping forward she spoke loudly and clearly, her clarion voice ringing out across the alienage. "It was my doing."

And her life was over. She would never be allowed to live, and even if she were it would be at the bottom of some dark pit, never allowed to see the sun, see beauty, again.

The captain looked at her, almost scornfully. "You expect me to believe one woman did all of that?"

"We are not all so helpless Captain." Valendros retorted.

The Captain, an older fatherly looking gentleman with a large iron grey beard turned to face the small Elvan woman, still soaked in blood. "You save many by coming forward." He said as though proud of her. "I don't envy your fate, but I applaud your courage."

Killean just stayed still and quiet, her head down, and wished that it all be over.

The captain turned back to the gathering of Elves that had built up around them and began the formal pronouncement of arrest.

He was almost finished when Duncan, the Warden, interrupted. "Captain. A word if you please."

"What is it Grey Warden." The Guard Captain snapped, obviously riled at being interrupted. "As you can well see, we have everything under control here."

"Be that as it may." Duncan nodded concession to the captain before continuing in a more formal tone. "I hereby invoke the Grey Warden's Right of Conscription. I remove the woman into my custody."

Killean's head snapped up toward the Warden. "You can do that?"

The captain sighed and cursed. "Very well Grey Warden; I cannot challenge your rights, but I'd ask one thing of you: Get this Elf out of the city. Today."

Duncan agreed and the Captain ordered his troops back to the city proper muttering something about having to be ready when the dung started flying.

When they were gone Duncan turned to Killean. "Your with me now, we should leave as soon as possible."

Killean looked down at her ruined clothes and before she could speak the Warden nodded.

"Go quickly, get cleaned up, collect any belongings you wish to bring and say your goodbyes, I shall be waiting here when you are done."

Killean nodded, but couldn't bring herself to thank him. He was taking her away from everything she knew, everyone she loved.

"But, what will happen here now?" She asked.

"For the moment they are fine, there are far more important matters arising that endanger more than just your people. We need all the Wardens we can get for what is coming, that conscripting you saved your life is merely circumstance. What you did escaping from the Arl's palace shows grate skill, both in battle and leadership, you will need those skills in the battles ahead, we will all need them. Now go do what you must quickly, your life hear is over."

Killean nodded and turned to go.

As she crossed the Alienage back to her father's house, for the last time, Killean heard running footsteps, and then Soris caught her arm.

"Thank you cousin. You really saved my life back there."

She forced a smile. "I was nothing." Then looking to change the subject. "What will you do now?"

"No more daydreaming. I'm settling down. Velora's a good woman, and she has ideas on making life better for everyone here." He paused thinking. "Your father had the women take Shianni back to your place; will you see her before you go?"

Killean nodded. "Yes, of course, I don't think she'd forgive me otherwise."

"Good luck cousin. You've been my hero since we were kids, it's just official now." With that he pulled her into a bone crushing hug before going back to his wife, and his new life, leaving her to her own path.

Back at her family's home Killean nocked hesitantly at the door, not sure what her father's reaction would be to her news.

The door opened and Cyrion beamed at his daughter. "If this is what the maker has planned for you, then I guess it's for the best." The smile faltered. "Your mother would have been pleased."

"I wish I could have known her more." Killean said stepping into his embrace.

"So do I darling, so do I." He pulled back to look her in face. "Make you're beautiful, you look just like her you know? Anyway take care my girl, be safe, and wise, and… well you know. We'll all miss you."

"I'll miss you too father." She pulled him back into the embrace knowing she was soiling his clothing but not caring.

In the house, which was no longer her home, Killean cleaned herself up and changed into homespun traveling trousers, and a heavy leather jacket modelled after some of the armours human guards wore. Belts crossed her back and waist from which she could hang weapons and pouches. Her mother's dagger was sheathed at her waist and the bow and quiver hung from straps across her back and shoulders. One last item, the ring Nelaros had given her for their arrested wedding, she tucked into a pouch at her waist.

When she was done Velora approached her, almost in awe at the woman she had become.

"There you are." She greeted, getting over her trepidation and pulling Killean into a hug. "I am so grateful. Thank you for me, for Soris, for everything."

Killean smiled at the older Elf woman. "Be good to Soris."

"Oh of course." She blustered. "If I can ever do anything to repay you I will." She gestured to the back room. "Shianni seems to have regained herself, I'll leave you two alone. Good luck, and thank you gain."

With that Velora left the two Cousins alone.

Shiani pulled herself up and out of the bed to greet Killean.

"You took all the responsibility for what happened. You're amazing you know that?"

Killean shook her head embarrassed. "How are you holding up anyway?"

"I'm alright." She replied in a more subdued tone. "As far as the others know Vaughn just roughed me up a bit." Tears sprang unbidden to her cheeks. "I just don't want the others treating me like some fragile doll." She pulled Killean into another bone crushing embrace. "I love you cousin. Make us proud out there."

"I will, and I love you too Shianni." Killean bade her final farewell before heading back to the warden and her new life.

The Grey Warden and his new charge travelled first east along the West Road toward the small Town of Lothering. After half a day's traveling on foot they met up with a wagon train, and Duncan bartered for them to ride in one of the carriages.

The pair had walked in silence, only talking when Duncan gave her directions. It was nearing dusk as they rode in back of one of the carriages, and Killean was playing with her mother's knife, taking some measure of comfort from the odd tingling.

"That was your mother's wasn't it?" Duncan asked almost from nowhere.

"Yes." She admitted. "How did you? Did you know my mother?" What was she like?"

"Yes I knew your mother for a time when she was younger, before she met Cyrlon. But that's a story for another time." The warden replied, looking up from his musings. "May I the blade?"

The young Elf gave him a suspicious look, but passed the weapon over, the curved blade glinting in the light from the hanging lamp.

"This blade is elven made, it's called a Dar'Misu." He explained turning the razor sharp crescent so it caught the light. As the lamp light played along the blade Killean saw the runes she had noticed carved into the base of the blade.

"What is that carving?" She asked pointing to the markings. "Some sort of message?"

Duncan turned the blade to face him and squinted his small eyes trying to make out the rune.

"They appear to be runes." He said after a moment. "Have you noticed and strange effects when you use the weapon?"

Her eyes widened at the revelation and she explained to the intent warden about the tingling when she held the blade, the thunder and lightning when she struck with it, and the increased perception when she held the blade.

"It's the runes." He explained. "This one." He pointed to one of the small markings. "Is a lightning rune, finely carved by the look of it. It is probably this that causes the tingling sensation, and what causes the lightning when you strike with the blade. The other." He gestured again. "Is for dexterity and agility, it will affect you when you hold the blade."

Killean was enthralled by the explanation. "Wow, that's amazing. What are runes?"

"The runic art was first discovered by the Dwarves." He began settling back against a gran sack and closing his eyes, he didn't speak for a moment and Killean wondered if he had fallen asleep, she was about to prompt him when he spoke again without opening his eyes. "You know the dwarves mine Lyrium for the Circle don't you?"

She nodded. The Dwarves were supposed to have some part of immunity to the sanity robbing effects of the dust, and were the only ones with the skills to mine and process it into the dust that the Mages used for their potions. Realising the reclining warden couldn't see her she vocalised her knowledge, and waited for the Warden to carry on.

"Some of the Dwarves, either through accident, or perhaps by design, were exposed to large quantities of the unrefined powder. This had some rather odd side effects, the least of which being insanity. But they had some measure of power, and were able to craft some of their power into blades through the use of carved runes."

"Thank you." Killean said, not realising until that moment how much she wanted his approval, and conversation.

The cart rumbled to a stop, as the sun hung, a glowing red orb, just above the horizon, and the driver called for them to make camp.

Over the camp fire the Merchants regaled the Wardens with stories of their adventures, as well as pressing Duncan for stories of his own, which the older Warden brushed off.

After everyone else was in asleep the elder Warden turned to Killean who was sat huddled by the fire hugging her knees with one hand, the other idly poking the fire with a short stick.

Duncan walked quietly over and dropped down next to the young Elf. She had been quiet throughout the evening meal and had seemed closed off since leaving Denerim. It was, of course, understandable. Her whole life had been turned upside down in less than a day. Only two days before she had been preparing to marry, and now she was a Grey Warden without a home or family.

"Killean?" He asked quietly

"Sorry." She said pushing a strand of hair from her face as she turned to look at him. The firelight brought out the copper highlights in her hair and cast soft flickering shadows over her face. "I guess I just miss the Alienage."

"It's ok." He said putting his hand on her back comfortingly. "You have an aptitude for archery?" He looked down at the high quality bow that sat between them.

"Yes." She replied. "My mother taught me when I was little." Her eyes dropped to the bow. "Although I've never used a bow as nice as this one."

"It is a fine example." He agreed. "If you like tomorrow I'll teach you how to make your own arrows. It's a skill you will need."

Her eyes widened, it seems the nicest thing anyone had offered to do for her in ages.

The following day, true to his word Duncan taught her to cut goose feathers, left over from their dinner to the right size and shape, and then to bind them to the whittled ash shafts. Without a smith to make arrowheads they were unable to put proper points on but made do with sharpening the ends. While they worked he gave her tutelage on maintaining the bow its self, and fighting with a blade the whole while commenting on landmarks they passed.

After three days of travel they arrived at Lothering, where they parted from the caravan train. Duncan didn't waste any time and requisitioned a horse for their journey south, and after resupplying, Duncan had acquired Killean a backpack, which was filled with food and water for their journey, they set out on the Imperial Highway.

As they continued south toward the Wilds, the landscape began to chance, where the more northerly lands were painted in rich earthy browns, the further south they went the greyer the landscape became.

Finally after half a day's ride Killean asked where they were headed.

"Ostagar." Duncan replied. "The Tevinter Imperium built Ostager long ago to prevent the Wilders from invading the northern Lowlands." He pointed to where the forte sat between two bluffs, bridging the small valley that connected the lowlands to the Wilds.

"It's fitting we make our stand here, even if we face a different foe within that forest." A tall ornate tower dominated the Eastern section of the forte.

"The King's forces have clashed with the Darkspawn several times, but here is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. This is where we will make our stand."

As though to punctuate the Warden's words thunder peeled over the fortress of Ostagar.