A/N: This is the first fanfiction I have ever attempted to write. I would love any comments, suggestions, or feedback to help me improve this massive story I am inspired to tell. The main focus will be on a Dalish female rogue elf, but a male circle mage and a female noble warrior will also be a part of the story, my way of combining 3 of the origins.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.


Chapter 1 – Dalish Origin

There is something truly freeing about running through the forest.

Especially if you happen to be hunting with the love of your life, Ashlyn Mahariel thought as she kept pace beside her best friend since childhood. To many of their Dalish clan, Tamlen was already her life mate. It was rare to see one without the other. He had yet to formally ask Keeper Marethari for Ashlyn's hand, but many of the clan suspected it was only a matter of time.

Tamlen halted their progress just under a grand old oak tree. "So how did you manage to get out of storytelling duty with Paivel?" he asked with mischief in his eyes. "Not that I mind the company when I am patrolling."

"You know me… I can be persuasive when I need to be. Besides, I wanted to spend the day with you," Ashlyn said in a shy voice.

Tamlen smiled and gently tucked a stray black hair behind one of Ashlyn's delicate pointy ears, causing a slight blush to appear on her cheeks. "I… thought that might be the case," he whispered gently. "I am glad."

He cradled her face with his hands and gazed into her bright green eyes. As he began to descend to her lips, they heard crashing movement further up the trail.

"Time to get to work. We'll continue this later," Tamlen promised.

They took off toward the sound of the disturbance. He motioned for her to stay back while he confronted the three intruders who were rushing down the path as if a large pack of mabari hounds were trailing them. Tamlen stepped onto the trail several yards in front of the trespassers. He had an arrow notched on his bow and locked on to the closest human. The men came to a stumbling halt.

"It's the Dalish!" one of the shemlen cried. "Please don't hurt us! We mean you no harm."

"What do we have here?" Tamlen asked.

"I believe we have a group of bandits that's wondered too close to our camp," Ashlyn said as she approached from the side with her bow locked and loaded, flanking the men between them. They look terrified. I wonder what has made them so frightened.

"And just what were you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?" Tamlen questioned.

"We were just exploring some ancient caves nearby. They must be full of treasure. We will tell you the location if you will just please let us go!" another of the shemlen spoke up.

"Oh, so you are thieves instead of bandits. And what would make thieves run from a cave when there was fortune to be had?" Tamlen questioned the new speaker.

"We were attacked by monsters," the human replied.

"Monsters, really?" Tamlen rolled his eyes at Ashlyn. "Do you have any proof of these alleged riches?" Tamlen asked the shem.

"Yes, right here." The man in front held a stone out to Tamlen. As Tamlen accepted the artifact, a look of wonder passed over his face.

"There are elvish markings all over this." Tamlen glanced up and met Ashlyn's eyes. She could tell he was asking her whether or not to trust the human men and let them go. They had been companions for so long, words were often unnecessary, and sometimes just a look was all that was needed for communication.

With a small nod of acknowledgement toward Tamlen, Ashlyn spoke up. "Tell us where these caves are, and we shall let you move on."

"Just back the trail to the west," said a relieved shem. "Thank you."

As the humans turned and took off away from the Dalish camp, Tamlen sternly called after them. "Do not venture this way again."

"We should go check this cave out. Maybe we will find clues to our history," Tamlen said as he returned his attention to the stone.

"I don't know about this," Ashlyn said hesitantly. "I have a bad feeling about these monsters the humans mentioned. They looked so scared when we first came upon them. I would feel better if we returned to camp and asked Keeper Marethari for a scouting party to return and search the caves."

"This could be my chance Ashlyn, to redeem myself in Keeper Marethari's eyes. If I were to bring back some valuable ancestral artifact, she might forgive me for… well, you know."

* * * * * Flashback * * * * *

Tamlen was referring to a recent incident involving a small group of elves from a sister Dalish clan. Being wanderers, Dalish clans will sometimes cross paths. The last time their clan had guests, an arrogant male hunter from the visiting clan took an interest in Ashlyn. He was a flat ear who had been somewhat of a bully before leaving the city life behind to join the Dalish. One night, when Ashlyn was coming back from hunting, this elf and three of his buddies accosted her. She tried to be diplomatic and remove herself from the situation gracefully, but the chauvinistic male would not take no for an answer. Before she realized what was happening, one of his friends had come up from behind and brought an arm around her waist. A dagger raised to her throat stopped her struggling.

"Let me go," Ashlyn demanded.

"No, I don't think I will," her admirer replied. "Remove her weapons." The other two elves stripped her bow and daggers from her.

"You see, I believe you would make an excellent partner for me," the leader spoke coarsely. "Your beauty and skill are unrivaled in this region. Of course, if you are unreceptive to this idea, perhaps we will just have to convince you to keep us… entertained this evening instead," he murmured as he gazed predatorily down her body.

Ashlyn's heart rate spiked as the meaning of his words registered in her mind. She looked around at the eager faces of the elves staring longingly at her and realized she had no choice but to fight her way free. She was still an innocent and had no intention of being with anyone besides Tamlen. But how am I going to get away from this dagger and fight off four adult male elves by myself? The dagger had already started to dig into her neck where she could feel a drop of blood running down toward her chest. She was planning her escape from the immediate threat of the dagger at her throat when an arrow went flying by her head, striking the elf holding her captive. Ashlyn's eyes darted out to the forest to see a sight that took her breath away. Tamlen and his best friend, Fenarel, stood motionless about thirty yards out with loaded bows trained on the group of males. Tamlen looked furious.

"Let her go!" Tamlen directed at the arrogant elf.

"I didn't realize you were already spoken for," the egotistical male said to Ashlyn. "I guess this means we will just have to eliminate the competition."

Ashlyn's rogue skills flared to life when she saw the male who threatened her bring out his sword and shield before he faced her clansmen. His remaining comrades followed suit by preparing their weapons as well. With their backs turned to her, Ashlyn picked up the dagger her ex-captor had dropped when Tamlen shot him in the shoulder. She brought the hilt down hard against the back of the arrogant elf leader's head, effectively knocking him to the ground.

"We cannot kill them," Tamlen told Fenarel as they deftly drew their swords and charged to battle the two elves that remained standing. "We do not want to start a war with our elven brethren."

It took only a few strategically placed strikes before the visiting clan's elves were knocked out on the ground. The elf with the arrow in his shoulder was the worst off, but even that was only a flesh wound. They would survive.

Tamlen rushed to Ashlyn's side and gathered her in his arms. "Are you all right?" he whispered into her hair. She nodded against his chest as she released a relieved breath. "They deserve to die for threatening you."

Suddenly, the sound of an approaching party caused Tamlen to jump into action. "Fenarel, take Ashlyn and return to camp. Now."

"But what about all of these ruffians?" Fenarel started. "No, we're staying with you," Ashlyn spoke at the same time.

Tamlen had moved to recover Ashlyn's discarded weapons. He swiftly brought them back to her. "Please go. A group of patrolling elves must be coming to investigate the noise of our fight. I don't want either of you to get in trouble over this. I will take care of everything. Trust me." Tamlen's pleas moved Fenarel into doing as he was requested. With a strong grip on Ashlyn's arm, Feneral started to pull her away back towards camp.

"I will find you both later. I promise," Tamlen said while staring into Ashlyn's worried eyes. "Now go, quickly."

Tamlen watched as his companions disappeared into the forest. Ashlyn was his whole world… he would do anything to protect her. This included guarding her honor. He would not allow anyone to find out what had almost happened to her. Nor would he allow any punishment to befall her for a situation that she could not control.

"Wake up, you filth!" Tamlen shouted at the leader while kicking him in the side. He had to work quickly to make sure this bastard was going to cooperate before the approaching elves arrived.

"What do you want?" the elf replied hesitantly.

"It would be prudent for you to follow my lead when I explain what happened to the coming group of patrolling elves. Do not mention either of my companions, unless you want me to explain what you were planning on doing to Ashlyn. I am sure both our clans' Keepers would be very interested as to why she has a knife wound on her neck."

The elf's fear spiked as he realized what his punishment could be. The other downed elves were just starting to awaken as Keeper Marethari appeared with several guards.

"Tamlen, what is going on here?" she demanded.

Tamlen proceeded to explain that it was just a bit of friendly rough housing. "Then why has he been shot?" Keeper Marethari indicated toward the elf with an arrow still lodged in his shoulder.

"It was his own fault," the leader of the visiting clan elves said. "We came out here to… unwind a bit when Tamlen stumbled upon us. My friend did not identify himself when Tamlen ordered him to. It was all just a misunderstanding."

"Was anyone else involved?" Keeper Marethari asked the visiting elf.

Tamlen gave the elf a hard look that threatened retribution if he divulged any other information. "No Keeper," the elf replied. "We are sorry for the disturbance."

Keeper Marethari did not look convinced. "Please excuse Tamlen for his hastiness. My guards will help you return to your camp. We will send a healer for your friend. Tamlen, you will follow me."

* * * * * End Flashback * * * * *

Keeper Marethari had questioned Tamlen for an hour, but Tamlen would not speak of what really happened. He knew the Keeper was disappointed in him, and he would have to work hard to regain her favor before he could ask to be joined with Ashlyn. Discovering ancient ruins could give him the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"Thank you for covering for me, by the way." Ashlyn said to Tamlen.

Tamlen smiled gently at Ashlyn. "Of course…You know I would do anything for you, lethallan."

Ashlyn stared into Tamlen's pleading eyes and knew she could not deny him anything. "Okay, let's go see if this cave actually exists. I am still not sure if I wish to enter it without back-up though," Ashlyn said as they turned to head west up the trail.

Before long, they reached the cave entrance. It was obvious that someone had already been there with the way vines had been cut away from the opening. "We'll just look around long enough to see if there are any clues to our elven history before we return to camp and report to Keeper Marethari," Tamlen said. He took Ashlyn's hand and led her through the mouth of the cave.

Just inside the cave, Ashlyn got a bad feeling. "Something doesn't feel right about this place," she said. Dalish elves have high survival skills which allow them to sense the locations as well as the intentions of others. Ashlyn sensed something ominous was waiting for them further inside.

"I know what you mean. It almost feels as if there is an evil presence here. Let's take a quick look around and get out of here," Tamlen responded.

They discovered a series of hallways and rooms. Spider webs dangled down from the ceiling, and lining the walls were statues that were thickly coated in dust. Tamlen wondered aloud if perhaps their ancestors had once lived under ground like the dwarves. Just as Ashlyn was about to respond that she would not enjoy living below the surface, the distinct sound of sword being removed from a sheath reached their ears.

Ashlyn reacted by drawing her daggers while Tamlen readied his bow. "Whatever it is, it's just around this corner…" Ashlyn stated before skillfully evading a sword strike. Tamlen shot the creature with two arrows at once. Then Ashlyn finished it off by stabbing her right blade deep into its chest.

"Was that a walking corpse?" Tamlen asked as they crouched down to study the creature. Rotting flesh covered its grotesque features.

"It certainly looks like one. It moved like it was a drunkard in its former life," Ashlyn said before glancing up. "Oh lovely, it brought friends." Three corpses were stumbling toward them and two more suddenly rose up from where they had been laying on the ground. Ashlyn took the lead fighting her way through the group of monsters while Tamlen sniped several from behind.

When the last dead body was returned to the floor, Tamlen closed the distance to Ashlyn. "Are you all right?" he asked with concern.

"Yes, I am, but can we please leave now. I don't want to run into any more of those monsters."

"I agree… wait, what is that?" Tamlen pointed to a large mirror in the center of the next room. "Let's take a quick look at that and then head back, okay?"

Ashlyn followed Tamlen to inspect the large mirror. "Tamlen, I don't like this. Please, let's just go."

"One sec, I see something moving in the mirror." Tamlen reached out and touched the mirror with his left hand.

Ashlyn could tell something had happened once the mirror was touched. She began to feel dizzy and her vision went dark. The last thing she remembered was hearing Tamlen crying out, frightened that the mirror was overtaking him.

- - - - - Passage of Time - - - - -

Ugh… why does my head hurt so much? Ashlyn awoke with a terrible headache. Then a sudden moment of clarity struck her. "Tamlen!" Ashlyn exclaimed as her eyes opened.

"I was hoping you might be able to tell me where he is," said a sad voice to her right. Ashlyn glanced over and saw Fenarel keeping vigil at her side.

"You mean he is not here?" Ashlyn asked worriedly.

"No, only you were returned to us. A Grey Warden brought you here a few days ago. Keeper Marethari asked that I bring you to her immediately once you were awake." Fenarel got to his feet and gently helped Ashlyn off of the cot where she had been laying.

"A few days?..." Ashlyn whispered aloud in disbelief. Her thoughts were running rampant as Fenarel escorted her to the Keeper. What happened back at those ruins? How could I have been unconscious for so long? Is Tamlen all right? I must return to those ruins as soon as possible.

By the time they reached the Keeper, Ashlyn was near frantic with worry. "Praise the gods you are up and about, da' len," Keeper Marethari said while embracing Ashlyn. "It would have been devastating to lose two of our young. What do you remember of what happened?"

Ashlyn explained how they had discovered shems while patrolling and learned of the ancient ruins. "I asked Tamlen to come back here for a scouting party, but he wanted to make sure the caves were worth an exploration before returning to tell you about it. We were attached by walking corpses inside, and right as we were getting ready to leave, Tamlen spotted a giant mirror. Something happened when he touched the mirror… I remember nothing after that."

Keeper Marethari and Fenarel listened quietly during Ashlyn's accounting of the events before she was brought back to camp. "Animated corpses? This is the work of dark magic. Could you find these caves again?" the Keeper asked.

"Yes."

"Good. Take my second, Merrill, and return to look for Tamlen. Merrill's magic may be useful in case you run into trouble."

"I wish to accompany Ashlyn as well," Fenarel spoke up.

When Keeper Marethari hesitated, he reasoned, "Tamlen is my best friend… he would have done the same for me. And Ashlyn could use extra protection. She is by no means completely recovered."

"Fenarel makes a good point, Ashlyn. Are you sure you are up for this?"

"Yes, I am just eager to leave. I am worried about Tamlen," Ashlyn replied.

"As are we all da' len. Very well, Fenarel and Merrill will accompany you back to those caves. You should know that Duncan, the Grey Warden who found you, has returned to the ruins as well. He said he came this way because he sensed darkspawn nearby. Please be careful and bring back any clues you can as to what caused your illness."

- - - - - Passage of Time - - - - -

Once Ashlyn and Fenarel found Merrill, the trio set off to find the caves. Ashlyn led her fellow clan members quickly through the forest to the cave entrance. "It feels different here now, more sinister and darker than before. Be on your guard," Ashlyn warned as they entered the cavern.

"There are creatures in the next room. Prepare your weapons," Merrill instructed. Ashlyn pulled her daggers from the sheaths on her back and took a deep breath. I have to find Tamlen. Gods, please let him be all right. She exhaled and rushed into the adjacent room which contained about a dozen monsters that were more hideous than the walking corpses she had faced before. So, these are darkspawn, Ashlyn thought as she stabbed a Genlock in its torso. Ugly, disgusting creatures… not very bright though. She gracefully spun around and blocked an attack from another Genlock. In her periphery vision, she saw arrows and magical bolts flying through the air.

Ashlyn, Merrill, and Fenarel had finished off the band of Genlocks within minutes. "How are you holding up, Ashlyn?" Fenarel asked with concern.

"I'm good." A little winded, but no reason to get them worried. "Why?"

"You just look a little pale, da' len. The Keeper said to keep an eye on you. We know you are not completely recovered from your ordeal," Merrill said soothingly.

"I am fine, really. The room with the mirror is just through… here." There is someone already in there, but I sense a good presence.

The group walked up behind a tall human male with dark hair tied back behind his head. He turned as he heard their approach.

"Duncan?" Merrill asked.

"Yes. Keeper Marethari didn't send you searching for me, I hope," Duncan replied.

"No, we are here searching for our missing brother, Tamlen. And for clues as to why Ashlyn got sick," Merrill indicated towards Ashlyn.

"So we finally meet," Duncan said with a smile. "You possess surprisingly strong will power to be up and about, let alone fighting… so soon after being exposed to the taint."

"Taint?" Ashlyn questioned.

"This mirror is of Tevinter origin. It must have broken long ago, allowing the same taint which the darkspawn carry to seep into it," Duncan explained.

"We should take this back the Keeper," Merrill said.

"No, this mirror is too dangerous. We cannot allow it to infect other members of our clan," Ashlyn instantly spoke against the idea of transporting the mirror back to their camp.

"I agree with Ashlyn. The mirror needs to be destroyed. Its essence has been drawing darkspawn to it, making this forest unsafe for any who pass through," Duncan stated.

"Do it," Fenarel said to Duncan. "Make sure this thing never hurts anyone else again."

Duncan pulled his sword from its sheath and powerfully struck the mirror, instantly shattering it into thousands of glass shards. "It is done," he said. "I would like to accompany you back to your camp. I have urgent need to speak with your Keeper."

"We can't return yet. We haven't found Tamlen," Ashlyn said in a panicked voice.

"It is unlikely he is still alive. You were out for just a few days with the healing magic of your people. Your friend Tamlen was alone with no magical aid. If the taint did not kill him, then the darkspawn would have found him," Duncan informed the clearly distraught group of elves.

"We must at least find his body so he can be honored with a funeral ceremony," Fenarel choked out.

"I am so sorry to tell you this… Darkspawn are known to consume their victims," Duncan sadly explained.

"No, dear gods… no," Ashlyn cried as she fell to her knees. Merrill placed a comforting hand Ashlyn's shoulder.

"You are… were the closest to him Ashlyn. Do you sense him anywhere in these ruins?"

Ashlyn closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. Tamlen, please be here. She searched for him mentally for several minutes. Nothing... I don't feel his presence at all. She opened her eyes and whispered, "Let's go."

The group somberly made their way back to the Dalish camp. Duncan immediately sought out a private audience with Keeper Marethari. Ashlyn was given the task of informing Paivel of the impending funeral that would need to be performed in tribute to Tamlen. She knew she was in shock, but she refused to break down yet. She wasn't ready to let his death become real.

She was sitting quietly under a looming willow tree when Duncan and Keeper Marethari approached her. Keeper Marethari spoke first.

"Da' len, we have some very important things to discuss with you. My magic will not be able to sustain you forever. I sense the taint is fighting to take over even as we speak. Duncan says the Grey Wardens can help you, but he is asking for something in return."

"The Grey Warden numbers are few, and I am always looking for new recruits… especially with the impending Blight," Duncan said meeting Ashlyn's heartrending gaze. "You would make an excellent addition to our ranks. You continued to fight darkspawn even while the taint was weighing you down. By joining us, you will be protected from the taint for many years. But I must warn you, it will eventually take your life, whether you accept my offer or remain with your clan."

Ashlyn remained silent while she absorbed the devastating news. I had a feeling I was not going to be able to escape this taint. Perhaps leaving with Duncan will be for the best. I will be able to fight those who took Tamlen from me. And I will only be reminded of him if I remain here…

"I would be honored to join the Grey Wardens. I have just one request. May I please stay for Tamlen's funeral?" Ashlyn said sadly.

"I will not deny you this, but we must leave soon after. I must reach Castle Cousland in Highever in a few days time," Duncan said.

Time passed quickly for Ashlyn. Before she knew it, the clan had said their prayers for Tamlen, and the seed of a white ash tree was planted where his body should have rested. Ashlyn insisted that it be an ash tree growing at his pseudo burial place, for she knew she was leaving a part of herself there with that seed. This way, the name of the tree which grew in Tamlen's memory was linked with her own.

It all feels so surreal… Ashlyn thought as she was embraced by fellow clan members when she said her goodbyes. They would be moving on soon to another part of the Brecilian Forest in hopes of finding a safer location, one without darkspawn or wondering thieves.

Ashalle was the last of her clan to embrace her. She was Ashlyn's godmother and had raised her since she was an infant. "You be safe, da' len. Know you always have a family waiting for you. I love you, my little Lyna," Ashalle said using Ashlyn's nickname from when she was young. She then handed Ashlyn a set of exceptionally crafted Dalish cured armor, gloves, and boots. "This set belonged to your mother. I had been saving it for a special occasion."

"Ma scrannas, Ashalle. Thank you. This will help me remember where I come from… wherever I go."

"Try to find some happiness on your journey…" Those were Ashalle's final words to Ashlyn. Tamlen's loss weighed heavily on Ashlyn's heart, and she had no idea what the future would hold for her. She couldn't help but wonder, "How much worse could things possibly get?"