This is first chapter of my first story. It is pretty much the opening of the game plus an additional scene. A Few things added here and there. Both Garrett and Marian are present for starters and a subplot for later. I always welcome criticism. I haven't written anything in while so I'm a little rusty at it. Which is why I used mostly game dialogue?
I rewrote this chapter a little.
P.S. Most chapters won't be this long.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bioware. If I did, that'd be awesome. Oh well.
The Flight
Bethany ran alongside her mother while up head Marian and Carver were running just fast enough to keep ahead of the two. Garrett was even farther ahead scouting to make sure the way was clear for the rest. They ran fleeing the vile creatures that were in pursuit. Maker help us she thought, the Darkspawn were gaining. Mother tripped and fell to the ground. Bethany quickly reacted, throwing a fireball at the small group of man-like hurlocks. It in an instant, Marian was there throwing up a wall of fire keeping the rest at bay with only three making it through. Carver jumped off a small ledge hefting his massive greatsword above his head bringing it down cleaving the first darkspawn in two. Marian dropped her staff and pulled out her daggers quickly covering Carver by engaging the other two darkspawn. While Carver regained his stance a darkspawn charged past Marian to engage him.
Bethany used the distraction help Mother up and get her away from the fray. She watched the Hurlock block Carver's blow with its own sword and bash Carver with its shield. Carver stumbled, dropping his sword, the move should not have caught him offguard but the last few days of running and fighting were starting to where on him and the others. Marian felled the other creature, but was not close enough to get there in time. Bethany charged an arcane bolt in an effort to knock the creature back, but heard an arrow as zing above the group planting itself in the eye of the creature.
She saw Garrett running toward them, an arrow nocked and drawn firing multiple shots on the other side of Marian's wall of flame, killing the rest of the creatures. "Is everyone alright?" He said looking mostly at Carver who huffed. Marian nodded sheathing her daggers and bending down to pick up her staff.
Bethany went to check Carver for cuts. "Bah, I'm fine," he said waving her away. Bethany stood her ground, "You wouldn't want to catch the blight would you? Let me check! All it takes is one small cut." Marian rolled her eyes, and stood beside her sister, her sign of taking Bethany's side on the matter. "She right Carver," Garrett voiced in. Carver sighed and let Bethany for cuts on his arms.
"We've lost it all. Everything your Father and I built." Their Mother said looking towards the direction of the where the family farm stood.
"At Least we're alive, that's no small feat," Garrett said with the usual glibness in his tone.
"We should have run sooner. Why did we wait so long?" Bethany said looking at the others.
"Why are you looking at us, we've been running since Ostagar." Carver retorted.
Garrett interrupted before the argument could get away from them, "I don't think the blight wait while we stand around pointing fingers." Marian nodded and moved to the take the lead walking down the path. Garrett moved into step beside her. Here we go Bethany thought, their tiny struggle for leadership of the group.
Mother interrupted, "Please, Listen to your brother"
"Alright, lead on," He said almost mockingly. Bethany rolled her eyes, Does he have to be an ass right now?
Bethany stopped group a little while later, "Wait. Where are we going?"
"Away from the darkspawn." Carver said
"We can't just wander aimlessly."
"As long as we wonder aimlessly away from the darkspawn, I'm happy," Garrett said.
Mother thought for a moment before she spoke up, "We could go to Kirkwall."
"That wouldn't be my first choice." Garrett said. Marian raised an eyebrow and nodded agreeing with the statement.
"There are a lot of Templars in Kirkwall Mother." Bethany said while Marian nodded in agreement, neither sister seemed too inclined to the idea.
"We have family there and an estate," Mother said.
We'll have to get to Gwaren and take ship," Bethany said.
"If we survive that long, I'll just be happy to make it out of here," Carver said.
As they picked up the pace Bethany mind wandered a bit despite their predicament. Bethany always wanted to be normal, the magic in herself, her elder sister, and father always kept them on the run in the past. Moving from place to place, avoiding the Templars and trying to go unnoticed, to avoid having the three of them hauled off to the circle of magi to be lock up for the rest of their lives. Only when they decided to stop in Lothering and settle down did they have a reprieve from all the running. She wished father was still alive. He died three years prior to the blight, succumbing to a wasting sickness, leaving Garrett and Marian in charge of the family.
It wasn't until a month ago that King Kalian called the army together to stop the Darkspawn coming out of the Kocari Wilds. Garrett, Marian, and Carver signed up as the army passed though. Mother worried form all of them, especially Marian. She worried she might be discovered as an apostate by Templars accompanying the mages who were allowed to participate in the battle. Marian left her staff at home only taking her daggers with her. It was not the only reason their mother worried, she kept going on about how if she was hurt she would not be able to call for help. Marian was born mute, but she never let that get in the way. She could almost tell you what she was thinking, her sapphire eyes and facial expressions said it all.
The clash of steel along the bend bought mind back to the now. Up ahead two warriors were fighting a small group of darkspawn. One of them was a Templar.
…
"Apostates, keep your distance," The Templar was injured. Garrett was impressed. Even injured, the Templars still could not help but be an ass.
"Dear, they saved us," the red haired woman laid a hand on the Templar's shoulder. He shrugged it off and stepped toward Marian and Bethany. Garrett stepped in front of his sisters, his sapphire colored eyes daring the Templar to try something. They stared each other down for a second until the Templar backed off. He looked back his siblings. Marian and Bethany were tense, while Carver had his hand gripped on his great sword.
"Your right," the Templar said directing his attention to his wife. He looked back at the group, "I apologize."
The red haired woman spoke, "I am Aveline Vallen," she gestured to the Templar, "This is my husband Ser Wesley. We can hate each other later."
Garrett regarded Aveline before speaking. The woman was fit, that was for sure. After seeing her fight those darkspawn, he was impressed. He seen her before though, "Where you at Ostagar?"
"Yes," she said, "I was a Lieutenant under Captain Varel. Wait, I remember you three. You were in one of platoons under Varel's command."
That where'd he'd seen her. Remembering the current situation, "We need to keep moving we can stand around and chat after we escape the darkspawn."
"If we escape," he heard Carver mutter to himself. Garrett glared at his younger brother. Carver didn't notice or just ignored him. Under normal circumstances he'd give a sharp retort. Only thing was, he and his brother would argue nonstop until one of them threw a punch or Marian would come over and knock their heads together. His brother was still an ass sometimes.
…
Marian was wary of the templar, Welsey was his name. He suffered an injury to his sword arm and wasn't able fight with the group. She found the situation ironic to say the least. She, an apostate mage was protecting a Templar. Wesley's wife, Aveline, was a different story. She remembered seeing the officer at Ostagar. She respected Aveline, and was happy her and her husband having found each other in the middle of all this. Wesley didn't look so good even after Bethany did her best to heal him. Thinking of the Templar made her think of the chantry back in Lothering. She wondered if everyone managed to flee in time, especially Leliana.
The ogre came thundering up from the way they had come. It charged right at them trying to scatter or swash them with its massive horns. The group was forced to leap out of the way. The ogre finished its charge and turned around looking for a target. It found one, loped over to where Mother, Bethany and Carver stood. Carver stuck out with his blade, uselessly clanking of the creatures armor. Bethany's spell seemed to just bounce off. The ogre plucked them off the ground, before it could do anything an arrow planted itself in its right arm. The ogre's grip loosened and Bethany managed to wiggle free and drop to the ground. She heard a crack which was probably one of Bethany's legs snapping.
Marian was wary of using her magic for fear of harming Carver. Her opening came when the ogre did something unexpected. Recognizing an immediate threat, it threw Carver at Garrett while he was nocking another arrow. Garrett had not expected this and was caught unprepared. Carver smashed into him, sending both flying back landing in a heap grunts and cracking bones. Now only Marian and Aveline stood against the creature. She could swear she saw it grin. She not would let this thing that had harmed her brothers and sisters take their lives today. She felt her magic start humming beneath her skin and her eyes glowed a bright white. She caught the ogre in a crushing prison. She crushed the beast to a pulp in seconds. Take that, she thought, how does it fell to be the helpless one for once? She looked around, and searched for more darkspawn. Seeing none at the moment, ran to her siblings. Aveline was backing up slowly, Wesley's Shield rasied, watching for more Darkspawn.
Garrett was fine, maybe a cracked rib or two. Carver was another matter, one of his arms were broken as well as his collarbone and ankle. Marian did what she could to heal Carver after resetting his bones. He grumbled, so she took that as good sign. Bethany had managed to heal her leg and limped over to fix Garrett's injuries.
Mother was right there, "Thank the maker you're all alright."
"More approach!" Aveline called out.
Marian readied her staff; Garrett and Bethany were right beside her, weapons drawn. Carver stayed back defensively guarding Mother and Wesley. His injuries not fully healed. The Darkspawn had them cornered next a tall butte. The darkspawd growled and waved their swords. Marian felt the magic course threw her again, the powers of the fade at her command. Not without a fight, she thought. She was tired but she would not fall.
"There's no end to them," Bethany said quietly.
Marian raised her staff at oncoming darkspawn. Before she could unleash her spells, a loud growl could be heard form a top the butte. What looked to be a gigantic rock spread its wings and roared revealing a high dragon.
Great, she thought, just what we need.
The massive dragon took fight and swooped down from its perch. Everyone leapt to the ground as the dragon passed overhead breathing fire down upon the darkspawn. The dragon, its dark purple scales glistening in the sun, as it swooped back down at them. Marian stepped in front of the small group despite Garrett's protest.
The dragon landed gracefully despite being bigger than the chantry at Lothering. The dragon sauntered over to them its head dropped down to eye level with Marian. She heard the group shuffle back a step, all except Garrett. Marian stood her ground not breaking eye contact with the beast. She stared into its yellow eyes unafraid. The dragon stared back, she heard it growl but in short breaths almost like it was chuckling. A bright orange light enveloped the creature, an old woman in armor stood in the dragons place. The woman's white hair was pulled and shaped to look like horns, the rest just hanging past her shoulder. Despite her age the woman still looked stunning, Marian was in awe. She had never thought to she see the witch again.
"What do we have here? It's not often we get visitors to the wilds, but now it seems they come in hordes." she chuckled reguarding Marian and the rest of the group. Marian heard Wesley gasp and fall over, but did not turn away. Her time spent with the witch told her to be wary for she was unpredictable.
"Impressive, where you learn into a dragon?" Garrett said glibly. Marian knew when he was afraid, he would often use humor.
"Perhaps I am a dragon. If so, count yourself lucky. The smell of burning darkspawn does nothing for the appetite, "Flemeth said, her tone changing from mild humor to a more serious one. "If you wish to flee the darkspawn, know that you are heading in the wrong direction."
"Wait," Bethany spoke up, "you can't just leave us here?"
"Can I not?" Flemeth said looking away from the group. She looked back to Marian, "I spotted the most peculiar thing. A mighty ogre, vanished. I would not of expected any less from you child. That is twice I have saved your life, girl. I hope this isn't going to become a habit." Marian could feel the eyes of her family on her. She glared at the witch. Flemeth chuckled looking back at the rest of the group, "You are all safe for the moment, is that not enough?"
Garrett spoke up drawing the witch's attention from Marian, "You show me that trick of yours. That looks useful."
"I dare say it is," Flemeth chuckled, "If only a clever tongue was all one needed. So tell me clever child. How do intend to outrun the Blight."
"We're going to Kirkwall, in the Free Marches." Carver spouted, a small quaver of fear in his voice.
"Kirkwall, my, that is quite the voyage you plan. Your King will not miss you? Hmm," Flemeth asked, voice dripping in sarcasm.
Garrett responded in kind, "I'm sure he'll miss his life more."
Flemeth cackled, "OH, you I like." Flemeth turned to Marian again. She didn't like the having the witch's attention. The old witch took on a more serious tone, "Hurled into the chaos you fight and the world will shake before you." The witch turned around walked a few paces away. "Is it fate or chance? I can never decide." She whispered to herself. She pondered a moment then tuned back to the group. "It appears fortune smiles on us both today. I may able to help you yet."
"There has to be a catch." Garrett said.
"There is always a catch. Life is a catch. I suggest you catch while you can," the witch practically hissing the last sentence said.
"Maybe we shouldn't trust her? We don't even know what she is.?" Bethany looked at Marian, but Marian did not take her eyes off the witch.
"I know what she is, the Witch of the Wilds." Aveline spoke from her kneeling position next to Welsey. The Templar now vains on his face were now running black with corruption.
"Some call me that, Also Flemeth, Asha'bellinar, an old hag who talks too much. Does it matter? I offer you this. I will get your group past the horde in exchange for a simple delivery to a place not far out of your way. Would you do this for a Witch of the Wilds?"
"What is a Witch of the Wilds exactly?" Garrett said curiously.
"A Chasind legend, witches that steal children," Aveline replied.
"Bah! As if I had nothing better better to do," Flemeth said sounding annoyed at the myth.
"You're an apostate?" Bethany asked.
"Yes, just like you and your sister."
"You would go thought all that trouble to have something delivered?" Garrett asked.
"I have an appointment to keep," the witch responded, "Happily, you are without your own needs."
"How much trouble will this delivery be, exactly?" Garrett asked.
"About as much trouble as my saving your lives not five minutes ago."
"Good point," Garrett said shrugging.
The witch let out an amused chuckle. "If you knew my daughter you realize how seldom I hear that. Marian smirked, she remembered the witches daughter quite well. Morrigan was her name.
Garrett looked at Marian, "Should we trust her?" Marian frowned unsure.
Aveline spoke instead, "Wesley is injured. We will never flee the darkspawn in time."
"If you need to, leave me behind." Welsey coughed. His eyes were a dull gray, the veins in his skin were black.
"No." Aveline said forcefully, "I said I would drag you out if I had to and I meant it."
Garrett looked back to Marian. She nodded, as much as she hated owing the witch her life once already. She needed to get her family out of here.
Garrett turned back to the witch, "Alright," he said,"Roast a few more darkspawn and I'll do anything you like."
"Sadly, my charity is at an end. There is a clan of Dalish elves near the city of Kirkwall. Deliver this amulet to their Keeper, Maritharei. Do as she askes with it and any debt between us is payed in full." She said looking at the rest of the group. Flemeth walked up to Marian and placed an amber colored pendent in her hand. Marian placed the amulet around her neck for safe keeping. She was wary to do so, but she might lose it putting it her belt pouches. The witch looked at Marian, "Well almost all of you." Her eyes bored into Marian. Marian wanted to cringe, but wouldn't give the witch anymore satisfaction. Flemeth chuckled again, "You are a brave one, but no your place." The witch backhanded her, "Or have you learned nothing about our kind, you and the young warden both. Respect your greater kin, hmm." Marian wiped the blood from her cheek and healed it. She bowed slightly, eyes still not leaving the witch.
"Better," Flemeth turned her attention to Aveline and Wesley, "Before I take you anywhere however, there is another matter." She approached the couple.
Aveline stood up and approached the witch, "No, leave him alone."
"What has been done to your man is in his blood already," Flemeth tone sounded soft.
"You Lie!"
"She's right Aveline. I can feel Corruption in side me." Wesley croaked.
"What are you talking about?" Garrett asked. Marian hung her head; she had seen soldiers at Ostagar who had the corruption. All them slowing dying, screaming to end there suffering.
"Form the Darkspawn, all that blood. I knew… when it happened," Wesley replied.
"Then how much time before you…" Aveline couldn't say the words.
"Not long now, if I am any judge." Flemeth answered softly.
"This corruption is the permanent sort I take it?" Garrett asked the witch.
"The only cure I know of is to become a Grey Warden."
"And they all died at Ostagar," Garrett sighed.
"Not all," Flemeth looked back at Aveline, "but the last are now beyond your reach."
Aveline knelt back down beside Wesley, "Aveline, listen to me…"
"You can't ask me this. I won't!" Aveline said interrupting him, catching the finality in his voice.
"Please, the corruption is a slow death I cant." Wesley begged.
Garrett knelt down next to Wesley, "He's your husband, Aveline. I cannot decide his fate."
Wesley pulled out his dagger with his good arm, and handed to Aveline, "Be strong my love." Aveline held the dagger over his chest. She hesitated a moment, but drove it into her husband's chest. Aveline leaned over and shut his eyelids. She stood up. Flemeth came over and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Without an end there can be no peace. It gets no easier," the witch said sounding sincere. The witch walked off, the group followed her as she led them out the blights path. "Your struggles have only just begun."
…
They camp for the night after traveling most of the day. No darkspawn attacked them since meeting the witch. Garret sat around the fire taking first watch while rest slept on their bedrolls. The witch stood a ways away from the rest of the camp. He watched the witch. She had her back turned keeping her own council. Garrett remembered what she said to Marian, how they knew each other. It must have been when Marian wondered off into the wilds when they were thirteen. She didn't come back for close to three months. He remembered Mother was distraught she spent days locked her bedroom. His father went out to look for her. He wanted to go too but his father would none of it. "You must stay here and look after your younger brother and sister. Help your Mother while I'm gone." He did as he was told. His father returned a month later. Mother ran to him, but saw his face. He shook his head. Mother wailed and his father embraced her while sobbed. Garrett was angry if he had been with father, they would have found her. He did not speak to Father the entire time Marian was gone.
Two months later Marian walked out the woods and to the family house. Mother and Father were making preparations for the funeral in the kitchen when someone knocked on the door. Father told him to get it. He remembered opening it and seeing Marian standing there, her clothes tattered and stained with mud. Her sapphire colored eyes were hardened and her black hair matted in more mud. He stared at her for close to a minute, trying to make sure she was real. The entire family was happy to see her, but would not she write down how she survived in the wilds. Garrett had always wondered.
He looked the witch again. He got up from his vigil and walked over to her. He was nervous. This was the Witch of the Wilds after all. He approached. The witch turned to him her yellow eyes looking through him into his soul. "Yes," she said.
Garrett shuddered, but mustered his courage, "How do you know my sister?"
The witch chuckled, "My, my, right to chase you go. We met in the wilds of course."
"You helped her?" Garrett asked.
The witch's feral smile unnerved him. He shuddered again, "Help is not the right word, guided more like. She has a special gift. And before you ask, no, I will not tell you what it is nor is it my place to."
Garrett regretted speaking with her but he had to ask, "What happened to her out there?"
"She was lost, I helped her. That is the debt she owes me child."
Garrett had a partial answer to what had happened to his sister in the wilds. "Thank you, for helping her," he said. It was all he could really say. He had a feeling the witch would not answer any more questions.
"You're welcome," the witch replied with a smirk and turned away from him.
Garrett walked back to the fire. He was amazed at how the much the witch unnerved him. Marian spent three months with the witch. He couldn't believe it. He kicked Carver's foot, "Get up, your turn to take watch, wake Marian for third watch after." Carver grumbled but did as told. Garret plopped down on his bed roll he was too exhausted to think. He fell asleep.