Hello everyone, and welcome to the beginning of my newest story The Other Royal Warden!
Ok before I start my little the first Chapter, I have a couple things to let you know yet again...
* So those who have read my stories will have noticed I have changed my profile name from Wolf-Lover26 to Da-Wolf-Goddess, this is a permanent change.
* I may be delayed in my uploads since I am working on a story for publishing so that will be taking up most of my time as well as looking for work and family things that will arise.
* If anyone ever feels I take too long for uploading please PM (Private Message) me or comment/review and I will get onto the next chapter as so as I can to upload it for you.
* I will update you on my new characters in each chapter just so you know their of my creation.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Dragon Age Plot or Characters, ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE ORIGINAL MAKERS... All I own is just my own twist on things and of course my own characters.
Alright now that is all outta the way, onwards with the story...
Chapter 1: New Recruits
Sonja's view:
I brushed my finger through my shoulder blade lengthened ruby red hair, placing it in a high ponytail leaving some short fringe bits hanging down on either side of my face, I then turned to the bowl of fresh water, looking at my reflection. My skin tone was slightly tanned, and my eyes were a vibrant evergreen coloured eyes, I sighed then splashed some of the cold water on my face to refresh myself, I got stationed at Ostagar, near the Korcari Wilds. I was here with my fellow Grey Wardens from the Ferelden Order by order of the King to stop a Blight from happening "Hey Sonja, you up yet?" Warden Warren Riggs called out. "Yes, I'm up" I replied as I grabbed a hand towel "Good, cause, Duncan is back today and with the newest recruit," Warden Riggs said as I dried my face. "Any details on the newest one?" I asked as I placed the hand towel down and grabbed my helmet walking out, to see Warden Riggs standing just outside my tent.
Warren has a pale to fair skin tone, sky blue eyes, has short platinum blonde brushed back hair and stubble with a goatee starting to form; he is a human rogue, specialised in archery "Lady Elissa Cousland, it's lucky she and Duncan are even alive" Warren replied. "What do you mean they're lucky to be alive? What happened?" I questioned in worry "Well we got the report when you were still in the Wilds, we wanted to wait till you got rested before telling you since they-he is alive still" Warren said. I frowned slightly, everyone here knew I was close with Duncan he was like an older brother or a father to me, I was a child, only eight years old when I joined, Duncan helped raise and teach me. "Well Arl Rendon Howe betrayed, Teyrn Bryce Cousland, Arl Howe had his men lay siege to their castle, his men killed, Teyrn Bryce, his wife, their daughter-in-law and their grandson," Warren said.
I looked to the ground shaking my head "Elissa's older brother Fergus, is here, he and his men went into the Wilds not long ago" Warren said I look to Warren "Does he know?" I asked Warren shook his head. "No, poor man" Warren said, "We will have to inform him as soon as he gets back if Elissa survives the joining she can tell him herself," I said. "Provided that Fergus returns from the Wilds and we all or most of us survive the battle tonight," Warren said. "Let's not think negative, if the Wardens fail here, then all of the Ferelden will fall," I said, "Which is what worries me, this archdemon seems too quiet, it feels wrong," Warren says with a worried look. "I agree but let's not worry anyone, we must put on our brave warden charm and bring up the moral," I said Warren chuckled "Yes milady," Warren says giving a bow I shook my head while I gave him a look.
"I have to go check on the other recruits, I saw one sneaking around last night," Warren said, "Most likely Daveth," I said, "That's what you get when recruiting pick-pockets," Warren said "Now-now Warren weren't you a-" I started to say. "Yeah-Yeah alright, I get it, leave the past in the past," Warren said cutting me off then turned on his heal and went to walk off "See you around Sonja," Warren said "Bye Warren, have fun now" I called out. I walked off with my helmet in my right hand and held it close to my side; I walked around the campsite, where the soldiers and wardens had their tents in the one area, "Ho there, little missy!" Warden Anton Bates called out I looked over at him seeing him with a bottle of ale in his hand.
Anton has a tanned skin tone, light to medium brown coloured eyes and wood coloured brown shoulder-length hair that he has pulled back and placed in a bun, he's older than me by ten years or around there and is a great warrior. "Hey there Anton, all fired up for our glorious battle I see," I said with a smile. He laughed "Ah, but of course, no better thing for a man's moral than a fine ale," Anton said. "You'll be drunk before nightfall, Bates, give that here before you make a fool of us all" Warden Markus Mayer said as he went to snatch the ale bottle from Anton, when he quickly side-stepped, twirling around Warden Mayer. Markus has a dark tan-almost light brown in skin tone, has hazel eyes, black combed back hair reaching the tip of his shoulders and a moustache, he is about five years or so older than Anton, I think and a talented rouge, he uses daggers mainly.
Anton laughed "Come now old boy surely you're not letting me get away that easy, or perhaps it's those old bones of yours that let you down huh?" Anton teased "Old bones? By the maker, you've asked for it now" Markus snapped. "We'll see," Anton said drawing his sword waving it at Markus, Markus drew his daggers and lunged at Anton, getting into yet another one of their playful duels I laughed knowing that Anton would always win their little duels. "By the maker, those two never learn," Warden Lucius Kirk said Lucius has a tanned skin tone, his right eye is a rich blue and his left eye is a dark blue almost deep violet colour. He has a scar on his right cheek from a battle before becoming a warden which he never speaks of, he has dark grey short puffed up hair, and a light stubble, he is one of the toughest warriors I know, he keeps to a sword and shield for weapons.
"You mean, Markus never learns, Anton loves teasing him," I said. "That may be so little one, but we are in Ostagar, here to aid the King and his army in the battle against the darkspawn horde, we must keep our appearances up," Lucius said. "Yes Lucius, I shall break them up then," I said, "No need child, I will do that, you go and see to Alistair he is meant to be delivering a message to a mage, see that he does not antagonise the mage," Lucius said. "Alistair is a newly made Warden fresh out of Templar training; I hardly think he should have been left to see this message through on his own," I said. "Precisely why you will keep an eye on him today, Duncan should have arrived by now with the newest recruit, go find them once you've found Alistair" Lucius said. "Alright, I'll go make sure the mage doesn't turn Alistair into a frog for smart-ass remarks," I said "Indeed," Lucius said with a slightly disapproving look for my little joke, I turned around and walked towards the gates that led out of the Warden camp.
As I walked into the heart of the base in Ostagar, I walked over to the mage's area and went over to a couple of the mages, Uldred and Wynne "More news from the King I suspect?" Uldred puffed as he glared at me. "Sorry to disappoint you, good sir, I came to ask if you knew where Warden Alistair is," I said "Hmpf, is that all? You waste your time on chasing after your comrades; we have no such time for this" Uldred snapped then walked off. "Do not mind him, Warden, this battle with the darkspawn horde has us all on edge?" Wynne said I sighed "I know, darkspawn is not the best foe to face, but at least we have a close and secure fort to hold our forces and hold back the horde," I said. "True but alas I should not keep you here, the last I saw, Warden Alistair was headed north in part of the ruin to talk with one of the enchanters," Wynne said, "Many thanks, Wynne, may the Maker watch over you in the coming battle," I said.
"And you warden," Wynne said, I walked off heading north past the quartermaster and up into the ruins to see a furious enchanter storming towards my direction "Enchan…" I started "Out of my way! I will not be mocked by another young, know-it-all, warden!" the enchanter snapped. I looked at him in awe as he stormed passed me "Your superiors and the King shall hear of this!" he called out as he kept walking, I frowned as I sighed heavily, I continued walking through the ruin and up a short ramp where we would be holding the joining of the recruits. I got there to see Alistair and the newest recruit that we had been told about, standing there with him, Alistair and the newest recruit, Lady Elissa Cousland, were talking and looked to get along nicely. I smiled, Alistair was not just a dear friend of mine, we had a secret, one that allowed Duncan to conscript Alistair out of the Chantry and from the Templars. Alistair was-is my older half-brother as is King Cailan, Alistair didn't use the last name, whereas I took my mother's last name, I told Duncan what I knew of my parents, I didn't want attention and Alistair felt the same.
Cailan didn't know we were his younger half-siblings, we thought that might be best, besides he is the eldest and has a good handle on what he's doing even if he wants to live out the old a tales. Only Duncan, Alistair and I knew about the whole relationship of the bloodline. We didn't intend to tell anyone else; I shook my head slightly getting back to the task at hand, I walked over to Alistair and Elissa "Alistair, please say you didn't stir that enchanter up?" I questioned aloud making them both turn to face me. Alistair has fair to tanned skin tone, has amber eyes, short primped up dirty-blonde coloured hairstyle and has a slight stubble showing, he's a warrior and has amazing skills with a sword and shield when he's not a smart aleck. Elissa has fair to almost tanned skin tone, royal blue coloured eyes mid-shoulder length medium brown coloured hair; it looked like Elissa was a rouge herself, she had a sword and a dagger. "Of course not," Alistair said I gave him a stern look I may have been younger than him but I have been a warden longer then he has "It's not my fault he got snappy with me giving him a message from the revered mother" Alistair replied.
I sighed "Alistair I don't like being here facing a darkspawn horde but, yet I do it, we have to get along, we cannot face the horde by ourselves," I said. "Yes mother," Alistair said in a slightly smug way I smiled "Tease if you will, but I'd get it out of your system before we see Duncan, Warden Kirk ordered me to stay with you and make sure you don't start anything with anyone," I said. Alistair groaned "Oh great so while I'm babysitting the recruits, you babysit me, that's going to end wonderfully" Alistair puffed I laughed "Great fun, I would imagine, remind me to pick you up some flowers to throw around for everyone when this battle is over," I said. Alistair laughed then looked at the recruit "Oh right, sorry, this is…" Alistair started "Our newest recruit, Lady Elissa Cousland, yes?" I said, "Yes that is right" she replied, "It is a pleasure, my lady, I am Warden Sonja Larson," I said giving a slight bow. "Sonja here is the youngest ever to join the Wardens," Alistair said, "If he annoys you just hit him," I said "Hey…" Alistair says in winning voice giving an almost puppy dog stare.
I laughed "Alistair I'm joking, but seriously you know the way you're going you'll end up turning into a Mabari rather than getting your own if you keep doing that puppy dog face," I said, "That would be a sight to see," Elissa said. "Wouldn't it just, anyhow we best get to Duncan if this ritual ever plans to get done today before the Horde comes tonight" I said "I hope Duncan lets me fight tonight" Alistair said I sighed and turned around. "You do know there's never a shortage of Darkspawn if not tonight there will always be other times," I said as I started walking, Alistair and Elissa followed me. "I know, but I've hardly ever been in a real battle since joining, you've been in the order long before I have and have had heaps of fights," Alistair said. "I know, but we should follow Duncan's word, it's the least we can do to repay him," I said.
"Yeah" Alistair puffed softly "So Lady Cousland tell me have you meet the other recruits yet?" I asked "Yes, Ser Jory and Daveth" Elissa replied, "Good that saves time," Alistair said, "They both should be with Duncan by now," I said. "Then it's onto the ritual," Alistair said, "Before we get to Duncan though…" I started as I stopped walking and turned around I looked at Elissa. "Lady Cousland, our order has already heard the tragedy that befell your family and home, on behalf of the wardens we are very sorry for what has happened," I said, she looked a little surprised, and her eyes were teary "Thank you," Elissa said. "I know it may not be much, but if we see your brother, we will make sure he knows what has happened and take care of him as much as we can," I said, "I appreciate it, thank you," Elissa said.
"Once you've joined, feel free to questioned Alistair and myself about anything, we'll help you get through things, we've both been through hard times ourselves," I said then turned around "Let's get to Duncan, this ritual has some other things involved too," I said. "What's new now?" Alistair asked "You'll find out once we get to Duncan" I replied "Sometimes it's better not to ask so many questions," Elissa said "See Alistair," I said. "Yeah-Yeah, don't you both start teaming up with me," Alistair said, "Don't worry, you'll still get bragging rights," I said with a smile. "Oh yay, just what I hoped for, a chance for a bigger ego," Alistair said in a smart aleck way. Elissa and I laughed, I looked back slightly Alistair pulled a silly face, I giggled as I shook my head, he's such a child "Another woman, must be my lucky day" Daveth said as we got close to Duncan's camp.
"Hands where they can be seen Daveth, you were already caught sneaking around in the warden's camp last night," I said sternly "Huh?" Daveth puffed "You can't weasel your way out of this" Ser Jory said as he came over. Daveth chuckled "Alright so I was there, but this whole joining thing has me on edge," Daveth said "So it should, you are becoming a member of one of the most famous orders in the world," I said Ser Jory and Daveth looked at me in slight worry. Elissa looked the bravest but from what she has been through I'm not too surprised "Now look, you've worried them" Alistair said, I looked at him before I could speak, a Mabari had run over pouncing on Elissa. The Mabari hound started licking Elissa while hovering over her "Alec! Alec hop off!" Elissa exclaimed, the Mabari soon hoped off and sat panting heavily with his stubby tail wagging. "You have a Mabari hound?" Daveth questioned "Yes, this is Alec" Elissa replied as she stood up Alec barked proudly "You have a fine companion," I said, "Thank you, he's one of a kind," Elissa said.
"Don't get too used to having him around" Duncan's voice trailed, we all looked over to see Duncan come into view "Duncan it's good to see you again" I said he smiled "And you Sonja" Duncan said "Everyone's here Duncan" Alistair said. Duncan frowned slightly "Yes, and I have received word that you were patronising one of the enchanters," Duncan said, "I was giving him a message from the revered mother," Alistair said. "You're lucky he didn't turn you into a frog, he looked furious," I said Duncan sighed "Alistair we must all work together, despite our differences, right now we have to get along whether we like them or not," Duncan said. "Yes Duncan," Alistair said Duncan looked over the recruits "You three will be going into the Korcari Wilds as part of the ritual for the joining, Alistair will be both going with you," Duncan said.
I looked at Duncan "I thought you said I would be going as well" I said "Alistair has been with us long enough to know what he is doing, you have a different mission" Duncan said. "What is it?" I asked "I need you to take Alec with you and check things out in the Tower of Ishal, then meet me at the war council table to discuss the events of tonight," Duncan said. I gave a nod of my head and slight bow "Understood Duncan, I looked at Alistair "Take care out there" I said then looked to Elissa "You'll do fine, from what I've heard you're a skilled fighter" I said with a slight smile. I then looked at Alec "Alright boy, say goodbye to your master, your coming with me for a little while" I said, "Bye Alec, you be good ok?" Elissa said as she knelt, and hugged Alec then separated and stood up. Alec barked a couple of times then came over to me "Good luck all" I said then looked at Duncan "I will see you soon with a full report" I said then walked off with Alec by my side.
Just before Alec I and exited the main entrance to the overall base camp of Ostagar, I stopped kneeling down to tie my hair into a tight, neat bun and as small as I could get it then I placed my helmet on tucking any strands of hair in my helmet. I stood up and looked at Alec "Alright let's go see what's happening at the tower" I said Alec gave a bark and we walked off across the bridge to where the tower stands. We walked briskly towards the tower's location, more soldiers flocked to Ostagar by the day to help in the battles with the darkspawn but this battle, tonight's battle had all the wardens on edge, something wasn't right, and we all could feel it. Alec and I reached the other side and got to the gates that were the entrance to the Tower of Ishal "Halt" a guardsman said aloud as he came over with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"It's ok, I have been ordered from Warden Duncan to review the Tower of the Ishal and its grounds before the battle tonight," I said. "I'm sorry, but I am under orders from Teyrn Loghain not to let anyone through, his men are taking care of the Tower of Ishal," the guardsman said. "Surely having a warden inspect the area with them will not be a problem," I said, "I'm sorry, but Teyrn Loghain said no excuses for anyone no matter their status or who they represent," the guardsman said. "Alright well, can you at least give me a report of what you know about the place? Just so I can inform my superiors" I asked he puffed a sigh "Just what you've heard, I won't tell anyone that will get you into trouble I need some information" I said. "Alright, I've heard they found a tunnel beneath the Tower, I'm not sure where it leads or what they're doing about it, but the structure of the Tower is strong and the area secure" the guardsman replied. "Thank you, I appreciate your help," I said, "No problem, may the maker be with you in the coming battle," the guardsman said, "May he be with us all," I said then looked at Alec "Come let us return to Duncan," I said.
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P.S.
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