Disclaimer:
I do not own Dragon Age. Dragon Age Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition and all related media is property of Bioware, and are not my intellectual property. David Gaider is the lead writer and original author of the characters and events in the Dragon Age world. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
As I said, this fanfic is a retelling of the story of Dragon Age: Origins, but with a more mature and darker treatment.
The story follows closely the events of Origins, although some things will be different.
The main character of the story will be Daylen Amell (Magi Origin).
The main romantic interest will be Morrigan, but with some romance that will happen with Leliana too.
The companions will be the same ones from Origins, I have decided to not use Ser Roland, to keep things simpler and (hopefully) complete the story. (sorry to my subscribers, but I'll try to make it worth your time, I promise).
There will be mentions and maybe small cameos of the other origins as well, but the only Warden will be Daylen.
Also cameos of Bethany, Hawke and Isabela. Eventually I like to write another fanfiction, in a world where Bethany became a Grey Warden and finally met her cousin.
This story will have themes of fantasy (of course), action, drama, romance. My story could have mentions of names, people, places, or techniques from other sources, to use them as inspiration for the story, (e.g. Greek Mythology) but that will be all, this won't be a crossover.
What you can expect of this fanfic is basically the story of Origins, but somehow darker and with some twists that will change some things.
This is my first fanfiction, so please try not to be so hard on me, ok?
DRAGON AGE ORIGINS: REQUIEM
PROLOGUE
"The Chantry teaches us that it was the hubris of men that brought the Darkspawn into our world.
The mages had sought to usurp Heaven, but instead they destroyed.
They were cast out, twisted and cursed by their own corruption.
They returned as monsters, the first of the Darkspawn.
They became a Blight upon the lands, unstoppable and relentless.
The dwarven kingdoms were the first to fall, and from the Deep Roads the Darkspawn drove at us again and again until finally we neared annihilation.
Until the Grey Wardens came...
Men and women from every race, warriors and mages, barbarians and kings... the Grey Wardens sacrificed everything to stem the tide of darkness... and prevailed.
It has been four centuries since that victory and we have kept our vigil. We have watched and waited for the darkspawn to return. But those who once called us heroes... have forgotten.
We are few now, and our warnings have been ignored for too long.
It may even be too late, for I have seen with my own eyes what lies in the horizon…
Maker help us all."
On the camp in Ostagar, inside a large Grey Warden's tent, was a bearded, muscular, tall man in his last forties, with dark hair graying at the temples and dark skin that proved his Rivaini ascend. It was Duncan, Commander of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, he was sitting at his desk, concentrated writing on his journal, even if he was the commander of such legendary organization, he did not wear any elegant and fancy armour, he preferred a simple but functional armour that only protected his most vulnerable parts, and allowed it to have a greater degree of mobility, things that were vital to a rogue such as himself.
"Duncan, Duncan."
Duncan raised his head, in front of him was an armored figure wearing a Splint mail armor, it was a tall young man in his early twenties, with blonde short hair and somehow a childish face that was looking at him with a concerned look, it was Alistair, a former Templar and the youngest member of the order. He was recruited from the Chantry in Denerim, just six months ago, nevertheless in a short time Alistair had already developed a friendship with Duncan, and even saw him as a father figure. Duncan was aware of this, and although he also appreciated Alistair, he couldn't avoid feeling guilty, because he thought that he wasn't worthy of such affection, as the young man idolize him because he didn't truly know the kind of man that he really was, the questionable things he had done in his life, the secrets that he had kept from him, but he had made a promise: he would protect Alistair and he would try the best in his power to give him an opportunity to live a happy life. For a moment Duncan was deeply engrossed in thought, contemplating the familiar young man's face, when he came back to his senses:
"What, oh, I'm sorry Alistair, I was writing on my journal, and I supposed I got carried away, what were you saying?"
"I'm just here to tell you that I brought the report of the last battle, it seems that your suspicions were right, the darkspawn are retreating into the Wilds, but according to the scouts they are not leaving, they're camping deep in the forest, apparently waiting for reinforcements, and… also it seems that King Cailan wants to organize an assault troop escorted by the mighty Grey Wardens and pursue the darkspawn into the Wilds to kill them once and for all…"
"Hmm, that is… troubling, I would prefer if the king waited for reinforcements from Orlais."
"Yeah, well, I heard that Teyrn Loghain is not very happy about that suggestion, he said that such idea was foolish and reckless, well he said many other things about the orlesians, but I prefer not to repeat them, you know, for the sake of keeping the report professional…"
–"I know about the animosity between the fereldans and orlesians, particularly the Teyrn, but I still think that he is a reasonable man, I have faith that King Cailan will convince him of the necessity of external help, we need to put aside any differences with Orlais, we need to stay united if we hope to have any future."
"Do you truly think this is a true Blight?"
"Without a doubt. Alistair, we have discussed this before, an Archdemon is behind this, I'm sure of it, I know that you're worried and I appreciate your concern, but the truth is that I have no much time left in this world, I wish that you learn to accept it and move on… we all have to learn to accept that eventually."
"Yes, but…"
"Enough Alistair!"–shouted Duncan, while hitting the table with his fist.
Alistair jumped slightly at the sudden outburst of Duncan, which surprised him, because the commander had generally a serene character.
"Death eventually comes for us all and you know it. Stop thinking about the inevitable and occupy your time training, refining your templar abilities, learning to do team work, and performing your duty as a Grey Warden!"
"I..., yes, I know Duncan, but… it's just that it doesn't seem fair."
Duncan relaxed, and sighed, he knew that the boy only meant well, his heart was at the right place, but he still was too young and naïve.
"Life is not fair, Alistair, this world is full of injustice and evil, but also of things that are worth preserving, like love, family and friends, there is a time for everything: a time to be born, a time to have a family, a time to be happy, a time to be sad, and a time to die. These are dark times indeed, but find solace that even when I'm not here anymore, still you will not be alone, for you will have the support of your brothers and sisters, the Grey Wardens, your new family, be patient with them and try to support each other, in such hard times that lies ahead, remember: the most important is not how you die, but how you live."
"I…, yes, Duncan, you're right, I apologize."
Part of Duncan wondered if he had been too harsh, but the truth had to be said, there was no point in hiding it, he was sorry for him though, the boy never met his father and due to the circumstances he couldn't meet his mother either, Alistair yearned for a family, a true family, Duncan knew that and feel sad that he couldn't give him that, and hoped that maybe someday he could find happiness, if not with a family, with his brothers, as a Grey Warden's life was not easy after all. There was an awkward silence and he could sense the tenseness in Alistair, so he changed the subject to divert attention from the worries of the young warden's mind.
"How are going the preparations for my journey?"
–I have already received the royal documents signed by the king, the Quartermaster has prepared a pack with the supplies that you requested, and your weapons are clean and polished. Everything is in order for whenever you're ready.
"Good, I'll depart soon then."
"Where do you plan to go first?"
"To Redcliffe Castle, I want to speak with Arl Eamon and see how the preparations for the reinforcements are going. But my main destination is Kinloch Hold, I'm willing to press the Circle and the Chantry by all the means I can, until they agree to our request, we need more mages, they are a vital part of our defence, they're going to be all the difference in this war, as the Darkspawn will have no problem getting magic users that will be attacking us, throwing spells left and right at us without mercy."
"Yeah, I suppose that Darkspawn must feel lucky that they don't have to deal in politics. It must be nice you know, being able to get all the resources you want without having to deal with rude Templars, self-righteous priestesses, and grumpy mages –said Alistair in an amused tone."
Duncan, laugh slightly at Alistair's joke, he could have a strange sense of humour sometimes, but the commander enjoyed such simple moments of levity that shared with the young warden.
"Perhaps, but even so we need to learn to cooperate with each other, and we need The Circle's help."
"But you also plan to recruit for the wardens, right?"
"Yes, as I mentioned before, there is a young apprentice that I have interest in, his name is Daylen Amell, First Enchanter Irving has spoken highly of that mage, and I'm told that he will pass his Harrowing soon."
"Are you going to recruit just one mage?"
"Hmph, if it were for me, I would gladly recruit 5 or more mages, but even though we have the Right of Conscription, we should tread carefully and use it only as last resource, after all our order was just recently allowed into Ferelden again, and we don't have the resources or the influence necessary yet to force our will upon others, so I'll have to be content with just one mage."
"Well, still it would be very useful to finally have a mage within our ranks."
"Yes, Grey Wardens in other nations have the advantage of having more mages amongst them. I hope that after these battles the Chantry sees the importance of having more mages not only in the army but in our ranks as well. That's why I'm looking to recruit that mage, I've heard that he is very talented, a prodigy some even call him, but not only that, he is well-spoken with a clear analytical mind, who I think, will make an excellent warden, I hope that the Chantry sees that and maybe could even be willing to lend some Templars to join our forces."
Alistair was intrigued and even a bit jealous of how Duncan spoke of that mage, it seems that he has high expectations of him, –Daylen Amell, better remember that name – thought Alistair.
His thoughts were interrupted when Duncan suddenly spoke:
"Of course if time allows it I'd like to go to recruit in Orzammar, as dwarves make exceptional warriors and they have vast experience fighting darkspawn, after all they've been fighting them for centuries. I wish I could have more time, there are also other potential candidates in Denerim, in Highever and among the Dalish, after this journey I'd also like to visit Highever, there is a promising recruit there, Ser Gilmore, I think is his name, and besides Teyrn Bryce Cousland is one of the few friends of the Grey Wardens that we have in Ferelden."
"Ah, yes, I remember you also mentioned that the Teyrn's son would make for a good recruit."
"Yes, Aedan Cousland, honestly it is him that I'm more interested in recruiting, unfortunately I know that the Teyrn would never allow it."
"I see, still it's good that we can count a Teyrn amongst our allies."
"Yes, well, it's a long journey, so I better get going then, while there is still daylight, goodbye Alistair, and please try to not get in much trouble while I'm gone."
"Of course Duncan, then I'll be leaving too, to continue doing the tasks that you assigned me. Have a good trip!"
Saying this, Alistair left the tent, shortly Duncan did it too, the entire camp was bathed by the sunlight of the morning, hundreds of tents were gathered, and the gabble of soldiers, drinking to celebrate to have survived the last battle could be heard in the distance. Duncan passed by the tent of King Cailan, to say farewell, before departing, but he was told that the king had already gone to drink with the soldiers, not unheard of, for a king with the "common touch", –"I wonder if his carefree nature could be a problem in the future"–thought Duncan, for a moment the commander felt a feeling of unease, but quickly put aside that thought and continued his preparations for traveling. He collected the pack of supplies from the Quartermaster, he was ready for his journey ahead, the Warden Commander took a horse and soon left the camp at Ostagar. Duncan thought that he was lucky to have a horse at his disposal, they were very useful to travel great distances, but they were also very expensive in Ferelden, and even if they weren't, the fereldan army wouldn't go to battle with them, for it would be all for naught as the horses wouldn't last past one battle, because horses, just like many other animals, were easily infected by the darkspawn taint, so the losses would outweigh the advantages, in fact legends say that it was because of that reason that the Grey Wardens started using griffons in the first place, as they represented not only an strategical advantage with their flying capability, but they were also more resistant to the taint, they were their trusted companions, until they became extinct.
The commander continued traveling through The Hinterlands, he was quickening his pace as it was evening already and soon it would be dark, he stopped by a small village to find a place to spend the night, but before entering the village he found a horrible scene: about twenty dead bodies, showing signs of no resistance, he found some soldiers had been hanged and left for everyone that passes by to see, as a sick diversion, a scare tactic or both, the houses and the trees were burning, Duncan decided to search for survivors, even if he knew that would be highly improbable, then he saw the body of a soldier, impaled through the chest by a sword of a design that he knew only too well…then he suddenly felt it…, the familiar sensation that indicated him that he was not alone, he could hear the old whispers, he could feel it in the air, two hurlocks, tainted and horrible mutated creatures, monsters who the common folk would only think could come out of nightmares, were silently approaching him, one of the creatures went for his left side, trying to thrust his sword into the warden's ribs, but the experienced commander easily grabbed him by the arm, twisted it and force the hurlock to the ground, while also quickly disarming him and using his attacker's sword to intercept the attack of the other one, throwing him off balance and killing him by thrusting him with the sword while the creature was on the ground, next the warden proceeded to throw the original attacker off a cliff, the creature fell to his death. The warden commander cleaned the blood on his mouth and decided to continue his journey.
"A storm is coming"–said Duncan–, as he stared at the horizon, watching the dark clouds gathered in the Frostback Mountains, the warden felt a sudden chill as a cold breeze passed, it sure could be interpreted as an ominous sign but it wasn't the only one, as in the distance, a mass of hundreds and hundreds of lights moving through the forest could be seen, marching towards Ostagar…
"Maker, help us all."
To be continued…
Note about next chapter (1):
I hope that everyone enjoyed the story. The Magi Origin always has been my favorite, and as I've noticed that there aren't many stories featuring male Amell Warden, I thought it would be good to publish this one.
In the next chapter of Dragon Age Requiem: Daylen starts the test feared by every mage in the circle: The Harrowing.
By the way, I forgot to mention that English is not my first language so please excuse me for any errors, in fact if you could point them out that would be a great way to correct my writing, and learn to use more vocabulary, like common expressions, to improve the story.