Hello! I have been wanting to do this story for years but haven't been able to get my head around it, this is only the beginning of a entire trilogy...it all adds up to the big finale in the major war after the trespasser DLC) without further ado please enjoy the beginning of Born a Wolf
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Dragon Age series, it belongs to Bioware, I do however own Azcadelia and anything that stems from her
Everyone thinks they're an expert on the supernatural, werewolves, vampires, Zombies the works, but does anyone actually know about these creatures for real. With werewolves, everyone thinks you only become one when you are bitten and then you can never return to your human form, but that's not always the case, a werewolf can be born, these beings are known as Lycans and only when the moon was full and covered the land with its luminous glow can this strange and incredibly rare anomaly occur. Lycans are the true werewolves, the beings who can turn from human to wolf of their own volition, their appearance are closer to a wolf than man which shows their pureblood lineage. A Lycan can only be born when its parents are first generation werewolves, meaning they were bitten by Witherfang himself and not bitten by another werewolf. This child can only be born when the moon is at its fullest and strongest, otherwise the child will die due to the curse being too strong.
One night, when the moon was at its strongest a mother's howl carried through the wind as she gave birth to her child, the first and purest of its kind, Its human cries echoed through the cave it resided in. It was Duncan of the Grey Wardens who was patrolling for Darkspawn that heard the cry, thinking that it was an innocent baby he rushed inside the cave with a sword drawn in order to save it. He was expecting to see a baby being swarmed by the Darkspawn that would sometimes pass here but never in his wildest dreams did he think he would witness something so unbelievable as this, before him was a werewolf with a human baby in its arms, it was no longer breathing which meant that the wolf had died giving birth to the child but had time to cuddle with her baby before she passed away. Never in his entire life did he ever think that a werewolf would ever give birth, let alone the baby surviving "Duncan where are you!?" a fellow Grey Warden called from outside the cave
"In a cave, I will be out shortly!" he quickly pulled off his cloak and picked up the crying baby so he could wrap it up for warmth, once the baby was silent he left the cave to meet up with his squad "I'm here" he called out, waiting patiently for the others to find him
"Duncan is that a baby!?" one of the Grey Wardens cried in shock
"Yes, a child born from a werewolf" he replied, keeping his composure when he heard the others gasp in surprise
"How is that possible?" one asked in shock
"I do not know" he muttered as he stared at the now sleeping baby "but she is my responsibility now"
"What are you gonna call her"
"I have always wanted to call one of my children Azcadelia, I believe this name should be perfect for her" his squad looked at Duncan with confused looks but he did not elaborate "We are leaving" the others nodded and followed him back to their headquarters
As Azcadelia grew she got stronger and stronger, the power she carries was immense and continued to grow every day. Duncan immediately began teaching her duel wielding sword skills and hand to hand combat "Father, why am I practicing duel wielding, why can't I be an archer or a warrior, I want to use a greatsword" she had asked after her first training session
"It is because your speed is better suited for swift and light movements whilst your strength will aid you in blocking other opponents that use heavier weapons"
"But can't I go wolf and kick their behinds that way?" Azcadelia joked, she knew what she was and did not find it repulsive like many others would, it was a part of her, to reject the wolf was to reject herself
"No, you cannot control that side of you yet, you may attack your companions, that would only be a last resort" she huffed but nodded "Now let us join the others for supper" she nodded and skipped after her adopted father
But honestly, this story isn't about her childhood, no, this is about her life the moment her eyes settled on a young man who would forever change her world.
This story starts when Azcadelia was walking through Bournshire, a small village that hosts many Templar and Chantry recruits, a few Grey Wardens were travelling through the village which would lead them to Denerim where they would meet with the King of Ferelden. Of course, Azcadelia being the adventurous woman she was, whined to Duncan as much as she could until he agreed to allow her to join them. "Did you hear?" she heard a gaggle of female voices beside her
"Hear what?" another female replied, knowing that they were not talking to her, Azcadelia continued to look away but kept her attention on them
"The Templars are holding a tournament to honour the Grey Wardens that are travelling through here!" the woman practically squealed, Azcadelia winced at the octave in which the woman screamed
"Oh we get to see all those handsome men fighting, I will definitely be watching" the other female squealed just as loudly "When is it"
"It will start two hours from now" Azcadelia hurried off in search of her adoptive Father, hoping she could get more information on this tournament. She felt too excited at the thought of seeing other men and woman fighting, to be able to see Templars fight was too tempting
"Hey!" a man's voice screamed, the Grey Warden recruit looked up just in time to see a much larger figure crash straight into her "oof!" seconds later the two humans were lying on the floor, both groaning from the impact of elbows and knees digging into stomachs and chests
"Oh I am soo sorry!" Azcadelia cried out once she caught her breath, she waited for the man to roll off of her before speaking once more "are you ok? I should have been watching were I was going"
"No it was my fault, I was running and did not focus on my surroundings" the man pushed himself up off the floor before helping her up
"Thank you, I suppose it was both our faults" she laughed softly and dusted off her blouse and leather pants, once she was sure she was clean enough she moved her gaze onto the man before her, eyes widening at what she saw. She would never admit it but the man before her could have possibly be the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on, his eyes were as golden as hers when she turned but not glowing like hers, hair that was kissed by the sun just like his skin that was toned and flawless, and the muscles she could see through his robes, she would be drooling from the mouth if she did not have any control. He seemed to be her age, though she would have to find out through conversation whether that was true or not.
"Umm, are you sure you are alright" the man asked, noticing her gazing at him with an expression he hadn't seen before, well not at him anyway
"I'm in lo-ahh I mean I am perfectly fine thank you for asking, I probably hit my head a little too hard on the pavement" she grabbed a bit of her hair and began twirling it through her fingers, a nervous habit "Anyway, why were you hurrying if you don't mind me asking?"
"I am participating in the tournament today and I was hoping that I could train before it started" he stated proudly, his chest puffing out as he did so "Oh I almost forgot how rude of me, my name is Alistair"
"It wasn't rude, my name is Azcadelia" she replied with a smile
"I have not seen you around here before, are you just passing by?" he hoped she was staying for a while, she was quite a beautiful woman but he would be too nervous to say that out loud. Her hair was black, blacker than a human should have and was tied into a high pony tail that ended just past her shoulder, her eyes were a bright blue though for a moment he could have sworn they flashed golden when he crashed into her. Her skin was fair with a light tan, he noticed she was rather curvaceous for a girl that looked to be the same age as him, big busty breasts, small waist and wide hips, rounded posterior and shapely legs, she wasn't that much shorter than him, the top of her head reached his nose so he did not need to look down that much like he usually did when talking to the women of this town.
"Ah yes I am travelling with my father and a few of his companions, he is heading to Denerim to speak with the King" she really needed to stop gazing at his muscles, she could be seen as a creep since she was staring at him so much, she was glad that he did not notice
"You father is meeting with the King?" Asked Alistair in shock "how important is he?"
"Umm well…he is the Commander of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden so I suppose he is pretty important" she did not like to brag to many people about the rank of her father since people would usually suck up to her in hopes of getting a position in her father's ranks, being recruited into the Grey Wardens were considered to be the most honourable and grandest thing to be chosen for
"C-commander!? Your father is THE Duncan of the Grey Wardens!" he looked at her in amazement
"Yeah" she looked away in embarrassment and surprise, the man's outburst was shocking to say the least
"Ahh sorry I did not mean to startle you it's just…I have always admired the Grey Wardens, they fight for the safety of Ferelden far more than any soldier or Templar ever could" his eyes were glimmering with awe as he talked about his heroes
"It seems that you have always dreamt of becoming one" she stated calmly
"Well yes who wouldn't, many would become Grey Wardens for power or glory but not me, I wanted to become a Warden to keep this country safe" Azcadelia looked at the man before her with a soft smile, she could see the kind and pure heart this man has, a heart that would do great things for the Wardens
"You have qualities that would be a great asset to the Wardens"
"Ahh I don't know about that, I just want to do what is right" he scratched his head in embarrassment
"Well then, make sure you do well in this tournament today young Templar, my father may be keeping a close eye on you" she gave him a lopsided smirk "See you later, Alistair" she saluted him and walked off, feeling his confused and shocked gaze on her as she walked off in search of her father
"Father, father!" Azcadelia called as she ran towards her father who was entering the tournament ring
"Ahh Azcadelia, there you are, I was looking for you" she stopped beside her father and followed him in
"Sorry I met a Templar, or judging by his outfit he is still a recruit" she sighed when she remembered what he looked like
"Azcadelia, stop thinking such perverted thoughts" Duncan scolded, knowing all too well the look she sporting
"Sorry father" she chuckled nervously "Anyway, I think he would be perfect for a new recruit for the Wardens"
"We do not choose people based on their looks child"
"No no it's not his looks it's his personality, he's humble and kind and not like the other men who want to become a Warden just for glory" she had never met a man so kind and so humble as Alistair
"It's not just a kind hearted nature that I look for Azcadelia, I need to see the potential this man may have, and I do not meant how skilled he is with a sword" they both sat beside the others Wardens that were seated in the front row of the Tournament area
"I know that, at least look at him when he fights" Duncan sighed, knowing that Azcadelia was always good at picking men and woman who were worthy to become Wardens
"Fine, when he comes out let me know and I will keep a close eye on him" she nodded eagerly
"I know he won't let you down father" he chuckled softly
"I'm hoping you are right" they both sat where the other Grey Wardens were seated and waited patiently for the duels to begin, each match the Grey Warden's that accompanied Duncan conversed with each other about who would be perfect. Alistair was the last dueller in the tournament; he was to fight against three famously acclaimed Templar's, the first was Ser Eryhn, a woman who wielded a sword and shield with unequalled grace, the second duel was Ser Talrew, leader of many victories against the Chasind, and the final duel was against Ser Kalvin, one of the finest blades in Ferelden, Alistair had lost all three duels but he had caught the eye of Duncan. "Perhaps you are right, he does have potential"
"But sir, he lost all of his duels" a Grey Warden replied, not understanding his Commanders interest in the boy
"It is not the strength or skill of a man but what is inside him that makes a Grey Warden" Duncan stood from his seat and motioned for his daughter to follow him. They walked down to where all the duellers were residing and walked over to the man who sat on a bench alone, his shoulders were slumped in defeat and his eyes were downcast, showing how defeated he felt "excuse me my boy, my I speak with you for a moment" Alistair looked up in confusion for a moment before he jumped up onto his feet, knowing exactly who this man was
"Ah Of…Of course sir"
"My name is Duncan and I am the Commander of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden, I know that you have already met my Daughter Azcadelia" he motioned to the silent woman beside him who was smiling at the shy man "I wanted to talk to you about how you are faring after your battles" Alistair looked down and rubbed his neck
"I am doing as well as one can considering I lost all three of my duels, then again I'm used to feeling angry and sorry for myself"
"I take it that you are not happy with your life as a Templar?" Azcadelia asked
"No not really, I was sent to the Chantry when I was ten and have hated being here ever since" Duncan nodded, seeming satisfied with his answer and how truthful he was being
"Then would you feel that your life would be better if you were to become a Grey Warden?" Alistair's eyes widened
"You mean- you want to recruit me? Why, I failed all my duels" he was confused
"My father does not recruit men and woman based on their strength or skill, it's the heart they have and the willpower they possess, you can always practice and train to become better" She stepped forward and placed her hand on his armoured arm "And we both believe that you are perfect"
"Ahh Sir Duncan" the trio turned around to see the Revered Mother standing before them, an ever-present scowl gracing her old and wrinkly face "To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence amongst all these troublesome Templars"
"I was just conversing with this young man here, I would like to recruit him" the scowl on the old woman's face increased
"That would not be advised, he was brought here on orders of the Arl of Redcliff and is to remain here" Azcadelia's eyes narrowed
"I believe that a man has a right to choose his own path, not let others chose for him" she said vehemently
"And you young child should keep your mouth shut when speaking to someone of high status" the raven haired woman sneered and stalked forward to give the old hag a piece of her mind when her father pulled her back
"I would like it if you would not speak to my daughter in such a manner, the Grey Wardens only bow to the King so your status means nothing to us"
"Even so, the boy is to become a fully-fledged Templar in a few days' time, we do not let our teachings leave the Monastery" the woman crossed her arms over her chest, the trio realised that she would not be lenient
Duncan sighed "Then I am sorry Revered Mother but since you will not co-operate then I invoke the right of Conscription, nothing you do or say will have any power over this decision" the woman stood there with unconcealed rage
"How dare you-" she was interrupted by Azcadelia who walked up to her face, the promise of battle shown in her glowing orbs
"The decision is final so I suggest you respect the law that was passed down by the King of Ferelden himself!" with those final words she grabbed Alistair by the arm and dragged him away, allowing her father to shut the old hag up. Once they were outside of the tournament area she let go of the man and relaxed "Sorry that I dragged you away but I did not want to listen to the hag anymore and by the looks of it neither did you"
"Thank you for that, the woman can force you to do the most terrible of things with the words she chooses" he was silent for a moment before speaking again "Did both you and your father really mean it, that you want me to become a Grey Warden?"
"Of course, my father does not joke about such matters as the recruitment of a Grey Warden, they are the only people who can defeat Darkspawn without being tainted themselves" She leant against the wall near the door, her arms crossed over her chest
"What do you mean they? You're not a Grey Warden?" he tilted his head slightly
"No, I was raised by my father and the Grey Warden's but I am not one myself, I have to hone my skills both mentally and physically before I can become one"
"So there is a secret to become a Darkspawn killer hey?" he smirked at her little slip, laughing when she blushed
"Oops, don't let father know that I told you that, it's not much information but it is a rule that no Grey Warden secrets are to be revealed to anyone outside of the order"
"I won't let you get in trouble" she giggled softly
"It is done, you will now become a Grey Warden" Duncan walked out and turned to the young adults
"H-how did you get the Revered Mother to let me go?" Alistair was shocked, the Revered Mother was a hard headed woman with a stubborn attitude, throughout his whole life at the chantry she made sure he was watched, he was never allowed to do anything without the Revered Mother's permission
"She cannot disobey a law that was created by the royal family themselves" Alistair blinked but remained quiet "Let us head off, we will be meeting the rest of our group on the outskirts of town, from there we shall proceed to Denerim"
"Let us be off then, we no longer need to linger here" Duncan and Alistair nodded to Azcadelia's words and walked behind her
How what that, this is different to what is usually written, I got inspiration from the Story Together or Not At All by RogueHunter06 (READ IT ITS BEAUTIFUL) The next chapter will be posted soon
See you next Chapter!!!