It was a bright September morning. The sun was shining with its last remaining power from the summer but yet weakened by the oncoming winter. Firunja was on her morning patrol through "her" part of the forest. "Her Forest"…yes, she really loved calling it like that since it had given her a peaceful home, freedom and everything else she had ever craved for. In return for everything the forest had given her, she saw it as her task to watch the nearby road for raiders, mercenaries and whatever might linger in the brush longing for a quick coin. The travelers she saved never took any notice of her work; she used to solve the "problems" before they could even become ones: a kick to where it really hurts, maybe a knife on the throat and the problems usually got content with their financial situation in an instant and fled. Furthermore she felt like it would be better if nobody knew of her existence or even her identity. The part of the road Firunja guarded was generally a rather save one compared to other roads through Ferelden but this morning, things seemed to be different as she heard hectic and aroused voices coming from behind a bend in the road. Slowly and very silent, she sneaked through the woods to a small hill where the sight on the road was better and obviously, there was something going on. Three men were buckling some wagons sideways, two women were rubbing their faces with ash from a nearby fire and ripped holes in their skirts. "What in the makers name is going on there? It looks pretty much like they are about to ambush someone…But who would come along this road? It's not like it was an important road through the country…Doesn't matter, this is my road, and I will not allow that!" Firunja thought still trying to get the whole scenario. Suddenly she heard the cracking of small branches being stepped on moving towards her position. Hectically she looked around for a place to hide and found a small group of bushes that would have to be sufficient in the shortness of time. She crept behind them and very, very silent rubbed her face with the dark and moist soil around her feet; this masquerade together with the piece of cloth she had always wrapped around mouth and nose had proven itself to give her the required anonymity. The steps had passed the bushes and their initiator obviously had not taken any notice of the silent watcher. As far as Firunja could see from her hideout, it was a slim blonde elf wearing light leather armor in several shades of brown and green and two daggers on his back; one of them looked very familiar to her. "Look at this, an antivan crow in my forest…didn't know they let others do their works nowadays…let me see what you are up to…" she thought amused by herself but also a little bit worried. Had the crows possibly found out where she lived? She waited a few more moments until the Antivan looked down at the preparations and with one loudless movement she was behind him, holding her dagger against his throat.

The elf had had no chance to react. "Shhhh…one unasked sound and we might have to ruin your – as I have to admit" – beautiful skin" she whispered into his ear. The elf chuckled and lifted his hands. "Well, well if this is not pathetic…me, easily captured from behind...at least by a pretty woman, I hope." "Did I allow you to speak? I don't remember." Firunja hissed, pressing the dagger a little harder against the thin skin. "Now tell me, quickly, what leads a crow of Antiva into this part of the forest? And what is this fiasco down there about? And yes, you are allowed to answer." "Oh, look at this! I like it when women are so demanding! As you discovered razor-sharp, I am a crow and my purpose is to assassinate people that require assassination. This is what we do, no?" Firunja thought about what her victim had said and looked down at the scenario. Then she asked: "And who could be possibly worth such a…let's call it effort? You know, I guard this road and I so dislike people interfering with the safety of the travelers. Now quick, answer!" The Antivan tried to stir behind the blade and turn around to Firunja, but her grip prevented him from doing so. He was also clever enough not to reach for his blades; even he knew when a game was lost. "Haha, I see there is no dignified getting out of this…so I surrender, but only because surrendering to a beautiful woman is no shame… why not have a little bit of fun together and forget about this embarrassing incident?...Alright, the metal on my skin feels like no…so, have you heard of the grey warden and its fellows? To my customer, she is a danger to Ferelden. The rest, you can figure out yourself, I think." Firunja had heard of the warden, but only as rumor in the streets. She was said to be a noble dwarf from Orzammar but the details did not really bother her; it was just not of any interest when you lived as a ranger alone in the woods. But still, she would not accept any killing on her road. "Alright, I have heard enough. It is time to cancel this ridiculous play down there. Here is my deal: We will go down there, you tell your crew to fuck off and then I will hand you over to the warden to judge about you. I will not kill you; I do not wish to interfere with the crows that will come looking for you since you failed your task." The elf simply sighed devotionally and gave her a sign to follow him down to the ambush.