Legends Come From Somewhere…
Ch 1: A Living Legend
-Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age: Origins or the characters. I do, however, claim ownership of my character, Akaia. I don't claim the Mithra race either, or Tolkien's elven language. Just Akaia, her personality, and some of the Mithra legends. Some.
-I accept flames, but please, if you hate the story so much don't tell me. You shouldn't even feel a need to tell me because you should know I LOVE it as I am the author. Though, if you really want to, go ahead.
-I accept grammar and spelling advice. I'm not perfect, nor is Microsoft Word.
-I REALLY accept positive reviews! Or even ideas to throw into the story. I will give credit if someone gives me an idea that I use. ^-^
-Onto the story. Note: This chapter will probably be one of the longest ones I write. I just wanted to get through everything at Ostagar in one chapter. =_= not an easy task.
"Another day and Duncan will be too late…I thought he was coming straight here," a female voice interrupted the silence of the morning.
"I'm afraid I don't know what's keeping him. I hope he makes it back in time," King Cailan's golden armor glinted in the rising sun's crimson light. "Though, I'd still be more than honored to have you at my side in battle, Akaia."
The mithra's cat-liked ears perked up and her fang-like canines became visible as she laughed, "You're fine with facing a horde of darkspawn so long as some legendary figure is beside you, my lord."
"The Mithra are a noble race. No legend dares to slander their name," Cailan pointed out.
"Well, I'll give you that. But I believe your preferred legendary figure has returned. Shall we greet him, my lord?"
Cailan smiled and led the way to the entrance to the ruins, "Ah Duncan, you're back. Akaia here feared you'd miss the battle."
"Indeed, that was precisely my fear," Akaia sighed.
"I must apologize for being late, your Majesty. Allow me to introduce you to my new recruit."
"No need to be so formal, Duncan, after all we'll be shedding blood together in no time. Ho there, friend," Cailan casually greeted the Dalish girl.
"Greetings, your Majesty, my name is Remia," the silver eyed elf said politely, though hatred ran deep through her veins.
"You are Dalish, are you not? I believe your people know the most about Akaia's. Nonetheless, the Grey Wardens will greatly benefit with you on their side. I must go, however, Loghain wishes to bore me with strategies. Akaia, would you mind heading to his tent ahead of me?"
"Akaia, it was good to see you again," Duncan gave her small smile that only Cailan caught.
"Likewise, Duncan. My Lord, please hurry for not even I can calm Loghain's strategic mind," the tan skinned mithra smiled a last time to Remia before she turned and walked off; her furry cat-like tail swinging with her rhythmic steps.
The woman's voice alerted the human strategist that his son-in-law would be arriving after her.
"Good afternoon, Loghain," Akaia bowed her head slightly.
"I take it Cailan is stalling," Loghain gestured for the woman to sit by the table in his tent.
Akaia sighed and smiled, "He isn't one for strategies, though I admire your continuous efforts to try and peak his interest. If I may, I would be interested in hearing the strategies ahead of Cailan."
Loghain's dark eyes widened slightly, surprised with the Mithra's interest in war strategies, "Well, I can't deny you understand them as well as I. Here is a map of Ostagar. My troops will be waiting here, ready to flank the horde after it reaches the grounds. The Tower of Ishal is currently under the guard of my troops. A beacon will be lit after the signal is presented on the battlefield and the beacon will signal my troops to enter the battle."
"I agree with the strategy of flanking the horde, but…"
"You disagree somewhere?"
"Haven't lower levels been discovered in the tower. It is not new knowledge that the darkspawn have a knack for being able maneuver underground. Perhaps you should strengthen the guard there, just in case. I don't think the darkspawn are as unintelligent as people believe and surprising the tower would be a rather strong strategy."
Loghain let out scoff, "These beasts have hardly the mind to wield a sword. If they were a foe of intelligence then they wouldn't be blatantly attacking us. They'd use a better method."
Akaia took a deep breath and sighed, "I will not argue with you, Loghain, but remember that is was human ignorance and pride that led to the birth of the darkspawn. However, I'll take my leave as Cailan is outside."
Loghain watched the woman leave. Something about her words unnerved him.
"Done listening to the strategy already?" Cailan asked as he approached.
"Yes, but my lord I beg you, please reconsider being on the front lines. I understand your wish for glory and your confidence in the troops is astounding, but should you fall Ferelden will be set into a terrible downward spiral. I…the taint approaching is…" Akaia's silver eyes showed her deep concern.
"Akaia, I understand your fear, but you'll be right there with me, as well as Duncan. I trust you both with my life," Cailan reassured her.
Akaia's ears flattened as she watched him disappear into Loghain's tent.
The mithra woman looked around camp, her eyes barely focused on what was before her until she was stopped by a familiar face.
"Akaia, I've never seen you so distraught. What is bothering you?" Duncan had just sent his recruits into the Wilds and was walking around camp to pass the time.
The girl's cat-like eyes closed as she sighed lightly, "This battle tonight…It…I can't shed this feeling that something dark is happening behind the scenes. However, it is not the taint I fear is poisoning the air."
"You think treacherous plans are being spoken of in secret?"
"Yes. I fear that they come from a trusted source too, but I cannot pinpoint it. I know when others lie or are hiding something, but whatever is going is too silent for even my ears. That is what scares me."
Duncan sighed and led her back to his tent, "This is not something I wanted to hear on the eve of battle."
"I know," Akaia sighed. "Duncan, I've known you since the day you first held a blade, you know I wouldn't bring this up without much reason."
Duncan nodded and decided to cheer up the worried woman, "While I will account for your fears, how about we spend the moments before battle remembering previous battles?"
Akaia laughed lightly, "Or I could recall your youth. You seem rather relaxed with the fact that I have barely aged in appearance, if at all, while you are now sporting a beard."
"Yes, well not all of us are gifted with the birthright of immortality. I have to say, the man you settle down with would be a lucky one."
Akaia blushed, "Duncan you know my offer still stands. You mean the most to me, above even many of my own."
Duncan smiled gently, "I've been considering it a lot these past few days. Should this battle go well, we may discuss more of this."
"And should either of us fall?" Akaia's silver eyes stared past his; looking deeper into his thoughts.
"Then that will be the end, but I doubt you will fall. If I remember right, you have many lives," Duncan pointed out. "Though, should I fall, Akaia, I would no longer hold that claim on your heart. You'd be free to pursue such relations with other men."
Akaia sighed, "At least I won't have to worry about that, should you fall. Now I have your permission."
Duncan was about to say something before Akaia's ears perked up and her nose twitched lightly, "You're recruits are back and they're covered in darkspawn blood."
They left the tent to stand by the fire, awaiting the three recruits and Alistair.
"Alistair, it's good to see you didn't let them run back here. There's potential leadership in that," Akaia teased.
"Ha-ha, Akaia, very funny. Actually, Remia really led them. She refused to let Ser Jory or Daveth flee," Alistair pointed out.
Akaia turned her gaze to the elf and smiled, "How very strong of you."
"Did you gather everything needed?" Duncan asked.
Remia stepped forward, "Yes, but it was not easy."
"Good. The Circle Mages have prepared and we're ready to proceed with the Joining," Duncan explained before asking Alistair to take the three to the further parts of the ruins.
"I would like to accompany you, Duncan. I wish to see how this unfolds."
"You can tell who will live and who will not, can't you?" Duncan asked on their way over there.
"Yes, but I shall not say, for that's unfair to who won't for they cannot back-out now. Though, Remia already is tainted is she not?"
"Yes, she and a friend encountered a mirror in some ancient ruins that radiated the taint. Becoming a Grey Warden was the only way to save her."
Akaia stopped him and gave him a stern looked, "Duncan, you know this isn't true."
"Akaia, I would not ask that of you nor would I let you volunteer for it, for we both know the risks in the task. Aside from that, we need more recruits like her."
Akaia was touched by his concern and understood with the Blight Ferelden was in dire need of those recruits.
After the Joining took place and the last one was left standing, Akaia followed Duncan and Remia to the table where Cailan and Loghain waited.
"Ah, Duncan and you're the recruit I met earlier. I hear congratulations are in order," Cailan greeted.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Remia bowed her head.
"Every Grey Warden is needed, especially now."
"Your fascination with these Grey Wardens and other legends is most un-wise," Loghain stated his strong opinion.
Akaia's eyes narrowed as she saw something within him for a slender moment.
"Akaia, is something wrong?" Cailan asked.
Akaia shook her heard, "I hope not, Your Majesty, for all our sakes."
They went over the strategy and Cailan assigned Alistair and Remia to light the beacon.
"I agree with Cailan's decision," Akaia firmly stated after Loghain protested for a moment.
"Oh do you? Perhaps you'd like to enlighten us as to why?"
"Your men are already stationed at the tower so there shouldn't be any issue for the wardens. However, should there be an issue-- like underground tunnels leading way for the darkspawn to enter the tower-- then who better to send than two strong wardens?"
Cailan laughed at Akaia's all-knowing smirk, "Looks like Akaia's intelligence was neglected by you again, Loghain?"
"Fine," Loghain agreed.
"Looks like I need Akaia around at all my war meetings," Cailan laughed before dismissing Duncan, Akaia and Remia.
"Akaia, what was that?" Duncan asked after sending Alistair and Remia off to the tower.
"Loghain's troops found lower sections of the tower and I suggested he add guards there, but he wouldn't listen. They will enter the tower, Duncan. Alistair and Remia are the only two that can be spared to deal with a smaller amount of darkspawn. The tunnels underground should collapse once projectiles hit our side which seems to happen every time we fight these things."
Duncan nodded as he and Akaia joined Cailan. Akaia's newly polished dragon scale armor stood out against her tan skin. She wasn't used to such heavy armor as Akaia was used to hand to hand combat using metal crafted claws. (A/N: like Vega from Street Fighter)
However, after meeting Duncan it was suggested she train in an ancient fighting style that could only be done by the Mithra as they were physically more capable of balancing the weight and still maneuvering quickly. Thus, Akaia was well trained as a Dragoon. Suitable since her armor was made from the scales of a dragon she slew on her own.
"You look like a true warrior in that armor. I almost forget you're rather gentle at heart," Cailan smiled as Akaia approached.
"Well, my lord, it would do you well to remember my skills as a warrior since I am partially responsible for your life now," Akaia teased him as they walked to battlefield. The horde was close and the taint radiating from them caused Akaia's eyes to narrow.
Duncan placed a hand on the woman's shoulder and gave her a nod. Akaia nodded back and turned to watch the darkspawn approach. She suddenly turned her head as they stopped their line.
"What is it?" Duncan asked quietly.
Akaia's eyes darted to the ground where her trained senses allowed her to see the taint move under their feet toward the tower. "The tower…"
Duncan nodded, understanding Akaia could see the darkspawn as they moved through the tunnels.
"For Ferelden!" Cailan shouted as the army charged the oncoming horde.
Akaia's heavy spear cut through the darkspawn with ease, though her attacks were slow.
"Akaia!" Cailan shouted out. Had it not been for her sharp hearing, Akaia wouldn't have heard him and wouldn't have dodged the attack from behind her in time.
"Cailan!" Duncan called out as an archer took aim at the king.
Akaia looked around before tightening her grip on her spear and throw it. The darkspawn's shot missed the king by mere feet as the spear impaled the creature.
Cailan nodded and watched Akaia pulled out her claws. The three continued to support each other's attacks. Akaia's attacks slicing through the darkspawn with swift, but lethal moves; Duncan's attacks steadily taking down the darkspawn as he lashed out with his dual blades; Cailan's heavy blows striking the darkspawn with such power that none resisted the attacks enough to continue charging them.
Akaia's eyes darted around and she sensed a stronger darkspawn on the field. A powerful ogre, but she could not take the time to search for it. There was no need, however, as it found them.
"The signal is lit, where is Loghain?!" Akaia growled angrily as she took another sweep at the darkspawn before her. She beheaded her last opponent before the loud roar of the ogre caused her to wince.
"Cailan! Duncan! Look out!" Akaia desperately called out to the two, her voice cracking as the next events played out before her. Her eyes widened as Cailan was crushed in the hands of the creature.
"No…" Akaia's silver eyes darkened in fury as her own rage started to take over. Duncan, too, was overcome by rage and he charged the beast. Akaia was cutting through the horde that stood between her and Duncan. If she were fast enough, she could still save Cailan before his spirit wandered the Fade too long; at the price of one of Akaia's lives.
Duncan's victory over the beast was short lived as he stumbled his way to his lost friend.
"No, Duncan, don't give up! I can save him!" Akaia reached them and stood ready to kill any darkspawn that neared them. The field was being overcome by darkspawn and their allies were dying swiftly.
"Akaia, find Alistair and Remia," Duncan's request barely reached her ears.
"They lit the beacon, Duncan…They are alive."
"Find them, and help them. We cannot allow them to be lost, especially not Alistair…not now. Promise me."
Akaia turned her head enough to see Duncan's eyes and she closed her own before opening them, water overcoming the silver color making them look like a midnight pool.
"I promise…Im meleth le, Duncan," Akaia whispered softly before cutting an arrow from the sky and running. She grabbed her spear as she ran past it; the horde opting to ignore the woman that radiated purity that would kill them.
It was a few days until Akaia stumbled across Felemth's hut. Darkspawn blood clung to her, as did Cailan's blood. Flemeth stood outside, awaiting the mithra she sensed in the woods.
"Ah, I see another survivor of the events at Ostagar has managed to find my humble hut. A creature worthy of praise; I am honored by your visit," Flemeth greeted.
"Do not speak to me as if you don't know me, Flemeth," Akaia responded wearily.
"Of course," Flemeth nodded, "You must be tired."
"I do not need sleep. I just need to wash this blood off of me," Akaia's voice was weak from exhaustion.
"Not even you can lie well enough to fool me. There is fresh water for you to rinse off with behind the hut. You may also rest up out here while the Wardens still recover."
"Wardens?" Akaia asked, energy suddenly entering her body again. Her senses had waned due to the constant smell of darkspawn blood.
"Yes, I saved them from the tower. We can't have all the Grey Wardens dying at once," Flemeth smirked, her true intentions hidden behind clever eyes.
Akaia's brows furrowed, "The Tower of Ishal? That means you saved Alistair and Remia! Let me see them, please! I may be able to use enough magic to hasten their recovery!"
Flemeth nodded and led Akaia into her home. Morrigan was surprised that the creature Flemeth often spoke about stood before her.
Akaia stood over the two unconscious bodies and extended her hands. A breeze picked up around her as she lightly spoke a chant; the words too low to be heard and the language to ancient for even Flemeth to know.
Light emanated from their bodies before it disappeared.
Akaia collapsed to her knees, exhaustion overcoming her.
"You should rest, old friend. Your journey has been long and difficult and even when you reached the end of your abilities, you gave the purity of life back to the two wardens I saved," Flemeth asked Morrigan to help Akaia outside where Flemeth prepared a spot for her cat-like friend to lay.
Akaia's eyes slowly shut as she allowed her body to relax. Morrigan took the task of removing the heavy armor still adorning her body as she slept.
When Akaia awoke the stars had come out. Her eyes reflected the silver light that shined far away.
"You are awake," Morrigan observed from her spot on the other side of the fire.
"Indeed. You are Flemeth's daughter, Morrigan? Allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Akaia of the Mithra."
Morrigan nodded, "I'd like to continue this fantastic introduction, but mother wanted me to tell you that one of the Wardens can be stirred awake for a little while now."
"Right," Akaia stood up only to realize she was in her tribal clothes; an outfit she often wore in public and underneath her armor.
The skirt hung low on her hips, the slits on both sides exposing her legs with each step. Her simple leather boots were wrapped once with beaded string, the top barely below her knee. Her shirt exposed her stomach and it tied around her neck and across her back. She also wore leather gloves that shared the same design as the boots.
"You can't be that well rested, but I thought you should be here when he wakes up," Flemeth gestured to Alistair's slowly waking form.
"Ahhh…" Alistair groaned.
Akaia kneeled beside his bed and waited for him to open his eyes.
"Ugh…A-Akaia?" Alistair asked slowly. "Akaia! If you're here, then where's Duncan?"
Akaia didn't falter, nor did her eyes betray her. The mentioning of Duncan's name hit her hard, but she would break the news to Alistair after he was able to funny understand.
"Don't push yourself to speak, Alistair. Rest for a few minutes, eat something and then we'll talk," Akaia weakly smiled at him before standing up and heading outside.
"Akaia," Alistair called out to her before she reached the door. The woman paused and turned her head slightly. "Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something?"
Akaia sighed, "I'll explain everything soon, Alistair, just get dressed and come outside."
Akaia waited by the fire, the burning flames illuminating her tan skin.
"I'm not going to like this, am I?" Alistair sat near the fire.
Akaia opened her eyes and turned her gaze to him, "As you might have guessed, we lost the battle at Ostagar. Loghain retreated when you lit the beacon, rather than reinforcing the rest of us. No matter how many darkspawn we cut down, they kept coming."
Alistair could see her brows furrow and the anger rise in her again. He could also see the sorrow she hid in her eyes.
"Cailan was crushed by an ogre. I…I headed toward him and Duncan, hoping I might still be able to save him before his spirit wandered the Fade to long. However, Duncan felled the ogre by the time I reached them and he requested I flee. I wanted to stay and defend both Cailan and Duncan until the end, but I could not refuse him. He sent me to find you and Remia, though by the time I reached the tower it had been overtaken and your bodies were no where. I wandered the wilds until I found Flemeth and she told me you two were here."
"Then…Cailan and Duncan are...?" Alistair couldn't finish his question. He knew the answer.
Akaia focused on Alistair's eyes this time when she looked at them, "Cailan is dead, yes, and I can only assume Duncan didn't make it off the field. However, I can't say for sure. I barely got out of the horde's way and I can move faster than a human."
Alistair's eyes focused on the ground. Akaia sighed and kneeled in front of him, "Alistair. It will hurt and you'll feel responsible for not being there to defend him, but you can't think that way. You and Remia are the only two Grey Wardens left in Ferelden! This Blight must be stopped."
Alistair barely heard her, "Sure…"
"We'll discuss our plan of action after Remia wakes up. In case you didn't know, she was more fatally injured than you."
Alistair looked up at Akaia who turned away from him.
Alistair knew Akaia was hurting worse than him. She'd been on the battle field and seen her comrades die, but more importantly, she had been asked to save herself by the man she loved. She could have stayed to defend Duncan, but even with her many lives and dexterous fighting skills, Akaia was no match for an entire darkspawn horde.
"Akaia," Alistair called out again, "I'm sorry. You must be feeling worse than I am."
Akaia didn't give him any sign that she'd heard him, but Alistair knew she just didn't want to show him her pain.
It was a few more days before Remia woke up and they decided to head to Lothering with Morrigan before pursuing the treaties.
They encountered few problems in reaching Lothering, other than the few darkspawn they encountered on the way as well as the mabari hound Remia had, apparently, saved back at Ostagar.
Remia named the proud creature Maethor, warrior in Akaia's language. (A/N: the language of the mithra is Tolkien's Elven language as the Elven language of the game is not Tolkien's. I really thought of developing a unique language, but in then end I found it too time consuming,)
The journey was only beginning for the two young wardens, but Akaia knew they'd be able to take it. As any journey, it'd start out slow and full of mistakes and trouble, but Akaia knew why Duncan wanted her to save the two. She'd guide them and make sure they didn't stray far from their path, nor that they'd run. She had made a promise, after all, and Mithra held to their word.