So, I started this fanfiction a number of years ago, but due to other obligations I promptly forgot about its existence. I now hope I can breathe a new life into the story and will be prudent with updates.

This story will center on the FCousland origin gameplay, but will contain other origins as well. Since the basic story line of DAO is so well known, I will be taking an artistic license with many of the events.

As always: I own nothing at all-Bioware does.

Happy Reading,

Duncan wondered if he was doing the right thing, he had very little time to spare and the elf was already infected with the taint. He thought it was ironic that even the Dales had to deal with the spawn of human corruption. He shifted his weight again to compensate for the hunter's body. The male elf was not like the city elves that were mostly bone and fabric. No this man was full of muscle, his lean form was deceptive, every inch of the man was wrapped in taunt flesh. This attribute was great for battle, yes, but not for being carried. I wonder how long until the rest of his clan finds me? Duncan asked himself. It was true that he had come looking for aide against the blight, but given his situation he doubted the clan would welcome him with open arms, they would probably believe him a killer trying to hide the evidence. That was why he was heading in the direction of the last known place of the aravels even though Markam was closer to the cave. He was not foolish enough to assume that the elves did not keep tabs on all of the surrounding woods, not just were they resided.

A quick glance at the elf's face told him enough. He was obviously in pain, but still alive, however for how long Duncan was unsure. As he hoisted the body along his shoulder the man's dark braid fell into his face. Duncan thought himself a cultured and accepting man, but he could never understand why the Dalish men insisted on having long hair, the man's was at least to low shoulder length. Brushing the strand aside he continued to trample through the woods. He made a point of snapping as many twigs and stopping on as many roots as possible. His efforts were not in vain.

Flighty bird calls came from his left and then were immediately answered on his right. They were fast, thought Duncan as he tried to guess how many elves surrounded him. Even though he knew they were there he could not see any trace of the hunters, not a strange shape or discolouration. With a huff Duncan place the sick man at his feet and raised his hands away from the daggers on his back.

"I mean no harm friends; I simply wish to return this man to his Keeper."

"We are not your friend Shem!" Duncan turned around and saw 4 hunters come from around two large trees, their arrows pointed to his chest. The elf who had spoken to him had a cruel smirk on his tanned face, his ruddy blond hair that was shortly cropped accentuated his sharp features.

"Enough Da'len, we are not ones to place judgement on this man, it is for the keeper. Anyway if I am correct you are a Grey Warden are you not?"

Duncan's eyebrow raised a fraction, "Indeed I am, my name is Duncan and I seek to have council with your elder." He couldn't deny how surprised he was that this elf knew he was a Grey Warden, but the man was much older than the haughty youth before him. Judging by how the others regarded him he was probably lead hunter, therefore he could be no younger than 30.
"We will take you to our camp." The elf came forward and slung the ill man on to his shoulder and as he raised his body up he gave Duncan a stern look, one of ice and steel. "If you prove false, friend, than we will kill you faster than you can blink."

"Your words are taken into consideration, do not worry I mean you no harm." With that Duncan took a few steps back from the hunter and eyed the man's young entourage. It was encouraging that they had lowered their weapons, but their faces still held distain and threats aimed not at him personally but at his species.

Duncan guessed it had taken the party about 5 hours to make it back to their aravels, the night fires were just starting to be lit and small children ran around excitedly enjoying the last rays of sun light. As the group entered the clearing, people stopped what they were doing to glace at the passer buys, most eyes were trained on Duncan. His broad form towered over the other men and his visage spoke volumes about him being an outsider. He thought he could make out the sounds of mothers shushing their children and telling them to go into their respective areas. At least that is what he thought they were saying, the language was foreign to him, all he heard were fast repetitions of melodious syllables.

"What has happened Vanhieh, what is wrong with that hunter and what of this human?" A frantic woman came from beyond one of the fires, her straight grey hair denoted her age, and by the way she was dressed, Duncan was positive she was the clan Keeper. The woman came close and took the sick elf's face in her hands and for a moment closed her eyes. She pulled back immediately, "How is this possible, he is tainted?" She looked from one elf to another and when she receive no response except for shaken heads she trained her eyes on Duncan.

He replied with a bowed head, "I am afraid, Keeper that I found this young lad at the entrance to a cave with the fever running fierce within him. I know not the cause, but I brought him to you as fast as I could"

The keeper took her hands away from the boy, and crossed her arms. He felt like fidgeting under the woman's intense glare, but thought better of it. "You are a Warden then, sent to warn us of the blight I take it?" her voiced held a slight twinge of sarcasm.

"Yes and no, however may we please discuss this another time, I am afraid if we tarry any longer you will have no hope of saving him" he received no response only a nod of the head. Duncan saw the other men carry the body off to the distance with the keeper at their heels. He truly did wonder if the man was going to survive the initial stages of the fever, Duncan hope he would because then he would possibly have another recruit. Well only if he takes my offer, thought Duncan as he made his way to the edge of the camp, tomorrow he would come back to the Dalish and check on the boy.