BioWare owns all but what I make up. : )

For those of you who follow my Kai story "Soulmates," you know I started a prequel of her noble origin story "The First Cut is Always the Deepest." I wanted to tell stories about Kai from the others' points of view. And they all have their unique way of voicing it and their impressions. And I wrote this to coincide with the prequel to enhance your enjoyment of it, I hope. : )

And I owe the biggest shout out for this to my friend, one of my sainted betas, and one of the most creative, talented ladies I have ever had the privilege to brainstorm with Ladyamesindy. She is rubbing off on me. Thank you dear lady! : )

And thanks to you all who read my other works. To all of my lurkers and reviewers, you are so important to me. I appreciate you, your support is my bat that keeps the Goblins of Self Doubt away, the nasty little blighters. : )

Blessings!

~Report on the Potential Recruits at Highever~

Bernardo,

I received your last correspondence. It reached me just as I was leaving Denerim. I am glad the only recruit I found in Redcliffe, Ser Jory, is safe with you at Ostagar. Unfortunately, I have sent you only one more potential recruit.

I know these are not the larger numbers we had hoped for. The last few potential recruits would not make suitable Grey Wardens. Oh, there were plenty of volunteers. Most were nothing more than boys with peach fuzz on their faces wanting to be heroes out of legend. They were told of The Grey Wardens and riding Griffons. Maker, I hate when they ask about the Griffons!

The few actual adult men who came to me did not have the requisite skills to fight the darkspawn. Unfortunately with peace has come complacency. Most are trained in only the most rudimentary of fighting skills. Most of those skills are used to fight off bandits who are not skilled nor organized; let alone something as strong and tough to kill as a darkspawn Alpha. Coupled with their lack of armed skills against such a powerful foe, most of them would not handle the horror of facing monsters such as they.

The newest recruit is from Denerim and I ran into him as I was leaving by the city gate. Or rather, he ran into me. He is a pickpocket you see. I felt his hand on my purse. I caught him red handed, as the saying goes. I thought I had a good grip on him but he slipped out from my grasp and ran. Of course I gave chase. And truth be told, though you are not to tell him this, he reminds me of me when I was younger and on the streets of Val Royeaux. He ran straight into the guards of Denerim which is a good thing. He would have been able to outrun me if the hunt had gone on much longer. The man is fast, strong, nimble and quick. It took four guards to hold him down and take him away. I had to invoke the Right of Conscription, they were to hang him on the morrow.

Of course after that I felt it prudent to leave Denerim and quickly. I have no desire to further anger the Arl of Denerim or the head of the City Guard than I already had. I often wonder at how the Maker works in mysterious ways.

That delay in Denerim allowed your letter to reach me. I was about to make my way to Highever to hopefully test a young woman there with great potential, as you know. But what I didn't tell you, is that the young lady in question is just that, a lady. She is the daughter of my friends Bryce and Eleanore Cousland. Her name is Kaidana, though if I remember correctly she is referred to as Kai. Or as Bryce calls her, 'his fierce girl.' And she is just that, if what I have heard about her is true. She is skilled in duel weapons, archery, and uses an open handed form of fighting that is quite unique. She once fought an opponent while handicapped with a broken arm and still won the battle. Unfortunately, I don't anticipate that Bryce or Eleanore will even consider allowing me to test her for recruitment. Her older brother, Fergus, and her father go to join with King Cailan's forces at Ostagar. Not to mention whether the young lady in question would choose to join us.

So, I must admit that I was pleased to see in your letter, the name of another potential recruit at Highever. I know this may be manipulative, if the lady in question does wish to join despite her parents, I may be able to gauge this by telling them I am there to recruit Ser GIlmore instead. I hate to use the slightest of deception, especially with old and dear friends, but these are desperate times.

You know of the dreams. This is a true Blight, and we need more talented people to join us. We do what we must, and we do what it takes. Pray to the Maker my friend that we gain victory. For the sky is dark and a storm is coming and we need as many lights to hold back the dark as we can find. And if I am right, this young woman will be the brightest of those lights.

I will send word after I have met with her.

In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice.

Duncan