Author's Note: It seems I was a little wrong in saying three chapters a week. Maybe one a week would be more apropos. Rayel is a little OOC in this chapter, he'll liven up when Zevran comes into the fold. Poor poor Elf… he's probably the only sane one in the party.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age or it's characters. Bioware owns all rights to that sexy Antivan elf.

Destini Ingannevoli
Chapter 1: Risveglio

That dream… it was always the same dream.

Rayel scrubbed a hand over his face, wiping away the sleep from his eyes. If it wasn't the Darkspawn dreams, then it was that one. A pleasant change and one he'd rather have then those dark ones. "Ugh…" The mage glanced at the flap of his tent, noticing that the rest of the camp was up and about already.

This whole adventuring thing was going to take some getting used to. Ever since Duncan had recruited him more than a month ago it had been nothing like the Mage Tower. All the stories never mentioned the constant walking, the hard ground and unsavory foods. Better than being cooped up in the Tower or Maker knows what if Greagoir got his way, one little niggling voice piped up. So very true.

Robes were secured in place and staff taken up before he joined his companions. A bowl of oats with honey and fresh fruit was hastily downed with thanks to Wynne before they were on their way.

They were headed to Redcliffe Village, taking the Imperial Highway west around Lake Calenhad instead of just going south from the Mage Tower. Leliana and Alistair had assured him it would save time but he doubted it. It seemed like it would waste more time going this way. He had deferred to his companions advice, however, since his time outside of the Tower culminated in two months and no trips around the Lake at all. Maybe he'd keep a time chart of the trips around Lake Calenhad to see for himself…

Soon after they left camp they encountered a small group of Darkspawn – one Emissary, a few Hurlock's and two Genlock rogues. Easily dispatched with few injuries. Having a true healer in the party was a blessing. Before going to the Tower they had been relying on Morrigan and Rayel for healing. The Witch had spoken true in her statement that she was no healer, and the Warden was more adept at handling flames then healing spells. With Wynne around the battle mages could do what they did best: making Darkspawn explode into little gooey bits.

The rest of the day was spent doing even more walking with Sten and Lucian at point and Alistair taking up rear guard. With no further sign of their ugly foes the party struck up banter. It made him so proud – enough to wipe away a tear – to see them all getting along. Mostly.

"I have a wonder, Alistair, if you will indulge me." Not even half day yet and the bickering was going to start. A record for sure.

"Do I have a choice?" The Templar deadpanned. If Alistair could sound any more enthusiastic…

"Of the two of you that remain, are you not the senior Grey Warden here? I find it curious that you allow another to lead, while you follow."

Ah, and this was where Rayel picked up the pace to the next set of companions. He was not about to referee another verbal boxing match for them.

The Senior Enchanter and the lovely Leliana. The two women could be a welcome respite from the repressed sexual tension at the back of the group. He stayed silent, far more willing to listen then join in any conversation. Growing up in the Tower did give one some good lessons in things other than magic. You could often learn more eavesdropping then you did talking to someone.

Rayel was also worried about the Senior Mage after Petra told him about her encounter with the demon. He had mentioned as much when they left the Tower and even though Wynne had reassured him that all she needed was rest he was unsure. There was just something about her that seemed… off.

"Wynne, is this yours?" The redhead produced a sack from her gear with a little 'oh' of remembrance.

"Oh, my bag of components!" Wynne smiled at the girl and tucked the bag into her belt. "Thank you dear… I was wondering where that got to."

"You left it by the fire, at camp."

He waited until their conversation had wrapped up to catch Leliana's eye. Rayel mouthed the words 'thank you' at her for watching over the woman. The Bard smiled and nodded, turning a little red at his appreciation. A playful wink was given just to watch her turn an even more delightful shade of crimson. What was the harm in a little bit of flirtation with a beautiful woman? He didn't get to do that with Morrigan, as the Witch's methods were far more straightforward and left little room for the pleasurable pursuit of verbal foreplay.

The pace was quickened to catch up with Sten and his Mabari when the large man ground to a halt.

"Is something wrong, Sten?" He joined him at the front, blue-white eyes scanning the area. Lucian leaned into his thigh, issuing a low growl.

The Qunari didn't answer, he didn't need to. At the mouth of the gorge ahead was a woman wearing a dirt streaked dress, hair a mess and nervous. "Oh thank the Maker!" She ran forward, stopping a few feet away from them. Her face was twisted in a poor parody of fear, eyes darting between all of them. "We need help! They attacked the wagon, please, help us! Follow me; I'll take you to them." And like that she was gone, running back around the bend.

Sten glanced down at the Warden, pleased to see the man frowning. Not quite as much an idiot as he first thought. "A trap."

"And a mage." Morrigan and Wynne nodded agreements from behind him. The rest of the party had caught up during the woman's little show.

The dark-haired Witch scoffed. "A trap it definitely is, if one is attacked by Bandits, twould make no proper sense to run back to them in such a manner."

"Leliana, Morrigan, I want you two to take out any archers that they may have. Lucian, protect Wynne," The Hound barked and fell back to the Mage's side. "Alistair, you're going to have to be the meat shield again." He clapped a hand on his Brother's shoulder while the Templar groaned in mock exasperation. "Hit that bitch with a Holy Smite and Sten 'n I'll take care of any melee they have."

He took point and led the way around the bend. If the woman hadn't been a mage and had invested in acting classes, the scene before him would have triggered every warning alarm in his head. Overturned carts, dead cows and one lone, armored elf standing at the other side. No bandits at all. The human woman had stopped in front of him, seeming to say something before turning around with a wide smirk.

The elven man stepped forward, making a gesture with a hand. Three mercenaries emerged from behind the carts; three archers appeared on his left, two on his right. Above him, a thick cracking sound had him glancing up. "Shit!" He dove out of the way, barely managing to avoid becoming squished Gray Warden ala Tree.

The Elf drew his swords, voice ringing out across the stone and signaling the beginning of the battle with a subtle 'The Gray Warden dies here!'.