A/N: The next chapter! I hope all of you enjoy it! And thank you to LibraMoon for your review! That was very sweet! I also want to point out this fic is rated M for a reason. In a few more chapters there will be some fun Cullen and Amell action! Also, this was sort of just thrown out. So I apologize if it is a little harder to read. It'll be more amusing later on! I hope you enjoy it and please review!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Dragon Age, it belongs to Bioware. This story is of my own little creation, I just borrow the characters - tis all!
When we first arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes. Sure, this place was impressive. But it was the sight of seeing all the soldiers. It was as if every single male and female who could wield a sword was here. Though, a very small part of me doubted they had little say in the matter. If there really was a Blight, like Duncan says. Then the King was left very little choice. He had to do this, despite the odds against them.
"Ho' Duncan!" A cheery cry brings me out of my dreary thoughts as we come a stop before a group of soldiers.
"You're majesty, I wasn't expecting to see you." Duncan's normally confidant voice was now just a simple one of surprise.
"That's the King?" I whisper to Cullen who was standing just in front of me.
"Be respectful, Estelle." When has he started calling me Estelle? Not everyone calls me that. Only Jowan, but I don't mind I suppose.
"And these must be your new recruits." He shifts his gaze to mostly Cullen, as if he was sizing him up.
"My name is Cullen, your majesty." Cullen bows, his arms cross before his chest as he moves aside.
I slightly hate him for that.
"And you… you must be from the Circle?" When I meet his gaze, he smiles. I can already feel the heat rise to my face.
"Umm… y-y-yes, you're majesty." I barely get out before he smiles a little wider. It was an almost like he was glowing in all that gold armor.
"And you're name, may I ask?" Cullen shifts his weight, uneasy at my side, as the King closes the small distance between us.
"Estellise Amell, your majesty." I drop my gaze to the ground. My chin falls to my chest but it suddenly brought up again. This time by a gloved hand. When my gaze meets Cailan's own again, I feel like I'll explode from the embarrassment.
"A very beautiful name, for a beautiful young woman." I don't normally fall for charmers but I can tell he has practice with these sort of things.
"T-t-thank you, your m-m-majesty." I am such an idiot. I'm a big, big idiot.
"Now, I must return to Loghain. He is eager to bore me with his tactics." When he drops his hand, he touches my shoulder thoughtfully. Before he moves to walk away.
"You're Uncle sends word that his troops will arrive within the week, you're majesty." I had completely forgot about the small stop in Redcliffe on the way here. Though that would make sense we did stop there. Eammon was the Uncle to the King but only through marriage.
"Ah, well." Cailan laughs but I don't see what's so funny about this.
"We should get back, it was a pleasure meeting the both of you." We both cross our hands over our chests when he leaves us.
Duncan sighs, something I found he does often. "He doesn't understand…" He mutters to himself.
"Doesn't understand?" Cullen overheard him. I still feel myself wanting nothing more than to faint.
"This is a real Blight… I have seen it." He looks to us both his gaze was dark but it relaxes a bit when he sees the confusion.
Grey Wardens have their secrets. It is never truly understood why Grey Wardens are needed to end a Blight but they have always been known as great heroes. Though from the history books, they were never allowed to return after they tried to over throw the king at one time. It was Maric, the father of Cailan, that brought their order back.
"Well, you two should go get something to eat. Maybe explore the Camp for a bit." He looks away just in time to see a group of patrol soldiers coming our way. One of them was dressed in green heavy chain mail and a shield to his back.
"My Lord Cousland." My eyes must have gone wide with surprise when Cullen deftly moves me aside from the path of horses.
"Duncan!" The younger man standing behind the one in charge stepped around to clasp hands. "It's good to see you again."
"My Lord Aedan, I had no idea you were here." Duncan was surprised. Just like before I noticed he doesn't get this way very often.
"Father insisted that I come along, leaving our little sister behind to man the estate." He sighs as he lets go of Duncan's arm.
"Though she is hardly complaining." The older one laughs from behind the two of them.
"He does have a point there." I smile a little.
"Your father's troops should be arriving soon, yes?" Duncan looks from Aedan to the other. "I have yet to see Arl Howe's troops."
"Fergus thinks they're taking their sweet time. Leaving all the fighting to us." Aedan sighs, though he smiles through the sigh.
"That is disappointing." Cullen speaks up suddenly.
"Ha! You're right, it is!" Aedan's excited cry causes me to laugh.
"Come on, brother, we should be heading into the wilds." Fergus grips his brother's shoulder and with another clasp of arms. Both men take their leave of Duncan and us.
"Cousland? As in the Teryn of Highever?" I look to Cullen as he searches Duncan for answers.
"Yes." The answer was curt but Cullen knows better than to push it.
"As I said before, go explore for awhile and see if you can find Alistair. He is a new Grey Warden, he'll give you the assignment."
Cullen may have nodded but I look away. In fact my gaze drifts upward. Toward a large tower that is standing over the entire area. Duncan leaves us, as I hear Cullen shift his weight again.
"You're feeling better." He remarks.
My gaze drops landing upon Cullen. His gaze had darkened a little and I'm a tad confused as to why.
"What?" I blink, I hate feeling confused.
"It's nothing." He looks away. There was something wrong but I don't bother with it.
"So Alistair?" I ask. He shrugs, this time I smile slightly. I may not understand him but he seems to get the idea.
We were stuck together, despite what was happening.
I follow him as we walk quietly through the large gates and past the Tower. I can feel his uneasiness. We had no idea was to become of us, he didn't express the need to talk about it and neither did I.
His pace slows as we cross the bridge and up the stairs into the encampment. I get a few stares and most of the soldiers easily keep their distance. I know what they were thinking, it made sense. Magic made everyone who didn't understand it, uneasy. Though the only ones I have never seen uneasy were the Templars. They glare. They use their angry looks to scare us into submission but I know not all of them feel that way.
Even as this thought comes to mind, I look up to the back of Cullen's head. He was keeping his distance from me. He had been since we left the Tower. I would speak quietly with Duncan through the nights we were on the road.
He wasn't surprised when he asked if this was my first time out of the tower. He asked if I had family but I told him that I didn't. But he had this way about him. That would make anyone want to talk to him. To tell them your worries, no matter the consequences. I enjoyed his company but it was the quiet looks Cullen would give me from across the campfire that I was confused over.
It was almost as if he wanted to be the one communicating with me. Though I had tried more than once to ask him some questions. I got barely a response out of him before he stutters and loses track of what he was asked about.
It was almost adorable when I think about it.
My mind was completely off track because we find Alistair arguing with a Mage I had recognized as one of the Senior Enchanters. He was always the grumpiest one. I was glad I wasn't the one on the other end of that conversation.
It was almost as if the argument was only one side. Not exactly shared it would seem.
But it soon ends when Cullen clears his throat. Bringing the Mage out of his aggressive stance and his gaze upon Cullen.
"Another Templar!" I swallow back the fact I feel slightly uneasy. At least I wasn't in direct view.
"Hasn't the Chantry asked enough of us, already? But to send another Templar after us… This is just ridiculous." He throws his hands up.
"It is not ridiculous." Cullen throws back. But his voice was calm. "And I am not here for Chantry business. I am here for the Wardens."
Truer words had never been spoken.
"Is that so?" He raises a brow. "Fine, I'll do it."
He stalks off, not after he shoves me aside in the process. I nearly topple over but Cullen was there, holding me still. His hands on my shoulders but it was the sight of seeing the other Mage stalk off in an angry fashion. It was a little amusing.
"You know? One good thing about a Blight is how it brings people together." I can hear Alistair's witty remark behind me.
"Excuse me?" Cullen's hands quickly drop from my shoulders.
"You're a very strange man." I move in front of Cullen as we both turn around.
"You're not the first beautiful woman to tell me so." I feel the heat rise in my cheeks again. Slightly aware of Cullen's shifting again.
"You both must be the new recruits from the Tower, yes?" He looks between the two of us. Completely oblivious to the fact I was completely red from head to toe.
"Alistair, correct?" Cullen moves away from behind me. Keeping his distance from me.
"Yes, yes. Sorry about that before. I used to be a Templar but now… well, it's a bit awkward." Alistair actually laughs a bit uneasy.
"Ser Cullen and Estellise Amell, correct? You're both from the Tower… so that must mean you're a…" He spaces off when his gaze meets my own. I seem to understand what he was getting at.
"Yes, I'm a mage." I clarify. But it was when his gaze drifts between my own and Cullen's.
"Then what did you do to get here?" I blink, completely unaware of what he was asking. Except he was looking to Cullen for that answer.
"I did nothing." He says quickly.
"Maybe I should…" I start to move away from the two of them. When my stomach growls… quite loudly.
"Get something to eat maybe?" Alistair's brow quirks up but I look away for a second. A little embarrassed.
"No… I just… uh…" Before I can make up an excuse I was walking away. In fact I was almost running all the way down the steps. I have never felt so nervous my entire life, but it was embarrassing to have my stomach growl in front of the two of them.
My pace slows when I come face to face with another. He had this look in his eyes that made me stop dead in my tracks. "Excuse me…" I look up but he doesn't say much, just smiles… like a damn fool.
"You're the new recruit. You're not what I expected." His arms cross in front of him. But he was actually looking me up and down.
"What was it you were expecting?" I step back a little. My hands covering my stomach, to maybe muffle the sound.
"Not a woman. Nor a mage." His smile doesn't fade but he does however still have that look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry?" I feel myself getting flustered but he laughs.
"I'm Daveth," he clarifies.
"I'm Estellise," I return.
"Well then, do you know anything about the this ritual they're putting us through?" I shake my head but he doesn't stop smiling. Why is he smiling so much?
"I hear they're making us go into the Wilds." His smile fades a little.
"The Wilds?" I have heard of them. It was said the Chasind ran those woods. Amongst other unsavory things.
"Yeah, but why I don't know." He sighs and drops his guarded stance. His smile warms up though.
"Well if that means you're here, then I should go see Duncan." Before I can say anything else I watch him walk off. A little skip in his step as he turns around to wave to me. I lift my hand, returning the wave as I walk up the steps as the smell of food wafts towards me.
I almost float towards the smell but just as soon as I stop I can hear the Priest speaking the words of Blessing upon a group of soldiers. I can already see through the small group, Cullen and the other Templar Alistair. They were busily speaking with another. Though I know better than to walk up them and interrupt.
I follow the smell and find a small group of men eating around a campfire. They all bore the shields of the Couslands so I guess it wasn't a small world. They seem to sense my presence when they look up. That all too knowing smile.
Before I can say anything I was being pulled down and handed a bowl of something I don't know what to call it. They all start to talk. I was just another person at the fire, to them. Nothing more and nothing else.
I finished a few more bowls of stew and they laugh, welcoming me back again after the battle. I told them all that I wouldn't miss it for the world.
As I walk back in the general direction of where I came from. The slope was almost a welcomed greeting from all the steps I had to take just to get here.
I can hear the barking in the distance. Ferelden was always known for their dogs. They are greatly respected amongst our society. Most other nations find it distracting or sometimes I've heard Orlesian Mages complain about the smell.
"Excuse me!" I know I was being shouted at. But it was the sound of crying that makes me stop.
My feet take me to the edge of a small kennel. I can see the painful look on the poor animal's face. He was a mabari but it was as if he was sad. He was depressed and even though I couldn't understand what he was thinking. Mabari were like that. Smart, intelligent and had the strange ability to understand complex commands.
"Will you help?" I had no idea this guy was talking to me. In fact he had asked me to do something.
"Help?" I ask but he smiles a little. His eyes reminded me of the Mabari's. They were sad.
"Muzzle him… so I can give him medicine." I step back but when I look at the Mabari. I can feel his pain.
"Sure." He hands me the muzzle as I walk through the gate. He keeps his distance from me but when I bend down I offer him my hand. At first he looked like he was going to bite me but then he sniffs my hand. Before long I was making soft cooing noises and he is stalking towards me. His eyes soften as he lets me run my fingers across his fur. It was soft, warm and coarse but he doesn't budge. He lets me pet him and before long he lets me but the muzzle on him.
When I leave the Kennel Master tells me about the imprinting and if I find this flower he'll do that with me. At first I don't know if I can or if I'll have the time to take care of an animal. But when I think hard on it, Mabari weren't normal dogs. They were smart, powerful and well they can practically take care of themselves.
"Sure, I'll look for the flowers." I find myself saying.
He smiles wide enough to make me smile but he nods in return.
I leave him, moving towards the large bon fire in the midst of Duncan's campsite. He was in deep conversation with Alistair and Cullen. Amongst them were two others: Daveth and someone else. He looked like a freaking Tank but I would never say that to his face. Bad. Idea.
"Ah, there you are." I am greeted by a smile by Duncan but the others give me an uneasy look.
"Sorry." I mutter, but I keep my distance from the group of them. I suddenly become aware of the fact I was the only female standing there.
"It's alright," Duncan assures me.
"Now, I had been explaining to the rest as to what you are to do." I look to Cullen but he was adverting my gaze. I am getting very annoyed of this.
"You are to go into the Wilds and find Darkspawn blood."
"Surely, you've found some before?" I ask.
"Well, yes but we need fresh blood." So this was the ritual. I suddenly realize it may have a tie with Blood Magic. But I don't say this.
"And you are to find some documents. They should be locked up in an old Warden Tower." It was probably in ruins now but if it is the only one around here, then it should be easy to find.
"Finely, some action!" Daveth released an exuberating shout.
I want to roll my eyes but I can't help it. I was not looking forward to the idea of running through the wilds. But we really weren't left much choice.
Just as we were heading through the gate I felt this sickening in my stomach. I could feel the magical barrier. It was almost so evident that I look up to the only two people in the group that would be able to feel it. But they didn't budge. So I don't really want to bring it up.
We practically flew through the small section of wilderness. I had captured some of the Darkspawn blood in the magical vials that Duncan had provided. I had just the right amount until I heard Ser Jory shuffle behind me. He didn't like fighting the Darkspawn but who could blame him. They made us all a little uneasy.
He didn't like magic either. When we had stopped for a breather, he kept his distance from me. He never once looked me in the eye. I guess I should be used to it, but if we are to work and fight side by side. Either way, I don't care. I want to get this over with.
We find the tower and yet it was overrun by Darkspawn. As we fight, we win. I was impressed seeing Cullen swing that giant weapon of his. When it connects, they are sent flying through the air. I learned to time my spells with his attacks. He sends them flying, I send the spells and then he blocks their attacks coming my way. We worked well together, despite the fact we were so very different.
After the fall of the last Darkspawn, I stop. Leaning most of my weight against my staff, I take a breath.
"You can lean on me," I hear Daveth from behind me. I jump a little startled.
"Are you alright?" Alistair shoots Daveth an uneasy glare but I pretend that I don't catch it.
"I'm fine, I just need a break." My body collapsed under me as I rest back on the soft grass. It was so warm. It was nice, yet I can smell the blood from the bodies around us.
My stomach turns.
Before I know it, I was running away from the site and behind a tree. Heaving up the dinner I had only an hour before the fight.
"Are you alright?" A hand is on my back. It was almost calming.
"I'm fine…" I try to get out but it didn't help. I have never killed anything. Nothing. Darkspawn shouldn't count but they do, in my book at least.
"No, you're not." I look over my shoulder.
Cullen was standing there, his hand was on the small of my back. His eyes wrought with so much worry but I try to smile. "I've never done anything like this before." I try to explain.
He gives a smile in return but there was something there. Warmth? Concern? I don't know where or how to put it. But he doesn't give me any other response other than his smile. It was a little reassuring. His hand drops but I stand up a little straighter, when my eyes land upon the very flower I was looking for.
Pocketing it, I grip my staff in both hands. I turn around letting Cullen get a good, satisfied look. But before I can go anywhere his arms around me. My face was pressed against the cool metal of his armor. But it was his hands, the way they just were large enough to encase my entire waist. I just sigh a little but he lets go when we hear the foot steps of the others approaching.
He practically tosses me aside but I was used to it. He wasn't.
"Are you alright?" Alistair was out of breath but he was standing behind Cullen. I can see the top of his head, his light blonde hair was nice. Almost fitting with his personality.
"I'm fine. Just a little… queasy." I give them all a little smile. They seemed satisfied since we all started for the rundown tower.
The five of us split up to look for the documents. It wasn't long into it, I had located the chest but it was broken. And whatever seal that was placed upon it had worn off years ago. I really wasn't all that surprised until I felt the presence of someone else around us. I don't look up when I hear shouting from Daveth and Jory. Even Alistair was shouting at someone. But it wasn't before long that I hear a woman's voice. She wasn't exactly angry but she didn't like the idea of us being here.
"You! Mage!" Her voice was aimed in my general direction. But I don't ignore her.
"What?" I say as I stand up and turn around.
"What are you looking for?" My eyes narrow but when it came down to it. I really didn't have anything to hide. On the plus side I can also feel the magic running off of her. She was powerful, more powerful than I was.
"Documents." I state clearly.
"They're not here."
"I figured as much."
"My mother has them."
"Can you take us to her?"
"A sensible request. I like you."
I wasn't prepared for that last part. Before I could do anything I was smiling.
"Be careful." Alistair warns but I ignore him.
"Shall we?" She turns around to leave. I let my shoulders fall as I relax.
She led us through the wilds. I tried not to look at her with such amazement but it was something I couldn't avoid. She was amazing. Her hair was so dark, her skin was so clear and even the way she dressed. She was just… I couldn't tear my eyes away. I was nothing like her, but yet apart of me wanted to be.
Until I met her mother. I changed my mind completely. I wasn't stupid either. I could feel her magic. She was powerful. She was complete magic. I feel myself get a bit uneasy but I let it go. She gives us the documents, without question. None of us want to be there.
We found out the witch's name, Morrigan. Pretty name, slightly fitting when I think about it. But eventually we're completely crept out that she leads us back towards the army camp. I want to say thank you but she is gone before I can even get the words out. I stand there gaping into the space where she was once standing. Until my name was called by Alistair to follow.
It was over the course of the next few minutes that I handed the flower to the Kennel Master and told him I didn't want anything in return. I was just happy to help the poor animal. It was after this that we were told to meet Duncan and Alistair in the old Temple for our Joining.
The Joining, huh. It'll be nice to finally get this over with.
"Welcome," Duncan stood next to a large stone table. Alistair kept himself to the back of our small group.
"Since the very beginning, the Grey Wardens had sacrificed everything to fight the Darkspawn. But before they could do this, they drank the blood of the Darkspawn." I sigh, I had a feeling it would turn out this way.
"We have to drink the blood of those monsters?" Jory speaks up. He was nervous, the way he kept shifting his gaze from the goblet on the table to Duncan.
"It is how we can sense them. It is how we fight them." I could slightly understand that.
"Alistair, do us the honor of speaking the words of the first Wardens." Duncan bows his head.
We all bow our heads in turn. Except of course Jory.
"Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you."
I can feel the words as they were being spoken. There was something heart warming about them. Strong and powerful. There was a reason why Grey Wardens were always feared on the battlefield. They will die for their cause, unlike normal soldiers.
"Daveth, step forward." Duncan takes the goblet in his hands. As he takes a single sip, he starts to shake. His body goes into convolusions. I cringe as I side step behind Cullen. He doesn't say anything as we watch him collapse on the ground, shaking and then he stops.
"I'm sorry, Daveth." Duncan closes his eyes. There was sorrow in his voice as he looks up to Jory this time around. "Ser Jory, step forward."
"N-n-no, I will not drink the blood of those monsters." His hand idly reaches for the sword upon his back. He looks between us all but his eyes land upon me. As if he thinks this is all my fault.
"I have a wife back home. I will have a son soon, I cannot do this." Jory's hands grip the hilt as he pulls it out.
Then there was fighting. Duncan was quick, faster than I ever thought he'd be. But he took a man three times his size down in one single movement. "I am sorry, Jory." He whispers into the man's ear as he falls to the ground. A mess of blood squirting from his wounds.
"Ser Cullen, step forward." I watch as the man whom I had grown accustomed to take a daring step forward. He doesn't bother looking at me, but my body moves before I can do anything. I grip his arm, my hand slides down to grip his own hand. "Live." I tell him. But he doesn't acknowledge me.
My hand drops. I want nothing more than to hug him but he doesn't look at me as he brings the goblet to his lips and takes a single sip. His doesn't budge but his eyes roll into the back of his head. "Welcome Ser Cullen." Duncan smiles down at the unconscious form of Cullen.
"Estelle?" Alistair looks to me. But I don't want to do this. I know I could easily blow this entire place to a million pieces. But the thought of being hunted for killing Grey Wardens and maybe some others wasn't worth it.
I look up to Duncan. His eyes were gentle. Something I had noticed since I had first met him. He understood my hesitation. When I give the nod, he hands me the cup.
I bring it to my lips. I pause just before I tip it back but I close my eyes. The moment it went down, my throat burns. My body is suddenly on fire. Then it goes away.
The dull pain suddenly ensues. Just before I feel myself topple over, I can hear Duncan's words of greeting.
Then everything goes black.
Dreams, they were so vivid that they brought him awake in a matter of moments. He shot up, his head smacking into the top of the tent. It shook but it didn't shift much. There were voices outside. Just enough to make him rub his eyes, the sleep drifting away until his stomach growled. It felt like years since he's eaten anything. As he moves to get out of the tent, his hand lands upon something soft. Or was it someone? He looked down.
Amell was next to him. Her eyes were closed, her hair in her eyes but it was the sight of her. She was so serene and calm. There was nothing there that make him feel like she was dangerous in anyway.
The moment her eyes fluttered open, the second her lips parted to take in a sudden awareness of what was going on and when her eyes landed upon him. "Cullen?" She speaks his name, causing him to become well aware of where his hand was.
The second he became aware of it. She became aware of it. The heat rose into his cheeks. She suddenly sat up. Her arms crossing her chest, her eyes looking away from him. He didn't need to look at her, to get that she was just as embarrassed as he was.
He never thought the first intimate touch they'd share between each other would be him, touching her breast on accident.
She moved quickly out of the tent. She was in a rush and he didn't blame her. He felt like a complete idiot. Cursing to himself he followed out of the tent. She was already sitting next Alistair, a bowl of stew in her hands, she was slurping it down. Apparently on her third bowl, which he could tell by the look Alistair was giving her.
"Amazing." He heard him blurt out as he sat down on the other side of him. "Does she always eat like that?"
A shrug of the shoulders Cullen took the bowl offered by Alistair. "Normally, yeah."
The other snorted as he dove into his own bowl just as Estellise finished her last one. "Ugh.." She touched her stomach, smiling in the process of being full. "That was soo good."
"Now that you're both awake, you three have a mission." Duncan's voice came over head as Cullen finished his meal. "How do you both feel?"
He didn't look up at first but he heard her voice. She said she was fine, a little sore but nothing more to it. It wasn't much of an answer but Duncan seemed to approve of her condition.
"The mission?" Alistair perks up. He seemed a little down after the deaths of both Daveth and Jory. Though he couldn't blame them. They were good men, worthy of the Wardens. And they would have been useful.
"Yes, you will be going with them." The other Warden stood up. Everything about his stance showed that he completely disapproved of this.
"What! Why?" Cullen sat back. He knew it was better than to get involved in something like this. It wasn't until his gaze met the tired eyes of Estellise. A sad smile on her lips, he couldn't help but return it.
"Why can't I be in the battle?" The argument could have taken a turn for the worse if Duncan wasn't the sensible man he had proved to be.
"Because we need you three to light the beacon in the Tower of Ishal." Three? That peaked his interest.
"You could send the new ones, not just me." He was whining this time. But it wasn't working. There was a reason why Duncan was doing this. But he wasn't about to tell them about it.
"No, you are to do this and wait." That was the last and final word before Duncan turned to leave.
"Oh and here," he reached into the pocket of his robe. Within in his hand was a necklace. Upon it was a chain, a small thimble of something and the craftsmanship was amazing. But he handed it to Estellise.
She grasped it between her hands. Surprised by the simple gesture. "Thank you." She expressed looking up to Duncan. A soft smile on her lips, even reached her eyes. "No one has ever given me anything before…" She looked like she about to cry but she looked away. Her gaze dropped to the necklace.
"You're welcome, Amell." Was the last thing Duncan said before he left the three of them alone before the campfire.
She clasped it in her hands tightly as they all moved to their feet. "Do you need…" Alistair started before she looked over to him.
"Yes, please?" When their hands touched apart of Cullen felt uneasy. He didn't understand why but he did. He didn't like the idea of someone else touching her. Nor did he enjoy the thought of well Alistair, being the one to do all of this.
He was behind her as she lifted her hair so he could clasp the necklace around her neck. "It's called the Oath." Alistair says as she turns around to give him a nod of thanks.
"What is left of the Darkspawn blood you drink during the Joining is made into a necklace." She dropped her hair and let it fall around her shoulders. "There wasn't enough for two, so Duncan thought you'd like it and well…" When his nervous gaze met Cullen's, Alistair's. The two of them shifted, nervously not knowing what to make of the other really.
"It's fine. Besides it looks better on her." He motioned towards Amell which he noticed the heat rise in her cheeks.
"Thank you." She speaks softly but he reaches for his balanced great sword at his feet. The large hilt felt like a nice welcome since he's been out.
"Shall we?" Alistair slipped his long sword over his shoulder and into the sheath before his shield.
The walk to the Tower wasn't much of a walk. The battle had already started the second they could hear the horns blowing. His hand was already at the hilt of his weapon as they ran across the bridge. He could hear the shouting, even the out spoken cries from Estelle as they were running. She was terrified but he knew she wasn't alone. The three of them were completely scared out of their minds.
By the time they had reached the Tower there were Darkspawn crawling over every single inch of the place. He could feel them before they even made it inside of the tower. It was this ache, in the back of his head. The feeling of cold, dull pain shooting through his entire body. He knew that this was because of the Darkspawn. Or it could have been the fact this was his first major battle. The only time he ever fought anything was a Mage who had escaped the tower.
This was completely different.
They had slaughtered every single small contingent of Darkspawn they came across within the Tower. Though they had to stop every now and again for Estelle. She was out of breath but she was firing off spells left and right. She may not believe in her strength but after the Joining she was much more stronger. He could feel the surge of magic as she unleashes a fireball over the top of his and Alistair's heads. After of course, she yells to watch out.
He would have to sit her down and explain to say watch out first and then the spell. But now really wasn't the time.
Reaching the last set of stairs they could hear the growling, howling and even the crunching of bones behind it.
"W-w-what's that?" The lone guardsman that followed them stammered out.
"I hope it isn't what I think it is." Alistair mutters behind Cullen but he knew that it could have been the case.
After a count of three they kick the door open. It swung back, making such a sound that even though they charged the giant Ogre turned on them. Letting out a tremendous growl as it's drool flew from it's mouth, landing upon them.
"Gross…" He smiled a little when he heard Amell cringe. But she was ready, she gripped her staff and set off a set of fire spells mixed with some ice spells. Cullen moved, his sword swinging upwards, colliding with some of the ice crystals. Alistair was behind him, his shield was up in front of him as he took hits for Amell. He worked well as a shield and the fact he has never really seen a man take so much damage. But he did well, he absorbed most of the attacks.
It was in a matter of seconds that truly felt like hours Cullen jumped the Ogre. His sword swinging downward into the chest. As it fell, he fell with the giant. With ease he yanked his sword out it's wound pulling it up and then it connects with the Ogre's head. There was movement and then the blood. He was sprayed from head to toe in blood as he jumped off the giant that was now laying it a pile of it's own blood.
"The beacon!" Alistair shouted from behind him.
Estellise let out a fireball, aiming right for the pile of wood. It lit up quickly, didn't take long when the smoke rose from the small area.
"Is that it?" She shouted. But then the feeling of dread rushed over him. He turned around just in time to see the Darkspawn.
They took the stairs, taking down the guardsman. A group of archers fired off some of their ammunition. The arrows flew through the air colliding with him.
He took the arrows in the chest but he moved. His feet picked up as he watched as Estellise fell. An arrow stuck deep in her shoulder as she slammed to the ground, letting out a cry of pain when she hit. Another arrow struck him in the back, this time he fell. But not before he landed next to her.
She was bleeding, gasping for air before she looked over to him. She was in pain, so much pain. He struggled, crawling slowly towards her before he felt something smack into the back of his head. Everything goes black.
I awoke with a start. My arms flying in the air only to be caught by another's hands. "It's okay!" My eyes flew open, only to meet the same gaze belonging to Alistair. His hands wrapped themselves around my own. They were warm, coarse from holding a hilt of a weapon for most of his life but it was the grip he had on my arms.
He pinned them down to my chest. It was in this movement that I grimace. I don't need to look down, I knew I was completely covered in bandages. My shoulder ached. Why did it hurt so much?
Then I remember everything.
"Oh, Maker…" I bring my hands to my face. I remember the battle through the tower. Then the Ogre and then… the battle with the Darkspawn. I remember getting hit, but I remember Cullen falling beside me.
"Cullen?" I look up through the tears as they run down my cheeks. Alistair seemed unharmed but he was shaking his head.
"He's not awake yet, but he's over there." He nodded towards another section of the small hut we were in. Cullen was asleep. His chest was covered in bandages. But he looked okay at least, from where I was sitting.
"We were rescued." Alistair starts. I switch my gaze to his. My hands wiping away the tears. "Do you remember the witch from the wilds?"
"Morrigan?" I remember her. Well, who wouldn't.
"Yes, her mother was the one who rescued us." I blink. Her mother? Strange as it was, I wanted to ask how but some how I knew better.
I go to get out but I feel heavy, weak. My body aches as I try to move. But I want to move. To at least maybe try to move. Though when I do, Alistair's hands are on my shoulders holding me back.
"You should rest." He urges me to relax but I want nothing more than to not do that.
"Just give me a second." I summon the only healing magic I had. The most basic healing spell. Resting my hand against my shoulder and let the blue light shimmer from my finger tips. It might not heal the wound but it would ease my pain, maybe speed up the process.
He seemed satisfied afterwards when he lets me stand up and tosses me a clean shirt and some pants. Just then I realized I was nearly naked and only in my small-clothes.
Suddenly the temperature in the room rises about a hundred degrees. I feel as if I will just explode on the spot. It took Alistair a second to realize why I was throwing clothes on in a flash. He stumbles up and out of his seat. Turning around quickly in the process of turning completely red. My back was to him as I finish buttoning up the shirt and tying the pants.
When he leaves to get some food from the fire outside. I sit down this time, next to Cullen. He was asleep but he was in pain. I couldn't blame him with the amount of arrows that were sticking out of his chest.
I summon the small spell I know and press it against his chest. Other than his absently touching my boobs, this was the first time I've ever touched him in any way. I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks just at the thought.
Cullen's eyes flutter but they were still shut. He was speaking incoherently but I find myself smiling. It was so easy to see him this way. He was always so quiet. He was always so strong. But he was always afraid of me. The Chantry says that it was our fault for the Darkspawn. That we were the reason for everything evil in this world. But they couldn't bring themselves to slaughtering us when we are born. So locking us away was the next best thing. And creating men, like Cullen to fight against us.
When the spell was complete, I pull my hands away. The glow lasted for a few seconds before his eyes fluttered opened. It took him only a second to register what was happening. "Estelle?" His voice was hoarse but I smile a little, my finger touches his forehead.
"Everything is okay." I say these words but it doesn't take him long to actually register them. "Do you want something to eat? Drink?" I move my hand only for him to catch it. "Stay." Was all he had to say, to make me stay put.
A few hours pass, Morrigan was in and out of the small hut to bring us food and water. She leaves us bandages so I can change his at least. She offered but apart of me wanted to scream at her to get away. That I'll do it, since I was the one here. But I can't bring myself to do it. I was cornered with my own decision but she laughs at me. "You do it." She says and leaves us alone in the hut once more.
I help him sit up slowly, I know he was in pain. Slowly my hands unwrap the bandages. There was some minor bleeding still but whoever healed him and pulled the arrows out had experience. I had only some in combat medical training.
Sort of a requirement within the tower and the healing classes. Though I mostly snoozed through all of those lectures. Then of course, Wynne would smack me around for awhile for sleeping in class.
Those really were the days.
I finished bandaging him up when Morrigan walks back in carrying garments and some gear that I don't really recognize.
"Here are some clothes. When you're dressed mother wants to speak with you." I move to get up but she sets a set of garments in my hands. Winking at me before she leaves again.
I leave Cullen to change in peace while I found a nice little wall to hide behind. I dress quickly, realizing that the clothes Morrigan has given me were well… I had no words. There was like very little fabric and very little skin that wasn't being shown. She must have found it amusing but I didn't. When I round the corner, Cullen was strapping his scale male back into place.
"Ready?" I ask as I try to cover up the fact my boobs were nearly being shown.
"Yeah, just one last buck-" He looks up just for a second. I have never seen him turn that red before. But he seems to understand why I was covering myself up.
"Don't ask." I turn to walk away but I just can't believe her. She gives me this green robe, made mostly out of animal skins and magic. But it barely covers anything. I can some how see her outside laughing at the idea of just a simple Circle Mage wearing something she would wear.
I sort of hate that woman.
I walk out of the hut to see Alistair quietly looking over a swamp. Why he was looking over a swamp I didn't understand and nor did I bother with asking. Morrigan's mother turns to me just as Cullen leaves the hut, closing the door behind him.
"I see Morrigan has let you borrow one of her robes." She was laughing but I ignore the idea of wanting to run away. Maybe jump into the swamp out of embarrassment.
"You're both… okay?" Alistair realized we were there. But there was a sad look in his eyes.
"We're… fine." Cullen clears his throat and avoids even looking at me. I couldn't really blame him.
"Loghain has betrayed us. He let Duncan and King Cailan die on the battlefield. All the Grey Wardens are dead but just us." My heart seems to stop and crawl up my throat.
"What does this mean?" Cullen looks to us and then his gaze lands upon Morrigan's mother.
"It means we're the last of the Wardens in Ferelden." I say but it hurts to see the look in Alistair's eyes.
"What now?" The three of us look between each other. We were the last, that meant more than I ever thought possible.
"The treaties." Morrigan's mother speaks up.
She was right. Those documents we found for Duncan. We still had them, or Alistair still had them.
"That's right!" Alistair looks to her, but then something crosses his eyes. "I'm sorry… I don't know what to call you."
"The Chasind call me Flemeth." If I could ever have a heart attack, it would be then but the open mouthed gapes from Cullen and Alistair seemed to be enough.
"Who else is there?" I ask, seemingly getting over the fact as to why I felt her power.
"There is Arl Eammon." Cullen offers. He was right, there was the Arl of Redcliffe. I remembered his troops never arrived in time.
"That's right! We can go to him for aid." Alistair looks between the two of us. "But can we do this?"
"Dwarves, Elves and Mages. Even this Eammon, they sound like an army to me." She had a point.
"We can do this." I assure Alistair even though I was only saying those words to reassure myself.
"Then where first?" I look to Cullen. He seems a little uneasy but I had no idea what to do and well, when I look to Alistair he didn't seem so assure.
"We need supplies, gear and a rest." He had a point. I could use a nice warm bed even if it was for only a single night.
"One last thing I can offer you." Flemeth says just as Morrigan returns from doing whatever it was she was doing.
"My daughter will go with you." She doesn't even have to look to us.
"WHAT?" Both Morrigan and Alistair shouted in utter surprise. I roll my eyes and decide that I'll just take in the landscape instead of listening to them argue.
"Her magic will be useful." Flemeth clarifies. "Now go pack."
Morrigan passes us but I can see how much she hates this idea. I couldn't blame her. From the stories I've read, Witches of the Wilds never leave the woods.
When she returns we were already set to go. Armor and equipment was all ready to go but Morrigan was not happy. She was already leading us out of here and through the woods.
"Where are we heading?" Cullen asks as he speeds up to walk next to her.
"Lothering." Was all she said.