Vigil's Keep – New Allies
Agrona POV
"So, they performed the ritual…" The woman smiled softly as she stared into a mirror. "Just as I guessed. But not even I could have guessed my daughter would have gone through the ritual to save them." She chuckled. "Now that was unexpected. My stupidly cruel, dangerously naïve daughter learned how to respect and love."
The woman stood and stretched, brushing a hand over the container that kept her. "Ah, am I glad I planned ahead. Though, I wish this bird would hurry up and fulfill her end of the bargain. It's cramped in here." She shook her head and returned her gaze to the mirror. "Now, then. How shall you move this time, Agrona, Serenity? The Blight is over, but that was just the beginning."
The woman laughed as the mirror showed her an image where three women could be seen against a backdrop of shadowy figures.
To the left was a black haired elf with a red ribbon in her braided hair, one that matched her earring and eyes. She was splattered with blood, wielding a sword that glowed like the stars and knives that winked in the dark. She was glaring at something that could not be seen, face snarled just as a wolf's might have been.
To the right was a woman with her red hair tied back with an ancient ornament. Her silver-blue eyes were fierce as she held her dragonbone greatsword in with one hand and her face became a calm mask. A dragon, waiting for her prey to come within range.
Behind them, with her back facing the viewer, was a woman with a long, white braid. Her right hand wielded a bloody sword that resembled the previous greatsword, but forged from silverite and demon's blood. Her left hand held a nimbus of magic, filled with healing light, crackling lightning, frosty ice, and bloody fog.
"I do wish it would show me her eyes," the woman groused. "Such a pretty, crystal-blue they are." She brushed a hand over each of the three women before poking at the shadowy figures they seemed to guard.
"Origins has been completed," the woman murmured. "And the Awakening has begun. Soon, the Hawk will fly free from the chains that bind her and then…" She laughed darkly. "Oh, and then, we shall have the chaos that the Dragons' rebirth predicted!"
It took a bit to clear out the rubble and even longer to reassure the citizens that everything was fine now. In fact, by the time we finished that, the sun had risen and Serenity and I just decided to skip out of sleep to continue working.
Specifically, though, I had to focus on my jobs as Arlessa, one of which was to deal with criminals, apparently. A thief, to be more specific, one who had taken down four Wardens before being captured. Meaning he was a thief with a great amount of fighting skill.
Was I the only one to find this just a little ironic?
"Seneschal, go rest," Serenity cajoled. "Really, we fragile little girls can handle ourselves."
"I wouldn't call you 'fragile', but I will agree with the statement as a whole." He bowed, stiffly. "I beg your leave, then, to prepare for the Joining."
Joining… right, I had recruits… I wondered if Duncan ever felt this dread. "And then rest," I ordered. "It might take a bit for me to get there."
He bowed again and walked off as Serenity and I descended into the dank dungeons of Vigil's Keep.
In the backmost cell was the criminal. Everything from the shoulder-length black hair to the calm brown eyes screamed that this man was some noble.
Behind me, I heard Serenity actually gasp. I was about to ask what was wrong, but then the man jerked his head up, stared a moment, and groaned. "Serenity," he greeted. "Hi."
"Hi," Serenity replied in a slightly strained voice. "Agrona, may I introduce Nathaniel Howe?"
Howe. So, this was one of Howe's kids? Yay, vengeance. Strange, though, the name itself was actually familiar. Where…?
…Wait. Serenity once said she had been all but promised to a… oh, this could easily become very awkward, very fast.
Oh, why did I have Revas help the soldiers through some of the more destroyed areas? I could have used his advice for not letting this blow up in our faces!
"Isn't the Hero of Fereldan supposed to be ten feet tall with lightning shooting out of her eyes?" Nathaniel drawled, giving me a look. "I'm unimpressed."
I bristled. Never have I been told that. "I see my reputation precedes me," I replied softly. "But I am unimpressed with the attempt to insult me."
"I am not here to impress." He then proceeded to ignore me entirely and focused on Serenity. "Looks like you turned out all right, Queen."
"After your father betrayed us, yes," Serenity bit out. "In case you're wondering, I killed him."
His eyes flashed. "My father tries to protect his country and you-!"
"That bastard slaughtered everyone in Highever and displayed their copses like trophies!" Serenity spat, eyes flashing. Anything related to Howe was a fast way to get her to act like me. "Including Oren!"
Nathaniel's eyes went wide with shock, anger disappearing. "I… I heard that… that Oren had died, but… but not…" He looked away, confusion, horror, and disgust warring on his face.
Huh. Maybe he got the conscience that Howe lacked.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him.
"I was planning on killing you," he answered honestly. "To set a trap."
"Were you apprehended before?" The Seneschal reported that he had been poking around.
"No. Well… actually, yes, but…" He sighed. "But then I entered and… I just wanted my family's things. It's all I have left." He finally looked up again. "Look, obviously there's more to this than I know. But what my father did shouldn't affect my whole family."
Right… like how I shouldn't judge all humans by what a handful have done.
I nodded once and stepped back a bit, to talk to Serenity.
"Why don't we have him join the Wardens?" I suggested quietly, keeping an eye on her. Unfortunately, I could read next to nothing from her as she had retreated back behind her calm-cold mask. "He has some skill."
"The Wardens are in desperate need," Serenity replied thoughtfully. "It is a good decision." Translation: Logically, it makes sense. Which was great, but I had no idea whether or not she'd kill him in his sleep.
Still, I decided to have a little faith and take the chance. "Nathaniel Howe, you are conscripted."
"What?" Nathaniel shook his head violently. "No, I'd rather die."
"Nice to know you don't fear death. The Joining can easily kill you," Serenity informed him cheerfully.
…Okay, even I thought that was blunt.
"Are the Wardens in a habit of recruiting people trying to kill them?" Anders asked dryly as Serenity and I walked out of the prisons with Nathaniel in tow. He, Mhairi, and Oghren were waiting for us. I guessed they had already been told the gossip.
"According to the Warden Records, Duncan, the previous Warden-Commander, was conscripted after actually killing a Grey Warden by accident." Serenity shrugged. I hadn't known that. Damn the fact that I hadn't had a chance to go through the records before having to come out here.
"One of our traveling companions tried to kill Agrona 'ere," Oghren chimed in. "Or so I was told."
"Zevran was hired to kill us," I corrected. "It wasn't necessarily his own will." In fact, he had taken the job with the intent of dying, or so he told me while I was still bedridden.
"Sure, defend your man," Serenity teased.
"He's not-!" I immediately protested.
"Oh? Are you going after Leliana, then?"
"When did I say that?" I shrieked, glaring at the guffawing Oghren, laughing Anders, chortling Mhairi, and chuckling Nathaniel.
"Ah, perhaps that sweet Alim from the Circle? He was so worried about you, you know."
"Serenity!" I whined, flushing. I really didn't need to worry about my romance problems right now!
She just laughed. Stupid, happily-married best friend.
"To change the subject," Anders interrupted, still smiling. "We have guests." He pointed to the large crowd in front of the gates, surrounding someone in the center. A tall someone, but he was flanked by other tall people.
Normally, I'd just ask Serenity, but she smiled brightly as she noticed someone and took off before I could ask.
So, I attempted to find out on my own. Unfortunately, I am short and surrounded by tall people and thus had to swallow my pride.
"Who's here?" I asked the much taller Nathaniel. "I can't see."
"A brown and red Cailan," he deadpanned. "So, my guess is that he is King Alistair."
Oh? Wasn't he…? Ah, he must have swung by here to make sure we arrived safely before heading off to the Bannorn.
"Well, come on." I began tugging him towards the group, much to his surprise. "I want to greet them and I'm the only one here who will show a little mercy on you."
It took me a little bit to wiggle through the crowd, especially while keeping a good grip on Nathaniel.
I was rewarded with the sickeningly sweet scene of Alistair and Serenity greeting one another.
Really, with Alistair wearing his High Dragon Armor, the scene should have looked slightly awkward. That armor is bulky.
But no, the two had easily worked around that minor inconvenience and were kissing each other fiercely.
Yeah, a month of marriage hadn't dampened anything about them. They also had the gall to be cute and adorable as they pulled away.
As I walked up, I noticed Alistair asking Serenity something and her replying very quietly. Alistair's eyes shot up to lock with Nathaniel's. Well, I assumed Nathaniel was the target of the focused stare as he had tensed up. "Relax," I murmured. "So long as you don't give him reason to attack, he's not going to bite."
"And is my being a 'Howe' enough reason?" he muttered.
"Nope." I smiled. "Alistair knows better than most about being judged for a father's actions, after all."
"I had planned on giving the Wardens a formal welcome," Alistair declared loudly, jolting me into the conversation. "Wasn't expecting this."
"You and me both." I walked up with a smile. "Hiya, king."
"Oh, don't call me that. And you better not kneel. You're vicious enough to do it." He grinned before growing sober. "Serenity says the Wardens that were here are either dead or missing?"
"There are some reports from survivors that the Wardens were taken into the Deep Roads," I confirmed. "Ever heard of anything like that?"
"I've heard of females, but…" He and Serenity winced at the thought. Broodmothers… I shall live a happy life if I never see one. Strangely, though, I don't think I'm going to have that happy life.
"But things are going to be so difficult," I gripped. "Honestly, what was I thinking? And here I thought that all I'd have to worry about is the nobles trying to stab me in the back."
"I wish I could stay and help," Alistair commented longingly. "I hate to think you two were here on your own. You two have a tendency to forget things, especially you." He poked Serenity's cheek as she pouted.
"What am I, chopped liver?" Oghren complained as he slipped into the conversation.
"More like I didn't see you, little man," Alistair quipped with a grin. "Good to see you, though."
"I'm looking forward to having you as a Warden," I told him formally, as I noted Anders and Mhairi also approaching. "But you'll have to listen."
"Your orders, I can follow." He nodded and grinned. "I'm in!"
"I… I suppose all are welcome," Mhairi said reluctantly, biting back a grimace. I leveled a look and she quickly added, "I look forward to working with you."
"Good luck with the Warden thing," Anders told us wistfully, looking very resigned. Now why would he…?
"King Alistair, Queen Serenity, please, step back!" A woman wearing templar armor appeared with her sword drawn. "This man is a dangerous criminal." Huh?
Serenity, Alistair, and I exchanged some looked. "The dwarf is a bit of an ass, yes," Alistair joked. "But I wouldn't go that far."
"She means me," Anders replied, visibly wilting. "Because I'm an apostate mage."
"He was in the process of being returned to the Circle for justice," the templar explained.
"Oh, please!" Anders scoffed. "The things you all know about justice wouldn't fit in a thimble. I'll just escape again, anyhow."
"Never!" she snapped. "I'll have you hanged for murder!"
"I didn't…!" Anders just sighed, defeated. "No, you won't listen. You don't care about anything but killing mages."
Her eyes narrowed. "Take him and-!"
"Ma'am," Serenity interrupted sweetly. "What are his charges exactly?"
"He murdered templars!" she declared, drawing herself up and really just looking haughty.
Serenity looked unimpressed. "What is your evidence?"
I really couldn't help the glare as she responded with the same thing. "He's a murderer and-!"
"I find your zealous faith and lack of reason disturbing," Serenity declared airily. "If you are going to bring the law in, then you must abide by it. The law states that, even when dealing with mages and templars, proof must be shown with the accusation. So, where's the proof?"
As the templar sputtered indignantly, Serenity glanced at me and mouthed, 'want a mage?' I smiled and nodded. She grinned wickedly and declared, "I invoke the Right of Conscription. Anders is now a Grey Warden recruit."
Anders stared, shocked. "Wait, what?"
"Only the Warden-Commander can-!" the Templar immediately protested.
"Actually, it's the Warden-Commander and those he or she approves of," Alistair corrected. "And the Right is completely lawful."
"Not to mention that both Serenity and Alistair have my permission to use the Right." I smirked and stepped forward. "I am the Warden-Commander, templars, and you are kidnapping one of my recruits. So, remove your hands from him or I shall remove your hands from your arms."
The woman glared at us, but even she had the sense to not take on three Wardens and three Warden recruits. So, she just walked away. Haha!
"Me… me, a Warden?" Anders was still in shock.
Oghren lightly punched his side. "Welcome aboard, kid!"
Finally, Anders smiled. "I can live with that."
Mhairi smiled and nodded. "I look forward to fighting alongside you, sir mage." Well, looks like we're slowly getting her openminded. Good.
"My king." A blond haired man who looked familiar rode up. Oh, wait, this was Arl Leonhardt. "I'm afraid we must leave."
"And I have to begin a Joining." I sighed. "Joy."
Alistair gave me a sympathetic smile and ruffled my hair. "You survived a Blight, Agrona. Don't worry."
"Yeah, yeah." I waved him off with a grin. "Have fun with the Bannorn."
He shuddered. "Maker, help me." He kissed Serenity goodbye, whispered something that made her blush, and turned his attention to Arl Leonhardt. "Lead on, Leo."
"Yes, my lord." He bowed to both Serenity and I while still in the saddle and led Alistair off.
After waving a goodbye, I led the way into the Keep.
"It looks similar to the cup we used," I commented, picking up the full, silver goblet from the small table in the main room.
"That's because it is," Serenity replied. "I salvaged it from Ostagar. Don't fret. It's been cleaned at least ten times."
Looking at it, I was reminded of Ostagar. Of the Wilds. Of our Joining.
And for the first time since then, I thought of Daveth and Jory.
"I wonder why we survived and Daveth didn't," I mused. Jory hadn't a chance to try, backing out when he realized just what was going on. Getting killed because he tried to run.
"Who knows?" Serenity murmured. "Luck? Some natural resistance? Strength of will? There's a myriad of possibilities."
"Warden-Commander." I turned to see the Seneschal (I really must get his actual name) standing behind me. "We are ready to begin."
I looked behind him and saw the four recruits lined up. "Very well, then."
I stepped to the side, wishing Revas was done with his guide-duties. Serenity subtly took my hand reassuringly. I gave her a grateful smile as the Seneschal stepped up to the goblet.
"We shall now begin the Joining," the Seneschal declared, nodding at Serenity. "If, my lady, you would do us the honor of speaking the words?"
Serenity nodded and closed her eyes. "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows, where we stand vigilant." And where we will die. "Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn." Because of the Taint. "Should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten." Except by the people who will never fully understand. "And know that someday, we shall join you."
I looked at the group. Oghren was, for once, serious, but then, he knew more about Wardens than most. Mhairi, Anders, and Nathaniel looked pale, but resolute.
"From this moment forth, you are Grey Wardens," the Seneschal declared, stepping towards Oghren with the goblet. "Oghren."
"What is this, the sampler size?" Oghren cracked. "Are you trying to say something about my height?"
"It's the same goblet both Serenity and I used, Oghren," I explained. "Take a sip." You won't want more.
"All right then." He did as I bade and I waited for him to experience pain as the Seneschal.
Instead, he merely belched and commented, "Not bad."
"So, the alcohol had corrupted so much of Oghren that the Taint barely had anything to do?" I whispered to Serenity, who immediately bit back a laugh. "Oghren" I continued more loudly. "Go and sit down, in case it decides to sneak up on you."
Oghren obeyed with a nod, going to rest against one of the pillars.
"Maker help us," I heard the Seneschal grumble as he stepped towards Mhairi. "Mhairi."
Smiling, she took a drink and handed back the goblet. Unlike Oghren, she had the typical reaction. Doubling over with white eyes and lots of pain…
However, just as Daveth had done, she began hacking up blood. Ah, that's… that's rather sad, actually.
Since I had to remain the impassive Warden-Commander (at least, I assumed since Duncan had been impassive during it), it was Serenity who caught and held her as she buckled and it was Serenity who laid her down when she finally died.
"So, if we feel a bunch of pain, we die?" Anders asked nervously.
"I'm afraid it's supposed to be quite a lot of pain, no matter what," I replied calmly. "It will end either from you fainting or dying."
"Oh." His answering smile was strained. "Lovely."
"Anders." The Seneschal moved to Anders and handed him the goblet.
"All right." Anders took a deep breath and cradled the goblet in a hand. "If I end up on some ship with a brand on my head, I'm blaming you." That was a rather amu…
My mind summoned Owain from the Tower from memory, Tranquil Mark branded to his forehead.
Was he worried we'd make him Tranquil?
I didn't really have time to think or reassure as Anders drank then and I had to focus on his reaction.
It ended up being doubling over, shuddering, and dropping like a stone.
But Serenity when checked his pulse, she gave me a wan smile and proceeded to wrestle him over to a pillar and prop him up. Oghren got up to help her, more or less in perfect condition.
Lucky dwarf. I still remember that pain and headache.
"The Wardens keep many secrets," Nathaniel observed as the Seneschal moved towards him.
"We keep less around our own," I replied with a wry grin. Indeed, the Wardens kept almost nothing from each other. It was why Riordan had simply assumed we already knew about the secret behind the Archdemon.
But Duncan hadn't even had the time to tell Alistair, six months our senior, everything, thanks to the chaos leading up to the Blight.
Nathaniel grimaced, took the goblet, and drank without another word.
Like Anders, he survived.
With the Joining completed, we summoned guards to take the new Wardens, even conscious Oghren, to the infirmary for a check up. We also had them go prepare Mhairi for her funeral.
This was going to be one of the first changes I made. I wasn't going to hide the fact that the Joining could be fatal. I knew I'd get less willing recruits, but…
But I didn't want to have recruits like Jory, who got in way over their head.
Author's note:
All right. So, now we've hit the Joining and the second part of the sort of "prologue" section to the expansion.
Okay, so I'm going to use the scenes before to have a little fun. Sometimes it'll deal with the girls and others… well, as you can see, others won't be so much. Three guesses who the woman is, first two don't count.
Next Chapter: Serenity during the Fealty Ceremony
