Author's Note

Greetings peeps, how're we today? Here it is! Next chapter for Liberation. Hope you enjoy! And don't forget to review!

Culann stared out from behind the bushes at the group of darkspawn patrolling around the entrance of the Ostagar ruins – the grass had been burned black and no trees covered the area. Behind them stood the remains of several pillars and a large staircase that could no longer be climbed.

Luckily for him, it didn't seem that they noticed him just yet. Probably because they were too far away to notice him hidden behind the bushes. Still, stealth was going to be impossible for him.. "Guess I've got no choice but to go in loud," he groaned, his hand moving to his back, where his fingers wrapped around the hilt of the zweihander. Slowly, he unsheathed it and then made his way out from the safety of the treeline.

"Oi! Darkspawn! Bring it you ugly mother-" He was cut off as he dived out of the way to avoid both a magic attack and an arrow. "Talk about rude." Sprinting towards the group in a zig-zag pattern, Culann quickly reached the first darkspawn, a Gemlock, and easily cut it in half with his blade. His next victim was the Emissary, the one that had fired a magic bolt at him earlier. Culann's hand gripped onto the Emissary's face and smashed it into the ground, before dragging it through the dirt for a couple of steps and then flinging it into three Hurlocks that were grouped together, knocking them down and allowing Culann to focus on the rest of the group. It consisted of two more Gemlocks, a Hurlock and an Alpha Hurlock.

The three charged simultaneously in the hopes that one of them would be able to harm him, but Culann wasn't someone they should underestimate. He thrust his empty palm out and sent a shockwave in their direction, knocking them off their feet and back a couple of paces onto the ground. While Culann had done that however, the other three Hurlocks had gotten to their feet. Turning his gaze to look at them, he heard shuffling and returned his gaze to the previous group, only to find that they were also on their feet. He was now surrounded by them. "Now it's getting interesting…"

One of the Gemlocks suddenly released a scream and fell forward, an arrow protruding from it's back. From the trees, close to where Culann had emerged himself, came two humans; a male and a female. The female held the bow two daggers at her hips, while the male held a one-handed sword and a shield with the Templar insignia. The woman released another arrow which buried itself into one of the Hurlocks, while the man charged up and took out the remaining Gemlock. The archer took out the two more Hurlocks, while the remaining one charged at Culann, who easily dispatched of it by drawing his dagger and stabbing it into the Hurlock's neck.

Turning around, Culann saw the swordsman fighting the Alpha Hurlock, dodging and blocking each of the Alpha's attacks but not getting a chance to return any himself. Before Culann could help, the archer was suddenly behind the Alpha and stabbed her blades into the Alpha's ribs. Withdrawing them, the Alpha growled and proceeded to fall to the ground. The archer cleaned the blood from her blades before returning them to their scabbards, while the swordsman made his way over to Culann.

"Thank the Maker we made it! Are you alright?" he asked, looking Culann up and down for any injuries. He appeared rather surprised when he couldn't find any.

"I'm fine. More importantly, why are you two out here? Last I checked, the wilds weren't very popular with your people. And neither was Ostagar, now that I think about it." Culann switched his gaze back and forth between the swordsman and the archer, who strode up to the two and planted her arm on the swordsman's shoulder, using it to lean against as she copied her partner's movements.

"Strange. You don't have the body type to be able to wield a sword like that, much less using it one-handed. I'm impressed," she stated, taking another glance up and down, although Culann suspected it wasn't to check for wounds.

"I'm full of surprises," he replied, bring his sword up and sliding it back into it's scabbard, followed by his dagger. "Now, back to my question."

The two looked at each other before nodding and turning to look at Culann. Now that he was properly looking at them, he noticed similarities in their facial structures. Siblings? It seemed the most likely scenario. They were at least related. Both had blonde hair, with the male being a shade darker than the female. He also bore a scar that ran from his bottom lip down the left side of his face and it disappeared under his chainmail. The female was the taller of the two, being slightly smaller than Culann himself, and she had green eyes compared to the male's blue.

"I'm Elemiera, but you can just call me Mira. This is my brother, Aedan. We came here looking for our father. He disappeared three days ago and the only clue we found was a map with Ostagar circled. And so, here we are. What about you handsome? What are you doing out here all by your lonesome?" She cocked her head to the side, a small smile formed on her lips as she waited on an answer. Her brother, Aedan, merely rolled his eyes but didn't speak up as, he too, was waiting on an answer.

Sighing, Culann shrugged. "I'm not sure. I came here looking for my mother, but instead I find these guys and you two. Obviously we were both led to a dead end. Nothing here but more darkspawn." Culann began rooting through the bodies, checking for any coins or anything useful they could have. Mira moved to one of the other bodies to try and help, while Aedan moved further into the ruins to check for any more darkspawn that were lurking nearby. Not that there was, or else Culann would be able to sense them. The closest darkspawn were located in the center of the ruins.

Culann's eyes strayed over in Mira's direction, where he began to take a good look at her. She was incredibly beautiful, with a nicely shaped body that had no doubt seduced many a man into buying her a drink. It was the first time Culann had ever properly interacted with another woman before, other than his mother. It felt…strange. Shaking his head, he returned to what he was doing, failing to notice the amused smile on Mira's lips.

"Guys! I think I found something!" Aedan hissed upon his return, quickly motioning them to follow him. Culann raised an eyebrow in confusion, glancing at Mira before getting to his feet and following after Aedan.

Author's Note

Oooh, things are heating up now aren't they?! The first two companions have appeared! And I've decided I want more. So! Anyone who is reading this, if you have an idea for a companion for dear Culann, please! PM me and we can discuss it! Now, depending on the number of people who suggest ideas, I will only be taking a few so if I get ten, for example, I'll only be choosing between 1-4. Alright? Don't worry. If your character doesn't make it as a companion, they may still have a cameo appearance. ;) Now! Review, and get thinking people!