Author's Note: Greetings all! I'm sorry that it took so long to get chapter three out! I've recently been busy with my good friend, Raven, finishing up our Gundam Wing fic, Heavy Metal, and starting the sequel, Heavy Metal Book II: Legacy Virus. We've also been busy working on Legends of Darkness Book II. If you're curious, they're posted under the co-written user name Shiratori-Strife-Inc. Anyway, I hope you enjoy chapter three and I'm hoping to get chapter four out faster than this one. Arigatou gozaimasu!!! ^_^

Disclaimer: All standard disclaimers apply: I do not own Dragon Age: Origins or any of its characters. Sanile and Elissa are mine, however. I also don't own the song used in this chapter. "The Howling" belongs to Within Temptation.

Chapter 3

Alistair had been settling some things with the quartermaster when his two fellow Grey Wardens made their way toward him. The serious expressions that set their faces was enough warning for him that whatever news they were bearing was not good. Elissa was about to speak when Sanile stopped her with a look. The blonde looked to her fellow Grey Warden and nodded toward the fire as she turned in the same direction. Alistair quickly joined her on her left as they moved toward the center of the camp.

"What's going on?" he asked. "Did the meeting not go well?"

"It went just fine if you call practically fighting Loghaine 'well'." Elissa snorted.

The brunette looked at her with an eyebrow cocked. "What? That had to be you. No one else I know would try to argue with the teryn."

Sanile shook her head. "The teryn was trying to start an argument with Duncan. Duncan wasn't taking the bait.

"Yes, it was actually your golden-haired elf princess who put Loghaine in his place quite diplomatically." The noblewoman tattled, tossing her shoulder-length black hair.

"What?" Alistair asked. "You put the Teryn Loghaine in his place? You either have some sort of magical powers or you're a lot braver than I thought, Sanile."

"I didn't put him in his place. I merely told him that the Grey Wardens deserved more credit than what he gave. I put no one in their place." Sanile said, trying to sort out the reality of the situation.

"So I'm assuming that you two didn't come to fetch me because you wanted my company." The brunette said.

Elissa let out a little cackle at this comment. "You know what they happens when you assume, don't you, Alistair? Lucky for you that you assumed right. We've been sent to fetch you because Duncan would like a word with us."

Sanile, who'd been quiet until then, nodded in agreement. "Well, he's probably going to give us the details of lighting the beacon at the top of the Tower of Ishal. I hardly think that it'll be that difficult, but Duncan thinks this task is important enough for us to handle."

"I'm beginning to understand why Loghaine was trying to pick a fight. He didn't take too well to his men being indirectly called incompetent." Alistair said.

"Good, you've found Alistair." Duncan said, making his way past them toward the fire. "Let us discuss our plan for the battle."

The three Grey Wardens stood attentively for their next instructions. None of them had been in a battle of this caliber before. The troops that had amassed in the ruins of Ostagar were now moving out in battalions across the bridge to the fields below. The battle that had hardly seemed real that afternoon was now upon them. Soldiers were making sure their blades moved freely to and from the sheathes, that their shields were tightly attached and arrows were snug in their quivers. They were quickly moving toward the bridge.

Duncan looked seriously at them, examining them carefully. He had faith that they could complete this task that was about to be given to them. "I have a different task for the three of you that will be just as important as the battle itself if not more so."

"You mean we won't be fighting in the battle with you?" Alistair asked, a bit distraught.

"No, Alistair. The three of you will be climbing the Tower of Ishal to light the beacon. Once the signal fire is lit, that will be Teryn Loghain's signal to bring in the reinforcements."

"I was looking forward to slaying some Darkspawn." Elissa pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Looks like I'll have to put it off until later."

"Right now you'll be out of the battle. You're more than welcome to join it once the beacon is lit. I have to join the other Grey Wardens at the front lines." Duncan said, turning to leave. "You'll have about an hour to reach the top of the tower and light the beacon."

The three nodded as their leader headed off into the throngs of soldiers. He was quickly lost from sight as they exchanged anxious glances. Checking all of their weapons, they moved toward the bridge. Sanile was the first to reach the archway, stopping to survey changes from earlier briefly. Soldiers were scrambling around the bridge to the ballistas that had been set up to line the edges. The elf set her jaw as she looked to her companions. A horn sounded somewhere below to signal the start of battle. They moved to the edge nearest to them to see what was going on in the fields.

Torches glowed like fireflies as the various shouts and cries rose through the air. Steel meeting steel echoed through the valley the three slowly stepped onto the stone bridge. It was only a matter of moments before the boulders and other projectiles began flying through the air, knocking out chunks of the bridge. The elf looked to her companions as the sounds of battle rose up through the air from below. Her jaw was set and her lips pursed into a straight line.

"I suppose now is as good a time as any to head to the tower. We've got an hour to get the signal fire lit and if we encounter any Darkspawn along the way, they'll only slow us down." Sanile said.

"Thanks for repeating the orders, elf princess." Elissa said, rolling her eyes. "All the Darkspawn are below us, but let's keep that in mind. What about you, Alistair?"

The brunette rolled his neck and tried to rid himself of the growing tension. "Let's just get going. I have a bad feeling that this isn't going to be as easy as we think."

"I agree." Sanile nodded, moving forward. "We're wasting time."

The trio headed across the bridge at a quick pace. They'd just passed the second ballista when a large projectile crashed into the bridge. The stone was jarred severely as a section was knocked away. Alistair was the first to his feet, shaking his head to rid himself of the ringing in his ears. Elissa was on her feet next, steadying herself when the bridge was shaken a second time. When Sanile had yet to rise, Alistair reached down and grabbed her hand, proceeding to haul her to her feet.

"Come on, Sanile." He said, releasing her. "We've got to get out of here before the fire gets any worse."

"Right then, let's go."

~*~

As darkness had fallen, hundreds of men stood before a thin stretch of trees that seemed to be emanating mist. Growls and snarls floated from somewhere further in as the trees seemed to be moving. Fear radiated throughout the ranks as sound of approaching feet came closer. There was no pulling back now. The enemy was upon their doorstep. In an instant, hundreds of dark, misshapen forms began emerging from the trees. The archers knocked their arrows and pulled back their bowstrings on an unspoken command.

"Archers!" the cry rang out across the battlefield. "Fire!"

We've been seeing what you wanted, got us cornered right now

Fallen asleep from our vanity, might cost us our lives

I hear them getting closer

Their howls are sending chills down my spine

Our time is running out now

They're coming down the hills from behind

Arrows fell in lethal shower upon the heads of the enemies. A number of Darkspawn collapsed to the ground in mid step. It seemed that for every one that fell, there was another to take its place. As the archers prepared for another round of fire, the enemy lines drew closer. A voice, in the mean time, rose above the din of oncoming battle. The next command was issued.

"Release the hounds!"

The Mabari were released, their growls indicating that they had one function and that was to kill. The hounds gave little notice as they took damage. They were content to charge into battle and chew the advancing Darkspawn to pieces. One certain Mabari, who'd been healed recently, leapt onto the closest Hurlock and proceeded to rip out the creature's throat and jugular. When the body beneath him fell, he sprung to the next enemy. There were plenty to choose from.

When we start killing

It's all coming down right now

From the nightmare we've created

I want to be awakened somehow

When we start killing

It all will be falling down

From the Hell that we're in

All we are is fading away

When we start killing

Cutting through another Hurlock, Sanile snarled as she felt the creature's blood splatter upon her face. The elf panted as she looked to her other companions. The Darkspawn had somehow managed to enter the Tower of Ishal through the lower levels. A mage and one of the tower guards had joined them in ridding the tower of the Darkspawn. The extra help had made a big difference in the long run. There was no way that the three of them alone would've been able to get this into the structure on their own.

Sanile rounded on the balls of her feet, cleaving her daggers into the back of a genlock that was moving to attack the turned back of Elissa. The noblewoman panted as she turned around, nodding her thanks. The elf felt her eyes searching the rest of the chamber for their other fellow Grey Warden. Alistair was by the door to the next chamber, flicking the blood from his sword as the body of a Hurlock fell to the ground, beheaded.

"How did so many of these things manage to get into the tower?" he asked. "I thought they'd all be on the battlefield."

"Weren't you just complaining about not seeing any action?" Elissa asked with a snort.

"True." The brunette said. "I didn't think we'd be this busy with the Darkspawn though."

The tower guard shook his head. "I'm glad you three showed up when you did. We wouldn't have been able to rid the tower of these things otherwise. Through this door should be the stairway that takes us to the signal chamber. You'll be able to light the fire then."

Alistair nodded to his friends as he headed through the door, followed by Sanile and Elissa. The guard and the mage were close behind them as the male Grey Warden seemed to freeze in his tracks, his whole body tensing. Sanile moved around beside him, having a similar reaction. The signal was no more than ten feet in front of them, but there was a rather large obstacle in their path. A large ogre took another bite out of the corpse in its massive hand before acknowledging their presence. When it set its eyes on them, a loud roar filled the chamber and echoed through the surrounding halls.

We've been searching all night long but there's no trace to be found

It's like they all have just vanished, but I know they're around

I feel they're getting closer

Their howls are sending chills down my spine

Our time is running out now

They're coming down the hills from behind

King Cailen stood behind the ranks, his gaze fixed on the onslaught of Darkspawn before them. "I know that all of you are afraid. Do not let yourselves be ruled by that fear. As we go into battle, remember that we fight to save our country. For Ferelden!"

A loud roaring cheer rose from the soldiers as they broke ranks and broke upon the Darkspawn like a wave. The bodies of humans and Darkspawn alike fell to the ground as they exchanged blows. The field erupted into chaos in a matter of moments. The grass was quickly covered in a thick coat of vermillion as the casualties rose. Duncan felt his skin burning as the Darkspawn blood was soaking through his clothing. Another horn sounded from somewhere in the trees. That must've been the signal from the Hurlock Alpha.

Another wave of Darkspawn burst forth from the trees as their forces were wearing down. The ground seemed to tremble at the giant steps that were coming toward them. There next enemy was a sizeable one. Trees cracked and splintered as the ogre alpha reared its head back and roared as it came lumbering toward them. Duncan's growl was the only external sign of irritation that he gave. Alistair and the others had to be close to the signal by now. The Darkspawn had to be held off just a bit longer.

When we start killing

It's all coming down right now

From the nightmare we've created

I want to be awakened somehow

When we start killing

It all will be falling down

From the Hell that we're in

All we are is fading away

When we start killing

When we start killing

The five warriors concentrated all of their energy on the ogre before them. The thing was able to take them out in a single swipe of its gigantic hand. One such swipe had taken out all of them except Sanile. The elf had rolled under the appendage and landed in a cat-like crouch, springing from the balls of her feet. Sinking her daggers into the purplish skin of the creature's thigh, a thunderous pained cry split the air as a giant hand swung down, grabbing the elf in its fingers and lifting her up.

Sanile braced her hands on either side of her flesh prison and attempted to pull her body from the clenched fingers. The ogre clenched its fingers together as it growled, tightening its grip on the small being in its grasp. The blonde cried out as her body was being crushed. Despite the pressure that had been applied to all of her bones and organs, Sanile still tried to remove herself from the ogre's hand. The creature's grip only continued to tighten as the elf struggled to free herself.

"Sanile!" Alistair shouted as he finally jumped to his feet.

Sprinting over to the large Darkspawn, he made his way around to the creature's back and managed to run up the bend of the ogre's leg. The brunette sunk his sword into the soft spot between the ogre's shoulder blades and used it as a foot hold to climb to its shoulder. Pulling the blade free, Alistair sunk it into the base of the skull. The ogre howled in pain as it flung Sanile into the wall. Alistair let out an enraged cry as he drove his sword into the top of its skull, leaping free of the body as it fell, dead. He rushed to the elf's side as she lay unconscious in Elissa's arms. The noblewoman proceeded to slap the smaller woman's face, which caused her to groan in response.

"Is she all right, Elissa?" Alistair asked, sheathing his sword quickly.

"Sanile's probably got a few broken ribs and I wouldn't be surprised if she's got cranial damage from the impact with the wall. She's still breathing if that's what you mean." Elissa stated, slapping her again.

Sanile pulled her eyes open, her pupil's dilated. "I hurt all over." She ground out. "Did we win?"

Alistair let a laugh escape as he pulled her to her feet. "The ogre's dead, if that's what you mean. I'm going to light the signal fire now."

"Good, then I can find a mage to heal my injuries." Sanile hissed as she doubled over, her torso on fire from the inside. "I hate to say it, but this really hurts."

"I'm sure it does, elf princess." Elissa said, helping to stand her friend upright.

"Why do you call me that anyway?"

Elissa smirked before she answered, her gaze following Alistair as he moved to light the signal. "You just look prissy. You carry yourself differently than anyone I've ever seen. You act like royalty sometimes."

Sanile blushed at this. "I don't mean to. It's just how I am." She said, sinking back to the stone floor. "I'm sorry. I don't think that I can move."

"I didn't think you'd be able to." The black-haired woman commented. "I was surprised that you even stood up."

Alistair was just rejoining them as Elissa called out to him. "You look pale, Sanile. We have to get your wounds looked at."

"Don't you think we know that, you idiot?" Elissa hissed. "We've got to get out of here before any more Darkspawn show up. Now pick her up so we can get out of here."

The brunette flushed a bit as he knelt down and scooped the elf into his arms. As the group turned to exit the chamber, a swarm of Darkspawn blocked their path. Sanile let her feet touch the ground as she made to draw her weapons once again. The motion was stopped by an arrow to the shoulder and a second embedding itself above her collarbone. She gasped as fell backward. Through her darkening vision, she saw her companions being quickly overtaken. Just before the void swallowed her, she swore that she could see large wings unfurling themselves over her.

On the battlefield, Duncan gasped for breath as he tried to focus on the enemies before him. They had been overwhelmed. Shifting his helpless gaze to the tower that overshadowed them, the beacon gleamed brightly, sending a message of hope that help was on the way. Why was it, then, that reinforcements never came? As Duncan sprung to his feet to aid the king, one thought crossed his mind. They'd been double-crossed.

I feel they're getting closer

Their howls are sending chills down my spine

Our time is running out now

They're coming down the hills from behind

The Teryn shifted his stony gaze to the light that had just flickered to life at the top of the tower. The Grey Wardens had succeeded in their task. Loghain's eyes moved back to the battlefield below. There was naught but carnage below. He could barely see the Grey Warden named Duncan crouched over the broken body of King Cailen. The golden-headed man did not move. He didn't break his stare as he issued his next order.

"Men, I order a retreat. There's nothing more that we can do here."

Teryn Loghain's second command and loyal bodyguard, a dark-haired woman, furrowed her brow in confusion. "But sir, the king—"

"It's too late for him. We must save the lives of our men. Move out!"

The Teryn's men exchanged looks with one another before following their commander's orders. They began to move away from the destruction of the battlefield toward their homes in Denerim. The Darkspawn had won this battle. There'd be another battle in the future when they could collect more reinforcements. The Grey Wardens were certainly wrong about this invasion of Darkspawn being a true Blight.

The sun is rising

The screams have gone

Too many have fallen

Few still stand tall

Is this the ending of what we've begun?

Will we remember what we've done wrong?

Two figures watched the massacre of the soldiers and Grey Wardens below them. Both were mages outside the circle. The younger of the two narrowed her golden eyes as the signal fire leapt to life at the top of the tower. The older noted the movement of the reinforcements away from the battlefield. They were leaving their companions to die.

"Mother, I do believe there are survivors in the tower."

"I believe that you are right, Morrigan. Those Grey Wardens will be needed in the dark days to come. I think a helping claw is in order."

The old woman shifted her form in a matter of seconds to that of a giant bird. Stretching her wings to their fullest span, the witch known as Flemeth took to the air. Her daughter sat at her head as they flew to the top of the Tower of Ishal. With a quick change of the air current, the bird crashed through the stone ceiling and scattered the Darkspawn in her wake. Two of the Grey Wardens were unconscious on the floor while the third was losing her remaining strength. Her hazel gaze landed on Morrigan and widened in surprise.

"What in the name of Andraste's blood…"

"Do you want to be rescued or not, girl?" the dark-haired mage snapped as she grabbed her wrist, pulling her onto the giant bird's back.

"What about—"

"We've got them." Morrigan said quickly, looking to the ground. Flemeth had secured the other two in her claws and was taking to the air once again.

Elissa looked around her once they'd cleared the tower. Smoke rose from ruins of Ostagar as the Darkspawn continued to invade. There were countless bodies scattered on the ground and few were still moving. The noblewoman clenched her eyes closed as she felt the blow to her head finally taking hold. They'd lost. As she felt herself losing consciousness, she felt herself fill with panic and sadness.

"Fergus…"

When we start killing

It's all coming down right now

From the nightmare we've created

I want to be awakened somehow

When we start killing

It all will be falling down

From the Hell that we're in

All we are is fading away

When we start killing

When we start killing

When we start killing

~*~

Once again, he was stuck in the kitchen scouring the pots. A boy of thirteen or fourteen sighed in discontentment as he dipped his rag back into the soapy water. The brothers just didn't enjoy a good joke. No one understood his sense of humor. A chuckle broke him from his dismal duties as he looked up to see who'd entered the doorway.

"What have you done this time, Alistair? This is the fourth time this week that you've been made to do kitchen duty."

The brunette studied the sixteen-year-old before snorting. "It's not my fault that no one here can take a joke, Kalvin. I don't know why they don't like my practical jokes."

Kalvin chuckled to himself. "Maybe it's because you don't know when to quit?"

"Me? Quit? Never. I don't give up and you know that." Alistair replied with a grin.

"You're hopeless. You'll never make it to taking your vows at this rate, Alistair. What are you going to do?" Kalvin asked, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.

"You want me to be honest? I don't want to be a Templar. I'd much rather be a Grey Warden." The boy stated, a shine entering his eyes. "They help everyone and they're heroes, just like all the stories say!"

"You're serious?" Kalvin asked. "No way. You're barely making it as a Templar in training. How would you ever make it as a Grey Warden?"

"I'll show you, Kalvin. I'll be a Grey Warden one day. You just wait and see."

~*~

"But your excellence!" Alistair protested loudly. "I've been selected as a Grey Warden recruit! I have to go!"

The Grand Cleric scowled at the twenty-five year old Templar in front of her. "You will do no such thing, Alistair. You have not taken your vows yet, but you are still under my command. You will not be permitted to follow the Grey Warden, Duncan."

"If Duncan is looking for recruits, then that means that the Darkspawn are moving again. There is a bigger threat to worry about than apostates! Can't you see that?" the brunette asked in a strained voice to keep from shouting.

"My answer is final, Alistair. You will not join the Grey Wardens. Is that clear?" the revered mother hissed, leaning forward in her chair.

Alistair was about to continue his protest when the door opened slowly behind him. He turned to around to see Duncan enter the room with a piece of parchment in his hand. "Forgive my interruption, but I have something for you, revered mother."

The highest woman in the Chantry took the scroll with a scowl twisting her features as she unrolled it and began to read. "I should have known, Duncan. You've invoked the Right of Conscription. I have no choice but to hand Alistair over to you. You couldn't just leave him to the Chantry, could you?"

"I didn't invoke the Right to spite you, Grand Cleric. Alistair has immense potential as a Grey Warden recruit. Now, if you'll excuse us, there is a lot to be done. Come, is there anything you need other than your weapons, Alistair?"

"No, nothing." The brunette replied as he turned to follow the Grey Warden out.

~*~

"It's not fair that you get to learn weapons training and I don't, Fergus!" a small eight year old girl whined.

"I'm older than you, Elissa. You're a girl anyway. Why do you want to use a sword?" the twelve year old boy asked.

Elissa pouted as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I want to learn because you are, Fergus! I want to be able to help father out too!"

Fergus laughed as he ruffled her black hair. "I'm sure one of the instructors will teach you. You're not quite old enough yet, though."

"Can you teach me what you've learned, Fergus? Please?" the child begged. "Please?"

The older boy contemplated this request carefully. "All right. I'll teach you what I know, but if you get hurt, you can't tattle to mother and father."

"I promise!" Elissa squealed. "I need a sword."

"Here." Fergus said, handing her a dagger. "This should do. Now, the most important thing for a swordsman to learn is the stance. Your stance is very important to your balance. If you try to block a blow without the proper stance, you'll be knocked off your feet."

The youngest Cousland tried to mimic the stance to the best ability. Her face was screwed in concentration as she lifted the dagger to a neutral position. Fergus nodded in approval as he took his stance opposite from her. When he raised his sword, he studied his younger sister carefully.

"Now, I'm going to go through the motions for you very slowly for you. You've never held a weapon before so this will help you get used to the movements." The taller brunette said.

Very slowly, Fergus thrust his blade forward. Elissa was quick to block it and push him away. The next move he made was a swipe. The small girl ducked and lunged forward, attempting to get a blow in on her brother. Fergus maneuvered out of the way slowly enough so that she could see how it was done. Elissa duplicated the move, albeit a bit more sloppily, when he attempted to strike her. They continued this way for quite some time until they both collapsed on their rears from fatigue.

"You know, Lissa, you could be really good at this if you keep at it. I think you should stick with it."

"Mother and Father won't let me." Elissa said quietly after she caught her breath. "I'm a girl and a noble. They won't let me continue."

Fergus was quiet for a moment in thought. "Then let me teach you in secret. As I learn more, I'll teach you what I know. There's no harm in that, right?"

"Will you really?" Elissa asked excitedly as she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you so much, Fergus! I knew I loved you for some reason!"

"Gee, thanks, Elissa."

~*~

Upon her mother's request, Elissa made her way to the central chamber of their estate to meet with her. She'd been told several days ago that Lady Landra and her son, Dairren, would be arriving some time after noon today and was assuming that they had arrived. As she entered the chamber, she spotted her mother and brother quickly, Lady Landra and Dairren standing on the other side of them.

"Ah, there you are Elissa. Where have you been, my child?" her mother asked.

Elissa fought to keep from rolling her eyes as she flicked at her dark hair with her hand. "I've been brushing up on battle strategies, mother. I have to do something to keep my mind from turning to porridge."

The teryna sent a pointed look at her sixteen year old daughter. "You'll have to excuse her, Lady Landra. Elissa doesn't have any other young ladies to associate with."

The other woman laughed heartily. "There's nothing wrong with that. I'm quite impressed with Dairren's improved swordsmanship. He's gotten quite good."

"How lovely!" Eleanor remarked. "Perhaps he would like to demonstrate this improvement with Fergus?"

"I don't know, mother—" Fergus began.

"I'll challenge him." Elissa said innocently with a small smile.

All eyes turned to her as if she'd grown a second head. Her mother's expression had darkened. "Don't be ridiculous, child. You know nothing of sword fighting."

"I accept your challenge, Lady Cousland." Dairren said with a smirk. "I promise that I won't be too hard on you."

Elissa smirked as she drew her sword from behind her shield. Once Dairren had drawn his, the match was on. The two nobles engaged in an intricate dance of blades. Blows were exchanged and parried. Swipes were dodged. Elissa toyed with Dairren for a while longer before moving in for the finish. She switched from graceful fencing techniques to the more ferocious attacks used in battle. It was only a matter of minutes before she had Dairren on the ground and the point of her blade touching the soft underside of his throat. When she raised her sword, the young man rolled away quickly, a frightened look plastered on his face.

"Very good, Lady Elissa!" Lady Landra said, clapping gently. "You truly are a battle maid!"

"Thank you, Lady Landra." Elissa said with a bow. "I've been training for years."

Lady Landra chuckled. "You've been trained well."

"Yes." Eleanor said flatly. "You'll do well to explain this to me later, Elissa. For now, you are dismissed. Fergus, you may go as well, even though I think you had a hand in this."

Elissa rolled her eyes. "Yes mother. As you wish. Come along, Fergus. We've got some new sets to go over."

~*~

"Tamlen!" the six year old elf girl cried in protest. "You're not being fair! I helped with the halla yesterday!"

The brunette seven year old laughed as he looked back over his shoulder. "You're the youngest! We decided that since you're three months younger than the rest of us, you should do what we tell you."

"That's not fair." The girl pouted. "Can't you please help me, Tamlen? We'll get it done faster if we work together. Haven't Fenarel and Merrill gone into the forest already?"

"Yes, Sanile." Tamlen said, already heading back toward her. "Let's get this done before the others leave."

The two children headed off toward the pen where the halla were kept. The Master Herder had taken to asking the children to feed the halla during the day, as it kept them out of trouble. The Master Herder was quite young to have such a title. Marin was only seventeen. As the two grabbed a bucket of grain each, the small blonde came up with an idea suddenly and stopped. Her companion gave her a wary look.

"What's going on? Why did you stop, Sanile?" Tamlen asked, shifting his bucket.

"I was just thinking, Tamlen. I know a way we could go play without having to do chores."

The young male elf's interest was piqued. "How's that?"

"Well," Sanile started, a bit hesitant to continue, "We could open the corral and scare the halla out into the camp. That way, Marin will be the only one who can get them back in."

"Are you crazy?" Tamlen asked in whispered shout. "Marin will kill us! You've absolutely lost it, Sanile."

"I am not. You just don't want me to play with you, Tamlen." Little Sanile pouted, her protruding lower lip beginning to quiver.

Tamlen groaned as he grabbed her hand tightly and pulled her toward the halla pen. "What's your plan?"

A smile spread across the tiny girl's face. "You open the gate. I'll go scare the halla. Then we'll run."

"Somehow I don't think this is going to be as easy as you make it sound, Sanile."

Sanile just grinned as they made their way to the halla corral. Marin had just stepped away, so now would be their chance. The two children split up as they went to carry out the different parts of their plan. Tamlen watched as Sanile headed toward the back of the pen and bent down to retrieve something from the grass. Lifting his arms behind his head, the boy walked past the front gate casually and kicked it open with his foot before hurrying away from the pen.

His partner in crime hunched down in the grass growing around the fence as waited for the precise moment. Taking the blade of grass between her thumbs, Sanile crept right up to the edge of the fence and blew. The high-pitched cry rang out over camp as the halla jerked their heads to attention immediately. Blowing it again, the halla bolted toward the open gate. Tamlen yelped as he scrambled out of the way. Sanile raced to join him, panting to regain her breath. The slightly older boy grabbed her hand and gave her a severe look.

"Come on, Lethallin! We've got to get out of here before Marin and the Keeper catch us!"

Tamlen had coaxed her into a run when Keeper Marethari stepped into their path. Both children pulled to a stop, swallowing as they looked up to meet her even gaze. "You two wouldn't have anything to do with this, would you?"

"We're caught." Tamlen muttered.

~*~

Evening had fallen on their camp as the light of the first fireflies of the summer were winking to life. Keeper Marethari stood in the center of the forest clearing and lit the torches that would lead her young ones to her. Tonight was a special night for all of them. They had reached the age of eighteen and thus become adults. The Keeper smiled as she heard the din of the young adults approaching the clearing.

Sanile moved down the path with Tamlen, Fenarel, and Merril toward the clearing. Everyone else their own age was either walking in front of them or behind them. The fair-haired elf gathered her long white dress in her fists as she tried to keep from walking on it. She saw that Merril was having similar problems.

"I'm glad that we only have to wear these clothes on special occasions and not even then sometimes." Sanile snorted.

"You're telling me." Tamlen grumbled, pulling at the collar of his tunic. "I'd take armor over this any day."

Fenarel laughed as he walked behind Sanile. "I feel overdressed. I don't understand why this was one of the requirements."

"It's tradition." Merril explained. "It's very important to uphold traditions. We're one of the few Dalish clans that still practice the coming of age ceremony."

"Wonderful for us." Tamlen muttered. "I'll be glad to get out of these clothes. I don't understand how the Shems do it all the time."

"Well, from what I've seen, they don't spend all their time in the forests like we do." Sanile said, blowing a stray piece of her loose hair out of her eyes. "They don't move about all the time either."

"Sometimes I'd say that they were lucky." Fenarel muttered. "Sometimes I wish we didn't have to move around as much as we do. It might be nice to live in just one place."

Tamlen snorted at this. "Then we wouldn't be Dalish, would we? We would be just as bad as the Shems. I think I'd rather move around."

"I would love to study the humans. Even if it was just for a bit." Merril said. "They're traditions and ceremonies are so mysterious and extravagant. It would be incredible to see one."

The four of them grew quiet as they moved with their clan brothers and sisters into the clearing. Keeper Marethari was waiting for them in its center. All of the ceremony's participants stood side by side in a circle bordering the clearing. The Keeper beamed at them pleasantly as silence fell over all of them. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

"You've endured many things to get to this Rite of Passage, my Dalen. Tonight, you will pass over the threshold between children and adults. You have earned that right."

As the Keeper raised a large goblet in front of her, angry shouts and the rustling of foliage broke the silence as a large group of humans burst into the clearing. Their swords impaled the elves closest to them as their bodies fell to the ground; dead. The group of human men consisted of about fifteen or twenty. None of the young Dalish had brought weapons with them, so they fell victim to their blades quickly.

Tamlen whipped his bow from his back, which he had insisted on bringing anyway, and knocked an arrow. Once several had been released, his other three friends scrambled over the corpses of the dead Shems to obtain weapons. That's when the battle began. Sanile, Fenarel, Merril, and Tamlen fought their hardest alongside Keeper Marethari to drive off the humans. When their attackers finally gave up, the blonde elf tried to regain her breath as she looked around at the once peaceful clearing. The bodies of elves and humans alike lay on the grass, painting it a dull vermillion color. Sanile was in no better shape herself. Her dress was in tatters and her hair was wild. Blood covered her hands and had splattered on her face. Her blue eyes were dilated from the adrenaline.

Sanile jumped as Tamlen laid a hand on her shoulder. She was unaware that she'd started trembling until her clan brother wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into an embrace. They were the only ones that had survived. Keeper Marethari gazed on them sadly. They were her only remaining young ones left. Any hopes for a brighter future for the Dalish rested on their shoulders. Sanile turned in Tamlen's arms, not uttering at sound as she rested her forehead on his chest and fisted his tunic in her fingers. So much death. So much blood had been spilled. The blonde elf prayed silently to the Creator for the day when the Dalish and the humans could live together peacefully. Only then would the killing stop.

~*~

The sun was slowly rising, bringing new light to the world. Two figures were out and about this early. One was pacing back and forth nervously in front of the swamp water before him. The other was content to watch his every move. He'd been caught in this pattern for at least an hour now. The brunette as silent and had not spoken a word except to ask about the condition of his companions. The answer was always the same.

"What should I call you, anyway?" the young man asked.

The old woman cackled at him. "What is a name if it does nothing to define the object? I suppose that you could call me Flemeth. I also know of you, son of Marick. I suppose that you'd prefer Alistair though, wouldn't you?"

The brunette blinked. "How do you know my name?"

Flemeth cackled again. "When you're my age, there's very little you don't know."

Alistair rubbed the back of his head uncomfortably as he stared at the ground. "You've told me that all of the Grey Wardens have been slaughtered. You brought two others back. Can you at least tell me who they are and if they're all right?"

"I've told you once before, Grey Warden," the old witch drawled, "they are both companions of yours and that their injuries will be healed. One person's injuries were worse than the other."

The sound of the door opening caused both people to look up. The dark-haired Elissa Cousland emerged with a weary look on her face. "You can say that again, old woman. Miss Princess sure is taking her sweet time on waking up."

"Princess? You mean Sanile?" Alistair asked hopefully.

"If you're referring to the Dalish woman, her wounds were far more serious than the both of yours combined." Morrigan said as she joined them. "She's just awoken and is dressing herself."

"How bad were her injuries?" Alistair asked, his brow furrowing.

"Every rib in her body was practically shattered. She was run through with arrows and severely concussed. It was a wonder that she survived." The apostate snorted.

"I knew she was a stubborn fool." Elissa commented. "She wouldn't die that easily."

"I don't know whether to feel complimented or insulted." A voice said as the door opened one last time. All eyes shifted to her as Sanile made her way to join them.

"Thank the Maker you're alive." Alistair breathed as he took a step forward to join her. "I was hoping that you'd survived."

"Are you all right, Alistair?" Sanile asked, examining him. "I didn't know how badly the two of you were injured. I was shot multiple times, so I passed out."

"We're both fine. Are you sure that you're feeling up to travelling?" Elissa asked.

"I'm a little tender in the ribs, but I'll be fine. We really should get moving. I have no idea of where to go." the elf said.

"You all have a long journey ahead of you, Grey Wardens. It is up to the three of you to put an end to this Blight." Flemeth said in the calmest tone she'd ever used with them.

"We're not even sure if this is a true Blight." Elissa commented. "What I want to know is why Loghaine left the Grey Wardens to rot in Ostagar."

"A good question." The witch mused. "There are many things that are unanswered."

"We could go to Redcliffe and seek help from my uncle, Arl Eamon." Alistair suggested. "We have the Grey Warden treaties, but we'd need an army if this is a true Blight."

"A gathering of men, elves, and dwarves; that sounds like an army to me." Flemeth said, intrigued. "You have a point at which to start your journey and a goal."

Sanile turned to the old witch and bowed slightly to her. "You have our thanks, Flemeth. I doubt that we'll be able to repay you for your help."

Flemeth let out a small chuckle at this. "You are wrong there. You can repay me by taking my daughter with you."

"Mother, you'd better check the stew before it bubbles…what?" Morrigan said, quite surprised.

"Don't act like that, girl. I know you've been wanting to leave the Wilds for some time now."

"Yes, but…not like this. I never imagined…"

"This Blight will not overlook the Wilds for long. We may be safe for now, but I can't guard it forever. The Grey Wardens will need all the help they can get."

Alistair seemed to scowl at the prospect of the illegal mage joining them on their journey. "Seeking help from an apostate? I'm not so sure…"

Sanile turned to him, laying a hand on his arm. "We need all the allies we can get, Alistair. For all we know, we could be outlaws. Please?"

The brunette growled before lowering his gaze. "Fine. I'll trust your judgment, Sanile. You're right."

Elissa snickered at this display. "She's already got you eating out of the palm of her hand. I'd hate to see what you'd be like if you were ever to be her lover. I agree with the elf princess though. We need all the help we can get, illegal or no."

"It's settled then." Sanile said, turning to Morrigan. "We'd be both honored and grateful if you would join us."

Morrigan snorted as she grabbed her staff that was leaning against the wall. "It seems I have no choice in the matter. Now, I do know of a village not far from here, if you'd like to follow me. Lothering would be a good place to gather supplies. If you do not wish to take my advice, I will be your faithful, silent guide."

"I think you know best, Morrigan. Lead the way to Lothering. We can stock up on supplies before we head to Redcliffe." Sanile nodded.

The four headed out of the swamp without even a glance back toward Flemeth, who was staring after them. There were going to be some big changes for them from this day forward. None of them were quite sure what to expect along this journey or even that all of them would survive. As they began to walk, Sanile could not help but notice the smirk that twisted Morrigan's lips as she glanced back at Alistair over her shoulder. This could not be good.

"I have a wonder, Alistair, if you will indulge me?"

"Do I have a choice?" Alistair asked, flatly.

"Of the three of you that remain, are you not the senior Grey Warden? I find it curious that you allow the elf to lead while you follow." Morrigan continued.

Alistair was about to retort sharply, but was cut off quickly by a glance from Sanile. The Dalish woman was wondering if Morrigan had just made a stab at her. "You find that curious, do you?"

"In fact, you defer to a new recruit. Is this a policy of the Grey Wardens or simply a personal one?"

"What do you want to hear? That I prefer to follow? I do." Alistair growled.

Morrigan turned to walk backward for a moment or two, blinking in mock surprise. "You sound so very defensive." She responded innocently.

"Couldn't you crawl into a bush somewhere and die? That would be great, thanks."

Both Elissa and Sanile sighed at the tense conversation between the two. "This is going to be a long, long journey." The noblewoman stated.

~*~

End Chapter.


There you have it, ladies and gents. I'm really not that good at going into detailed battle scenes, but I try my best. If you noticed that the battle scene with the ogre and Alistair's battle movements looked a bit familiar, then you noticed what I wanted you to. I based them off of the battle in Kazad Dhum between Legolas and the cave troll. I love the Lord of the Rings movies, even thought they were long, and I couldn't help but notice that Legolas had kick-ass moves in every single movie. Teehee. You'll also notice that the conversation in the very last scene is familiar. It is actually a conversation between Alistair and Morrigan during the actual DA gameplay. It sucks that you have to really listen up to hear them. That's why I turned all the subtitles on XD Anyway, I hope you enjoyed chapter 3!!!!

Much love,

Aeden